NAMBUCCA Valley’s ‘Open Streets Festival’ drew crowds of around 3000 revellers under clear skies and perfect temperatures to the riverside of Macksville last Saturday evening.
Inspired by the Nambucca Valley YOUth Speak Project, Nambucca Valley Council and others secured funding and made the large youth-focused outdoor festival happen in just a little over three months.
“We asked ourselves: ‘How can we light a little flame for local youth?’,” event organiser Joel Grimson of Good Crew event planning told NOTA as he packed the final pieces away in trucks on Monday morning after the festival.
The final result involved a host of local young talent performing, designing, organising and setting up for the collaborative event,
CONTINUED Pages 8-9
COSTS
q Ludia and Ngalayn Blair and Millie Thompson working on a chalk masterpiece. Photo: Mick Birtles.
CHILD poverty is costing the Mid North Coast $2.1 billion a year, according to landmark research commissioned by peak social services body, the NSW Council of Social Services (NCOSS).
The report, titled “Lasting Impacts: The Economic Costs of Child Poverty in NSW” calculated for the first time the impact of failing to invest in children.
According to NCOSS, about 22 percent of children on the Mid-North Coast live in poverty and the economic impact equates to more than $8800 per person.
NCOSS chief executive Cara Varian, said the total cost of childhood poverty in NSW is $60 billion, eclipsing the annual contributions to the state’s economy from major sectors such as construction ($52.9 billion), manufacturing ($42.3 billion) and mining ($32.5 billion).
“There are about 10,000 children in poverty on the Mid North Coast,” she said.
For this report, child poverty is defined as a child from birth to seventeen years living in a household with income less than 50 percent of the median household’s income, (including government benefits, and after tax and housing costs).
“Child poverty hurts us all - it robs children of their future and steals $2.1 billion from the Mid North Coast economy every year.
“Children from households living in poverty are three times more likely to also experience poverty in adulthood. We are setting up a cycle of disadvantage”.
“Poverty during childhood has a lifelong impact - these children go on to have poor physical and mental health and earn less at work.
“They are more likely to be unemployed, homeless or land in the legal system as an adult.”
NCOSS’ statewide breakdown of costs per category includes:
$19 billion a year because of missed educational opportunities, leading to lower pay or unemployment
$5.3 billion a year in health costs and associated disadvantage
$3 billion a year because of child maltreatment (including family violence)
$855 million a year in crime costs (about 20 percent
of criminal offences committed by children are directly attributable to child poverty
$1.1 billion a year attributed to homelessness (approximately 80 percent of children who are homeless experience homelessness as adults).
“We live in one of the world’s wealthiest nations. Poverty is preventable and this research shows the immense economic opportunity available to the NSW Government if it takes the steps necessary to avoid the long term consequences of child poverty,” Ms Varian said.
She urged the NSW and Australian governments to help lift families out of poverty by: substantially increasing base rates of income support payments, particularly JobSeeker and Parenting Payments (e.g. matching rates
of the Age Pension) and indexing them to community living standards ensuring that a minimum of 10 percent of all housing is social and affordable housing further increasing Commonwealth Rent Assistance to keep up with private rental rates ensuring homelessness services are adequately resourced committing to joint decision-making to empower First Nations communities in the design and delivery of services guaranteeing that all children have access to at least three days a week of quality and affordable childcare investing in high-quality integrated support services for children and families that help them early in life. To read the full report, go to ncoss.org.au.
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Industry warns of potential billion-dollar cost for koala national park
FROM Page 1
A STRONG resolve remains to establish a sprawling national park to protect highvalue koala habitat, despite analysis costing the move at $1.3 billion.
Environmentalists have firmly disputed the price tag put forward by the logging industry as a leaked document shows industry proposals for two smaller versions of the planned Great Koala National Park in NSW.
State cabinet is due to make a final decision within weeks on the boundaries of the park, which aims to link dozens of koala hubs near Coffs Harbour to protect 100 native species, including up to one in every eight koalas living in NSW, Queensland and the ACT.
The footprint could be as large as 176,000 hectares - twice the size of Canberra - including large swathes of existing state forest.
In a document obtained by AAP, an industry panel advised government that a full-sized park would cost 2200 jobs and require $450 million in workforce support.
But environmental groups shot down the estimate, saying it was up to 12 times too high.
Environment Minister Penny Sharpe said "a number of figures (were) floating around" as final decisions to set up the park approached.
"The thing I've learnt in forestry is that there are never any agreed facts and never any agreed figures," she said on Wednesday.
Standing next to Treasurer Daniel Mookhey, Ms Sharpe was asked if there would be problems obtaining hundreds of millions of dollars to establish the park given only $80 million had been put aside.
"I'm not going to preempt how we are going to go with that except that
(the treasurer) knows it's an election commitment that we have to deliver," she said.
"(It will be) a great park, a really important part of saving koalas and will drive economic growth in that area."
The industry said a park one-fifth of the size could focus on areas with the highest populations of koalas and greater gliders while taking away less than ten percent of the northeast wood supply.
The 37,000ha footprint would cost about $273 million and 440 jobs, it estimated.
"The cost of the (176,000ha) current assessment area comes with a jaw-dropping price tag for taxpayers... and it puts the hardwood timber industry on the chopping block," Australian Forest Products Association NSW chief executive James Jooste said.
An "acceptable" 58,000ha option would cost about $410 million and 660 jobs.
Each proposal substantially reduces the amount of coastal forest
under protection, with areas around Woolgoolga and Nambucca Heads left out.
The industry's native forest sector has been under siege in recent years, having made heavy losses and committed several wildlife offences.
Environmentalists have attacked the analysis as disingenuous and grossly inflated.
A Blueprint Institute assessment recently estimated the whole northeast NSW logging
industry, including outside the national park footprint, would cost $215 million.
"There is no science and there is certainly no credible economics in the logging industry pitch," Greens MP Sue Higginson said.
The North East Forest Alliance pointed to a 2021 University of Newcastle assessment that found the park would boost tourism and deliver a $1.18 billion economic boost with a net increase of 9100 jobs over 15 years.
"You can't put a price on the next generation being able to see a koala in the wild and that is what a Great Koala National Park really offers for the people of NSW," president Dailan Pugh said.
An estimated 12,111 koalas live in the land earmarked for the national park.
Official estimates place the headcount in NSW, Queensland and the ACT between 95,000 and 238,000.
q The park aims to link dozens of high-value koala habitat hubs.
Photo: Bianca De Marchi/AAP PHOTOS.
MP calls for transparency on GKNP process
OXLEY MP Michael Kemp has gone in to bat for the native timber industry in parliament, calling on the Labor government to “openly explain the process” surrounding planning for the proposed Great Koala National Park (GKNP).
Conservation groups however are urging the government to speed up the park’s delivery.
Mr Kemp posed a series of questions about the formation of the GKNP in a private member’s statement to the Legislative Assembly on 21 November.
In particular he urged the state government to explain the hiring of consultancy Mandala Partners to evaluate the social and economic impacts of creating the GKNP.
“How can we trust the integrity of a report from a company with such limited experience?”
Mr Kemp asked, stating the consultancy was six months old when handed a contract to report on the GKNP.
“Mandala Partners, founded in June 2023, had completed no substantial portfolio projects at the time it was contracted by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS).”
Mr Kemp said Mandala’s eventual report “lacks transparency” and “omitted clear terms of reference, scientific data and detailed cost analysis”.
He also claimed the analysis, presented to the park’s industry advisory group in October, “fails
to consider the intricate structure of wood supply agreements on the North Coast”.
“Mandala's assessment crudely reduced timber volumes by 40 percent without accounting for species preferences, contractual caps and floors, or the variable economic impact on sawmills.
“While evaluating the park, Mandala Partners was simultaneously working on a project commissioned by the Australian Climate and Biodiversity Foundation (ACBF) to promote forest carbon projects aimed at shutting down the native forest industry.
“The Minns Labor Government must explain how this is not a clear conflict of interest.”
Mandala Partners Managing Partner Amit Singh told NOTA the company “secured a contract of work for the NSW Government through the normal procurement process”.
He strictly denied there was any conflict between Mandala’s work for the NPWS and ACBF, with the research projects having different scope, focus areas, subject matter and covering different geographical areas.
“All government procurement is subject to strict conflict of interest checks,” Mr Singh said.
"As a consultancy firm of significant scale, Mandala has strict data protocols and communicates these to clients to
ensure there is no crossover.
“Those strict protocols were adhered to in this case and any suggestion otherwise is false.
"We take our integrity incredibly seriously. We hold ourselves to the highest standards and those standards have been upheld."
Mandala says its analysis on the GKNP is ongoing, and that the information presented to the park’s industry panel was work in progress and not a ‘report’ as Mr Kemp claimed.
The office of Environment Minister Penny Sharpe said Mandala Projects were engaged via a government procurement process, but did not offer any further details.
She also defended the government’s GKNP assessment and planning process.
“We have always been clear that we need a comprehensive assessment process which takes into account environmental, economic, social, ecological and cultural issues – this is being undertaken,” Ms Sharpe said.
“The Great Koala National Park is the government's biggest environmental commitment, it will be delivered.”
Mr Kemp’s parliamentary speech went on to note the “lack of impartiality” on advisory panels for the GKNP, claiming “environmental non-government organisations with a long history of bias against the forestry
Oxley’s MP has called for ‘transparency’ over the process to establish the Great Koala National Park, while local conservation groups are calling for the process to be sped up.
industry” sit on the park’s community panel.
“As if they represent our community,” he said.
While Mr Kemp urges for the process so far to be reviewed, conservation groups are urging faster action on declaring the park.
With the Government’s assessment of the GKNP coming to an end and a decision seemingly imminent, the North East Forest Alliance (NEFA) is calling on the government to heed the “overwhelming evidence” and establish a “truly great Great Koala National Park”.
“There is no longer any excuse to continue logging the park,” said NEFA spokesperson Dailan Pugh, who sits on the GKNP community advisory panel.
“With the assessments complete, it is now time for the Minns government to stop the logging, transfer the full 176,000ha to national parks, and provide compensation packages for affected workers.
“The evidence is overwhelming that this will be one of our great national parks, and its protection will be of immense economic benefit to the people of NSW,” Mr Pugh said.
q
Photo: Lyn Orrego.
Three charged over vehicle thefts
FINANCIAL Crime Squad
detectives have charged three men for their alleged role
theft of 17 vehicles worth more than $750,000.
Strike Force Alboraya was established by State Crime Command’s Financial Crime Squad Motor Unit to investigate a criminal syndicate’s involvement in alleged motor vehicle theft.
Following extensive inquiries, strike force detectives arrested a 35-year-old man in
Annandale about 5.45pm on Thursday 29 October 2024.
The man was taken to Newtown Police Station, where he was charged with four offences related to the theft of motor vehicles, and participating in a criminal group.
He was refused bail and appeared in Newtown Local Court on Wednesday 30 October 2024.
About 12pm on Wednesday 6 November 2024, officers attached
to Mid North Coast Police District attempted to stop two men in an allegedlystolen vehicle at Warrell Creek.
A pursuit was initiated on two occasions but terminated due to safety concerns before road spikes were successfully deployed on the M1 at Kempsey.
One of the occupants of the car – a 33-year-old man – allegedly attempted to carjack other vehicles before running into bushland.
