Coffs Coast News Of The Area 02 JANUARY 2026

News Of The Area

COFFS COAST

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Friday, 24 November 2023

Friday, 2 January 2026

Page 7

PROPERTYWEEK

Page 40

Roosters launch campaign

Jewel in the Coffs Crown

Pages 22 & 23

Sixty years of saving lives MARINE Rescue Woolgoolga celebrated a remarkable milestone on 12 December, marking 60 years of dedicated service to the Mid North Coast community.

The festivities were held at the Woolgoolga Surf Life Saving Club, drawing more than 60 current and past members, as well as guests who came to honour the unit’s enduring legacy.

As one of the oldest volunteer marine rescue units in New South Wales, Woolgoolga has had 20 Presidents and Unit Commanders steer its operations over the past six decades.

Five of those leaders were present for the anniversary celebrations

q Past and present Marine Rescue Woolgoolga volunteers.

SUSTAINED GROWTH CONTINUED Page 2

Property values jump 57 percent as region outperforms Sydney

By Matt TAYLOR

COFFS Harbour has recorded strong and sustained growth in the property market over

the past six years, with dwelling values rising 57 percent since the start of the

CONTINUED Page 3

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REPORTERS

News Of The Area, team of REPORTERS Andrea FERRARI 0410 067 966 andrea@newsofthearea.com.au

Andrew VIVIAN 0414 646 198 andrew@newsofthearea.com.au

Aiden BURGESS aiden@newsofthearea.com.au

David WIGLEY wigley@newsofthearea.com.au

Mike HELY 0427 108 089 mike@newsofthearea.com.au

Kim SATCHELL 0422 016 285 satchell@newsofthearea.com.au

Leigh WATSON 0433 831 403 leigh@newsofthearea.com.au

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Sixty years of saving lives FROM Page 1

- John Murray ESM, Kevin Johnson, Tony Skalla, Mitch Harvey and the current Unit Commander, Taylor Marshall.

At just 25 years of age, Marshall is the second-youngest Unit Commander in the unit’s history, exemplifying the fresh energy and commitment that continue to define Marine Rescue Woolgoolga.

Mitch Harvey remains the youngest, having taken on the role in 2019 at just 22.

“The strength of our unit lies in the dedication of our volunteers, past and present,” said Marshall.

“The men and women who came before us laid the groundwork with immense passion and selflessness.

“Seeing so many former members here tonight, sharing their stories and memories, really brings home the incredible legacy we are part of.”

The unit’s origins stretch back to 1965, when local fishermen Ross Burton, John Small, Jack Brooks and Bill Prior established a volunteer rescue service in Woolgoolga.

Using their own fishing vessels, they conducted rescues and training exercises, laying the foundations for a service that would grow in size and capability over the following decades.

The first purpose-built base was erected at the Woolgoolga boat ramp in

1991, constructed by volunteers using donated materials under the leadership of then-President Len Simpson.

The unit steadily expanded its fleet, acquiring its first legitimate rescue vessel in the early 1970s and later commissioning commercially built craft to enhance operational capacity.

Woolgoolga became part of Marine Rescue NSW during the state-wide consolidation of volunteer rescue services in 2009–2010, bringing the benefits of standardised training and state support while retaining its strong local identity.

In December 2018, after 53 years at Woolgoolga, the unit relocated to a new $1.3 million base on the western side of Arrawarra Headland.

Overlooking the waters of Arrawarra Bay, the facility, developed from the former University of New England Marine Science Station, features state-of-the-art marine radio communications, training facilities, boat and tractor storage, and a workshop.

It also allows for safer launch and retrieval of Woolgoolga 30, the unit’s flagship rescue vessel, in all tidal conditions.

“Marine Rescue Woolgoolga has a proud tradition of protecting those at sea and supporting our community,” said Marine Rescue NSW Acting Deputy Commissioner Dan Duemmer.

“Tonight’s celebration was a wonderful tribute to the extraordinary dedication

of those who served before, and the volunteers who continue that work today.”

The unit’s fleet continues to evolve, most recently with the commissioning of the 9.5-metre Naiad Hamilton jet boat Woolgoolga 30, named the Tamieka Lee. Delivered in August 2023, the vessel was later awarded the Baird Maritime Best SAR RHIB, acknowledging the unit’s operational excellence.

Woolgoolga volunteers regularly undertake search-and-rescue missions, medical evacuations, welfare checks, and offshore assistance, demonstrating their readiness to respond in challenging conditions at any time of day or night.

Notable operations include a 2016 medical evacuation from an 85-foot motor cruiser on the Clarence River Bar, and a 2025 medivac from a trawler after launching the rescue vessel from the beach during heavy seas.

The anniversary also highlighted the unit’s progressive culture.

In 2025, Woolgoolga achieved the first all-female executive team in the history of Marine Rescue NSW, reflecting its commitment to inclusivity and community engagement.

Looking back over six decades, the spirit of the founding fishermen lives on.

Ross Burton’s granddaughter, Emily, has followed in their footsteps and is now a rated vessel crew member, a full-circle moment that illustrates the enduring legacy of volunteerism in Woolgoolga.

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

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CLASSIFIEDS

q Past and current presidents (L to R) Kevin Johnson, John Murray, Taylor Marshall and Mitch Harvey.

q Marine Rescue Woolgoolga’s all-female executive: (L to R) Susan Nielsen-Robson, Taylor Marshall, Lisa Mobbs, Cherrill Powell and Dolly Clarke.

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q VRA Marine Rescue’s John Murray and Jim Woodhill in 2007.

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SUSTAINED GROWTH COVID-19 pandemic.

New property data from Cotality shows the region has outperformed both the national average (50.4 percent) and Greater Sydney (38.9 percent) since December 2019.

House values on the Coffs Coast increased by 60.7 percent, while units rose 41.5 percent, highlighting widespread demand across the region.

Over the past 20 years, dwelling values in Coffs Harbour have risen 116.6

percent – houses by 127 percent and units by 77.4 percent.

Cotality executive research director Tim Lawless said the escalation since late 2019 had reshaped regional NSW’s role in the broader housing market.

“Housing values across regional NSW have risen 61 percent since 2019,” he said.

“Nearly half of the 20year growth in regional NSW has occurred during this relatively short period.”

Mr Lawless said Coffs Harbour had benefited from major demographic shifts.

“Internal migration flows to coastal cities were extremely strong during COVID,” he said.

“Hybrid working has helped maintain that elevated level of demand in markets like Coffs Harbour.”

He said the affordability difference between Sydney and the regions had tightened.

“Sydney’s premium over regional NSW has reduced from 86 percent to 59 percent since 2019,” Mr Lawless said.

“This narrowing reflects the strong performance of regional markets.”

Market conditions have

now returned to more sustainable levels.

“Annual dwelling value increases across the LGAs we analysed – between Port Stephens and Coffs Harbour – range from 4.7 to 6.4 percent, but well down from the pandemic highs when the peak annual growth rate ranged from 29.5 percent to 39.9 percent,” Mr Lawless said.

“It’s still positive, but far more balanced.”

Port Stephens posted the strongest property-market growth of the examined coastal LGAs since December 2019, with dwelling values rising 73.6 percent.

The Nambucca Valley saw dwelling values surge by 72.7 percent over the

SCORES of local flooddamaged roads will be improved after the City of Coffs Harbour determined to

expand rehabilitation works.

An initial program of stabilisation works had already been approved for

some of the roads hit by a severe storm and flood event in February 2022.

With this program

underway, opportunities were realised to increase the scope of the remedial works to provide a superior end result for road users.

“By leveraging off the initial scope of repairs approved by Transport for NSW we can deliver a far better outcome for the community,” Mayor Nikki Williams said.

At its meeting on 27 November, Council decided to allocate an additional $1.98 million from the Infrastructure Asset Renewal Reserve, to bring the total contract budget for the works to $3.765m (excluding GST).

Segments of road to be remediated include: Curacoa St, Raleigh St, Earl St, Victoria St Fraser Dr, Dianne Cl, Michelle Cl, Argyll St, Raymond St, Kurrajong St, Hillview Cr/Murray Dr, Griffith Av, Matten Cl, Kotuku St, Vera Dr, Jackson Pl, Mackays Rd, West High St, Lawson Cr, Macauleys Headland Dr, Boultwood St, Brodie Dr, Condon St, York St, Bruxner Park Rd, Strouds Rd, Lindsays Rd, Moller Dr, Mount Browne Rd, South Island Loop, Upper Orara Rd, Eastern Dorrigo Way, Cowling Cl, Ellems Quary Rd,

FROM Page 1

q

Cotality executive director Tim Lawless.

City expands road works program

q Curacoa Street in Coffs Harbour is one of many set to benefit from the expanded remedial works program.

Friday, 2 January 2026

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same period, while Port Macquarie recorded a 59.9 percent rise.

Nana Creek Rd, McPhersons Rd, Grafton St, Orara Way, Central Bucca Rd, Bakker Dr, Arrawarra Rd, Lake Rd, Pacific St (Corindi), Flaherty St, Ford St/Martin Pl, Red Rock Rd, Coral St Kathleen Dr, and Range Rd. “This program of works will improve road segments across the Local Government Area which is indicative of the widespread nature of the weather event,” City Infrastructure Director Andrew Beswick said.

“More than 75,000 square metres of road were identified as in need of rehabilitation and this increased scope of the works will enable us to address an additional 44,544 square metres.”

COFFS COAST NEWS OF THE AREA

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Fixing Country Bridges program completed in the Bellingen Shire community.

“This project is about more than replacing old bridges - it’s about making life easier, safer and more secure for the people who call Bellingen Shire home.

“With the completion of Hobarts Bridge and the wider program of works, local families, businesses and emergency services now have the modern, reliable infrastructure they deserve. I’m incredibly proud of what this partnership has delivered for the community,” she said.

Bellingen Mayor Cr Steve Allan said the completion of the program marks a major step forward in the Shire’s transport and sustainability goals.

“Today marks the completion of one of the biggest capital works programs in our Council’s history,” Cr Allan said.

“Replacing 31 bridges across our Shire has improved safety, resilience, and accessibility for our community delivering infrastructure that supports our goals of being connected, creative, and sustainable.”

The Mid North Coast Joint Organisation (MNCJO), comprising Bellingen, Kempsey, and Port Macquarie-Hastings Councils, played a key role in securing this outcome through the Timber Bridge Renewal Prospectus, a joint submission to the NSW Government.

The MNCJO collectively manages 15 percent of the state’s timber bridge network, with 219 timber bridges serving more than 130,000 residents.

Through their collaboration, the group secured funding to replace or upgrade 91 bridges across the three LGAs, with 33 of

q Guests gather on Hobarts Bridge to celebrate the completion of the Fixing Country Bridges Program. those in the Bellingen Shire.

Bellingen Shire Council General Manager Mark Griffioen, said the success of the program demonstrates the strength of regional collaboration.

“Working together allows councils to address shared challenges more effectively and advocate with a stronger voice.

“The Fixing Country Bridges program shows what’s possible when regional councils unite to deliver lasting infrastructure improvements for our communities,” he said.

Construction commenced in 2022, with the first round completed in mid-2024 and the second round following soon after.

During the environmental assessment process, Council identified four bridge sites as being in significant habitats for threatened species, including the Southern Myotis microbat, the critically endangered Bellinger River Snapping Turtle, and Giant Barred Frog.

The Council undertook species impact studies, referring the projects to both State

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and Federal Environment Ministers and inviting community feedback before any works commenced.

To minimise environmental impact, bridge designs were modified to reduce tree removal and soil disturbance.

Longer bridge spans reduced the need for in-stream supports, and a range of protection measures, including microbat management protocols, frog fencing, noise management, and habitat restoration, were implemented.

At Duffys Bridge, Sunny Corner Bridge and Hobarts Bridge, Council worked closely with ecologists to safely relocate Southern Myotis microbats roosting in old timber structures.

Custom habitat boxes were installed in the new concrete bridges, and Council says follow-up monitoring has shown around 70 percent of the original population now roosting in these new habitats - with no harm to any microbats during the process.

At Kalang River Bridge, the Southern Myotis population grew so significantly once the new bridge was constructed, that the existing bridge has been retained to preserve the home for that population.

“Preserving our native species and protecting the health of our river systems has been a priority throughout this program,” Mayor Allan said.

“We’re proud that our new bridges not only connect people but also help preserve local biodiversity.”

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BELLINGEN Shire Council has marked the completion of the Fixing Country Bridges Program - one of the largest infrastructure undertakings in the Shire’s history - with the official opening of Hobarts Bridge.

Bellingen Shire Mayor Steve Allan, recently joined Cowper MP Pat Conaghan, Oxley MP Michael Kemp and representatives from the Mid North Coast Joint Organisation (MNCJO) to cut the ribbon and celebrate this significant achievement.

In total, $34.4 million has been invested to deliver 31 new and upgraded bridges across the Shire, significantly improving safety, connectivity and resilience for residents, businesses and visitors.

Bellingen Shire Council has benefitted from major investment through the Fixing Country Bridges Program, receiving $20.3 million in Round 1 and a further $10.5 million in Round 2.

The NSW Government’s Fixing Country Bridges program is a $500 million investment that supports councils to replace ageing timber bridges and improve safety, connectivity and resilience across regional and rural communities.

This work was further supported by $2.4 million from the Australian Government’s Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program for the replacement of the Kalang River and Richardson bridges, along with an additional $1.2 million contributed by Council.

NSW Minister for Roads and Minister Regional Transport the Hon Jenny Aitchison MP said the completion of this project is a significant win for the Bellingen Shire

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Coffs Coast agents report strong finish to year

By Matt TAYLOR COFFS Harbour’s surge in property values since the start of the pandemic reflects a region that has not only embraced rapid growth but evolved into one of the North Coast’s busiest markets.

Cotality data shows dwelling values in the LGA have risen by 57 percent since late 2019, with houses up 60.7 percent and units 41.5 percent.

Local agents say the numbers mirror exactly what has happened on the ground.

“That’s exactly what I’m seeing,” Unrealestate managing director Chris Hines said.

“Anything under a million is very, very busy at the moment. There’s not much stock, and that’s mainly why it’s so busy.

“Real estate is like any other commodity. It’s all down to supply and demand.”

Properties priced between $750,000 and

q

$900,000 are attracting multiple offers, driven by a market running hot beneath the million-dollar threshold.

Mr Hines said that “years ago, million-dollar listings were rare in Coffs”.

“Now it seems to be the vast majority,” he said. “At Sawtell, I’ve sold a couple for over $3 million since the pandemic.”

Pandemic boom, then dip and a renewed surge For Sawtell Real Estate agent Matt France, the region’s growth cycle has come in waves.

“There’s been a few points where we’ve had notable levels of growth,” he said. “2015 was a big one, then late 2021 through early 2022 was huge when we saw a 30-35 percent rise in values.”

The surge was followed by a correction as lending tightened, slowing parts of the market. But the rebound has been sharp.

Unrealestate managing director Chris Hines.

“Whatever shortfall we had in the last two years has definitely been recovered over the last three months,” Mr France said. “The market is powering along to finish the year.”

He expects momentum to return quickly after the festive break.

“I think everything will ramp back up from midJanuary. There will be a bit of strength at that time.”

The only caution he sees relates to interest-rate uncertainty.

“There have been hints of a rise in February. If that happens, it might put a bit of a pull on certain things.”

Where the buyers are coming from While the early pandemic boom was dominated by out-of-towners seeking lifestyle change, the buyer profile in Coffs Harbour has shifted again.

“We’ve got a lot more buyers now who are from

q

ordinator’s role with the AFL club at Woolgoolga has given him a front-row view of the shift.

“Many of the people who have come on board at the club in the last three years are from Melbourne.”

the local area,” Mr Hines said.

“During the early rush, out-of-towners were very keen. Another huge catchment area for us now is the Tablelands – the ones doing the sea change.”

Mr France agrees the demographic mix has broadened.

In 2021, he said, many buyers were escaping lockdowns and accelerating their retirement plans.

“Back then, it was a mass migration of people out of cities,” he said.

“Now, I’d say it’s fairly split between locals, people from the Tablelands, and those moving here from Sydney and Canberra.”

Jensen Realty director Mark Jensen, who sells between the Coffs Coast and the Gold Coast, has experienced a different buyer shift in recent years.

“What I’ve found is fuelling the market growth is families relocating from Melbourne,” he said.

“They’ve been the number one buyer, followed

by Sydney and Brisbane.”

His sponsorship co-

Sweet spots and future movers Sawtell remains one of the premium markets on the Mid North Coast, with high demand and limited supply.

“It’s always been a desired location,” Mr France said.

“Close to waterfront cafes, beaches. It’s pretty hard to find a standard three-bedroom house here for under $1 million now.”

Like Sawtell, the Jetty precinct commands strong prices due to high underlying land value and limited expansion opportunities.

But the suburbMr France believes is poised for the next upswing is Toormina.

“There’s some undervalued property there,” he said.

“Toormina is close to the shopping centre, the airport, a few minutes to the beach

Sawtell Real Estate agent Matt France.

q

and 10 minutes to town.

“Prices have jumped, but I think there’s still room to go further.”

Outlook for 2026: Steady and resilient All three agents expect stability in 2026, with conditions largely shaped by interest-rate decisions.

“There is cause for optimism, but it depends on whether you’re a buyer or a seller,” Mr Hines said.

“I think the market will remain strong in the near future.”

Mr France said momentum in early 2026 would hinge on economic signals, although first-home buyers will remain active thanks to government schemes.

“That part of the market will keep going, no matter what.”

Mr Jensen said growth had already stabilised after several strong years.

“I’d expect the market to remain stable in 2026,” he said.

“But really, it’s all going to depend on what happens with interest rates.”

Jensen Realty director Mark Jensen.

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Cheaper prescriptions from 1 January NEW Federal Government legislation will reduce the cost of Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) prescriptions from 1 January.

Under the changes, the maximum PBS co-

payment fall to $25, down from $31.60, easing pressure on household budgets.

The legislation follows advocacy from more than 20 health and community

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OUTLETS

Where to Find your Newspaper Available in newsstands & counters of over 100 businesses & locations throughout Coffs Coast.

Some include, supermarkets, newsagents, convenience stores, shopping centres, chemists, service stations, real estate agents, many general businesses throughout the area.

A list is published towards the back of this newspaper. You can also find the outlets by going to www.newsofthearea.com.au

15,000 copies q Federal Member for Cowper Pat Conaghan discusses the reduction in co-payments with Coffs Harbour pharmacist Samuel Ledger. Photo: supplied.

organisations, including the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Patients Australia, Asthma Australia, Family Planning Alliance Australia and QENDO. Federal Member for Cowper Pat Conaghan welcomed the change and noted the bipartisan support behind the legislation.

“It’s great to see all sides of Government in agreement that improving access and affordability of medicine is a top priority.

“This was one of the first pieces of legislation to pass parliament after the election,” Mr Conaghan stated.

He also emphasised the importance of protecting regional pharmacy services.

“And importantly, it doesn’t come at the expense of the community pharmacist.

“In the regions where access to primary care providers can be challenging, maintaining a healthy network of community pharmacies is imperative.”

Local pharmacists say the changes will have a direct impact on patients who have been struggling to manage rising costs.

Coffs Harbour pharmacist Samuel Ledger said community pharmacies see the consequences of financial stress every day.

“Community pharmacists see the effects of the cost-of-living crisis on patients, with many struggling to afford their medicine.

“Skipping medication leads to poorer health outcomes – and making medicine more affordable will help us to create healthier communities,” Mr Ledger stated.

He said recent commitments by states and territories to expand the role of community pharmacists would further strengthen primary health care.

“Community pharmacies are the most accessible and convenient primary healthcare destination.”

guide know A friendly to exploring before our region you go Go before you go

Leash up & leave only paw prints Carry bags and always pick up after your pooch.

Choose gentle sunscreen & repellent Go zinc-based and DEET-free to keep the river healthy.

Use facilities in town before heading to the natural reserves.

Be kind, leave no litter behind Even food scraps go with you.

Stay on tracks & park smart Protect fragile riverbanks and animal habitat.

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6 COFFS COAST NEWS OF THE AREA

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Jewel in the Coffs Crown q This couple took the opportunity to relax and take it all in.

q The visiting Bulahdelah Garden Club was given a guided buggy tour of the gardens.

By Kim SATCHELL THE North Coast Regional Botanic Garden is a sanctuary for locals and visitors to enjoy.

The view from Sealy Lookout reveals it to be the green heart of Coffs Harbour, laced by the Coffs Creek estuarine system and mangrove nursery.

Recent visitor numbers

of 50,000 plus in the first three months of the current financial year, speak to the garden’s popularity.

The number is captured in the Quarterly Budget Review and Progress Report, which tracks the City of Coffs Harbour’s performance for the period 1 July - 30 September 2025.

Mayor Nikki Williams,

delighted with the result, said “with koalas and gliders and plants from around the world, the garden is a jewel to explore”.

“Maintained by the City and the Friends, the garden has featured regularly on lifestyle TV shows.

“And entry to the sprawling grounds is free.”

There are a range of walks

suggested in promotional material, from one-hour to three hours-plus.

Some are themed, such as the Garlambirla Walk (plants used by Gumbaynggirr People), the Early Settlers Walk (plants crucial to early livelihoods, shelter and pioneering life), International Garden Areas (trees and plants from seven different

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fragrant flowering plants and shrubs.)

The Leaf and Bean Botanic Garden Café offers food and refreshments seven days a week from 9am to 3pm.

There are also Nocturnal Wildlife Tours for a nominal fee, group tours and buggy hire, as well as school and holiday programs.

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Defibrillator installed at The Bunker

q

Defib Hero advocate Brad Daymond.

A DEFIBRILLATOR has been installed at the National Holden Motor Museum and Bunker Gallery on Coffs’ City Hill .

The Automated External Debrillator (AED) is part of a campaign by Defib Hero to have a device within three minutes driving distance of anyone in the Coffs Local Government Area (LGA).

Guy Leech, founder of the Defib Hero App and renowned Australian fitness advocate, thanked donors from Pink Silks Trust, AJ

Civil Projects Coffs Harbour, and Sperin Construction in Newcastle.

After his friend Chucky died from Sudden Cardiac Arrest, Mr Leech started campaigning for more local AEDs and for their registration on an app.

He founded Defib Hero in response to asking himself one of life’s most haunting questions, “What if?”

“What if I had a defib in the car, What if the cafe nearby had a defib? What if I could have put Chucky on a defib in that first 180 seconds?

“If any of my other fit and healthy friends, my kids [or] my wife were to suffer from a Sudden Cardiac Arrest, where is the nearest defib right now and does anyone know how to use it?”

Major sponsor Pink Silks Trust Chair and co-founder Tanya Johnson OAM is keen to see Defib Hero education plans rolling out.

“People are scared of what they don’t know, and education takes that fear away,” she said.

The goal is to ensure that a higher percentage of those who live in the LGA are more aware of defibrillators, the Defib Hero App, and how to find and use a defibrillator in a moment of need.

The strategy to educate the community is to make

ARTS Mid North Coast has launched “Shared Practice", an 18-month regional artist development program designed to support emerging and mid-career visual artists.

The program connects local artists with experienced mentors to foster professional growth, artistic exploration, and community engagement.

Through mentoring, group sessions, and creative development, participants will have the opportunity to gain fresh perspectives, expand their practice, and strengthen their careers in a supported environment.

“I’m super excited to be part of the program and share in the artistic journey of an amazing group of inspiring people. I can’t wait to see what evolves,” said Jeremy Sheehan, a visual artist and Lead Mentor in the program.

Lead mentor and artist Sara Bowen added, “Mentoring is a great way for artists to develop their career.

“I’m really looking forward to working with Arts Mid North Coast and sharing the participants’ journey of making new work over the next 18 months.”

Whether you're an early-

career artist looking to build confidence or a mid-career creative seeking direction, Shared Practice offers a unique opportunity to grow.

Expressions of Interest (EOIs) are now open until 30 January 2026, and an Online Information Session will be held on Wednesday, 14 January 2026, from 6pm to 7pm.

Find out more about the Shared Practice program and register for the free online information session here: https://artsmidnorthcoast. com/projects/sharedpractice/

q The donors with the latest AED: Michael Rogers, Alan and Tanya Johnson and Rebecca Rogers.

By Andrea FERRARI

q The AED donors with City of Coffs Harbour Mayor Nikki Williams and Rotary and Holden Museum/Cartoon Gallery members.

over 2000 local high school students Defib Hero Champions.

“To achieve this, we will send a proposal to eight local schools offering a 30-minute education piece on the Defib Hero Coffs Coast Project,” said advocate Brad Daymond, Manager at Pacific Bay Resort.

“By educating high school students and providing them with material to share with their families, we hope to substantially grow downloads of the Defib Hero App and also educate many in… their ease of use.”

The City Hill museum/ gallery is the second City of Coffs Harbour (CoCH) asset to house an AED, the first being the amenities block at the Coffs Harbour Boat

q Guy Leech speaks to Coffs Harbour media.

Ramp.

“This is Council and community working together,” Mayor Nikki Williams said.

“We have to make accessibility and [the] use of defibrillators easier for everyone…seconds count.”

Speaking on behalf of Rotary Coffs Harbour, which supports the Cartoon

Gallery and Holden Motor Museum, Graham Lockett said, “The gallery and museum hosts around 900 visitors every month and they are in the older demographic for [likely] needing an AED.” There are now 20 AEDs in Coffs’ LGA purchased and installed through the Defib Hero program.

Applications open for art program

8 COFFS COAST NEWS OF THE AREA

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q Jeremy Sheehan, a visual artist and Lead Mentor in the program.

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Virtual stock fencing legalised

By Sue STEPHENSON

CATTLE and dairy farmers have welcomed the

government’s decision to legalise virtual stock fencing, which involves using GPS collars to control the animals

q The CSIRO’s patented neckbands use GPS and wireless sensors to control cattle movements. Photo: CSIRO.

through audio cues and electric shocks.

The move is expected to reduce physical fencing costs, improve rotational grazing systems, and provide remote access to data on the welfare of herds.

Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty, announced the technology would be regulated for use in NSW, following extensive consultation with farming groups, animal welfare enforcement agencies, and suppliers.

“NSW farmers have now gained access to this

new technology like their counterparts in Queensland, the Northern Territory, Western Australia and Tasmania,” she said.

