Nambucca Valley News Of The Area 23 February 2024

Bowraville’s Frank Partridge VC Military Museum receives funding boost

This year 110 applications were received, underscoring the growing recognition of the importance of honouring veterans within local communities.

Among the recipients is the Frank Partridge VC Military Museum in Bowraville, which has been awarded $1,000 to enhance its displays of military memorabilia.

The museum, known for its rich collection, faces constraints on its displays due to insufficient cabinets and other exhibit spaces.

With this grant, the museum aims to improve its exhibition spaces, allowing more items to be showcased, thereby enhancing the experience for visitors.

“We are always looking to improve our ability to exhibit the museum's collection and this $1000 will be put to good use as every little bit helps,” Frank Partridge VC Military Museum’s Mr Blue Manning told News Of The Area.

Some funds from the grant may also be used to enhance exhibits that the Frank Partridge VC Military Museum has off-site.

At the Macksville Ex Services Club a large glass display cabinet has been handed over to the museum for display purposes.

CORRECTION

q The display currently features a collection of ANZAC biscuit tins, each with artworks depicting historically significant images of Australia’s military history.

Often holding a display of military uniforms and service medals awarded to former service personnel of the Nambucca Valley, the display now also hosts a collection of ANZAC biscuit tins, each with artworks depicting

NEWS Of The Area would like to offer correction to information printed in our Friday 16 February edition.

In the story on page 1 and 4, ‘WATER WARS’, Raewyn Macky of the Nambucca Environment Network was quoted as saying: “To permanently

historically significant images of Australia’s military history.

“We love having these displays here as it reminds everyone about how this club started and what we are all about,” added Macksville

irrigate as in intensive plant agriculture, the Department of Primary Industries estimates that three to five millilitres per year per hectare is needed.”

This should have read “three to five megalitres”, not millilitres.

This mistake was due to editor error and not the fault of Ms Macky.

NOTA apologises for the error and any confusion caused.

Ex Services Club CEO Judy Ward.

The display at the Macksville Ex-Services Club has had the added positive effect of informing visitors to the Nambucca Valley of the existence and location of the Frank Partridge VC Military Museum, boosting visitor numbers significantly.

This innovative approach has also been taken elsewhere in the district with a display at the Nambucca Heads RSL Club with the museum in partnership with the Nambucca Heads RSL sub-Branch.

State MP Michael Kemp speaks out in support of Council and ratepayers on RFS funding

appreciation of the work done by the Rural Fire Service (RFS).

However, it is local government's funding of this State Government-managed body which has lately been scrutinised by councils as they struggle to balance their books amid increasing costs.

State Member for Oxley Michael Kemp has come out in support of local councils’ efforts to prevent ratepayers ‘footing the bill’ for the depreciation of RFS assets.

Mr Kemp says the cause has been regularly championed by National Party MPs in parliamentary debates since last year.

“The State Government must consider abolishing cost-shifting through an archaic rule within the Rural Fires Act 1997 that has local councils paying for the State’s Rural Fire Service assets,” Mr Kemp told NOTA.

“In the Nambucca Valley there are fifteen RFS Brigades, leaving Council to fork out hundreds of

thousands of dollars for asset maintenance and management (of assets) that were procured under the State Government.

“This is money not going back into our local community and impacts all councils' abilities to deliver vital services and infrastructure,” he said.

This is a sentiment echoed by Local Government NSW (LGNSW), who in a recent statement accused the NSW State Government of trying to force councils to fully account for RFS assets they neither own nor control.

LGNSW described the move as “an accounting rort that makes council books look worse and State Government accounts look better”.

LGNSW president Cr Darriea Turley said the organisation learned that a change was made to the Local Government Code of Accounting Practice quietly over Christmas 2023 when councils were on leave.

This change means that

councils can no longer make the choice to include or leave out depreciation costs from the NSW Government’s RFS assets such as fire engines and other equipment from their books.

“Even more surprising is that this change has been made while the NSW Government has announced the parliamentary Public Accounts Committee will inquire into who should have responsibility for the ‘Red Fleet’,” Cr Turley said.

“This convenient legislative fiction doesn’t ring true to anyone.

“Our communities know and understand the critical nature of the work carried out by the RFS, not only in rural and regional communities, but also in metropolitan areas where they are a first response emergency agency for houses and multi-storey buildings in our newer suburbs.

“For the NSW Government to continue to argue that councils are truly in control of these assets is laughable,” she said.

Announced this week, the NSW Government’s Public Accounts Committee has

launched an enquiry into the effectiveness of the NSW RFS' asset management and operations.

In particular, the parliamentary committee will examine the arrangements for the assets, premises and funding of the NSW RFS.

These assets and premises include the ‘Red Fleet’, firefighting aircrafts and equipment, buildings and fire control centres, and information systems and communication equipment used for operating emergency services.

"We understand that

Rural Fire Brigade shed where two vehicles and other Rural Fire Service equipment are housed.

many firefighting assets are 'vested' with councils to operate and maintain.

“This inquiry will be looking at the current arrangements between the NSW RFS and councils and whether they are effective and fit for purpose,” said Mr Jason Yat-Sen Li, Committee Chair.

“The Committee wants to hear from people with firsthand experience, emergency service organisations and their volunteer associations and unions, local councils, bushfire experts, community groups and the public,” said Mr Li.

Special Rate Variation deferred despite increased costs

By Ned COWIE

DESPITE facing huge increases in costs imposed by the State Government on many services, Nambucca Valley Council voted last week to defer its Special Rate Variation (SRV) scheduled for 2025-26 to 2026-27.

According to a survey of 2021-22 figures commissioned by Local Government NSW (LGNSW), council rates have attracted State Government cost shifts totalling $1.36 billion, representing an increase of $540 million or 78 percent since the survey was last carried out in 2017-18 and far exceeding historical records.

To break down these figures, each NSW ratepayer now pays an average of $460.67 per year to State and Federal Governments through their rates, with the lion’s share of this being shouldered by rural ratepayers at $590.80 per year.

“Taxation by stealth,” is how Nambucca Valley Mayor Hoban described cost-shifts from the State Government, devoting her Mayoral Minute speech at last Thursday’s meeting to cost increases faced by NSW councils.

“Councils are the closest level of government to the community and we see firsthand the very real impact of this endless financial squeeze,” said LGNSW President Cr Darriea Turley AM in her introductory statement to the report.

“We carry the can as other governments wipe costs from their budgets by eating into ours.

“And we face the community to answer for rate increases, reduced services or degraded local infrastructure,” she said.

According to the report, the top five cost shifts onto NSW councils were the Waste Levy, rate exemptions, DA and regulatory functions, emergency services contributions (eg. RFS) and libraries.

The largest of these increases came from

emergency services contributions, where from 2023-24 the State Government increased the budgets while at the same time removing the subsidy it had made to Councils for the previous increase.

Council

are

Councils were not advised of this change until after they had put their own budgets on public exhibition – a cost increase of $41.2 million across the state from the previous year.

Forced rate exemptions are another form of costshifting, whereby councils are required to exempt government and other organisations from paying rates, effectively shifting the burden of costs they incur to ratepayers.

Many funding programs announced by State or Federal governments are to be delivered by government, but they are either not fully funded or their funding is reduced over time, leaving councils to shoulder these

The Committee will also consider service arrangements between the NSW RFS and local councils, the appropriate role of local authorities in providing emergency services and the sustainability of local government contributions to emergency service provision.

How the NSW RFS and local councils share responsibilities for bushfire management and hazard reduction is a key area of interest for the inquiry.

The closing date for submissions is 10 May 2024

additional financial burdens.

An example of this is libraries.

The State Government was originally to fund 50 percent of libraries’ costs but now covers approximately eight percent, leaving councils to fund an additional $156.7 million.

On Thursday, Nambucca Valley councillors resolved to write to the Premier, the NSW Treasurer and the NSW Minister for Local Government requesting that they urgently address these costs through a combination of regulatory reform, budgetary provision and appropriate funding.

Member for Oxley Michael Kemp said all levels of Government need to “work together to adequately assist our important regional local Councils and ensure their financial viability”.

q The South Arm Hall

q

libraries

another area of costshifting by the State Government onto councils according to a report by Local Government NSW.

Conaghan slams Labor over Cowper apprentice numbers

By Mike HELY

THE Federal Government has presided over an alarming drop in apprentice and trainee numbers on the Mid North Coast, says Member for Cowper Pat Conaghan.

Mr Conaghan’s assertion has been refuted by a spokesman for Federal Skills and Training Minister Brendan O’Connor.

Referencing the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) 2023 June quarter report, which was released this month, Mr Conaghan said Cowper had seen a 12.3 percent drop in the number of apprentices and trainees taking up training.

The Federal MP said trade apprentices in training hit record highs in the final months of the Coalition Government, with 429,000

apprentices and trainees in training in June 2022, 25 percent more than at the same time in 2021.

That number had now fallen to 377,645 nationally.

“We have lost 12.3 percent of our apprentices and trainees taking up a new trade or learning a new skill in the past twelve months alone, which is concerning,” Mr Conaghan said.

“The bottom line here is

we need more apprentices and trainees in our community, not less.

“On-the-job practical training not only benefits the apprentice but also benefits our multitude of small and medium businesses who hire and train them into fulfilling lifelong careers.

“Not to mention the clientele whose jobs are attended to more swiftly with the apprentice workforce in play.”

The June 2023 report showed the electorate of Page fell 12.90 percent

in apprentice and trainee numbers.

A spokesman for Skills and Training Minister Brendan O’Connor said Mr Conaghan had “cherry picked” the figures.

He said the previous Coalition Government’s employment incentive schemes - Boosting Apprenticeship Commencements (BAC) and Completing Apprenticeship Commencements (CAC)had funded many non-trade placements, inflating overall numbers.

Earlier this year, Mr O’Connor said the Government had inherited a “significant skill shortage” across the economy.

In November 2023

the NSW and Federal governments announced funding for an additional 147,400 fee-free TAFE places in NSW in 2024.

“I want to ensure we are giving every Australian the best opportunity to gain the necessary skills to secure a stable, well-paid and rewarding job, while also developing the skilled workforce our economy needs in priority areas now and into the future,” Mr O’Connor said.

Catcalls and corflutes: Anti-blueberry protesters disrupt Council meeting

By Ned COWIE

IN what has become a regular occurrence, a large group of community members attended the Nambucca Valley Council meeting to remind councillors and staff of their opposition to elements of industrial-style blueberry farming in the region.

The Nambucca Environment Network (NEN) group prepared placards

which were on display in the public gallery of the Council meeting last Thursday night.

Mayor Rhonda Hoban was forced to call for order more than once and threatened to temporarily adjourn the meeting until audience members responded to her request.

