Sports

$1.1M HELPS DELIVER SPORTZ CENTRAL’S BIG UPGRADE

Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh said NSW Government funding of $1.1 million is helping deliver a signifcant upgrade at the popular sports facility, Sportz Central.

Mr Singh congratulates Coffs Harbour City Council on its successful application under the Multi-Sport Community Facility Fund which will help bring this exciting community project to fruition.

“This funding is fantastic news for our city because it will provide even more opportunities for people to play sport and be active,” Mr Singh said.

“The Council’s Sportz Central upgrade and expansion project will provide more modern, inclusive and accessible facilities for the enjoyment of all.”

Coffs Harbour City Council Mayor Councillor Paul Amos said the NSW Government funding news for Sportz Central puts another feather in our sporting infrastructure cap.

“Sportz Central is Coffs Harbour’s only major indoor sporting and entertainment facility in the city area,” Cr Amos said.

“The multi-purpose nature of the facility provides so many opportunities for our kids and their love of sport all year round.

“Council is extremely pleased with this result as we can now deliver a new basketball indoor court, upgraded skate park and cricket nets for the community.”

The $7.4m project also includes femalefriendly amenities, improved natural lighting, refurbishments, improved building and sub-foor ventilation, solar power and repainting the building exterior.

The $1.1m in NSW Government funds announced today for the upgrade are in addition to the previously announced $6.3m in Federal funding.

Federal Member for Cowper Pat Conaghan welcomed the news of additional funding from State Government partners to ensure this important project came to fruition.

“The original $6.3 million of Federal funding was allocated by the Coalition Government back in 2019, and it’s been a tricky process over the last few years with COVID-19 and other factors affecting progress, so to see this additional funding secured and the project on track to be delivered for the people of Coffs Harbour is wonderful news,” Mr Conaghan said.

“The Coffs Coast will now have a world-class basketball facility on top of the newly completed netball courts at Vost Park and the recent improvements to the C.ex Stadium. The region’s credentials as a haven for State and National sporting competitions are expanding and I can’t wait to see the knock-on effect not just for local sporting groups but also our local businesses.

“Continual collaboration between all levels of Government has once again delivered for our region.”

SPORTING SECTOR IMPROVING WOMEN’S SAFETY IN NSW

The NSW Government has today hosted a Respect Roundtable in Sydney’s west to discuss key initiatives around women’s safety and the prevention of domestic and sexual violence with sporting organisations.

Leaders from major sporting codes across New South Wales met to exchange ideas on how the NSW Government and the sporting sector can work together to create an environment of respect, consent and safety for women on and off the playing feld.

Minister for Women’s Safety and the Prevention of Domestic and Sexual Violence Natalie Ward said today’s event built on existing initiatives and established a consistent understanding among the codes on outstanding issues to be addressed.

“Sport brings communities together. Today we heard how our sporting codes are supporting initiatives to address safety and respect,” Mrs Ward said.

“There have been some really positive developments in our sporting sector, with more professional women’s teams emerging and a greater representation of women in leadership roles.

“Today demonstrates the important role sport can play to educate and advocate respectful behaviour to the broader public.”

The panel discussion was hosted by rugby tragic Kerry Chikarovski AM and included leading fgures from a number of sports, including Football, Rugby Union, AFL, Basketball and NRL. Each code gave a unique perspective but unifed voice on the priorities for Women’s Safety both on and off the feld.

Stephanie Brantz from Football NSW said today’s Roundtable has given Sports a platform to continue the conversation on how to improve women’s safety outcomes across society.

“Football NSW is delighted to be involved in this discussion recognising how important it is to have leaders of sporting organisations who are focused on creating a safe and inclusive environment for everyone, but especially women,” Mrs Brantz said.

WORLD FIRST FOR GREYHOUND WELFARE

A world frst whole of life e-tracking system to monitor the location and welfare of all greyhounds registered in NSW is now underway

Minister for Racing Kevin Anderson said the new technology will allow the Greyhound Welfare and Integrity Commission (GWIC) to track and protect racing greyhounds throughout their careers and into retirement.

“The NSW Government allocated $3.6 million for this revolutionary new technology that puts animal welfare at the heart of the greyhound racing industry,” Mr Anderson said.

“This technology will mean every greyhound registered in NSW is able to be monitored and its whereabouts recorded and registered in real time, at every stage of the greyhound’s life.”