“We have listened to the farming industry, animal welfare groups, and advocates like the Member for Orange Phil Donato and we have got the balance right for delivering virtual fencing on farms.”

Mr Donato said legalising virtual stock fencing is a commonsense win for farmers and regional NSW. “I’ve been calling for this reform for years because it

Bonville Sawtell Lions celebrate support for local students

By Andrea FERRARI BONVILLE Sawtell Lions Club members marked a successful first half-year at their Christmas meeting, which included giving cash to local schools for end-ofyear student awards.

“We thank the City of Coffs Harbour Council for a Community Grant of $1650 which helped finance the presentations,” club spokesperson Ida Scolari

q

gives producers the freedom to manage their herds more efficiently, safely, and sustainably.”

The neckbands can alert farmers to animal issues requiring intervention, and can be disabled to reduce stress.

The RSPCA says that animal welfare must remain the foremost concern, arguing that technology should never replace “good husbandry, management and training.”

The NSW Guide to Animal Welfare for Virtual Fencing of Cattle, includes certain safeguards that must be met.

Bonville Sawtell Lions Club members.

told News Of The Area.

“The eight primary schools in our area received $300 each and the Neville Brown Memorial Scholarship of $2000 goes to Toormina High School to assist Senior Students during their final two years.”

This scholarship is awarded to deserving students, often recognising academic achievement or career aspirations.

These are that: — the user must be trained in how to use the device by the supplier or manufacturer — the user must ensure devices are regularly monitored and animal welfare standards are met — devices will allow users to control the boundaries that trigger cues to the animal, but users cannot deliver cues directly to an animal — devices must use vibrational or audio cues first, before using electric cues.

— the technology can only be used for cattle.

AUSmilk CEO Eric Danzi said many dairy farmers have had a tough year due to natural disasters, and this technology promises to help ease their load.

“We have many dairy farmers who are eager to put in virtual fencing as soon as it is legal to do so,” he said.

NSW Farmers’ President Xavier Martin said virtual fencing has changed the game for cattle producers around the world.

“From reducing ongoing fencing and maintenance costs, protecting biodiversity and limiting stock handling, the benefits of this technology make it an incredibly powerful tool.

“With farmers needing to produce more food and fiber than ever before, it’s vital we jump on board.”

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Toormina’s ‘Food For Thought’

By Andrea FERRARI TOORMINA Public School has officially opened its Food For Thought Garden, following a yearlong collaborative effort involving students, local businesses, families, friends, and sponsors.

Driven by the school’s P&C Project Co-creator Christey Ferreira, the garden came about after parents noticed rubbish and chip packets floating around the

school playground.

Ms Ferreira, a recently qualified horticulturist, bush regenerator, and small “green” business owner, chatted with other school parents, which planted the seed of an idea.

“We decided it was time to teach the kids to spend more time outdoors, care for the country and grow what they eat,” she told News Of The Area.

“I am passionate about growing greener kids;

q Toormina Public School’s Food For Thought Garden.

q The garden is the result of a year’s work.

children who discover joy in the outdoors, appreciate fresh wholesome foods, and grow up caring deeply for our beautiful country.”

The group successfully applied for a Junior Landcare grant to kick off the project.

They chose a sunny position and beautiful space on the front lawn of the school, underneath the shady turpentine and blackbutt trees.

“We constructed a 10m x 10m flat pad on the hillside with two retaining walls and drainage, and topped it with beautiful, donated hardwood bench seats, so kids and community could gather and share the gardens.

“The groundworks, drainage and retaining wall were a team effort by kids and community [involving] shovelling, raking, tamping and digging, complemented by rented and borrowed machinery.”

The group chose aesthetic, easy-to-build

modular raised garden beds from MODBOX, made from sustainable Calitrus cypress, which the children put together with little adult instruction.

“They loved the building process,” Ms Ferreira said.

“Then it was shovelling, bucketing, planting and mulching.”

To date $7500 worth of services, hire, materials, and food for working bees has been provided by the community.

Local permaculturist Peter Lewis helped the team set up a native beehive, which has gone so well that the hive is being split in two.

A children’s drawing competition was also launched to find a design for the newly constructed “welcome” sign.

Toormina Public School Principal Paul McPherson thanked the P&C for gifting the students and community the “Food For Thought Garden”.

“This space has grown

far more than fresh produce; it has nurtured confidence, curiosity, and meaningful connection,” he said.

“Through the tireless efforts of our P&C, and the generous support of businesses across the Coffs Harbour district, our school continues to flourish.

“This garden stands

as a reminder that when many hands plant with kindness and purpose, an entire community can truly bloom.”

The school’s P&C President Alana Dunning said, “Seeing the kids flock to the gardens on the bell every afternoon to find and share food is so heartwarming."

• Social isolation is a major risk factor, with 44 percent of reports involving people who are socially isolated.

• There is a critical need for early intervention, improved service coordination, and greater awareness of criminal neglect.

• Not all neglect is intentional. Carer stress and poor health literacy are significant contributors.

The report calls for urgent action from health professionals, service providers, and policymakers to proactively identify, prevent, and address neglect, always guided by the views and wishes of those at risk.

It highlights the need for enhanced guidance and protocols for aged care, disability, and health

services; greater public awareness of criminal neglect and its consequences; and improved support for carers, along with better mechanisms to identify those at risk.

Commissioner Jeff Smith said the report shines a light on the “hidden crisis” of neglect among older people and adults with disability.

“The report has reinforced our understanding of the factors contributing to neglect and reveals a common link to coercive control and abuse, often financial abuse.

“Social isolation is a major warning sign that increases the risk and severity of neglect.

“This can be compounded by other factors such as location, with over half of the reports relating to people

living in regional NSW.” The Commissioner noted that this report and the work of the ADC highlight the importance of having services involved in a person’s life but reinforced the need for earlier action and greater awareness to ensure serious cases don’t miss out on timely support.

“Suspected and actual abuse must be identified and addressed promptly, always guided by the person’s views and wishes. Involvement from aged care and disability services can help protect against neglect, however we see serious cases often miss out on timely support,” Mr Smith said.

“This is a call to action for all sectors - health, social services, GPs, and the broader community - to work together to ensure

older people and adults with disability are safe, supported, and respected.”

Dr Megan Blaxland, Senior Research Fellow, University of NSW, Social Policy Research Centre, said, "The research helps us understand some of the many and complicated circumstances in which adults with disability and older people experience neglect.

“It can help organisations, who have contact with adults with disability and older people, to be more attuned to signs of neglect, so support and intervention can be offered earlier."

The full report, including recommendations for policy and practice, is available at http://doi.org/10.26190/ unsworks/31553.

Report addresses neglect of older people and adults with disability THE NSW Ageing and Disability Commission (ADC), in partnership with the University of NSW Social Policy Research Centre (SPRC), has released a report highlighting the pervasive and complex issue of neglect affecting older people and adults with disability across New South Wales.

Funding was provided by the NSW Department of Communities and Justice.

The ADC is responsible for receiving and responding to reports concerning older people and adults with disability who may be experiencing, or are at risk of, abuse, neglect, or exploitation within their family, home, or community.

The report analysed

474 cases of alleged neglect, primarily managed by the ADC’s Community Supports and Investigations Unit and closed between 2021 and 2022.

Key findings of the report reveal: • Neglect is widespread and frequently linked to coercive control, abuse, and social isolation.

• Neglect is an underrecognised form of domestic violence.

• Relatives, particularly primary carers, are the main alleged perpetrators.

• Service involvement, especially from aged care and disability providers, can be protective, yet serious neglect cases often lack such support.

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City supports DV Safe Phone collection

By Andrea FERRARI

LOCAL Rotary clubs are partnering with the City of Coffs Harbour (CoCH) to expand the DV Safe Phone support service for victims of

domestic violence.

Founded five years ago, the DV Safe Phone charity refurbishes and distributes old mobile phones to help domestic violence victims stay connected, safe, and to move forward in life.

q Coffs City Rotary Club members Bob Carle and Paul McKeon with City of Coffs Harbour Mayor Nikki Williams at the DV Safe Phone collection box in the Library at Yarrila Place.

The Coffs Coast community is now being asked to drop off their old phones into collection boxes.

CoCH’s three libraries – the Harry Bailey Memorial at Yarrila Place and the branch facilities at Toormina and Woolgoolga – will become collection points for the old phones.

“Our libraries are a safe, busy and inclusive space for the community so it’s a good fit to have them as collection points,” City of Coffs Harbour Mayor Nikki Williams said.

“It’s been widely reported that domestic violence offenders can use phones to control and track their victims – so providing a fresh, free phone to a victim can help to break that circuit.”

The Coffs City and Woolgoolga Rotary clubs believe the local libraries will be popular collection points.

Further DV Safe Phone collection boxes

can be found at The Coffs Hotel, hotels in Emerald Beach, Sawtell and Toormina, The Happy Frog, Sportz Central and SOS Phone Repairs.

Mayor Williams encourages people to put their old phone to good use by dropping it into a collection box so it can be refurbished to support those in need.

The DV Safe Phone charity has provided around 16,000 phones to people who need them to keep in contact with friends, families and support services.

Locally the Coffs City Rotary Club and the Woolgoolga Rotary Club have collected more than 300 old phones and sent them to DV Safe Phone.

This service is an easy way for people with an old mobile phone to give it to a charity, so it can help someone experiencing domestic violence.

a Bachelor of Law and Arts, Evangeline made the decision to leave university in pursuit of a more “hands-on and meaningful” career.

Her apprenticeship in Groote Eylandt stemmed from a solo van trip around Australia.

When her old van broke down in Darwin she stayed put, trying a few occupations before completing a Certificate II in Horticulture and Conservation and discovering a strong preference for manual work over office or café roles.

The apprenticeship developed transferable skills and reinforced a commitment to handson work.

Over four years, work included participation in the recovery team after a plane crash, solo response work following Cyclone Megan when a fuel line fell into the ocean, machining critical components during urgent breakdowns, and locating and

repairing fuel leaks.

Additional responsibilities included serving as the team’s Health and Safety Representative, running pre-start meetings for crews and contractors, leading safety seminars, and raising critical safety issues with management.

Training included RIIRIS402E Risk Management, enabling facilitation of risk assessments beyond standard JSAs. Increasing responsibility throughout the final year of the apprenticeship built confidence in leading jobs, making decisions, and completing tasks independently.

A strong interest in mentoring emerging apprentices and taking on future leadership roles also developed during this period.

Advocacy for the VET sector is a significant focus for Evangeline, particularly encouraging women to pursue trade careers.

Evangelene’s national apprentice award

By Andrea FERRARI

COFFS born and schooled Evangelene Rushforth, the Apprentice of the Year in the Australian Training Awards 2025, received her award in Sydney last month.

Evangeline, a former student at Bishop Druitt College, who attended Coffs Senior College in Years 11 and 12, completed her Certificate III in Engineering - Mechanical Trade while being employed by GTNT (Group Training Northern Territory).

The company is the NT’s largest not-for-

profit provider of employment and training services.

Evangeline is hosted by South32-GEMCO at Groote Eylandt, east of Darwin.

Living and working on Groote provided practical experience and personal growth, supported by GTNT Group Employment Specialist Rachel Christo.

In her acceptance speech, Evangelene acknowledged the change a vocational education and training pathway can make.

“I know we have a lot of people and businesses here who have been in charge of hiring new apprentices, and I just wanted to say thank you.

“You have no idea how life changing it can be to find something you love to do and what a difference it can make to someone like me who lacked direction and purpose.”

Four years ago, after three years studying

q Evangelene in the GTNT workshop on Groote Eylandt.

q Evangelene Rushforth was named the Apprentice of the Year at the 2025 Australian Training Awards.

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q GTNT Group CEO Kathryn Stenson, Apprentice of the Year Evangelene Rushforth and GTNT Group Employment Services Manager Emma Koerner.

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CALD sewing group wrap ‘wonderful’ year

By Andrea FERRARI ATTENDEES of the Monday sewing group at Narranga Public School Community Hub had a wonderful 2025.

Held in the MakeSpace studio at Yarrila Place, the group comprises mostly Yazidi ladies from Iraq, Syria, Myanmar, Congo, Morocco, Laos and Colombia.

The ladies sew book bags for the library rather than make items for themselves.

Customers can make a $5 donation to take one home, contributing to a

q Narranga Public School Community Hub sewing group at MakeSpace at Yarrila Place

COFFS COAST News Of The Area

fund for more supplies to be purchased.

Each bag is unique and reflects the learning process and skill of each sewer.

“Many of these ladies have learned this year how to move on from unpowered pedal machines to machines that self-thread with 80 stitches,” Hub Leader Caitlin Mackie told News Of The Area.

“Their adaptability and resilience when so much around them changes is inspiring”.

The ladies also attend Sewing Group at the Coffs Harbour Hub, which is also in the MakeSpace studio.

The group was started many years ago by the Anglican Church and continues today through Anglicare North Coast.

The program is for women from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities, and sits under the Next Level

Program.

There are 16-plus participants in the Coffs group at any one time, meeting Tuesdays 9am-1pm in school term.

“The participants work on their own creations, repair and reuse fabrics to make garments for their own wardrobes, [and make] quilts and craft pieces to be sold at local events,” Next Level Program Worker Marina Rae told News Of The Area.

“Our sewing group is

so much more than sewing though.

“It’s an opportunity for CALD women-only to meet in a social setting with different skills and interests and help each other create. And for the team to refer them to others in the network if needs arise.

“We have a wonderful volunteer who assists the two of us workers and we are on the lookout for more.”

Anyone interested in joining, call Marina on 0435 966 604.

land that First Nations peoples have cared for over more than 65,000 years is both an honour and a responsibility for SSI. “Creating shared spaces where cultures meet, learn

and celebrate together, strengthens understanding and supports successful settlement.

“We look forward to continuing this partnership with BMNAC and plan to

hold future events.

“We’re grateful to the Gumbaynggirr community for their generosity, leadership, and the powerful welcome they extended to our newest families."

q The library book bags made by the Community Hub sewing group members.

New residents introduced to Gumbaynggirr Country

By Andrew VIVIAN

BEGINNING a new life in a new country can be overwhelming, which is why Settlement Services International (SSI) has a comprehensive program to assist refugees coming to the Coffs Harbour area.

After dealing with the fundamentals of food, shelter, navigating bureaucracy and finding employment, newcomers get to know their local area.

Newly arrived Karenni families have experienced a warm welcome to Country at "Niigi Niigi" (Sealy Lookout) during a special cultural exchange with the Gumbaynggirr community.

Kareni people originate

in Kayah State in Myanmar, a country beset by conflict.

SSI says it sees such interactions as both a privilege and a responsibility to create moments where new arrivals can connect with the rich culture and deep knowledge of Australia's First Peoples.

Against the spectacular backdrop of Gumbaynggirr Country, families listened to ancient Dreaming stories, watched the Wajaarr Ngaarlu dancers perform, and joined in the dancing, smoking ceremony, and storytelling.

Organised by our Coffs Harbour Humanitarian Settlement Program (HSP) team, in partnership with the Bularri Muurlay

Nyanggan - 2 Path Strong (BMNAC), the event was an opportunity for Coffs Harbor’s newest community members to connect with their new home and the deep spiritual relationship between people and Country.

SSI Coffs Harbour and Surrounds Regional Manager Vigeeta Chauhan said events like this are vital.

“They don’t just introduce newcomers to the stories, traditions and identity of the Country they now live on, they help build a deep sense of belonging.

“Several families shared how meaningful it was to learn traditional dances and take part in applying ochre, a practice that resonated strongly with their own Karenni customs.”

Ms Chauhan said that welcoming refugees onto

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q Karenni refugees with the Wajaarr Ngaarlu dancers and BMNAC personnel.

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SCHOOLWeek

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TOORMINA HIGH SCHOOL

THS Student Lily Bright-Taylor Honoured with NSWCHS Blue in Swimming Toormina High School student Lily Bright-Taylor achieved an extraordinary milestone, being presented with her NSW Combined High Schools Sports Association (NSWCHS) Blue in swimming at the Sydney Cricket Ground. This prestigious award is the highest sporting honour a NSW public high school student can receive in their chosen sport.

Lily is the first THS student to receive a NSWCHS Blue since former NRL player Clint Greenshields in 1999, marking a remarkable moment in the school’s sporting history. Over the past three years, she has been selected for the NSW All Schools team on three consecutive occasions, consistently performing at an

elite level and demonstrating dedication, resilience, and outstanding skill in the pool.

Her award was presented by 2024 Olympic Gold Medallist Noemie Fox, herself a proud graduate of a NSW public high school, making the occasion all the more special. The NSWCHS program represents the largest High Potential and Gifted Education (HPGE) sporting pathway within public schools, placing Lily among an elite group of athletes.

Past recipients of this prestigious honour include sporting legends such as Petria Thomas, Mark and Steve Waugh, Taryn Aiken, and Jake Trbojevic.

This recognition is a testament not only to Lily’s exceptional talent but also to her dedication, humility, and perseverance both in and out of the pool. THS is immensely proud of her outstanding achievement, which sets a high benchmark for future generations of students.

Chloe Honoured for Outstanding Sporting Achievements

Saskia Iredale Receives Flag Presentation for Rotary Youth Exchange This week, Toormina High School had the pleasure of welcoming Pat Conaghan MP for a special flag presentation to Year 10

student Saskia Iredale. Saskia has been selected to travel to Denmark in February as part of the Rotary Youth Exchange, an incredible opportunity made possible through the generous support of the Rotary Club of Sawtell.

The exchange will allow Saskia to immerse herself in a new culture, build

114 COFFS COAST NEWS OF THE AREA COFFS COAST NEWS OF THE AREA

Toormina High School student Chloe Murphy has had an exceptional year, earning recognition for her remarkable performances across multiple sports. Chloe has represented the North Coast region in swimming, AFL, and tennis, as well as competing for the school in cross country, athletics, soccer, and beach volleyball.

For the past two years, Chloe has been selected in the NSW Combined High Schools (CHS) AFL team. This year, her achievements reached a new level when she gained selection in the NSW All Schools AFL team, competing at the national championships. In recognition of

her consistent elite performance in AFL, Chloe has been awarded a Toormina High School Blue.

Further acknowledging her dedication, attitude, and fair play, Chloe received a prestigious North Coast Blue in 2024 for outstanding AFL performance. This year, North Coast School Sport awarded her an Honour Blue, recognising her continued excellence and commitment to sport.

Chloe’s versatility and sporting talent have made her a standout student-athlete.

To celebrate her outstanding achievements across multiple disciplines, she has been named Toormina High School Junior Sportsperson of the Year.

Congratulations to Chloe on an extraordinary year of sporting success, dedication, and representation of her school and region at the highest levels.

lifelong friendships, and gain experiences that will shape her future. It is inspiring to see our students embrace life-changing opportunities like this, and we are so proud of Saskia. We know she will make unforgettable memories and represent Toormina High School and our region with pride.

A sincere thank you to Pat Conaghan MP for taking the time to visit our school and to Rotary Club of Sawtell Youth Director Alan Freedman for organising this meaningful presentation. It was a wonderful celebration of achievement, community support, and the exciting opportunities available to our students.

media@newsofthearea.com.au media@newsofthearea.com.au

Friday, Friday, 22 January January 2026 2026

COFFS COAST News Of The Area

media@newsofthearea.com.au

Little Wings’ 500th mission welcomes Amarni on board

By Andrea FERRARI

inlet left ventricle with transposition of the great arteries.

She has already undergone three major heart surgeries, with two more still to come.

“Because her care is highly specialised, we regularly fly with Little Wings to attend appointments and treatment in John Hunter Hospital and Westmead Children’s Hospital in Sydney, where the appropriate cardiac teams are available,” Shannon told News Of The Area.

“Little Wings has helped our family in an enormous way by completely removing the stress of travel.

“They turn what would

normally be a six-hour drive into a 40-minute flight and organise everything from transport to and from the

WITH temperatures high and visitors flocking to the region’s stunning beaches, rivers, and waterholes, the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is urging everyone to stay vigilant and safe.

National parks offer countless opportunities for swimming, fishing, paddling, and boating, however they are natural environments that can be unpredictable and pose serious risks if safety precautions are ignored.

NPWS Executive Director Naomi Stephens said, “spectacular beaches and waterways in NSW national parks may look like idyllic places for a summer swim, but dangers can lurk beneath the surface.”

“Watch out for hidden hazards including rip currents, cold water, rocks, submerged objects and

sudden drop-offs.

“We want everyone to enjoy their national park visit and get home safely to loved ones.”

Most beaches, creeks, rivers, and lakes are remote and do not have lifeguards.

Mobile phone service may be limited, which means visitors in trouble can’t call for help.

The safest place to swim is always at a patrolled beach between the red and yellow flags.

These can be found on beachsafe.org.au.

Stop, Look, Stay Alive Visitors are urged to plan ahead and follow these essential safety tips: — Take responsibility for your own safety.

— Avoid unpatrolled beaches and always swim between the red and yellow flags at patrolled beaches.

— Check for rips and hazards before entering the water. If in doubt, do not go in.

— When rock fishing, always wear a life jacket, check tides and weather, do not turn your back on the sea and never fish alone.

— Tell someone your plans and expected return time.

— Check conditions as water levels can rise suddenly after rain or dam releases.

— Beware of fast currents and submerged hazards.

— Enter slowly. Never dive headfirst or jump from heights.

Riverbeds can change quickly.

— Never swim alone: Always have someone nearby who can help in an emergency.

— Avoid alcohol and drugs around water. These impair judgment and

By Andrea FERRARI

honoured at the National Australian HR Institute (AHRI) Awards held in Melbourne on Friday 5

December.

The AHRI is a peak body for Human Resources in Australia, and these

LITTLE Wings, supported by St. George Bank, celebrated its 500th mission with a special festive flight visiting three families across regional NSW in one day.

Little Wings is a notfor-profit organisation that provides free professional safe flight and ground transport services for seriously ill children in rural and regional NSW, ACT and QLD. Local family Shannon and Amarni Grant were chosen to enjoy this milestone flight.

Amarni was born with a complex congenital heart condition called double

airport to ensuring the correct car seat is available and even lending prams when needed.

“They have also supported us during emergency situations - most notably flying us home after

q Kayaking in the Barrington River. Photo: NPWS. we were airlifted to Sydney for seizures and discharged there without a transfer back to our local hospital.”

Without Little Wings, each appointment would add days of exhausting travel to an already challenging journey.

Shannon said that receiving the Christmas presents from St George and

Westpac was “truly amazing”.

“It made Amarni feel incredibly special and brought so much joy during what is often a stressful and overwhelming time of year for our family.

“It also took a huge load of pressure off my shoulders and reminded us how supported and cared for we are.”

increase drowning risk.

— Cold water alert: Even in summer, inland waters can cause hypothermia.

— When boating and paddling, wear an approved life jacket at all times.

— Check weather forecasts and park alerts

before heading out.

Following the success of last year’s initiative, NPWS is running another digital campaign targeting Mandarin Chinese-speaking and Indian communities across various channels to increase broader multicultural awareness of

beach, water, fishing and rock platform safety in NSW national parks.

For more information on water safety in NSW national parks, visit nationalparks. nsw.gov.au/safety/wateractivities. Stop, Look, Stay Alive

awards recognise Human Resource professionals and organisations that pursue excellence and lead with purpose.

NVC Group won the Best Organisational Development and Change Strategy Award, which recognises outstanding initiatives in transforming workplaces through strategic people practices.

NVC Group was commended for tackling post-pandemic workforce shortages in the local area through tailored training, and ethically recruiting international workers.

This built a stable, skilled team aligning with aged care reforms.

NVC Group’s People Support Manager Wilson Loyo, was also a finalist for

HR Practitioner of the Year, an honour that reflects NVC Group’s commitment to cultivating a strong, peoplecentred workplace.

“At NVC Group, our focus has always been on providing safe, high-quality care to the local community,” Mr Wilson told News Of The Area.

“The workforce challenges intensified by COVID-19 highlighted the urgency of addressing future aged care needs.

“As we have learned about the issue of an ageing population and ongoing skill shortages, the Care Ready Program, delivered through NV College, provides practical, hands-on training and support for both international and local staff.”

NV College is open to all cohort groups, offering

15

q St George Regional General Manager Jason Russell with Shannon Grant, Amarni and the Happy Dragon mascot.

NPWS urges, ‘stay vigilant and safe’’

q The Point Plomer campground in Limeburners Creek National Park. Photo: NPWS.

HR award wins for NVC Group NVC Group, a local not-forprofit organisation, was

q NVC Group People Support Manager Wilson Loyo, signing up new entrants ready to kick start their career.

Friday, 2 January 2026

www.newsofthearea.com.au

opportunities to upskill or pursue a meaningful, rewarding new career.

“Combined with tailored induction, mentoring, and ethical recruitment through the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) Scheme, NVC has built a stable, skilled workforce ready to meet aged care reforms and deliver outstanding care.”

Mr Wilson said the awards acknowledge the significant progress NVC Group has made in leading organisational change and building a culture grounded in adaptability, collaboration and long-term vision.

As the group grows, the business is always looking for great people, “whether it be providing quality home care for the elderly in our community or for students looking to train or re-train in a career in care through our colleges in Coffs Harbour and Macksville.”

COFFS COAST NEWS OF THE AREA

HSC RESULTS

Advertising Feature

Streamlining student pathways into the workplace

q Deputy Secretary, Education and Skills Reform, NSW Department of Education Jeremy Kurucz; Chief Executive Officer ETC Damon Munt; Pro Vice-Chancellor (Academic Innovation) at Southern Cross University Professor Erica Wilson (panel chair); Associate Director Engagement, Partnerships & Growth at TAFE NSW Marty Braley; and Acting Executive Director at Jobs and Skills Australia Cliff Bingham.

By Andrea FERRARI SOUTHERN Cross University (SCU) is streamlining its recognition of TAFE and vocational qualifications, improving clarity around existing pathways and enabling students to receive greater credit towards a wide range of undergraduate degrees.

The refined pathways framework draws together more than 300 formal credit arrangements already in place with TAFE and other Registered Training Organisations (RTOs).

The new arrangements help students reduce duplication of learning and transition more efficiently into high-demand careers.

These agreements span all major Southern Cross University faculties, including Health, Science and Engineering, Education, Business and Law, and The Hotel School, and cover qualifications ranging from Certificate IV through to Diploma and Advanced Diploma levels.