Protesters also came forward and placed their signage around the room in front of the seated councillors and council staff.

Proceedings were

interrupted when a large group of protesters began to chant “Let us speak”, just fifteen minutes into the meeting.

The group were angry that one of their members had been denied the opportunity to address the public gallery despite requesting to speak in the public forum section of the meeting prior to the deadline for applications.

“The person at council, to whom we have been sending our speeches for approval

www.nambucca.nsw.gov.au

DEVELOPMENT PROPOSAL

(Notice of Application for Advertised Development pursuant to Schedule 1, Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, 1979)

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

Applicant: Newington College

DA/File No: DA 2024/017

Property Description: Lots 22,23,24,25,26,41,42, & 43 DP 755559, 387 Tamban Road Eungai Creek & Lot 21 DP 755559 Part 327 Tamban Road, Eungai Creek

Proposal: Temporary Camping Ground

Consent Authority: NAMBUCCA VALLEY COUNCIL

The development application may be inspected at Council’s Administration Centre, Princess Street, Macksville, during office hours being 8.30 am to 4.00 pm weekdays from 23 February 2024 until 11 March 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 2024/017 would be entered as 017/2024.

Any person may make written submissions or objections in respect of the proposal which should be lodged with the undersigned no later than 11 March 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 the Environmental Planning & 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.

ENQUIRIES TO:

Charles Watts, 02 6568 2555

PO BOX 177 MACKSVILLE NSW 2447 www.nambucca.nsw.gov.au

prior to the meetings, no longer works there and we are unaware if there was any notification of this but certainly not to NEN specifically.

“Council had not organised an automatic email response saying the person no longer works there nor had they done a forwarding email address.

“It wasn't until a phone call to council was made that our hopeful speaker learned of this.

“By that time, despite explanations, she was refused from presenting,” a NEN spokesperson told NOTA.

According to Bede Spannagle, General Manager at Nambucca Valley Council, “There was an unfortunate oversight by both parties.”

By the time Mr Spannagle learnt of this just over two hours before the meeting, he said it was simply too late to include the speaker.

“They have been invited to present at the next meeting,” he reassured NOTA.

“All people are welcome. “

“We are not trying to restrict people from presenting.

“It was just too short a time frame,” he said.

According to the group,

this is the second time a NEN speaker’s request to address the council’s Public Forum has been refused.

The speaker in question told NOTA she had not heard from Council with a refusal or an invitation to speak at the next council meeting.

Results from earlier motions by council to receive legal advice on obtaining DAs for netting and other structures on blueberry farms, investigate buffer zones and other strategies to limit conflicts over land-use are expected to be discussed at an upcoming council meeting.

q Some of the Nambucca Environment Network members who attended the Nambucca Valley Council meeting last week in protest of large-scale blueberry farming in the Valley.

High Street DA approved

By Ned COWIE

AFTER a year of discussion, arguments, a realisation that Council was not following due process, a reversal, more discussions and several more professional opinions, the development application (DA) for 3 High Street, Nambucca Heads has been approved.

Owners Sandy and Bruce Mason can now get on with their plans to build a fourstorey unit block on the site.

The neighbourhood has been embroiled in conflict since plans were first approved by Nambucca Valley Council in October of 2021 to sell a section of Hill Street frontage to the developers.

“We’ve had two lots of legal advice, the second confirming the first opinion,” said Mayor Rhonda Hoban

at last Thursday’s Council meeting.

“We’ve had the staff assess this DA and that was questioned or challenged.

“We had an independent assessment of the DA, again paid for by ratepayers of the shire.

“Then the view assessment was challenged so we got an independent assessment of that, again paid for.

“The dilemma that I have is: How many times and how many experts are we going to ask every other ratepayer to pay for?” said Mayor Hoban, indicating she would be supporting the resolution to approve the development application.

Owner Sandy Mason spoke for the development at the meeting.

“Number 3 High Street

was zoned for medium density and we’ve paid council rates accordingly.

“So it would be natural to think that a unit block was always going to be built on this land,” Mrs Mason told Council.

Bruce Mason opened his address to council by thanking the Mayor personally for acknowledging the life of Councillor Barry Duffas with a minute’s silence earlier in the meeting.

As a “very good friend of the Duffas family”, Mr Mason said he would pass on that Council and a full gallery had stood in Barry’s honour.

Mr Mason told Council his family had not purchased number 3 High Street because it had a house on it, but because it was the same zoning as the block beside it, number 1 High Street.

“Both Council’s own planner and the independent planner recommend the DA for approval tonight,” he said.

Other residents of 1 High Street, Bernie Perkins and David Pleasance, presented numerous reasons why they believed the plans, as they stand, are in breach of Council’s Development Control Plan (DCP).

Mr Perkins reminded Council of their original resolution of May 2023, that approval be granted ‘subject to the development not resulting in view loss to surrounding properties any greater than a development on 3 High Street’.

He maintains that with the purchase of the street frontage sold to the Masons by Council, the development will now be larger and have more impact on views for neighbouring properties.

Therefore, not in line with

its original conditions for approval.

Mention was also made of the irregular way in which the original plan to sell a portion of a street to the developers was formed.

At the time, Council staff made arrangements which were later considered not to have followed due process and the matter was delayed until correct procedure could be followed.

Councillor Susan Jenvey tried to sway fellow Councillors to refuse the DA on the grounds that it was inconsistent with the DCP, but her new motion to deny the development was not supported by any other councillors present.

Council’s Manager of Development and Environment, Daniel Walsh reminded Council that the Environmental Plan and

Assessment Act requires Council to be flexible in how they apply provisions of the DCP.

Finally, Mayor Hoban, Deputy Mayor Wilson, Councillors M Ballangarry and Vance voted for the motion.

Councillor Jenvey voted against.

No other Councillors were present and the motion to reclassify a section of Hill Street and to approve the DA2023/015 was carried, clearing the way for works to commence.

According to Mayor Hoban, those objecting to the development or Council’s handling of the matter will now need to take their case to the Land and Environment Court of NSW, a specialist court that deals with specific types of legal problems arising under planning, environmental and mining laws.

q A proposed architect’s design of 3 High Street, Nambucca. Photo: Casa Koala Pty Ltd website.

q The existing house at 3 High Street, the location where plans for a four-storey unit block have been approved by Nambucca Valley Council.

public preschool

By Doug CONNOR

NORTH Coast National Party MPs are demanding answers on a State Government plan for public preschools they say ignores the needs of local families.

The locations for 100 new public preschools to be delivered across the state were released this week by the State Government, including 49 in regional NSW.

Described by the Government as the “biggest expansion of public preschools in NSW history”, the new schools will be co-located at public primary school sites.

The new preschools are set to be built over the next three years, with the State Government claiming to have prioritised the “areas of greatest need” across NSW.

New South Wales Premier Chris Minns said the Government’s $769 million investment is an important step towards “delivering expanded preschool access for all families across NSW”.

However, with no preschools promised for the Coffs Harbour electorate and only one for Oxley, local Nationals MPs are up in arms over the announcement.

Prior to the 2023 NSW State Election, which the Coalition eventually lost, they promised to deliver 500 preschools in four years.

Member for Oxley Michael Kemp, while

welcoming the announcement of a new preschool to be located at Bowraville Central School, said the Labor Government had “gutted” the Coalition's original commitment.

“Access to early education is vital in the growth of our children,” Mr Kemp said.

“We are fortunate to have received one preschool in Oxley, but the price of NSW Labor’s revised plans is costing the needs of our other local communities.”

Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh branded the decision as “extremely disappointing” for families across his electorate.

“Sadly they will not be delivering any preschools in our local community in this term of government.

“The Premier and Minister for Education must explain to the parents of the Coffs Harbour electorate why their children will miss out,” he said.

For comparison, the Hunter region is set to receive twelve new public preschools.

The State Government

has branded the Coalition’s pre-election commitment as unrealistic, describing it as “a last minute announcement made on the eve of an election, with zero consultation and no proper planning”.

Sites for the 100 new preschools were selected by a NSW Department of Education panel, overseen by an independent chair and probity advisor, based on assessment criteria which considered educational need, child development and socioeconomic data, preschool demand and infrastructure feasibility.

NSW Department of Education Secretary Murat Dizdar said the program has been informed by consultation with educators, teachers and local communities.

“We are committed to working hard to deliver high quality education and closing equity gaps, so more families and children in NSW can access early childhood public education,” Mr Dizdar said.

However Sarah Mitchell, Shadow Minister for Education

and Early Childhood Learning, believes this explanation doesn’t add up, claiming many areas of regional NSW are set to “completely miss out under the Minns Labor Government”.

“The Labor Government has no intention to deliver the early childhood services our families in the bush need, and once again are showing a complete lack of knowledge and empathy for those who live outside of Newcastle, Sydney and Wollongong,” Ms Mitchell said.

“They are not going to be able to deliver free preschool for five days a week for every child, and it will be our children in the regions who will be left behind.

“Investment in early childhood services in the regions is critical to ensure our children are starting school with the emotional, social and cognitive skills they need.

“But under Labor, our children and families are just not getting the support they need.”

The Department of Education currently operates 101 preschools across NSW, with forty of those in regional and rural areas.

Council votes for land bridge at Dawkins Park

By Ned COWIE

situation.

“This will make the island easier to access and we’ll be able to clean it up,” said Nambucca Valley Council General Manager Bede Spannagle.

The lake, featured in last week’s NOTA, has suffered from a host of problems associated with low oxygen levels.

Numerous solutions that have been installed over the past few years have done little to improve the

Mr Spannagle anticipates feral dogs, cats and other predators along with human traffic will make it a less enticing nesting spot for the white ibis who have been calling it home.

Council hopes this will be a step in the right direction for the malodorous park which has been over-run with birds almost since it was installed.

Hundreds of birds, mainly white ibis, nest in the trees and surrounds of the two islands.

On Thursday night, Nambucca Valley councillors voted to adopt the measure

of a land bridge from the three proposals which were presented.

Other suggestions included a polycarbonate bridge to the mainland and completely filling in the lake to create a large public space.

The land-bridge was the cheapest of these options with an anticipated budget cost of under $30,000.

In discussing her reasons for voting for the motion, Councillor Susan Jenvey said, “A little contrarian part of me doesn’t want to open up the island because the birds are safe there and I like the fact that it’s known as ‘binchicken city’ but one of the islands will be kept for them and the time has come (to clean up the space)."

q Work will commence soon on a land bridge to one of the islands at Dawkins Park, Macksville.

Vandals destroy endangered trees

THE NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is investigating the destruction of rare native trees in a nature reserve south of Bellingen.

Rangers found thirteen Newry Golden Wattle trees rammed and uprooted along a 1.2km span of fire trails within the reserve.