GWIC CEO Steve Griffn said greyhounds will be tracked through their ‘contact’ with GWIC. If a greyhound has had no contact with GWIC throughout the year, the greyhound’s owner will be sent a request to have the greyhound sighted and scanned.

“Racing greyhounds will need to have contact with GWIC at least every 6 months, and pre-racing or retired greyhounds every 12 months,” Mr Griffn said.

“There will be more than 40 locations across the state where greyhounds can be scanned and checked in. Many of these touch points are greyhound racing clubs, major breeder, trainer or educator properties, and industry veterinarians and rehoming organisations.

“Staff will also be able to scan dogs at the track or during kennel inspections to make the process easy for participants.”

Greyhound Racing NSW Chief Executive Offcer Tony Mestrov welcomed the announcement.

“This is a signifcant milestone and I congratulate the Greyhound Welfare & Integrity Commission (GWIC) for their development and implementation of the e-Tracking system, a world-frst in welfare,” Mr Mestrov said.

“As a collective industry, we have taken major steps in reform since 2017, and welfare is now at the forefront of everything we do at GRNSW, as evidenced by our rehoming programs, injury rebate schemes, track safety upgrades , and the overall care of our animals.

“The e-Tracking system is another great step in not only ensuring the welfare of all greyhounds in the NSW industry.”

Sports results

CASINO CROQUET CLUB Casino Croquet players commenced playing in June following the inundation caused by the February food. On 21st July 2022 thay are hosting their annual Golf Croquet Friendship Day and are inviting players from surrounding clubs to come and join them for fun & friendship. The theme for the day is “Wear Your Crazy Socks”. If interested in joining us ring Mary on 0266621971 or Denise on 0418806216 to help with catering. Morning and Afternoon Tea provided. BYO lunch

CASINO RSM WOMENS BOWLS

Friday 8/7: Today we held our Triples in July event. The results for this event:

Winners were T. Warr, C. Meade & N. West Newman from Alstonville. 2nd Placegetters were: D. Grice, J. Cooke & A. James from Casino. 3rd Placegetters were: K. McLaren, C. Howell & K. Tyrrell from Lennox Heads. 4th Placegetters were: M. Windsor, A. Goodman & J. Stewart from Lennox Heads. Congratulations ladies. Wednesday 6/7 winners of our social game were: D. Grice, H. Lavelle & R. Skirrey CHERRY STREET CROQUET CLUB

Ricochet Croquet: R.Allen 14 d N.Barnes A.Kelly 13; P.Scott R.Poynting 7 d D.Jones P.Doyle 3; M.Field 21 d C.Gale 19; D.Scott J.Hannigan15 d N.Watts R.Chapman 13 Club Championships Division 3: M.Russell 10 d C.Edlund 9

Tweed Coast Association Tournament:

Division 3 Singles: Tony Kaucic 1st, Greg Porter 2nd, Lorelle Parker 3rd.

Tweed Coast Association Handicap Doubles: Gavin Clarke, Lorelle Parker 1st; Joy Hughes, Lance Turner 2nd; Greg Porter, Julie Barber 3rd

EAST LISMORE BOWLING CLUB Social bowls results

Thursday 7/7/22: P Mazzini, A Maslen, B Griffn 25 def S Cameron, G Finnigan, D James 13; W Sten, P Sivewright 21 def M Gooley, D Watson 16 Saturday 9/7/22: A Gaggin, G Finnigan 32 def G Donnelly, P Russell 13; B Lee, N Harding 27 def J Carrall, S Wade 7; R Prior, Rocco, G Painter 24 def T Alcorn, G Revis, T Prior 15; M Harding, G Stewart 21 def N Scandrett, J Olley 18; J Burbidge, R Parkes 28 def J McRae, W Morrissey 26; L Softley, S Gregory 22 def R McInnes, G Pollard 21; R Rodgers, B Griffn 19 def M Morrissey, M Prior 18

Casino Croquet Club’s 1st day of play after the food.

Casino RSM Womens Bowls: Casino’s RSM Clubs Assistant Secretary Manager Simone presenting frst prize to the winners of our Triples in July event.

Cherry Street Croquet Club: Jim Hannigan Runner Up Norfolk Island Convicts Cup.

