Nambucca Valley News Of The Area 27 January 2023

By Mick BIRTLES

ON Wednesday 18 January the State Minister for Lands and Water, Kevin Anderson, paid a visit to Nambucca Heads to deliver some very welcome news.

The district's prolonged wet weather has caused instability in a number of locations in and around Nambucca Heads and the building that houses the Nambucca Heads Surf Life Saving Club has been under threat from land slippages immediately behind the structure. Now the future of Nambucca Heads Surf Life Saving Club building has been shored-up with

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

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

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

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

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

Bruce AULSEBROOK Sports Reporter 0412 648 506 bruce@newsofthearea.com.au

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

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Scotts Head case study highlighted as Greens fight

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40-page report titled ‘Concreting our CoastThe developer onslaught destroying our coastal villages and environment’, featuring case studies of planned developments along the length of the state’s coastline.

The report also highlights the success of the Scotts Head community’s efforts in pushing back against the planned Ingenia Lifestyles over 55s development in the village.

According to the report, the Ingenia development would have radically altered the area, clear-felling hectares of bushland and adding hundreds of elderly

residents to the local population, increasing the town size by at least 25 percent.

“With an existing shortage of medical services in Scotts Head, the plans would have put huge pressures on local infrastructure, and the single access road would have posed serious risks in the inevitable event of fire or flood,” the report stated.

In what Ms Faehrmann calls an example for communities all over the state, the community was galvanised in opposition to the developmentsharing tips on writing submissions, calling town hall meetings and holding community protests.

Eventually Ingenia decided not to pursue the development and withdrew their DA.

“Scotts Head is a great example of a group of people with a lot of skills and knowledge who were able to mobilise their community,” Ms

Faehrmann said.

“It is an exemplary example of what can happen when you come together determined not to let a development ruin such a beautiful part of the world.

“It is so clear that when the community realised what was at stake – they would come together to save it,” she said.

The report also highlighted the plight of South West Rocks, another small Mid North Coast community currently under threat from large scale development.

With a number of developments already underway in the town, Ms Faehrmann’s report focused on Lot 2 DP1091323 on Phillip Drive, South West Rocks, where developers plan to clear 4.8 hectares of wetland for a mixed-used residential development called ‘The Rocks’, including 30 townhouses, 26 apartments,

communal amenities, shops and cafés.

Consent was granted for an 180-unit tourist resort on this site in 1993.

Consent lapsed for this project in the mid to late 1990s but the developer, Rise Projects, has sought to begin construction on the DA since 2021 - challenging the lapsing of the DA in the Land and Environment Court.

In 2021 Kempsey Shire Council refused a construction certificate on the basis that the 1993 DA had lapsed.

The developers appealed in the Land and Environment Court, but in March 2022 the decision was upheld.

Rise Projects has now submitted a new DA for the site to Council.

The site is home to a population of threatened Wallum Froglets, as well as Eastern False Pipistrelle, Feathertail Glider, Sugar Glider and several threatened species of bat, including East Coast Freetail Bat, Little Bent-wing Bat, Large Bent-winged Bat and Greater Broad-nosed Bat.

Several hollow-bearing trees will also be

$250,000 promised to stabilise cliff behind Nambucca Heads SLSC

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a $250,000 investment from the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government to stabilise the cliff behind the clubhouse and prevent rocks and sludge from falling onto the building.

Member for Oxley

Melinda Pavey told News Of The Area, “Some soil had already slid down to the

building but installing a mesh on the cliff face will stop any more debris from coming loose.

“This $250,000 investment will ensure the community can continue enjoying Nambucca Heads Surf Life Saving Club in its beautiful natural location between a slope with its coastal ecology and the magnificent beach.

“The project will allow vegetation to grow back on the cliff face which will encourage bird life to return, increasing biodiversity in this important location.

“The club is an icon that is central to community life and when the Mid North Coast was heavily affected by floods and storms early last year, the community showed an incredible spirit in helping each other pull through.

“This project, managed by Nambucca Valley Council and funded by the NSW Government, will protect an important facility and strengthen the social fabric.”

While visiting the Nambucca Heads Surf Life Saving Club, Minister for Lands and Water

Kevin Anderson said, “There is currently a shortage of available contractors and supplies but the project will be completed by June 2024.

“This investment was one of 45 projects to NSW councils funded from $9.81 million to clean-up, repair and recover Crown land after flooding.”

“We are helping communities get back on their feet after terrible flood and storm events in February and March 2022 that left many areas declared natural disaster zones.”

Drag Queen Drag Queen Drag Queen

‘unchecked’ and ‘unsuitable’ development

cleared if the development goes ahead.

Given the site is a low-lying wetland and floodway, locals are concerned that the need to bring in fill to reach the required height for development is likely to place further pressure on an already overburdened water table, pushing water into existing residences.

According to the report, there are also concerns that groundwater could be contaminated by Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) from the nearby decommissioned Caltex fuel terminal, as detections have been made nearby.

Ms Faehrmann visited the site in July 2022, and said she was devastated by the developer’s plans, describing the potential clearing of wetlands in this fashion “criminal”.

“I feel so distressed about what is happening at South West Rocks and feel so sorry for the community there.

“They are witnessing the destruction of the most beautiful area.

“What is happening to the town is an absolute disgrace.

“I just cannot fathom that anyone at any level, from local government, planning panels or the State Government, can consent in this day and age to wetlands being cleared for development.”

Ms Feahrmann said she hopes to return to South West Rocks in the coming weeks to meet with the

community again.

How widespread is the problem?

Having met with coastal communities from Tura Beach on the far south coast to Kingscliff in the Tweed, Ms Faehrmann said everywhere she visited “inappropriate and unsustainable developments are being considered by councils and Regional Planning Panels”.

“I did the Far South Coast and the Shoalhaven region where there is a lot of pressure.

“I did the Mid North Coast, towns like South West Rocks, Scotts Head, Coffs Harbour and Red Rock, and I did Yamba and the Kingscliff area,” she said.

“I haven’t managed to visit every site impacted by development yet, because every time I do something on it, more individuals and community groups contact me with something happening in their area.”

What is a Zombie DA?

A major focus of Faehrmann’s report focuses on ‘Zombie’ DAs, a term which describes developments which were granted approvals decades ago.

Large numbers of these DAs, now in some cases 30 or 40 years old, have been acted upon in NSW in the past several years.

Under current planning laws, development consents lapse after five years if works have not begun on the site.

However, until recently an approval could be kept alive indefinitely by completing minor

works.

Development approvals granted before the laws were changed still remain valid, which means approvals as far back as the seventies, eighties and nineties can still be activated and developed.

“A key factor behind the report being produced was highlighting that ‘Zombie DAs’ were assessed sometimes in the eighties or the nineties, and as such were approved decades ago,” she said.

The Greens are calling for a moratorium of development in sensitive coastal areas and a modern assessment of all Zombie DAs.

“Find the development applications that were assessed decades ago, and have them assessed under contemporary, modern day environmental and cultural heritage assessment laws,” she said.

Ms Faehrmann expressed concerns that even when Zombie DAs are assessed against contemporary cultural and environmental planning laws, they are assessed individually, failing to address the impacts of approving multiple new development projects in one area.

Impacts on community, infrastructure, wildlife and habitat

Throughout the report, Ms Faehrmann stresses the negative impact coastal development approvals can have on habitats for native wildlife.

“The reason these species are threatened is that their habitat keeps getting destroyed.

“It’s death by a thousand cuts for them,” she said.

“Think about what we have experienced over the past three years as a state in terms of climate risks.

“How can we say that because this block of land was approved in 1993 that we have to sit back and we can’t do anything to stop the clearing of sensitive bushland in 2023.

“We know so much more about climate risk and extinction, and we now have the data to show these threatened species are on the brink.”

Feahrmann also addresses the pressure large scale development in small coastal communities can place on an area’s infrastructure and key services.

“These small coastal villages are often being asked to take on hundreds if not thousands of new houses.

“So many of these towns have been struggling with services.”

In particular, Faehrmann raises the issue of access to health care services if resident numbers rise sharply in a small community.

“If they (small towns) are lucky enough to have a GP or two, their books are often closed.

“It is very difficult to provide health services for an ageing population and some of these proposed developments are also for seniors living.”

How did we get here?

Ms Faehrmann describes the current “litany of unsustainable and inappropriate developments right along the NSW coast” as a “massive failure of the planning system and the State Government to ignore the issue and allow developers to get away with this”.

She said NSW was crying out for appropriate housing in appropriate locations, and that planning must be led by community need, not developer greed.

“All of the decisions are being made in the interests of developers,” she said.

“Developers come forward and say ‘I have this block of land and I want to build here’ as opposed to sticking to a strategy that makes sure we conserve what’s left and we build affordable housing, social housing and housing that is actually needed, not just more holiday accommodation.

“The State Government needs to show leadership here, making sure decisions being made around development are being made alongside regional strategy.

“I don’t think that is the case at the moment.”

Communities push back

All along the NSW coast, communities are banding together to push back against the tide of ‘unsuitable’ development applications targeting their towns.

More than 25 local community groups, many which formed to fight these developments, have signed onto a set of Framework Principles to ‘Save our Coast’.

“I have coordinated a couple of Zoom meetings where community groups from across the state have jumped on,” said Ms Faehrmann.

“This involves sharing strategy, and groups where people can share stories and tactics, or what people are doing well.

“It is a way of skill building and empowering communities to have their voices heard,” she said.

“The decisions that are made in the next twelve to 24 months will determine whether we still have the beautiful NSW coast as we have now, or how much of it will be lost.”

q Terry Flanagan, Community and Environmental Program Manager Coffs Harbour, Cate Faehrmann, NSW Greens MLC and Cr Arthur Bain, Kempsey Shire Council at the site of a Zombie DA in South West Rocks Ms Faehrmann visited in July 2022 as part of her development fact-finding trip.

q The wetlands at risk from development at Lot 2, Phillip Drive, South West Rocks.

Contact

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The Queen Of Drag returns to Nambucca Heads

THE last time Melbourne’s leading drag queen, Abril LaTrene, came to town she helped raise thousands of dollars in support of the Wildlife Information and Rescue and Education Service (WIRES MNC) with a sell out night of Drag Queen Bingo.

No sooner had she put away her feather boa, she is coming back, this time to the Nambucca Heads RSL Club for a Drag Queen Bingo fundraiser event in support of Nambucca Valley Cancer Support and the Nambucca Valley Breast Cancer Unit.

Get ready for an unforgettable night of glitz, glamour, and game-winning fun on Saturday 28 January.

Don't miss out on this one-of-a-kind event.

Abril LaTrene told News Of The Area, “I am swapping out the signature blue rinse for a pink doo for this spectacular fundraising event and excited to check out what I am told is the best view in Nambucca Heads.

Some

Not only will you be able to enjoy a night of Bingo, song and dance with your friends, but you'll also be supporting a great cause.

Cancer is a disease that affects many families in our community.

Nambucca Valley Cancer support group along with the Breast Cancer Unit is dedicated to providing the best possible care for those affected by this disease.

Your support will help fund important research and provide vital resources for patients and their families.

For just $30 you will have the chance to win some amazing prizes while getting to experience the electrifying performances of Abril LaTrene.

There will be a prize for the best dressed, so make sure to come in your most fabulous outfit and be greeted at the door with a complimentary glass of bubbles.

“Get your tickets now and come out for a night of laughter, charity, and fabulous fun and your support will make a real difference in the lives of the people in our community affected by cancer.”

Doors open at the Nambucca Heads RSL Club auditorium from 6:00 pm and showtime is 7:30 pm so plenty of time to come and have dinner and some cocktails before the show.

Tickets are available at the club reception for $30 each and bookings advised so we can allocate you a table.

q Melbourne’s most popular Drag Queen, Abril LaTrene, is coming back to Nambucca Heads to help raise funds for Nambucca Valley Cancer Support and the Nambucca Valley Breast Cancer Unit.

QUOTATION TENDER SF3318 STRUCTURAL & ROOF REPAIRS – UTUNGUN HALL, UTUNGUN

The scope of works will include the structural bracing of the main hall and replacing the truss and roof in the Supper Room and Front Foyer. Utungun Hall, 1029 Taylors Arm Road, Utungun, NSW 2447.

Interested parties are required to register via the Vendor Panel portal www. vendorpanel.com/platform/suppliers, download documents and submit tenders electronically. If you are having difficulties, please contact Vendor Panel on 03 9095 6181 or support@vendorpanel.com.au

Closing Date and Time: 2.00 pm on Thursday, 10 March 2023. Electronic submissions only will be accepted via the Vendor Panel portal. Council will not accept hard copy submissions for this Tender.

ENQUIRIES TO: Damian Leahy – Technical Officer Assets 02 6568 0235.

TENDER NO. T001/2023 – DESIGN, SUPPLY & INSTALLATION OF LED SPORTS LIGHTING –E.J. BIFFIN OVAL, NAMBUCCA HEADS

The scope of works will include the removal of the old lighting system, design, engineering, supply, installation, testing, commissioning, performance testing and warranty of the Sports Lighting System for the AFL & Athletic field at E.J. Biffin Oval, Lot 223, DP1210269, Fred Brain Avenue Nambucca Heads NSW 2448.

The Sports Lighting System will consist of all-new LED luminaries and poles. The number of luminaries and poles depends on the lighting equipment chosen to meet the specifications. The preferred lighting system shall be energy-efficient and costeffective to reduce the operating budget.

Interested parties are required to register via the Vendor Panel portal www. vendorpanel.com/platform/suppliers, download documents and submit tenders electronically. If you are having difficulties, please contact Vendor Panel on 03 9095 6181 or support@vendorpanel.com.au

Closing Date and Time: 2.00 pm on Thursday 23 February 2023. Electronic submissions only will be accepted via the Vendor Panel portal. Council will not accept hard copy submissions for this Tender.

ENQUIRIES TO: Damian Leahy – Technical Officer Assets 02 6568 0235.

Labor commit to creation of Great Koala National Park

Plan 2022-2032 and commit to the goal of no new extinctions.

By Andrew VIVIAN

CONSERVATIONISTS have been buoyed by a NSW Labor party announcement that, if elected in the upcoming State election, it will create a Great Koala National Park on the Mid North Coast, stretching from Kempsey to Coffs Harbour.

Penny Sharpe, the Leader of the Opposition in the NSW Legislative Council and the Shadow Minister for the Environment and for Heritage, visited Coffs Harbour last Friday to announce Labor’s plans.

The announcement was made in the Botanic Gardens, and fortuitously, a koala was present high up in a tree to witness it.

The Great Koala National Park is a major part of Labor’s overall strategy to preserve koalas in the wild.

Other aspects of the plan include completing the National Parks and Wildlife Service National Parks Establishment Plan to identify key habitat and wildlife corridors and expand protected areas and convening a koala summit to review and refocus the NSW Koala Strategy to provide a recovery plan for koala populations across NSW.