The other occupant – a 34-year-old man – allegedly attempted to continue to drive the car, but then ran into nearby bushland.
A short time later, both men were arrested and taken to hospital after the older man suffered a medical episode.
The younger man required treatment for injuries sustained fleeing from police.
The men were then taken to Port Macquarie Police Station, where they
were charged with offences relating to the police pursuit, refused bail, and appeared in Kempsey Local Court the next day.
Following further inquiries, about 10am on Tuesday 19 November 2024, strike force detectives attended a correctional centre on the Mid North Coast where they rearrested two men, aged 33 and 34.
The younger man was charged with 38 offences including 20 motor vehicle
theft-related charges, five counts of aggravated break and enter, and three police pursuits.
The older man was charged with nine offences, including six motor vehicle theft-related charges.
Police will allege in court the three worked together to steal cars for the purpose of financial gain.
Investigators have recovered nearly all the vehicles believed stolen.
Suspected jellyfish sting at Grassy Head
By Ned COWIE
A YOUNG Nambucca Valley woman was hospitalised after a suspected jellyfish sting at Grassy Head last weekend.
Zahaliah Reedy was wading in thigh-deep water with a friend on the popular beach when she felt the sting last Saturday afternoon.
“I made it back to the beach and I started to feel
sick,” she told NOTA from the hairdressing salon in Nambucca Heads where she works as an apprentice.
Passed out and suffering a seizure, the young woman was carried by a friend to the
car and taken to Macksville Hospital where she was treated for a severe reaction to the marine sting.
“The doctor wasn’t sure what kind of jellyfish it was but thought it looked like a box jellyfish sting and so did a customer who came in this week.
“I just assumed it was a bluebottle because that is what everyone always talks about here.
“The doctor said I probably had an allergic reaction.”
Zahaliah’s boss and Jazzy Hairtique Manager Tina said, “We’re lucky to still have her with us.”
Ms Reedy believes she saw the jellyfish which was “big and fat” and mostly clear.
Gary Nichols of Nambucca Marine Rescue said he doubted the sting had come from a box jellyfish, known as one of the most venomous creatures on the planet.
“I have never seen a box jellyfish around here,” the experienced Marine Rescue captain said.
The species is usually found in tropical waters along Australia’s east coast, although last year a pair of the stingers were found off Cronulla Beach by marine
scientists.
Mr Nichols also noted local beaches were visited by “an absolute plague of bluebottles” last weekend.
“Lots of people got stung.”
Severe allergic reactions to bluebottle stings are rare but can happen.
According to St John Ambulance Australia, suspected bluebottle stings should be treated by flooding the affected area with water as hot as the patient can tolerate, while best treatment for the box jellyfish is dowsing the sting with vinegar.
q Six days after the incident, the sting on Zahaliah’s leg was still visible.
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Theatre improvements set to continue
By Ned COWIE
NAMBUCCA Valley Council General Manager Bede Spannagle says all signs look good for work to recommence on muchawaited upgrades to Bowraville Theatre.
According to the GM, a representative from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) met with Council on site at the historic theatre and “gave a positive response” to Council’s suggestion that work continue but at a reduced scale to initially approved upgrades.
Official confirmation of the department’s decision still has not been received by Council, Mr Spannagle said.
Originally slated to be finished by December 2025, the $707,000 Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund (BLERF) project was reported to be in doubt by NOTA in September of this year and little work had been completed.
Skyrocketing costs and that the original quote did not take updated fire regulations into account, were two of the reasons cited by Council staff who sought to cancel the grant until more funds could be found.
At the time, councillors voted not to cancel the project
but rather keep the funds and request the funding body (DPIRD) allow an amendment to the scale of the work.
At a Council meeting in late August, Bowraville Theatre Committee members spoke of being shocked at the project’s position, and complained that little consultation had taken place with them in the lead-up to the
“One of the complaints made was a lack of communication so I have personally made sure that the CFO (Chief Financial Officer) and Project Manager are keeping the theatre group informed,” Mr Spannagle told NOTA.
Bowraville Arts Council Secretary Dale Hawkins confirmed this when NOTA contacted her last week.
“(As far as we know) work is proceeding on disabled access and the lift for the stage as well as
rewiring of the theatre.
“A project manager has been appointed and they are keeping us in the loop,” she added.
Originally the project was to include a new dressing room as well as disabled access improvements, but the funding shortfall for the entire project was estimated to be in the region of $650,000 and Council faced the possibility of having to repay funds totalling $41,000 which had already been spent.
q Upgrades to Bowraville Theatre are due to be completed by mid-2025.
Macksville student earns parliament visit
By Andrew VIVIAN MACKSVILLE High’s
Andrew Sheridan visited
NSW Parliament on 5 November, joining other students from across the state for discussions about democracy and the constitution.
Andrew’s visit came as part of the 30th annual NSW Schools Constitutional Convention, which provided 100 year 11 students the chance to take part in engaging workshops that encouraged critical thinking.
Andrew was selected to attend after composing an essay on the importance of
legislative change.
A motivating keynote address from Professor Anne Twomey, Professor Emerita of the University of Sydney, kicked off the event.
Ben Franklin MLC, President of the NSW Legislative Council, welcomed the students and praised them for their eagerness to learn.
“It’s wonderful to welcome such a diverse group of students, and particularly those travelling from far and wide, including Goonellabah, Griffith, Mungindi and Narooma to be with us today and share their voices,” Mr Franklin
said.
“We must nurture their enthusiasm and ensure these remarkable young people have every opportunity to shape our shared future.”
Andrew said a highlight of the trip was the inspiring keynote from Professor Twomey.
“I was impressed by her speech about the balance between the right to protest versus the rights of others,” he said.
Of the experience overall, Andrew said, “It’s not every day you have the opportunity to meet a group of like-minded students.”
Sewing the seeds for a fashion career
By Andrea FERRARI
MACKSVILLE TAFE NSW
student Luka Barnes, 19, is ‘sewing’ seeds of success in the Australian fashion industry after winning a place in the WorldSkills Australia Fashion Technology Regional Competition.
Ms Barnes is now eligible to represent the North Region in the national competition in Brisbane in 2025, where she can pit her design and sewing skills against people from around Australia.
Success in the national competition could open the doors for her to compete on the global stage in Shanghai in 2026.
“I am so excited and grateful to have this opportunity to compete
in WorldSkills,” Ms Barnes told News Of The Area.
“It was a bit stressful, but now I’ve had the experience, I will be able to bring that to the next round.
“I really just enjoyed it for what it was, so to get a medal and be able to compete in the national competition is such a great bonus.
“This has just topped off a great year.
“It’s been wonderful to
finish high school and be able to study fashion and follow my passion in my hometown.”
Ms Barnes, whose grandmother inspired her love of sewing, continues to be inspired to create her own designs.
She will graduate with her Certificate III in Apparel, Fashion and Textiles at the end of this semester.
“I am passionate about joining the fashion industry,
and doing this course has helped me learn so much about the different options and pathways available.
“My teachers were so supportive and really encouraged me,” she said.
TAFE Apparel, Fashion and Textiles teacher Deborah Hatley said of the event, “We are so proud of all our students who took part in the competition, it’s a wonderful experience to test their skills and work under pressure.
“We give our students as many of these hands-on experiences as possible to help them graduate ready to confidently take on a role in industry.
“This medal and chance to compete at national level is a real testament to Luka’s design and fashion skills, the competition in the group was extremely tight.
“This will also be a great inclusion on her resume once she graduates,” Ms Hatley said.
q Andrew Sheridan (centre, rear) said the Constitutional Convention was inspiring. Photo: Department of Education.
q Luka Barnes is inspired by her grandmother’s creative sewing skills.
q Macksville TAFE NSW Fashion student Luka Barnes has won a place at WorldSkills 2025.
Open Streets Festival draws large crowds
FROM Page 1 and more.
facilitated by Nambucca Valley Council.
With a grant of around $145,000 from Transport for NSW, the river end of Princess and River streets and a laneway were closed off to set up two large stages.
Performances were run continuously from 2pm at these two venues, beginning with a showcase of local youth performers on the Lane Stage and Alicia Parry on the Main Stage.
Other performers through the afternoon and evening included Indigenous Bowraville band Jumbaal Dreamin’, Mastersonics, Blind Pretty, Robby T and The Messages, and Burger Joint before a fireworks show at 8pm.
According to Joel, the unusual line-up of creative activities came into existence after workshops were held to find out what young people would like to see more of.
There was a sewing tent where three sewing machines were set-up and participants were encouraged to grab an old curtain and create something new, pottery and jewellery making, outdoor chess, a silent disco, hip hop dance workshops, a parade
Young performers circulated in fancy costumes and the usually quiet streets of Macksville were buzzing with music, noise, laughter and activity.
Onlookers sat at the many assembled tables, chairs or even on sofas to relax and soak up the atmosphere.
In the end, organisers said 22 young people aged between 12 and 19 were part of the organising team, with more involved in performances.
The project began with forums and then an online “Get involved campaign”.
“We had weekly zoom meetings and tried to give the young people a real taste of how it is to create and deliver
a large event,” Joel said.
Both Nambucca Valley Mayor Gary Lee and Council GM Bede Spannagle were in attendance, telling NOTA they were thrilled with the outcome.
“I’m extremely pleased with the success of the Open Streets Festival in Macksville last Saturday,” Mr Spannagle said in a statement.
“It was well organised and went off smoothly.”
He jokingly credited the perfect weather on the day to the efforts of Council’s Community Development Officer, Jocelyn Box.
“There was a vibrant, positive mood right up to the fireworks finale,” Mr Spannagle added.
q Blind Pretty on the Main Stage. Photo: Mick Birtles.
q A big hit was the Great Curtain Challenge facilitated by Zenzi Grace (centre). Photo: Mick Birtles.
q Songwriting and Microphone workshop with Fluxa, Anika Binns, Tyrone Binns and Fitzroy Lee. Photo: Mick Birtles.
q Wolf and Lilli Stranlund making Christmas decorations with their mum. Photo: Mick Birtles.
q Puteri, Wish, Iman and Husna from Malaysia, who are currently studying in the Nambucca Valley. Photo: Mick Birtles.
crowds to Macksville
q Circus fun with (rear) Jasper Gulliver, Sophie Lumiere, and (front) Lexie and Evie Manning. Photo: Mick Birtles.
q Silent Disco DJs Shane Burke and Lynda Warrick. Photo: Mick Birtles.
q Jumbaal Dreamin’. Photo: Mick Birtles.
q A giant snake winds through the festival. Photo: Mick Birtles.
q Fitzroy Lee and Fluxa. Photo: Mick Birtles.
q Atlas Blue performing on the Lane Stage. Photo: Mick Birtles.
q Great costumes added to the colour of the festival. Photo: Mick Birtles.
q Songs of Paul Kelly by Robby T and the Messages. Photo: Mick Birtles.
q Burger Joint headlined the event. Photo: Mick Birtles.
q The angelic singing of Alicia Parry. Photo: Mick Birtles.
q Mainly Hues performing at the Lane Stage. Photo: Mick Birtles.
Takyla Hardes wins Lions Youth of the Year
By Mick BIRTLES
TAKYLA Hardes has been named the overall winner of the local Lions Youth of the Year program for 2024.