Parkrun: Michelle Bratti proudly wears her 100th parkrun sash with Chris Wakely wearing his 50th, and Run Director Jo Picoli presented Emma McDonald with her 50th parkrun sash. Addie Carberry and Daphne Sidney

KYOGLE BOWLS Wednesday June 22 - G Knapp T Burgess d P Crewe N Parker +21, N Bodycote L Mulchay J Arnold d N Bodycote D Condon S Colley +12, S Darragh B Studders B Hyde d P Costin K Walters D Warren +8, P Hogan J Watts R Goebel d J Roughsedge R Clarke G Miller + 11. Saturday June 25 – P Costin T Burgess S Hall d B Ryan R Felton M Harris +2, J Roughsedge D Condon N Parker d J Roberts K Walters G Currie +9, B Hyde G Knapp J King d M Brown J Costin N Bodycote +13, G Knapp S Colley G Miller d P Crewe L Condon R Rogers +3. Championships – A singles D Farrell 31 d T Winkler 25. A Pairs Final P Anderson P Doyle 18 d D Zelcer R Goebel 17 (extra end). B Pairs B Crawford T Holder 26 d L Piggott B Ellis 13, G Miller L Condon 19 d L Mulchay A Williams 12. Wednesday June 29 – B Hyde P Costin S Colley d W Farrell B Ryan J Costin + 22, G Knapp J King d P Crewe J Arnold + 8. Saturday July 9 – R Knapp K Hayes N Parker d G Turner B Hyde D Condon +13, M Brown J Arnold D Zelcer d B Barney/K Walters R McKenna G Miller +15,G. Knapp B Ryan L Condon d G Kapp P Costin S Colley +13, P Crewe D Petherbridge d R Clarke N Bodycote +8, J Roughsedge Gavin Knapp T Holder d P Anderson B Ellis J Costin +8, Championship – A Singles (semi - fnal) R. Rogers 31 d B. Goebel 21. A singles fnal will be R Rogers v D Farrell (date TBA). During last Friday’s Social mixed bowls newish Ocean Shores player, Anne Stephen, was so ecstatic to see her 3 bowls so close to the Jack that she needed proof (photo) before the opposition disposed of them but there they stayed and were instrumental in determining a win for the day with team mates Wilf Sprengel and Skip Johnnie Busch.

PARKRUN

Queen Elizabeth parkrun, Casino. Event number 85 9th July 2022

Three people out of the 59 park runners who completed Queen Elizabeth parkrun, Casino #85 last Saturday celebrated milestones. Michelle Bratti celebrated 100 park runs just months after a knee replacement and Chris Wakely and Emma McDonald, celebrated their 50th parkrun. Despite the freezing conditions 17 participants were frst timers and one recorded a new Personal Best and representatives of 6 different clubs took part. There was a great turn out of locals and tourists with some collecting a well earned Q. If you would like to join the friendly people who take part in this free, timed 5km walk, jog or run go to www.parkrun.com. au/queenelizabethcasino/ Or come down to Queen Elizabeth park beside the community garden between 7-8am and speak with the volunteers.

TWO OCTOBIRDS CELEBRATING THEIR 90TH BIRTHDAYS Once upon a time two babies were born 13 days apart in Coraki Hospital. First of all Addie on the 4th July and Daphne on the 17th July, who would have guessed they had such golfng potential and longevity. Both have over their golfng time, achieved championships wins, engaged in pennant competitions and served on women’s committee. Both are still playing with handicaps in the mid-twenties. A celebration lunch was held at Ballina Golf and Sport Club’s Asian Green Restaurant with the Veteran Women’s Octobirds (80+) past and present. Well done girls, and congratulations.

LONG SERVICE AWARD FOR TRUE VOLUNTEER

SAMANTHA ELLEY

For the past 44 years, volunteering at the Lennox Head Football Club has been a family affair for the Zakaras clan, especially for wife and mum Brenda.

Starting with them at the inception of the club in 1978, Brenda is still a faithful worker, having been secretary, treasurer, team manager and is currently canteen coordinator.

Such dedication has recently been recognised when Brenda received the Distinguished Long Service Award at the NSW Community Sports Awards in Parramatta recently.

Husband Brian was the original secretary of the club when it started and was refereeing until he recently retired.

“He still does things around the club,” said Brenda.

“I’ve had my children playing there ever since the club started and two are still playing.

“Out of my six grandchildren that played, four are still playing and my son is president of the club.”

Lennox Head Club supporters will see Brenda there every weekend, doing what she can to support them.