Labor will also initiate a statutory review of the Biodiversity Conservation Act to strengthen environmental protections, prevent illegal land clearing, and improve the biodiversity offset scheme.

They party says it will work cooperatively with landowners (public, First Nations, councils, farmers and other private land holders) to develop ways to protect key habitat through partnerships and investment on all types of land and with the Commonwealth Government to meet the objectives of the Threatened Species Action

“The decisions we make will decide whether koalas survive or not,” said Ms Sharpe.

She said it is not a political issue because koalas are an iconic species that we all love.

The President of the National Parks Association of NSW (NPA), Grahame Douglas said, “We are delighted to see that a Minns Labor government will commit $80m to commence the process of making the Great Koala National Park a reality.

“The NPA has been campaigning alongside regional community conservation groups for many years to see the protection of critical koala habitat in public native forests on the Mid North Coast.”

The NPA’s Great Koala National Park campaign coordinator, Paula Flack, said that after years of tireless community campaigning “our volunteers are hopeful that

NSW koalas may finally have a chance of survival”.

“Koala numbers in NSW plummeted by more than half between 2000 and 2020 due to logging, land clearing, drought and devastating bushfires.

“The remaining koalas need trees to survive and the best way to save koalas is to save their habitat,” Ms Flack said.

The NPA says the Great Koala National Park will also provide significant economic

Call to join Advisory Group

By Andrea FERRARI

THE Mid North Coast Local Health District (MNCLHD) invites residents to join the Mental Health, Alcohol and Other Drugs Consumer Advisory Group.

The Consumer Advisory Group, which was established in 2016, provides an opportunity for people with a lived experience of mental illness, alcohol and/or other drugs to co-design services with MNCLHD.

Mental Health Consumer Partnership Coordinator Nicholas Kosseris said consumers, carers and community members play an

important role contributing to the development, planning and evaluation of Mental Health, Alcohol and Other Drugs services.

“Many people who develop substance use disorders are also diagnosed with mental health conditions so it’s important for us to address these together,” Nicholas told News Of The Area.

“Membership of the consumer advisory group gives people the opportunity to draw on their past experience and turn it into a positive to make change for the service and other people.”

Members of the Consumer Advisory Group have the opportunity to be involved in the decision-making processes of the Mental Health, Alcohol and Other Drugs services and

are able to provide feedback directly to management.

“Applications are encouraged from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander

people, those from culturally diverse backgrounds, people with disabilities and all age groups, especially young people.”

benefits to the region through direct and indirect jobs in park establishment and maintenance and tourism, citing an independent economic study that found the park would create over 9,000 new jobs.

However, Ms Flack said there needs to be an immediate moratorium on logging in native forests.

Convener for the Coffs Harbour Greens, Tim Nott, agrees.

“While any movement

Anyone interested in joining the Mental Health Alcohol and Other Drugs

Consumer Advisory Group is encouraged to apply by Thursday 30 January 2023.

The group meets every two months (six meetings a

to save the Koala is supported, high intensity logging of public forests in the Great Koala National Park area are double previous clearing rates,” Mr Nott said.

“I implore Labor to show courage and place a stop on all native forestry logging activities in the Great Koala National Park if elected.”

Ms Sharpe said the Great Koala National Park will not only be a great outcome for koalas but also for Coffs Harbour, particularly in terms of tourism.

She stressed that Labor will work with the community, including Gumbaynggirr people, and that the process has to include an economic review of the timber industry.

“We are trying to build a coalition to save koalas and hope that the Liberals and the Nationals will work with us,” she said.

“Are we going to be able to save koalas or are we only able to see them in a zoo?”

year) at Coffs Harbour Health Campus.

For more information, or to request an application form, contact Nicholas Kosseris by email on Nicholas.Kosseris@ health.nsw.gov.au or phone 6589 2585.

q Penny Sharpe, Shadow Minister for the Environment and Heritage and Labor state election candidate for Coffs Harbour, Tony Judge, announce Labor’s plans to save koalas.

q Members of the Consumer Advisory Group have the opportunity to be involved in the decision-making processes of the Mental Health, Alcohol and Other Drugs services.

Stuarts Point Tennis Club to be upgraded

By Jen HETHERINGTON

ON Wednesday 18 January, residents and interested bodies converged on the prominently located Tennis Court site in Stuarts Point to meet with Kevin Anderson, Minister for Lands and Water, to discuss the provision of more than $163,000 to upgrade the Stuarts Point Tennis Club, including the building of a new club house.

Though there is currently no functioning ‘Tennis Club’, the courts are still able to be booked via the Community Hall Committee and keys and equipment accessed from the adjacent Friendly Grocer Shop during their trading hours, which are 7.30am to 6.30pm daily and 8am to 5pm on Sundays.

The outgoing Member for Oxley, Melinda Pavey, also attended, promoting the upgrade to the recreational precinct while also seeking feedback.

"This funding is being allocated to remove the dilapidated Stuarts

$2499

q Kempsey Council General Manager, Craig Milburn, Member for Oxley Melinda Pavey and Minister for Lands and Water Kevin Anderson at the announcement of the upgrade of Stuarts Point Tennis Club.

Point Tennis Court Clubhouse, build a new purpose-built clubhouse, and install LED court lighting to provide residents and visitors with a quality facility,” Mrs Pavey said.

The current clubhouse facilities have fallen into disrepair, especially since the flooding event in 2021, rendering the facility inaccessible.

The press release issued by the office of Minister Anderson promised that the planned upgrade will include accessible toilets, a viewing deck and improved stormwater drainage.

The last factor regarding improved drainage was hotly discussed amongst all in attendance.

Previous tennis club member Cherry Bambling said, “A lot of members have gone too far away from their date of birth, negating participation”, a significant observation on our aging population, though occasional activity on the courts can be witnessed along with the antics of nesting plovers (Masked Lapwing).

q Nesting plovers on the court.

q Member for Oxley Melinda Pavey and Nationals state election candidate for the electorate, Michael Kemp, enjoying a spot of tennis on the Stuarts Point courts.

Learn good mental health practices

By Andrea FERRARI

THREE free Mental Fitness and Wellbeing workshops are being offered in Macksville, Bowraville and Nambucca, put on by local notfor-profit CHESS Connect.

The free workshops are open to those living and working in the Nambucca Valley who want to learn more about good mental health practice, how to manage stress and set intentions for wellbeing.

The inclusive and collaborative

workshops are delivered by accredited trainers and Allied Health practitioners from the CHESS Connect team, Jen Hill and Nicole Holland.

Workshop co-facilitator and Bowraville local Jen Hill recognises

q A recent Mental Fitness and Wellbeing community workshop on the Mid North Coast.

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the need for education and information sharing within the Nambucca Valley community.

“There’s a feeling that sometimes the Valley gets left out of the bigger picture of regional mental health supports,” said Jen.

“We’ve been through a lot as a community.

“First, we had the bushfires then COVID and the floods – there’s a lot of people out there who have been affected either directly or indirectly.

“It’s been particularly tough for community services and businesses who have kept delivering services to locals.

“These workshops are a way for us to give back, share our knowledge and provide a toolbox to support positive mental health practice in the Valley,” she said.

Over morning tea locals will learn about: how stress presents and mechanisms for coping, activities to shift mindset and motivation, practical techniques and goal setting for self-care, mindfulness, and wellness, mental

health stigmas and how to advocate for yourself and others.

They will also be given details about local and national health supports.

The free workshops are held from 9am – 12pm with morning tea included.

Call 1800 899 017 to reserve your space at one of the three sessions.

Macksville Senior Citizens Hall, Wednesday 8 February

Bowraville Pioneer Community Centre, Thursday 9 February

Nambucca Senior Citizens Hall, Thursday 16 February

The workshops were made available through generous grant funding from AusPost Community Grants Program.

www.nambucca.nsw.gov.au

DEVELOPMENT PROPOSAL

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

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that development applications have been received by Nambucca Valley Council.

The proposed developments are defined as “Integrated Development” under Section 4.46 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 “as a Controlled Activity Approval from DPE Water under the Water Management Act 2000 is required” and “approval is required from DPI Fisheries under the Fisheries Management Act 1994”.

Applicant: Mr R C Phillips

DA/File Nos: DA 2023/002 & DA 2023/005

Property Description: Lot 1 DP 1141485 & Lot 15 DP 710004, 11a Albert Drive, Donnellyville

Proposal: Two single span bridges across Williamsons Creek

Consent Authority: NAMBUCCA VALLEY COUNCIL

The development applications may be inspected at Council’s Administration Centre, Princess Street, Macksville, during office hours being 8.30 am to 4.00 pm weekdays from 28 January 2023 until 27 February 2023. Documents relating to the proposal may also be viewed at www.nambucca.nsw.gov.au – DAs Online. Please note that when searching for a DA in DAs Online the application number is entered first, then the year, eg DA 2015/072 would be entered as 72/2015.

Any person may make written submissions or objections in respect of the proposal which should be lodged with the undersigned no later than 27 February 2023. 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. For further information regards this proposal, please contact Michael Coulter on 6568 0260. PO BOX 177, MACKSVILLE NSW 2447, (02) 6568.2555, www.nambucca.nsw.gov.au

q Mental Fitness and Wellbeing workshops are being held by CHESS Connect across the Nambucca Valley.

Caring for wildlife and each other

By Mick BIRTLES

LAST Saturday there was a get-together with a difference when local licensed wildlife volunteers from Wildlife Information Rescue and Education Service NSW, Mid North Coast (WIRES MNC) met at the Botanical Gardens, Coffs Harbour.

WIRES MNC members came from all parts of the Mid North Coast, converging on Coffs Harbour in support of our wildlife and in support of each other.

In the life of a wildlife rescuer and carer it can sometimes be difficult to find time for them to personally meet other carers.

With most of their contact usually over the telephone or social media, due to the large distance volunteers cover over the Mid North Coast region and time taken with the ongoing rescuing and caring for sick, injured and orphaned native animals the get-together offered a rare opportunity to

speak face-to-face.

Wildlife carers are a unique group, their compassion and dedication to our native wildlife is without doubt remarkable, answering the call to help wildlife at any time.

These rescuers and carers know the highs and lows that each other experience and they are actively devoted to the future of our wildlife.

At the get-together there was lots of purposeful discussion and information

provided, including sharing of rescue and care equipment.

Some volunteers had queries from the more experienced carers on hand however the day was mostly a gathering of support, friendship and connection.

Trees please: Exploring the nature of eco-anxiety

By Andrea FERRARI

ECO-ANXIETY is a term coined to explain the fear that with the direction the planet is going in, everything is doomed and there’s nothing we can do about it - and people on the Coffs Coast are feeling it.

Bellingen-based OzGREEN’s CEO Anton Juodvalkis told News Of The Area, “People are beginning to experience not just ecoanxiety, but also eco-trauma.

“Uncertainty, unpredictability, and uncontrollability appear to contribute to eco-anxiety.

“It’s therefore essential that we have programs in place to transition people from despair and overwhelm to positions where they feel inspired and motivated.

“When people feel

empowered and supported, they are able to take positive action to address their environmental fears and concerns.”

OzGREEN is working closely with local psychologist Lisa Brown, who has a strong interest in eco-anxiety.

A recent collaboration can

be seen at www.ozgreen.org/ livingwell_valla.

Scientists and psychologists say it's a natural response to the overwhelming amount of evidence we have about the negative impacts of human activity on the earth and its ecosystems.

NOTA spoke with Southern Cross University (SCU) lecturer Dr Eric Brymer, whose research for over twenty years has focused on the humanenvironment relationship and the impact of this relationship on performance, health and wellbeing.

Research shows there are direct and indirect effects on a person’s mental health from what happens in the environment; whether it be from extreme weather events or the deliberate cutting down of a tree or destruction of a rainforest.

“There’s eco-grief and eco-anxiety and both are really impactful on people’s mental health,” Dr Brymer told NOTA.

“Mental health interventions today are designed to help the individual and to make the individual more resilient and to help them think differently.”

But those interventions don’t always work when it comes to the environment.

“We need a better understanding of the effect the environment has on human mental health.

“We need to be looking at designing environments that are conducive to human experience and support the human experience,” he said.

“Things become worse when the organisations who should be supporting our mental health as a society, such as the government

WIRES MNC President

Jody Shone told News Of The Area, “It was great to see new members stepping up to care for our local wildlife and being supported by experienced carers demonstrating that we have a strong base for

looking after Mid North Coast Wildlife.”

Rescues are reported to the WIRES Rescue Office (1300 094 747) from across NSW which operates 24/7 everyday of the year.

Details are then sent to the nearest volunteers who accept and facilitate the rescue.

Are you interested in becoming a wildlife rescuer, you can visit wires.org.au for information on the role and the training required.

First you will need to complete training online and then attend a one day face to face course.

Once you have completed the online training component, you can then enroll for the RICC Rescue and Immediate Care Course.

The next scheduled RICC will be held on Saturday, 4 March 2023 in Coffs Harbour, so get started today on your online training.

For more information visit wires.org.au.

and government bodies, are actually creating more of a problem.

“The organisations which are taking the trees down and destroying biodiversity don’t take into consideration what it’s doing to individuals’ mental health.

“People are coming from the place of ‘I love this area, this is where I grew up, and now you’re destroying it’.”

Dr Brymer said the organisations are completely missing the point and passing it back to the individual to become more resilient.

“People aren’t stupid, they know organisations are green washing, saying they are doing one thing with their left hand and getting us to focus on that, while their right hand does something completely opposing that.”

Dr Rymer goes on to say that the way we understand quality society at the moment is enormously flawed.

“We’re doing well as a country if our economy is doing well,” he said.

However, there are places in the world where they are starting to do things differently, such as Wales, Bhutan and New Zealand.

“In Wales for example there are policies in place that whatever happens has to be for the benefit/wellbeing of future generations’ societyie the ‘Well-being of Future Generations Act (Wales) 2015’.

“So when a road is going into planning, they have to look

at what its impact is on future generations.

“If they find that future generations are going to be worse off because of that road construction then that road doesn’t happen, they have to develop another plan.

“What politicians miss is we are not economic animals, we are about living in harmony.

“It’s about realising we are the natural world and whatever (destruction) we do, we are doing it to ourselves.”

Society has started to make fun of young people who are voicing their eco grief.

“Young people are one of the groups who are seriously suffering eco-anxiety and if we don’t start listening to them, we’re going to create a world that they are fearing.”

A challenge for protesters is that they are often not welcome to speak out and get shut down at presentations.

“Activists for preserving and protecting nature are treated as terrorists, but maybe we should be listening to them more,” said Dr Brymer.

“If the government and organisations took the environment seriously, they would see a lot of evidence of positive impacts, such as the wellbeing effects of being around trees and in the natural world.

“They wouldn’t want to be knocking them down,” he said.

The Doctors for the Environment group provides more information, for details visit www.facebook.com/ DocsEnvAus/.