Marks on the trees indicate they were destroyed by a vehicle with a bull bar.

Newry Golden Wattle (Acacia chrysotricha) is a nationally listed endangered plant species found only within a small area of remote eucalypt forest in the Kalang River Valley.

The species is found

nowhere else on the planet.

Jaaningga Nature Reserve, a local Gumbaynngirr word meaning ‘green wattle, was declared in 1999 specifically to protect the habitat of this native tree.

NPWS staff and bush regeneration contractors discovered the destroyed trees while scoping areas where weed control work would assist the ongoing protection and growth of this endangered species.

NPWS is appealing to the public to help identify those responsible.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call NPWS on (02) 6652 0900.

NPWS Area Manager Glenn Storrie said he was dismayed at the “mindless

q Rangers found thirteen Newry Golden Wattle trees rammed and uprooted along a 1.2km span of fire trails. Photo: NPWS.

vandalism of precious and endangered native species within a declared nature reserve”.

“We believe that between

Friday February 9 and the morning of February 12, someone has entered the reserve and mown down at least 20 native trees along fire trails within the nature reserve.

“Unfortunately, most of the damaged trees were a rare and endangered native species found nowhere else on earth.

“The foliage on these destroyed trees was still green and fresh, as were the tyre marks and wounds on the trunks.

“The evidence available clearly indicates this damage is recent and deliberate.”

q NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service Ranger Martin Smith with destroyed trees. Photo: NPWS.

Changes to greater glider protection

By Andrew VIVIAN

THE Environment Protection Authority (EPA) recently announced a change to the Coastal Integrated Forestry Operations Approval (CIFOA) protocol, which it says requires the retention of additional hollow bearing trees and will provide greater protection for greater gliders.

EPA Chief Executive Office

Tony Chappel said the revised conditions would apply in state forests where there are records of southern greater gliders.

“We know protection of this species across the landscape, including in state forests, is critical to assist the southern greater gliders now and into the future,” he said.

“The requirement for nocturnal surveys will play a complementary role along with the tree retention changes.

“Work will continue to determine if these new rules are working as intended and we may consider further improvements if required.”

Forestry Corporation of NSW (FCNSW) will be required to undertake nocturnal surveys for endangered southern greater glider dens.

Survey results will be required to be made available to the NSW EPA within seven days of completion.

Extra tree retention requirements (previously announced) include a 50-metre exclusion zone around known recorded locations of greater glider dens and protection of extra greater glider trees in addition to existing hollow bearing and giant tree requirements:

North Coast Environment Council (NCEC) VicePresident Susie Russell said

the changes will fail to protect gliders.

“Today’s announcement by the Environment Protection Authority that they are reverting to a rule that failed to protect greater gliders in the 20 years of logging it was operational, is worse than high farce.

“Two weeks ago they introduced a requirement to keep more very large trees.

“The problem with that is most forests no longer have enough trees that size for the requirement to make a difference.

“We suggested they make it the largest trees, but they insisted on putting a size limit that renders the measure ineffective.”

Ms Russell said protection of a small area only works if FCNSW spotters are lucky enough to see a glider entering or leaving a tree hollow.

q The Environment Protection Authority says greater gliders will be better protected by the changes, but not all conservationists agree. Photo: NCEC.

“The tragedy is that greater gliders are probably the easiest animal to protect,” she said.

“They have a small home range of around three hectares.

“If they didn’t log within 100 meters of where a glider was seen, there would be a

chance for these precious and unique marsupials to survive into the future.

“Citizen scientists are finding them hanging on in pockets of forest that still have enough trees with hollows for them to nest in."

Ms Russell said if the impediment to protecting

greater gliders from becoming extinct across even more of their range is logging contracts, then Governments should buy out those contracts.

“It’s a small price to pay to ensure greater gliders survive another generation,” she said.

Oyster farmers set to clean up Nambucca River

ON Tuesday 5 March, local oyster farmers will come together for the industry-led ‘Tide to Tip’ clean-up event.

Now in its fifth year, the clean-up program organised by OceanWatch Australia sees oyster growers lead marine debris cleanups in estuaries across the state and beyond.

Tide to Tip not only provides a way for shellfish farmers to give back to the estuaries on which their livelihoods depend but also helps to ensure Australian waterways remain pristine and healthy for generations to come.

“It’s important to look after the health and community awareness of our river,” local oyster farmer

Nicolas Tessier from The Nambucca Oyster Company said.

“As oyster farmers, we take steps daily to look after our river, picking up rubbish we see around while working out on the water.”

This annual clean-up event known as ‘Tide to Tip’ involves eighteen other estuaries from across NSW.

After collection, the waste is sorted and counted using the Australian Marine Debris Database - a program run by Tangaroa Blue Foundation.

Since its inception, the ‘Tide to Tip’ clean-up has resulted in the completion of 73 events.

Together with the help of 875 volunteers, over 42

Macksville Garden Club hosts Zone Meeting

By Jen HETHERINGTON

THE ample Salvation Army meeting hall in Macksville was the perfect venue for the Zone Meeting of the region’s Garden Clubs, held on the morning of Friday 16 February.

Lower North Coast Zone Coordinator Mal Mckinlay travelled from Port Macquarie to chair the meeting alongside Macksville Garden Club

President Marion Watts.

“This was our third combined zone committee meeting that had been held, to strengthen the Garden Clubs in our areas, which has proven to be a wonderful way to introduce clubs to each other and enable them to work collectively and share ideas and garden events,” Mal said.

The combined zone represents 22 clubs and affiliates of Garden Clubs of Australia, stretching from Gloucester in the far south of the zone to Coffs Harbour to

the north.

Friday’s event welcomed 32 keen gardeners with club representatives visiting from Gloucester, Wauchope, Talarm, Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie, Stuarts Point, Valla, Bellingen, South West Rocks and Nambucca.

The various clubs also hold friendship day events.

Last November a Christmas Friendship Day was held, where fifteen Garden Clubs were represented with over 75 members attending.

“During the COVID pandemic it was shown

worldwide the importance of gardening in improving our mental and physical wellbeing, this I believe is

q The Salvation Army meeting hall in Macksville.

one of the reasons to help strengthen the Garden Clubs and continue to enable members to connect with

tonnes of waste has been removed from estuaries.

Partners include local councils, NSW Department of Primary Industries, Landcare NSW, Local Land Services, Clean-up Australia, NSW Farmers Association and Tangaroa Blue.

This project is supported by OceanWatch Australia through joint funding by the Australian and NSW Government’s Storm and Flood Industry Recovery Program.

The Local Landcare Coordinator is funded by the NSW Government, and supported through the partnership of Local Land Services and Landcare NSW.

fellow gardeners,” Mal said.

Visit www.gardenclubs. org.au.

Marion Watts can be contacted on 02 6564 8897 and bmwattsy2@gmail.com.

q Oyster growers banding together to clean up the Nambucca River in 2023.

Young dentist responds to the call of the Valley

By David WIGLEY

AS some households grow quieter with Year 12 graduates venturing out into the world, the allure of the Nambucca Valley continues to draw homegrown talent back to serve the community.

After earning his Bachelor of Dental Surgery at James Cook University, Dr Josh Fitzgerald embarked on a career journey that took him through Mackay Base Hospital's dentistry division and Cairns Base Hospital's

q Dr Josh Fitzgerald has returned to the Nambucca Valley after extensive experience in Queensland.

dental surgery.

Yet, the gravitational pull of his hometown proved irresistible.

When an opportunity arose at the dental practice on Wallace Street, Macksville, it was an easy decision for the Fitzgerald family to make.

"This region holds a special place in my heart, and when the chance to practise dentistry in Macksville presented itself, I had the full support of my family to pursue my dream right here," Dr Fitzgerald explained.

"Our practice is deeply rooted in the local community and committed to its long-

term well-being."

While Dr Fitzgerald gained invaluable experience during his tenure at two hospitals in North Queensland, he found himself drawn back to his roots.

"Dentistry has undergone significant evolution over the past three decades, and I'm thrilled to bring the latest techniques and practices to our local community.

“For example, the shift from reactive to preventative dentistry has been transformative.

“I'm passionate about promoting oral health and advocating for preventive

measures," Dr Fitzgerald continued. "Modern dental techniques emphasise minimally invasive, gentle treatments utilising state of the art anaesthetic and ultrasonic technologies.”

Despite his professional commitments, Dr Fitzgerald remains dedicated to maintaining a balance between work and leisure.

"Growing up in Bowraville, I was deeply involved in squash and touch football, I also refereed for the local competition in the Valley.

“I'm eager to reengage with these passions and perhaps even join the local touch footy competition," he shared with a smile.

Raffles a boon for local not-for profit organisations

By Mick BIRTLES

WHAT started as a way for the V Wall Pavilion to raise money in support of ShoreTrack following last year's shocking robbery has resulted in a boon for local charities and not-for-profit organisations.

Last week the General Manager of the V Wall Pavilion in Nambucca Heads, Mr Ben Abbott, on behalf of his staff and customers, handed over a donation of $985 to the native animal rescue and rehabilitation organisation WIRES Mid North Coast (WIRES MNC).

The money was raised through the V Wall Pavilion’s monthly raffles, which set out to raise funds for a different local not-for-profit each month.

“Our parent organisation, Ingenia, lists community as one of their core values, so in line with that our staff wanted to do what they could

to help the community and a cash donation at the end of the month from funds raised from raffles seemed very possible,” Ben Abbott told News Of The Area.

“I grew up in this district and I alway remember people saying to call WIRES every time there was a wildlife rescue required, so, in the knowledge that those WIRES volunteers are still out there working hard for our native animals, we picked WIRES MNC to be the beneficiaries of last month’s raffles.”

Ben also explained that a Red-backed Kingfisher had recently been discovered injured on their premises and a volunteer from WIRES MNC was swift to enact the rescue of that bird.

The funds raised through the raffles have recently assisted a young family who desperately required speech therapy equipment, gone toward modifications for the vehicle of a disabled driver

and the Rural Fire Brigade.

WIRES MNC’s Fiona Neilson was on hand to receive the donation and told News Of The Area, “Donations like this are so welcome as these funds will go toward the equipment we need to rescue and support the animals in our care so as we can eventually release them.

“I currently have a young bat in care and just this week in the Nambucca Valley we have added two pelicans and an osprey to the possums, gliders and macropods in care.”

Mr Abbott and V Wall staff are on the lookout for more worthy recipients of raffle funds.

“If anyone in the community is aware of someone going through a tough time or an organisation that might benefit from some extra funds they can reach out to me here at the V Wall Pavilion and we will see what we can do,” he said.