The announcement was shared at the Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA) national Jobs and Skills Roadshow held at SCU’s Coffs Harbour campus on Tuesday 25 November.

Panel discussions examined local workforce needs, labour market trends, and the policy settings shaping future skills development.

JSA’s Jobs and Skills Report 2025 confirms that more than nine in 10 future jobs will require tertiary qualifications, highlighting ongoing gaps between the VET and higher education systems.

Clearer credit arrangements and smoother movement between VET and higher education are central recommendations of the report.

The SCU pathways agreements put this into practice by providing students with a more direct pathway from vocational study to a degree-level accommodation.

Professor Tyrone

Carlin, Vice-Chancellor of SCU, said improving credit pathways was central to supporting the region’s future workforce.

“Our mission is, and has always been, to serve our

regions,” he said.

“By improving the way vocational learning connects into university study, we’re giving students a clearer path to the careers that sustain our

WOOLGOOLGA HIGH SCHOOL

Woolgoolga High School’s graduating class of 2025 has continued the school’s tradition of academic excellence. Three students Julian Walsh, Maggie Carr and Ava Wilson were recognised on the statewide Distinguished Achievers list. Our class of 76 HSC students achieved over 52 Band 5 and 6 results. Julian Walsh received the award of Dux of 2025 with an ATAR of 92.7 and is currently considering university offers. Year 12 students Muskan

MAGGIE CARR

Dhaliwal, Jacob Mills and Lily Shields achieved SHAPE nominations for their Industrial Technology major projects.

Sky Hopkins and Shelley Ramsay achieved Artexpress nominations and were also selected for the ‘Yearbook 2025’ exhibition at Yarilla Arts and Museum for their Visual Arts major works. Maggie Carr was able to successfully combine her sporting endeavours with her studies, recently being crowned NSW Combined High Schools Girls Canoeing Champion.

MUSKAN DHALIWAL

16 COFFS COAST NEWS OF THE AREA

SKY HOPKINS

communities and shape their futures.

“This is practical, meaningful reform that will have a lasting impact.”

Jobs and Skills Australia Commissioner Barney

Glover AO said, “These efforts will create closer connections between education sectors to better match skill supply with skill demand for both existing and emerging careers.”

JACOB MILLS

Congratulations to our graduates, we wish you all the best for your future careers, and we thank our dedicated teachers for their tireless work in guiding students through the senior years.

We wish all our families a safe and happy Christmas and New Year and look forward to welcoming our new and returning students in February.

SHELLEY RAMSAY

media@newsofthearea.com.au

LILY SHIELDS

JULIAN WALSH

AVA WILSON

Friday, 2 January 2026

HSC RESULTS

HSC ‘one step, not an end point’ WITH Year 12 students having received their HSC results on Thursday 18 December, it’s an important time to remind students that final scores don’t determine long term success.

Experienced careers advisor Liza Hone said results represent one step, not an end point.

“Your result isn’t everything.

“If you really have a goal and believe you can do it, there are ways of getting there,” Ms Hone said.

She reminded students that strong results may make course entry easier but they are not the only pathway.

“I used to say medicine and law were exceptions, but even that’s not true anymore.

“I met medical students who started with scores in the 70s and still made it through alternate pathways.”

Ms Hone said academic

scores lose relevance over time.

“Once you’ve been out of school for six years, no one asks what your score was.

“It doesn’t stick with you, it’s not something you wear forever.”

The career’s advisor encourages students to view their results as part of a longer process.

Universities and employers value skills, experience, and persistence alongside academic performance.

“If you really want it, there’s almost always a way, alternate entry programs, bridging courses, or experience based applications.”

Ms Hone advised that students can use several pathways to reach their goals.

These included alternate entry programs that lead into degrees, bridging courses that meet prerequisites, and experience based

applications supported by work or volunteering.

“Be willing to take other steps.

“It might be a more circuitous path, but you can still get there.”

She also encourages flexibility.

Students are encouraged to consider regional universities, online study, or vocational training as a pathway into higher education.

For some students, a gap year can provide clarity.

“It’s not a year off life, it’s a year of discovery, really,” Ms Hone said.

“Trying to work out more about who you are and maybe get away from those expectations.”

For parents of HSC students who might not receive the mark they wanted, Ms Hone advises to acknowledge disappointment first and then focus on practical next steps.

CLASS OF 2025 COFFS HARBOUR CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY SCHOOL

Congratulations on your Exceptional Results!

Thank you to all teachers, parents and support staff for your hard work, prayers and encouragement of these students throughout their years at CHCCS. We ask that you continue to pray for them as they transition into University, TAFE and the workforce.

Distinguished Achievers (90+) Kyla Arnold

Malachi Evans Harrison Hopewell Harison Kermode Benjamin McPherson

DUX 2025

BENJAMIN McPHERSON

Callum Meads Tobias Murray Oscar Nimmo Darcy Pilati Bella Rorich Noah Yardley

Coffs Harbour Christian Community School Friday, 2 January 2026

Agriculture Biology Mathematics Standard 2 Indonesian Beginners Mathematics Standard 2 Music 1 Industrial Technology Mathematics Standard 2 Music 1 Mathematics Advanced Music 1 Mathematics Standard 2 Industrial Technology Industrial Technology Industrial Technology Mathematics Standard 2 Indonesian Beginners Industrial Technology Music 1 (02) 6653 4000

www.newsofthearea.com.au

1in4

ACHIEVED A COURSE MARK ABOVE

STUDENTS

5

TOP

90%

Noah Yardley 3rd NSW Industrial Technology Bella Rorich 4th NSW Indonesian Beginners Kyla Arnold 5th NSW Indonesian Beginners

ENCORE NOMINATIONS Outstanding projects from HSC Music students.

Benjamin McPherson (Nominaited)

Noah Yardley

Selected to perform at the Opera House in March 2026!

admin@chccs.com.au

SHAPE

NOMINATIONS

Outstanding projects from HSC Design & Technology, Industrial Technology and Textiles & Design.

Harrison Hopewell Samuel Hopewell Harrison Kennedy Tobias Murray Oscar Nimmo Darcy Pilati Elijah Plumbe Noah Yardley

coffsccs.nsw.edu.au

COFFS COAST NEWS OF THE AREA

17

Yr12HSC_NOTA_260 x 374mm_Blue 2025.pdf

1

18/12/2025

3:03 pm

CLASS OF 2025

92% of students received at least one Band 4 or above.

In a year defined by growth, complexity and ambition, the Bishop Druitt College Class of 2025 has emerged as a powerful reflection of what it means to be world prepared, adaptable and future focused. As the largest Year 12 cohort in the College’s history, with 121 students completing the Higher School Certificate, this graduating class has demonstrated that success is not defined by a single pathway but by the courage to pursue excellence in diverse and meaningful ways.

Across academic, vocational, creative and service-based pursuits, the Class of 2025 embraced opportunity with confidence and resilience. Their results reflect a cohort committed not only to achievement but to purpose.

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

An outstanding 92% of students achieved at least one Band 4 or above, while 69% secured at least one Band 5 or Band 6 result, highlighting the depth and breadth of academic success across the year group.

CMY

K

Academic excellence remains a hallmark of Bishop Druitt College.

In 2025, students achieved a remarkable 61 Band 6 or Notional Band 6/E4 results, alongside 162 Band 5 results and 275 Band 4 results, inclusive of accelerated students.

The Class of 2025 also excelled in creative and performance disciplines, receiving nominations and selections across OnStage, Callback, Encore, Art Express, Shape and Yarilla Museum exhibitions.

These outcomes were complemented by strong performance in Extension subjects, with 54 E4 and E3 results across Mathematics, English, Music and History, reinforcing the strength of the College’s high-achievement and extension programs.

This success has been supported by a deeply embedded culture of personalised learning and mentorship.

Under the leadership of Year Coordinator Ms Katie Gudgeon, Acting Director of Student Wellbeing Ms Andrea Wiffen, Careers Pathways Coordinator Mrs Janine Ryan, chaplains, counsellors and a highly dedicated teaching staff, students were known, supported and challenged as individuals. The leadership of ten College Captains and six House Leaders further strengthened a culture of collaboration, service and shared responsibility.

Pathways beyond school have been equally impressive. By December, 78% of students had applied for university, with 97% of applicants seeking early entry, resulting in an 80% early entry success rate prior to ATAR release.

initiatives reflect a generation deeply committed to service, empathy and meaningful social impact.

These achievements reflect not only technical skill, but courage, originality and a willingness to engage deeply with complex ideas and creative processes.

Students also pursued vocational education, apprenticeships, traineeships, Defence Force pathways and distance education, demonstrating the strength of Bishop Druitt College’s commitment to multiple definitions of success.

Community engagement has remained central to this cohort’s identity.

Throughout their final year, students raised more than $29,000 for local and global causes, including the World’s Greatest Shave, RISE Coffs Harbour and Learn and Teach Ukraine. These

Bishop Druitt College continues to view education as a transformative journey rather than a singular outcome. Through programs such as Kaizen (Years 5–8), World Options (Years 9–10) and extensive acceleration and extension opportunities, students are equipped not only with academic knowledge, but with critical thinking skills, emotional intelligence and global awareness. Our graduates leave with the confidence to navigate uncertainty and the capacity to contribute positively to the world around them.

As the Class of 2025 steps into their next chapter, we celebrate not only their results, but the character, integrity and hope they bring to their futures. They are innovators, leaders, artists, scholars and change-makers~young people prepared not just for careers but for lives of purpose and impact.

To the Bishop Druitt College Class of 2025: you have not simply completed your schooling; you have shaped a legacy. We congratulate you on your remarkable achievements and look forward with pride to the difference you will make in the world.

We are proud of you!

DISTINGUISHED ACHIEVERS

Camble Scott DUX 98.35 1x Band 6, 1x E3 (N Band 6), 1x E4 (N Band 6)

Zoe Gribble Tan 1x Band 6, 1x E4 (N Band 6)

Isaac Murphy 2x Band 6

Isabella Parmenter 2x Band 6

Amaia Wain 1x E3 (N Band 6), 1x Band 6

Olivia Hoare 1x E4 (N Band 6), 2x Band 6

Ava Lindsay 1x E4 (N Band 6), 1x Band 6

Ruby Smith 1x E3 (N Band 6), 1x Band 6

Layla Oliver 1x E4 (N Band 6), 1x E3 (N Band 6)

Zoya Dryburgh 1x E3 (N Band 6)

Nitish Gulgulia 1x E2 (N Band 6)

Ella Nicholson 1x Band 6

Maddie Porter Olivia Gruber Styles 1x Band 6 1x Band 6

Molly Williams 1x Band 6

Indigo Harris 1x Band 6

Toby Alford 1x Band 6

Beau Stockton 1x Band 6

Arlia Portus Keen Charlotte Ricketts 1x Band 6 1x Band 6

Jackson Folpp 1x Band 6

Hunter Metcalf 1x Band 6

Holly Douglas 1x Band 6

ACCELERATED STUDENTS

Lior Daley 1x Band 6, 1x E4

Key: N stands for Notional.

18 COFFS COAST NEWS OF THE AREA

media@newsofthearea.com.au

Oliver Thompson 1x Band 6, x1 E4

Daniel Lim 1x Band 6

James Quodling 1x Band 6

Yash Tyagi 1x Band 6, 1x E4

Tyler Walsh 1x Band 6, 1x E4

Shriyan Das 1x Band 6, 1x E4

Friday, 2 January 2026

SJPC CELEBRATING THE CLASS OF 2025

The Class of 2025 have achieved outstanding academic results as well as raising over $11,109 for selected charities.

We are extremely proud of this Year 12 cohort and wish them every success in their future endeavours.

Congratulations to our dedicated staff, parents and students.

Eliana Straw College Dux 96.75

Ellie Cregan 2nd Place 95.2 5th in State SOR1

Isla Martin 3rd Place 93.0

Year 12 Graduation Awards

Eliana Straw Academic Excellence - 1st place in year Matilda Rounds - Academic Excellence - 2nd place in year Academic Excellence - 3rd place in year Ellie Cregan Isla Martin ADF Long Tan Leadership & Teamwork Hudson Baker ADF Future Innovator Stem Award Eliana Straw Ampol Best All Rounder Makaylah Beatty College Leadership Award Citizenship Award Dayna Loy Fr Colin Reinhard Service to the Tahlia Amos Community Emmaus Award Amelie Suokallio VET Work Placement Award Komalpreet Kaur Mick Bryant Award Sharni Morris Riley Woods Australian Olympic Change-Maker Year 12 Sportsman & Riley Woods & Dayna Loy Sportswoman of the Year Ashton Herbert & Alexis Plater - Outstanding Achievement in Sport Ashton Herbert College Sport Blue - Golf Madison Jones College Sport Blue - Tennis College Sport Blue - Cross Country Riley Woods -

Vice Chancellors Scholarships

Isla Martin University of Newcastle Keely Price University of New England Riley Woods & Tanvir Kahlon - Southern Cross University University of Newcastle Sharni Morris (Ma & Morley Boarding) 5 over 90 ATAR 132 Band 5 & 6 28 Distinguished Achievers

Friday, 2 January 2026

96.75 Highest ATAR 78 VET Qualifications

www.newsofthearea.com.au

COFFS COAST NEWS OF THE AREA

19

OPINION & LETTERS

n the O Couch

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 or of publication from your submission to us. Publication will be determined by the editor around available space, relevance and appropriateness. media@newsofthearea.com.au

Email Jasminda: media@newsofthearea.com.au

Dear Jasminda, How do I work from home when we have visitors constantly over the festive period?

Norman W. Dear Norman,

Sawtell Pool changes DEAR News Of The Area,

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There is a long-term plan to redevelop the Sawtell Pool used for recreation/exercise/ aerobics into a “water play facility” and to maintain Coffs Memorial as the “go to” main pool.

Shame on you all if those who decided to turn our library/art gallery into a heartless jolly green giant, take Sawtell Pool from those who use it on a daily basis.

The pool offers aerobics for those who wish to remain fit and mobile; Mums with bubs can socialise quietly and safely in a controlled space; people like me can conscientiously do our laps so we don’t end up in nursing homes; and the elderly can float, kick and exercise (many do so on a daily basis).

The pool is visited by 6am lappers before work, caravan park visitors who simply just want to cool off and hundreds of school kids - all learning to swim.

This is a message from all these patrons of our beloved space, who are always lovingly looked after by the wonderful pool attendants there.

Council, are you going to tell us we don’t matter by the stroke of a pen and some economic, money-saving plan?

Many of the patrons are not well enough to travel to Coffs or Baringa for therapy.

Sawtell is safe, quiet and a convenient place for its regular users.

For weeks now the pool has been booked out daily for school students to learn to swim.

Are you also saying learning to swim is not as useful to our constantly drowning youth and that a “play area” could be more useful and productive?

How many of you, who are developing the new plan, have actually ever swam there?

Not many, if any, I’m sure.

So please Council, don’t create another area bungle.

Just leave us taxpayers to our simple pleasures and get on with fixing things that are broken and stop breaking things that are working.

In fact, let the pool be open longer as the trading hours are not always suitable.

For once, stop and think about what really matters to the residents of Sawtell and its surrounds.

This plan for a play water area only caters for a small group in the community, not the range of patronage related to in this letter of total disbelief.

Regards, Liz PHILPOTT, Boambee East.

The right to ride DEAR News Of The Area,

IN response to the death of a rider in Sydney recently, the NSW premier proposed new rules to halve the power and speed of e-bikes to 250watts and 25kmh-30kmh respectively (Guardian, 2 December).

This is great news.

If you want to go faster than that on a bike, do the training, put on the lycra and knock yourself out.

But why, after every pedestrian and cyclist death on NSW roads, is there no government action on the speed and power of cars?

Why doesn’t the premier respond to every child killed by a car or truck with a promise to halve the speed and power of road vehicles?

A cynic would say because it would be political suicide to care about the lives of children and cyclists more than the rights of genitally challenged men to drive really fast in three-tonne FU machines.

But the deeper reason is that we are all immune to the death-dealing of cars.

20 COFFS COAST NEWS OF THE AREA

We are so enculturated to think in terms of car entitlement - that the rights of cars supersede everything else - so we accept a few dead children because it’s just part of the natural order.

We’ve even built this into our urban planning so that we have houses, and roads for cars, and nothing else.

Not even sidewalks for kids to walk safely on.

But really there’s no objective reason why cars should take priority over other ways of getting around, it just takes political will to change things and this is where you come in.

Don’t just resign yourself to the inevitability of people being killed.

Demand that your planners and decision-makers uphold your right to be safe from cars, whether by limiting cars or by protecting you and your kids when you exercise your right to walk or ride.

media@newsofthearea.com.au

Regards, Marcus BAYNES-ROCK, Coffs Harbour.

People who work away from home find it very difficult to grasp the work from home concept. They equate home with Netflix at the highest volume level possible, long, meandering lunches, booming music, concerns around a bare pantry, and conversations that somehow fail to recognise that you're working on a laptop. They cannot grasp that you're not snavelling post-Christmas sales, but instead immersing yourself in tasks requiring access to your alreadydiminished concentration levels, since your brain is suffering from the gutbrain disconnect that manifests after a mountain of rum balls and ham done 10 ways.

You can't expect to be able to work effectively from home with visitors. It's like trying to write a will in a shopping centre food court. In the end, you just leave a bequest of $500,000 to the lady wiping down the tables, because she's the only one being helpful (and quiet).

There are a few ways around it and I'd try any or all of these: 1. Let guests know that your festive period ends at a set date (say, Boxing Day) and you will be working from home from that point. They can stay, but you won't be available between the hours of 9am-5pm (unless they want to bring you a plate of food at midday or an afternoon cuppa).

2. Wear noise-cancelling headphones. Ignored often enough, a guest becomes a bit like a stray dog.

They either leave the premises or dig holes in the backyard (suggest the insertion of some plants to make this worthwhile).

3. Have a set work area and stipulate that when you are in that room, you are at work. You can't work effectively in the lounge or dining room with guests. It just doesn't work.

4. Go to a different location -perhaps the local library or a park.

There may be noise, but it won't require a response from you.

I hope this assists, Norman.

Perhaps if none of these strategies work, you can rotate between the workplaces of your guests when they return to work. I'm confident that Gerard from the local council's executive team will get the message when his PowerPoint presentation is interrupted 17 times as you interject with queries about where he keeps the spare toilet paper, what is on the menu for lunch, the location of his Ryobi multi-tool, and so on.

Carpe diem, Jasminda.

Friday, 2 January 2026

OPINION

media@newsofthearea.com.au

Bitumen blend vehicles DEAR News Of The Area,

I would like to bring awareness to the significant increase of grey to black vehicles on our roads, which I call ‘Bitumen Blend’ vehicles.

These vehicles blend in well with the natural environment, including bitumen roads, which increases the risk of accidents and road fatalities.

Clear visibility is a key to road safety.

A vehicle travelling at 40km to 110km per hour unseen, can come out of nowhere.

These ’Bitumen Blend’ vehicles may be in vogue but drivers of these vehicles are not

only putting their lives at risk and that of their loved ones but everyone else that they cross paths with.

As drivers on our roads, with truckies in particular, we all have everyday blind spots to contend with - dappled light of trees and sun glare or just changing lanes in suburbia.

From and within these blind spots, ‘Bitumen Blend’ vehicles can come out of nowhere, especially in the confines of small rear vision mirrors.

They blend in so well.

These black to grey vehicles, including caravans, are like unseen moving brick walls as their gloss finish creates up to 20 times

Amazing festival

DEAR News Of The Area,

A BIG thank you to all the amazing organisers of the "All One Under The Sun" festival that shone so bright in Brelsford Park, Coffs last month.

I caught the wonderful evening music from Emma Donovan, Shane Howard and friends.

It was so wonderful.

So were the funky sounds of the Sydney band "Worlds Collide" and the locals who played too.

Standing there outside, on a beautiful Coffs summer evening with friends, dancing and enjoying ourselves… it felt like nothing else I've ever experienced in Coffs.

It was welcoming, it was inclusive, respectful and friendly. It was environmentally sustainable, professional and - importantly it was free, so everybody could join in.

It felt like Coffs had finally grown up.

Regards, Jill KELLY-WILLIAMS, Toormina.

Nothing comes for free

DEAR News Of The Area,

YOUR letters complaining about the cost of renewable infrastructure are correct.

It is costly.

I'd like to remind the writers that new construction is costly, e.g. the Coffs Harbour bypass, the inland railway and Sydney's third airport.

The existing poles and wires, coal fired

power stations and transformers plus the cost of mining and transporting coal didn't come for free.

We paid for them.

Our current power bills have been inflated by the profiteering of (foreign owned) gas companies and the ongoing maintenance of the existing power system.

Nothing comes for free; use your electricity wisely.

Regards, John COURCIER, Coffs Harbour.

COFFS COAST News Of The Area

more reflections than white vehicles.

You can see reflections on a black car like a mirror because the under-neath scattering white light is not there.

Yes, ‘moving mirrors’ are a road safety hazard and possibly the cause of the increased death toll on our roads.

Not only do they blend in well with bitumen but they also reflect their immediate environment whilst travelling on the road; such as signs, buildings, trees, traffic lights and even double white lines marking.

Both the aspects of reflection and blending of a vehicle would certainly cause confusion in that split-second that is required

to avoid a crash or a fatality. Sometimes you only have a split-second to survive.

Turning headlights on whilst travelling is a great way to increase your visibility in trying to avoid an accident, but the sides of ‘Bitumen Blend’ vehicles are still largely exposed and unseen.

Over the past six months, I have noticed an increase in ‘Bitumen Blend’ vehicles that have been T-boned or side-swiped. Your vehicle needs to be seen from all directions, at all times.

Stay safe this summer and put some colour into your life.

Regards, Viki G, Coffs Harbour

Appreciation for return of purse DEAR News Of The Area, I WOULD like to take this opportunity to thank a Good Samaritan for retrieving my lost purse in Edinburgh Street on Wednesday 3 December and returning it to my home in Raleigh Street.

This kind act was much appreciated.

Your readers could imagine the trauma of the loss of a purse not only in financial terms but considerable emotional impact.

I am most grateful for this very kind act.

Sincerely, Annette RYAN, Coffs Harbour.

Grand plans for postbypass highway DEAR News Of The Area, WELL we may have grand plans for the reinvigorated Coffs Harbour city precinct.

Unfortunately the foresight of bypass protestors has guaranteed that hundreds of trucks deemed too dangerous to travel through a tunnel can continue to daily rumble through our town centre within metres of

shops, pedestrians, recreational facilities and schools.

No amount of trees on the side of the road can compensate for that debacle of decision making.

Regards, Andrew SIMONS, Sapphire Beach.

Farmers urged to report pasture dieback THE region’s producers are being urged to report any sign of pasture dieback this Summer to the Department of Primary Industries, following detections in the North Coast and Hunter.

Pasture dieback is a destructive condition that targets summer-growing grasses such as kikuyu, paspalum, buffel grass and sabi grass.

Pasture dieback typically begins as small patches but can rapidly expand, devastating pastures and paving the way for invasive broadleaf weeds to take hold.

It is not limited by landscape or soil type.

NSW Department of Primary Industries

and Regional Development (NSW DPIRD) Pastures Development Officer Sarah Baker, said early detection and reporting are key to managing its spread and protecting valuable grazing land.

“Pasture dieback has been found in Northern NSW, with new detections in the Hunter Valley and Werris Creek earlier this year,” Ms Baker said.

“It’s important to be monitoring pastures for anything unusual, for example pastures not responding as expected to recent rainfall.

“Keep an eye out for unhealthy plants with red, yellow and/or purple discoloured leaves surrounding patches of dead grasses.

“Reporting suspected pasture dieback is critical to help us understand the spread and impact of this condition.

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Friday, 2 January 2026

“Early detection allows us to monitor affected areas, support landholders with management strategies, and coordinate research efforts to find long-term solutions.

“The more information we have, the better we can respond and protect our pasture systems now and into the future.”

The presence of pasture mealybug (Heliococcus summervillei) is associated with this condition.

Mealybugs are white and only a few millimetres in size. Their populations are at their highest in autumm.

Ms Baker said a number of diseases and pests can look similar to dieback, such as, kikuyu yellows, armyworm, nutrient deficiencies and herbicide damage, which can all negatively impact pastures.

“Producers can continue to maintain production with broadleaf species, including legumes, chicory and brassicas, which are not affected by dieback.

“Re-sowing perennial summer-growing grasses, like kikuyu, into dieback-affected areas is not recommended.”

Not all unhealthy grass is a result of pasture dieback, which is why landholders are advised to contact Local Land Services (LLS) on 1300 795 299 for advice and support.

Producers can also report pasture dieback through the Exotic Plant Pest hotline on 1800 084 881, via email to biosecurity@ dpi.nsw.gov.au with a clear photo and contact details, or complete the online reporting form.

Pasture dieback can start in small patches. Photo: DPI.

www.newsofthearea.com.au

COFFS COAST NEWS OF THE AREA

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PROPERTYWEEK PROPERTYWEEK Rare rural offering

564 Eatonsville Road, Eatonsville Price guide: $1,699,000 to $1,739,000.

A RARE opportunity has emerged on the Clarence River, with a 27-hectare rural holding at Eatonsville hitting the market that offers the perfect blend of lifestyle, established infrastructure and genuine income potential.

Located just 18km

northwest of Grafton, the property has a peaceful village setting, sweeping river frontage and productive land suited to a range of rural pursuits.

Set across three contiguous allotments, the holding features approximately 640 metres of direct Clarence River frontage, fertile pasture and multiple income streams including cattle, oats, wheat and horse agistment.

The elevated homesite captures cooling northerly breezes and long river vistas, while sealed-road access ensures convenient yearround entry.

The solid 1985 brick residence delivers a spacious family layout with six bedrooms, three bathrooms and open-plan living and dining zones flowing to a wide outdoor entertaining area.

The home sits privately

among landscaped surrounds, with modern improvements, good natural light and strong overall presentation.

Significant rural infrastructure underpins the property’s productivity, including a 131sq m machinery shed with metal cladding and concrete floor, additional storage sheds, timber animal enclosures, extensive feed storage and a large stockyard facility with

COFFS COAST News Of The Area

direct river access.

Town water, rainwater tanks and dam water support operations, while a separate 30-megalitre annual water licence is available for purchase at $100,000.

Selling agent Mark Jensen said the listing represents an increasingly rare combination of affordability, scale and income potential along the Clarence.