“The men in green will keep you clean”

q (L-R) WIRES MNC Members at Coffs Harbour on Saturday were Neil Lindsay, Cheryl Malcolm, Arati Lindsay, Jennie Simmons, Amy Briggenshaw, Tina Birtles, Andrew Cox, Jody Shone, Rebecca Brauer, Fiona Kealy, Zaiga Diest, Lily Lucic, Kim Farlow, Bec Filet, Lara Reading, Frank Chadwick, Maree Law and Maddy Moore.

q An orphaned brushtail possum is bottle fed a special formula by a trained WIRES Carer.

q OzGREEN’s CEO Anton Juodvalkis piloting a Hollows for Habitat program, a personal action that resulted from his concerns that significant hollow habitat had been lost following the 2019/2020 bushfires.

THE NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has released its first Climate Change Policy and Action Plan 2023-26, outlining a set of actions that aim to help NSW reach net-zero emissions by 2050.

NSW EPA Chief Executive Officer Tony Chappel said the plan provides a roadmap for how the state’s environmental regulator will address the causes and consequences of climate change.

“This plan means for the first time in Australia, there will be a comprehensive approach around emissions reduction pathways,” Mr Chappel said.

“Using our robust framework, we will treat greenhouse gas emissions like any other pollutant that we regulate and by doing so, support the decarbonisation, transformation and growth of the NSW economy.”

Mr Chappel said all parts of NSW are already feeling the very real, costly and devastating impacts of climate change.

“From unprecedented fires through to recent extensive flood events

across regional NSW, each of these disasters is a sobering reminder of the escalating consequences of rising greenhouse emissions.

“We must improve our resilience to the impacts of climate change and this plan will see significant work led by the EPA to achieve this.”

As it operationalises climate policy across the economy, the EPA will establish advisory groups for various industry sectors to help inform and co-design actions and subsequent targets.

Mr Chappel said the organisation would not take a ‘one size fits all’ approach to setting targets because no two industries are the same, nor are the climate challenges they face.

“Our focus is on enabling and supporting best practice and building collaborative processes which ensure any actions taken by the EPA are meaningful, feasible and cost-effective,” Mr Chappel said.

“To seriously combat climate change, we cannot do it alone and these groups will provide valuable information on gaps, risks and the

TAFE NSW offers fee free chemical course

By Andrea FERRARI

PRIMARY industries, parks and gardens workers on the Mid North Coast are being offered the opportunity to renew a compulsory licence, online and at no cost, allowing them to use chemicals on their property, through TAFE NSW.

TAFE NSW has recently made its Statement of Attainment in Agricultural Chemical Skill Set fee-free to eligible locals, including farmers and any other worker with a requirement to use pesticides and herbicides on the job.

The course, which normally costs $350 to study at TAFE NSW, includes two units of study: transporting and storing chemicals, and preparing to apply chemicals to control pests, weeds and diseases.

Former TAFE student and now a farmer, Johnno Gilbert, 31, enrolled on the

opportunities that need to be solved or considered.

“They’ll also help NSW capture the immense opportunities that come with a net-zero economy, such as growth in hydrogen, green steel and metals, green ammonia, clean energy, the circular economy and regenerative agriculture.

“The EPA is committed to supporting industry, business, our regulatory partners and the community in transitioning to a more sustainable and prosperous future.”

For the first time, the Action Plan treats carbon dioxide as a deadly pollutant that must be regulated.

The EPA will establish a more accurate database for carbon pollution that must be considered before granting licences and developments permission to emit carbon.

This is the first time that the Government has adopted a policy to address fossil fuel industry carbon emissions.

Greens MP and spokesperson for the climate, Sue Higginson, said, “This move by the EPA is well overdue and experts have been calling for this

recognition of carbon dioxide as a deadly pollutant for decades.

“Communities that have been devastated by the climate induced black summer fires and recent floods have finally managed to drag the Government to recognise the dangers of reckless carbon emissions.”

Ms Higginson said the plan lacks the regulation and compliance powers required to “get the worst carbon polluters brought under control”.

“This will mean that the worst polluters in the state will still only be under voluntary requirements to pursue reductions of their deadly carbon pollution.

“Voluntary reductions are a high-risk strategy when we consider the cost that climate change is already having, let alone the catastrophic future that fossil fuels are creating.

“Coal and gas companies cannot be trusted to voluntarily pursue low emission profits and communities will continue to pay the price through climate induced extreme weather events.”

While heralding the plan as a step in the right direction, Ms Higginson said the NSW Government is still failing to “acknowledge the

deadly serious nature of carbon emissions”.

NSW EPA releases first Climate Change Policy and Action Plan

“We need a strong, mandatory system that punishes carbon polluters for the damage that their emissions create,” she said.

“We need caps brought in for carbon emissions and a guarantee that no increases for carbon pollution will be licensed, these emissions are killing people and we need to recognise that.”

Farmers for Climate Action, an organisation with a network of more than 2900 farmers across NSW, has welcomed the release of the plan.

In particular, that the NSW EPA will more deeply consider climate change when it provides approvals and advice on planning matters.

Spokesperson Peter Holding, a third-generation farmer from the southwest slopes of NSW, said considering climate change impacts when planning made perfect sense.

"The farmers who grow Australia's food are being smashed by repeat flooding, fires and drought being made worse by climate change," Mr Holding said.

"Insurance mostly does not cover events such as floods and is steadily

becoming unaffordable.

“It makes sense to consider this reality when assessing projects which could contribute to making this worse.

“It also makes sense to have the most polluting businesses reduce their emissions.

"The disasters we're now seeing are unnatural because they are largely man-made."

Mr Holding said regional Australia was already becoming the biggest beneficiary from emissions reduction.

"Huge renewable energy projects are delivering thousands of jobs to regional Australia, with tens of thousands more in the pipeline.

“Community benefits funds from these projects can breathe new life into towns with upgrades to local facilities.

“We are already seeing battery manufacturing companies setting up in regional areas.

"Farmers will also receive vital income during drought from carbon credits, and this is a huge positive for farmers if the market is properly executed,” he said.

The final EPA Climate Change Policy and Action Plan are available here.

SPORT

Agricultural Chemical Skill Set course through a thirst for more knowledge about safe handling of pesticides and a need to be certified to use chemicals.

“Pesticides and herbicides are such an important part of farming and it’s crucial we have an understanding of how to use them responsibly,”

Johnno Gilbert told News Of The Area.

“The TAFE NSW course was so informative and I feel better empowered to manage my crops now.”

According to a report by Deloitte, almost 70 percent of crops grown in Australia are attributed to pesticides with farmers required to renew their licence to use chemicals every five years.

TAFE NSW primary industries teacher Kelly Upton said the fee-free course applied to a number of different professions in the community.

“There are literally thousands of workers in the primary industries sector that need this licence, and

q TAFE NSW is offering local farmers and other land managers an opportunity to update a compulsory chemical licence for free.

Disaster planning in Urunga

By Andrea FERRARI

THE one-day Urunga Disaster Planning event took place late last year and attracted a good turnout of locals.

The session was held in conjunction with the Neighbourhood Care Network and other local emergency services.

The Australian Red Cross Bellingen/Urunga Emergency Team volunteers were out in force manning a stand to give advice to the people of Urunga.

They shared principles and practices of preparedness and showed some of the many resources available from the Red Cross.

Speakers from each of the emergency groups gave more advice and tips and answered the many questions from

attendees.

“The Australian Red Cross Bellingen/Urunga Emergency Team volunteers were invited to join the event and set up a stand to hand out copies of the excellent REDiPlan booklet produced by Red Cross as well as lots of the resources that the organisation can offer to give support in so many ways,” Red Cross Volunteer Team Leader Angela Slater told News Of The Area.

The Urunga Disaster Planning session was instigated by Kerry Pearse and her colleagues who started the Bellingen Neighbourhood Network (BNN) with support from the Bellingen Shire Council.

“This (the BNN) is about neighbours helping neighbours and is a very

Giving up the grog

By Andrea FERRARI

THOUSANDS of Australians say they are giving up the grog this year, according to new research.

The Finder survey of 1,085 respondents revealed two percent of Australians, equivalent to over 400,000 people, plan to stop drinking alcohol in 2023.

More than half of those are millennials (237,662 people) – with those aged 25-40 most inclined to ditch the booze.

Doing the sums, that means the average Aussie could save over $1,971 a year by abstaining from alcohol, roughly $38 a week.

Rebecca Pike, money expert at Finder, said there was a growing number of ‘sober curious’ Aussies.

“Drinking excessively can lead to health problems, as well as increasing the risk of

alcohol related injury.”

With more people realising when they don’t drink alcohol they remember more, cause less chaos, don’t lose their wages in one hit and no-longer experience a host of alcoholrelated health problems,

q A Finder survey has revealed thousands plan to give up alcohol in January and keep it going all year long which would be a win for health and hip pockets.

successful way of sending SMS alerts to pass on practical help during and between emergencies.

“During the pandemic this was an invaluable source of information and advice to over 2,000 people who had registered.

“As this had worked so well, it was an opportunity to encourage the residents of Urunga and surrounds to come along to an information session and become aware of this free service and register in their area,” said Angela.

“The whole session was well received and as far as Red Cross was concerned, it was a successful few hours and good to have a presence to remind people of the role Red Cross has in the community,” she said.

organisations are coming up with supportive alcohol-free opportunities such as Dry July, Sober October and Dry January to kick off the year.

“Dry January, or the practice of abstaining from alcohol during the first month of the year, has gained popularity as a potential way to overhaul one’s relationship

q Australian Red Cross Bellingen/ Urunga Emergency Team volunteers. (Back row) John Slater, (Front row) Di Hood, Angela Slater, Erik Rau, Red Cross staff member, and Adrian Lipscomb.

with alcohol,” said Rebecca.

“Even if you missed out on the start of Dry January, it's never too late to kickstart your journey into not drinking.

“Many plan to keep it going all year long which would be a win for health and hip pockets.”

Consumption of zero percent alcohol beverages is also on the rise, with bottle

shops and venues stocking a growing range, and many mainstream brands releasing no-alcohol versions of their popular beer, wines and spirits.

Market research from Mordor Intelligence estimates that the global non-alcoholic beer market is estimated to be worth around $25 billion by 2025.

Pike said drinking was a huge part of Australian culture.

“Alcohol often plays a central role in social gatherings and events, making it difficult for those who choose not to drink to feel included.

“It’s great that people don’t have to feel like they are being excluded by choosing not to drink," Pike said.

Millions of Aussies have a toxic relationship with alcohol, especially those born here*.

In the past financial year, one in four Australians older than eighteen exceeded the Australian Adult Alcohol Guideline in 2020-21 (25.8

percent), according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

Those born in Australia were almost twice as likely as those born overseas to exceed the guideline (30 percent compared to 17.3 percent).

Finder’s research found more men (three percent) plan to quit drinking than women this year (one percent).

The Australian guidelines for adults for low-risk alcohol consumption recommends that adults should drink no more than two standard drinks on any day to reduce the lifetime risk of harm from alcohol-related disease or injury.

The guidelines also recommend that adults should drink no more than four standard drinks on a single occasion to reduce the risk of alcohol-related injury arising from that occasion.

For information on Alcoholics Anonymous meetings near you visit https://meetings.aa.org.au/.

Hidden mental health toll of worsening climate disasters on Australians revealed with new national poll

NEW polling by the Climate Council, supported by Beyond Blue, has revealed the profound impact more frequent and intense disasters are having on the mental health of Australians.

The survey of 2,032 Australians found that since 2019, the majority (80 percent) reported they had experienced, at least once, heatwaves (63 percent), flooding (47 percent), bushfires (42 percent), droughts (36 percent), cyclones or destructive storms (29 percent) or landslides (eight percent).

Half of Australians said their mental health had been

detrimentally affected by the extreme weather event they experienced and one in five reported a major or moderate impact.

A follow-up communitylevel survey with people who had experienced a disaster found the most common mental health symptoms were anxiety, followed by symptoms of depression and PTSD.

More than one-third of survey participants (37 percent) said there was too little mental health support available to them.

Climate Councillor, climate scientist at the Australian National

University and author of ‘Humanity’s Moment: a Climate Scientist’s Case for Hope’, Dr Joelle Gergis said, “The results of this poll are confronting.

“It’s heartbreaking to realise that many Australians are living with significant levels of distress related to the reality of our changing climate.

“It shines a light on this invisible mental health crisis that is undermining the stability of our local communities all over the country.

“We need to have a national conversation about climate change adaptation

and listen to the experiences of people who have lived through these disasters.

“Extreme weather events are going to escalate as our planet continues to warm, so the impacts we have witnessed in recent years are really just the tip of the iceberg.

“We urgently need to develop plans that protect and support our local communities as climate change-fuelled disasters continue to upend the lives of countless Australians.”

Beyond Blue’s Lead Clinical Advisor A/ Prof Grant Blashki, who supported development of

the mental health-related survey questions, added, “It’s clear that climate change is not just a physical threat, but a mental health threat as well.

“And yet, despite the high levels of need, many people affected by climate disasters find it difficult to access the mental health assistance they need.

“We must strengthen our mental health systems to cope with the demands of these extreme weather events.

“This involves the whole system approach rather than piecemeal band-aid approaches during a crisis.

“We need to prepare the mental health system for early support of those affected, and co-opt a more diverse workforce, from local mental health first aid all the way through to highly specialised mental health care.”

“By acknowledging and addressing the mental health impacts of climate change, we can build stronger and more resilient communities, better able to weather the storms – both literal and figurative – that lie ahead.

“It's time to put the mental well-being of our communities front and centre as we respond to the public health challenges of climate change.”

Urunga Rail Centenary calls for stories and memories

By Andrea FERRARI

URUNGA Rail will celebrate its centenary on the June long weekend 2023, Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 June.

With one hundred years of train travel through their coastal town, the organisers are asking people to share their memories of what Urunga Rail meant to them in the past.

From these submissions

they will compile a book of stories which will be sold at the event to raise funds.

“A historical book, Urunga History, will be produced under the direction of Peter Leonard, formerly of Coffs Rail and author of rail books,”

Alison Carter, spokesperson for the Urunga Rail Centenary group, told News Of The Area.

“Anyone having any tales, facts, cartoons, children’s

drawings are welcome to submit by 30 March 2023, so it can be available for sale on 10 June.”

“Raising money to provide what we have planned for the centenary celebrations is the big thing,” she said.

As well as the historical book, there’s also a ‘nonsense’ newsletter being published.

The organisers are calling for submissions.

Georgia Cortes Rayner delivers new album live and free on 2NVR

By Mick BIRTLES

TRULY great songs are able to be stripped back to just a singer and guitar, without sound engineering, backing vocals and additional instruments and still capture a listening audience.

Last Friday night at the 2NVR studios singer/ songwriter Georgia Cortes Rayner played her album ‘The Past is a Passenger’ from the first song to the last to a live studio and radio audience, just her and a guitar, and the result was indeed truly great.