Scotts Head artist exhibits at Matilda Street Gallery

By Mick BIRTLES

It also attracts those from the arts community

of the

q Artist John Dowzard’s exhibition ‘Now and Then’ will open on Saturday 24 February at the Matilda Street Gallery in Macksville.

region.

Three years ago noted visual artist John Dowzard and his wife relocated to Scotts Head from Sydney, the move described by John as the best decision of his life.

Although initially working for NSW Health out of Coffs Harbour, John’s purpose built studio at his Scotts Head home meant the seasoned artist could dedicate the lion's share of his time to his art.

John’s love for art has been with him all of his life and he was always drawing and doodling as a small child.

John's parents were very supportive of his art and he describes his highly creative father as his best critic.

In year five of school John and some classmates held their first art exhibition.

John’s dedication to his art continued to grow from

there, going on to study graphic design for four years.

Every few years John would accumulate enough of his work to put an exhibition on, only taking his foot off the pedal a little when kids came along and family matters required more attention.

In 2001 one of John’s drawings was a finalist in the prestigious Dobell Drawing Prize at the New South Wales Art Gallery.

“I still draw, at home or on holidays, it's always been there, always been a passion,” John told News Of The Area.

“Since I have been living in Scotts Head I find that there has been a lot of interest in my work and people that come around to see my work have been suggesting that I put it on show.”

On Saturday 24 February

an exhibition of John’s work will go on display at the Matilda Street Gallery in Macksville.

“This will be the first retrospective exhibit I have done covering four decades with about 54 works on display at the gallery,” John said.

The exhibit has the Beatles-inspired name of Now and Then and offers art lovers a rare opportunity to see the artist's development over time.

Now and Then, an exhibition of the works of John Dowzard will open at 3:00 pm on Saturday 24 February at the Matilda Street Gallery Macksville.

The Exhibition will run until 23 March and can be viewed Monday to Friday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and Saturdays 9:00 am to Midday

q V Wall Pavilion General Manager Ben Abbott presents WIRES Mid North Coast volunteers Kirsty Bush, Jennie Simmons, Fiona Nielsen and Tina Birtles with $985 raised from the venue’s monthly raffles.

THE natural beauty and the easy-going lifestyle of the

Mid North Coast serves as a massive drawcard for those looking for a sea and/or tree change.

who draw inspiration from the many attributes

Short-term rentals to be reviewed

FACING the lowest housing affordability and availability levels in decades, the State Government has announced a comprehensive review of short-term rental accommodation (STRA) in NSW.

The review will consider the adequacy of the STRA planning and regulatory framework, as well as options for improvement.

Local Government NSW (LGNSW) President Cr Darriea Turley said councils had been seeking changes to the regulations governing the industry for a number of years.

“LGNSW welcomes the review and looks forward to direct engagement on behalf of our members on this critically important issue,” Cr Turley said.

“Councils want to have the ability to respond flexibly in this area to balance housing needs as well as the local visitor economy.”

The review will also consider policy options to incentivise the use of vacant property and holiday homes for long-term residency.

Cr Turley said an outcome of the review needed to be returning more of the existing housing stock to the long-

term rental market.

"We think this will be the fastest way to provide immediate relief to housing pressures," she said.

While the Government admits the review and potential reform of STRA alone is “not a silver bullet”, the review is seen as an important step towards fixing existing structural issues in the housing market.

“All options are on the table and we are keen to hear from the community on how various aspects of regulatory and revenue measures can be designed to get the best outcome,” Minister for

Housing and Minister for Homelessness Rose Jackson said.

“This review will inform our approach to make better use of all forms of housing, including short term rentals, vacant property and holiday homes.

“This includes looking at ways to move some of this housing to the longterm rental market and to minimise its negative impacts on the housing market as well as what we can do to support homelessness services across NSW.”

In September last year, a report by the Real

Estate Institute of Australia (REIA) found that short stay accommodation was booming at a time when Australia’s rental crisis was worsening.

REIA President Hayden Groves said that in the March quarter, a total of 133,968 short-stay accommodation places were available in Australia, an increase of 3.7 percent over the quarter and 22.8 percent over the previous year.

“As a crude equation, 133,968 on first glance appears to fill the forecast shortage of dwellings Australia will face by next financial year of 106,000,” Mr

Group 2 representative team pip Group 3 rivals

By Aiden BURGESS

A GROUP 2 Rugby League representative team

has taken on a Group 3 representative side during a big day of rugby league at Port Macquarie Regional

Sports Stadium. The Group 2 team triumphed 28-26 to win the inaugural North Coast

Bowraville Golf Results

By JULEE TOWNSEND

17-2-24

SINGLE Stableford Winner: B Brabant 36, R/Up T Noble 35, F/9 Maz McNally,

B/9 M Oldham N/P: 9th B Brabant 15th G Johnson L/ Putt: Julee Townsend, Ball Comp: 1. Sue Crowe 2. R Graham 3. Eliza McNally. Next Week : 2 Person

Ambrose News: It was a busy work site on Thursday with the cement being poured for the paths around the new shed.

Nambucca Heads Island Golf Club

By Geoffrey McCANN

GOOD fields have been enjoying the lush conditions on course, with daily conditions varying from sunny and humid to thunderstorms – the morning players probably enjoying the best of the weather. Our fabulous Bent greens are suffering in places from the current extreme climatic conditions-while not aesthetically nice, the greens are still quite playable and several programs have been actioned to repair plant and soil health. Our week’s featured sponsor was Allied Air Conditioning – thank you!

Tuesday’s Medley

Stableford was won by Ray Guiana (26) with 37 points from Ross Morpuss (22) on 36 points. The Ball Rundown

to 31 points on c/b. NTP’s to Henny Oldenhove on 5, Tiffany Paul (Crescent Head) on 7, Ross Morpuss on 8, Joey Franck (Sawtell) got the “Pizza This” voucher on 13 and Peter Brien won the Pro Pin Jackpot on 18 with 198cms.

The women returned to 18 Hole competitions on Wednesday with their Monthly Medal. Deidre Fletcher (21) won “A” Grade (0 to 23) with net 68 from Kerrie Eichorn (11) net 74.

Kerrie also won Gross. Susan Barnett won “B” Grade (24 to 31) with net 71 from Maralyn McNally (25) net 76. Gross also won by Susan. Linda Piccin (32) won “C” Grade (32 to 45) with 72 net from Kerry Shearer (35) net 78. Gross winner was Linda. The Ball rundown to net 78. NTP’s to Linda Piccin on 5, Glenys Thompson won the “Pizza This” voucher on 13, and

Deidre Fletcher won the Pro Pin Jackpot on 18. Elizabeth Hobday was the best Putter.

Thursday was another popular Medley Stableford. Gregory Smith (9) won Division 1 (0 to 20) with 38 points from Peter Shepherd (18) with 37 points. Urpo Ylinen (21) won Division 2 (21 to 45) with 39 points from Hans Jansen (21) with 38 points. The Ball Rundown to 32 points on c/b. Nev Newman canned the longest putt on 2, other NTP’s to Greg Smith on 5, Rick Heywood on 7, Greg McCoy on 8, Alvin Rapley won the “Pizza This” voucher on 13, Glen Crow got Stu’s ball on 15 & Peter Scott pocketed the Pro Pin Jackpot on 18.

The Ladies had their Opening Day 4BBB Stableford sponsored by BMW Carpets on Friday with over 100 players and numerous visitors from district clubs

Challenge Cup. A North Coast Bulldogs senior representative team was picked from this game to contest this year's NSW Country Championships.

Group 2 and Group 3 Under 14s and Under 15s sides also faced off in Port Macquarie, as they vied for selection to the North Coast

Bulldogs Pups teams.

North Coast Bulldogs Under 18s and Under 16s teams also took on the Newcastle Maitland Region Knights at Port Macquarie in the latest round of the Laurie Daley Cup and Andrew Johns Cup.

The Bulldogs Under 18s side had the first win

Groves said last September.

“While short-stay accommodation has been an essential part of meeting high demand for domestic tourism accommodation, it is a driving factor behind the rental crisis,” he said.

“The eastern coast of Australia is the predominant provider of short-term accommodation, and where most of the crucial longterm housing is desperately needed.”

Visit www.planningportal. nsw.gov.au/draftplans/ exhibition/discussion-papershort-and-long-term-rentalaccommodation for more information and to have your say.

of their Laurie Daley Cup campaign, beating the Knights 20-4.

The Bulldogs Under 16s side went down 38-14 to the Knights.

The Bulldogs teams next play this weekend on the Central Coast, when they take on the Central Coast Roosters in Wyong.

Ladies Singles Championship

By Nerida BLACKFORD

MANOR Smith has earned another Major Singles title at Nambucca Bowls Club.

This year Margaret Flagg was the challenger in the final, and she started off very well, gaining a lead after five ends. The score then became

close and many ends needed a bowl right on the jack to score.

Once Manor got ahead though, there was no stopping her and she went on to be the first past 25 points.

The Club Open Pennants season also began recently.

A terrific crowd of

supporters travelled to Urunga to cheer on our Grade 7 team, who ended up behind on the big scoreboard at the end of the day, winning one rink out of the three.

We have four grades playing this year and have high hopes for a great season.

– unfortunately for the later players, an afternoon thunderstorm decimated the field, with 12 groups pulling out due to the bad weather. Winning Team was Linda Piccin & Robyn Dyer with 41 points from Nicole Laird (Macksville) & Heather Snow (Coffs Harbour) 39 on c/b from Robyn Jones & Susan Barnett. The ball rundown to 36 points on c/b. NTP’s to Fiona Chaffey on 5, Jan Harris on 7, Nicole Laird on 8, Robyn Dyer on 13, Lynette Bastick on 15 and Rhonda Rowe on 18.

Saturday 17th February saw a good field of over 100

players and some visitors getting in the winner’s circle.

In Division 1 ( 0 to 16), Donovan Dempsey (8) from Kempsey scored 39 points to win from Brad Fortesque (5) from Kempsey 37 points. Peter Thompson (18) won Division 2 (17 to 23) with 39 points on c/b from Joe Street (18) & Stephen Kimber (18). Cohen Welsh (27) from Macksville won Division 3 (24 to 45) with 39 points from Paul Schellenberger (27) with 38 points. Other good scores from Edward Penrose & Peter Bush 37, with the Ball Rundown to 34 points on c/b. John Nebauer

q Work

got the “Ecomist” loaded Stubby Holder for the longest putt on 2, other NTP’s to Donovan Dempsey on 5, Troy Herbert on 7, David Bartos on 8, New Newman won the “Pizza This” voucher on 13, Gary Laing won Stu’s ball on 15 (168 cms) and Edward Beaton collect the Pro Pin Jackpot on 18.