“I spend all week restocking and reordering for the canteen, ready for the weekend,” she said.

“And then I am there for Friday night games, Saturday games and any games on Sunday.

“I don’t get paid for it as it’s all voluntary with all money going back into the club.”

Brenda said she was amazed that she was nominated for the award.

“I couldn’t believe it,” she said.

“I felt really honoured.”

And what keeps Brenda coming back each weekend to support the club she loves and has a lifetime membership with?

“Just being there,” she said.

“I help in which way I can.

“I love to see our club moving forward and seeing young children having fun.”

Brenda is quick to encourage anyone to come and volunteer at their local club.

“I guarantee you will get a lot of enjoyment out of it,” she said.

Cudgen Surf notes

Some of the highlights of the Club Awards of Excellence held last Saturday include the awarding of Life Membership of six members. Briefy,

Russel Zahhn, member 39 years. His service includes being a Patrol Captain, ski and board captain and coach as well as Club Director.

Greg Pile. Gained his brine medallion in 65-66 season and had 14 seasons in which he was junior club champion 3 seasons and senior 9 times. He won bronze in the NSW iron man (about 25 to 30 years ago) and was a patrol captain. He then joined Byron Bay and returned to Cudgel and has patrolled for the last 5 seasons. He has been involved in the work parties for our triathlons, Australian IRB, Cudgel Classic and Branch Carnivals and is coaching and mentoring our ski competitors and youth.

Matthew Bell - Has patrolled for 22 seasons, gaining his Surf Rescue Certifcate in 88/89 and Bronze in 91/92 when he patrolled for 10 years. Due to employment he rejoined in 2006/07. He has been our emergency services offcer since 2016/17 and also Branch. He has been heavily involved in water safety of Australian IRBs and NSW Country Titles. Positions held Club Director, IRB Vice Captain, JAC Vice President.

Joanne Colja - Joined Blackhead and has been a Cudgel Member for 19 seasons. Positions held include Patrol Captain, female Captain, First Aid Offcer and in one season had the most patrol hours and patrol effciency. In Master Competition she has won gold in World and Qld and Aussie Medals.

Trevor Tesch. Has completed 20 years patrol duties and is a patrol captain. He was awarded the National Medal for patrol hours service. He is a behind the scenes operator spending many hours on electrical work on our Club and on our hosting of major carnivals.

Doug Fewtrell. Has been active member since 2001/2 completing 21 years of patrols. Presently is a Patrol Captain and IRB Driver. He has served one season as Chief Instructor and has been our OHS Offcer and several terms as surf boat Captain. He has competed in Open and Masters boat crews and is active in working bees at major carnivals and in fund raising.

Club Awards presented were: • Blue of Blues - Sue Eke • Senior Club Person - Dennis Eyre • Junior Club Person - Kloe Mills • Cadet Club Person - Fletcher Burdekin • Youth Lifesaver - Sven Loemker • IRB Driver - Bede Curnow • Patrol Team - Eq. ‘Old Salts’, Barracudas • Offcial Of the Year - Paul Kenny • Furtherest in competition - Sofe Boyd • New Bronze holder - Shar Merchant.

Coldies Swim Results - 1. Charlie Buchanan - 27 seconds 2. Claire Kimmons - 32 seconds 3. James Wright - 43 seconds

TOP RIGHT: Blue of Blues - Sue Eke. RIGHT: Doug Fewtrell and wife Sue. ABOVE: IRB Driver - Bede Curnow.

Ghosts snatch win at the death

Grafton Ghosts centre Dylan Collett was a handfull all afternoon for the

Comets defence, scoring two frst-half

tries. Photo: Gary Nichols.

GARY NICHOLS AND TIM HOWARD

The Grafton Ghosts have made it two wins on the trot with a get-out-of-jail victory over the Coffs Harbour Comets keeping them in the semi-fnal hunt.

Trailing for most of the second half, the Ghosts, with the 1991 premiership cheering them on from the sidelines, put on a sweeping backline move that gave the home team a 26-24 lead with just three minutes left on the clock.

But it had to be said the Comets had kept kept a safety-conscious Ghosts outft in the game with some extraordinary decision making.

In control and leading 18-12 midway through the second half, the Comets had a brain explosion, going for a short drop out.

Instead of fnding a Coffs chaser, it landed in the arms of Ghosts centre Jake Martin, who beat three defenders to score near the sticks.