2NVR’s Ceri Wrobel told News Of The Area, “The monthly Studio 3 format at Nambucca Valley Radio where an artist performs two sets live to air is not new, however combining the event with an album launch was a first for us.”

A larger than usual studio

audience got comfortable and sat transfixed as Georgia

“Send us your useless information; horoscopes, stories of the area, topics of the town and snippets about local history.”

The third publication is a souvenir booklet with the program of events which will be available a week before the official centenary celebrations, and on the day, which will also include a few old photos and maps.

“Businesses which donate or sponsor the Urunga Rail Centenary will get a free advertisement in the souvenir program,” said Alison.

“Souvenir t-shirts and other items will be available to buy prior to the event so you can wear your t-shirt on the day/s”, said Alison.

Urunga’s Rail Line and station opening back in 1923 was life changing not only for local connections but for

those traveling from Sydney to Grafton and then on to Brisbane as the connections were built.

Until then it was an interesting trip.

“In those days as passengers alighted at Macksville and were transported by road, across the Nambucca River at Macksville by ferry, up the muddy main street of Nambucca and onwards to Urunga, crossing South Arm Bellinger River by ferry before travelling on to Raleigh.

“It was not until 12 December 1923 that there was the direct rail from Sydney to South Grafton,” Alison said

The rail line from Coffs to Raleigh was opened on 30 August 1915.

The Sydney to Macksville rail line opened on 1 July 1919.

The connecting links of

Urunga Rail opened on 19 March 1923, whilst Nambucca Heads opened later that year on 3 December.

Alison said the Centenary celebration date was set on a public holiday long weekend “so that celebrations can be open to all expats wishing to come home for a few days, as well as for locals”.

“Anyone wishing to assist is welcomed with open arms,” urged Alison.

“We need all the help we can get from now until packing up after the event on the Sunday 11 June.”

To contact Peter Leonard with historical stories, memories and photos, email pjpleon@bigpond.com.

To contact Alison Carter with submission for the nonsense newsletter and souvenir program email dorothy.carter@bigpond.com.

worked through twelve lovingly crafted songs and told the story behind each one.

Knowing the stories up

front made the performance of each song all the richer to listen to and the range of emotions covered the spectrum.

There were times when you wanted to laugh with her, cry, or leave your seat and give her a hug.

Songs on the album do not follow a specific theme other than being born from Georgia’s own life and feelings, however the name of the album somehow sews the songs together based on Georgia’s belief that our ancestors, their spirit, their genes, their memories and their lived experiences travel

in us.

Georgia drives this point home on ‘Make Believe’, a song about the father she never knew, where sadness gives way to a love that seems actually tangible in the lyrics.

In the almost anthemlike ballad, ‘Flame’, Georgia tells of her experience in the 2019 bushfires and the anger in that song is balanced out by an equal amount of joy and fun delivered in the song Pineapple Ridge.

Among the studio audience on Friday night were a number of well known Mid North Coast musicians such as Dee Bee

Bishop, Julie Kovendy,

and the producer of the album Stewart Peters, demonstrating the friendship and respect Georgia’s peers have for her and the application to her craft.

Having called Scotts Head home for fourteen years, Georgia Cortes Rayner is well and truly a local of the Mid North Coast and it was hard not to feel a bit of pride on Friday night in the knowledge that these songs are by one of us and, in a way, being there on Friday night made us also passengers on Georgia's journey.

q The Goods Siding Line, also referred to as a Run Around Line because the trains had to run around when shunting the trucks, with timber cut by Charlie Thompson.

q Building the platform at Urunga Rail station.

q The mail train going through Urunga Rail station in 1965.

q Dorothy Amundsen’s photo of Urunga Rail station.

Snez,

q Georgia Cortes Rayner played the beautiful ‘The Past is a Passenger' in its entirety at 2NVR’s Studio 3 last Friday night.

Unmotorised traveler welcomed by Nambucca

By Andrea FERRARI

NAMBUCCA Valley gave a helpful welcome to world traveller Michael Kozok from Poland who is making his way unmotorised from Steep Point in WA to Cape York in QLD, in celebration of gaining his Australian citizenship.

Leaving Stuarts Point on Thursday morning 19 January, Michael was planning to walk along the roads through Macksville to Mylestom.

But with a twist of luck, his Boambee Creek resident friend Basia Meder twisted her ankle, meaning she couldn’t join her kayaking group and decided she’d lend the kayak to Michael to cross the Bellinger River.

This then posed the challenge of getting across the Nambucca River first.

“I decided to use the local Facebook group to ask for help and the first person to offer was Brad from River Guardians who lent me a stand up paddle board (SUP),” Michael told News Of The Area.

“Another first was the people from Grassy Head offering me a hot chocolate.

“And Nambucca RSL messaged me ‘pop in and we’ll give you food and drink’ and I thought ‘why not?’…they gave me a nice meal which I really appreciated.”

The beauty of the area has also left a lasting impression on Michael.

“Walking from Nambucca what surprised me were the escarpments, the heads, the unique Urunga Footbridge, it’s just beautiful to walk through.”

Michael said the biggest price he is paying for this lone travelling experience is separation from his family.

However, he has spent several individual weeks joined by wife Evelina and son Natan, who walked the Larapinta Trail, the Great Ocean Walk and the Royal National Park with him.

“From the other perspective I hope my son can learn the life lesson of following your dream, as long as you don’t hurt anyone.

“When I was passing through Sydney, Natan’s teacher asked if I would come to the school and give a speech.

“I asked my son, ‘would you like it if I came?’ and I saw this flash of pride in his eyes.

“So, we prepared a presentation together and he was part of it.

“I definitely believe that he will take knowledge and inspiration from this into his older life,” said Michael.

The intrepid traveller

has been to 151 countries and accomplished his project of crossing all inhabited continents in the world from one side to the other without using a plane.

When he traversed unmotorised across South America he came up with the idea of celebrating his citizenship with the Unmotorised Crossing Australia 2022/3 project, taking him through all geographical capes and via the highest summits of all mainland states and territories, WA to QLD.

Pressing on with his celebration of Australia, Michael soon leaves his current stop-over in Sawtell, heading north to Grafton.

Why is he heading inland?

“I can’t walk on the beach with a shopping trolley,” he said.

The shopping trolley is being borrowed and will be returned in Byron.

“I think I will look homeless,” he said, “and I will see how people treat me… probably more distanced.”

Michael is booked in to Warm Showers, a nonprofit accommodation for the cycling community, in

Emerald Beach and then Dirty Creek.

“I told them I didn’t have a bicycle; I had a shopping trolley and they said that was cool and accepted me.”

To read more about

Michael, his trip and his progress around Australia visit http://kozok.eu/en/ acrossaustralia00stage.php or on Facebook by searching kozok.eu Unmotorised Australia Crossing.

q Michael’s route crossing Australia unmotorised.

q Michael Kozok steps out along Valla beach, on his way to Queensland.

q Michael is loaned a stand up paddle board by Brad from Nambucca River Guardians.

q Michael ready to cross the Bellinger River with friend Basia Meder’s kayak.

q Stuarts Point footbridge, a highlight crossing for Michael Kozok on his trip through the Mid North Coast.

q Basia Meder, a friend from Boambee Creek, lends Michael her kayak to paddle across the Bellinger River.

Summer Series kicks off at Phoenix School of Arts

PHOENIX School of Arts is kicking off 2023 with its Summer Series, offering free art workshops for Nambucca Valley residents to reconnect with community this summer.

This project has been funded by the NSW Government and Nambucca Valley Council.

“We are offering free art workshops for people to reconnect with community, meet new people, make art and enjoy our wonderful facilities with light refreshments provided from our beautiful cafe,” Arts Coordinator Alejandra Ramirez said.

Ten local artists have been invited to run art workshops from January to March 2023 in ceramics, painting, weaving, natural dying, up-cycled clothing, felting, woodwork, and jewellery making at Phoenix School of Arts, Bowraville.

“These are professional local artists with years of experience, some are regular teachers at Phoenix.

This is a great opportunity

to come and try out some of the arts programs on offer at Phoenix. “We have programs for all ages and abilities.”

Most workshops will be run at Phoenix School of Arts in Bowraville with a few on offer at different venues in the valley including Matilda’s in Nambucca Heads and Elk on 38 in Macksville.

February will be action packed with 20 workshops offered across the month.

Bookings are essential.

Refreshments will be provided; with healthy food options on offer including vegan and gluten free.

The art school is part of Nambucca Valley Phoenix, a community owned charitable social enterprise that supports people with disability through employment and training programs.

The Phoenix Gallery and Café located in the Old Bank at 88 High Street Bowraville, it is open Monday to Friday 8am-2pm, with monthly art exhibitions in the gallery.

In February, visit the ‘Phoenix School of Arts On Show’ – a group exhibition of arts teachers and participants

from the Phoenix School of Arts.

You can stay up to date by following @ nambuccavalleyphoenix on Facebook and Instagram.

For more information contact Nambucca Valley Phoenix on 6501 0021 or email info@nvp.org.au.

Yarrahapinni CWA enjoy summer holiday events

By Jen HETHERINGTON

THE managers of the NRMA Holiday Park at Stuarts Point welcomed local Yarrahapinni

CWA members during the 2023 holiday season, as they prepared and delivered breakfast BBQ bacon and

egg burgers and a side enticement of baked and bottled goodies.

With the wafting aroma of bacon sizzling, local campers and residents were keen to partake and support the activities of the CWA, which satisfied young and

old on the gloriously calm and sunny morning events.

In between the two B&E Burger events, held on Wednesdays 4 January and 18 January, a ‘Scone Morning’ occurred on Wednesday 11 January which was equally well

delivered and received, though many visitors were anticipating more bacon and egg burgers, yet were appeased by the offerings of savory muffins.

The unofficial award for best scone baker on the day was Merilyn Mason, a renowned baker of excellent

sourdough bread and a skilled egg and bacon flipper.

President of the Yarrahapinni CWA, Diana Oakes, thanked the Holiday Park and transitory residents.

“Our volunteers work hard and happily, we are now preparing and cooking for the morning market at

Scotts Head next Sunday 29 January.”

Diana was also keen to inform NOTA, and the public, that the first meeting for Yarrahapinni CWA in 2023 will be held at 9.30am on 9 February, at Yarrahapinni House, 42 Ocean Avenue, Stuarts Point, all welcome.

q Aprons on! CWA members busy on the BBQ.

q Free art workshops are being offered at the Phoenix School of Arts.

q All smiles at the cafe.

q Ten local artists have been invited to run art workshops.

q Members Sigrid Langker and Diana Oaks sorting baked and bottled goods.

NAMBUCCA VALLEY News Of The Area

Seniors Week

Thrive and dance in one of Julie Ross’ adult classes

EXPERIENCE the joy and benefits of dance by joining one of the Julie Ross Dance Studio’s music and movement classes in the Boambee Valley, just south of Coffs Harbour, for 2023.

Extra benefits include improving your overall physical and mental well being.

Classes in Dancefit, Total Beginner Tap and Intermediate levels in tap run on Mondays and Tuesdays during the day.

“The benefits are far reaching and almost immediately participants feel lighter, more confident and happier.

“Meeting new friends and sharing your love of dance is so easy, especially if you can let down the barrier of not feeling good enough,” said Julie.

The classes are designed for beginners and you don't need any previous experience to join.

You only need a willingness to participate and you will be professionally guided with the rest.

Julie has over 30 years experience in dance teaching and now also teaches Music and Movement on Wednesday mornings, which is a seated dance program for Seniors and people with balance or

issues associated with ageing.

“People living with Parkinson’s have also benefited from this amazing program incorporating rhythm music and movements that have been proven to benefit cognitive and physical function,” Julie said.

In 2023, Julie and Suzanne McCarty will combine their skills and collaborate with the Coffs Harbour Conservatorium of Music on new classes; Creative Music and Movement for Seniors.

These classes will be conducted once a month at the Con with a live pianist starting in February.

Julie will engage you in her class with old classics of Musical theatre as well as Jazz, Instrumental and Modern tunes.

Julie demonstrates all the action so you don't have to remember the routines and can relax and follow.

The different levels of tap classes means there is no problem if you're a basic beginner as Julie teaches the Total Beginner class starting with the basics and patiently moving from there.

“Age is also no barrier and many of the adults are

between 50-90 years old while boasting the eldest student, Lorraine, who has just turned 98!” Julie said.

For the more experienced tap dancers or even if you are a beginner and keen to develop your talent, the tap dance group often do shows and performances for charity and the nursing homes.

“This is a highlight for the group and the audience just love the entertainment and really love the visits,” she said.

Julie keeps choreographing and adding to the group's repertoire so

Magnificent Highlands

there's always room for new members to join and learn.

By creating a vibrant and friendly environment, Julie says it's possible to explore your artistic and creative side as well as making new friends.

“Students will be gently eased in for 2023 so it's the perfect time to start a dance class.”

Don't be shy, give Julie a call on 0402137171 or email jrdance_au@yahoo.com for more information to help you decide which is the best class for you.

Saturday 4th to Friday 10th March 2023

Discover the picturesque villages, stunning landscapes, and exotic local produce of the 7-day Highlands Tour

Duration: 7 days / 6 Nights

$2,495 twin $3,203 single

For more information or to book:

Phone: 02 6583 3330

Email: admin@portbus.com.au

Website: https://www.portbus.com.au

Book Online: https://events.humanitix.com/ magnificent-high-country-23

Hamilton with Port Bus to QLD Performing Arts Centre

Sunday 26th & Monday 27th March 2023

Highlights: Hamilton / Mirimar Cruises

Duration: 2 Days / 1 Night

$534pp twin share

$665pp single

For more information or to book:

Phone: 02 6583 3330

Email: tours@portbus.com.au

Website: www.portbus.com.au

Book Online:

https://events.humanitix.com/hamilton-23

q Improve your physical wellbeing at the Julie Ross Dance Studio.

q The Julie Ross Dance Studio hosts a range of classes for people of all ages and abilities.

Seniors Week Bonds span 50 years at Autumn Lodge

AUTUMN Lodge aged care home in Macksville has been a centrepiece of care since 1974.

While a lot has changed in almost 50 years, the focus on care has not.

Acting Autumn Lodge Service Manager Kylie Kuwert said the care home continues to be a cornerstone of the community, with some staff and residents spending 40 years there.

“Autumn Lodge is a very special aged care home,” Mrs Kuwert said.

“It is the very first aged care home in the Nambucca Valley, and it began because a determined group of locals in the valley did not want elderly people having to leave their home area and their family and friends to access care.

“Today we have both residents and staff at Autumn Lodge who have been there for close to 40 years, which shows what a friendly, caring place it is.”

Recreational Activities Officer Kathy Knox is one of the long-term staff members.

Ms Knox got to know Autumn Lodge and its residents 33 years ago while doing the tea run.