“This is a very affordable property and an incomeproducing property,” he said.

“You can buy it with a 30-megalitre water licence, which is rare, and it sits on the Clarence River.

“It’s an original dairy farm with a six-bedroom home, three bathrooms and manicured lawns. There are lychee and mango trees, and it’s close to Grafton.”

For more information, visit thejensens.com.au.

AFFORDABLE INCOME OPPORTUNITY – AMAZING LIFESTYLE ON THE CLARENCE RIVER 564 EATONSVILLE ROAD, EATONSVILLE 6 BED | 3 BATH | 4 CAR Price Guide $1,699,000 - $1,739,000 Positioned within the serene village precinct of Eatonsville, northwest of Grafton, this remarkable rural holding offers the perfect blend of lifestyle and income.

Set across approximately 27.35 hectares, the property enjoys sweeping Clarence River frontage, fertile pasture, and multiple income streams from cattle, oats, and horse agistment.

The stunning northerly aspect land comprises three contiguous allotments, naturally contoured with an elevated homesite capturing northern river views and cooling breezes. Access is easy and direct, with a sealed road leading to the property.

22 COFFS COAST NEWS OF THE AREA

Approx 27.35 hectares (68 acres) of rural land zoned RU2 Approx 640 metres of direct Clarence River frontage Only approx 17 km to Grafton for local shopping and services Town water, rainwater tanks, and dam water 6-bedroom, 3-bathroom brick residence Multi-function room/office or living area Generous master bedroom with private retreat Large machinery sheds, cattle yards, and multiple storage structures 30-megalitre annual water licence available separately ($100,000) Huge feed storage and animal enclosures Rural farming income potential – oats, wheat, cattle & horse agistment Peaceful setting within an established rural community

media@newsofthearea.com.au

MARK JENSEN 0410 439 950 MARK@THEJENSENS.COM.AU THEJENSENS.COM.AU

Friday, 2 January 2026

New Listing

Rare Opportunity in Riverside Mylestom

New Listing

19 ROWLEY STREET, MYLESTOM

$749,000

• Neat and tidy Hopwood Home ideally located in popular Boambee East

• Light and bright loungeroom overlooking low maintenance

Chris Hines 0439 667 719 Kim McGinty 0432 953 796

Kim McGinty 0432 953 796 Chris Hines 0439 667 719

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yard

• Functional kitchen with electric oven & cooktop, large laminate breakfast bar

• Dining room has direct access to the large covered entertaining area in the fully fenced yard

• Three carpeted bedrooms all with built in robes, ceiling fans and double blinds

• SLUG with internal access, garden shed

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3

unre.com.au/row19

Land size: 404.69 sqm

$1,090,000

• Country cottage style property with striking rural views of

• High Set in an Ultra Convenient location this home is sure to please • Four bedrooms, three upstairs, one down, main with walk through robe to ensuite • Open plan living and dining with plenty of light and views • Sunroom that opens to a semi enclosed deck perfect for entertaining

the valley & mountains

D L SO

• Beautiful timber floorboards, modern kitchen with electric appliances, stone benchtops

• Large outdoor deck overlooking the manicured lawns and established gardens

• Exquisite bathroom, two bedrooms and living area on the first level

• Loft style living area upstairs with main bedroom and bathroom

Chris Hines 0439 667 719 Kim McGinty 0432 953 796

Kim McGinty 0432 953 796 Chris Hines 0439 667 719

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3

2

2

unre.com.au/ale24

Land size: 3,923.4 sqm

unre.com.au/tal2

Land size: 703sqm

unre.com.au/sor9

24 ALEXANDER STREET, NANA GLEN

$888,000

2

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Charming Rural Bliss

2 TALLOWOOD COURT, TOORMINA

4

1

Land size: 482sqm

Commanding Location

Idyllic Rural Escape Along the Little Nymboida River

Embrace Character and Endless Possibility

44 FOREST CLOSE, BOAMBEE

259 CAMP CREEK ROAD, LOWANNA

$1,100,000

$1,299,000

• Here is your opportunity to buy in the Boambee Valley for less than you would think • 4 bedroom cottage style home on a rural ¾ of an acre lot • Large bullnose veranda across the front, work shed with parking for two vehicles • Tucked away for those who like the rural privacy and serenity

• Discover a superb 3.95-hectare (9.8-acre)

Chris Hines 0439 667 719 Kim McGinty 0432 953 796

Chris Hines 0439 667 719 Kim McGinty 0432 953 796

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2

lifestyle property perched above the tranquil Little Nymboida River.

• Beautiful 2-bedroom cottage, renovated kitchen and bathroom • Your own deep water swimming hole • Views over the escarpment and Little Nymboida

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unre.com.au/for44

Land size: 3,008 sqm

Private Rural Retreat

Forest, this property offers privacy and space

converted to a 4 bedroom home with 2 bathrooms and a 1 bedroom granny flat or home office • Mostly cleared undulating land with Coldwater Creek meandering through the lower part of the property

Chris Hines 0439 667 719 Kim McGinty 0432 953 796 5

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$1,499,000 - $1,599,000

D L SO

Chris Hines 0439 667 719 Kim McGinty 0432 953 796

unre.com.au/col222

82 AYRSHIRE PARK DRIVE, $1,699,000 BOAMBEE

• Nestled in the sought-after Boambee Valley, this home offers breathtaking valley views and ocean glimpses from the rear.

• Four large bedrooms, main suite sized with walk in robe and ensuite.

• Your choice of 4 large living areas, one large bar room which is over 70sqm.

• Billabong-style inground pool.

• Agents interest Declared

Kim McGinty 0432 953 796 Chris Hines 0439 667 719 4

• Beautifully positioned and presented pavilion style home overlooking billabong and creek.

• Set on just over a hectare of land this three interconnected pavilions and shedding with central communal area.

• Stunning views through every window which has been positioned thoughtfully to bring the glorious outside in.

3

The Ultimate Entertainer

3

2

Land size: 8,178sqm

CHECK ONLINE FOR OPEN TIMES

2

2

Land Size: 1.031 Ha New Price

unre.com.au/gor33

A Unique Blend of Luxury Living and Natural Harmony

$2,799,000

164C FRIDAYS CREEK ROAD, UPPER ORARA

• Nestled in a tranquil valley embraced by the rolling coastal mountains, this extraordinary acreage estate offers a rare fusion of refined living and pristine wilderness • Two homes, 1st, 4 bedroom home with stunning timber features, 2nd home, fully self-contained cottage.

• Fully landscaped firepit area, pool, and various outdoor living areas • Large acreage property deemed a wildlife sanctuary.

Chris Hines 0439 667 719 Kim McGinty 0432 953 796 7

unre.com.au/ayr82

unre.com.au/cam259

33 GORDON ROAD, RALEIGH

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Land size: 17.670 Ha

2

Pavilion Perfection

222 COLDWATER CREEK ROAD, NANA GLEN $1,300,000 • 5 bedroom, 3 bathroom home, that can be

1

Land size: 3.95 Ha

• Sited on over 17 hectares, and bordering State

New Price

9 SORRENTO AVENUE, BOAMBEE EAST $789,000

• This original cottage-style home at 19 Rowley Street is a rare find in Mylestom-a tightly held family residence that's brimming with character, potential, and history • Three generously sized bedrooms, all with ceiling fans • Original kitchen and bathroom, all functional • Only 80 meters to the Bellenger Riverside

3

New Listing

Surprise Package

3

4

Land size: 56.757 Ha

unre.com.au/fri164c

6658 6042

137 Sawtell Road Toormina Unrealestate Coffs Coast unrealcoffs

Friday, 2 January 2026

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COFFS COAST NEWS OF THE AREA

c NOTA Graphics - Ref: UNRE_020126

www.unre.com.au

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COFFS COAST News Of The Area

media@newsofthearea.com.au

Pink Ladies for life

By Andrea FERRARI

FOUR long-serving members of the Coffs Harbour branch of the United Hospital Auxiliary (UHA), known fondly as the Pink Ladies, have recently been bestowed life membership in recognition of their outstanding contributions.

Pink Ladies President Helen Mears OAM and UHA North Eastern Regional Representative Dee Hunter proudly presented Beryl Bracken, Val Ide, Lorraine Partland and Jenny Hallett with their Branch Life Membership badges and certificates, recognising their exceptional dedication and service.

To earn the honour of

branch life membership, each recipient has devoted more than 15 years of continuous, exceptional service to the UHA. This milestone is not just about time but reflects a lifetime of care, generosity and commitment to supporting local health services and improving patient experiences.

These members are the heart of the branch, dedicated, respected and always ready to lend a hand.

They have tirelessly contributed through fundraising, participated in countless activities and championed the Branch within the community.

Their leadership, teamwork and unwavering

q Young minds have creative ideas in rethinking waste.

adherence to UHA values shine through in everything they do.

Their organisational skills and steadfast commitment have earned them admiration and gratitude from all who know them.

Beryl Bracken has volunteered as a Pink Lady for more than a quarter of a century, after working as a School Canteen Manager for many years at Orara High School.

“Since becoming a Pink Lady I have learned to be a barista among many other skills,” she told News Of The Area.

What makes her day is meeting up with other Pink Ladies and the camaraderie of working with both Pink

ENVIRONMENTAL organisation OzGREEN has launched the Rethink Waste Ideas competition.

Based in Bellingen, OzGREEN’s mission is to create sustainable communities in regional NSW working across four key areas of waste, rivers, trees and wellbeing.

The Rethink Waste Ideas competition invites schools, households, community groups and businesses from the Coffs Harbour

Training for when crisis calls LIFELINE North Coast Crisis Support Manager and Trainer, Sunjii Doohan, shares her lived experience in a way that beautifully illustrates the importance of asking for help.

Her story also provides valuable insight into Lifeline’s Crisis Support volunteer training.

“Have you ever faced a crisis and felt you had no one to turn to?,” Sunjii poses.

“Have you walked alone through dark and difficult times?

“Or been the person someone else reached out to in their moment of despair?

“Every day, thousands of Australians find themselves in crisis, searching for someone who will listen, understand, and offer support.

“I know this because I was once one of them.”

For many years, Sunjii lived with mental health challenges and substance dependence.

Those struggles eventually pushed her into extreme crisis.

She became reliant on drugs, trapped in an abusive relationship, unemployed, and eventually homeless.

Living on the streets of Melbourne and sleeping in doorways or abandoned buildings her only constant companion was “a man quicker with his fists than with kindness”.

Overwhelmed by shame, Sunjii withdrew from the family and friends who might have helped her.

“I was frightened, isolated, and without support,” she said.

Today, her life is unrecognisable.

In recovery for ten years, over that time Sunjii has returned to university, completed a degree and then a Master’s in Social Work.

“I now have a safe and beautiful home, a meaningful career in the welfare sector, strong relationships with my family, and a community of supportive friends.

“By any measure, my story is one of success.

“But I did not rebuild my life alone.”

At her lowest point, Sunjii says she was fortunate to access the support she needed.

“A homelessness service found safe housing for me.

“A rehabilitation program helped me overcome my

24 COFFS COAST NEWS OF THE AREA

as much as I do.”

Mrs Mears expressed her gratitude to the four members who have given so much of their time and energy to the Coffs Harbour UHA branch.

“Their efforts have made a real difference to our community, and this

recognition is well deserved,” she said.

The UHA continues to play a vital role in supporting hospitals and health facilities across NSW and the Coffs Harbour branch is proud to honour those who exemplify its values of service and care.

q UHA North Eastern Regional Representative Dee Hunter, Coffs Harbour Pink Ladies life members Beryl Bracken and Val Ide, President Helen Mears, life members Lorraine Partland and Jenny Hallett and Treasurer Linda Friend.

Launching rubbish ideas

By Andrea FERRARI

By Andrea FERRARI

Ladies and Cafe staff and making lifelong friendships.

Being a Pink Lady is “very rewarding, definitely fun and can be tiring at times however I love it.

“I encourage all the ladies - and gentlemen - out there to join and enjoy volunteering

substance use issues.

“A compassionate psychologist provided the emotional support that allowed me to begin healing.

“A welfare organisation helped me leave the abusive relationship.

“And when I was ready, my family welcomed me back with love and understanding.”

This available support changed the course of her life, she says, and it is available for others through services like Lifeline.

Lifeline is a national 24/7 crisis support service offering hope, comfort, and connection to people across Australia in their darkest moments.

Here in Coffs Harbour, Lifeline North Coast is proud to contribute to this essential work.

“We are deeply committed to mental health and community wellbeing, and we believe that with the right training, anyone can learn to support people in crisis.

“Could you see yourself volunteering as a Crisis Supporter?

“You don’t need personal experience with trauma.

“You don’t need to know

local government area to step forward with creative, practical ideas to reduce waste across the region.

Open from 1 December until 22 February, the competition aims to showcase and celebrate clever wastereduction solutions that everyday people can adopt helping spark a more circular, sustainable local economy.

“We know the best ideas often come from the lived experience of families, students, workplaces, and community groups who want to reduce waste but need

simple, everyday solutions that work,” Rethink Waste Program Manager Kathleen Hannah said.

“Small ideas can have a big impact, and this competition is designed to elevate those ideas and inspire others to take action and help them spread.”

There are 10 prizes including an Eco-Tumbler, Darth Vader compost aerators, worm farms and Bokashi bins.

The competition is supported by the City of Coffs Harbour and MidWaste.

Participants can either submit a short, written description and optional photo of their idea or upload a super-short video.

Entries can be submitted via the online form at ozgreen. org/rethinkwaste, or posted on Facebook/Instagram using #rethinkwaste and tagging @OzGREEN. All entries will be celebrated on social media, featured in a free Rethink Waste Community Calendar and displayed in a special exhibition at Coffs Harbour City Library in 2026.

q Lifeline North Coast Crisis Support Manager and Trainer Sunjii Doohan. the ‘perfect’ thing to say.”

What matters most is compassion, respect, and self-awareness.

Lifeline North Coast’s comprehensive Crisis Support Workplace Training gives volunteers the skills they need to provide calm, effective support when it matters most.

Recently one volunteer shared: “I’ve always wanted to be the person someone could call when they needed help.

“Now I get to be that voice on the other end of the

media@newsofthearea.com.au

line.

“It’s time well spent.

“Lifeline has shaped me… it’s made me a better communicator, a better friend, and a better human.”

Many of the volunteers speak about the profound privilege of being trusted by callers who share their fears, pain, and hopes.

Some join Lifeline to strengthen their clinical skills: counselling, social work, and psychology students in particular find the experience invaluable.

Others join because

helping people gives them a deep sense of purpose.

“If you are interested in becoming a Lifeline Telephone Crisis Supporter, I encourage you to get in touch,” Ms Doohan said.

Phone: 0411 212 686 Email: sdohhan@ lifelinenc.org.au The next Lifeline Telephone Crisis Supporter training program begins 19 March 2026, and enrolments are now open.

“Together, we can ensure no one has to face a crisis alone.”

Friday, 2 January 2026

COFFS COAST News Of The Area

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SCU students awarded for pioneering coastal management work

By Andrea FERRARI TWO PhD candidates from Southern Cross University (SCU), Chris Klaas and Muhammad Islami, who are studying at the National Marine Science Centre in Coffs Harbour, have been named joint recipients of the Emeritus Professor Bruce Thom AM Student Research Award.

This award recognises academic research with the potential to make a positive impact on coastal management.

Professor Bruce Thom, the founding father of the Australian Coastal Society and for whom the award is named, was on hand to congratulate the SCU duo at the 2025 NSW Coastal Management Awards in November at Ballina.

Professor Thom commended Chris for his pioneering journey of discovery with the native leaf oyster (Isognomon

ephippium).

“Particularly in the field of its sex life, Chris is working his way through the whole reproductive system and learning about how things are cultured because we know so little about the leaf oyster,” Professor Thom said.

“The work started from his Honours project and it's developing into a very sophisticated PhD project.

“Chris is looking at optimal sites which could have conservation interests or restoration interests… likely to be a lifetime’s work.”

Praising Muhammad’s revolutionary research, Professor Thom said he has brought to ecological work two incredibly important skills.

“One, which is now rare in many ways, and that's as a parataxonomist - a taxonomist of macroinvertebrates.

“And to be able to devote your life to the taxonomy of anything, I think is an

incredibly important thing.”

He’s also specialising in environmental DNA work.

By bringing those two techniques together, Muhammad was investigating the role of macroinvertebrates in estuarine systems to assist in the monitoring of waterway health, particularly in the post-recovery phases after a flood.

“Muhammad is developing more efficient ways of collecting and analysing data that will help us understand better where the recovery rates, in terms of the ecological systems, are occurring faster than others, and where we need to look more seriously at the problems of depletion and damage.”

Both Chris and Muhammad acknowledged that pursuing a PhD was challenging yet ultimately rewarding.

Chris said that a PhD journey can feel solitary at times, especially when

working deeply within a knowledge gap sometimes only known by a small number of people.

“It is incredibly rewarding to see my research on Isognomon ephippium (also known as the leaf oyster) recognised for the potential these oysters hold as ecosystem engineers.

“Expanding our understanding of new candidate species for oyster reef restoration is essential for extending restoration efforts into new locations and habitats.

“By studying I. ephippium's recruitment patterns, reproductive cycle, and physiochemical tolerances, we can help secure its place in future multi-species shellfish reef restoration.

“These oysters have great potential to enhance broader ecological restoration efforts across a wide range of habitats,” he said.

An international student, Muhammad’s PhD looks at how floods and other pressures affect estuarine

macrobenthic biodiversity in northern NSW. “Having this work recognised feels very encouraging,” he said.

“It motivates me to keep learning and I'm sure the knowledge and experience I’m gaining here will be valuable for addressing similar environmental challenges back home in Indonesia.”

Chris and Muhammad were nominated for the award by their supervisor Professor Kirsten Benkendorff, also based at the National Marine Science Centre at Coffs Harbour, from the University’s

Catchments, Coast and Communities research cluster.

Professor Benkendorff said the recognition for the innovative research that Chris and Muhammad are doing is “amazing”.

“It is also fantastic to hear Emeritus Professor Bruce Thom’s appreciation for the importance of traditional taxonomy and life history research, which these PhD students are coupling with modern technology such as environmental DNA and real-time water quality monitoring in sophisticated field experiments.”

STORM season is in full swing on the Coffs Coast, and for Jetty resident Harvey Ward it provides an opportunity to watch with awe as the sky splits with flashes of lightning, the thunder booms and cracks, and the dusky clouds bloom and intensify from puffy and grey to dense and dark.

Poised with just his iPhone, Mr Ward enjoys capturing the sights

offshore.

“These photos were snapped from my balcony overlooking the ocean at the Jetty in Coffs Harbour,” he told News Of The Area.

“The most amazing thing during this storm was that there was no sound with sheet lightning blazing behind the clouds over the dark ocean.”

He described seeing kaleidoscopic dramatic colours against a silent backdrop.

“It was breathtaking, relentless, lasting hours as it moved north over the Solitary Islands…each looking turbulent, menacing and apocalyptic.”

He snapped the photos with his iPhone and was able to contrast the yellow green jetty lights, the blue harbour guidance system and the blinking red beacons on the breakwaters.

“What a divine fireworks display of God’s grandeur,” he said.

"All of the programs and services at Woolgoolga will resume when the building renovations are completed and that will be an exciting time for the community to experience the freshly modernised space,” Mr

Fitzgibbon said.

Questions regarding the Woolgoolga arrangements can be directed to the Harry Bailey Memorial or Toormina libraries (phone 6648 4900 or email coffs. library@chcc.nsw.gov.au).

For more information on the refurbishment, keep an eye on the Coffs Harbour Libraries Facebook page, Instagram account, website (libraries.coffsharbour.nsw. gov.au) or subscribe to the Libraries e-newsletter.

Divine fireworks display

By Andrea FERRARI

q The kaleidoscopic dramatic colours of the silent storm over Coffs Harbour Jetty.

q Emeritus Professor Bruce Thom AM with PhD candidates Chris Klaas and Muhammad Islami. Photo: East Coast Conferences.

New era for Woolgoolga Library WOOLGOOLGA Library is turning a new page with a series of renovations that will brighten the space and significantly improve the visitor experience.

The City of Coffs Harbour was successful in its application for a Public Library Infrastructure Grant from the State Library of NSW to the tune of $150,000 to refresh Woolgoolga Library.

The interior building works at the Ganderton Street facility will see the library close to the public at noon on Saturday 3 January ahead of its refurbishment and anticipated re-opening in March.

“We know how popular and valued the Woolgoolga Library is, so during this necessary temporary closure period we’ll be putting several measures in place so members and visitors can continue to

Friday, 2 January 2026

access our programs and collections,” City Planning and Communities Acting Director Ian Fitzgibbon said.

These include: • Library members will be able to borrow up to 60 items from any City library branch until 15 March • In demand special collections including Rapid Reads, Readalongs, games and jigsaws will be moved temporarily from Woolgoolga to the Harry Bailey Memorial Library at Yarrila Place to enable continued access • Online resources including ebooks, audio books, databases and movies remain available to Woolgoolga Library members 24/7 • Library members can reserve up to 30 items • A Click and Collect service for reserved materials will operate from the Wiigulga Sports Complex from the week starting 12

January. Reserved items can be picked up on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 1 and 3pm. Rapid Reads and special collections (with a two-week loan period) can also be returned to staff at those times at Wiigulga or at the Harry Bailey Memorial Library or Toormina Library • Computer access and printing services will be available from the Woolgoolga Neighbourhood Centre, 35 Beach Street, Woolgoolga, from Monday 12 January. The hours for the centre are Monday to Friday 9am-3pm • The regular JP service will also transfer to the Neighbourhood Centre from 12 January until the library re-opens in March; and • The Woolgoolga Library meeting room will be closed during the refurbishment and regular user groups will be notified.

q

Woolgoolga Library.

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COFFS COAST NEWS OF THE AREA

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COFFS COAST News Of The Area

media@newsofthearea.com.au

Writers sign off on 2025

By Ned COWIE

THE Nambucca Valley Writers’

Group, a mentoring club for writers of the region, held its final 2025 meet-up and

q Nambucca Valley Writers’ Group’s final 2025 meeting and Christmas party at Urunga: Kiki Schnitzler, Georgia Cortes Rayner, Chris Heinicke, Elizabeth Newman, Rachel Burns, Carol, Diane Curran, Sohma and daughter Evie.

Christmas party in Urunga in late November.

The group has had a history of supporting successful writers since its inception 35 years ago.

Among its life members are Carrolline Rhodes and Roby Aitken, local authors with multiple successful tomes among them.

The group meets monthly on the third Saturday of the month at the fire-station in Nambucca Heads and meetings usually take the form of discussion and presentation of a piece of writing each of the attendees has prepared in advance.

“We get given homework,” Diane Curran, a long-time member of the group, told NOTA. “Usually it is limited to around 500 words and may be poetry or a narrative around a topic that we were given at the last meeting,” she explained.

Two of the attendees at the Christmas party, Chris Heinicke and Rachel Burns, have recently released books.

Based in Coffs Harbour, Chris travels down to Nambucca to attend meetings and has self-published 17 books to date with a co-author from Canada.

His books fit into the genre

what to do, this is your opportunity,” a WIRES Mid North Coast spokesperson told NOTA. “We urgently need more hands and even a small amount of time can make a real difference to an animal’s life.”

The Rescue and Immediate Care Course (RICC) is now available online and self-paced,

making it easier than ever to get started.

No prior experience is necessary as WIRES mentors provide ongoing guidance and support as new volunteers begin responding to rescue calls in their own communities.

For local enquiries please email secretarymidnorthcoast@ gmail.com.

If you see sick or injured wildlife, call 1300 094 737.

Local wildlife in crisis

By Mick BIRTLES

WILDLIFE rescue calls across the Mid North Coast have surged in recent years, with more animals becoming injured, orphaned, or displaced due to habitat loss, severe weather, and human impact.

But while the number of animals needing help continues to rise, the number

of trained volunteers has not.

WIRES Mid North Coast is now urgently seeking new volunteers to help protect and care for the region’s native wildlife.

“If you’ve ever found a bird on the ground, noticed a koala looking unwell, seen a joey alone, or watched a bat struggling on barbed wire and wished you knew

LOCALSPORT

of science fiction/horror with his most recent novel telling the tale of a giant bio-engineered spider which brings terror to the small South Australian town of Hahndorf.

Chris sells his books at markets around the region including the Harbourside Markets in Coffs Harbour.

Rachel worked with the Nambucca Historical Museum to publish her latest book, “Nambucca Stories”, several months ago.

After a print run of 350 books, it is currently sold out across most outlets.

The group’s youngest member, Sohma, 25, told NOTA she is currently editing her first novel, which is already in excess of 100,000 words.

“It’s a story along Greek

q Native animals like these possums are increasingly coming into care.

Ocean Swims in the diary

By Andrea FERRARI

REGISTRATION is open for the 2026 Coffs Coast Ocean Swims to be held on Sunday 22 March 2026.

With the swimming and surfing seasons in full swing, the local Ocean Swims organiser Sawtell Surf Life Saving Club is pushing ahead with planning for the 30th Anniversary of the event.

A regular staple on the Coffs Coast community program, the swim courses are within the sheltered waters of the harbour around the jetty.

In 2025 there were

around 520 swimmers who entered the three events.

From youngsters in the 300m, to social swimmers in the 600m, and to seasoned swimmers in the 2km swim.“Choosing a date for such an event is always extremely difficult – next year being no exception,” Sawtell SLSC’s Bruce Macphail told News Of The Area.

Brooke Hanson, who has been Race Ambassador for many years, is unfortunately unable to attend but hopes to be back in future years.

For those who are mulling over their chances,

Mr Macphail shared some pointers from Andre Slade, the founder of OceanFit. "There’s plenty of talk these days about times, distances, and paces – but anyone who’s spent a morning in the ocean knows that none of it really matters," Mr Slade said.

"The ocean doesn’t care how fast you are, and the waves don’t check your watch.

“Ocean swimming has never been about performance – it’s about participation.

"Every time you step off the sand and into the sea,

you’ve already achieved something special.

“You’ve left the noise of life behind and chosen to connect with something bigger, freer, and beautifully unpredictable.

"That’s what it’s all about – showing up, getting salty, soaking it in.

"Your journey is yours

q

mythology lines so I have learnt a lot about the individual gods and goddesses and what they represent,” she said.