This year’s final three contestants were Takyla and Anastasia Harris from Nambucca Heads High School, and Ruby Wood from Nambucca Valley Christian School.
The Lions Youth of the Year program, an annual national initiative, aims to help young Australians develop vital skills for future success.
The Lions Club of Nambucca Heads is one of many Lions clubs across the country who support the program which is designed to foster leadership, citizenship, and personal growth in students aged 15 to 19 and currently attending high school.
Participants in the program are recognised for their achievements in academics, leadership, sportsmanship, and public speaking, alongside their commitment to community service.
Eleven students began the program in the Nambucca Valley in 2024.
“I commend all of them for getting in and having
a go and accepting this opportunity as it speaks volumes about them as people and the experience will serve them well into the future,” said the Lions Club’s Peter O’Neill.
The competition begins at the local Lions club level and successful participants progress through zone, regional, district and state competitions, culminating in the national finals.
The national winner is awarded scholarships for further education and personal development, along with the unique opportunity to represent Australia at an international youth camp overseas.
The young ladies
Garden Clubs converge on Dorrigo
By Jen HETHERINGTON
GARDEN clubs from across the region converged on Dorrigo last month, visiting the garden of former Nambucca Valley residents Libby and Peter Ussher.
On Wednesday 30 October,
members of the Stuarts Point and District Garden Club were joined by green thumbs from the Nambucca Valley Garden Club, the South West Rocks Garden Club and the Yarrahapinni Walkers Group in their visit to the Usshers’ gardens at ‘Northwood’, Dorrigo. Libby, along with husband Peter, have a large selection of roses,
hundreds of dahlias and many spring and summer bulbs.
“Peter has discovered regenerative farming and is relentless in his pursuit of leaving the farm in a better condition for their grandchildren,” said attendee Rachael White from the Nambucca Valley Garden Club.
“We all enjoyed a scrumptious high tea that provided us with
q SPaDGC’s display at the annual Stuarts Point ‘Fun Day’.
delivered the public speaking component of the contest on Tuesday night at the Nambucca Heads RSL Club in front of the judges, family and friends and members of the Nambucca Lions.
Judges this year were Bob Carline, a former teacher at Macksville High School and Principal at Condobolin High School; Phillip Argue, a former teacher from Macksville High School who has vast experience in chairing
gorgeous sandwiches and delightful scones with jam and cream and of course tea and coffee were served in the most precious of cups and saucers.”
The daytrip itinerary was blessed with clement weather, which included a visit to Carmen Billing’s garden in Dorrigo, lunch at the Canopy Café at the Dorrigo Rainforest Centre, a tour of Planet Dorrigo Nursery, then a final stop at Griffiths Lookout.
The day out also raised $450 for
Youth of the Year panels; and Mrs Deidre Bear, an extensively experienced former literacy and numeracy Teacher with TAFE NSW.
All three contestants spoke well and clearly put significant effort into their prepared speeches, with Ruby Wood taking out the public speaking element of the competition.
Takyla Hardes will now progress to the Zone level of the competition in March 2025.
the Dorrigo Branch of the United Hospital Auxiliary.
Even coach driver Gavin commented that he had a great day driving up and back from the magnificent Dorrigo plateau.
Since the June 2023 inception of the Stuarts Point and District Garden Club (SPaDGC), the group’s membership has grown in strength monthly, now numbering 26 members.
q The day trip took green thumbs from across the Nambucca and Macleay valleys to multiple private gardens in the Dorrigo area.
q Members from the Nambucca Valley Garden Club enjoying lunch.
q Attendees were inspired by the beauty of the gardens they visited.
q Youth of the Year finalists Takyla Hardes, Anastasia Harris and Ruby Wood, judges Phillip Argue, Bob Carline and Deidre Bear and program committee Chair Peter O’Neill.
q Public speaking winner Ruby Wood from Nambucca Valley Christian School with Bob Carline, the Chair of the judging panel.
q Overall winner Takyla Hardes from Nambucca Heads High School with judging panel Chair Bob Carline.
By Manny WOOD
Legal battle over house
ROBERT enters into a de facto relationship with Wendy.
Six years after Robert and Wendy commence their relationship, Robert receives a $1 million inheritance from his father’s estate.
Later that year, Robert and Wendy buy a house and move in together.
A few years pass before their relationship sours and Wendy moves out.
Robert continues to occupy the house before he unexpectedly passes away.
He does not have a will.
John, Robert’s son from a previous relationship, sees a solicitor regarding his father’s estate. A Title Search is conducted, which reveals that the house is still registered in Robert and Wendy’s joint names. John is advised that the ownership of the house will now pass to Wendy by way of “survivorship”.
John is also advised that because Robert was not married and was not in a de facto relationship when he passed away, that John is entitled to the whole of his late father’s estate but because the house was owned as “joint tenants”, it does not form part of the estate and will pass to Wendy.
There are no other assets of any significant value in the estate.
John commences action in the Supreme Court, seeking orders that Wendy holds the house on “resulting trust” for Robert’s estate on the basis that Robert paid the bulk of the purchase price.
The legal principle is that the “beneficial” ownership of property should be reflected by the owners’ contributions to the purchase price. Although “gifting” presumptions exist, which restrict the application of the principle to spouses and children, there are no such presumptions that exist in relation to de facto couples.
A careful analysis of bank statements and loan documents show that Robert contributed 83.75% of the purchase price.
The Court concludes that Robert had the benefit of a resulting trust and makes a declaration recognising his 83.75 percent interest, which passes to his estate and ultimately to John pursuant to the rules of intestacy.
Email Manny Wood, Principal Solicitor and Accredited Specialist in Wills and Estates at TB Law at manny@tblaw.net. au or call him on (02) 66 487 487.
This fictional column is only accurate at today’s date and is not legal advice.
Dorin’s Draws By Paul DORIN On theCouch
Email Jasminda: media@newsofthearea.com.au
DEAR Jasminda,
Christmas is already being promoted and it's making me stressed. I don't have enough money to buy things for all my family members. Do you have any suggestions?
Glenda
P.
DEAR Glenda,
cessation of timber harvesting in the proposed park”.
However, it is worth noting that:
GKNP decisions could ‘cripple’ native timber industry
DEAR News Of The Area,
IN reference to Lil Ganly’s letter in the Coffs and Nambucca NOTAs titled “The promise of the GKNP”, I’d suggest she looks back at the actual election commitment by NSW Labor.
Their promise was “to deliver our commitment to establish the Great Koala National Park and a sustainable timber industry for mid and northern NSW” (Moriarty, 2023) during their first term of Government.
“The process to establish the park will involve three key components:
- An independent economic and social assessment which will consider the impacts on local jobs and communities;
- The establishment of industry, community and Aboriginal advisory panels to provide input to the creation of the park; and,
- An expert environmental and cultural heritage assessment to safeguard the unique environmental and cultural heritage of the region and ensure the Great Koala National Park aligns with the highest standards of environmental protection and respect for cultural heritage.” (Sharpe, 2023).
Whilst the assessment process is underway, Forestry Corporation agreed not to conduct timber harvesting in so-called “koala hubs” but “NSW Environment Minister Penny Sharpe has made it clear that there will be no
- Within the GKNP assessment area, only 12 percent of the public forests are available for selective harvesting under strict environmental conditions, with the other 88 percent of the public estate already managed purely for conservation.
- The GKNP assessment area also contains over 16,000 hectares of hardwood plantations, which is more than half of the State’s hardwood plantations.
On the one hand, ENGO’s are calling on the Government to end sustainable native timber harvesting and transition the industry (miraculously overnight) to 100 percent plantations but, on the other hand, are now protesting when these plantations in the GKNP are being harvested.
You can’t have it both ways but then, even koalas can’t tell the difference between a 40-year-old plantation and a native forest.
- NPWS drone surveys within the GKNP assessment area “estimates the koala population in the 176,000 ha assessment area is 12,111 koalas, with a 95 percent confidence interval of 10,311 to 14,541 koalas” (Sharpe, 2024) with koalas appearing to prefer coastal State forests, particularly near existing plantations.
This work supports previous work by Dr Brad Law et al whose seven year study, which included
Thanks so much for your message. Christmas is supposed to be a time to get together with friends and family, observe your faith if you are religious, and, religious or not, feel absolute contempt for Harry when he buys his hot work colleague, not his wife, a necklace in Love Actually (bastard).
Christmas is also a time when many people feel distressed due to the acute reminder that they will not be sharing the day with people they love or feel inadequate due to the pressures of marketing where everyone seems to be sitting down to a 10-course meal, expensive bon-bons and departmentstore gifts.
Something I find really helpful at this time of year, when expectations are high, is to ask people what presents they remember
the drought and subsequent Black Summer fires, found koala populations stable and a weak positive relationship with increasing extent of medium-intensity harvesting 16-30 years previously.
I’d hope that before Cabinet makes decisions on the GKNP that could cripple NSW’s $2.9B native timber industry and threaten nearly 9000 jobs, the impact of
Long term solutions on air travel
DEAR News Of The Area,
A RECENT Facebook post by a longtime friend about the price of airfares to and from Coffs Harbour elicited a large number of comments.
Have Your Say
News Of The Area would love to hear your OPINION and VIEWS on issues and topics affecting our area. Keep Letters to the Editor under 250 words for its best chance of publication. Please be aware that there is no guarantee of publication from your submission to us. Publication will be determined by the Editor around available space, relevance and appropriateness. Email us media@newsofthearea.com.au
The furious agreement of the responses was that the cost of air travel to Sydney was exorbitant and especially those needed at short notice, say two to three days, were at best cheapest at $499 one way, with a $99 change or cancellation fee from Qantas are clear evidence of that claim.
Some fares can be almost double that.
REX fares were slightly cheaper with lower change and cancellation fees but still expensive.
There are many reasons that people need to fly to Sydney including a range of business needs and more urgent personal reasons including health, family emergencies and funerals.
The cost of these fares is a huge impost on regions like ours
receiving for Christmas. Many won't remember any of them, which is a good indication of how meaningless they can be. Many also don't like the gifts they receive, evidenced by the huge queues at the returns counters post-Christmas. What is more meaningful is to give experiences.
In our family, we ask for an experience rather than a present.
This year, for example, I have asked my husband to clean his shed, which currently looks like a combination of a Bunnings aisle and a Running of the Bulls stampede. This act will give me far more pleasure and make me love him more than if he gave me a present.
Think about something that each family member would love to do with you, and write a card with the experience and an expiry date (usually before the end of the following year).
I hope this helps. Have a beautiful Christmas, Glenda.
Carpe diem, Jasminda.
tenure and harvest history on koala abundance be examined before Government makes an expensive decision that will cause severe pain for our rural communities with no gains for koalas.
Kind regards, Steve DOBBYNS, Forest and Wood Communities Australia.
of doing business and are passed on to local consumers.
and impacts on our local businesses. Then there is the broader impact on the local economy, especially tourism, that is still recovering from the Covid epidemic.
Whilst the recent announcement from the Labor Government of support to maintain REX regional services is welcome, it is only a short-term measure.
Longer term reform and solutions are crucial.
Many cannot ever afford air travel, but the cost remains a significant issue for us all.
These excessive costs contribute to the broader cost of living pressures as significant indirect costs
We have all enjoyed the benefits of remote options for business and communications via technology in recent times.
These are not always an effective or desirable alternative, however.