There are a few spots left for the Golf NSW Mid North Coast Men’s Golf Championship on Sunday 25th February. Visitor enquires & bookings through Pro Shop 6569 4111. See you on the Island.

q Club Ladies Singles Championship Runner Up Margaret Flagg and Winner Manor Smith.

By Manny WOOD

Questions regarding validity of death benefit nomination

BARRY signed a binding death benefit nomination in hospital on the same day that he tragically passed away.

The effect of the nomination is that the whole of Barry’s substantial superannuation fund is to be left to his de facto partner.

Barry’s executors say that the death benefit nomination is not valid because Barry lacked the requisite mental capacity at the time he signed the nomination and in the alternative, they claim that he was the victim of unconscionable conduct on the part of his de facto partner.

The dispute proceeds to a four-day hearing in the Supreme Court.

The Court is presented with numerous affidavits, medical records and hears oral testimony from medical experts.

The evidence establishes that Barry was administered morphine on multiple occasions during each of the several days he spent in hospital.

Expert medical opinions confirm that the treatment would have affected Barry’s capacity to know and approve of the contents of the death benefit nomination and affected his ability to concentrate on, and appreciate complex matters.

The Court states that the parties must establish on the balance of probabilities, whether Barry was capable of understanding the broad operation of the transaction but not necessarily the precise legal consequences in light of the legal “presumption of sanity”.

The executors argue that Barry was not capable of weighing-up his available choices, understanding the tax consequences nor properly considering the option of establishing superannuation proceeds trusts.

Ultimately, the Court decided that because the death benefit nomination was a relatively short and straightforward document and because there was no conclusive evidence of a lack of mental capacity, Barry did in fact understand the nature and effect of the nomination.

The Court was also not satisfied that Barry was the victim of any unconscionable conduct or unconscientious exploitation and that the requisite elements of “special disadvantage” and knowledge of that special disadvantage had not been established.

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

Timber workers fearing job losses

DEAR News Of The Area,

AS as a local timber worker I was alarmed to hear that after reaching an agreement with NSW Forestry on increased environmental protections to allow timber harvesting to restart on the South Coast, the EPA has now backflipped on that deal and is putting our fellow workers' jobs at risk.

As a timber worker, all our work is held to strict environmental rules.

The work being done down South hasn’t changed since they announced the new rules on 2 February, so why have the rules changed again?

This out-of-control regulator needs to be brought into line.

My workmates and I are incredibly worried about what the future might hold.

The 50 or more jobs at the mill I

work at might not sound like much to activist groups in the city, but in a town like Kempsey it will be incredibly hard to find other work and to be honest, we don’t want to.

We are proud to produce the timber our community relies on and don’t think stopping Australian production and importing timber from offshore is a good option for jobs or the environment.

We need the government to get involved and fix this devastating decision by a rogue regulator.

NSW residents deserve better than having to choose between good jobs and a good environment, we can and should have both.

This needs to be sorted before our town is staring down the barrel of job losses.

Regards, John GUNST, Kempsey

Charge a levy on short term rental properties

DEAR News Of The Area,

THE viability of short term rental properties seriously depletes the availability of long term affordable rental houses and apartments suitable for city and regional workers!

It is time that the NSW Government takes a serious look at this problem.

In most European countries, including the UK, governments and local councils are already charging substantial levies on short term and AirBnB properties.

This levy must be sufficient to encourage property owners to either put these properties on the market, or make them available for desperate tenants!

Win-win!

This opens up thousands of houses and apartments for long term tenants.

Many smaller villages and towns in France and Spain have already had enormous backlash from permanent residents, who claim that the ambience of their communities has been spoiled by the regular influx of noisy, out of control, short term tenants in permanent party mood, who add nothing to the towns economy, whilst absentee owners take no responsibility for neighbours’ complaints.

In some areas of France, short term rentals are only allowed if owners live on site.

Z KOENIGSEDER, Coffs Harbour.

On theCouch

Email

DEAR Jasminda,

RECENTLY I was setting up for my spin class when a lady walked in and said I was on her spin bike.

She told me she had to sit there as it was directly in front of the fan and she sweats a lot.

What is the etiquette here?

Carmel B.

Dear Carmel,

Out of all the different gym personalities, the equipment hog is one of the most annoying, but there are many others.

A gym workout consists of strategic manoeuvres, and that's before you even start exercising.

It's a bit like federal politics.

There's always someone like Barnaby Joyce, falling off a bench and swearing like a trooper.

Or a Bob Katter personality who pivots from machine to machine with no one able to

keep track of where he's going.

Then you've got the Pauline Hanson 'please explain' types who stall group sessions with their inane questions, and the Scott 'I don't hold a hose, mate' Morrison personalities who refuse to put their equipment away or wipe down their bench.

Don't let them bully you, though, Carmel.

Everyone is an equal in a gym and no one has more or less right to the equipment.

If you've arrived in time to get the bike positioned in front of the fan, and you've already adjusted the bike height, clipped your cycling shoes into place, and positioned your water bottle, then stay put.

Don't offer any feedback or solution.

A shoulder shrug is very effective (and also a great pre-workout stretch if exaggerated). Just hope she doesn't take the bike next to you.

A sweaty nearby spinner is on par with dancing in the summer rain.

Carpe diem, Jasminda

Don’t listen to the crazies

DEAR News Of The Area,

IT used to be that when people with irrational views and ideologies ranted and raved, we were told: “Don’t listen to the crazies”.

It seems that we have entered very bizarre times in which now it seems that governments and policy makers are not only listening to the madness but have become true believers in everything that is absurd.

That we would shut down our timber industry and allow people to become homeless.

That we would stop mining for coal and gas and allow energy prices to skyrocket.

That we would strangle our

Dawkins Park’s current state is a

DEAR News Of The Area,

FURTHER to your report on Dawkins Park last week.

These lovely seats are for the good burghers of Macksville, and visitors to the area to sit and think about how beautiful this town is to visit.

Not sure a bridge is the answer.

It needs to be thought about, especially the unforeseen consequences.

Who would go over there

agricultural industry with bureaucracy and allow a costof-living crisis.

Authoritarian regimes around the world are on the move, terrorism is again lurking in the shadows like a hive of cockroaches, and Australia is becoming more divided by the day due to a multitude of minorities with specific agendas that do not reflect an egalitarian society.

We need to get Australia back on track.

We need to ensure that our children have security and prosperity.

We need to ‘Advance Australia Fair’.

Regards, Travis WILDMAN, Yarrahapinni.

“disgrace”

anyway?

It is a disgrace to Macksville.

The council was warned about this several years ago… no action.

The birds are not only cattle egrets.

Also ibis, spoonbills, ducks, water hens and more.

Regards, Bill QUINN.

Frequent visitor over the past 50 years from Sydney.

q Seats at Dawkins Park, pictured recently, have regularly been left covered in bird droppings.

Fours - rook, nook, rang, rank, roan, nark, gran, goon.

Kids Boot Camp 005

Nambucca Valley Bridge Club

By John SLADE

RESULTS for week ending:

Saturday 17th February 2024

Monday: 12th. A five and a half Mitchell won at North/ South by Glen Hallett & Phil Booth with 55 percent. Runners-up, Rosemary Bateman & Peter PlunkettCole. East/West winners with

57.5 percent Vicky Walker & Judy Holliday. Runners-up, Linda & Mike Siford.

Tuesday: 13th. The first round of the 2024 Summer Shield attracted 12 contestants. Amber Fox & Carol McKee were on top with 63 percent. Runners-up, Rob Marshall & Greg Wood.

Wednesday: 14th.

Eighteen players attended Richard's weekly session which was conducted by Leonie as Richard had to take a quick trip to Queensland. The group discussed the merits of thinking carefully after every bid so that they could consider their next bids and subsequent card play - either as declarer or

defender. The group then put into practice what they had learned with varying degrees of success but all making great improvements to their game.

Thursday: 15th. A five table Mitchell today won at North/South by Colleen Robertson & Scott Parker with 55 percent. Equal runners-up, Libby Knight & Leonie Harrison with Theda Faulwetter & Robert Baker.

Macksville Country Club Golf

By Max TURNER

SYMPATHIES go to Nancy Latham and family for the recent loss of husband and father Trevor who was a Life Member and hard worker for the Club.

"Trevor ran the Junior coaching for around 30 years with at least five turning professional, among those Paul Hapgood at Nambucca,” Chairman Brad Fortescue

commented.

Saturday was a big day with over 60 players for the Matt and Murray Smith sponsored two person Ambrose.

The Zirklers, Greg and son Tim, blitzed the field with Roy Rudner and partner Allan Clarke finishing runners up.

Nearest the pins were Geoff O'Grady (A), Neil Cunneen (B) grade with no C grader or non handicapper

able to hit the green.

Mid Week Competition saw Tony Grebert return to form with Greg Hogan runner up.

Big hitting Nikki Laird won the ladies Stableford ahead of Desma Hughes.

In the Furniture One Match Play knock out Steve Hunt disposed of Dale Bunton and on Wednesday he removed Jeff Gore from this year's competition.

Macksville swimmers bag medal haul at NSW Country Championships

SWIMMING North Coast swimmers entered the NSW Country Championship in

droves in 2024, contributing the largest team from the region in the past twelve

years. The event was held at Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre, Homebush on 16, 17 and 18 February.

141 swimmers entered

East/West winners Paula Guthrie & Daphne Priestley with 57 percent. Runners-up, Merita Pailthorpe & Barry Butler.

Saturday: 17TH. A good roll-up of twenty-six players competed in a Share-Relay won at North/South by Maureen Cowan & Barbara Maranik with 53.9 percent. Runners-up, Louise & Gary Walton. East/West winners with 54 percent Ali & Neil

Tupper. Equal runners-up, Molly Bence & Robert Baker with Linda & Mike Siford.

Urunga: 14th. Thirty-two players enjoyed a pleasant afternoon of bridge. North/ South winners with 69 percent Glenda Hallett & Phil Booth with 69 percent. Runners-up, Dot & Don Learmonth. East/ West winners Janet Dyson & Rob Marshall with 70.8 percent! Runners-up, Helen & Digby Foster.

q Three prospective golfers trying out the new driving range.

645 events from seventeen clubs across the North Coast.

Ethan Blockey, 17, from Macksville, competing in the Multi Class events took out second in the 200m medley, third in the 50 freestyle, second in the 100 backstroke, second in the 100 fly and third in the 100 freestyle.

Matilda Buchholz, also from Macksville, secured second in the 200 medley, first in the 50 breaststroke, first in the 50 fly, first in the 100 freestyle, second in the 50 backstroke and first in the 50 breaststroke.

Keeley Smith of Macksville, 15, took third in the 200 medley and the 50 fly.

Kiera Hetherington, 17, of Macksville, came second in the 100 fly.