“It’s a bit like Percy Jackson but aimed at a slightly older age group,” she added.

The meetings are very supportive, and members resist the urge to criticise other writers in the group, Diane explained.

The writers’ group has also released several anthologies of its best pieces over the past three decades, the latest in 2022 entitled ‘33 in 22’.

“Some of us write poetry, for some its short stories and others write books but our meetings help us to hone our craft and encourage each other on the publishing journey,” Diane said.

COFFS COAST News Of The Area

alone.

“You don’t need to prove yourself to anyone – not the seasoned swimmers, your mates, or your GPS watch.

"If you want to track something, track how often you smile, how calm you feel when you finish, and how alive you are when you grab a coffee with your crew."

Mr Macphail said that, “Without the support of Coffs Harbour City Council, Quality Hotel City Centre, Andersens Carpets, Coffs and Sawtell Swim Squad, Stocks and Hogan, Promised Land Produce, Kennards and Coffs Harbour Yacht Club this event could not proceed.”

More details on the event can be found on the club’s facebook page as well as the Ocean Swims page.

This year’s Coffs Coast Oceans Swims.

Coffs Basketball wrap

By Aiden BURGESS

q

26 COFFS COAST NEWS OF THE AREA

This year’s Coffs Coast Oceans Swims.

COFFS Harbour Basketball Association’s senior summer season continued with the final round of games before the break for school holidays.

Men’s A Grade ladder leaders We Can’t Dunk had a 64-53 win against

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Narwhals Stingers.

Jayden Dean had a game high 30 points for the winners.

The Chihuahuas edged out White Chocolate by 43-42, Justin McMillan top scored with 15 points.

The Bricklayers remained undefeated in the Men’s C Grade competition

with a 64-38 win against Narwhals Net Ninjas.

Sonny Burrell had a game high 21 points for the winners.

Women’s Coffs Harbour Basketball Association’s senior summer season resumes on Monday, 2 February.

Friday, 2 January 2026

SPORT

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COFFS COAST News Of The Area

Braves host Bronwyn Vigors Pacific Challenge

By Aiden BURGESS

VALLEY Braves have hosted the Coffs Coast’s biggest annual junior basketball carnival.

The 11th annual Bronwyn Vigors Pacific Challenge featured three big days of basketball played at Sportz Central and the Wiigulga Sports Complex.

The carnival started in 2015 and is named after former Braves President and co-founder Bronwyn Vigors, who passed away in 2016.

The three-day carnival featured 76 teams from across Northern New South Wales and Queensland, as representative players prepared for the upcoming season.

The Coffs Harbour Suns won the Under 13s Girls Division 1 title, while the Suns’ Under 17s Girls Division 1 team finished runners up.

A Valley Braves club spokesperson gave a rundown of this year's Bronwyn Vigors Pacific Challenge.

“The 11th Annual Bronwyn Vigors Pacific Challenge was another incredible weekend of basketball,” they said.

“A massive thank you to all the clubs, teams, coaches, managers, players, referees, volunteers, and spectators who contributed to making this year’s event another standout success.

“The sportsmanship, energy, and community spirit that define the Bronwyn Vigors Pacific Challenge were on full display from the very first tip-off to the final buzzer.

“The standard of basketball was exceptional once again: games filled with skill, grit, teamwork, and edge-of-your-seat moments.

“Every team brought passion and heart, creating a weekend full of highlights and memories that remind us why this tournament is so special.

“Congratulations to all players for your outstanding performances throughout the weekend.

“Valley Braves Basketball is incredibly proud to host the Pacific Challenge each year, providing a competitive and positive platform for teams from across NSW and QLD. “Watching this event continue to grow and strengthen is something we value deeply.”

q The Coffs Harbour Suns Under 13s Girls Division 1 team.

Best Coffs Coast clubs of 2025

By Aiden BURGESS

IT was another banner year for sport on the Coffs Coast with a number of clubs

rising to the top as they added premierships to their trophy cabinets.

These were the best sporting clubs of 2025.

Nana Glen Lizards: Won last season’s first grade cricket competition after losing just one match.

Went through

undefeated to win the T20 Cup, and won the Under 16s competition.

Sawtell Panthers: Finished runners up in first

q Coffs Harbour Snappers won six premierships in 2025.

Woolgoolga Cricket

By Aiden BURGESS WOOLGOOLGA Cricket Club Rebels Lions remained undefeated after victory in the latest round

Friday, 2 January 2026

of the Under 14s season.

Sixers Cricket League Coffs Harbour’s junior season had their final matches before the school holiday break.

The Under 14s played their Round 9 matches on Wednesday, 17 December.

Woolgoolga Cricket Club Rebels Lions won their ninth straight match

beating Coffs Colts Cricket Club at Jetty Oval.

Under 14s ladder.

1.Woolgoolga Cricket Club Rebels Lions. 54 points. 9 wins. 0 losses. Quotient: 2.Macksville Bulls. 37 points. 5 wins. 1 loss. Q: 1.803. 3.Sawtell Storm. 32

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grade after making their first grand final since 2011.

Were strong in the juniors winning the Under 16s, Under 16s Girls Tackle, and Under 14s Girls Tackle premierships.

Woolgoolga Seahorses: Won Group 2 Rugby League’s Club Championship after finishing as minor premiers in the first grade, reserve grade, and women’s competitions.

Finished runners up in the reserves and women’s.

Coffs Harbour Snappers: Won a remarkable six Mid North Coast Rugby Union Northern Division premierships, and were runners up in first grade.

Coffs Harbour Breakers: Won both the AFL North Coast’s seniors and women’s premierships.

S a w t e l l / To o r m i n a Saints: The only AFL North Coast club to make all four points. 4 wins. 2 losses. 1 tie. 1 no result. Q: 1.803 . 4.Bellingen/Dorrigo. 30 points. 4 wins. 3 losses. 1 no result. Q: 5.Coffs Colts Cricket Club. 26 points.

3 wins. 5 losses. 1 tie. Q: 6.Diggers Cricket Club. 24 points. 3 wins. 6 losses. Q:

senior grand finals, winning the reserves premiership.

Coffs Harbour Comets: Were strong in the junior ranks winning the Under 14s and League Tag premierships, and finished runners up in the Under 13s.

Sawtell Cricket Club: Finished runners up in first grade in a close grand final, and won the Under 14s competition.

Woolgoolga Cricket Club Rebels: Won both the second grade and fourth grade premierships.

Coffs City United FC: Won North Coast Football’s Men’s Premier League title.

Woolgoolga FC: Runners up in the Premier League after finishing the home and away season as premiers.

Also won two junior premierships.

Boambee FC: Runners up in the women’s Premier League, and were strong in the juniors winning three premierships, the equal most of any club.

7.Nana Glen Lizards. 19 points. 2 wins. 7 losses. Q: 8.Woolgoolga Cricket Club Rebels Hawks. 6 points. 0 wins. 6 losses. Q: The junior cricket season resumes on Friday, 30 January.

COFFS COAST NEWS OF THE AREA

27

COFFS COAST News Of The Area

SPORT RESULTS

Sawtell Bowls Results

M Flint, D Bond, W Meadows DEF R Smithers, S Shaw, R Petterson I Muller, L Zecchinati, A Sorbello DEF J Rice, W Vaughn, J Townsend W Kellam, A Jones, M Gibbons DEF R McLellan, G Hitchen, S Wilkinson G Fisher, D Frost, N Sillar DEF I Maderic, M Jenkins, G Walsh G Peel, T Mitchell, L Preston DEF C Christian, D Wheeler, P Weir N Wong, B Fitzpatrick,

By Geoff HAMPSON TUESDAY Ladies Social Bowls 16/12/25 S Sharman, A Waters, L North DEF N Elford, ?? M Baguley G Staunton-Latimer, B Connors, L Mitchell DEF S Flint, H Muir, A Day F Sharpe, L Savage, B Eden DEF R Cook, L Savage M Sharman

Safety Beach Golf Results

By Michelle MERRIKIN 16/12/2025 WOMENS 18 hole Single Stableford A field of 22

Sawtell Golf Results

By Janet O'DOWD

2025 Champions Ladies Div 1 Rebecca Goldsmith 267, Div 2 Sandra Guymer 308, Div 3 Nikki Owen 317. Nett 1: Kate Pollard

Urunga Men's Veterans Golf

By Ross HARDAKER DECEMBER 22 Single Stableford / 3 clubs +

Urunga Men's Veterans Golf

By Ross HARDAKER

December 29. Single Stableford.

L Kratz, D Grebert DEF B Pyke, N Foy WEDNESDAY Men’s Social Bowls 17/12/25 J Urge, A Baker DEF T Lancaster, G Hampson T Lavelle, Blight DEF N McLelland, N Stahlhut L Feltrin, D Anderson, A Berry DEF R Mitchell, A Birse, P Cook M Hastings, A Vivian, M Aujard DEF P Swain, K Sharman, A Wagstaff women played in great conditions.

The winners were: 1st Victoria Aubusson with 41 points 2nd Karen Bellamy with 38 points 3rd/4th Shared, Lyn Reilly/ Aileen McFarlane with 36 points

5th Shared, Marlene Power/ Roslyn Myles/Carole Stone with 35 points Thank you to our Golf Shop Pro Terry for organising the competition. Visitors and New Members always welcome

“I’ll be putting a big focus on our juniors from now on to ensure the Roosters’ future is secure.

“There are also some small projects at Coronation Park I’d like to complete to make it a better place to play and watch football.”

In first grade, some key players have moved on to higher competitions or new clubs, opening the door for fresh talent to step up.

Former Macleay Valley Mustang’s half Chris Holten has joined the Roosters, while coach Warwick Jones remains tightlipped on the final makeup of the 2026 squad.

“Three in a row is a tall order in today’s game,” Jones admitted.

“We’re refining the parts of our game that got us here and working early on areas where we can improve.”

The club’s women’s tackle side made headlines last year by claiming their first premiership under coach Garren Stig, who impressed many by elevating a relatively inexperienced team to the top within just two seasons.

The Roosters Reserve grade is also poised for a strong season with Jeremy Burrows officially taking the reins as coach.

A long-time Rooster with more than 20 years’ experience as a player, Burrows is looking to strengthen the side through fundamental skills and effortbased training.

“This year will be my first year officially coaching reserve grade

B Clugston DEF T Brooks, M Gaurodger, G Denniss FRIDAY Mixed Social Bowls 19/12/25 N Wong, W Vaughn, D Anderson DEF M Baguley, M Friend, R Morris G Walsh, G Peel, T Hodgson, DEF D Hyde, G Flynn, J Flynn N Kotrozos, E Nicolaou, J Townsend DEF J Fleming, M Flint, W Meadows K Sharman, C Christian, A Berry

Sawtell RSL Snooker Club

By Ken MASON TUESDAY 16th December

DEF J Urge, T Karam, G Denniss T Lavelle, G Staunton-Latimer, D Holland DEF H Muir, A Baker, A Sorbello N Stahlhut, D Melia, B Blight DEF T Brooks, Mal, A Taylor P Covington, D Frost, N Sillar DEF B Hamilton, P Read, P Cook W Kellam, A Jones, M Gibbons DEF N Elford, G Hampson K Taylor R Avery, J Miller, K Stirling DEF S Flint, B Connors, N Foy 2025 Main Draw Winners: - Dave Laneyrie - R/U Darrell Wallbridge Consolation Winners: Brian Ng - R/U - Mark Styles

222. 2: Trish Bailey 222, 3: Paula Sercombe 210.

Mixed Foursomes Scott & Kate Pollard, Nett Narelle & Aussie Foy 16/12 Medley Stableford Josh Siebert 38, Jackson Hordern 37c/b, Doug O'Connor 37c/b, Justin Hughes 37c/b. Balls to 33c/b. NTP 7 B:

Michael Hart, C: Greg Semmonds (pro pin). NTP 11 A:Justin Hughes, B: Garry Herbert, C: Bill Hobbs 17/12 Medley Stableford Bronwyn Nicholson 41, Maureen Ryan 39, Sue Flint 38. Balls to 32c/b 18/12 Play 9 Ian Reynolds 16.

Ball to 15

23/12 Stableford Michael Kenny 42, Hamish Day 41, Bob Everitt 40, Chris Ryan 39c/b, Kevin Riddell 39c/b. Balls to 35c/b. NTP 7 A: Chris Barrow, B: Jackie Chapman, C: Brian McKellar. NTP 11 A: Graham Montgomery, B: Bruce Lynch (pro pin), C: Greg Semmonds

27/12 Medley Fourball Mark Flint & Sue Flint 47, Anthony Sozou & Jordan Davis 44c/b, Benjamin Armstrong & Ashley Muir 44c/b, Joey Franck & Tiffany Paul 44. Balls to 41c/b. NTP 7: Paul McHugh, Tiffany Paul, Mark Geary. NTP 11: John Veness, Brian Wilson, Sue Flint

31 players contested today's event, including one visitor from Hamilton Island, and two guest appearances from Wayne Martin and Trent Matthews.

Welcome boys.

Winner, with 39 points, Gary Teale, 2nd Ross Williams 38, 3rd Mick Bellew 35 c/b.

Run-down Wayne Martin 38, ( to young to win ), Alan Titley 35, Kim Michelsen, Garry

Matthews, Trent Matthews Peter Drysdale, Peter Wood, all with 34.

Bradmans Dennis Holmstrom 20 c/b.

NTPs 3rd Dennis

Holmstrom 9th Kim Michelsen, 18th Mike Edsall.

Longest Putt Dave McBaron.

Slab Winner Garry Matthews.

putter.

29 players contested today's event, including one visitor from Hamilton Island.

Mixed reactions to the format, with many of you enjoying it, and some vowing to never play it

again !

Winner, with 38 points, Kevin Sanford, 2nd Lawrie Renshall 37, 3rd Selwyn Newby 34 c/b.

Run-down Pete Brotherton 34, Garry Matthews, Mike Edsall, Kip McLachlan 33, Joe Street,

Roosters launch campaign STORY STARTS on BACK COVER, Page 40

media@newsofthearea.com.au

after being an assistant and trainer last year,” said Burrows.

“I’ll be taking a basics approach and working to build on what’s been laid down the last couple of years.

“I’m also excited to welcome

some of our former under 18s into the senior ranks and help them grow into first grade contenders.”

In the under 18s, coach Geoff Batten is optimistic about his squad’s blend of experience and

q Newly appointed Reserve Grade Coach Jeremy Burrows.

28 COFFS COAST NEWS OF THE AREA

Dennis Holmstrom, Bruce Parker 32.

Bradmans Ross Williams 17.

NTPs 3rd and 9th Garry Matthews, 18th Alan Titley.

Longest Putt Wozz

youth.

“We’ve got some good 16s coming in and some backing up for a second season,” he said.

“Our middle forwards did a great job last year and are a year older now.

“We’ve also got a few boys in their third year of 18s and I’m really

q

media@newsofthearea.com.au

Rawlings.

Slab Winner Waz Botfield.

Special mention to best dressed, Brett Bosbach.

A very Merry Christmas to you all gentlemen. Stay safe, and we will do it all again next week.

looking forward to seeing how they all blend together.”

With an eye on strengthening the club from top to bottom, the Nambucca Roosters are laying the foundations not just for another competitive season, but for a legacy of success across all grades.

Under 18s coach Geoff Batten.

Friday, 2 January 2026

OUTLETS Where you can pick up your paper If your business stocks the paper and you are not listed here, please email us. media@newsofthearea.com.au

NORTHERN BEACHES Woolgoolga Woolworths Moonee Beach Newsagency Moonee Beach Coles Supermarket Emerald Beach General Store Sapphire Beach Service Station Woolgoolga Diggers Club Woopi Bottle Shop Liquor Legends Emerald Beach Mitre 10 Woolgoolga Top Town Market Sunken Chip Takeaway Sandy Beach Sunset Room Restaurant Woolgoolga Library Woolgoolga's Finest General Store COFFS HARBOUR Coffs Central Shopping Centre Fresco Marketplace Palate and Ply Coffee Shop Lucky 7 Supermarket, Northside Shopping Centre Bray Street Newsagency Coffs Coles Supermarket Woolworths Spar Supermarket Coffs Harbour Spar Supermarket Jetty Village Shop 36 General Store Midway Convenience Shop Good Price Pharmacy Discount Chemist CBD BP South BP Truck Stop South Caltex Service Station BP Service Station Bailey Centre Service Station Caltex Service Station Park Beach Bowling Club Coffs Hotel Green House Bottle Shop BYO Cellars Big Country Meats Bray Street Butchery Coffs Harbour Produce Clog Barn Coffs Macleod's Furniture Court Homebase The Village Pantry - Homebase Observatory Apartments The Happy Frog Northside Bakery Book Warehouse Community Village Coffs Harbour Library and Cafe Coffs City Council Nu Era Kitchens Big 4 Park Beach Holiday Park Clarke Rubber Morrisons Betta Electrical Coffs Harbour Surf Club North Coast V Twins Masonic Lodge Retirement Centre Baringa Hospital Coffs Harbour Hospital The Mens Shed Pacific Marina Apartments Stone Real Estate PRD Real Estate Century 21 Real Estate CBD Newsagency Dolphin Marine Magic Pacific Bay Resort Corner Store Frances & Long National Cartoon Gallery Coffs Harbour Golf Club Park Beach Plaza Woolworths Ritchies IGA Big W Terry White Chemmart Target Silvio’s Italiano Park Beach Plaza Food Court Park Beach Plaza Customer Information BOAMBEE/TOORMINA/SAWTELL Sawtell Newsagency Coles Supermarket Ritchie’s Supermarket Boambee Lucky 7 Convenience Store Blooms the Chemist Sawtell Boambee Liberty Service Station Bonville Service Station Bonville Golf Club Toormina Hotel Sawtell Surf Lifesaving Club The Country Brewers Marian Grove Retirement Village Toormina Centre Management Boambee Garden Retirement Raine & Horne Toormina Unrealestate Agent Sawtell Real Estate Toormina Real Estate URUNGA/BELLINGEN IGA Supermarket Spar Supermarket Urunga Foodworks Urunga Urunga Bowling Club Welcome Dental Urunga Lindsay’s Oysters Kombu Wholefoods Fermount Fire Station Ray White Real Estate Bellingen Pet & Vet Supplies Bellingen Golf Club Cardows Urunga

Friday, 2 January 2026

media@newsofthearea.com.au CEX Woolgoolga Lawn Bowls TUESDAY 16/12/25 (Pairs) Rink 2: GPallister, R Ryan (D) M Hopes, R Bennell (16/15). Rink 3: H Shultz, J Taylor (D) A Plain,

Coffs Harbour Bridge Results

By Nerellyn MITCHELL

NOVEMBER 17th - NS B Herring, C Tolley; EW M Jil Hosie Nov 18th - D Featherstone, N McIvor Nov 19th - NS J Michael, T Booth; EW H Lawrence, H Murray Nov 21st - NS J Burrows, C Brown; EW I Doland, S Dilosa Nov 22nd - NS R Roark, F Gaunt; EW W Rogers, B Haagsma Nov 24th - A NS L Power, J

Coffs Harbour Rifle Club

By Geoffrey HART

DECEMBER 17 - Howard St Rimfire Range. The 30m Field Class match was conducted with 30 participants.

Master Grade: Jake Buckley 95.9, Stuart D 93.4, A Grade: Lindsay McConachy 88.2, Alan Newey 87.4, Johan Greyling 86.4, Phillip Payne 85.4, Geoff Slattery 76.3, B Grade: Carl P 86.4, Gary McKinnon 85.3, Danny W 82.3, Michelle D 81.0, Matt Miller 75.3, Andrew Graham-Higgs 71.2, Member-677 65.0, C Grade: Kevin Mackay 77.2, Phil Hartmann

Coffs Table Tennis Results

By Margaret ILES

FRIDAY 19th December, 2025 Division 1 Lachlan Dierkx d Steve Bjerking 3/0, Reece Baker d Troy Prystasz 3/0, Colin Deng d Paul Hendriks 3/1, Paul Hendriks d Lachlan Dierkx 3/0, Colin Deng d Troy Prystasz 3/2, Reece Baker d Steve Bjerking 3/0, Reece Baker d Lachlan Dierkx 3/0, Troy Prystasz d Paul Hendriks 3/1, Colin Deng d Steve Bjerking 3/1, Lachlan Dierkx d Colin Deng 3/0, Troy Prystasz d Steve Bjerking 3/0, Reece Baker d Paul Hendriks 3/1, Lachlan Dierkx

KCC Men's Golf Report

By Danny LLOYED

Mid North Coast Veterans Golfers Association

By Colin CUTT

Park Beach Women's Bowls Club

By Anne ORR

Sawtell Bowls Results

By Geoff HAMPSON SUNDAY 21/12/25 Winners of Inaugural Sunday Bowls J Urge/ G Denniss; Each Week 9.30am Start, BBQ, Fun and Prize Money; All Welcome; only $15(Entry Sheet at

SPORT RESULTS

COFFS COAST News Of The Area

B Merchant (26/11). Rink 4: Wayne, Brad (D) Wayne, Stuart.

(22/13) Rink 5: Maca, Cole (D) John, Hodge.(29/10) Rink 6: W Gavenlock, Freddy C (D) D Barnard, S Barnard (26/13). T McKenzie, P Buck (D) S Oliver, R

Shaw. (21/10).

Friday 19/12/26 (2.4.2) rink 1 J Hampstead, P Diamond (D) Ray G, D Mason (16/10) Rink 2: H Pallister, G Pallister (D) S Barnard, D Barnard. (20/17).

Rink 3: H Schultz, R Bennell (D) J

72.3, Member-926 71.1, Leah Gallo 68.3, Mitch Upton 68.1, Matt Hoy 60.1, Member-933 59.1, Scott A 56.2, Jay Archibald 56.0, Member-934 35.0, Diezel Gallo 33.0, Micah Miller 23.0, Visitors: Zac Hulls 69.1, Reuban 67.2, Thomas Hoy 63.0, Adam Gallo 51.0, Open Sights: Jake Buckley 97.4, Johan Greyling 94.6, Carl P 94.6, Stuart D 93.7, Mitch Upton 79.0, Phil Hartmann 76.6, Member-926 75.0, Member-677 63.1, OPEN SIGHTS : Jake Buckley 97.4, Johan Greyling 94.6, Carl P 94.6, Stuart D 93.7, Mitch Upton 79.0, Phil Hartmann 76.6, Member-926 75.0, Member-677 63.1

The 50m F-Class match was conducted with 20 participants.

Daniel Finlay 198.10, Noah Finlay 196.4, Member-677 193.9, Danny W 193.7, Jake Buckley 192.8, Phil Hartmann 192.6, Cooper Finlay 192.2, Johan Greyling 191.9, Carl P 191.4, Micah Miller 188.6, Matt Miller 188.4, Leah Gallo 179.3, Mitch Upton 178.2, Member-926 172.5, Diezel Gallo 100.0, Member-933 83.0, Member-934 65.0, Visitors: Zac Hulls 180.4, Adam Gallo 147.1, Reuban 110.1 December 21 – Dairyville Rifle Range. The 100m Centrefire match was conducted with 28 participants.

WITH Christmas Day taking precedence last Thursday, KCC men ventured back out on Saturday for Stableford, sponsored by TOOHEYS.

Ryan Robertson won A Grade with 40 points.

Tony Durham also had 40 to win B Grade.

NTP's - 2 BALLS NTP's - 2 BALLS CONNELL, BRUCE 2 ORR, GRANT

CORMICK, WAYNE 2 PRYOR, STEPHEN 2 CROW, GLEN 2 REID, ROB 2

GLASSON, DREW 2 ROBINSON, STEVEN 2 HALL, RUTH 2 STREET, JOE 2 HUTCHINSON, KEITH 2 TOSIO, ANDREW 2

DEF N Wong, B Fitzpatrick, B Clugston R McLellan, E Nicolaou, S Wilkinson DEFD T Lavell, A Baker, B Blight I Muller, L Zecchinati. A Sorbello DEF T Brooks, M Gauroger, G Dennis P Swain, J Urge, M Sharpe DEF

R Morris, T Mitchell, L Preston W Kellam, A Jones, M Gibbons DEF N Kotrozos, D Frost, G Fisher M Flint, D Anderson, A Berry DEF M Hastings, A Vivian, M Aujard FRIDAY Mixed Social Bowls 26/12/25 BOWLS CANCELLED Due to Weather Conditions

Leach; EW C Everson, T Booth - B B Butler, M Pailthorpe Nov 25th - D Johnson, J Watson Nov 26th - NS S Dilosa, D O'Meara; EW R Rutter, P Quinlan Nov 28th - NS D Johnson, M Johnson; EW V Gayford, L Quinn Nov 29th - NS C Tolley, B Herring; EW W Rogers, B Haagsma Dec 1st - NS L Power, J Leach; EW R Rutter, P Quinlan Dec 2nd - D O'Meara, I Martyn Dec 3rd - NS J Bryant, B

d Troy Prystasz 3/1, Reece Baker d Colin Deng 3/0, Paul Hendriks d Steve Bjerking 3/0. WINNER: Reece Baker from Lachlan Dierkx.

Division 2 Yash Tyagi d Sharee Templeton 3/2, Dominic Arjona d Terry Baker 3/1, King McKie d Sharee Templeton 3/2, Yash Tyagi d Terry Baker 3/0, King McKie d Terry Baker 3/0, Yash Tyagi d Dominic Arjona 3/0, King McKie d Dominic Arjona 3/1, Sharee Templeton d Terry Baker 3/1, Yash Tyagi d King McKie 3/0, Dominic Arjona d Sharee Templeton 3/1. WINNER: Yash Tyagi from King McKie. Division 3 Nick Jankovic d Kobe Smith 3/0, Xavier Campbell d Abe Bjerking

16/12/2025

FRIDAY 19.12.25. L Clancy, K Blow, L McLeod def Kim, M Cutts, T Blow 22-7; P Poulton, E Kidd def M England, C England 16-12; D Walsh, S Bailey def R Coffey, C

Club) MONDAY Twilight Bowls Resumes on 5/1/26 / A great event; All Bowlers Welcome; TUESDAY Ladies Social Bowls Resumes on 13/1/26 WEDNESDAY Men’s Social Bowls 24/12/25 C Christian, A Pyke, M Clarke

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Hurrell, S Bailey (19/18) Rink 4: .W Gavenlock, Fred C (D) J Lynn, Joe (20/15). Rink 5: Athol P, Mick H, (D) Wayne, Cole (29/10) Rink 6: J Taylor, P Buck ( D) R Shaw, B Symes. Rink 7: Geoff, Steve (D) Richard, Hans.