Air travel remains an essential part of our transport infrastructure especially for regional communities.
This should be a priority for our local State and Federal members and all aspiring candidates in the upcoming Federal election.
Longer term solutions to this challenge are clearly needed.
Regards, Paul SEKFY, Yarranbella.
Tributes for the late Maurice John Butler
By Jen HETHERINGTON
FRIDAY 8 November marked the passing of centenarian Maurice John Butler, recently a resident of Autumn Lodge in Macksville.
A service was held on Thursday 21 November at the Bernard Laverty Funeral Chapel, with family and friends gathering afterwards for light refreshments at the Macksville Ex-Services Club.
As previously reported by NOTA, Wednesday 3 July 2024 marked the 100th birthday of Mr Butler, who had been a long-time resident of Stuarts Point, along with his wife Rosetta, fondly known as Rosie.
“We delayed the funeral service so that John's
granddaughter, Lucy Butler, could fly home from London, where she works as a nurse,” Rosie said.
John’s nephew David Gerry recounted anecdotes
on his youth growing up with John.
“He was more like a big brother to me than an uncle,” David said.
The centenarian was born in Whitley Bay, England and grew up in Walsall.
At age 15 John enlisted as an Air Raid Warden, entering the Gravesend Sea School a year later.
He trained as a Merchant Seaman, and during World War Two was posted to ships crossing the Atlantic and survived targeting by German U-Boats.
He went on to train in the Royal Navy as a Gunner, which saw him visit every continent of the world.
John’s many adventures brought him to Australia, and aged 21 as the war ended, he joined the Fire Brigade, and
NV College welcomes Malaysian scholars
IN a first for the Nambucca Valley, 30 Malaysian scholars are completing their studies at NV College.
Through this pilot training program, the scholars will obtain the skills required to be aged care specialists when they return to their homeland.
One of the scholars, Nik Azra Syazwani Binti Nik Ismail, said, “We’re learnt a lot about caring for elderly people properly.
“It’s really opened my eyes to the variety of ways we can help, and makes me appreciate how to give the best care - especially in areas like infection control and food handling.”
The scholars have completed three months of theoretical training in Malaysia and they are now undertaking their practicum at NV College in Macksville, completing work experience at Autumn Lodge and Riverside Gardens Aged Care facilities.
Once finished, the scholars will have a nationally recognised qualification in CHC33021 Certificate III Individual
Support and have the skills and experience to draw on to become care specialists.
They will bring invaluable expertise back to Malaysia, contributing to improving the country's care economy.
Another student, Nurul Afiqah Binti Ridzal, said, “I like the systematic care of elderly in Australia.
“When you compare it, we have a way to go in Malaysia, and hopefully with this training we can help provide it.”
Outside of training, the scholars said they are enjoying being in the Nambucca Valley – the river, beach, watching sunrises and the scenery.
They added that they also enjoy the chocolate and milk, which is a lot cheaper than in Malaysia.
“These scholars have been fantastic and very open to learning about the care industry,” said Karen Busby, NV College General Manager.
“They have integrated really well into our local community, where they have brought much joy and happiness to our
later the ‘Fire and Accident Underwriters Association’, where he became Chief Fire Surveyor.
With many sporting interests, John played soccer for Manly and Dee Why clubs until age 52, and also enjoyed caravaning holidays with his family.
Eventually settling in Macksville, John built a retirement house at Stuarts Point.
“John has had a happy retirement,” Rosie said.
“He used to play golf and bowls, coached soccer, and as a member of the RSL marched proudly every ANZAC Day.”
Wayne Mason from the Stuarts Point RSL spoke fondly of John as the oldest member of the local subBranch.
residents in the aged care facilities.
“This is a really exciting opportunity for the scholars coming to learn in Australia and for our college.
“We give all our scholars hands-on, practical training that will enable them to provide quality care and forge a rewarding career path.”
NV College has over ten years of experience in providing aged care training in the Nambucca Valley, recently expanding and opening a college in Coffs Harbour.
q The display at Mr Butler's funeral service highlighted memorabilia from his sporting days as well as written tributes from dignitaries on his 100th birthday.
q Rosie Butler and David Gerry.
q Helen Butler and daughter Lucy, who flew home from London for her grandfather’s funeral.
q Vale Maurice John Butler.
q Thirty students have arrived in the Nambucca Valley from Malaysia to get trained in care, to improve their country's aged care sector.
Annual Christmas tradition
By Ned COWIE
THE Salvation Army’s annual Carols by Candlelight event will be held on Sunday 15 December at Macksville Park.
From humble beginnings 37 years ago, when a small group of guitar-playing Salvation Army Nambucca River Church members letter-box-dropped to invite locals who wanted to sing some carols, the much-loved event has grown so big that it is now held on the nearby football oval.
These days the line-up for the evening includes performances from local schools, dance troupes and community organisations and draws crowds of more than 4000 people.
The event is free but attendees are invited to leave a donation at the gates with all proceeds going back into the community through the Salvos’ welfare programs.
“It’s a marvellous night for our whole community,” Salvation Army Minister Grant Sandercock-Brown told NOTA.
“Thousands of people gather to enjoy Christmas traditions and each other’s company and it seems like the whole Valley is there,” he added.
Organisers say they couldn’t host the Carols every year without the support of many volunteers and local businesses.
These include 30-40 Salvation Army members who will man the gates or
serve drinks from the coffee station.
The event’s biggest commercial supporter is Macksville Mitre 10, who have sponsored the Carols for the last nine years.
For the past two years Bridge Café manager Ali and several staff members have volunteered their time to serve coffees at the event.
“The Salvos do so much for the community, and I like to give something back,” Ali told NOTA.
“I always go there with my family anyway and it’s not much to give an hour of your time to help out in this way,” she explained.
Every year local sheep’s milk business Rivervewe brings a petting zoo, giving young and old a chance to pat
their sheep and lambs.
The big guy (Santa) will of course make an appearance from his Christmas cave and the team from Pearson Fireworks will light up the
Music club’s Christmas generosity
By Mick BIRTLES
OVER the years the Nambucca Valley Country Music Club has deservedly acquired a reputation as one of the most community minded not-forprofit social groups in the district.
The Club has further cemented that reputation with another round of generous donations passed on to deserved recipients.
On Sunday, 24 November the club wrapped up 2024 with a Christmas party at the Macksville Ex-Services Club where, in addition to producing some wonderful
live country music, they handed over the fruits of their fundraising to the Nambucca Valley Cancer Support Group, the Nambucca Valley Food Hub and Coffs Coast Community Radio 2Air FM.
All groups received a donation of $500.
“We focus on raising funds for the smaller local not-forprofits who often need a bit of a hand financially,” Nambucca Valley Country Music Club President Kerrie Garvie told News Of The Area.
“But although we enjoy the fundraising aspect, let's not forget that we are all about our love of country
music with top notch guest artists appearing regularly at our monthly get-togethers.”
While the club's membership sits at around 70 people, their Christmas party was attended by over 200 guests who were treated to an afternoon of great country music and traditional Christmas tunes with a country twist.
With a group like this providing such a positive focus and attention to country music it is little wonder the district can lay claim to standout artists of the genre such as Dianne Coombes, Graham Howle and Vanessa
Sanger.
The Country Music Club has raised over $43,000 during the past nine years for a wide range of organisations that have been grateful for the financial assistance.
“We meet the last Sunday of each month at the Macksville Ex-Services Club, except for December, and we welcome anyone who has a love for country music to come along and join us to have a great time while raising funds in support of our wonderful community,” Kerrie said.
Recognition for stalwart museum volunteer
By Mick BIRTLES
ON Thursday 21 November
cultural institutions from across New South Wales gathered at Paddington Town Hall to celebrate the 2024 IMAGinE Awards.
At this year’s event, which recognises excellence in exhibitions, community engagement, and accessibility initiatives, Rachel Burns of the Nambucca Headland Museum received the prestigious Volunteer Achievement Award.
The award is formal recognition of her exceptional work in organising the
Nambucca Heads Railway Station Centenary event in December 2023.
Her leadership brought together the community for a remarkable day-long celebration that drew over 2,000 attendees.
She secured vital funding, coordinated stakeholders, and even authored a book on the history of the local railway.
Her efforts resulted in community focus being placed on the history of the Nambucca Valley, the Nambucca Headland Museum’s profile being dramatically raised, and
earned Rachel the title of Nambucca Valley Council Citizen of the Year 2024.
Ever humble, Rachel claims to be a little embarrassed by all the attention.
“I was very happy to receive the award but it really represents so many volunteers, in fact hundreds over the decades, who have worked so hard to preserve the history of our district,” Rachel told News Of The Area.
“My work is just layered over the top of their wonderful efforts and I am grateful they have provided
such a rich foundation which we are able to keep adding to.”
The IMAGinE Awards, hosted annually by Museums & Galleries of NSW, provide a platform to celebrate the creativity, inclusivity, and resilience of museums, galleries, and Aboriginal cultural organisations across the state.
“The IMAGinE Awards continue to celebrate and champion the extraordinary efforts of our cultural sector,” said Brett Adlington, CEO of Museums & Galleries of NSW.
“The work recognised this year reflects an inspiring
commitment to creativity, inclusivity, and community impact, strengthening the
sky in their spectacular fireworks finale. The night promises to be jam-packed full of live performances from local talent including Di Coomes,
the St Patrick’s Primary School Choir, Bluebird Support Services, Milli Mason, Jasmine Sutton and The Valley Line Dancers.
q Macksville Christmas Carols by Candlelight will continue the Christmas tradition this year. Photo: James Lander.
q The Nambucca Valley Country Music Club’s Kerrie Garvie and June Pettiford with the Nambucca Valley Food Hub’s Jane Ackland.
q Roger Cleary from 2Day FM with the Country Music Club’s Kerrie Garvie and June Pettiford.
q The Nambucca Valley Cancer Support Group receives a donation from the Nambucca Valley Country Music Club at their 2024 Christmas Party. Pictured are Roslyn McFadyen, Jane Haines, the Nambucca Valley Country Music Club’s Kerrie Garvie, and June Pettiford, Irene Rowsell, Lenore Donnelly and Marion Laird.
cultural landscape of New South Wales and enriching the lives of our communities.”
q Rachel Burns of the Nambucca Headland Museum in Sydney last week receiving the Volunteer Achievement Award at the IMAGinE Awards hosted by Museums & Galleries of NSW. Photo: supplied.
The Big Screen
By Lindsay HALL
A BLESSED little indie gem arrives on the big screen this week in Your Monster.
A “romantic horrorcomedy” from filmmaker Caroline Lindy, it tells the story of Laura (Melissa Barrera), an aspiring actress who has been dumped while in hospital after being diagnosed with cancer.
While adjusting to her new circumstances, she discovers a monster in her wardrobe (played by Tommy Dewey), and begins
to form a bond.
The only thing that makes independent films competitive with studio movies is the strength of the performers, and this movie has that covered.
The leads are a delight on their individual merits, but have a fantastic chemistry that almost hearkens to the era of Gene Kelly and Debbie Reynolds.
For those looking to deepen their world knowledge, Green Border will play for a short time on select screens.
A dramatised account
of the situation faced by countless migrants and refugees caught in the Belarus-European Union border crisis of 2021, the film is a co-production between Poland, France, the Czech Republic and Belgium, directed by Agnieszka Holland.