In keeping with the farcical nature of the play, the Ghosts kicker, Vinnie Williams, missed the easy shot at goal.

It left the Comets clinging to a lead, but gave the Ghosts the confdence boost they needed.

The Ghosts had started the game with a rush with try-scoring machine Dylan Collett touching down twice in an eightminute period.

But in a physical, forward dominated half, the Comets came back catching the Ghosts napping out wide for their frst try.

With half time looming the Comets snatched a share of the lead, pouncing on an all-toofrequent Ghosts error to score.

They hit the front in the opening minutes of the second half and looked to be in command until the short drop out try changed momentum.

Even then a controversial try, scored after the referee awarded a penalty in front of the posts, should have been given the Comets enough breathing space, ahead 24-16.

Instead prop Oliver Percy threw a peach of a short ball to a teammate who broke away upfeld.

From the next play Percy crashed over and the conversion put the Ghosts just two points behind, primed for the last-minute play to snatch the points.

Aside from the close result it was a grinding game.

The Comets with pin-point kicking from fullback and co-captain Nathan Curry, kept the Ghosts pinned in their own territory for long periods.

And the Ghosts, determined to keep the error count to a minimum resorted to a lot of one-out plays.

Captain coach Todd Cameron defended the style of play. ”Both sides played tight footy upfront,” he said. “We’re both in the hunt for a fnals spot.

“The last few weeks we made far too many errors so we needed to earn the right upfront before we spread the ball”

Curry was disappointed his team let the Ghosts off the hook. ”Our overall execution was poor today, and we failed to control the ruck in the second half,” he said.

“We let the Ghosts get off to a good start, but I was proud of the way our guys kept in the contest.

He said kicking early in the tackle count aimed to run the Ghosts pack around and maintain good feld position.

“We knew the game was going to be played up the middle and the Ghosts have a big forward pack,” he said.

Best for the Ghosts were skipper Cameron, Percy and Collett, while Curry and prop Peter Wong, with countless damaging runs, had big games.

At Woolgoolga the South Grafton Rebels also won a tight contest 32-26 scoring six tries to fve.

The wins have both teams level on 10 points in fourth spot, with the Rebels ahead on points difference.

On Sunday the Ghosts play the winless Nambucca outft, while the Rebels are back at their happing hunting ground, McKittrick Park, hosting third-placed Macksville.

WET WEATHER FAILS TO DAMPEN SPIRITS AT NAIDOC CUP

First Nations footballers took centre stage as Football NSW won the inaugural NAIDOC Cup last Wednesday.

Northern NSW Football and Football NSW selected one male and one female squad each with players aged between 14 and 16 to play each other on Awabakal land at Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility.

Football NSW won the girls match 4-3, with Tataya Curry-Jones and Larissa Ryan scoring hat-tricks for Football NSW and NNSWF respectively.

Dianna Bloxsome scored the decisive goal for Football NSW.

Football NSW dominated the boys fxture, running out 10-0 winners.

Fidel Lucas Hawke scored a hat-trick, with Obinna Nwamadi and Lucas Turk scoring doubles.

Brayden Connors, Anthony Melissari and Jacob Fakhoury also scored for the visitors.

NNSWF Legacy Plan Manager Annelise Rosnell said she was delighted to see the concept come to life.

“The NAIDOC Cup coincided with NAIDOC Week and was a real celebration of First Nations communities, culture and football,” Rosnell said.

“The event itself was a great success despite the wet weather and we received a lot of positive feedback. I’m so glad our proud and talented First Nations football community got the chance to shine and represent themselves, their family, their culture and heritage.”

The matches were also offciated by an all-Indigenous match offcial team including level two referee Samantha Newell and Football Mid North Coast assistant referees Cayne Elford and Mahlia Hoskins.

The NAIDOC Cup is an important part of NNSWF’s plan to increase opportunities for First Nations footballers, coaches and match offcials.

“The NAIDOC Cup together with the RTC Group NNSWF Talented Indigenous Scholarships are about connecting with our region’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage,” NNSWF CEO David Eland said.

“We want more football opportunities for First Nations communities and this is a chance to identify and showcase the next generation of coaches and players.”

The event was created in partnership with Football NSW and

driven by NNSWF’s Indigenous Reference Group.

The NNSWF team

was sponsored by RTC Group who, as the inaugural partners of the Talented Indigenous Scholarships, continue to partner with NNSWF on these scholarships and other First Nations’