Salisbury; EW K Taylor, D Johnson Dec 5th - NS R Bingham, H Chalk; EW B Johns, R Aitken Dec 6th - NS C Tolley, B Herring; EW P Guthrie, N Williams Dec 8th - NS R Roark, D O'Meara; EW R Rutter, P Quinlan Dec 9th - C Coupe, L Coupe Dec 10th - NS J Burrows, T Cooper; EW H Chalk, J Stimpson Dec 12th - NS J Leach, P Kench; EW B Salisbury, P Quinlan Dec 13th - NS R Roark, F Gaunt; EW W Rogers, B Haagsma Dec 15th - NS C Tolley, B Herring; EW C Everson,J Michael

Dec 16th - J Watson, D Johnson Dec 17th - NS H Pitt, R Roark; EW G Buganey, G Keenan Dec 19th - NS I Doland, S Dilosa; EW M Angus, T Cooper Dec 20th - NS L Smith, J Bryant; EW L Edsall, R Levy Dec 22nd - NS R Roark, D O'Meara; EW E Colley, D Strachan Dec 23rd - D Featherstone, N McIvor Dec 24th - J Bryant, B Salisbury Dec 26th - I Doland, S Dilosa Dec 27th - NS R Roark, S Dilosa; EW S Kreplins, J Isaacs

3/1, Char Berglund d Kobe Smith 3/0, Nick Jankovic d Abe Bjerking 3/0, Char Berglund d Abe Bjerking 3/0, Nick Jankovic d Xavier Campbell 3/0, Char Berglund d Xavier Campbell 3/1, Kobe Smith d Abe Bjerking 3/1, Nick Jankovic d Char Berglund 3/1, Kobe Smith d Xavier Campbell 3/1. WINNER: Nick Jankovic from Char Berglund.

Friday 26th December, 2025 Division 1 Gavin Morden d King McKie 3/0, Tim Garrad d Dominic Arjona 3/0, Reece Baker d King McKie 3/1, Gavin Morden d Dominic Arjona 3/0, Reece Baker d Dominic Arjona 3/0, Gavin Morden d Tim Garrad 3/0, Reece Baker d Tim Garrad

3/0, King McKie d Dominic Arjona 3/0, Reece Baker d Gacin Morden 3/0, Tim Garrad d King McKie 3/0.

WINNER: Reece Baker from Gavin Morden.

Division 2 Dan Mueller d Terry Baker 3/0, Ryland McDonough d Xavier Campbell 3/2, Dan Mueller d Sharee Templeton 3/0, Terry Baker d Ryland McDonough 3/1, Sharee Templeton d Ryland McDonough 3/0, Terry Baker d Xavier Campbell 3/0, Sharee Templeton d Xavier Campbell 3/1, Dan Mueller d Ryland McDonough 3/0, Sharee Templeton d Terry Baker 3/0, Dan Mueller d Xavier Campbell 3/0.

WINNER: Dan Mueller from Sharee Templeton.

2

Cutt 18-9; G Duffey, C Sheridan def K Dunn, L Loadsman 19-11; A Orr, R Oakley def F Gaunt, B Edwards 16-14; R DeMeio, J Woodford def Marg, Steve

Master Grade: Ben R 97.7, Alan Phillips 97.5, Jake Buckley 95.10, Bryce K 95.6, Haden K 95.4, Joel Walker 92.2, A Grade: Daniel Finlay 95.6, John Lambert 91.5, Stuart D 89.4, B Grade: Member-677 90.6, Lockie Knight 90.3, Hayley R 88.4, Cherelle Steinhardt 87.4, Tony Bowling 87.4, Phillip Payne 86.3, Lindsay McConachy 86.1, C Grade: Noah Finlay 91.8, Cooper Finlay 91.2, Tex Beaumont 87.2, Carl P 85.1, Phil Hartmann 78.2, Michelle D 78.1, Pete C 78.0, Mitch Upton 72.1, Wendi H 61.1, Daniel Rees 32.1, Service Rifle: Glenn K 83.1, Paul Beaumont 80.0

Best in C Grade was Greg Ross with 37.

Bruce Tilley took out the GAREL GOLF NTP 9th for $80.

16-13; J Rodwell, M Star def A Stone, K Read 16-14; Ray, Mandy def T Brown, P Elliott 27-7; D Hargraves, Y Schmidt def K Elliott,J Ferguson 22-21.

COFFS COAST NEWS OF THE AREA

29

LOCALCLASSIFIEDS DEADLINE: 12noon WEDNESDAYS

EMAIL: ads@newsofthearea.com.au

WEB: www.newsofthearea.com.au

COFFS COAST NEWS OF THE AREA PHONE: (02) 4981 8882 (phone line open Mon - Fri 9am - 3pm)

In Memory

Funeral Notices

Funeral Notices

In loving memory

ARMSTRONG Glen Rodney ‘Army’

21st December 2025

Luke John Brownlee 26/08/1988 – 02/01/2017 If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, we’d walk right up to heaven and bring you home again.

You will be in our hearts forever.

Always remembered by Mel, Arlo, Jarrah, Milla, Dad, Mum, Emily & Brendan.

Death Notices

Cassie Cole Beloved wife of David. Devoted mother to Nathan, Ben, Justin, and Aidan. A cherished mother-in-law, grandmother, and much-loved pet lover.

25th December 2025, passed peacefully at Coffs Harbour Health Campus. Late of Sapphire Beach, formerly of Wollongong. Beloved husband of Robyn. Adored father and father-in-law of Natalie & Nicky, Melanie & Tas and Emilie & Tim. Cherished grandfather of Apollo, Yolanda and Xavier. Loved brother of Dennis (dec’d), Chris, Paul and Gary.

Aged 75 Years Forever In Our Hearts Family and friends are warmly invited to attend Cassie’s funeral service on Tuesday, 6th January 2026 at 10.30am in the chapel of the Coffs Harbour Crematorium, Coramba Road, Karangi. In lieu of floral tributes donations to RSPCA can be left at the chapel. Livestreaming is available from our website.

Aged 77 Years Forever Missed Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Glen’s Funeral Service to be held in the Chapel of Hogbin Drive Crematorium & Memorial Gardens, Stadium Drive, Coffs Harbour on Tuesday 6th January 2026 commencing at 11.30 am.

BURKHARDT Richilde 23rd December 2025, passed away suddenly at Coffs Harbour Health Campus, late of Korora. Dearly beloved wife of Heinz. Much loved mother and mother-in-law of Alexander & Vesslar and Danila (dec’d). Adored grandma of their children.

Aged 77 Years She Will Never Be Forgotten Richilde was privately cremated at Hogbin Drive Crematorium & Memorial Gardens, Stadium Drive, Coffs Harbour.

KEITH LOGUE & SONS FUNERAL DIRECTORS Coffs Harbour 6652 1999

VICTOR RULLIS F U N E R A L

www.funeralcoffsharbour.com.au

newsofthearea.com.au

Glen’s family wish to convey their sincere thanks to doctors, nurses, specialist carers and staff at Coffs Harbour Health Campus for the support, care and kindness shown to Glen.

13th December 2025, tragically, late of Coffs Harbour. Dear wife of John.

Loving mother and mother-in-law of Alicia & Neil Gilmore and Ben & Sally.

Fond stepmother of Sonja & Chris McKeddie and Sharni & Olaf Weldon.

Loving nan of Liam, Jayce, Sachi, Magnus, Ginger, Inez, Lucy and Rosie.

Adored sister & sister-in-law of Val & Rod Bursle and Neil McKay (dec’d).

Aged 77 Years Result Of A Terrible Tragic Accident Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Shirley’s Funeral Service to be held in the Chapel of Hogbin Drive Crematorium & Memorial Gardens, Stadium Drive, Coffs Harbour on Monday 5th January 2026 commencing at 10.00am.

KEITH LOGUE & SONS

KEITH LOGUE & SONS

Your Choice For When It Matters Matters Most ...

CREMATORIUM HOGBIN DRIVE CREMATORIUM

SIMPLE & SINCERE FUNERALS ALLIED FUNERAL HOME

Daryl Hayes 25th December 2025

Lady Cameo Funerals

Passed away surrounded by family.

Beloved son of Frank & Jill. Much loved brother to Leonie, Debbie, Kayleen & Brett.

Cherished father to Emily, Jessica, Sam & Lily. Adored grandfather to Koby, Harry, Mila, Marlee & Cjay.

affordable & dignified funerals

Aged 69 Years Forever In Our Hearts

&

c NOTA Graphics - Ref:AFLCF_040920

6651 2363 or 6651 4155 124 West High Street, Coffs Harbour

30 COFFS COAST NEWS OF THE AREA

PRICE (née McKAY) Shirley Margaret

FUNERAL DIRECTORS Coffs Harbour 6652 1999

FUNERAL DIRECTORS Coffs Harbour 6652 1999

a large variety of timber & environmentally friendly cardboard coffins

© NOTA Graphics - Ref: KEITHLOGUE_3172020_NENIA

S E RV I C E S

(02) 6651 5007

secure funeral plans available

Pre-Planning a Funeral A Thoughtful Decision

Funeral Notices

Family and friends are warmly invited to attend Daryl’s funeral service on Thursday, 8th January 2026 at 10.30am in the chapel of the Coffs Harbour Crematorium, Coramba Road, Karangi.

FUNERAL SERVICES SERVICES & MEMORIAL GARDENS GARDENS

Care, Compassion & Quality Service Pre-paid funeral plans available Modern well appointed chapel Peaceful, beautifully maintained gardens

Stadium Drive, Coffs Harbour For Genuine Savings 6652 6652 For Genuine Savings 6652 2822

2822

VICTOR RULLIS F U N E R A L

S E RV I C E S

(02) 6651 5007

www.funeralcoffsharbour.com.au

As unique as them

LifeLife is is a precious gift.gift. a precious

KEITH LOGUE & SONS Family Owned Funeral & Cremation Directors Since 1967 42 Park Avenue, Coffs Harbour 6652 1999

media@newsofthearea.com.au

Friday, 2 January 2026

LOCALCLASSIFIEDS

COFFS COAST NEWS OF THE AREA

DEADLINE: 12noon WEDNESDAYS

EMAIL: ads@newsofthearea.com.au

WEB: www.newsofthearea.com.au

PHONE: (02) 4981 8882 (phone line open Mon - Fri 9am - 3pm)

Funeral Notices

For Rent

Plants For Sale

For Sale

For Sale

For Sale

For Sale

Simple Cremation or Burial

MATURE quite professional lady seeking private kitchenate/granny flat long term preferred, no pets, Ph 0484 649 765

4 x bottlebrush, 2 x lillipillies H 1-1.5m, in large pot. $10 each 0412 354 974

BABY Love car seat for 4 up to 8 years age.

Never used, New cost $110 selling for $50 Ph 0417 937 561

COMMONWEALTH bank original 1988 $5 coin in mint condition to celebrate opening of Parliament House. $45. 0490 161 119.

Photos can be sent.

GARAGE door opener remote control. Merlin Suitae panel door only Less than 5yr old. $100.

0412 776 409

HISENSE chest freezer H80cm x W52cm x L73cm. $50. 0481 966 840

GIRLS Dressing Table Circa 1950’s original mirror & handles $80 0427 544 008

HONDA compressor 5.5hp $300. Ph 02 6649 1056

BUDGET FUNERALS Concerned about costs?

0447512363

F281125

F141125

e020126

STAGHORNS for sale $20 each 0411 361 205

Free

e020126

COMPUTER desk. pick up only. 0428 310 384

For Sale

F090525

F010825

DINING table, 2m x 1m heavy hardwood. Jetty area. 0438 758 644 F061125

DUNLOP tyres x 4 AT20 Grand Trek 265 /65 SR17 25% tread 0419 200 676

BABY trailer & jogger pram, two seats. Rain cover incl. Excellent cond $99. 0415 981 605

2.0.2 CH 120W Dolby ATMOS sound bar only 12 months old with 2 built in subwoofers. Price $100. 0412 081 950 F240125

BABY walker $10. 0481 966 840

F260925

DINING chairs, grey velvet swivel near new 4 available $40ea ono 0400 513 862 F020525

F101025

BAG, large 22" heavy duty aeg tool bag with wheels, as new $40 Ph 0409 561 719

DOG house, smallmedium $15 6656 4700

F110425

F241025

BLOODSTONE work boots mens size 11 $50 0491 363 638

DOG/cat carrier suit small dog. Near new cond. Safety door. $44.00 Ph 0417 471 225

Re290526

F140225

GLASS jar 'Quattro Stagioni' good lid/seal 1.5 litre. $12. Ph: 0407 654 879

HORSE MANURE 0429 583 144 e090126

F051225

F020525

F211125

44 gallon drum with lid. $70. 66538337 / 0419 166 688

F211125

F311025

GOLD frame mirror. 75 x 50cm GC $45. Photos can be supplied 0490 161 119 F140225

HUGE vintage buffet 230cm L x 75cm H x 40cm W, requires minor repairs. $65 0490 161 119. Photos can be sent.

F260925

F051225

F020525

FIRE wood, collect. 6653 8337 or 0419 166 688 F101025

LEMAIR Wine Cooler 56 bottle. Older model works well. Collect Boambee. Call 0400 095 033.

Here for you.

F260925

1930s vintage cane komode chair w/ genuine fowlerware porcelain chamber pot $95 Photo can be supplied. 0490 161 119 F050925

F140225

1976 F100 guards, doors grills and bonnet from $100. 0499 684 401 F160525

LOUNGE, Cane, 2 seater, white w/blue cushions. Jetty area 0438 758 644 F061125

Public Notices

LOUNGE chair, large 0401 937 687 F01025

Revival Centres Church - Coffs Harbour Have you received the Holy Spirit since you believed?

CWA Hall 3 Dalley St, Coffs Harbour Sundays 10.00 am Mobile 0427 949 206 - revivalcentres.org

SINGLE bed base & mattress 0401 937 687

ACOUSTIC guitar amplifier $90 ph 0493 079 313 F051225

AMPLIFIER, for guitar Magnum, with tuner & lead. $25. 0493 079 313 F141125

Classifieds 4981 8882

Plants for Sale F121225

RHAPIS palm 6ft, $70 0447 839 993

AWNING with fittings 910mm x 1300mm W Suits back door. $80 0422 099 142 F190925

F121225

COMMUNITY OF THE HEART

Inaugural Interfaith/Healing/Meditation/ Service Blending Christian, Buddhist, Sikh, Spiritual Wisdoms This Sunday 4th January 8.30 - 10am Toormina community centre All Welcome. Info: Les Dyer 0414 524 601

Items for Sale CLOTHES Dryer Electric oven, Four 16” mag wheels 2 with tyres 0448 802 146 F081125

BOOKCASES (2), pine 1.0 W x 0.3 D x 1.83 H good condition, $50 each ono, photos available.

0415 669 378 F120925

CAMPING chair Coleman. Ice pouch drink holder, storage net VGC. $35. 0408 223 662 F171025

CHAINSAW, Stihl LD $100. 0411 SO 361 205 F071125

F101025

AGAVE plants $5 to $10 each 0415 377 383

BAMBOO wireless keyboard. Something different. New in box. $35 Photos available 0490 161 119

BABY Bjorn bouncer $30. 0481 966 840 F101025

BABY jolly jumper, as new $30. 0481 966 840 F101025

CHILD’S Bike Seat carrier, child’s bike Helmets x 3. $10 each 0481 966 840

DOOR Gym set new $50. Ph 0412 081 950 F240125

DOUBLE bed, white gas-lift storage, new in box. $99 0415 981 605 F300525

EBIKE, white, as new selling for medical reasons, 2 batteries medmounted motor and extras , $1,600 0427 034 446 e191225 REN12225

ELDERY bed safety rail for seniors brand new in box $65 Photos can be supplied 0490 161 119 F140225

FISH tank w/ food & loads of accesories. 33” L x 16” W x 18” H. $30 0481 966 840

F270625ALL

F141125

HANDY-CAM Sony HDR-PJ410. VGC $100. 0409 561 719

HYDRAULIC lift and tilt controls. $600. Ph 02 6649 1056 Re290526

JARS Hexagonal Italian Glass, screw lids, 11 for $55, 1.2 litre clip lid jars $10 each. 0407 654 879

F051225

F281125

HEALTHCARE heavy duty shower stool 250kg with arms. $85. 0490 161 119. Photos can be sent.

F260925

HERO mobility heavy duty 4 wheel walker 135kg, safe working load exc cond. $95 ph 0490 161 119. Photos can be supplied F121225

JIGSAW puzzels x10 $50 for the lot. Ph 0421 362 632 F121225

KAWASAKI selfpropelled pro-scape lawn mower WB506SK GC rarely used. Serviced $300. Ph 6649 1056 RUS211125

KITCHEN scales vintage 'KRUPS 875' $45. Ph: 0407 654 879 F051225

F101025

F060625

COCA-COLA Memorabilia Collection $95. 0409 863 898

GOLF clubs x 2 sets Cleveland & Dunlop Great for beginners Right handed. $100 each. 0427 519 290

FORD V8 Cleveland and Windsor heads and exhaust manifolds from $75. 0499 684 401

HEAVY duty glass table top. 90cm Diameter x 1cm thick $65 Photos can be supplied 0490 161 119

KITTY litter house with removal tray. $30 0490 161 119. Photos can be sent.

HERO 4 wheel walker w/ seat. 136kg safe working load. $85. Photo can be supplied. 0490 161 119

LADIES clothing mostly new, size 6. Must sell going cheap. Contact Kim 0403 280 231

F140225

F260925

F160525

COFFEE Machine Expressi Capsule from Aldi model: EXP - 19CCMB, as new exc cond. $60. 0417969322

FURRY hood jacket Ladies size 10, toggle front $25 0407 654 879 F010825

F050925

F211125

PET OF THE MONTH

Following the March 2021, February 2022 and June 2022 severe storms and flooding, the Nambucca Valley Local Government Area (LGA) received Natural Disaster Declarations resulting in the State and Commonwealth providing funding support to help with the cost of cleaning up and restoring damaged road and essential public assets.

F210325

www.nambucca.nsw.gov.au

The majority of Council’s road network has been impacted to some extent, which has resulted in an unprecedented amount of repairs to undertake. Council is aware there are numerous potholes, corrugations and gravel loss on some roads.

Proudly brought to you by News Of The Area and Nambucca Valley Council

• Council has recorded 67 significant landslip events that will require remediation through the LGA, with an estimated repair cost in the order of $40million and further information is available on landslip damages via an interactive map located on Council’s website by following the Disaster Recovery link.

Winnie:

• Since the March 2021 flooding, the damage bill to date has been in excess of $4.4million predominately directed toward our emergency relief works on the road network. These works are still on-going.

Council’s flood recovery program is a multi-faceted process involving the co-ordination of a number of specialised consultants, contractors, scarce materials and receiving funding approval. Council has its own

teams and contractors engaged to undertake and rural sealed road network as well as the Winnie is a sweet, affectionate girl who starts off a bit timid but will blossom oncerepairs sheto urban feels safe.

She loves unsealed road network prioritising high speed roads, higher use roads and bus routes. Should you know of a road that is in poor or unsafe condition please call Council on (02) 6568 2555 and report it. staying close to her people. She needs a calm, patient home with older children who can give her space and We thank the community for their patience and understanding and remind residents and road users to drive to the road conditions as maintenance works continue around the Nambucca Valley LGA. reassurance. With gentle care, she’ll become a loving, loyal, and deeply connected companion.

Adoption fee for 2025/2026 is $230 and this includes microchipping, vaccination, desexing and Lifetime registration.

Please visit Councils website to view the full list of animals available for adoption or lost. For any adoption enquiries please complete the Adoption Enquiry Form on Council’s Website.

Friday, 2 January 2026

www.newsofthearea.com.au

COFFS COAST NEWS OF THE AREA

31

LOCALCLASSIFIEDS DEADLINE: 12noon WEDNESDAYS

EMAIL: ads@newsofthearea.com.au

COFFS COAST NEWS OF THE AREA

WEB: www.newsofthearea.com.au

PHONE: (02) 4981 8882 (phone line open Mon - Fri 9am -3pm)

For Sale

For Sale

For Sale

For Sale

For Sale

Camper Trailer

LARGE metal puppy crate. 75cm x 50cm x 60cm H. as new $40 0490 161 119. Photos can be sent.

PENSIONER Scooter 2024. As new. $6,000ono. 0428 628 105

RIGHT hand palm springs golf clubs, 3 4 5 6 7 8 and 9 irons and PW plus 1 3 & 5 drivers. No putter. Suit beginner. $95 0490 161 119. Photos can be sent.

STEERING Wheel Lock "Armored Bar" New - Key Locking $50 Fits most vehicles Ph 5633 6352

WHEELS & tyres, suit Landcruiser, 760 x 16 - 3 avail. Jetty area. 0438 758 644

2020 Jayco Lark Bushpack camper trailer Sleeps 6, March 26 rego TR78ZR. Excellent condition added extras electric jockey, solar blankets, tinted windows etc. $21,899. Coffs Harbour 0422 422 866

RUS060226

F260925

LEAD light wall unit 390w x 440h x 100d $65 pic avail. 0439 682 267 F250725

PET Carrier: Transport crate, lock safety door Small cat or dog Near new cond. $39 0417 471 225 F241025

LOUNGE suite green fabric, dbl couch + 2 reclining chairs $100 0412 254 563 F310125

MARBLE rolling pin Chill for pastry, crush spices, tenderise meat roll pottery clay $30 0407 654 879 F010825

MID century traymobile with bottle holders. $95. 0490 161 119.

Photos can be sent.

PIANO, small. $100 0466 040 154 F311025CCNV

PLANT tying tape gun + 8 rolls tape + 5,000 staples $100 0407 654 879 F010825

PORCELAIN biscuit jar (8in high) with cream and jam pots, tea strainer and small flat teaspoon holder. $35 0400 641 561 F210225

Classifieds 4981 8882

F101025

MIRROR, swivel, on stand $100. 0411 361 205 F071125

OUTDOOR dining table and 6 chairs with cushion, very GC $250 ono 0458 492 961 e020126

PORTABLE devanti PWM-S-46-BK. Used cond, in working order photos can be sent.

Weekend pickup only Coffs Harbour $50 Ph 0456 210 772 F211125

PUPPY crate, large.

75cm x 50cm x 60cm H. Only used for 2 months. $45. Photo can be supplied. 0490 161 119 F050925

PAIR of lovely jacquared fabric vintage-style footrest 60cm x 40cmx 30cm H $35 each Photos can be supplied 0490 161 119

PUPPY grooming table.

90cm x 60cm x 77cm H. Never used. $75 Photo can be supplied. 0490 161 119

PEAK ellipse rollator safewok load 1150kgs only 6mth old As New $95 Photos can be supplied 0490 161 119

RED overcoat size 10 Jigsaw brand fabric made in Italy 80% wool Never used. Pic ava. $95 0439 682 267

Classifieds 4981 8882

RENAI Gas Heater, GC $100 ono. 0466 040 154

F140225

F140225

ROCKING horse carpenter made, safe enjoyable choice of 2 $40 Ph 6652 3791 F211125

F260925

WOODEN chest for Linen, $100. 0411 361 205.

F211125

Re240426

TEASPOONS large collection as new feat various characters $3-5 per spoon 0403 425 913

YOUNG canaries $30 each. Ph 0428 425 868

3.4m Savage with trailer rego, 6HP and electric swivel seats, cover safety gear, lots of extras ACF724N. L26949 $2,000. 0427 528 084

CAMPER trailer Off Road Goldstream/goldstorm 2003, electric brakes gas/elect fridge 4 gas burner/oven sleeps up to 5 Anderson plug ready portable shower toilet, many extras, rego Dec 25 offers over $13,000.

Q29955. Ph 0437 499 513

Caravans

Motorhome

2019 New Age Mantra Ray 19ER Caravan Part annex BBQ, car fridge freezer, towing system 30 years of caravan bits & pieces everything must go! $50,000 ono. TF93TZ Woolgoolga 0412 665 988

MOBILE home Jayco Conquest 25ft slide out Fiat March '24. 26000km separate ensuite, island bed, disel heater, oven 2 solars & 2 batteries undercover. Serviced & warranty. Reg to March '26. FEV33T. VCG $165,000. 0415 196 766 Coffs.

e211125

Boats

F040425

RUBBER matting green, 2.4m x 1.5m with open weave. Ideal for camping. Pic available $25 0439 682 267

TOILET bowl, white Never used, still packaged with seat. Best offer. 0411 527 727 F220825

RUDOLPH reindeers carpenter made, funny decorative wooden animals 400mm $10 Ph 6652 3791 F211125

Re300525

TWO single bed frames round heads & foot rail black. $50 both 0412 254 563 TWO small wooden childrens wheelbarrows to play or learn planting etc $70. 6652 3791

SINGLE bed, GC $100. 0466 040 154

TV 80cm (32”) + DVD player $100 0491 035 704

SMALL mobile bench 2 shelves, suit shop or office. $40. 6652 3791

TWO macrame wall hangers hand made $50 both 0412 254 563

F010825

F051225

F241025

F020525

F290825

STAMPS date back to 1900 and prior. First Day Covers unopened 19612004. Offers. Ph Wyn 0417 969 322 F040725

STEAM mop vax, 2 years old, used twice full set of unused microfibre pads shampoo detergent $50. 0410 324 711

VINTAGE solid timber quilt - towel rail $95 ph 0490 161 119. Photos can be supplied f121225

WATERBED, brand new Queen bladder inc GC. $100. 0421 086 590 F190925

WHEEL barrow suitable for Building site $30. 0411 361 205.

Re031025

e020126

Trailers

Stop Dreaming!

Beautiful 19.6 Regent Discoverer Caravan, only two years old.

Supplied with full annex, plenty of cabinet space and washing machine plus more! $65,000 ono Coffs Harbour 0408 206 353 or 0402 775 150 Re130226

F211125

Classifieds 4981 8882

F281125

FREE ACCESS

Motors

COFFS COAST

Re210225

1999 Auto Merc C200 Elegance. Detailed 373K, excel cond. New battery, 3 new tires, reg Apr 2026. LTP000.

Serviced by Merc mechanics. Txt Michael 0422 044 420 RUS200126

MAZDA 323 Astina wagon 2003. APQ24W rego to Dec 25. $4,000 ono 0415 621 222.