The (very) simplified account of the crisis is that the government of Belarus convinced tens of thousands of migrants from North Africa and the Middle East that they would gain quick and easy passage to Europe through propaganda and false advertising.
The suggested intent of the Belarusians was
to destabilise Europe by flooding the region with all the issues associated with mass-migration (drugs, crime, social crisis).
The film is an exploration of how desperate families are dehumanised by government systems and suffer for conflicts that they did not start.
A new psychological horror/thriller starring Hugh Grant is released this week titled Heretic
When Sister Barnes and Sister Paxton (Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East) embark on their missionary journey they encounter the welcoming and charming Mr Reed (Grant) who
graciously invites them into his home.
They very quickly realise that his good nature is a façade, and they are in very real danger.
Hugh Grant has always been an actor that is impossible to dislike because even when playing a scumbag he is so charismatic and charming.
A highly effective potboiler in a single location, this film comes from the team of Scott Beck and Bryan Woods, who previously collaborated on A Quiet Place.
None of these films are competing with this week's heavyweight, however, which happens to be Moana 2
The original film is one of the interesting Disney entries which is highly regarded by those who watch it, but doesn’t have the cultural impact of The Lion King or Frozen.
Auliʻi Cravalho, Dwayne Johnson, Nicole Scherzinger and Temuera Morrison return for a new adventure on the seas (along with Alan Tudyk as the dopey rooster!).
With a new team of songwriters working on this film you can expect a lot of energy and adventure, and you’ll be fairly safe taking both your girls and boys along to this one.
NSW MPs slammed for 'part-time' parliamentary year
By Luke COSTIN, AAP
SCORES of NSW MPs will earn the equivalent of more than $10,000 per sitting week in 2025 after a bid to increase the year's 16-week calendar was rejected.
The Labor government's lower house schedule for MPs earning $172,500 a year is several weeks short of the recent average, barring years impacted by state elections or COVID-19.
An opposition bid to add two extra weeks was rejected this week after Labor cited restrictions imposed by upper house events in Australia's first and oldest parliament.
The change would have done away with six Friday sittings, which have been criticised for having no question time and depriving regional MPs of a weekday in their electorate with voters.
"No politician should want to work in a part-time parliament," Helen Dalton, independent MP for the rural electorate of Murray, told AAP.
The government said many other weeks in the year were set aside for
committee hearings or budget estimates hearings.
"When we add school holidays and other periods - for example, public holiday weeks, when we are not able to sit - the ability to extend the number of sitting days in a workable way is extremely limited," the government's leader in the lower house Ron Hoenig said.
He defended holding Friday sessions in six of the 16 weeks, saying it allowed more time to pass legislation and offered crossbenchers dedicated time to advocate for their electorates.
But Ms Dalton said the minority Minns government needed to learn to "listen to, and work with the cross-bench and even the opposition."
"To do this, government MPs have to turn up to parliament and discuss matters," she said.
"Voters won't be happy that government MPs would prefer to hide in their electorate offices rather than turning up to parliament where they face scrutiny."
The 16-week schedule also prompted Speaker Greg Piper to deliver a rare
rebuke to the government as he detailed efforts to meet more often had met opposition from upper house Labor chiefs.
He said 20 to 21 sitting weeks a year - as occurred many times in the past decade - seemed more in line with community expectations.
"That seemed to be a fairly typical number of sitting weeks and one that I would have thought was consistent with the desires of the house and the expectations of the community," he said.
The opposition said allowing only 48 days with question time was
"an absolute affront to democracy".
"Friday sitting days are a complete and utter waste of time if they do not have question time," lower house leader of opposition business Alister Henskens said.
Mr Henskens' bid to add two extra weeks, and six
SCU calls for ‘urgent action’ on student reforms
By Sue STEPHENSON
SOUTHERN Cross University
(SCU) is among regional institutions calling for urgent
action to address the issues with the government’s planned international education reforms. In a surprise backflip, the
Coalition last week sided with The Greens and Independents in opposing Labor’s proposed amendments to the Education Services for Overseas
Students Act 2000.
Those amendments included capping international student enrolments at 270,000 from 2025, a reduction of 30 percent.
They also included the ability for the Minister of the day to prioritise regional placements.
Education Minister Jason Clare estimated that under the reforms, SCU, which has a campus in Coffs Harbour, would have seen international student numbers increase from 698 in 2024 to 1300 in 2025 - an increase of 86 percent.
“By getting into bed with the Greens, the National Party are betraying their local communities,” the Minister said in a statement.
“Our caps will increase the number of international students at regional universities and reduce them in the big cities. That’s what the Nationals say they want.”
Vice-Chancellor of SCU Professor Tyrone Carlin, who is also the chair of the Regional Universities Network (RUN), said “action must be taken now to address the unresolved issues associated with the ESOS Amendment Bill still before Parliament, the government’s proposed approach to international student caps, and inequities in the current student visa processing regime.
“Leaving these issues unresolved until 2025 will not provide certainty – on the contrary, it will further undermine equity and
extra question time days, to the calendar was knocked back 51 to 36 votes.
The base salary for a lower house MP in NSW is $172,500 with allowances for independent MPs, committee chairs and other roles.
diversification in Australia’s international education system, and unfairly punish some students, institutions and communities.
“Immediate action is required to address the current distorted system for visa processing.
“We need a fairer system to ensure that no student or institution faces unfair disadvantages.
“And we need confidence that visas will be processed efficiently to enable students to take up their places.
“This must happen this week. If we wait any longer, it will be too late for many students hoping to commence study in our universities in 2025.”
The News Of The Area also sought comment from the office of Nationals MP for Cowper Pat Conaghan.
q NSW lower house MPs will sit for 16 weeks next year, which is fewer than average. Photo: Bianca De Marchi/AAP PHOTOS.
q Southern Cross University, which has a Coffs Harbour campus, stood to benefit from international student caps.
Opposition fails to stub out lighter fines
By Luke COSTIN, AAP
A NEW tobacco crackdown will come into force in NSW after opposition to smaller penalties for firsttime business offenders threatened to delay it.
The NSW Liberals were against a proposed reform that aims to protect owners of newly established small businesses who accidentally fail to obtain a licence but sell legal tobacco.
First-time offenders face an $11,000 fine with subsequent offences drawing up to $44,000, under an amendment pushed by the Greens to the state Labor government's wider tobacco reforms.
Health Minister Ryan Park made it clear, however, that those who sell illicit tobacco will continue to face the harshest penalties - up to $770,000 for corporations.
Both Victoria and NSW dialled up efforts last week to reduce illegal tobacco activity and force retailers to be licensed,
following more than 100 tobacconist arson attacks of which many are linked to organised crime.
"The first-time offence provision is a very reasonable amendment to protect small businesses during this transition," Mr Park said.
"It's aimed at protecting owners of especially newly opened small businesses who want to do the right thing and it doesn't hurt to ensure the laws are proportional."
He accused the coalition of trying to "obstruct real action on illegal tobacco".
"If it were up to the Liberals, the tobacco licensing scheme could have been delayed by months," Mr Park said after the laws passed parliament last Wednesday.
But opposition health spokeswoman Kellie Sloane said Labor had stuffed up and watered down their own bill.
The bill - without the Greens' pro-business amendment for first offences - had been earlier
backed by the coalition.
"When we are seeing firebombing after firebombing on tobacconists, Labor shouldn't be getting into bed with the Greens to weaken penalties for selling tobacco without a licence," she told AAP.
Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh said Labor has passed “some of the weakest tobacco laws in the country”.
“In partnership with the Greens, it has painted a target on the back of legitimate small business owners who are now prey for organised crime syndicates.
“They have laid out a welcome mat for criminal gangs to move their operations from other states to NSW.”
Retailers back NSW introducing a paid licence scheme, on the expectation it will make business safer and hobble criminal activity.
Australian Association of Convenience Stores chief
executive Theo Foukkare said the amended bill would help bring the illegal tobacco and vaping market under control.
It marked a significant improvement on current fines of $1600 and minimal enforcement, he said.
The current system
only requires retailers, not wholesalers, to notify NSW Health that they're selling tobacco or e-cigarettes.
"Now we need to see the enforcement inspections increase, illegal stores shut down, illegal operators prosecuted and people in jail for breaking
the law," Mr Foukkare told AAP.
Every jurisdiction bar NSW and Victoria already had a paid licence scheme.
The two major states plan to have their new schemes operational in mid-2025.
Nambucca Heads Island Golf Club
By Geoff McCANN
BIRDIES, Eagles and Hole in Ones – it’s all been happening on the Island this week.
Thanks to great spring weather, the course is in tiptop condition with lots of run on the fairways attracting excellent competition fields and some very impressive scores. Our thanks to this week’s featured sponsor, Terminator Ant & Pest Control.
Tuesday’s Medley Stableford was won by Henny Oldenhove (15) with 41 points from John Crosby (24) with 39 points. Other good scores from Heather
Gray 38, Graham Watson & Phillip Collins 37, you needed 35 points on c/b for the Ball Rundown. NTP’s to Heather Gray on 5, Fred Sparksman on 7, Michael Jolly on 8, Stephen Sattler won the “Pizza This” voucher on 13, Deidre Fletcher got Stu’s ball on 15 and New Newman won the Pro Pin Jackpot on 18. The Ladies played a Single Stableford on Wednesday, Martine Murray (21) won Division 1 (0 to 23) with 42 points from Deidre Fletcher (12) 38 points. Marilyn McNally (25) won Division 2 (24 to 31) with 38 points from Sue Seymour (28) 37 points. Linda Piccin (34) won
Division 3 (32 to 45) with 37 points from Robyn Dyer (35) 33 points. The Ball Rundown to 33 points on c/b. NTP’s to Kerrie Eichorn, Jenny Thorne & Linda Piccin on 7, Kerry Shearer on 13 & Jan Harris won the Pro Pin Jackpot on 18.
Ken Klem (10) has been making his mark at Nambucca since joining in July, adding a Hole in One on the 15th to his accomplishments, and winning Division 1 (0 to 15) in Thursday’s Medley Stableford with 39 points from Peter Scott (10) 37 points. Keith Elphick (21) had 38 points to win Division 2 (16 to 22) from Peter Bush (16) 34 points.
Coffs junior cricket wrap
By Aiden BURGESS
THE latest round of the Sixers Cricket League-Coffs Harbour junior season was decided across the region last week.
Under 16s: Macksville Bulls moved into second spot on the ladder with a five wicket win against the Sawtell Sloggers in Macksville.
Sawtell won the toss and elected to bat, posting 7-119 from their 20 overs.
Henry Jarman finished on 68 not out, while Quinn Ledger took 2-4 from his three overs for the Bulls.
Chasing 120 for victory, the Bulls reached the target after eighteen overs.
Aston Ramunno top scored with 39, and Archie
Townsend finished on 32 not out.
Woolgoolga Cricket Club Rebels recorded a seven wicket win against Bellingen/ Dorrigo in Woolgoolga.
The home side won the toss and elected to bowl as Bellingen/Dorrigo finished at 8-89 off 19.2 overs.
Sahib Singh took 2-3 from his two overs for the Rebels.
The Rebels chased down the score in the 10th over.
Under 14s: Sawtell Storm continued their unbeaten start to the season with a nine wicket win against the Nana Glen Lizards at Toormina Oval.