She later trained to be a Care Service Employee, so she could give residents the care they need to lead independent and enjoyable lives.

“It’s my relationship with the beautiful people who live at Autumn Lodge which makes my job so rewarding,” Ms Knox said.

“I have worked with some great staff and cared for some wonderful residents over the past 33 years.

“This is what has made my job rewarding and it is a privilege to be part of such a great organisation.”

Both NVC Group’s residential aged care facilities in the Nambucca Valley, Autumn Lodge and Riverside Gardens, are welcoming new residents presently.

Both homes provide a high level of care with registered nurses available 24-hours-a-day, seven days a week. Individual needs a

resident has can be catered for and staff are experienced in palliative, respite, and dementia care.

NVC Group also provides services to help residents live well at home. We provide assistance through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme and

Home Care packages and the kinds of services offered include cleaning, personal care, registered nurse services, shopping, respite care, garden maintenance and more.

For more information, call (02) 6598 5000 or visit nvcgroup.com.au

A reason to Smile

Coffs Coast Denture Services is a locally owned and operated business with more than 30 years experience in denture care situation in Coffs Harbour and Urunga.

Our Team understands that dentures can be a very sensitive issue, that is why we are here to listen to you and your needs. We make sure our dentures are customised to your natural look and ensure a comfortable fit and encourage patient input as we want all our patients to be able to smile with confidence. We are mindful of those patients with mental illness and those within aged care facilities that need that little bit extra reassurance and support.

Here at Coffs Coast Denture Services, all dentures, relines and repairs are designed and constructed by our skilled dental prosthetist, Dan Backhouse and Dental Technician Bruce Webber, within our specialist dental Laboratory in Coffs Harbour and Urunga.

Not only do we deal directly with the general public but we have close relationships with many dentists on the North Coast, ensuring our mutual patients receive the ultimate care and best treatment plan. We believe receiving your new dentures is just the start, we pride ourselves on the after care and support we offer all of our patients.

q Acting Service Manager Kylie Kuwert

q Recreational Activities Officer Kathy Knox (right) and Autumn Lodge resident Lucy Gosling dancing at a Christmas party late last year.

Nurses: RNs & ENs

Location: Macksville, Nambucca

Heads, Coffs Harbour, and Kempsey

Full-time, part-time or casual Multiple roles are available for Registered Nurses, Enrolled Nurses, and Graduate Nurses. Applications are open.

Local people serving local people

Care Service trainees

Location: Macksville, Nambucca

Heads, and Kempsey

Full-time, part-time or casual

Start a career in the growing health and aged care sectors without prior experience or qualifications necessary. Applications are open.

Medical

Location: Macksville

Full-time

A pivotal role in a long-standing, medical practice. Seize the opportunity to gain experience in the growing health sector. Applications are open.

nvcgroup.com.au

Week

What do National Aged Care Reforms mean for you?

THE Commonwealth Government has started to implement many of the recommendations made by the Royal Commission into Aged Care.

The National Aged Care Reforms seek to help consumers have a clear understanding of their services, rights and the quality of care that should be delivered.

But what does this mean to you?

“Organising care and services should be a partnership between consumers, their representatives and care managers,” said Lauren Kramer, General Manager, Carexcell Community Care.

“Your choices in service times, care workers, and communication methods need to be respected.

“At Carexcell Community Care we strongly believe you are an individual.

“No two people are the same.

“And therefore, no two Care plans should be the

same.

“Your care plan may include a combination of reoccurring scheduled services as well as once-off services, tailored to your health and care needs.

“Personal Care, Social Support, Domestic Assistance, spring cleans, and even lawn and yard maintenance, are just some of the care services we can

provide, which can help you remain healthy and happy in your own home.

“At Carexcell we also understand life can throw us some curve balls so the ability to be flexible in times of need is something we strongly believe in.

“What happens when you get a doctor’s appointment at your usual scheduled service time?

“Are you able to quickly and easily contact your Care Manager and request a change?

“With Carexcell, you absolutely can!

“With reasonable notice and within budget, we can add or change services to suit your needs.

“Whether you need to attend an evening event or mass, or your family

is meeting on Country to celebrate an event –you should absolutely be supported to go and Carexcell are here to do just that.

“The new Code of Conduct for Aged Care very clearly outlines that your supports and services should be provided with respect, dignity and in a way that values your culture and diversity.

“Carexcell is a local provider who respects you, your needs and wishes,” Lauren said.

To find out more about the Carexcell difference, call them today on 02 6651 1649.

To find out more about the reforms you can go to https://www. agedcarequality.gov.au/ reforms.

q Carexcell staff staff care provide a range of services, including Personal Care, Social Support, Domestic Assistance, spring cleans, and even lawn and yard maintenance.

Serving the Mid North Coast for over 30 years

IN 2023 NSW Home Support Services (NSW HSS) proudly celebrates 32 years of supporting local people across the Mid North Coast region, from Nambucca to the Coffs Coast.

NSW HSS was started in 1991 by local community nurse Trish Plunkett, who was passionate about providing communitybased home care that supports seniors and veterans to remain independently at home for as long as possible.

Since then, NSW HSS has become one of the region's largest and most trusted home care providers.

The local team of support workers and nurses are dedicated and

passionate about providing local residents of the Mid North Coast with five key services.

These services include commonwealth-funded home support programs such as Home Care Packages, Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP), Department of Veteran Affairs (DVA) and Veterans Home Care services (VHC).

For community members who do not yet have commonwealth funding but require services, NSW HSS are also one of the only local providers who provide private services, which you can book at any time.

All NSW HSS services focus on enabling people's lifestyles to ensure they

For locals by locals

q NSW HSS is celebrating 32 years of supporting locals.

can enjoy a high quality of life in their homes and their local community.

The local team of over 70 staff members say that working for NSW HSS provides them flexibility, training development, and support from an experienced management team, enabling them to provide care that impacts local seniors' lives.

If you have any questions about NSW Home Support Services, aged care, or home care in general, the friendly team is always up for a chat at 1300 770 118.

You can also email info@nswhss.com. au or visit www. nswhomesupportservices. com.au.

For over 30 years, we have been dedicated to providing trusted and quality home care services, across the Mid North Coast.

long as you wish.

“I most sincerely thank you all for your kind dedicated care for Dad. Dad’s ‘nurses’ as he called them brightened his day every day & I am so grateful to you all.”

Cathy – Daughter of Aged Care Client

If you have any questions about aged care, we are always happy to have a chat:

Seniors Week

It’s Time To Celebrate With Livable!

THIS NSW Seniors Festival, Livable are celebrating you! Livable is proud to partner with many organisations to celebrate our seniors in the Mid North Coast.

As a registered aged care provider with over 30 years of experience, Livable supports people over 65 to live in their homes on their terms. Services include

home care packages, meal preparation, cleaning, laundry, daily living, self-care tasks, home maintenance, community participation, transport services, and so much more.

For more information on how to get started, call Anni on 1800 289 927 or visit livable.org.au.

SENIORS WEEK

MORNING TEA & LUNCHEON

THURSDAY 23 FEBRUARY 2023

MACKSVILLE EX SERVICES CLUB 10:00AM - 1:00PM

FREE MORNING TEA & LUNCH all seniors welcome but tickets are limited Lucky Door Prize Draw / Information Stalls / Entertainment Bookings are essential by Friday 17 February 2023 (if not exhausted prior)

For Bookings and Tickets

Please Contact or Visit Nambucca Valley Craft & Art Shop, Nambucca Heads Plaza

Mon-Fri 9.30am to 5.00pm, Sat 9.30am to 12.00pm (sorry, no phone bookings) Bowraville Pharmacy: 6564-7925 Mon-Fri 8.45am to 5.30pm, Sat 8.45am to 12.00pm

Macksville Library: 6568 1422 Tues-Fri 9.30am to 5.00pm

Seniors Week

Celebrate Together at Marian Grove this Seniors Festival

THE continuum of care at Marian Grove is always evolving, adapting to the needs of residents as they change over time, sustaining their independence and enhancing their quality of life.

Many locals will already have visited ‘The Link’, Sawtell Catholic Care’s latest innovation and support for its community, the reinvigorated former site of Cockbain’s Nursery on Hogbin Drive.

This huge 3.6 acre garden offers the community an exceptional lifestyle opportunity in their own backyard, a wonderful, unique outdoor space to walk, sit and relax, enjoy a coffee and a light meal at the café in the company of friends and family, or some solitude and reflection time if needed.

The Link is here for our broader local community as well as a space for gathering and social connection, intergenerational sharing

and enjoyment, in addition to venue hire for small to midrange functions and events.

“In conjunction with Seniors Festival 2023, we invite you to visit and ‘Celebrate Together’ with us, acknowledging the contributions that older people make to our community and enjoying some uplifting, ageless pastimes like art and music,” said Michael Darragh, Chief Executive Officer, Sawtell Catholic Care.

“From 10 am to 3 pm daily, from Monday 6 to Friday 10 February, we will be showing the ‘Young at Art’ exhibition created by Mary Help of Christians Students partnered with Mater Christi Residents, a joyful celebration of intergenerational connection, as well as artworks from our creative Marian Grove and Mater Christi residents in the ‘Pavilion’ space,” said Michael.

Music from Nota Bene, the Coffs Harbour City Orchestra string ensemble and other fabulous local musos will

be on offer during the week, complementing the exhibitions and beautiful surroundings.

“We hope to see you at The Link, soon.

“If you’re thinking of retiring, why not take a look around our thriving, supportive community?” Michael said.

Marian Grove offers

q Marian Grove invites you to visit and ‘Celebrate Together’ from Monday 6 to Friday 10 February.

you home options to suit every taste, from villas to apartment living, and prices to suit every budget.

Give them a call today and arrange for a visit with

the friendly sales team. Call 0490522596, email mariangrovesales@scca.net. au or visit www.scca.net.au/ independent.

Sea Eagles soaring towards big 2023 season

By Bruce AULSEBROOK

THE Macksville Sea Eagles have commenced their 2023 campaign on a strong note.

With most of the squad from 2022 indicating they are keen to play again, along with a crop of new signings, the First Grade squad is looking strong, especially in the forwards.

Andrew

Frank Winterstein has also committed to play again in 2023, bringing with him a wealth of experience gained playing in the NRL for the Canterbury Bulldogs, the Manly Sea Eagles and the Penrith Panthers.

Frank also played in the English Super League for Widnes, Wakefield and French side Toulouse.

Utility player Louis Shields has signed for the Sea Eagles in 2023, having previously competed in both league and union competitions in the Northern Rivers.

Jordan Moore is back at the club this season after a poor run with injuries, adding some depth to the back row.

Another new signing for the Sea Eagles is Stephan Blair, who joins from the South West Rocks Marlins RLFC, with the talented back expected to bring some

individual brilliance to the side.

First Grade Captain/ Coach Matt Hyland, who has been in charge for the last two seasons, is looking to build on what the club achieved last year.

''Im very happy with the way things are shaping up for the club,” Matt told News Of The Area.

“W e have retained a majority of last year's squad and with new signings, we should have a strong season.

“The numbers have been very good for this stage of the season, but we encourage

all intending players, for all grades, including the Ladies League Tag, to come on down to Macksville Oval on Tuesdays and prepare for a successful season.''

The Coach of the Reserve Grade Side is Cameron Blair, who’s wealth of experience will be an asset in guiding younger players and elevating them to First Grade levels.

Coaching the U/18s is Karl Spear, who is looking to emulate last year's Premiership success.

News Of The Area asked Karl how he thinks the young men will perform in 2023.

''We have kept basically the same squad as last year with fifteen players backing up again to play for the Sea Eagles.

“Most of the players are from the Bowraville JRLC.

by coach Lucas Grace.

The Ladies are training well and looking forward to a strong showing in the competition.

Head trainer and fitness guru Darren Hoffman has set a cracking pace for the players from all grades and will get them fit and raring to go for the start of the season.

News Of The Area spoke with Club President Dean Hillery about the club’s goals for the upcoming season.

A Ladies League Tag Team has been entered in the Group 2 competition once again, led

"The Sea Eagles have been on the cusp of a Premiership over the last couple of seasons,” Dean said.

“The club has been very competitive but fallen short in the end of season games.

“This year we believe with addition of some good signings in the forwards and Stephan Blair in the halves, the club will go very well in the Group 2 Competition.

“It's good to have Matt Hyland as the Captain/Coach again as he is invaluable to the club and a great leader.''

Macksville RLFC would like to welcome Goodyear Autocare Macksville as their major sponsor for the 2023 season.

‘Bully’ Welsh has resigned for another year and plays a vital role in a number of positions for the team.

“If we can remain injury free we should give the competition a real shake,'' Karl said.

q Stephan Blair has joined the club from the South West Rocks Marlins.

q First Grade Captain/Coach Matt Hyland is looking to build on what the club achieved last year.

q Karl Spear will lead the club's under 18s side.

q A cracking pace has been set for the players from all grades during preseason.

North Coast Bulldogs have clean sweep of wins

By Aiden BURGESS

NORTH Coast Bulldogs sides have made it a clean sweep of wins during pre-season trial matches at the Ce.x Coffs International Stadium.

The Bulldogs under 18s and 16s boys, and under 18s girl’s junior representative teams all won their matches

against the Northern Rivers Titans.

The Bulldogs under 18s boys’ side were preparing for their upcoming Laurie Daley Cup season, while the under 16s were preparing for their Andrew Johns Cup season.

The two Bulldogs teams play their first matches of the season on Saturday, 4 February against the Northern Tigers at Geoff

King Motors Oval in Coffs Harbour.

The North Coast Bulldogs are now seeking expressions of interest for any female players wishing to represent their region in rugby league.

The North Coast Bulldogs are keen to hear from anyone who wishes to trial for their Open Women’s Tackle representative team.

The trial match will be held on Saturday, 11

February at Wauchope, with players selected for the NSW Country Championships in April.

The big day of rugby league will also feature the men’s Group 2 v Group 3 representative match, which doubles as a selection trial for the North Coast Bulldogs team to contest the NSW Country Championships.

The day will also feature the Bulldogs second round

matches of the Andrew Johns and Laurie Daley Cups.

Any player wishing to try out for the Group 2 representative team are required to attend training on Wednesday, 1 February, and Wednesday, February 8 at Geoff King Motors Oval.

Expressions of interest for the North Coast Bulldogs Open Women’s team can be registered on the North Coast Bulldogs Facebook

page.

The North Coast Bulldogs will also be holding an open trial to select an under 17s girls’ team to compete in this year’s Lisa Fiaola Cup at the Tuggerah Sporting Complex in April.

The trial will be held on Monday, 13 February at Port Macquarie.

For further information and registration please visit the Bulldogs Facebook page.

North Coast side win Stan Austin Carnival

By Aiden BURGESS

THE North Coast under 16s cricket side have emerged victorious taking out the Stan Austin Carnival in Taree.

The North Coast side defended their title with an 11-run win against Newcastle in the carnival final.