Brielle Woodger, 17, Macksville claimed third in the 100 fly.

Leah Pickvance, 16, Macksville, came in third in the 50 free.

Macksville’s Makaylah Schatzman, 14, was third in

the 50 free.

Further placings for Matilda: 5th 200 free and 4th 100 fly. Further placings for Kiera – 4th 200 free, 7th 100 back, 6th 50 fly and 9th 100 free.

Further placings for Leah: 5th 100 fly, 7th 50 breast, 4th 50 fly and 6th 100 free.

Further placings for Makaylah: 14 20th 50 breast, 24th 50 fly, 25th 100 free, 15th 50 back. Further placings for Keeley: 4th 100 fly, 4th 100 breast, 4th 50 breast, 8th 50 free, 5th 100 free and 6th 200 breast.

Further placings for Brielle: 5th 200 free, 10th 50 free,4th 200 fly, 4th 50 fly and 11th 100 free.

Tessa Elsley: 14 15th 100 fly, 12th 200 medley, 11th 200 free, 26th 100 back, 19th 50 free, 27th 100 free, 22nd 200 back and 17th 50 back.

Kimberley Graham: 12 32nd 50 fly.

Mitchell Hornick: 12 37th 0 fly, 41st 100 free, 16th 200 back and 11th 50 back. Isaac Lines 11 37th 50 breast, 35th 50 free, 22nd 50 fly and 16th

50 back.

Amalia Loyo: 13 22nd 50 fly.

Bailey Pickvance: 36th 50 fly.

Cleo Schubert: 15 15th

100 fly, 7th 100 breast, 7th 200 free, 6th 50 breast, 7th 10 back, 4th 400 free, 6th 50 fly, 6th 100 free, 16th 200 back, 8th 50 back and 17th 200 breast.

Cruize Schubert: 12 15th 50 free.

Chelsea Stringer: 15 12th 50 breast, 16th 50 free and 18th 50 fly.

Declan Sutton: 21 9th 100 fly, 6th 50 breast, 11th 100 back, 4th 50 free, 4th 50 fly, 4th 100 free and equal 4th 50 back.

Keeley Sutton: 14 19th 200 free, 19th 100 back, 28th 100 free, 40th 200 back, 10th 50 back and 44th 50 free.

Bailey Whitton: 17 14th 100 fly, 23rd 50 free, 17th 50 fly and 26th 100 free.

Relay 4th 15&O 200Kiera Hetherington, Keeley Smith, Brielle Woodger and Leah Pickvance.

Good conditions for the Loggerheads Malibu Club’s first point score competition of the year

FROM Page 20

began directly in front.

While the waves on offer in this location had plenty of size, up to around 1.8 metres, they were closing out early and ride duration was limited.

The Loggerheads were forced to take their chances in amongst or close to the pack, making judging tricky and risking drop-ins.

Long time Loggerhead Tony Burton put his stamp on the comp early with some of the longest rides of the day.

New member Ellie Fuller produced solid rides from the outset and, although fairly new to the Scotts Head conditions, she quickly worked out there were rideable waves reforming closer to the beach and was able to rack up a considerable wave count.

Brendan Gillis claimed some of the biggest waves of the day, however it was John Burton who came away with the most points by morning end.

John was able to produce

plenty of great turns and walk his board when it mattered despite having some of his rides cut short due to the lack of surfing etiquette demonstrated by others in the water.

Ellie Fuller was a close second on the day with John’s dad, Tony Burton, rounding out the place getters in third.

The Loggerheads Malibu Club meets at 7:45 am on the third Sunday of each month in the Scotts Head Reserve carpark and surfers of all ages and abilities are welcome.

q Ellie Fuller produced some great longboard surfing at the Loggerheads Malibu Club monthly club points score competition.

q Ethan Blockey.

q Matilda Buchholz.

Funeral Notice

Public Notices

Public Notices

For Sale

Your

Your

Care,

Stadium

Public Notices

Quilt Show 2024

Macksville Senior Citizens Centre Princess Street, Macksville

Sat & Sun 16th & 17th March. 10am to 4pm

Everyone Welcome, Admission $5.00

Verandah Post Patchworkers Inc & our sponsor Hanging By A Thread proudly support Nambucca Valley Cancer Support Group Inc

Dear Aboriginal Owner,

DOC23/151790

DOC23/151790

Dear Aboriginal Owner,

The Gaagal Wanggaan National Park Board of Management will complete its third term of office on the 19th of October 2024. To ensure the ongoing operations of the Board of Management, the Board will host an Aboriginal Owner nominations meeting on the 9th of March 2024 to call for nominations for Aboriginal Owner Board Members for the 2024 to 2028 term .

Dear Aboriginal Owner,

The Gaagal Wanggaan National Park Board of Management commenced its third term of office on the 20th of October 2020. To ensure the ongoing operations of the Board of Management, the Board hosted an Aboriginal Owner nomination meeting on the 2nd of November 2019 to call for nominations for Aboriginal Owner Board members for the 2020 to 2024 term.

The Gaagal Wanggaan National Park Board of Management commenced its third term of office on the 20th of October 2020. To ensure the ongoing operations of the Board of Management, the Board hosted an Aboriginal Owner nomination meeting on the 2nd of November 2019 to call for nominations for Aboriginal Owner Board members for the 2020 to 2024 term.

A second Aboriginal Owner nomination meeting is now being held to seek nominations for the Ballangarry Family Deputy and the Marshall/Edwards Deputy.

A second Aboriginal Owner nomination meeting is now being held to seek nominations for the Ballangarry Family Deputy and the Marshall/Edwards Deputy.

I am inviting all Aboriginal Owners to attend the nominations meeting which will be held at the Macksville Ex-Services Club on the 9th of March commencing at 10:00am. Consistent with the previous Aboriginal Owner nominations meetings, to be nominated as a Board Member or Deputy you must be present at the nominations meeting.

I am inviting all Aboriginal Owners that have an association with the Ballangarry family and the Marshall/Edwards family to attend a nomination meeting on the 18th of April 2023 commencing at 5pm, at the Macksville Ex-Services Club. Consistent with established nominations processes, to be nominated as a Board Member or Deputy you must be present at the nominations meeting.

To place a notice on the classifieds page please call 02 4981 8882 between 9am - 2pm on Mon, Tues, Wed or Fri

Music Tuition

ANTIQUE red cedar bookcase $80. 0400 976 080

CARGO Barrier to suit early Nissan X-Trail Milford brand. $50. Ph 0421 750 592

KCARE Premium seat walker, exc cond. Little use. $50. 0401 573 040 FBOTH190123

I am inviting all Aboriginal Owners that have an association with the Ballangarry family and the Marshall/Edwards family to attend a nomination meeting on the 18th of April 2023 commencing at 5pm, at the Macksville Ex-Services Club. Consistent with established nominations processes, to be nominated as a Board Member or Deputy you must be present at the nominations meeting.

The nominations meeting will be independently facilitated , and a representative of the Office of the Registrar Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983 will also be present to discuss matters that the Minister considers in appointing Board members.

It is vital that we have a Member and Deputy for each Aboriginal Owner family for a functioning Board and to ensure all Aboriginal Owner family groups have equal representation on the Board so your attendance at this meeting is strongly recommended.

It is vital that we have a Member and Deputy for each Aboriginal Owner family for a functioning Board and to ensure all Aboriginal Owner family groups have equal representation on the Board so your attendance at this meeting is strongly recommended.

If any Aboriginal Owner positions are unable to be filled on the 9th of March 2024, subsequent meetings will be scheduled for the 13th of March from 5pm and 16th March from 10am (if required). Please contact the Macksville Ex-Services Club to ensure these meetings are proceeding.

All enquiries about Aboriginal Owner nominations should be directed to our Joint Management Coordinator, David Kennedy. David can be contacted on 0408 473 904 or david.kennedy@environment.nsw.gov.au

I look forward to seeing you at the nominations meeting on the 18 th of April.

Zac Zirkler Pro: guitar, uke, bass banjo, harmonica mandolin, keyboard vocals. Macksville Ph: 0422 056 671

House for Sale

PRICE REDUCED!

TANDEM Holstar Grand Tourer bike, exc cond $1200. 0458 274 319

All enquiries about Aboriginal Owner nominations should be directed to our Joint Management Coordinator, David Kennedy. David can be contacted on 0408 473 904 or david.kennedy@environment.nsw.gov.au

All enquiries regarding Aboriginal Owner nominations should be directed to me. I can be contacted on 0419 895 170.

Sincerely

I look forward to seeing you at the nominations meeting on the 18 th of April.

I look forward to seeing you at the Aboriginal Owners’ nominations meeting on the 9th of March 2024.

Sincerely

Yours sincerely,

Wanggaan (South Beach) National Park Board of Management

SOLD

2 br manufactured home in o55's village. Located in Bonville. $350,000 ono. 0431 267 653

Items for Sale

Motors

2008 VW Golf hatch auto, 244,307km, 6 mth rego. $6,000. Ph 0477 990 446

Jennie Rosser Chair

Jennifer Rosser Chair

Crafty Recyclers 2nd hand goods

Gaagal Wanggaan (South Beach) National Park Board of Management

Gaagal Wanggaan (South Beach) National Park Board of Management

Gaagal Wanggaan (South Beach) National Park Chair: Jennie Rosser

Large qty of items In shed now $2 each Mon to Friday 9.30am – 2pm 7 Newcastle Drive Toormina

Pets

PO Box 4200, Coffs Harbour Jetty NSW 2450 Tel (02) 6652 0900 Fax (02) 6651 9525 npws.coffscoast@environment.nsw.gov.au

ABN 30 841 387 271

Public Notice of Praecipe, Tacit Acceptance and Reconveyance

ABN 30 841 387 271

Winand Krawinkel© and Christine Barnaby©, of Tewinga, New South Wales state, are not voluntarily transactors in commerce and are irrefutable Holders in Due Course of our property and all associated Copyright Protected Trade Names since unrebutted lawful reconveyance to the Land and Soil jurisdiction of Terra Australis commonly known as The Commonwealth of Australia, Public Record Numbers RPP44 63900 05100 14666 09606 and RPP44 69300 05100 14666 06605, Proclamation date 11th of December, 2023, severing Usufruct Subjugation ties with the Australia Corporation in entirety. The occupying corporate government of Australia and its affiliates are instructed to immediately cease and desist any further infringement upon these copyright- protected Financial Instruments and cease and desist misaddressing Winand Krawinkel© and Christine Barnaby© in fraudulent debased Dog-Latin; Glossa.

newsofthearea.com.au

Public Notices

PO Box 4200, Coffs Harbour Jetty NSW 2450 Tel (02) 6652 0900 Fax (02) 6651 9525 npws.coffscoast@environment.nsw.gov.au

MALTESE Shih Tzu puppies. 1 boy, 1 girl. Available from 26/2. Located in Port Stephens

BIN# B000616552

Call or text 0474 378 452

For Sale

6 year old bangalow palms from $25, also cycads. 6564 2114

ABROCKET twister exercise waist and abdomen trainer

Brand new in box $35. 0490 161 119

ANALOG clock and tide clock mounted on 900yr old Cedar. Made by mens shed. 45cmL x 20cm H. $60 Photos avail. 0490 161 119 F271023

2015 Kia Cerato hatchback. One owner 72,500klms, reg till April 24, ex cond. $14,990 ono CYG89Y. 0417 681 863

Boats

10FT Cartop Tinny $150

Parson 3.6 outboard Little use. $250. 0401573040

TAPESTRY, Glass framed and wall hung $95. 0422 440 802 Public

TIMBER 14ft putt putt boat. 1934 provenance Chapman Pup 3HP motor. Quality reg trailer $7,500 ono. 0402 054 207 leave msg.