The Lizards won the toss and elected to bat, finishing at 8-60 from their 20 overs.
Angus Bryant top scored with a knock of 30, and
Fin Bath had a top spell for Sawtell taking 3-6 from three overs.
Sawtell chased down the target in the eighth over, Riley Wood top scoring and retiring on 27 not out.
Macksville Bulls had a five wicket win against Diggers Cricket Club in Macksville.
Diggers won the toss and elected to bat, scoring 8-66 from eighteen overs, Kabel Miles taking 2-10 from two overs for the Bulls.
The Bulls chased down the target in the seventeenth over, Quinn Ledger finishing on 27 not out.
Bellingen/Dorrigo Blue had a 56-run win against Bellingen/Dorrigo Green at Urunga.
Bellingen/Dorrigo Blue opened the batting and
Mark Luttrell (33) scored an Eagle 3 on the par 5 4th Hole in his great score of 44 points to win Division 3 (23 to 45) from Robert Battaglini (28) with 39 points and John Buganey (24) 38 Points. The Ball Rundown to 32 points on c/b. Greg Smith canned the “Ecomist” sponsored Longest Putt on the 1st Hole, other NTP’s to Michael Jolly on 5 and 8, Garry Johnstone on 7, Bruce Mason takes home the “Pizza This” voucher on 13, Ken Klem holed out on 15 and Peter Dawe won the Pro Pin Jackpot on 18.
Friday’s Aristocrat 2 Person Ambrose Summer Comp was won by D.
scored 2/158 from their 20 overs.
Xavier Hartley top scored retiring on 35 not out, Anthony Dyson retiring on 32 not out, and Lachlan Barne (31) and Bianca Dyson (29) both finishing not out.
Chasing 159 to win, Bellingen/Dorrigo Green finished at 5-102 after 19.3 overs.
Tate Bailey top scored with 40, Alyssa Meenahan next best with 35.
Sterling Lewis took 2-16 from four overs.
Macksville Bulls moved into second spot on the ladder after a two wicket win against the Woolgoolga Cricket Club Rebels in Woolgoolga, as Round 6 got underway last Saturday.
The home side opened the batting and finished at 9-110 from 20 overs, Thomas
McInerney & K. Lockley $25 Club Voucher), Runners Up were L. Sutherland & B. Sutherland ($15 Club voucher). Ball Rundown to S. Kimber & T. Kimber, I Rumble & G. Rumble, K.Blay & A.Donovan. Collect vouchers & Balls from Pro Shop.
Saturday’s Medley Stableford had a great field of 113 players enjoying the excellent playing conditions, with long time member Peter Moxon scoring a Hole in One on the 15th Hole. Kai Burkinshaw (3) won Division 1 (0 to 15) with 37 points on c/b from Greg Jager (12). Stephen Kimber (19) scored 40 points to win Diviusion 2 (16 to22) on c/b from Dennis Ashton (21). Michael Crowley
Bird top scoring with 42.
The Bulls chased down the target in the final over, Quinn Ledger top scoring with 33 and Dominic Cooper retiring on 27 not out.
Under 12s: Diggers Cricket Club Red maintained second spot on the ladder with a 49-run win against Diggers Cricket Club Blue at Reg Ryan Oval.
Diggers Red scored 3-98 from 20 overs after opening the batting.
Daniel Martin top scored retiring on seventeen not out, Divan Biro taking 2-11 from four overs.
Chasing 99 to win, Diggers Blue were restricted to 6-49 from 15.2 overs.
Sehaj singh Mahal top scored with 21, and Zayden Parry took 2-4 from two overs.
Nana Glen Lizards moved
(25) had 39 points to win Division 3 (23 to 45) from Warwick Singleton (31) on 38 points. Other good scores from Georgina Riddington 39, Dylan Mann 38, Peter Moxon, Ken Klem, Rodney Ford, Bernard Dugdale, Peter Bush, Craig Riddington & Peter Scott all scoring 37 points. The Ball Rundown to 34 points on c/b. Scott Burley canned the “Ecomist” Longest Putt on the 1st Green, other NTP’s to Elizabeth Hobday on 5, Kay McGoldrick on 7, Stephen Kimber on 8, Greg Jager got the “Pizza This” voucher on 13, Peter Moxon didn’t need to putt out on 15 and Mark Blake won the Pro Pin Jackpot on 18 with 70 cms.
into the top four with a four wicket win against the Sawtell Sixers at Toormina Oval.
The Sixers opened the batting and finished at 6-41 from their 20 overs.
Jack O'Connor took 2-2 from his three overs for the Lizards.
The Lizards chased down the target in the 12th over.
Woolgoolga Cricket Club Rebels were also winners in Round 6, having an eight wicket win against Urunga Cricket Club in Woolgoolga.
The home side won the toss and elected to bowl, Urunga scoring 7-68 from their 20 overs.
Robert Phillips took 2-6 from two overs, and Forde Johnson took 2-12 from 2.3 overs.
The Rebels chased down the total in the 18th over.
q A move to lighten penalties for first offences has sparked a row that could delay a crackdown. Photo: Lukas Coch/AAP PHOTOS.
Kids Boot Camp
Macksville Country Club Golf
By Max TURNER
SATURDAYS Two Ball Best Ball sponsored by Macksville Mowers was played by teams of two where the best score on each hole by either player is recorded for the team. In groups of three the lowest handicapped player plays
with each of the others (ie that player is in two teams).
Winners on the day were Rama Gennet and John Williams with Peter O'Neill and Max Turner runners up.
Nearest the pins went to Max Graham (A), Rod Edwards (B) and John Dowzard (in C grade).
Big hitter Jessica Lambert returned to the winners circle in the ladies Tuesday competition. Desma Hughes finished runner up.
New to the Mid Week Competition Selwyn Branford came in ahead of evergreen mid week player Greg Hogan who was runner up.
Beach safety the focus
THE Macksville-Scotts Head SLSC Nippers are celebrating a strong start to the 2024/25 season, with an eager crowd of local kids learning all about surf and beach safety.
“We’ve had a big turn out in our green hats - the under 6 and under 7 age groups,” said Club Secretary Mark Singh.
“It is great to see parents wanting their children to learn all about being safe at the beach and having fun at a young age.”
The club’s Nippers program has also enjoyed recent success at Mid North Coast Branch Carnivals, with competitors doing well against the bigger clubs from Port Macquarie, taking out top spot in some events.
On Sunday 24 November, the Nippers celebrated ‘Fairy Bread Day’, helping raise awareness and muchneeded funds for The Pyjama Foundation, who support kids in foster care.
They raised over $100 and plenty of smiles on the day.
Hughes the friendly farmer who shot to cricket fame
(Morne) Morkel."
buy if he brought up another ton.
"He was that laid back and relaxed," Hughes' first NSW captain and Test opening partner Simon Katich says.
"To witness the two hundreds in Durban against that South African attack (in his second Test at age 20 in 2009), he was just at the peak of his powers.
"Between overs we were talking about his cows in Macksville more than we were (Dale) Steyn and
By Julee TOWNSEND
In many ways, Hughes was a pioneer for professional cricketers pursuing life balance.
His first-class debut came at a time when welfare managers were being introduced, urging players to consider time after sport.
Hughes required no pushing.
His dream was his own cattle farm, which he purchased as Four 0 Eight Angus on the NSW north coast.
A decade after his death, it is still operated by his
Macksville Ladies Bowlers
By Kathryn FLARRETY
family.
"He really felt he was a farmer," Hughes' batting coach and long-term mentor Neil D'Costa says.
"He was playing for Australia and showing cows at the Easter Show. This is unheard of for someone so young.
"I took him to a meeting once, it was frightful.
"Talking about artificial insemination with a guy. They knew everything, and then some.
"We got in the car and he was pumped and he said, 'what do you reckon?' And I said 'you both disgust me'.
"But he said: 'That's how you make money cuz.' He loved it."
ITS coming to that time of the year again and the Macksville Ladies Bowlers will soon be holding an end of the year street stall. It will be held on Thursday 5 December outside the newsagent in the Main Street of Macksville.
There will be a large selection of home cooked cakes and biscuits to choose from, as well as some craft items for sale.
We will also be selling tickets in a Christmas hamper, which will be drawn on the day.
The proceeds will go towards running our next Gala Day and Carnival. So come along and have a chat with our lovely ladies and take home something delicious for morning tea.
That love helped Hughes' cricket.
When many believed he was treated harshly by Australia's selectors, Hughes would return to his family and the farm.
Cooper recalls a time when the opener scored a century in a Sheffield Shield game, but his highlight of the day was his heifer winning an award at the Macksville Show.
"He'd just scored a firstclass hundred, and it was just like another day at the office," Cooper said.
"But his heifer winning at the little Macksville show? 'Get your dancing boots on, we're going out to celebrate'.
"That was his happy place. And to just have that avenue outside of cricket, it didn't matter if he scored a hundred, got a duck, got dropped, whatever.
"To me he was content if he never played cricket again, he would just go back to the farm and have the happiest life ever."
Cricket has soldiered on since Hughes' passing.
But Cooper looks only at the size of Hughes' funeral, the globe-crossing travel of attendees and his lasting legacy as a tribute to a man far greater than a talented cricketer.
"He was just a genuine country bloke that had an exceptional talent of scoring runs," Cooper said.
"There are so many stories. We'd just message each other all the time saying 'haaaaaaaaaaaaaaappy'.
"You know those type of people that everyone just likes? That was him."
q Nippers tucking in on Fairy Bread Day.
q Brian King, Roy Rudner and Steve Ash on the first tee.
q Judy, Barb, Ruth, Carol, Mel, Thelma, Margaret getting ready for our street stall.
Notices
Gregory Charles Zirkler ‘Greg’
Passed away 24th November, 2024
Aged 70 years.
Late of Congarinni North. Loving husband of Jenny. Much loved Dad of John and Tim & Kim. Adored Poppy of Henry, George and Simone. Big brother of Judith, Stephen and David. Loved Son of Ronald (dec) and Ivena.
Family and friends are invited to attend Greg’s Memorial service at Macksville Country Club on Monday 2nd December, commencing at 11:00am.
Bernard Laverty Funerals Tel: 6568 1555
Annual General Meeting NBGCS Members
Time: 11:30 am
Date: Thursday, 12th December, 2024
Venue: Ngambaga Bindarry Girrwaa
Community Services Office
1/53 High Street, Bowraville
Agenda:
1. Welcome, Attendees and Apologies
2. Minutes of Previous Meeting of Members
3. Corporation Reports
4. Appointment of Auditor for next Financial Year (if required) and set the Audit Fee or authorise Directors to set the fee
Election of 6 new Board of Directors
5. Election of 6 new Board of Directors
6. General Business
7. Meeting Closed
General Meeting NBGCS Members
Time: 10:30 am
Date: Thursday, 12th December, 2024
Venue: Ngambaga Bindarry Girrwaa
Community Services Office 1/53 High Street, Bowraville
Agenda:
1. Welcome, Attendees and Apologies
2. Minutes of Previous Meeting of Members
3. New Memberships
4. General Business
5. Meeting Closed
Business for Sale
NEW QUALITY FISHING
Public Notices
AGM Mary Boulton Pioneer Cottage and Museum. Saturday December 07 1:00pm at 38 Gumma Road, Macksville.