Patrick Rose top scored for North Coast with a crucial knock of 55 and was awarded player of the match.

North Coast opened the batting and posted 142, with their bowlers successfully defending the total restricting Newcastle to 131.

Needing a big win to qualify for the final, the North Coast side beat Far North Coast by 81 runs, with Patrick Rose taking 3 for 8 from his 8 overs as the North Coast team bowled them out for 49.

North Coast also had a six wicket win against Mid

North Coast, after dismissing them for 56 and reaching the total in the 19th over.

Maison Simmons was awarded player of the match after scoring 33 while opening the batting.

The Stan Austin Carnival is an annual junior representative carnival featuring regions from across Northern NSW.

North Coast coach Matt Rose explained it was a young team which took home the under 16s title.

“We brought up a few younger players, and we had nine of my under 15s players who I coached that came 2nd at the Northern NSW titles,” he said.

“The majority of the squad were from that under 15s North Coast team.

“It was a really successful carnival for us, especially beating such a strong team like Newcastle.

“It was a really good allround effort, and they are a great bunch of kids who are well behaved.”

q The North Coast Bulldogs under 18s girls’ side.

q The North Coast under 16s side celebrate their victory.

Nambucca Heads Island Golf Club

By Geoffrey MCCANN

CONTINUING great weather, excellent course conditions and lots of visitors made for another great week of golf on the Island.

Tuesday 17 January’s Medley Stableford was won by David Mattacott (15) with 40 points from Henny Oldenhove (15) on 39 points.

Other good scores from Thea Kimber 38, Adric Bobin (Kempsey), Heather Gray, Kerrie Eichorn and John Cox (Northbridge) with 36 points, and the Ball rundown to 34 points on countback.

NTP’s to Keith Elphick on 5, Paddy Byrne on 7, John Cox on 8, Kerrie Eichorn collected the “Pizza This” voucher on 13, Thea Kimber got Stu’s ball on 15 and Colin Wormleaton on 18.

Sue Seymour (27) won Wednesday’s Womens 9 Hole Summer Stableford Competition with 21 points from Coral McCann (24) with 18 points, and balls going to Angela Paton 17, Heather Gray & Leanne Welsh both 16 points.

Just under 100 players for Thursday’s Medley Stableford allowing for 3 Divisions. Henny Oldenhove

(14) and Nathan Ison (14) both scored 36 points in Division 1 (0 to 16), with Henny winning on countback.

Neil Duffus (19) scored 38 points to win Division 2 (17 to 21) from Trevor Peck (21) on 37 points.

In Division 3 (22 to 45), Walter Bortoletto (26) scored 39 points to win from Keith Elphick (22) with 38 points.

Other good scores from Leanne Welsh, Susan Barnett and David Bartos, all 37 points. The Ball Rundown to 34 points on countback.

Jordan Weller (Grafton)

collected “Ecomist’s” Longest Putt prize on 2 and the “Pizza This” voucher on 13, other NTP’s went to Bernard Dugdale on 5, Scott Burley on 7, Philip Mander on 8, Andrew Johnston on 15 and Graham Watson got 92cms close to the Pin on 18 to collect the Pro Pin Jackpot.

As expected, Saturday morning’s predicted King Tide caused some inundation of the Causeway access to the Course, and we scheduled an 8.30am Shotgun start for the Medley Stableford to assist members avoid driving through the

salt water.

Callan Tarrant (9) from SGA scored 37 points to win Division 1 ( 0 to 14) from Stuart Johnston (9) with 36 points.

In Division 2 (15 to 21), Wade McBaron (16) top scored for the day with a massive 45 points to easily win from John Morgan (16) with 39 points. Peter Dawe (27) scored 40 points to win Division 3 (22 to 45) from Ralph Taylor (31) with 39 points.

Other good scores from Geoffrey Poole 38, John Buganey 37, Andrew Bagust, Robyn Jones & William Mann

with 36 points, and the Ball Rundown to 32 points on countback.

NTP’s to Greg Smith for Ecomist’s voucher for the Longest Putt on 2, Lee Fewings on 5, Gary Laing on 7, Ray Cole on 8, Glen Crowe got the “Pizza This” voucher on 13, Stuart Johnston won his own sponsored ball on 15 and Philip Mander pocketed the Pro Pin Jackpot with a shot to 179cms.

Bookings are now open for the Ladies Opening Day on Friday 24 February and for the Golf NSW Mid North Coast Men’s Championship on Sunday 26 February –bookings through Member’s Portal or the Pro Shop 6569 4111 Extn 2.

Nambucca

surprises for prizes.

Grumpy’s Grumble - Nambucca Heads Bowls Club

By GRUMPY

I’M back after some technical issues or maybe it's because I am like Jethro Tull's album, ‘Thick as a Brick’.

I've been trying to do Grumpy's Grumble since Christmas but nothing has worked.

Royal Tar, sponsored by Hoggy's Carpet Cleaning, reaches its climax this week with three or four sides in with a chance to take the top money.

I will let you know next week who has their names on the shield.

The mixed fours will have been won by the time you read this.

The final was played on Sunday but was washed out after 13 ends.

The teams agreed to finish on Monday night, with the score at the wash out 109, with Theresa Meehan, Kim Porter, Peter Meehan and Gracie Porter leading Janice Cedelland, Eliza Brown, Oxy Cedelland and The Rabbit Doug Cedelland.

I will tell you who won next week too.

The semi-finals were held on Saturday and I was going to report on both games but Poppy Boyle only gave me one set of cards, so the Cedo's plus Eliza played Nerida Blackford, Pat Fletcher, The Good Brother Graham Hunt and Mark Blackford.

Mark's side jumped out to a handy score line of 14-3 after eight ends, but in five ends the Cedo's plus Eliza caught and passed them to

lead 15-14.

Lead Janice and Eliza played consistent bowls and Oxy and The Rabbit could do no wrong, running away with the game 27-17.

I do know The Armidale connection had a pretty good win against Wharren Gallop’s side of Rosemary Dugdale, Manor Smith and Owen Smith (not related).

Coming up is the Golf and Bowls Day on February 12.

Nine holes of Golf at Royal Nambucca followed by nine ends of Bowls and BBQ at The Bowlo.

The cost with a golf cart is $45.

We will be having this day in reverse later in the year.

Raffles are on Wednesday and Friday with plenty of

The Members Draw is at $1200 after it went off at $ 4,100.

There were bowls on Australia Day and I hope you had your name down.

There are two team's heading out to the Lake this week and I suppose we will only hear about this if they win money.

Thursday night Twilight has been big with 60 to 70 players on three nights enjoying some great weather and BBQ.

Well that's it for this week I'm off to the Lake and if we do win some money I will definitely tell you about it.

No report next week so you will be on tenterhooks to find out who won last week so get down your club and find out.

Grumpy.

BUD’s Golden Oldies looking for players in 2023

By Aiden BURGESS

A LOCAL Rugby Union club is proving you’re never too old to partake in the game they play in heaven.

And they are looking for players to take the field this year. The Bellingen-UrungaDorrigo (BUD’s) Golden

Oldies Rugby Union Club is looking for new players in 2023.

The BUD’s are back in business this year after two seasons disrupted by floods and COVID-19, and are planning on a triumphant return to the field.

Golden Oldies Rugby is a modified game for players

35 and over, who enjoy sport, fun and a beer (not necessarily in that order!).

The modified version has been compared to a ‘Men’s Shed on a paddock’ with the credo of ‘fun, friendship, and fraternity’.

The BUD’s play in tournaments roughly once a month anywhere from

River Bridge Club

By John BUGANEY

Well hello to the new year.

Now that the new year is underway, its time to grab that pack of cards and dust them off. Whether you love the game of bridge or just enjoy the social interaction, it is now a good time to start the year with a game or two.

Our club played over the recent festive season, but as expected, numbers were low due to players being on holidays, or though when you're retired, everyday is a holiday, and several of our members contracted the dreaded Covid-19.

For results of these sessions please go to our bridgeweb site

Newcastle to Queensland.

Potential players do not need to commit to all tournaments, and can play the ones that fit their schedule.

BUD’s secretary Darren Taylor said Golden Oldies Rugby was an amazing concept.

“When you first finish playing you think there is nothing, but this is the best concept I’ve come across,” he

said.

“You still get to put the boots on and have a run, and it’s really good once you’ve retired as it keeps you fit.

“It’s good for mental health too, as we have a men’s group that meets up on Wednesdays for a chat.

“And I encourage anyone interested to come and watch us play, as it’s not that serious and more about the camaraderie and friendship.”

– bridgewebs.com/ nambuccariver.

This week, our usual Thursday session, saw Amber and Stephen Fox prevail with a healthy percentage of 62.50 percent and earning 0.18 masterpoints.

Second place was a tie between Gayle Keenan and Gillian Buganey and John Buganey and Daphne Priestley, all earning 0.07 masterpoints.

We are looking forward to the new year and watching our numbers increase, as people start to return to the bridge table.

Due to extensive renovations at the RSL Club, our playing venue may change.

For information about our sessions and where we are playing, please contact Gillian on 0412 654 225.

New and old members of the BUD’s are encouraged to attend a social bowls game at the Urunga Bowling Club on Sunday, February 12, commencing at 11am at a cost of $5.

The club's annual general meeting will be held at 1pm on the day.

For any other information check out the BUD’s Facebook page or contact Darren Taylor on 0401220009.

Lions roar into new season

THE Nambucca Valley Lions AFL Club is continuing its growth as it starts season 2023.

This season they will conduct an Auskick program, an introductory skills program for five to ten years old.

They will have junior mixed teams in Under 10, Under 12 and Under 14 North Coast League competitions.

There will also be Under 14 and Under 17 girls’ teams, wirth Under 16 and Under 18 boys’ sides completing the list of junior teams.

The Lions will also have a men’s team playing in

the senior reserve grade competition.

This will be the first season the Lions will have a team in every junior competition.

“The club reformed in 2016 with just an Auskick program,” said Andy Johnston, Nambucca Valley Lions.

“Each year since the club has added at least one team.

“Despite most players being new to AFL the teams have proved to be very competitive.

“Many teams have made finals and a few premierships have been won as well,” Andy said.

Last year was the first year for Under 14 girls and with numbers increasing throughout the season, the Lions team qualified for the finals.

This year the club is introducing an Under 17 girls’ team, Under 10 mixed team and an Under 18 boys’ team.

“Players are welcomed for every team, but it is a great time to join these three new teams and learn to play with other beginners,” Andy said.

The reserve grade team also is looking for recruits, super stars are welcome but all players of any ability and

experience are being sought.

Training is on Tuesdays at 5:30 at E J Biffin Playing Fields, Nambucca Heads.

Under 16 and 18 boys and Under 17 girls also train at this time.

Training for junior teams will commence at E J Biffin Playing Fields on Wednesday 6 February starting at 4:30. For further information email the club at nambuccavalleyafl@gmail. com or contact David Colvin on 0407756874 for the seniors or Andy Johnston on 0428862072 for juniors.

Bowraville Recreation Club Golf

By Julee TOWNSEND

GOLF results 21-1-23

Single Stableford. The women preformed strongly this week with 5 women featuring in the results.

Winner: B Brabant 39, R/up Leanne Porter 37, F9 Braith Wilson, B/9 J

Townsend, N/P 2nd Maz McNally, 9th Eliza McNally. Yes the longest Putt is back with Bronwyn Doak winning.

Balls: 1.B Wilson 2. J Townsend.

Next week will be a 2 person Ambrose. So grab a partner and head on out.

Nambucca Roosters optimistic about the 2023 season

By Mick BIRTLES

A LITTLE over twelve months ago the Nambucca Roosters RLFC did what many said could not be done and re-raised their senior teams to enter the Group 2 competition for the first time since 2018.

The Roosters got through the season with some pleasing results and even got their Reserve Grade side into the final series.

Now, with doubts about their future behind them, the Nambucca Roosters have begun pre season training for the 2023 season with

optimism and focus and there is a good feeling at Coronation Park looking forward.

President of the Nambucca Roosters RLFC, Peter Bellden told News Of The Area, “Our goal is for first grade to play finals footy and to host a final would be considered a bonus.

“We are aiming to be competitive across all five teams and strongly want

to have a successful ladies tackle team in their inaugural season.

“We will not judge our success with just wins but by how structurally solid and competitive our teams are.

“We also aim to ensure our financial stability and are very pleased that we have been able to attract more sponsors this year and maintain our great sponsors

from last year,” Peter said. News Of The Area also spoke to the equally optimistic first grade coach, Warwick Jones, who said, “With the certainty of our place in the comp this year we have had a smoother start to the season and we are focusing on our match fitness as a priority.

“We are also targeting certain players for specific

positions and we are very happy with how that is working out.

“Last year our focus was rebuilding a good culture at the Roosters and we feel we achieved that.

“This year, with that culture established, there is a great vibe in the club, we know the direction we are going and all of us are excited about the 2023 season.”

q Nambucca Roosters Senior Coach Warwick Jones building on last year’s hard work at pre season training last week.

Cheyenne Baker selected to North Sydney Bears under 19s women’s squad

By Aiden BURGESS

CHEYENNE Baker has received the chance of a lifetime in her burgeoning rugby league career.

The seventeen-year-old has been selected for the North Sydney Bears squad for the upcoming Tarsha Gale Cup season, and made her debut last weekend in a trial match against the Balmain Tigers.

The Tarsha Gale Cup is

an under 19s women’s rugby league tournament and is the main bridge between juniors and the NSWRL Women’s Premiership, with the competition held from February to May.

The former Bowraville Tigers junior finished Year 12 last year while studying at Bowraville Central, where she served as School Captain.

Normally a prop forward at club level, the new Bears player has now moved into

the centres.

The Bears recruit has sporting prowess in her blood, as her mother Lorraine Donovan explained.

“It’s in her blood, as my father played a lot for the Nambucca Roosters and I played for Australia in touch football,” she said.

“She is also a state runner and went to nationals for shot put, and she’s really quick for a big girl.

“She wants to play NRLW

and make a name for herself.”

Her selection to the Bears team comes on the back of a big year for the talented youngster.

She was part of the Dunghutti Connexions women’s who won the open women’s title at last year's NSW Koori Knockout, and also played for the Coffs Coast Dolphins in the inaugural North Coast Open Women’s Rugby League competition.

Harwood and Valleys Cricket both win in latest round of Premier League

By Aiden BURGESS

HARWOOD and Valleys

Cricket were both winners during the latest round of the North Coast Cricket Council’s Premier League season.

Harwood maintained top spot on the ladder with a five wicket win against the Northern Districts Rebels in Woolgoolga.

The Rebels opened the batting and posted a total of 6/174 from their 40 overs.

Coby Tabor top scored in the successful chase for Harwood with a knock of 56.

Valleys Cricket were also victorious during Round 9, with a six wicket win against the Diggers/Nana Glen All Stars at Fitzroy Oval.