To place a classified ad, call 4981 8882

Motorcycles

TRIUMPH Street Triple 3 cylinder, 675c - 83Kw (110 bhp), white metallic flyscreen, belly pan tank bag, rear touring bag, Arrow pipes, LED indicators, Triumph bike cover, wheel lock pristine cond, genuine 16,091 kms, bike stand not LAMS, some riding gear. $6,500 (firm) DC -70. (Sept. 2024) 0415 669 378

Jennie Rosser

Gaagal

Gaagal Wanggaan (South Beach) National Park Chair: Jennie Rosser

1.00

BEST ON THE BOX

SATURDAY EVOLVING VEGAN

SBS FOOD, 6.30pm

The doe-eyed star of the latest live-action Aladdin movie, Egyptian Canadian actor Mena Massoud is also a foodie on a mission: to show the world how magical vegan cuisine can be. Following his cookbook of the same name, the Canadian explores restaurants around North America, devouring yummy things such as butter, pizza, and fried chicken sandwiches. It’s not a traditional cooking show – some viewers might race out to buy his cookbook to piece together a complete meal, while others will simply appreciate the artistry and creativity behind delicious vegan dishes including pastrami sandwiches and Vietnamese-style catfish. The plant-based fun kicks off tonight in Los Angeles.

SUNDAY

HOUSE OF GODS

ABC, 8.30pm

It’s a sophisticated thriller about family and power that could be set anywhere in the world. Premiering tonight, this gripping six-part story takes place in western Sydney and comes from Wedding writer and creator Osamah Sami. It’s personal for Sami, based on his teen years growing up as the son of the head cleric at a Melbourne mosque. Starring Kamel El Basha (Room 207

Arain (Bump), it’s an immersive view into an Iraqi Australian community and culture, which is rarely represented on screen. We follow a charismatic sheik who is elected as head of The Messenger mosque amid a flurry of controversy involving an innocent selfie and behindthe-scenes payments. Gripping and original.

Morning Programs. 11.00 Food Markets: In The Belly Of The City. (PGa, 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. (R) 4.05 Every Family Has A Secret. (PGa, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! (R) 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

3.35

Out Of 10

1.40

WEDNESDAY THIS IS GOING TO HURT

ABC, 9.05pm

Based on Adam Kay’s comical and dark bestselling memoir about his time barely surviving as a fatigued junior doctor in obstetrics, this medical drama stands heads and shoulders above the pack. It’s an unflinching and funny dive into the frailties of medicine that grabs you and won’t let go. Ben Whishaw (No Time To ) plumbs the highs and lows of his unforgiving role with a magnetic presence and brutal honesty. Tonight, Adam’s mental health is sinking, with Erika’s (Hannah Onslow) complaint and guilt bearing down on him. If you haven’t already binged this excellent and sometimes grimly realistic British offering, it’s a prescription to laugh and cry in equal

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG)

11.30 Seven Morning News.

12.00 Australian Idol. (PGl, R)

1.30 Motorbike Cops. (PG, R) 2.00 House Of Wellness. (PGa) 3.00 The Chase. (R)

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. Adam Dovile and Melissa King visit Singapore.

8.30 MOVIE: Sweet Home Alabama. (2002, PGl, R) A New York socialite returns to Alabama to divorce the man she married and left behind, years earlier. However, she soon realises putting her past to rest may be far more difficult than she imagined. Reese Witherspoon, Josh Lucas, Candice Bergen.

10.50 To Be Advised.

12.35 12 Monkeys. (MA15+av, R)

2.30 Home Shopping.

4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R)

5.00 NBC Today.

6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. (PG)

9News Morning.

MOVIE: Planning On Forever. (2022, G, R) 2.00 Pointless. (PG) 3.00 Tipping Point. (PG)

9News Afternoon. 5.00 Tipping Point Australia. (PG)

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Taronga: Who’s Who In The Zoo. (PGm)

8.30 MOVIE: Miss Congeniality. (2000, Msv, R)

10.45 MOVIE: Magic Mike XXL. (2015, MA15+ls, R)

12.45 Tipping Point. (PG, R)

1.40 Pointless. (PG, R)

2.35 Great Australian Detour. (R)

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 Morning Programs. 9.30

6.00 Deal Or No Deal.

6.30 The Project.

7.30 The Graham Norton Show. (Mlv) Guests include Jodie Foster.

8.30 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly Australia. (PGa, R) Graeme Hall helps with a noisy dog.

9.30 The Graham Norton Show. (PGa, R) Graham Norton is joined by Paul Mescal.

10.30 Fire Country. (PGdsv, R)

11.30 So Help Me Todd. (PGa, R)

12.30 The Project. (R)

1.30 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG)

2.30 Home Shopping. (R)

6.00

SATURDAY, February 24

Programs. 12.00

12.30 Death In Paradise. (PG, R) 1.30 Darby And Joan. (PG, R) 2.15 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R) 2.45 Julia Zemiro’s Home Delivery. (R) 3.15 Joanna Lumley’s Great Cities Of The World. (PG, R) 4.00 Grand Designs Transformations.

6.30 Back Roads: Gemfields, Queensland. (PG, R) Guest presented by Lisa Millar.

7.00 ABC News. A look at the top stories of the day.

7.30 Darby And Joan. (Final, Mav) Joan uncovers the truth about her husband.

8.15 Endeavour. (Masv, R) Part 2 of 3. A taxi driver who owes a large debt to a colleague is found dead in his vehicle.

9.45 Total Control. (Final, Ml, R) The fallout from the vote continues.

10.40 Midsomer Murders. (Mv, R) Part 2 of 4.

12.10 Rage Goes Retro. (MA15+adhlnsv)

5.00 Rage. (PG)

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 Cook Up Bitesize. (R) 9.05 The World From Above. (R) 10.05

Love Your Garden. (PGa, R) 11.00 Britain’s Great Outdoors. (R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00

Gymnastics. Apparatus World Cup. H’lights.

4.00 Sailing. Sail GP Yachting C’ship. Round 8.

Day 1. 5.30 Such Was Life. (R) 5.35 Secrets Of The Imperial War Museum. (PGa, R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Cotswolds And Beyond With Pam Ayres. (PGa)

8.25 Scotland’s Scenic Railways. (PG)

9.20 The Wonders Of Europe. (PGav, R)

10.20 Those Who Stayed. (Premiere)

11.05 Between Two Worlds. (Premiere, Mal)

11.55 The Witnesses. (Ma, R)

3.55 Going Places With Ernie Dingo. (R)

4.25 Bamay. (R)

4.50 Destination Flavour. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00

NBC Today. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise.

10.00

The Morning Show: Weekend. (PG) 12.00 Horse Racing. Caulfield Blue Diamond Day and Silver Slipper Stakes Day.

5.00 Seven News At 5.

5.30 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG, R)

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG, R)

7.30 MOVIE: The Bourne Legacy. (2012, Mav, R) A top-secret government project, involving the creation of super soldiers, is threatened with exposure.

Jeremy Renner, Rachel Weisz.

10.15 MOVIE: The Kingdom. (2007, MA15+av, R) Jamie Foxx.

12.35 Motor Racing. Supercars Championship. Bathurst 500. Day 1. Highlights.

1.35 Harry’s Practice. (R)

2.00 Home Shopping.

4.00 Get Clever. (R)

5.00 House Of Wellness. (PGa, R)

6.00 Hello SA. (PG, R) 6.30 ACA. (R) 7.00

Weekend Today. 10.00 Today Extra: Saturday.

(PG) 12.00 Great Australian Detour. (R) 12.30

My Way. (PG, R) 1.00 Bondi Vet. (PGm, R)

2.00 MOVIE: Rocky III. (1982, PGv, R) 4.00 Journey To The Northern Territory.

5.00 9News First At Five.

5.30 Getaway. (PG)

6.00

6.00 Morning Programs. 10.30 Farm To Fork. (R) 11.00 Everyday Gourmet. (R) 11.30

All 4 Adventure. (PGl, R) 12.30 Silvia’s Italian Masterclass. 1.00 Australian Survivor. (PGa, R) 2.00 Wildlife Rescue. (PGa, R) 3.00 What’s Up Down Under. 3.30 GCBC. (R) 4.00 My Market Kitchen. 4.30 Taste Of Aust. (R) 5.00 News.

6.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R) Contestants compete in a high-stakes game where they must beat The Banker to win a cash prize. 7.00 Soccer. AFC Women’s Olympic Qualifier. Third round. Uzbekistan v Australia.

10.30 To Be Advised.

11.30 Ambulance UK. (Mal, R)

The pandemic continues to take its toll as staff fall ill and emergency services are stretched.

12.30 FBI: International. (Masv, R)

The team investigates a kidnapping. 2.30 Home Shopping. (R)

4.30 Authentic. (PG) 5.00 Hour Of Power.

9GO! (83)

6am Asterix And Obelix Vs Caesar. Continued. (1999, PG, French) 7.20 Leave No Trace. (2018, PG) 9.20 Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride. (2005, PG) 10.45 After Love. (2020, M)

SUNDAY, February 25

6.00 Morning Programs. 12.30 PBS Washington Week With The Atlantic. 12.55

Para-Badminton. (PG, R) 1.00 Motorcycle

(R) 2.30 Dream Gardens. (PG, R) 3.00 Nigella Bites. (R) 3.30 Cook

The Chef. (R) 3.55 Martin Clunes: Islands Of America. (PG, R) 4.45 Joanna Lumley’s Britain. (PG, R) 5.30 The ABC Of... (PG, R)

6.00 Grand Designs Transformations. (Final, PG, R)

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 Death In Paradise. (PG)

8.30 House Of Gods. (Premiere, Ml)

A man vies to lead his mosque.