INSPECT NOW ... HUGE Display $9,000... accept Offer over $6000 JOHN 6652 4889 to 9.30 pm radorimfire@live.com.au
Pets
EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST
We are looking for a perfect companion, a couple or family, for our Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. For one that enjoys a walk and to be loved and loved back. Sadly, it is time for our girl to have another chapter in her life. She is tri colour, 3 years old, de-sexed, up to date with vaccinations, worming, grooming and is toilet trained. She has a beautiful nature, is loving, bright and will change your life for the better. Breeder ID: 600979. Genuine enquiries only. Call Jo or Al on 02 6569
Garage Sale
HUGE Garage sale, Sat 7th & Sun 8th Dec, 8am - 2pm.
Collectables tools, catering, plants xmas accessories. Too much to mention.
21 Waterford Drive Gumma Macksville.
ads@newsofthearea.com.au
PET OF THE MONTH
Peter is a male tabby cat, approximately 2 years old, since coming into the shelter Peter has shown his friendly and gentle nature. Peter has a lot of love to give. Peter’s expressive nature makes it clear that he thrives on interaction, and his a ectionate demeanour would make him an ideal companion in almost any home environment.
Adoption fee for 2024/2025 is $220 and this includes microchipping, vaccination, desexing & lifetime registration. Please visit Councils website
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BEST ON THE BOX
FRIDAY
BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS
SEVEN, 7pm
With Christmas less than a month away, it’s that time of the year when some of us need some festive inspiration. And what better place to find it than with Joh Griggs and the gang, who are celebrating this year with a camping trip by the beach. In the kitchen, Adam helps Colin cook a trifle with a twist, while Clarissa will show you how to elevate the Chrissy ham to a new level. Meanwhile, Melissa takes us through how easy it is to get a courtyard ready for the entertaining season, while Dr Harry and some excited school kids take a little ramble in the rock pools. It’s the perfect way to ease into the holidays.
FRIDAY, November 29
SUNDAY
MUSTER DOGS: WHERE ARE THEY NOW?
ABC TV, 7.30pm
It was (puppy) love at first sight for viewers and the clever four-legged stars of Muster Dogs – not to mention their devoted trainers – when this observational series debuted in 2022. Ahead of a third season premiering on the ABC next year, series narrator Lisa Millar (pictured) catches up with the human and canine participants. In tonight’s premiere, Millar reunites with the winners, Frank Finger and kelpie Annie, and season two favourites Zoë Miller and Buddy the border collie, to find out how the series (and its worldwide collective of fans) has changed their lives. There’s also cuteness galore as Millar meets with Lily, Snow and a new litter of puppies in Wilcannia, NSW.
MONDAY MATLOCK
TEN, 8.30pm
Ostensibly a charming and chatty widow returning to the workforce, but secretly an undercover investigator with an axe to grind at law firm Jacobson
6.00 News. 9.00 News. 10.00 Planet America. (Final, R) 10.30 I Was Actually There. (PG, R) 11.00 Fake Or Fortune? (R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 1.00 Shetland. (Mal, R) 2.00 Plum. (Final, Ml, R) 3.00 A Bite To Eat With Alice. (PG, R) 3.30 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 4.15 Grand Designs: The Streets. (PG, R) 5.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 Bitesize. (R) 9.05 For The Love Of Dogs. (PGa, R) 10.00 Paddington Station 24/7. (PGal, R) 10.50 The World’s Most Remote Hotels. 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 The Colosseum: A Jewel In Rome’s Crown. (PGav, R) 3.00 Nula. 3.30 Plat Du Tour. 3.40 The Cook Up. (R) 4.10 The Supervet. (PGa, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! (R) 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R) 6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 11.30 Seven Morning News. 12.00 MOVIE: A Job To Die For. (2022, Mav, R) 2.00 Motorbike Cops. (PG, R) 2.15 Catch Phrase. (PG, R) 3.00 The Chase. (R) 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia.
6.00 A Bite To Eat With Alice.
6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 Gardening Australia. 8.30 Shetland. (Madl) Tosh believes she has the murderer in custody.
Fisk. (Final, Ml, R)
Question Everything. (R) 10.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R) 11.00 ABC Late News. 11.20 Grand Designs: The Streets. (PG, R)
12.05 The Space Shuttle That Fell To Earth. (Final, PG, R) 1.05 Rage New Music. (MA15+adhlnsv)
5.00 Rage. (PG)
6.55
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Every Family Has A Secret. (PGa, R)
8.35 Castle Secrets.
9.30 Kennedy. (PG)
10.20 SBS World News Late.
10.50 Elvira. (MA15+v)
12.20 The Wall: The Orchard. (Mals, R)
2.45 Love Your Home And Garden With Alan Titchmarsh. (PGa, R)
3.40 Paul O’Grady’s Little Heroes. (PG, R)
4.30 Peer To Peer. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. Johanna Griggs visits Newman in WA.
8.30 MOVIE: Love Actually. (2003, Mlns, R) Explores a series of interlocking vignettes about love and romance in Britain in the weeks before Christmas. Hugh Grant, Alan Rickman.
11.15 The Front Bar: Cricket Edition. (Ml, R)
12.30 GetOn Extra. A look at the weekend’s best racing.
1.00 Taken. (Mav, R)
2.00 Home Shopping.
4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R) 5.00 NBC Today.
“Matty” Matlock (Kathy Bates, pictured) is the sort of character that makes for very compelling viewing. Her empathetic approach to cases makes things unpredictable in the courtroom, but keeping up appearances as a lawyer isn’t leaving as much time for subterfuge as some might like. This week, in “Claws”, Matty’s worlds collide when the lead plaintiff in a class action lawsuit is struggling with drug addiction. Unable to keep her own experiences out of the picture, Matty risks blowing her cover with Olympia (Skye P. Marshall).
7.30 David Attenborough’s Planet Earth III: Human. (PG, R) Narrated by Sir David Attenborough.
8.40 MOVIE: Miss Congeniality. (2000, Msv, R) A graceless FBI agent goes undercover in a beauty pageant to catch a terrorist. Sandra Bullock, Michael Caine.
11.00 MOVIE: Gringo. (2018, MA15+dlv, R)
1.00 Cross Court. (R)
1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)
4.30 Global Shop. (R)
5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
5.30 Postcards. (PG, R)
7.05 Andy And The Band. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 7.50 The Strange Chores. 8.00 Scooby-Doo And Guess Who? 8.25 BTN Newsbreak. 8.30 Mythbusters “There’s Your Problem!”. 8.55 Robot Wars: Battle Of The Stars. 9.55 Doctor Who. 10.55 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Children’s Programs. Noon Gossip Girl. 1.00 MOVIE: Everything In Between. (2022, M) 3.00 The Golden Girls. 3.30 The Nanny. 4.30 The Addams Family. 5.00 Bewitched. 5.30 I Dream Of Jeannie. 6.00 The Golden Girls. 6.30 The Nanny. 7.30
6.00 Deal Or No Deal. Hosted by Grant Denyer. 6.30 The Project. A look at the day’s news. 7.30 Jamie Oliver: Fast & Simple. Presented by Jamie Oliver. 8.30 Matlock. (PGal, R) Olympia tasks Matty with getting close to their client, who is fighting for justice in the wrongful death of his wife.
9.30 NCIS: Origins. (Mav, R) 10.30 10’s Late News. Coverage of news, sport and weather.
10.55 The Project. (R) 12.00 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 1.00 Home Shopping. (R)
SATURDAY, November 30
6.00 Australian Story: Growing Pains – Nathan Cavaleri. (R)
11.45 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
ABC FAMILY (22)
6am Children’s Programs. 5.45pm Kiri And Lou. 5.55 Octonauts. 6.05 Interstellar Ella. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Ben And Holly. 6.40 Pfffirates. 6.50 Ginger And The Vegesaurs. 6.55 Hey Duggee. 7.05 Riley Rocket. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Teenage Boss: Next Level. 7.55 The Crystal Maze. 8.45 Fresh Off The Boat. 9.25 Speechless. 9.50 Officially Amazing. 10.15 Teen Titans Go! 10.40 Late Programs.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Secrets Of The Royal Palaces.
8.25 The Jury: Death On The Staircase. (M, R)
9.25 The Great House Revival.
10.25 So Long, Marianne. (MA15+as)
11.20 Paris Paris. (Ml, R)
12.20 All Those Things We Never Said. (Ml, R)
3.20 Focus On Ability Film Festival 2023. (PG, R)
4.35 Bamay. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
8.00 Miniseries: Douglas Is Cancelled. (Premiere, Ml)
8.40 Love Me. (Premiere, MA15+s)
9.30 Take 5 With Zan Rowe. (PG, R) 9.55 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R) 11.35 You Can’t Ask That. (Mal, R)
12.40 New Leash On Life. (R)
1.10 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
3.05 Australia Remastered: Forces Of Nature. (R)
4.00 Gardening Australia. (R)
5.00 Insiders. (Final, R)
ABC FAMILY (22)
6am Children’s Programs. 5.35pm Peter Rabbit. 5.50 Kiri And Lou. 5.55 Octonauts. 6.05 Interstellar Ella. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Ben And Holly’s Little Kingdom. 6.40 Pfffirates. 6.50 Ginger And The Vegesaurs. 6.55 Hey Duggee. 7.05 Riley Rocket. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 MOVIE: A Boy Called Christmas. (2021, PG) 9.05 Fresh Off The Boat. 9.50 Speechless. 10.10 Doctor Who. 11.10 Late Programs.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 History’s Greatest Mysteries. (PG)
8.20 Arctic Sinkholes. (PGa, R)
9.20 Tassie Tiger On The Rocks. (PG, R)
10.25 Curse Of The Ancients. (PGav, R)
11.20 MOVIE: Subjects Of Desire. (2021, MA15+av, R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 Al Jazeera.
VICELAND (31)
4.30 PBS Washington Week. 4.55 Shane Smith Has Questions. 5.50 The Engineering That Built The World. 6.40 Mysteries From Above. 7.35 Abandoned Engineering. 8.30 Disaster Autopsy. 9.25 Tokyo Vice. 11.35 Hoarders. 1.15am
(32)
6am Alone
In Space. Continued. (2018, PG, Swedish) 6.30 Hacker. (2019, PG, Danish) 8.20 Paris Can Wait. (2016, PG) 10.00 Dirty Dancing. (1987, M) 11.55 Belli Ciao. (2022, M, Italian) 1.30pm The People Upstairs. (2020, M, Spanish) 3.00 The Producers. (1967, PG) 4.40 After Yang. (2021, PG) 6.30 Roxanne. (1987, PG) 8.30 Triangle Of Sadness. (2022, M) 11.10 Late Programs.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG, R) A visitor’s phone attracts attention.
7.30 MOVIE: We Bought A Zoo. (2011, PGal, R) In the wake of the loss of his wife, a single father moves his family to a run-down zoo. Matt Damon, Colin Ford.
10.05 MOVIE: The King’s Man. (2021, MA15+v, R) Two British soldiers bamboozle priests. Ralph Fiennes, Gemma Arterton.
12.50 Taken. (Mav, R)
2.00 Home Shopping.
4.00 It’s Academic. (R)
5.00 My Greek Odyssey. (PG, R)
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 MOVIE: Christmas On The Farm. (2021, PGal) Poppy Montgomery.