The All Stars opened the batting and posted 9/199 from their 40 overs.

Matt Giri top scored for the All Stars with 83, while Kurt Stennett was the best of the Valleys bowlers taking 3/42 from his 8 overs.

Benjamin Pierce led home the successful run chase finishing on 74 not out, as Valleys kept in touch with the ladder leading Harwood and consolidated second spot on the ladder.

The Premier League season continues this weekend with matches in Coffs Harbour and Harwood.

The Diggers/Nana Glen All Stars host the Northern Districts Rebels at Fitzroy Oval, while the Coffs Colts host Valleys Cricket at Coffs

Coast Sport & Leisure Park.

Sawtell travels to take on Harwood at Harwood Oval.

Premier League standings. 1.Harwood. 42 points. 6 wins. 2.Valleys Cricket. 39 points. 6 wins.

3.Diggers/Nana Glen All Stars. 26 points. 4 wins.

4.Northern Districts Rebels. 25 points. 4 wins. 5.Sawtell. 23 points. 3 wins. 6.Coffs Colts. 15 points. 2 wins.

It’s all back on at Nambucca Bowls Club

By Nerida BLACKFORD

THE women and men of Nambucca Bowls Club have hardly stopped over the Christmas/New Year break.

The Women’s Social group has already completed two rounds.

Last week’s results were: A.Reid and A. Duffus defeated by J. Cedelland and M. Smith 29-12; D. Mann, M. Duffus, P. James def by A-M Johnson, S.

Seckold and E. Fleming 14-8; and R. Dugdale, B. Jones and P. Fletcher having a 14 all draw with Rosie, C. Davis and M. Montgomery.

Our ladies have also teamed up with some of the men and are enjoying our annual Royal Tar Triples Comp on Tuesday evenings.

The last round is due at the end of this month, and a few teams are in the running for top position.

Quite a few spectators

have enjoyed the games and seen some excellent bowling.

The finals of our Mixed Fours Championship started Sunday afternoon but has been delayed by rainMonday 23 will hopefully see a result.

At the time of print the team of T and P Meehan and K and G Porter had come from behind and were 1110 ahead of J. Cedelland, E. Brown and A and D Cedelland.

Thursday night Twilight bowls continued through the holidays - no one wanted a break from it, and three rinks of players were so keen last week we played in rainy conditions.

The sausage sizzle was a welcome break during one downpour but once it has eased everyone hit the green again.

It’s been terrific to see a number of bowlers return week after week as their

introduction to the game and we can definitely see their game improving with practice.

Our Jack Attack team have visited some local businesses, pubs and shops to leave packs and posters for the upcoming comp, beginning on Thursday February 9 and then for the following three Thursdays.

Phone the club (65686132) and ask them to put your name and details

down to play, or drop in and complete a registration form.

This is another great chance to come down to the Bowlo and try the game, meet some new people and enjoy some friendly rivalry.

Other sport groups are welcome to come and try your hand at bowls - it’s easy on the body, quite challenging to master, and you can enjoy a drink while you play.

What’s not to like?

q Cheyenne Baker and her mother Lorraine Donovan.

Macksville Country Club Golf

By Max TURNER

THE Bernard Laverty Memorial Day mystery 4 ball Stableford kept the good scorers guessing as to who they would draw as a pairing.

Although neither were in the top four individually, Steve Ash and Darren Pike's combined scores won them the pairs event.

Runners up were Steve Hosking and Allan Clarke.

Steve Hosking returned to form with 42 to win the individual event by one shot from Greg Zirkler.

Straight shooters with nearest the pins were Max Graham (A), Gus Single (B) and Cohen Welsh (C grade).

The late Ron Trimble often talked (skited) about his eagle on the 17th hole.

On Saturday his mate Rod Curtis matched Ron's "luck".

The ladies were back for the new year with Helen Ferrero winning ahead of runner up Lorraine King.

Harry Andrews won the Mid Week Competition from runner up Neil Cuneen and second runner up Ted Single.

Macksville

Men’s Bowls

By Mark COLEMAN

WE had two games of Championship Fours on Sunday 15 which saw the side of Ben Lane, Ken Ainsworth, Bob Antcliff and Skip Pom Howard victorious over Digger Grace, Nobby Carlow, Marbuk and Skip Ida Down in a close game 20-19.

The other game Nick Kirby, BBC, Brendo Howard and Skip Andrew Shearer defeated Bluey Garner, Joe

Welsh, Michael McMahon and Skip Peter Fox Jnr 19-9.

Two great games to watch and good to see two new bowlers to the club, Nick and Ben, progressing.

The final of the mixed pairs was played on Saturday 21, a very tight game from start to finish with Karen Liddell and Mark Coleman just getting over the line against Carol Turner and Greg Burton 23-19.

Sunday 22 was the semi

finals of the 4s with Pom Howard’s side defeating Max Ward, John Cummings, Cliff Yager and Skip Mark Coleman 16-14.

The other semi saw Andrew Shearer's side defeating Phil Rose, Keith Hickey, Phil Brennan and Skip Col Crawford in a nail biter finish on the last bowl 20-19.

Final to be played Sunday 29 January.

q Mixed Pairs: Greg Burton, Carol Turner, Karen Liddell and Mark Coleman.

q Individual runner up Greg Zirkler with Phil Bambury watching Neil Cuneen finishing up on the 18th.

Bowraville Bowls Results

By Paul O’NEILL

THE first round of consistency is now complete with Craig Doolan and Adam Laird facing off in a replay of the pulse pounding major singles final.

With CD starting off zero and only spotting Adam five points, the stage was set for a marathon and so it was with 36 ends needed to decide a victor.

As with the previous encounter, Adam started

the stronger with the biggest margin coming after the fifteenth end, where he led by 27.

By end number thirty, CD had reeled his opponent in to lead by three.

On the penultimate end, the score had Adam 179 to CD 176 with a shot bowl set to decide who would go through to the next round.

Once again, CD would prevail in another classic battle, the two bowlers establishing a healthy rivalry at the Den.

Mixed social saw three

games of pairs where the rain was kind enough to stay away until the last end of play. Winning card was the duo of Jim Harter and Adam Laird who won on the last end against Bob Mackay and Lloyd Laird, 14-13.

Lucky bowler cash prize taken by Neil Pollard. Club fours nominations close this Sunday, with six strong sides currently on the board, set to clash for the first title of '23.

With Pennants only a month away, the fours tournament will be a great guide for the selectors. Go Bowra!

HYPOTHETICAL Taking a Legal Look

By Manny WOOD

Beware of conveyancing traps

ADAM wants to buy a property but has not obtained finance approval.

He instructs his solicitor to add a ‘subject to finance clause’ into the contract which will allow him to secure the property, but also terminate the agreement if he is unable to obtain finance.

The clause states that if Adam fails to obtain finance, he will only be required to pay the vendor 0.25 percent of the purchase price.

Liz, the vendor of the property, agrees to the subject to finance clause, if Adam waives his right to the usual five-day cooling-off period.

However, shortly after exchanging contracts, Adam finds another property close to the beach and he falls in love with this property.

Adam instructs his solicitor to terminate the contract on the exchanged property, hoping to forfeit just 0.25 percent of the purchase price.

Liz gets wind that Adam has found another property and believes that he did not take reasonable steps to secure finance, instead he has simply changed his mind about the purchase.

Liz asks Adam to provide evidence that he took reasonable steps to secure financing (such as loan applications or meetings with a financial advisor), which he is unable to do.

Liz issues proceedings against Adam to recover damages due to Adam’s breach of contract. Unfortunately, Adam has no alternative but to settle the proceedings on the basis that he pays Liz ten percent of the original purchase price.

Had Adam not agreed to waive the five-business day "cooling-off" period, he could have safely exercised his coolingoff rights within that time for any reason and Liz would not have been able to bring action against him.

Subject to finance clauses and coolingoff periods are now becoming more commonplace in contract negotiations, due to the housing market and the lending policies of financial institutions.

It is important to obtain legal advice before exchanging contracts and that the contracts contain well-drafted clauses, to provide proper protection and clarity for the parties.

Thank you to Anthony Fogarty for his assistance with this column.

Email Manny Wood, principal solicitor at TB Law at manny@tblaw.net.au or call him on (02) 66 487 487.

Dorin’s Draws

By Paul DORIN

On the Couch

with Jasminda

Email Jasminda: media@newsofthearea.com.au

DEAR Jasminda,

I have recently made a pact to go walking each day with a friend, but he's now suggested we walk to a cafe where he then wants to drink coffee and eat cake before the return walk home.

I'm actually putting on weight.

Dear

Geoff,

Valla Expressions Exhibition delivers for the sixth year

THE Valla Beach Community Hall was transformed into a dynamic arts space for the Valla Expressions exhibition, running from 7 to 15 January.

“It never ceases to amaze the amount of comments from both locals and visitors expressing how delighted they were to see such quality and variety of artwork,” said exhibiting

q Locals and visitors enjoying the Valla Expressions Exhibition.

ceramicist Lyn Walsh.

“The artists are to be congratulated.”

The exhibition is a fundraiser for the Valla Beach Community Association.

“The show now has a reputation of presenting a high quality exhibition annually for all to enjoy over the Christmas holidays,” Lyn said.

Geoff N.

It sounds to me like you and your mate have different exercise goals.

Actually Blind Freddy could have made that observation, so you don’t need me to point it out.

When you made your original pact, did you discuss why you wanted to walk each day?

He may think you just wanted to enjoy some time out for a chat and a snack instead of your desire to commence a fitness regime.

It's important to set these parameters out early on to avoid confusion.

Otherwise you may find yourself exercising twice every day, once with your friend, and another time on your own to undo all the extra calories you put on with him.

Perhaps you can come to a compromise.

Let him know that you are actually walking to get a bit fitter and healthier, so the cafe stop can't be an everyday option, but once a week you'd like to treat the good work with a beverage or two.

If he's just not interested, you may need to find yourself a new exercise buddy, or just go solo and soon he'll be seeing the results of your hard work and that could be enough to change his mind.

Carpe diem, Jasminda.

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

media@newsofthearea.com.au

Sudoku is an 81 square number grid with nine blocks each containing nine cells. To solve the puzzle, all the blank cells must be filled in using numbers from 1 to 9. Each number can only appear once in each row, column and in the nine 3x3 blocks.

Puzzle

Play 166

3. The hieroglyph hand only has three fingers. 4. A button is missing from the man’s pocket. 5. The pupil in the hieroglyph eye is in a different place.

1. There are only two zigzags in the hieroglyph on the right. 2. The Pharaoh’s beard is facing the opposite way.

ANSWERS: SPOT THE DIFFERENCE:

THE RIGHT TABLE SHOW TIDAL VARIATIONS AT SEVERAL LOCATIONS

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BEST ON THE BOX

MONDAY

AUSTRALIAN SURVIVOR

TEN, 7.30pm

SUNDAY THE BACHELORS AUSTRALIA

TEN, 7.30pm

While The Bachelors Australia hasn’t been the big hit network bosses had been hoping for, any seasoned Bachelor viewer knows that it’s the finale that packs the cringe-worthy (or gobsmacking) punch. While no one can probably eclipse Nick “Honey Badger” Cummins’ memorable finale, chances are Felix Von Hofe, Thomas Malucelli and Jed McIntosh’s search for love will wrap up with a glittering flourish tonight. Does dapper host Osher Günsberg (above) have any clue what’s coming? Or will the punters pick the winner?

FRIDAY, January 27

6.00 The Drum. Analysis of the day’s news.

7.00 ABC News. Takes a look at today’s top stories.

7.30 Monty Don’s Adriatic Gardens: Croatia. Part 2 of 3.

8.30 Endeavour. (Mav, R) Part 3 of 3. Thursday discovers that Endeavour’s problems are greater than anybody could have suspected.

10.00 Miniseries: The Accident. (Mal, R) Part 4 of 4.

10.50 ABC Late News. Detailed coverage of the day’s events.

11.10 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R)

11.55 Unforgotten. (Mal, R)

12.45 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

Many people shun reality-TV competitions, but Survivor shouldn’t be thrown into the same pile as every other gimmick. As Americans gear up for their 42nd series of the beloved franchise, anyone who has bypassed this spectacle should really give it a chance … After all, now that Mike White, the creator of smash-hit The White Lotus, has proudly outed himself as a super-fan (he even competed with his dad on the series and came second), now both duly nerdy and cool. Tonight, host Jonathan LaPaglia (right) kicks off the 10th season of this Aussie version with a mix of new and returning players. Buckle up for plenty of strategic manoeuvres with a heroes versus villains theme.

THURSDAY TASKMASTER AUSTRALIA

TEN, 7.30pm

Britain’s hilarious game show that pushes comedians to their brink finally gets a much-anticipated Aussie version, hosted by Gold Logiewinning comedian Tom Gleeson (Hard ). If you haven’t tuned in for the British hit, Gleeson sums the show up quite succinctly as “comedians humiliating themselves… that’s kind of our whole deal!”. Featuring contestants Julia Morris (above), Luke McGregor, Jimmy Rees, Nina Oyama and Danielle Walker, along with Gleeson’s sidekick Tom Cashman, tune in for the silly, headscratching and gleeful challenges, which will see one comedian emerge as the victor. It’s a delightfully silly distraction.

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

7.35 Scotland: A Wild Year.

8.30 Inside Central Station: T4 Line.

Narrated by Shane Jacobson.

9.25 Undeniable: The Truth To Remember.

10.20 SBS World News Late.

10.50 Gomorrah. (MA15+v, R)

1.45 The Kimberley Cruise: The Full Journey. (R)

4.35 Bamay. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 To Be Advised.

11.00 MOVIE: The Book Of Eli. (2010, MA15+v, R) In a post-apocalyptic future, a lone man fights his way across the US to protect a sacred book that he believes holds the secrets to saving humankind. Denzel Washington, Gary Oldman, Mila Kunis.

1.30 Home Shopping.

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 Australian Open Tennis Pre-Show. Hosted by James Bracey.

7.30 Tennis. Australian Open. Night 12. Men’s singles semi-final.

11.00 New Amsterdam. (Mamv, R)

A burst pipe plunges the ED into chaos.

12.00 Family Law. (Ma, R) Abby and Daniel represent a trans teen.

1.00 Our State On A Plate. (PG)

Cassandra Charlick learns how to make beer.

1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Take Two. (R)

4.30 Global Shop. (R) Home shopping.

5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

5.30 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)

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

7.30 The Graham Norton Show. Graham is joined by Michelle Williams, Helena Bonham Carter, Brendan Fraser, Russell T Davies and Oti Mabuse.

9.30 Jimeoin: Ramble On. (Mls, R) Stand-up comedy performance by Irish comedian Jimeoin featuring his clever and quirky observations on everyday suburban life in his trademark devil-may-care style.

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

12.00 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) Late-night talk show.

1.00 Home Shopping. (R)

SATURDAY, January 28

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.10 Blue Water Safari.