9.25 Silent Witness. (Malv, R)

A woman confesses to murder.

10.25 Miniseries: The War Of The Worlds. (Mv, R)

11.20 Harrow. (Mav, R)

12.15 Significant Others. (Mdl, R)

1.10 Sanditon. (Ms, R)

1.55 Rage Vault. (MA15+adhlnsv)

4.00 Catalyst. (PG, R)

5.00 Insiders. (R)

Racing. Australian Superbike C’ship. Round 1.

3.00 Where Are You Really From? (PG, R)

4.00 Sailing. Sail GP Yachting C’ship. Round 8. Day 2. 5.30 Such Was Life. (PGa, R) 5.35

Secrets Of The Imperial War Museum. (PG, R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Mystery of the Loch Ness Monster. (PG)

8.20 Vikings: The Lost Kingdom.

10.00 Rise Of The Nazis: Dictators At War. (Ma, R)

11.10 Muhammad Ali. (PGavw, R)

12.55 MOVIE: Fight Club. (1999, MA15+ansv, R)

3.25 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. (Malsw, R)

4.10 Bamay. (R)

4.45 The Ninth Tower. (Ml, R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 Al Jazeera.

6.00 NBC Today. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise.

10.00 Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 Motor Racing. Supercars C’ship. Bathurst 500. Day 2. Qualifying and support races.

2.00 Motor Racing. Supercars Championship. Bathurst 500. Day 2. Pre-race and race.

5.00 Seven News At 5.

5.30 Sydney Weekender.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Australian Idol. (PGl)

8.30 Ron Iddles: The Good Cop: Maria James. (MA15+av) Revisits

murder of Maria James. 9.35

Bates vs The Post Office: The Real Story. (Ma)

(Mav)

Racing. Supercars Championship. Bathurst 500. Day 2. Highlights.

3.30

6.00 Fishing Aust. (R) 6.30 ACA. (R) 7.00

Weekend Today. 10.00 GolfBarons. 11.00

To Be Advised. 12.00 Building Icons. 1.00

MOVIE: Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. (1988, PGal, R) 3.20 David Attenborough’s A Perfect Planet. (PG, R) 4.30 Explore TV.

5.00 9News First At Five.

5.30 RBT. (PGl, R)

6.00 Morning Programs. 10.00 Farm To Fork. (R) 10.30 Pooches At Play. (R) 11.00 Buy To Build. (R) 11.30 Healthy Homes. (R) 12.00

Australian Survivor. (PGl, R) 1.30 Cook With Luke. (R) 2.00 4x4 Adventures. (PGl) 3.00 Roads Less Travelled. 3.30 Farm To Fork. (R) 4.00 My Market Kitchen. (R) 4.30 GCBC. (R) 5.00 News.

6.30 The Sunday Project. A look at the day’s news.

7.30 Australian Survivor. A group of Australian castaways battles it out on the beaches of Samoa as they vie to become the sole survivor.

9.00 NCIS: Hawai’i. (Mv, R) When evidence is stolen, Lucy goes undercover at a poker tournament to find out which high roller is behind the crime. Lucy’s feelings are in turmoil when Whistler’s ex-girlfriend arrives in town.

11.00 The Sunday Project. (R) A look at the day’s news.

12.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mornings.

9GO! (83)

Great Migration. 7.25 Monochrome: Black, White And Blue. 8.30 MOVIE: Coextinction. (2021, M) 10.15 MOVIE: Desperately Seeking Susan. (1985, M) 12.05am Late Programs.

4.15

2.05 Daniel O Donnell: I Need You. (PG) 3.00 Mastermind Aust. (R)

The Cook

(R) 4.00 Every Family Has A Secret. (PGal, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! (R) 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

SBS MOVIES (32)

6am Morning Programs. 6.55 Sirocco. (1951, PG) 8.45 Whisky Galore. (2016, PG) 10.35 The Confirmation. (2016, M) 12.30pm Antoinette In The Cévennes. (2020, M, French) 2.20 The Ipcress File. (1965, PG) 4.20

This Beautiful Fantastic. (2016, PG) 6.00 Three Summers. (2019, PG, Portuguese) 7.50 A Stroke Of Luck. (2016, M, Spanish) 9.30 The Blonde One. (2019, MA15+, Spanish) 11.40 Late Programs.

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.10 Make Me A Dealer. (PG, R) 10.00 Hugh’s Wild West. (PG, R) 11.00

Food Markets: In The Belly Of The City. (PG, R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.15 The 2010s. (R) 3.05 Mastermind Aust. (R) 3.35 The Cook Up. (R)

6.00

6.00 Deal Or No Deal.

Hosted by Grant Denyer.

6.30 The Project. A look at the day’s news.

7.30 Australian Survivor.

Presented by Jonathan LaPaglia.

8.30 FBI: Most Wanted. (Mv, R) The team must determine if the kidnapping of a Chinese-American woman is a random hate crime or if she was specifically targeted. Jess and Sarah struggle with Tali’s continued rebellious streak.

11.30 The Project. (R)

12.30 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 1.30 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mornings.

SBS MOVIES (32)

6am This

Beautiful Fantastic. Continued. (2016, PG) 6.40

Three Summers. (2019, PG, Portuguese) 8.25 My Brilliant Career. (1979) 10.20 The Salvation. (2014, M) 12.05pm Breathless. (1960, M, French) 1.45

Sirocco. (1951, PG) 3.30 Whisky Galore. (2016, PG) 5.25 I Capture The Castle. (2003, PG) 7.30 Portrait Of A Lady On Fire. (2019, M, French) 9.45 Joyland. (2022, MA15+, Punjabi) 12.10am Late Programs.

7MATE (64)

9GO! (83)

NITV (34)

6.00 Deal Or No Deal.

Hosted by Grant Denyer.

6.30 The Project. A look at the day’s news.

7.30 Australian Survivor.

Presented by Jonathan LaPaglia.

9.00 NCIS. (Mav, R) The NCIS team discovers another person has been tracking the serial killer Gibbs was hunting.

10.00 NCIS: Los Angeles. (Mav, R) The team works on a cold case.

11.00 The Project. (R) A look at the day’s news.

12.00 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG)

1.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mornings.

7MATE (64)

9GO! (83)

NITV (34)

9.00 News. 10.00 Aust Story. (R)

10.30 Ask The Doctor. (PG, R) 11.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Whale With Steve Backshall. (R) 2.00 Parliament.

3.00 The Cook And The Chef. (R)

3.25 Tenable. (R)

4.15 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

5.15 Grand Designs. (PG, R)

6.00 WorldWatch.9.10 Make Me A Dealer. (R) 10.00 Hugh’s Wild West. (PG, R) 11.00 Food Markets: In The Belly Of The City. (R) 12.00

WorldWatch. 2.15 Life As A Marriage Migrant. (PG) 2.25 Mysteries Of The Sphinx. (PGa, R) 3.15

Mastermind Aust. (R) 3.45 The Cook Up. (R) 4.15

Secrets Of The Tower Of London. (PGa, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! (PG, R) 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R) 6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Scottish Islands With Ben Fogle. (PG) 8.40 The Matchmakers. (PG)

9.40 Kin. (MA15+lv)

10.35 SBS World News Late.

11.05 Blinded. (Mls)

12.00 The Wall: Cover Your Tracks. (Malsv)

3.20 Going Places With Ernie Dingo. (PG, R)

4.20 Bamay. (R)

4.50 Destination Flavour. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines

The World Tonight.

R) 12.55 Parliament.

1.55 Joanna Lumley’s Britain. (PG, R) 2.45 Tenable. (R) 3.30 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 4.30

SBS MOVIES (32)

6am Whisky

Galore. Continued. (2016, PG) 7.45 Monsieur Verdoux. (1947, PG) 10.00 A Stroke Of Luck. (2016, M, Spanish) 11.40 Commitment Hasan. (2021, M, Turkish) 2.20pm Three Summers. (2019, PG, Portuguese) 4.10 Swallows And Amazons. (2016, PG) 6.00 Princess Caraboo. (1994, PG) 7.50 Stage

Mother. (2020, M) 9.30 Jump, Darling. (2020, M) 11.10 Late Programs.

6.00 Morning Programs. 11.00

Food Markets: In The Belly Of The City. (R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.05 A Trans Illustrator’s Life In Indonesia. (PG)

2.15 Vietnam’s All-Female Deminers. (PG) 2.25 Search For Cleopatra. (R) 3.15 Mastermind Aust. (R) 3.45 The Cook Up. (PG, R) 4.15 Secrets Of The Tower Of London. (PGa, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! (R) 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 DNA Family Secrets. (PG)

8.40 Psychedelics: Stepping Into The Unknown – Australia Uncovered. (Mal) Explores psychedelic assisted therapy.

9.40 Culprits. (Final, Malv) Joe tries to lure Dianne into a trap.

10.50 SBS World News Late.

11.20 The Spectacular. (Malv)

12.20 My Brilliant Friend. (Mlsv, R)

4.35 Bamay. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00

SBS MOVIES (32)

6am Morning Programs. 6.50 Krull. (1983, PG) 9.00 I Capture The Castle. (2003, PG) 11.10 Portrait Of A Lady On Fire. (2019, M, French) 1.25pm The Man With The

Answers. (2021, M) 2.55 The Movie Show. 3.25

Monsieur Verdoux. (1947, PG) 5.40 Peggy Sue Got Married. (1986, PG) 7.35 Desperately Seeking Susan. (1985, M) 9.30 Benedetta. (2021, MA15+, French) 11.55 Late Programs.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Home And Away. (PG) Bree gives Remi an ultimatum.

7.30 The 1% Club. (PGl) Hosted by Jim Jefferies.

8.30 Mrs Brown’s Boys. (Ml) Christmas is fast approaching and Agnes is upset at having lost a rocking horse decoration.

10.00 The Latest: Seven News.

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7.30 The Dog House Australia. (PGa) Kelly meets a fluff ball named Jinglebells. 8.30 Gogglebox Australia. Opinionated viewers discuss TV shows.

9.30 Law & Order: SVU. (Mas, R) Benson tries to help a student.

10.30 Blue Bloods. (Mv, R) Erin faces disturbing accusations.

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By Mick BIRTLES

E longboarding in the Nambucca Valley got off to a great start last weekend with the Loggerheads Malibu Club having their first monthly club points score competition at Scotts Head.

With full sunshine and only a slight offshore breeze predicted, all the surfers needed was for Mother Ocean to produce rideable waves and she did not disappoint.

Word was out that surf conditions had been improving over the week so there were plenty of people in the water from the point and well into the bay.

In an attempt to give competitors a cleaner run, the Loggerheads set up their judging area on the Club Track Lookout and the heats initially q