9.20 MOVIE: Miss Congeniality 2: Armed And Fabulous. (2005, Mv, R)
An FBI agent goes undercover once again. Sandra Bullock, Regina King.
11.35 MOVIE: Cadillac Man. (1990, Mlsv, R)
1.30 Drive Safe. (R)
2.00 The Incredible Journey Presents. (PGa)
2.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.30 Global Shop. (R)
5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
5.30 Helping Hands. (PG, R)
6.30 Bondi Rescue. (PGal, R) It is the busiest day in a decade.
7.00 MOVIE: How To Train Your Dragon. (2010, PGv, R) A Viking befriends a dragon. Jay Baruchel, Gerard Butler. 8.50 The Dog House Australia. (PGa, R) Follows the staff at the Animal Welfare League as they try to find a home for a greyhound.
9.55 Ambulance Australia. (Ma, R) A code 1 comes in for a two-year-old. 11.10 Shark Tank. (PGl, R) A panel is pitched inventions.
12.15 Ambulance UK. (Ml, R) 1.30 Home Shopping. (R) 5.00 Hour Of Power.
6am Morning Programs. 1pm Blokesworld. 1.30 On Tour With Allan Border. 2.00 Rides Down Under: Workshop Wars. 3.00 Boating. Circuit Boats Drivers C’ship. Windsor Spectacular. Replay. 4.00 Desert Collectors. 5.00 Counting Cars. 6.00 Pawn Stars. 7.00 Football. AFL Women’s. Grand Final. North Melbourne v Brisbane. 9.30 AFL Women’s
6am Children’s Programs.
1.10pm MOVIE: Pokémon The Movie: Diancie And The Cocoon Of Destruction. (2014) 2.45 MOVIE: Pokémon The Movie: Hoopa And The Clash Of Ages. (2015) 4.20 Motorway Cops: Catching Britain’s Speeders. 5.20 MOVIE: Sing. (2016) 7.30 MOVIE: Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire. (2005, M) 10.30 MOVIE: The Huntsman: Winter’s War. (2016, M) 12.45am Late Programs.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 7NEWS Spotlight.
8.00 Motorway Patrol. (PG)
8.30 MOVIE: Salt. (2010, Mlv, R)
A CIA agent goes on the run. Angelina Jolie, Liev Schreiber.
10.30 Crime Investigation Australia: Most Infamous. (MA15+av, R)
11.40 Autopsy USA. (PGad, R)
12.40 Miniseries: Patrick Melrose. (MA15+ads, R)
2.00 Home Shopping.
3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise 5am News.
5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 60 Minutes. Current affairs program.
8.00 A Remarkable Place To Die. (Mlv) An innocent camper is killed by a petty criminal who fell out of the sky and landed on his victim.
10.00 The Brokenwood Mysteries. (Return, MA15+v)
12.00 The First 48. (Ma) 1.00 Drive TV. (R)
1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa) 4.30 Nine Perth Presents: Christmas In WA. 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.
6.00 The Sunday Project. Joins panellists for a look at the day’s news, events and hot topics. 7.00 Soccer.
6am MOVIE: L.O.L. Surprise! The Movie. (2021) 7.00 Children’s Programs. 12.30pm Basketball. WNBL. Southside Flyers v Perth Lynx. 2.30 Motorway Cops: Catching Britain’s Speeders. 3.30 MOVIE: Carbon Copy. (1981, PG) 5.20 MOVIE: The Water Horse. (2007, PG) 7.30 MOVIE: Ocean’s Eleven. (2001, M) 10.00 MOVIE: Fargo. (1996, MA15+) Midnight Gotham. 1.00 Love During Lockup. (Premiere) 2.00 Late Programs.
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.35 The Mighty Mississippi With Nick Knowles. (PGa)
8.30 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown.
9.20 Never Mind The Buzzcocks. (Mals)
10.05 Ruthless: Monopoly’s Secret History. (PG, R) 11.05 SBS News. 11.35 Dead Mountain: The Dyatlov Pass Incident. (Premiere, MA15+hv) 1.45 Portillo’s Greatest Railway Journeys. (R) 2.40 Employable Me (UK) (Mal, R) 3.45 Little Heroes. (PG, R) 4.40 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6am Children’s Programs. 6.05pm Kangaroo Beach. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Paddington. 6.40 Pfffirates. 6.50 Ginger And The Vegesaurs. 6.55 Hey Duggee. 7.05 Andy And The Band. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Little Lunch. 7.50 Operation Ouch! 8.15 BTN Newsbreak. 8.25 Hard
SBS MOVIES (32)
6am The
Producers. Continued. (1967, PG) 6.40 Roxanne. (1987, PG) 8.40 Charade. (1963, PG) 10.45 As Needed. (2018, M, Italian) 12.30pm Benjamin. (2018, M) 2.05 Hacker. (2019, PG, Danish) 3.50 The Extraordinary Journey Of The Fakir. (2018, PG) 5.40 Every Day. (2018, PG) 7.30 Dating The Enemy. (1996, M) 9.30 Boxing Day. (2021, M) 11.35 Late Programs.
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 The Force: Behind The Line. (PG, R)
7.30 Motorway Patrol. (PG)
8.00 Highway Cops. (PGl) A nose-to-tail could end in violence.
8.30 Murder In A Small Town. (Mav) A resident’s estranged brother is killed.
9.30 S.W.A.T. (Mav) The team works with the DEA.
10.30 Inside Detroit. (Mal, R)
12.00 Satisfaction. (MA15+as, R)
2.00 Home Shopping.
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise 5am News.
5.30 Sunrise.
7TWO
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 RBT. (Mdl, R)
8.30 Australian Crime Stories: The Investigators. (Mv, R)
9.30 A Killer Makes A Call. (Mav)
10.30 Chicago Med. (MA15+amv)
11.25 First On Scene. (Premiere, Mav) 11.50 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 12.40 Pointless. (PG, R)
TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
Global Shop. (R)
TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa) 4.30 A Current Affair. (R) 5.00
The Streets. (Ml, R) 2.45 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 3.35 The Secret Lives Of Our Urban Birds. (R) 4.30 Gardening Aust. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Great Coastal Railway Journeys.
8.30 Who Do You Think You Are? (PGa)
9.40 Greatest Train Journeys From Above. (PGv, R)
10.30 SBS World News Late.
11.00 Babylon Berlin. (Mav)
12.45 Son Of. (MA15+av, R)
2.30 Employable Me (UK) (MA15+l, R)
3.35 Paul O’Grady’s Little Heroes. (PG, R)
4.30 Peer To Peer. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
SBS MOVIES (32)
6am After Yang. (2021, PG) 7.45 The Extraordinary Journey Of The Fakir. (2018, PG) 9.35 Kung Fu Yoga. (2017, PG) 11.35 Ali’s Wedding. (2017, M) 1.40pm Roxanne. (1987, PG) 3.40 Frantz. (2016, PG, French) 5.45 Dafne. (2019, PG, Italian) 7.35 Resistance. (2020, M) 9.45 It All Began When I Met You. (2013, PG, Japanese) 11.45 Baby Done. (2020, M) 1.25am As Needed. (2018, M, Italian) 3.10 Late Programs.
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 The Force: Behind The Line. (PG, R) 7.30 OzHarvest Unite To Feed Australia. (PG) A one-night-only fundraising event.
9.30 MOVIE: Yesterday. (2019, Ml, R) A struggling singer finds a path to fame. Himesh Patel, Lily James.
5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
VICELAND (31)
6am Children’s Programs. 6.05pm Kangaroo Beach. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Paddington. 6.40 Pfffirates. 6.50 Ginger And The Vegesaurs. 6.55 Hey Duggee. 7.05 Andy And The Band. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 The Inbestigators. 7.55 Operation Ouch! 8.20 BTN Newsbreak. 8.30 Doctor Who. 10.05 Mythbusters “There’s Your Problem!”. 10.30 Horrible Histories. 11.05 Late Programs. 6am Children’s Programs. 6.05pm Kangaroo Beach. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Paddington. 6.40 Pfffirates. 6.50 Ginger And The Vegesaurs. 6.55 Hey Duggee. 7.05 Andy And The Band. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 The Inbestigators. 7.50 Operation Ouch! 8.20 BTN
6am Dafne. (2019, PG, Italian) 7.00 White Lion. (2010, PG) 8.45 Every Day. (2018,
THURSDAY, December 5
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 The Force: Behind The Line. (PG, R) Narrated by Simon Reeve.
7.30 The Big Trip. (Final) Hosted by Dave Thornton.
9.30 MOVIE: Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw. (2019, Mlv, R) A US lawman and a former spy reluctantly team up to take down a genetically enhanced anarchist. Dwayne Johnson, Jason Statham.
12.30 Stan Lee’s Lucky Man. (MA15+av)
1.30 Harry’s Practice. (R)
2.00 Home Shopping.
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise 5am News.
5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Going Places With Ernie Dingo. (PG) Bianca Hunt traverses the coastline of Seventeen Seventy in outlandish style.
8.30 Gods Of Tennis. (Ml, R)
9.30 Miniseries: Steeltown Murders. (Mal)
10.40 SBS World News Late.
11.10 Miniseries: The Typist. (Final, MA15+v, R)
12.15 Pandore. (Malv, R)
3.10 Employable Me (UK) (PGal, R)
4.15 Bamay. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
VICELAND (31)
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Cricket. Women’s One Day International Series. Australia v India. Game 1.
10.30 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly. (PG, R) Two Newfoundlands are misbehaving.
11.30 Pam & Tommy. (Premiere, MA15+ls) A handyman steals a celebrity sex tape.
12.30 Criminal Confessions: Vanished In The Night. (MA15+alv, R)
1.30 Travel Oz. (PG, R)
2.00 Home Shopping.
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise 5am News.
5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Taronga: Who’s Who In The Zoo. (PGm) 8.30 Budget Battlers. (Premiere, PGl) 9.40 Britain’s Most Expensive Houses. (PG) 10.40 To Be Advised. 11.40 Law & Order: Organized Crime. (Mav)
Tipping Point. (PG, R)
Ten years on
By Scott BAILEY, AAP
PHILLIP Hughes' death was
Torrens as it was in the Australian Test sheds.
So too, on the fields of farms around Macksville as in Sydney's western suburbs where he lived for six years.
"Everyone thought he was their mate," Tom Cooper tells AAP.
"Half the people didn't even know him, but that sums him up."
Cooper is one of the people who did know Hughes best.
The pair both grew up on the NSW north coast, and first played together in junior cricket representative systems as teenagers.
They crossed paths again
playing in Sydney, before becoming teammates and housemates in Hughes' later years at South Australia.
On the field their last partnership is officially recognised as unbroken, with Cooper the non-striker when Hughes was hit on the neck at the SCG ten years ago on Monday.
"He's not one of those blokes who felt he was too good for anything," Cooper continues.
"The fact a few of his best mates in Adelaide are from his club side says a lot, and he would have only played a handful of games there.
"People often come and are too good for their club side. They are all about themselves. But not him."
In Cooper's mind, Hughes was a best friend and farmer who happened to be very good at cricket. He is one of countless players to recount stories of how the left-hander would talk about his cows between overs, or what stud he might
CONTINUED Page 17
q Phillip Hughes' personality endeared him to many, within cricket and beyond. Photo: Tony McDonough/AAP PHOTOS.