Call for Classifieds (02) 4981 8882

RUS281125

UTILITY trailer new, only used twice TL00ZJ $5,000 Contact 0455 737 045 e020126

Australia needs around 33,000 blood donations a week Become a donor today.

Give life. Give blood.

BOX trailer GC S67752 Rego til Jan 26' $1,000 0411 361 205 RUS261225

Classifieds 4981 8882 ads@ newsofthearea. com.au

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NEWS OF THE AREA

RUS170426

F180725

F310125

SNOW skis 2019 Volkyl Flair SC 150cm Black Marker bindings, + free Atomic ski boots (women’s 24.5cm) and poles. $75. 0435 131 589

12 month 2008 Suzuki Boulevarde c50 motorcycle 8640km unregistered $15,000 6653 7595

F310125

SIMPSONS - large box of character dolls, items & pieces from show. Ex gift for collector $100. 6652 3791

F050925

F250725

STOOL seats. Variety size, type and colour. $30 6652 3791 F110425

F051225

F260925

MILK frother $15. Never used. 6653 8337 or 0419 166 688

F260925

F061125

F241025

Motorcycles

FREE

News

PORT

MACQUARIE

Local Community

Of The Area

News ~ Proudly Independent ~ Family Friday, 2 May 2025 Owned & Operated

Page 5

Page 7

Koala Hospital is closing

PINATA ALCOHOL INKS

Anzac Day commemorations

Page 32

FREE

DANIEL SMITH WATERCOLOUR FULL DISPLAY

ART SUPPLIES AUSTRALIA WIDE POSTAGE AND GIFTS AVAILABLE

BRUSHO

Free independent newspaper launches in Port Ma cquarie Ticket to Tokyo

Bold Street, Laurieton

0427598042

A FREE weekly newspaper today in Port Macquarie. launches Independent media company News Of The Area (NOTA), who operate newspapers across the Mid North Coast and Hunter regions, welcome an eighth community to the fold with the launch of Port Macquarie News Of The Area.

NOTA Director Mick Wright is excited to bring a quality, independent printed news the Port Macquarie-Hastin source to gs “We are strong believers region. in the value of community news; there are lots of incredible stories to be told here,” he said.

“We have been overwhelmed by the response from the community and are very excited about the journey ahead.”

The Port Macquarie NOTA will hit news stands across the region each Friday morning, providing locals with a dedicated source of accurate and entertaining local news and sport.

“We are going to take what we have learnt from operating our seven existing papers, while making the paper as specific to Port Hastings as possible,” Macquariesaid NOTA Group Editor Douglas Connor.

Mr Connor said independent CONTINUED Page

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The Port Macquarie News Of The Area Waller, Sis Higgins, team: (L-R back row) Sue Stephenson, Group Editor Douglas Account Manager Luke Hadfield, Rikki Connor, (front row) Chan Ansell and Bill Harrow, Lilly Pauline Cain. Photo: McCloskey, Client Ayla Mansfield.

38 Clifton Drive, Port Macquarie P:6581 4025 (7 Days)

www.newsofthearea.com.au 32 COFFS COAST NEWS OF THE AREA

Shop 8, 1613 Ocean Drive, Lake Cathie P:6584 8111 (6 Days) Friday, 2 May 2025

www.newsofthearea.com.au

ONLINE BOOKING S: www.midnorthcoas tdental.com.au PORT MACQUARIE

NEWS OF THE

AREA

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Friday, 2 January 2026

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ANSWERS: Spot the difference Picture B - Wall a different colour, washcloth missing, extra water drop at bottom, t-shirt symbol different and drawer handle missing.

Achoo! - Try and keep your eyes open when you sneeze!

TIDE CHART - 7 DAYS

Times are for

Sydney Fort Denison

Billy doesn’t have what he needs for school.

SPONSOR A DISADVANTAGED AUSTRALIAN CHILD TODAY. The Smith Family 1800 318 238

TIME VARIATIONS FOR LOCAL AREAS NAMBUCCA RIVER

Watts Creek Macksville

KALANG RIVER

Uranga Bridge

Friday, 2 January 2026

High

Low

BELLENGER RIVER

High

Low

1hr 1hr 30m 2hr 10m

1hr 1hr 30m

2hrs 10m

Mylestom Raleigh Bellingen

30m 1hr 1hr 40m

1hr 20m

1hr 40m

COFFS HARBOUR

0 to 15m 0 to 15m

www.newsofthearea.com.au

TIDES

The time variation should be added to the corresponding Fort Denison time.

In view of the variations caused by local conditions and meteorological effects, these times are approximate and must be

considered as a guide only.

They are not to be relied on for critical depth calculations for safe navigation. Actual times of High and Low Water may occur before or after the times indicated.

COFFS COAST NEWS OF THE AREA

33

TRADESSERVICES PH: (02) 4981 8882

BUILDING PLANS

AERIALS

BUILDING PLANS

• Antenna Reception Issues?

• WIFI Coverage Issues?

• TV & Audio Installations • Home Tech Solutions

0414 579 161

tvpeteservices@gmail.com Local & Experienced Call Me or Find me on Google

Colorbond

Over 40 years experience • House Plans • Extensions

• Carports • Pergolas

• Fences • Gates • Pool Fencing

• Decks • Sheds

Free Quotes Coffs Coast 0497 598 440

Phone Barry 0417 760 181 Email barrygray.dwg@gmail.com

Mark Williams - Owner Operator fencesbymark@gmail.com

CLEANING

LAWN SERVICES

Wayne’s

Where the grass is always greener

Cleaning Services SPECIALISING IN WINDOW CLEANING

scooperplumbing.com.au

ALL THINGS PLUMBING

FREE QUOTES - FULLY INSURED

Want a beautiful, healthy lawn all year round?

SERVICING ALL AREAS Nambucca Heads to Red Rock

COFFS HARBOUR rob@coochie.com.au 0427 009 715

Call 0421 176 999 NOTA Graphics- Ref: COFFS_WAYNECS_2020_NENIA

BRODIE: 0411 355 603

Fences by Mark Fencer You Can Trust

C

Domestic & Commercial TV/DVD/Hard Drive Tuning & Tuition Latest Digital Technology Satellite TV Specialist

© NOTA Graphics - Ref: CCANTENNA_M11_752021_NENIA

ners

ew Ow Under N

PLUMBING

FENCING

C NOTA Graphic Ref: COOCHIE_M11_NEINA

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Commercial Plumbing

KADE: 0423 207 693 MATT: 0498 042 399

Maintenance Plumbing

PHONE 6569 4400

Hot Water Systems

29 Railway Road Nambucca Heads

office@nambuccaplumbing.com.au

newsofthearea.com.au

CLOTHESLINES

AIR CONDITIONING

Water Tanks

Septic Systems

ROOFING

MAINTENANCE SERVICES

Locally Owned & Operated - Fully Insured & Guaranteed

Roof Restoration & New Roofs Concrete, Terracotta & Metal Bedding & Pointing High Pressure Cleaning

coffscoolingsolutions.com.au coffscoolingsolutions@yahoo.com LIC.388955C

AU56893/L015023

Asset Maintenance & Management Solutions Pty Ltd

BUILDING/CARPENTRY

CONCRETE SERVICES

CARPENTRY

ALL COAST CONCRETING PTY LTD

and other Decks,Decks, pergolas pergolas and other small-scale carpentry small-scale carpentry Call Michael for a quote Call 0425 Michael for246 a quote 828 0425 828 246 www.mastercutcarpentry.com.au admin@mastercutcarpentry.com.au

CALL 0413 061 391

FIND US ON

Services to Aged Care, Childcare, Commercial & Residential customers on the Coffs Coast Licenced, insured and compliant with all government regulations

ABN58608460260 ACN 608460260 Licence: 177904C

Phone: 0412668294 or 0411 532 551

NOTA Graphics- Ref: COFFS_AXIOMROOFRESTO_7082020_NENIA

OVER 25 OVER 25 YEARS YEARS

Home Improvements

EXPERIENCE

Contractors Licence 77993C

SPECIALISING IN ROOF LEAK REPAIRS, SPECIALISING IN ROOF ROOF LEAKS, SPECIAIZING IN LEAKS, ROOF REPAIRS ,ROOF RESTORATION, ROOF ROOF RESTORATION, ROOFREPAIRS, REPAIRS, ROOF REPLACEMENT, RESTORATION, RE-ROOFING, GUTTER RE-ROOFING, GUTTER REPLACEMENT, RE-ROOFING, GUTTER REPLACEMENT, FASCIA BOARD REPLACEMENT, FASCIA BOARD REPLACEMENT, COLORBOND FASCIA COVER, COLORBOND COLORBOND FASCIA COVER, COLORBOND FASCIA COVER, AND EXTERIOR WALL, EAVE CLADDING COLORBOND EXTERIOR WALL COLORBOND EXTERIOR WALL, EAVE EXTERIOR PAINTING, GENERAL PLUMBING & EAVE CLADDING

CLADDING AND EXTERIOR PAINTING

DESIGNER OF VERSATILE DESIGNEROF OF VERSATILE VERSATILE CLADDING CLADDING DESIGNER CLADDING MADE FROM COLORBOND MADE MADEFROM FROM COLORBOND COLORBOND SUPPLY AND INSTALL. SUPPLYONLY ONLYOR ORSUPPLY SUPPLYAND AND INSTALL. INSTALL METHODS OF METHODS OF USE: 4 44METHODS OFUSE: USE: FLUSH FLUSH HORIZONTAL, FLUSH VERTICAL, FLUSHVERTICAL, VERTICAL, FLUSH FLUSH HORIZONTAL, OVERLAP HORIZONTAL AND OVERLAP HORIZONTAL OVERLAP HORIZONTAL AND EAVE LOOK FLUSH EAVELOOK LOOK AND EAVE

Australia needs around 33,000 blood donations a week

Mobile 330 555 Mobile 0434 330 555 Mobile0434 0434 330 555

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RUBBISH REMOVAL

Specialising In: . Rubbish Removal . Green Waste Removal . Ligh Demolition . Fully Insured “M FREE QUOTES O

Become a donor today.

Give life. Give blood.

34 COFFS COAST NEWS OF THE AREA

C

Our Services: • Facility and Property maintenance • Interior & Exterior professional painting • Minor Building repairs and maintenance • Solar panel cleaning utilising high-tech Spider Lift • Pressure Cleaning – up to 6,000PSI • Grounds maintenance: Lawns, hedges & green waste removal

• FENCING • PATHWAYS • COVERCRETE • EXPOSED AGGREGATE • RETAINER WALLS

FOR AN OBLIGATION

FREE QUOTE

Phone: 0422 098 575

C NOTA GRAPHIC REF: NESTLERS_COFFS_M21_NEINA

Licence No. 279177C

• DRIVEWAYS • SHED SLABS • STENCIL

www.axiomroofrestoration.com.au

media@newsofthearea.com.au

VE VERY IT “LET US DO THE WORK FOR YOU’ COMPETITIVE NOW !”

RATES

Call Stephen: 0414 541 676

© NOTA Graphics - Ref: BUDGETRUBBISHREMOVAL_COFFS_M11_21082020_NENIA

MATT 0402 135 423

Letter Boxes & Hose Reels

Friday, 2 January 2026

TRADESSERVICES

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COFFS COAST NEWS OF THE AREA

PH: (02) 4981 8882

SEPTIC CLEANING

SLASHING

TREE LOPPING

TREE LOPPING

TONY GORDON

J.M SLASHING & EARTHWORKS

BONVILLE VALLEY TREE SERVICES

NORTH BOAMBEE

SEPTIC TANK & GREASE TRAP CLEANING

* SERVING ALL AREAS * FREE QUOTES * LARGE ACREAGE SPECIALIST

YOUR LOCAL BLOKE FOR 25 YRS

COUNCIL & EPA APPROVED

0468 693 445 110HP 4WD TRACTOR 6 FOOT SLASHER 4 IN 1 BUCKET FRONT END LOADER

Ser vice

Contact BRAD for a FREE QUOTE

TREE LOPPING, BUSH FIRE & STORM DAMAGE CLEARING

0439 041 886

• Tree Removals • Tree Pruning & Dead Wooding • Stump Grinding • Wood Chipping & Mulch • Backyard Clean Ups

• Soil & Turf Laying • Fully Insured • Pensioner Discounts • Tipper Hire with Driver • Season Firewood • Delivery Available for Heavy Items

Tree & Palm Pruning & Removal Stump Grinding Cherry Picker Hire Firewood Hydraulic Wood Splitter Earthworks Land Clearing Mini Excavator Stump Removals Rubbish Removal Chipper & Wood Chip Sale

SERVICING LOCAL AND SURROUNDING AREAS

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Connect with them from next edition.

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CALL HARRY

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YOUR NO. 2 BUSINESS IS OUR NO. 1 BUSINESS

6691 3760 or 0419 555 327

FULLY INSURED

NER PENSOIOUNTS C DIS

Grow Your Business with the Power of Print Advertise on the Trades Page!

0438 237 963

info@allcleanseptic.com.au SEPTIC TANK CLEANING GREASE TRAP & LIQUID WASTE REMOVAL

“The men in green will keep you clean”

Local Council & EPA Approved EPA LICENCE 21438

C NOTA Graphics- Ref: ALLCLEANSEPTIC_M21_7082020_NENIA

24/7 EMERGENCY SERVICE

Looking to connect directly with customers who are searching for trusted local services? The Trades Page is where readers go when they need reliable professionals — from builders and electricians to landscapers, plumbers, and more.

Why advertise with us?

Targeted Audience – Reach homeowners and decision-makers actively seeking trade services.

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Cost-Effective Marketing – Affordable ad packages tailored to fit any business size or budget.

Don’t miss this opportunity to keep your business top-of-mind in the community.

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ADVERTISING Advertising within the Coffs Coast News Of The Area reaches your local customers.

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Call us today 02 4981 8882 or email ads@newsofthearea.com.au

Call us today to book your spot or learn more about our advertising options!

0249 818882

MACKSVILLE MUSIC MUSTER WIN TICKETS TO THE MACKSVILLE MUSIC MUSTER!

Prize draw: December 17, don’t miss out!

We have many tickets to give away, and there are TWO ways to win!

For our readers: Email alisha@newsofthearea.com.au in 50 words or less telling us what you love most about News of the Area.

Friday, 2 January 2026

For local businesses: Purchase any 4+ ad package between now and December 15 to go in the draw. www.newsofthearea.com.au

0499 532 449

alisha@newsofthearea.com.au COFFS COAST NEWS OF THE AREA

35

ONTHEBOX

COFFS COAST NEWS OF THE AREA

BEST ON THE BOX SUNDAY

MONDAY

ABC TV, 8.20pm

SBS VICELAND, 8.30pm

From the sunburnt New South Wales regional town of Barellan to centre court at Wimbledon, this stirring miniseries charts the incredible real-life story of Indigenous tennis champion Evonne Goolagong Cawley. Premiering on Sunday, the three-part event begins in 1958, when a seven-year-old Evonne (Eloise Hart) first picks up a tennis racquet. Her natural talent is immediately obvious, and five years later the youngster (Rilee Clarke) is whisked away to Sydney by influential but imperious coach Vic Edwards (Marton Csokas). Rising star Lila McGuire (right) takes over as Evonne when the young woman’s on-court prowess leads to grand slam success, but a disturbing dynamic is playing out behind the scenes.

The Crystal Maze meets The Traitors in this brainiac game show adapted from a South Korean reality series.

Doctor Who and Broadchurch star David Tennant (right) hosts as “The Creator” while 11 strategically minded players compete in a series of puzzles and games designed to reveal their true natures.

Reported to be British TV’s “most expensive flop in years”, the game of wits didn’t find a UK audience big enough to merit its £2.5 million price tag, but there’s eight episodes for Australian viewers to decide for themselves. A crime writer, a DJ, a forensic scientist, a comedian and two doctors are among the contestants hoping to outwit the competition.

GOOLAGONG

SATURDAY

LUXURY ESCAPES: WORLD’S BEST HOLIDAYS

7TWO, 6pm

Prepare to experience serious travel envy: the five-star holidays featured in this dream destination series are next level. There’s something for everyone, from beach babes to adrenaline junkies, culture vultures and nature seekers. In tonight’s return, Cameron Daddo and Miguel Maestre (both above) immerse themselves in the magic and majesty of the Maldives, discovering untamed beauty and pure indulgence as they stay at both the north and south ends of the archipelagic paradise.

GENIUS GAME

0201

FRIDAY, January 2 ABC TV (2)

SBS (3)

SEVEN (6)

NBN (8)

TEN (5)

6.00 Morning Programs. 9.30 Would I Lie To You? (R) 10.00 The Royal Variety Performance. (PG, R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Call The Midwife. (Ma, R) 2.00 Restoration Aust.

(PG, R) 2.55 Would I Lie To You? (PG, R) 3.30 Simply Nigella. (R) 3.55 Grand Designs NZ. (PG, R) 4.40 Long Lost Family: Born Without A Trace. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

6.00 Morning Programs. 12.00 WorldWatch.

2.00 The Point: Road To Referendum History Bites. (R) 2.05 Britain’s Most Expensive Houses. (PGl, R) 3.00 Going Places. (PGa, R) 3.30 Plat Du Tour. (R) 3.35 The Cook Up. (R) 4.05 Egypt: The Treasure Of The Sacred Bulls. (PG, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show Summer Series. (PG) 12.00 MOVIE: Curious Caterer: Foiled Plans. (2024, PGav) 2.00 Bridge Of Lies: Celebrity Specials.

3.00 The Chase. (R) 4.00 Seven News At 4.

5.00 The Chase Australia.

6.00 Today.

9.00 Today Extra Summer. (PG) 11.30 9News Morning.

12.00 Space Invaders. (PG, R) 1.00 Tennis. United Cup. Day 1.

Group Stage. Spain v Argentina.

5.00 Tipping Point Australia.

(PG, R) Hosted by Todd Woodbridge.

6.00 Morning Programs. 7.30 Farm To Fork.

(R) 8.00 Bold. (PG, R) 8.30 Deal Or No Deal.

(R) 9.00 Lingo. (R) 10.00 Matlock. (PGals, R) 12.00 Farm To Fork. 12.30 Family Feud. (PG, R) 1.00 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly Australia.

(PGa, R) 2.00 Taskmaster Australia. (PGals, R) 3.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R) 3.30 Lingo. (R) 4.30 Bold. (PG, R) 5.00 News.

6.30 Hard Quiz Kids. (PG, R) 7.00 ABC News. A look at the top stories of the day.

7.30 All Creatures Great And Small.

James is on a crash course in fatherhood.

8.15 Art Detectives. (Premiere, Mv) DI Mick Palmer and DC Shazia Malik investigate when an art historian is found murdered in his home.

9.05 MOVIE: Lion. (2016, PGa, R) Twenty-five years after being adopted by an Australian couple, an Indian man sets out to find his biological family. Dev Patel, Nicole Kidman.

11.00 Silent Witness. (Mav, R) 12.40 Rage. (MA15+dhlnsv)

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

7.30 Dakar: Race Against The Desert.

9.05 Ray Martin: Mysteries Of The Outback. (Ml, R) 10.55 Rock Legends. (PGa) 11.25 Sisi. (MA15+asv, R) 12.25 Culprits. (MA15+av, R) 2.30 Silent Road. (Ma, R) 4.25 Bamay. (R) 4.55 Destination Flavour: Japan Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Cricket. Big Bash League. Match 20.

Brisbane Heat v Melbourne Stars.

10.30 Big Bash League Post-Match.

Post-match coverage of the game between the Brisbane Heat and Melbourne Stars.

11.00 MOVIE: Layer Cake.

(2004, MA15+lsv, R) A drug dealer searches for a missing woman.

Daniel Craig, Sienna Miller.

1.15 Travel Oz. (PG, R) Hosted

by Greg Grainger.

2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Million Dollar Minute.

(R) Hosted by Simon Reeve.

5.00 NBC Today.

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Find My Beach House Australia.

8.30 MOVIE: I, Tonya. (2018, MA15+lsv, R) A figure-skater falls from grace.

Margot Robbie, Allison Janney.

10.50 Law & Order: Organized Crime. (MA15+av, R) 11.40 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 12.35 Australia’s Top Ten Of Everything. (PGd, 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 Cross Court. (R)

6.00 The Dog House Australia. (PGa, R) 7.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R) Hosted by Grant Denyer.

7.30 Selling Houses Australia.

(R) A couple look for a new start.

8.40 Love It Or List It Australia.

(R) Paul and Michelle have outgrown their three-bedroom home and Neale needs to think outside the square to maximise the space.

9.40 The Graham Norton Show. (Ml, R) Celebrity guests include Jamie Foxx.

10.40 The Imposter. (Mals, R) 12.40 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 1.30 Home Shopping. (R)

ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Children’s Programs. 6.20pm Bluey. 6.25 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.00 Supertato.

7.05 Gardening Australia Junior. (Return) 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Do Not Watch This Show. 7.40 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 8.05 Scooby-Doo And Guess Who? 8.30 My Adventures With Superman. 8.50 Robot Wars. 9.50 TKO: Total Knock Out. 10.35 Late Programs.

VICELAND (31) 6am WorldWatch.

10.00 The Movie Show. 11.45 The Swiping Game.

12.05pm WorldWatch. 12.35 Dark Side Of Comedy.

1.30 WWE Legends. 3.00 Bamay. 3.35 WorldWatch.

5.35 If You Are The One. 6.40 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 MOVIE: The Getaway. (1994) 10.40 Adam Hills: The Last Leg. 11.30 Shoresy. Midnight Homeland. 12.55 Dark Side Of Comedy. 1.50 Late Programs.

7TWO (62) 6am Morning Programs.

7.30 Harry’s Practice. 8.30 Million Dollar Minute.

9.30 NBC Today. Noon Better Homes. 1.00 Escape To The Country. 2.00 Home In WA. 2.30 Australia’s Deadliest. 3.00 The Great Australian Doorstep.

3.30 Medical Emergency. 4.00 Better Homes. 5.00 Escape To The Country. 6.00 Bargain Hunt. 7.00 Better Homes And Gardens Summer. 8.30 Escape To The Country. 11.30 Late Programs.

9GEM (82) 6am Gideon’s Way. 7.00 Creflo. 7.30 Thunderbirds. 8.00 TV Shop. 10.30 Pointless. 11.30 My Favorite Martian. Noon MOVIE: The Playboy Of The Western World. (1963, PG) 2.05 MOVIE: South Of Algiers. (1953) 4.00 Yorkshire Auction House. 5.00 Tennis. United Cup. Day 1.

Group Stage. Spain v Argentina. 7.00 Antiques Roadshow. 8.00 Tennis. United Cup. Day 1. Group Stage. Greece v Japan. 2am Late Programs.

DRAMA (51) 6am Home Shopping. 8.00 Escape Fishing With ET. 9.00 The Living Room.

10.00 JAG. Noon Days Of Our Lives. 12.45 The Young And The Restless. 1.30 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly Australia. 2.30 JAG. 4.30 All 4 Adventure.

5.30 JAG. 7.30 NCIS. 10.20 William And Harry: The Rise And Fall. 11.15 Blue Bloods. (Final) 12.15am Home Shopping.

SKY NEWS (53)

SBS MOVIES (32) 6am Morning Programs. 7.05 A King In New York. (1957, PG) 9.00 Monty Python And The Holy Grail. (1975, PG) 10.35 The Innocent. (2022, M, French) 12.25pm Radioactive. (2019, M) 2.30 Master Cheng: A Spice For Life. (2019, PG) 4.35 Monsieur Verdoux. (1947, PG) 6.50 Horrible Histories: The Movie. (2019, PG) 8.30 Johnny Mnemonic. (1995, M) 10.20 Purple Rain. (1984, M) 12.25am Late Programs.

7MATE (64) 6am Morning Programs.

11.00 Billy The Exterminator. Noon American Resto. 12.30 Pawn Stars. 1.30 American Pickers: Best Of. 2.30 Storage Wars. 3.00 Timbersports.

3.30 Billy The Exterminator. 4.30 American Resto. 5.00 Storage Wars. 5.30 American Pickers.

6.30 Pawn Stars. 7.30 Road Wars. 8.30 MOVIE: The Whole Nine Yards. (2000, M) 10.35 MOVIE: Underworld. (2003, MA15+) 1.05am Late Programs.

9GO! (83) 6am Morning Programs. 8.30 Nanny. 9.30 Addams Family. 10.00 Bewitched.

10.30 Jeannie. 11.00 The West Wing. Noon My Way. 12.15 MOVIE: The Gift That Gives. (2024, PG) 2.00 Golden Girls. 2.30 Nanny. 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family. 5.00 Bewitched. 5.30 Jeannie.

6.00 Golden Girls. 6.30 Nanny. 7.30 MOVIE: Cheaper By The Dozen 2. (2005, PG) 9.25 MOVIE: Fist Fight. (2017, MA15+) 11.20 Late Programs.

NITV (34) 6am Morning Programs.

1.40pm Big Sky Girls. 2.00 Tradition On A Plate.

2.30 The Cook Up. 3.00 Jarjums. 5.00 Harlem Globetrotters. 5.25 Black As. 5.30 Living Black.

6.00 Bamay. 6.30 Anthem Sessions Interstitials.

6.40 Great Blue Wild. 7.29 NITV Weather. 7.30 MOVIE: Jester Till. (2003) 9.05 First Nations Bedtime Stories. 9.15 MOVIE: I Like Movies. (2022, M) 11.00 Late Programs.

6am First Edition.

7.00 First Edition. 8.00 First Edition. 9.00 News.

9.30 News. 10.00 NewsDay. 11.00 NewsDay. Noon News. 12.30 News. 1.00 NewsDay. 2.00 Afternoon Agenda. 3.00 Afternoon Agenda. 4.00 Afternoon Agenda. 5.00 Afternoon Agenda. 6.00 Credlin. 7.00 The Bolt Report. 8.00 The Late Debate. 9.00 Lefties Losing It. 10.00 NewsNight.

11.00 Late Programs.

CONSUMER ADVICE (P) Pre-school (C) Children (PG) Parental Guidance Recommended (M) Mature Audiences (MA15+) Mature Audiences Only (AV15+) Extreme Adult Violence (R) Repeat Please Note: Programs are correct at the time of print and are subject to change by the Networks.