10.10 Love Your Garden. (R) 11.05 Paul

O’Grady For The Love Of Animals. 12.00

WorldWatch. 2.05 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R) 2.15 Pluto: Back From The Dead. (R) 3.25 Happy Birthday Hubble. (PG, R) 4.35

Secret Scotland. (R) 5.30 WWII Battles For Europe. (PGaw, R)

6.30 SBS World News.

6.30 Better Date Than Never. (PG, R) Follows a diverse group of singles seeking love.

7.00 ABC News. Takes a look at today’s top stories.

7.30 Call The Midwife. (PG) Sister Hilda and Dr Turner support a father.

8.30 Midsomer Murders. (Mav, R) Barnaby and Winter investigate when the annual Midsomer Scarecrow Festival takes a grisly turn.

10.00 Unforgotten. (Mal, R) Cassie and Sunny interview the suspects.

10.50 A Life In Ten Pictures: Muhammad Ali. (PG, R)

11.45 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

7.35 Chris Tarrant’s Extreme Railway Journeys: Crossing The Emerald Isle. (PGa, R) Part 3 of 4.

8.30 The Queen At War. (PGa, R) A look at the impact of war on Queen Elizabeth II.

9.30 Britain By Beach. (PGn, R) Part 3 of 4.

10.25 Great Escapes With Morgan Freeman. (Ma, R)

11.15 The Responder. (Madl, R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.15 France 24 Feature.

5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

SUNDAY, January 29

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 Cook Up Bitesize. (R) 9.05 Blue Water Safari. (PG) 10.05 Love Your Garden. (R) 11.00 Going Places. (PG, R)

12.00 WorldWatch. 1.00 Speedweek. 3.00 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (PGa, R)

3.10 The Architecture Of Ra. (PGalw, R) 4.40

Secrets Of The Tower Of London. (PGa, R)

5.30 WWII Battles For Europe. (PGaw, R)

6.00 Shopping. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise.

10.00 The Morning Show. (PG)

12.00 Horse Racing. Expressway Stakes Raceday, Summer at the Valley and Sunshine Coast Cup Day.

5.00 Seven News At 5.

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

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Cricket. Big Bash League. The Qualifier. Perth Scorchers v Sydney Sixers. From Optus Stadium, Perth.

10.30 To Be Advised.

11.00 MOVIE: Grown Ups. (2010, PGls, R) After their high-school basketball coach passes away, five former friends and teammates are reunited for the first time in decades for his funeral and the subsequent Fourth of July holiday weekend. Adam Sandler, David Spade, Chris Rock.

1.30 Home Shopping.

6.00 NBN News.

6.30 Australian Open Tennis Pre-Show. Hosted by James Bracey.

7.30 Tennis. Australian Open. Night 13. Women’s singles final. From Melbourne Park. Hosted by James Bracey.

12.00 New Amsterdam. (Mamv, R) Sharpe offers help to a reluctant Mina.

1.00 Family Law. (Ma, R)

A divorcée needs help.

2.00 The Incredible Journey Presents. (PGa)

2.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

4.30 Global Shop. (R)

5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

5.30 Helping Hands. (PG)

6.00 Bondi Rescue. (PGal, R)

The lifeguards are feeling the pressure.

6.30 Jamie Oliver: Together. Jamie Oliver prepares a taco party.

7.30 NCIS: Los Angeles. (Mav) Roberta Deeks comes into town.

8.30 FBI: International. (Masv) The Fly Team heads to the Czech Republic in pursuit of the co-founder of an illegal adults-only website when his business partner is murdered in Prague. Kellett struggles with her personal relationships.

10.30 NCIS. (Mv, R) Two bodies are found in a forest.

12.30 Home Shopping. (R)

5.00 Hour Of Power.

6.00 Antiques Roadshow.

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 Joanna Lumley’s Unseen Adventures. (Ml, R) Part 2 of 3.

8.20 Vera. (Ma, R) A local teacher is found dead at the bottom of a cliff-side coastal walkway.

9.50 Wreck. (Mlv, R) Jamie becomes a fugitive onboard.

10.35 Operation Buffalo. (Mal, R)

11.30 Making Child Prodigies. (R)

1.00 Les Misérables. (Ma, R)

2.00 Victoria. (PG, R)

2.50 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

4.05 Classic Countdown. (PG, R)

5.05 Think Tank. (PG, R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.35 Lost Treasure Tombs Of The Ancient Maya. (PGav, R) Part 1 of 2.

9.25 Australia Burns: Silence Of The Land. (PGa, R) A look at the 2019-2020 bushfires.

10.50 Looking For Life On Mars. (R)

11.55 24 Hours In Emergency. (Ma, R)

12.50 Uranium: Twisting The Dragon’s Tail. (PGa, R)

3.40 Destination Flavour China. (R)

4.40 Bamay. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.15 France 24 Feature.

5.30 Al Jazeera News.

6am Morning Programs. 11.00 GoRV. 11.30 Australia ReDiscovered. Noon Cycling. Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race. Elite Women’s. 4.30 American Restoration. 5.00 Leepu And Pitbull.

6.00 Shopping. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 Cycling. Santos Tour Down Under. H’lights. 1.00 Border Security: Int. (PG, R)

1.30 Cricket. Women’s Twenty20 International Series. Australia v Pakistan. Game 3.

5.00 Seven News At 5.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Cricket. Big Bash League. The Knockout.

11.00 7NEWS Spotlight. (R) A musical edition of the show hosted by ABBA’s Benny and Bjorn, including a look back at the 1977 tour of Australia with some of the superfans that were there, as well a farewell to Olivia Newton-John.

12.00 The Good Doctor. (Ma, R) Claire and Shaun treat a patient with a rare form of dwarfism. Shaun reacts to an emotional situation.

1.00 Home Shopping.

5.00 Seven Early News.

5.30 Sunrise. News, sport and weather.

6.00 Nine News Sunday.

6.30 Australian Open Tennis Pre-Show. Reviews, previews, interviews, highlights and opinions from the Australian Open at Melbourne Park.

7.30 Tennis. Australian Open. Night 14. Men’s final.

12.00 New Amsterdam. (Mamv, R) Reynolds receives a dramatic offer.

1.00 Kia Dylan Alcott Special. (R) A Drive TV special.

1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa)

4.30 Take Two. (R)

5.00 News Early Edition.

5.30 Today.

6.30 The Sunday Project. Special guests include Sam Smith.

7.30 The Bachelors Australia. (Final, PGls) Jed, Felix and Thomas have decided who they want to face their happily ever after with.

9.10 NCIS: Hawai’i. (Mv, R) When a paniolo, a local cowboy, is shot, Tennant and her team must gain the trust of the community.

10.10 FBI. (Mav, R) The FBI hunts for a serial killer.

11.00 The Sunday Project. (R) Special guests include Sam Smith.

12.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.30 CBS Mornings.

PG)

7.30 MOVIE: Assassin’s Creed. (2016, M) 9.35 MOVIE: The Legend Of Hercules. (2014, M) 11.30 Duncanville. Midnight Filthy House SOS. 1.00 Full Bloom. 2.00 Dance Moms. 3.00 Power Rangers Dino Charge. 3.30 Late Programs.

MONDAY, January 30

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.15 Craft It Yourself. (PG) 10.15 Beyond The Beaten Path. (M) 11.10 Great Canal Journeys. (R) 12.05 WorldWatch.

2.00 Cook Up Bitesize. (R) 2.05 The Great House Revival. (PG, R) 3.05 Portillo’s Greatest

TUESDAY, January 31

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.05 Craft It Yourself. (PG) 10.05 Beyond The Beaten

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 11.30 News. 12.00 MOVIE: The Sweetest Heart.

6.00 7News Local.

6.30 7News @ 6:30.

7.00 Home And Away. (PGav)

7.30 Australian Idol. (Return, PGls)

A nationwide search for a singing superstar, determined through a series of performances.

9.15 Below Deck Down Under. (Mls, R) Follows a charter crew aboard the M/Y Thalassa operating in the Whitsundays and Great Barrier Reef.

11.15 Busted In Bangkok. (MA15+ans, R) Follows Thailand’s tourist police.

12.30 Home Shopping. (R)

5.00 Seven Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

6.30 The Project. Waleed Aly, Sarah Harris, Sam Taunton and Steve Price take a look at the day’s news, events and hot topics.

7.30 Australian Survivor. (Return) Returning players and new faces battle it out on the beaches of Samoa.

9.30 FBI: Most Wanted. (Mav) A celebrity child psychiatrist is kidnapped by the son of a former client.

11.30 The Project. (R) Special guest is Chrissie Swan.

12.30 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG)

1.30 Home Shopping. (R)

4.30 CBS Mornings. Morning news and talk show.

7.00

7.30 Australian Idol. (PGls) Hosted by Ricki-Lee and Scott Tweedie.

9.15 Quantum Leap. (Premiere, Mav) A new team restarts the controversial Quantum Leap project only to have one of their own take an unauthorised leap back in time to 1985 leaving them to find out what happened and how to get him back.

6.30 The Project. Special guest is Iliza Shlesinger.

7.30 Australian Survivor. Presented by Jonathan LaPaglia.

9.15 NCIS. (Mv, R) Gibbs and Fornell’s crusade to find the head of the drug ring responsible for Fornell’s daughter’s overdose comes to a climax. The team is finally let in on a case by Gibbs and Vance that has dangerous implications.

11.15 The Project. (R) Special guest is Iliza Shlesinger.

12.20 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) Late-night talk show.

1.30 Home Shopping. (R)

4.30 CBS Mornings.

WEDNESDAY, February 1

6.00 Morning Programs. 10.10 Beyond The Beaten Path. (M) 11.05 Great Canal Journeys.

(PGa, R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.10 Cook Up Bitesize. (R) 2.15 Secrets Of Royal Gardens. (R) 3.10 Portillo’s Greatest Railway Journeys. (PG, R) 4.05 Who Do You Think You Are? (PGa, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! (R) 5.30 Letters And

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.35 Incredible Canals. Explore the history of canals.

8.35 My Grandparents’ War: Kit Harington. (PG) Part 1 of 4.

9.30 Bloodlands. (Return) A local accountant is murdered.

10.35 SBS World News Late.

11.05 Cargo. (Premiere, MA15+v)

12.05 Thin Blue Line. (MA15+al, R)

4.30 Mastermind Australia. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

THURSDAY, February 2

6.00 Morning Programs. 10.10 Beyond The Beaten Path. (M) 11.05 Great Canal Journeys.

WorldWatch. 2.10 Cook Up Bitesize.

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (PG, R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.35 From Paris To Rome

With Bettany Hughes.

8.30 American Presidency With Bill Clinton. (Premiere)

9.20 Miniseries: The Walk-In. (MA15+)

10.15 SBS World News Late.

10.45 War Of The Worlds. (Final, MA15+a)

11.40 Vikings. (MA15+sv, R)

4.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

Q+A. (R)

1.15 The Trouble With Maggie Cole. (PG, R)

2.05 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 11.30 News. 12.00 To Be

6.00 7News Local.

6.30 7News @ 6:30.

7.00 Home And Away. (PGa)

7.30 Australian Idol. (PGls) Hosted by Ricki-Lee and Scott Tweedie.

9.05 The Front Bar: All Sports Edition. (Return, M) Sam Pang, Mick Molloy and Andy Maher take a look at the world of sport and catch up with the stars of yesteryear.

10.05 Kitchen Nightmares Australia. (MA15+l, R) Hosted by Colin Fassnidge.

11.15 To Be Advised.

12.30 Home Shopping. (R)

5.00 Seven Early News.

5.30 Sunrise.

6.30 The Project. Special guest is Adam Hills.

7.30 Australian Survivor. Following a heated reward challenge, a secret night mission cause one tribe to question one of their own.

9.15 Fire Country. (Mv) The crew engages in a search-and-rescue mission after a building collapses.

10.15 Bull. (Ma, R) The TAC team defends a BLM activist.

12.00 The Project. (R)

1.00 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.30 CBS Mornings.

6.00 7News Local.

6.30 7News @ 6:30.

6.30 The Project.

7.30 Taskmaster Australia. (Premiere, PGl) Comedy game show featuring comedians performing a series of tricky tasks.

8.30 Law & Order: SVU. (MA15+av) As Muncy tries to fit in with the squad, a home invasion and kidnapping leads the SVU to a shocking discovery.

10.30 NCIS: Los Angeles. (Mav, R)

11.30 The Project. (R) Special guests include Paul Rudd.

12.30 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG)

1.30 Home Shopping. (R)

4.30 CBS Mornings.

NAMBUCCA VALLEY

Friday, 27 January 2023

Farewelling ‘The Panther’

By Aiden BURGESS

COFFS Harbour Golden Oldies Cricket Club played two 40 over a side matches at Phillip Hughes Oval in Macksville last week.

The Coffs side took on the Newcastle Taverners on Sunday, 22 January, and won the game comfortably with all players performing well.

Andrew Hunter was named man of the match for his solid batting as an opener and a three-wicket haul with the ball.

The Coffs team then played Mid North Coast two days later, and despite an unbeaten 66 from Eric Higgins could not overcome the challenge of two games being played so close

together, and could not repeat the success of Sunday.

The catering for the lunch break by the Macksville CWA was excellent and the ladies were thanked for their support.

Local cricket identity and life member of the Macksville Cricket Club, Noel ‘The Panther’ Chapman, was farewelled at both games and then again last Sunday at a T20 fixture organised in his honour by the Macksville Club, as he moves to Melbourne.

T20 players were invited from all age groups and the game played in a picnic atmosphere.

Coffs Harbour Golden Oldies Cricket Club player Graham Doust praised the

contributions Chapman had made to the club and local cricket in general.

“Noel is moving to Melbourne and will be missed by the local cricketing fraternity,” he said.

“His contribution in the organisation of the development of Phil Hughes Oval has been outstanding and his enthusiasm and hard work as the secretary and game organiser for the Coffs Harbour Golden Oldies has enabled the club to continue its development.

“Noel has been instrumental in the development of the Phil Hughes Oval as not only a great place to play the game but as a ‘must play there’ oval for cricketers across the state

and even interstate.

“He has played a major role in seeking and gaining funding for the development of the facility which now has great change rooms, catering, and meeting facilities.

“This ground has the potential to become an iconic cricket destination similar to Bradman Oval in Bowral.”

Doust said the games honoured the contributions of a stalwart of local cricket.

“The presentation of a great aerial photo of Phil Hughes Oval was made by the Macksville Club and representatives of both Macksville and Golden Oldies took the opportunity to thank Noel once again,” he said.

“In his response Noel outlined his wish that

everyone of all ages and standards continue to enjoy the friendship and exercise that cricket can provide.

“The Coffs/Nambucca

cricket community thank Noel for his contribution and wish him well in his future endeavours.”

q The Coffs Harbour Golden Oldies Cricket Club with the Newcastle Taverners.

q Noel Chapman.