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COFFS COAST NEWS OF THE AREA

SATURDAY, January 3 ABC TV (2)

SBS (3)

SEVEN (6)

NBN (8)

TEN (5)

6.00 Morning Programs. 7.00 Wknd Brekky.

9.00 Rage. (PG) 10.30 Rage Vault Guest Programmer. (MA15+adhlnsv) 12.00 News.

12.30 Call The Midwife. (Ma, R) 1.30 Art Detectives. (Mv, R) 2.25 All Creatures Great And Small. (R) 3.20 Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake. (R) 5.25 Muster Dogs: Where Are They Now. (Final, R) 5.55 The ABC Of... (PGl, R)

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R) 9.20 Matched. (PG, R) 10.10 Robson Green’s British Adventure. (R) 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 France 24.

1.00 PBS News. 2.00 Figure Skating. ISU Grand Prix Final. Japan Part 1. H’lights. 4.00 Plat Du Tour. (R) 4.05 Going Places. (R) 5.35 Great Gardens Of Europe.

6.00 NBC Today. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise.

10.00 The Morning Show Summer Series.

(PG) 12.00 Horse Racing. Magic Millions Prelude Raceday, Royal Randwick Raceday and Super Saturday On The Coast.

5.00 Seven News At 5.

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

6.00 Fishing Australia. (R) 6.30 A Current Affair. (R) 7.00 Weekend Today. 10.00 Find My Beach House Australia. (R) 10.30 Tennis.

United Cup. Day 2. Group Stage. France v Switzerland. Belgium v China.

5.00 9News First At Five.

5.30 Find My Country House Australia. (R)

6.00 Morning Programs. 10.00 My Market Kitchen. (R) 10.30 GCBC. (R) 11.00 Airport 24/7. (PGal, R) 12.00 Everyday Gourmet. (R) 12.30 Farm To Fork. (R) 1.00 Cook With Luke.

(R) 1.30 The Yes Experiment. (R) 2.00 4x4 Adventures. 3.00 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly Australia. (PGals, R) 4.00 All 4 Adventure.

(PGl) 5.00 News.

6.30 Back Roads: 10 Years Of Back Roads – Heather’s Farewell. (PG, R) 7.00 ABC News.

7.30 Call The Midwife. (PGa) Follows the work of nuns and nurses.

8.30 Vera, Farewell Pet. (PG, R) Brenda Blethyn reflects on 14 years of Vera, with exclusive behind-the-scenes moments.

9.20 MOVIE: Strangerland.

(2015, MA15+ns, R) A family from a rural outback town is left devastated after their two teenage children disappear into the desert. Nicole Kidman, Hugo Weaving.

11.10 Rage Vault Guest Programmer. (MA15+dhlnsv) 5.00 Rage. (MA15+dhlnsv)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Merchant Ivory.

9.30 Her Majesty The Queen: Behind Closed Doors. (Mav, R) Explores Queen Camilla’s domestic violence awareness work.

10.50 Scottish Islands With Ben Fogle. (R) 11.55 While The Men Are Away. (MA15+s, R) 4.15 The Eco Show. (Ml, R) 4.45 Destination Flavour: Japan Bitesize. (R) 5.15 France 24 Feature.

5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Animals Aboard With Dr Harry.

(PG, R) Hosted by Dr Harry Cooper.

8.00 MOVIE: Kindergarten Cop. (1990, Mv, R) A detective goes undercover as a kindergarten teacher to catch a drug dealer. Arnold Schwarzenegger, Penelope Ann Miller, Pamela Reed.

10.30 MOVIE: Nope. (2022, Mhl) The residents of a horse ranch encounter aliens. Daniel Kaluuya.

1.15 Travel Oz. (PG, R) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 It’s Academic. (R) Hosted by Simon Reeve.

5.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R)

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 Tennis. United Cup. Day 2. Group Stage. USA v Argentina. From RAC Arena, Perth. Australia v Norway.

From Ken Rosewall Arena, Sydney.

2.00 The Incredible Journey Presents. (PG) Religious program.

2.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 Global Shop. (R) Home shopping.

5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 5.30 Helping Hands Summer Series. (PG, R) A celebration of people and organisations across Australia which make the world a better place.

6.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R) Hosted by Grant Denyer.

6.30 The Dog House Australia.

(PGa, R) Narrated by Mark Coles Smith.

7.30 Love It Or List It Australia. A couple feel they have outgrown their house.

8.40 Location, Location, Location Australia. (R) Property experts Mitch Edwards and Mark McKie guide their buyers to securing their dream homes.

9.40 Ambulance UK. (Ma, R) It is a busy shift for the ambulance service.

10.50 The Imposter. (Madls, R) 1.00 Home Shopping. (R) 5.00 Hour Of Power.

ABC FAMILY (22)

6am Children’s Programs. 5.10pm MOVIE: Thomas And Friends: The Mystery Of Lookout Mountain. (2022) 6.05 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Paddington.

6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.45 Teeny Tiny Stevies. 6.50 Andy And The Band. 7.05 Piripenguins. 7.20 Bluey.

7.30 Hard Quiz Kids. 8.00 Chopped Junior. 8.40 Fresh Off The Boat. 9.25 Abbott Elementary. 9.45 Merlin. 10.30 Crongton. 10.55 Late Programs.

VICELAND (31) 6am WorldWatch.

10.00 The Movie Show. 12.20pm SBS50. 12.25 Trainspotting. 1.55 Stutter School: Untold Australia.

3.00 WorldWatch. 5.00 Mastermind Aust. 5.30 Seeing Double: Daniel ‘Chucky’ Sanders. 6.00 Motor Racing. Dakar Rally. Prologue. 9.00 Icons Unearthed: Fast & Furious. 10.50 Snowpiercer.

12.40am WWE Legends. 2.10 NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera.

7TWO (62) 6am Morning Programs.

12.30pm This Rugged Coast. 1.30 Wildlife ER. 2.30 Better Homes And Gardens Summer. 4.00 Better Homes. 5.00 Horse Racing. Magic Millions Prelude Raceday, Royal Randwick Raceday and Super Saturday On The Coast. 6.00 Luxury Escapes: World’s Best Holidays. (Return) 6.30 Bondi Vet. 7.30 The Yorkshire Vet. 8.30 Lewis. 10.40 Late Programs.

9GEM (82) 6am Morning Programs.

10.00 Helping Hands Summer Series. 10.30 Explore. 10.45 MOVIE: It Always Rains On Sunday.

(1947, PG) 12.40pm MOVIE: The Railway Children.

(1970) 2.55 MOVIE: The Getting Of Wisdom. (1977, PG) 5.00 Tennis. United Cup. Day 2. Group Stage.

USA v Argentina. Australia v Norway. 7.00 M*A*S*H. 7.30 Death In Paradise. 8.40 MOVIE: Raiders Of The Lost Ark. (1981, M) 11.00 Late Programs.

DRAMA (51) 6am Home Shopping. 9.00 IFISH. 9.30 On The Fly. 10.00 What’s Up Down Under. 10.30 JAG. 4.30pm Soccer. A-League Men. Round 11. Brisbane Roar v Wellington Phoenix.

7.00 Football Tonight.

7.35 Soccer. A-League Men. Round 11. Melbourne City v Sydney FC. 10.00 NCIS. 12.50am NCIS: Origins. 1.45 Home Shopping.

SKY NEWS (53)

SBS MOVIES (32) 6am Monsieur Verdoux. Continued. (1947, PG) 7.50 Horrible Histories: The Movie. (2019, PG) 9.30 Discovering Film. 10.30 Johnny Mnemonic. (1995, M) 12.25pm Austin Powers: International Man Of Mystery.

(1997, M) 2.05 A King In New York. (1957, PG) 4.00 Forever Enthralled. (2008, PG, Mandarin) 6.45 Nights In Rodanthe. (2008, PG) 8.30 The Peacemaker. (1997, MA15+) 10.50 Late Programs.

7MATE (64) 6am Morning Programs.

11.30 Dipper’s Rigs. Noon Search4Hurt. 12.30 Timbersports. 1.00 Blokesworld. 1.30 Cool Cars & Bikes. 2.00 Rides Down Under: Workshop Wars.

3.00 Motor Racing. NDRC Top Doorslammer.

Highlights. 4.00 Desert Collectors. 5.00 Counting Cars. 6.00 Pawn Stars. 7.00 Storage Wars. 7.30 MOVIE: Battleship. (2012, M) 10.10 MOVIE: The Scorpion King. (2002, M) 12.10am Late Programs.

9GO! (83) 6am MOVIE: Barbie Mermaid Power. (2022, PG) 7.15 Children’s Programs. 8.00 MOVIE: Loch Ness. (1996) 10.00 Soccer. English Premier League. Manchester United v Newcastle.

Noon Ice Hockey. NHL. Florida Panthers v New York Rangers. 2.40 Amelia Earhart: The Lost Evidence.

4.20 LEGO Masters. 5.35 MOVIE: Oddball. (2015) 7.30 MOVIE: The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2. (2015, M) 10.10 Late Programs.

NITV (34) 6am Morning Programs.

11.35 MOVIE: Bush Christmas. (1983, PG) 1.15pm Great Blue Wild. 2.05 Stompem Ground 2022: Blekbala Mujik. 2.55 MOVIE: Salute. (2008, PG) 4.30 Faboriginal. 5.00 Unsettled. 6.00 The Barber.

6.30 NITV News: Summer Yarns. 6.40 The Other Side. 7.30 Alone Australia. 8.30 MOVIE: Let Me In. (2010, MA15+) 10.30 Australian Music Vault: Marcia Hines. 11.35 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 9.00 Weekend First Edition. 10.00 President Trump Inauguration. 11.00 News. 11.30 News. Noon Weekend Newsday. 1.00 News.

1.30 News. 2.00 Charlie Kirk Memorial. 3.00 Weekend Newsday. 4.00 News. 4.30 News. 5.00 NewsNight. 6.00 News. 7.00 Australia: A History.

8.00 Australia: A History. 9.00 Australia: A History.

10.00 NewsNight. 11.00 Late Programs.

SUNDAY, January 4 ABC TV (2)

SBS (3)

SEVEN (6)

NBN (8)

TEN (5)

6.00 Morning Programs. 10.00 Eat The Invaders. (PG, R) 10.30 New Leash On Life.

(R) 11.00 Compass. (PG, R) 11.30 Praise. (R) 12.00 News. 12.30 Magda’s Big National Health Check. (PG, R) 1.30 Gardening Aust.

(R) 2.45 Outback Musical. (PG, R) 3.30 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 4.15 MOVIE: But Also John Clarke. (2025, PG, R)

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (PGaw, R) 9.20 Matched. (PG, R) 10.10 Robson Green’s British Adventure.

(PGaw, R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 12.55 The Point: Road To Referendum History Bites.

(R) 1.00 Speedweek. 3.00 Going Places. (R) 4.00 Best Of Dakar Rally Highlights. (R) 5.00 Motor Racing. Dakar Rally. Prologue. H’lights.

6.00 Morning Programs. 10.30 Cricket. The Ashes. Fifth Test. Australia v England. Day 1.

Morning session. 12.30 The Ashes: The Lunch Break. 1.10 Cricket. The Ashes. Fifth Test.

Australia v England. Day 1. Afternoon session.

3.10 The Ashes: Tea Break. 3.30 Cricket. The Ashes. Fifth Test. Australia v England. Day 1.

Evening session.

6.00 Hello SA. (PG, R) 6.30 GolfBarons. (R) 7.00 Weekend Today.

10.00 Explore TV. (R) 10.30 Tennis. United Cup. Day 3.

Group Stage. Great Britain v Japan.

Germany v Netherlands.

5.00 9News First At Five.

5.30 RBT. (PGal, R)

6.00 Morning Programs. 9.30 Key Ingredient.

10.00 Farm To Fork. (R) 10.30 10 Minute Kitchen. (R) 11.00 Well Traveller. (PG, R) 11.30 Pooches At Play. (R) 12.00 The Dog Academy.

(PGa) 1.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R) 1.30 Lingo. (R) 2.30 Basketball. NBL. Round 15. New Zealand Breakers v Perth Wildcats. 4.30 Deal Or No Deal. (R) 5.00 News.

6.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 7.00 ABC News.

7.30 Muster Dogs: Where Are They Now. (Return, PG) 8.20 Goolagong. (Premiere, Ma) 9.10 The Jetty. (Premiere, Madl) 10.10 Call The Midwife. (PGa, R) 11.10 MOVIE: Puberty Blues.

(1981, Mdlns, R) 12.35 Rage Vault. (MA15+adhlnsv) 2.25 Gardening Australia. (R) 3.30 Dream Gardens. (PG, R) 4.00 The Art Of. (Ml, R) 4.30 A Bite To Eat With Alice. (R) 5.00 Pilgrimage: The Road Through North Wales. (PG, R)

6.00 Seeing Double: Daniel ‘Chucky’ Sanders. (R) 6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 2025: The Year From Space.

8.30 Ken Burns’ The American Revolution. (PG) 10.30 Secrets Of Modern Archaeology. (PGa, R) 11.30 Australian Fashion Past, Present, Future. (MA15+ln, R) 12.55 Body Parts. (MA15+ns, R) 2.25 24 Hours In A&E. (M) 3.20 24 Hours In Emergency. (M) 4.15 Off The Beaten Track With Kate Humble.

(PGn, R) 4.50 Destination Flavour. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 APAC Weekly.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Cricket. Big Bash League. Match 22.

Melbourne Stars v Melbourne Renegades.

9.10 Cricket. Big Bash League. Match 23.

Perth Scorchers v Adelaide Strikers.

From Optus Stadium, Perth.

12.30 MacGruber. (MA15+lsv) Vicki almost takes “Brimstone”.

1.30 Travel Oz. (PG, R) Hosted

by Greg Grainger.

2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 3.30 Million Dollar Minute.

(R) Hosted by Simon Reeve.

4.00 NBC Today. News and current affairs.

5.00 Sunrise Early News.

5.30 Sunrise.

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 Sydney 2000: The Best Ever. (PG, R) 8.30 60 Minutes. Current affairs program, investigating, analysing and uncovering the issues affecting all Australians.

9.30 MOVIE: The Will To Fly. (2016, G) Follows Olympic aerial skier Lydia Lassila. Lydia Lassila, Jacqui Cooper.

11.30 Wild Cards. (Mv, R) 12.20 Tycoons Down Under. (PGl, R) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R) 4.30 The Garden Gurus. (R) 5.00 Today Early News.

5.30 Today.

6.00 The Dog House Australia.

(PGa, R) Narrated by Mark Coles Smith.

7.00 Selling Houses Australia. (R) Sue and Jan are desperate to sell their childhood home so they can help their father live comfortably in a nursing home.

8.00 MOVIE: Double Jeopardy.

(1999, Mlsv, R) A woman who was convicted of murdering her husband learns he staged his own death. Ashley Judd, Tommy Lee Jones, Bruce Greenwood.

10.05 FBI. (Mv, R) The team must figure out how someone accessed a highly secure building after a CEO is killed inside his penthouse.

12.00 Home Shopping. (R)

ABC FAMILY (22)

6am Children’s Programs. 5.55pm Octonauts. 6.05 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 The Adventures Of Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Andy And The Band. 7.05 Piripenguins. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun Tan’s Tales From Outer Suburbia. (Premiere) 8.15 MOVIE: Shaun The Sheep: The Movie. (2015) 9.35 Fresh Off The Boat. 10.20 Merlin. 11.05 Late Programs.

VICELAND (31) 6am WorldWatch.

9.30 Small Business Secrets. 10.05 The Movie Show. Noon Dark Side Of The ‘90s. 1.50 WWE Rivals. 2.45 Jeopardy! 4.50 France 24. 5.20 PBS Washington Week. 5.45 Icons Unearthed: The Lord Of The Rings. 6.40 Abandoned Engineering. 8.30 Eat Smart: Secrets Of The Glucose Goddess. 10.20 Raw Comedy 2025. Midnight Django. 2.05 NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera Newshour.

7TWO (62) 6am Morning Programs.

11.00 The Zoo. Noon Escape To The Country. 1.00 Luxury Escapes: World’s Best Holidays. 1.30 Harry’s Practice. 2.00 Medical Emergency. 2.30 Hornby: A Model Empire. 3.30 Better Homes. 4.30 The Amazing Homemakers. 5.30 Secrets Of Beautiful Gardens. 6.30 Escape To The Country. 7.30 Murdoch Mysteries. 8.30 Vera. 10.30 Murdoch Mysteries. 11.30 Late Programs.

9GEM (82) 6am Morning Programs.

10.00 Avengers. 11.00 MOVIE: The Flying Scot.

(1957) 12.30pm Basketball. WNBL. Round 12.

University of Canberra Capitals v Perth Lynx. 2.30 MOVIE: Pacific Destiny. (1956) 4.30 M*A*S*H. 5.00 Tennis. United Cup. Day 3. Group Stage. Great Britain v Japan. Italy v Switzerland. 7.00 Tennis.

United Cup. Day 3. Group Stage. Canada v China.

Italy v Switzerland. 2am Late Programs.

DRAMA (51) 6am Home Shopping.

8.00 Pooches At Play. 9.00 What’s Up Down Under. 9.30 Camper Deals. 10.00 Pat Callinan’s 4x4 Adventures. 11.00 JAG. 4pm IFISH. 4.30 Basketball. NBL. Round 15. Brisbane Bullets v Adelaide 36ers. 6.30 JAG. 7.30 NCIS. 10.20 Blue Bloods.

12.15am Home Shopping.

SKY NEWS (53)

SBS MOVIES (32) 6am Nights In Rodanthe. (2008, PG) 7.25 Forever Enthralled.

(2008, PG, Mandarin) 10.05 Swan Song. (2021, M) 12.05pm Moonlight. (2016, M) 2.10 Monsieur Verdoux. (1947, PG) 4.30 Horrible Histories: The Movie. (2019, PG) 6.15 The Boy And The Heron.

(2023, PG) 8.30 Point Break. (1991, M) 10.45 Lawless. (2012, MA15+) 12.50am The Boy And The Heron. (2023, PG) 3.05 Late Programs.

7MATE (64) 6am Morning Programs.

11.30 Storage Wars. Noon The Fishing Show By AFN: Best Of. 1.00 Fishing Addiction. 2.00 Tackling Australia. 2.30 Merv Hughes Fishing. 3.00 Duck Dynasty. 4.00 Mt Hutt Rescue. 5.00 Counting Cars. 6.00 Cricket. Big Bash League. Match 22.

Melbourne Stars v Melbourne Renegades. 7.00 Border Security. 8.30 MOVIE: Oblivion. (2013, M) 11.05 Late Programs.

9GO! (83) 6am MOVIE: Barbie: Princess Adventure. (2020) 7.30 Children’s Programs. 8.00 Big Rigs Of Oz. 8.30 Surfing Aust. 9.00 World Endurance Championship: Season Review. 10.00 Soccer. English Premier League. Chelsea v Aston Villa. Noon Tennis. Brisbane International. 6.00 Tennis. Brisbane International. 10.00 MOVIE: Patriots Day. (2016, M) 12.40am Gotham. 1.40 Arrow. 3.30 Late Programs.

NITV (34) 6am Morning Programs.

1.55 Rugby League. Qld Murri Carnival. Men’s. Grand Final. Replay. 3.15 Football. West Kimberley Football League. Men’s. Grand Final. Replay. 4.50 Bamay.

5.35 Anthem Sessions. 5.45 Australian Music Vault: Marcia Hines. 6.40 NITV News: Summer Yarns.

6.50 Great Blue Wild. 7.40 Aerial Australia. 8.30 Ornette: Made In America. 9.55 MOVIE: Cadillac Records. (2008) 11.55 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 11.00 Weekend Newsday. Noon News.

12.30 News. 1.00 Weekend Newsday. 2.00 Cyclone Tracy: 50 Years On. 2.30 The Royals In Australia.

3.00 Weekend Newsday. 4.00 News. 4.30 News.

5.00 NewsNight. 6.00 NewsNight. 7.00 The Australian: 60 Years Of News. 8.00 NewsNight.

9.00 What Really Happened In Wuhan. 10.00 NewsNight. 11.00 Late Programs.

CONSUMER ADVICE (P) Pre-school (C) Children (PG) Parental Guidance Recommended (M) Mature Audiences (MA15+) Mature Audiences Only (AV15+) Extreme Adult Violence (R) Repeat

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37

ONTHEBOX

COFFS COAST NEWS OF THE AREA

MONDAY, January 5 ABC TV (2)

SBS (3)

SEVEN (6)

NBN (8)

TEN (5)

6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 News. 10.00 Vera, Farewell Pet. (PG, R) 10.55 Australian Chamber Orchestra’s 50th Gala. (R) 12.00 News. 1.00 The Kimberley. (R) 1.50 Restoration Aust. (R) 2.50 Would I Lie To You? (R) 3.20 Simply Nigella. (R) 3.50 Grand Designs: Streets. (PG, R) 4.40 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

6.00 Morning Programs. 11.00 Off The Beaten Track With Kate Humble. (PG, R) 12.10 WorldWatch. 2.00 Britain’s Most Expensive Houses. (R) 2.55 Going Places. (R) 3.25 Plat Du Tour. (R) 3.35 The Cook Up. (PG, R) 4.05 Jeopardy! 4.30 Letters And Numbers. (R) 5.00 Motor Racing. Dakar Rally. Stage 1.

H’lights.

6.00 Morning Programs. 10.30 Cricket. The Ashes. Fifth Test. Australia v England. Day 2.

Morning session. 12.30 The Ashes: The Lunch Break. 1.10 Cricket. The Ashes. Fifth Test.

Australia v England. Day 2. Afternoon session.

3.10 The Ashes: Tea Break. 3.30 Cricket. The Ashes. Fifth Test. Australia v England. Day 2.

Evening session.

6.00 Today.

9.00 Today Extra Summer. (PG) 10.30 Tennis. United Cup. Day 4. Group Stage. USA v Spain.

Czech Republic v Norway.

4.30 9News Afternoon.

5.00 Tipping Point Australia.

(PG, R) Hosted by Todd Woodbridge.

6.00 Morning Programs. 7.00 Everyday Gourmet. (R) 7.30 Farm To Fork. (R) 8.00 Bold. (PG, R) 8.30 Deal Or No Deal. (R) 9.00 Lingo. (R) 10.00 Matlock. (PGadl, R) 12.00 Farm To Fork. 12.30 Family Feud. (PG, R) 1.00 Taskmaster Australia. (PGls, R) 2.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R) 2.30 The Finish Line. (Premiere) 3.30 Lingo. (R) 4.30 Bold. (PG) 5.00 News.

6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R) 7.00 ABC News.

7.30 7.30.

8.00 Disease X: Hunting The Next Pandemic. (Premiere, PG) 9.00 Judi Dench: Shakespeare, My Family And Me. (Premiere, PG) Dame Judi Dench explores her family’s past.

9.50 A Life In Ten Pictures. (PG, R) 10.40 Grand Designs: The Streets. (PG, R) 11.30 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 12.20 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 4.00 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.00 A Bite To Eat With Alice. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)

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

7.35 Wonders Of The Moon With Dara Ó Briain. (PGa, R) 9.25 Jimmy Carr’s I Literally Just Told You. (M) 10.20 Great British Railway Journeys. (PG, R) 10.55 Like Water For Chocolate. (Ml) 11.55 Culprits. (MA15+av, R) 2.00 Pagan Peak. (MA15+asv, R) 3.40 Off The Beaten Track With Kate Humble.

(PGa, R) 4.15 My Unique B&B. (R) 4.50 Destination Flavour. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Cricket. Big Bash League. Match 24.

Sydney Sixers v Brisbane Heat.

10.30 Big Bash League Post-Match.

Post-match coverage of the game.

11.00 Chicago Fire. (Final, Mav) Severide puts his job on the line to help out one of their own. Kidd navigates Natalie’s relationship with her sister.

12.00 Girlfriends’ Guide To Divorce. (MA15+s) Abby wants to define her relationship.

2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. News and current affairs.

5.00 Sunrise Early News.

5.30 Sunrise.

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Travel Guides. (PGl, R) 9.00 MOVIE: Indiana Jones And The Last Crusade.

(1989, PGv, R) Harrison Ford.

11.30 Sight Unseen. (Ma) 12.20 A Killer Makes A Call. (MA15+av, R) 1.15 Innovation Nation. (R) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 2.30 Global Shop. (R) 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R) 4.30 A Current Affair. (R) 5.00 Today Early News.

5.30 Today.

6.00 10 News+. Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace.

6.30 Deal Or No Deal. (R) Hosted by Grant Denyer.

7.30 Love It Or List It Australia.

A couple need help making a decision on their home.

8.30 NCIS. (Mv, R) After discovering a navy pilot’s body riddled with unusual wounds, the investigation draws the NCIS team into the rabbit hole of UFO conspiracy theories.

10.30 10 News+. (R) Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace.

11.00 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) Hosted by Stephen Colbert.

12.00 Home Shopping. (R)

ABC FAMILY (22)

6am Children’s Programs. 5.40pm Kangaroo Beach. 5.55 Octonauts. 6.05 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.45 Ben And Holly’s Little Kingdom. 7.00 Supertato.

7.05 Batwheels. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep.

7.35 Ninjago. 8.00 Deadly 60. 8.30 TKO: Total Knock Out. 9.10 The Crystal Maze. 9.55 Merlin.

10.40 Late Programs.

VICELAND (31) 6am WorldWatch.

6.50 The 77 Percent. 7.20 WorldWatch. 8.40 DW Euromaxx. 9.30 Small Business Secrets. 10.00 The Movie Show. 11.45 WorldWatch. 12.15pm Rex In Rome. 3.45 WorldWatch. 5.35 Our DNA Journey.

(Premiere) 6.40 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 Genius Game. (Premiere) 9.40 The UnXplained Mysteries Of The Universe.

10.30 The Handmaid’s Tale. 11.25 Late Programs.

7TWO (62) 6am Morning Programs.

9.00 Medical Emergency. 9.30 NBC Today. 10.30 Better Homes And Gardens Summer. Noon Better Homes. 1.00 Hornby: A Model Empire. 2.00 Weekender. 2.30 This Rugged Coast. 3.30 Harry’s Practice. 4.30 Better Homes. 5.30 Escape To The Country. 6.30 Bargain Hunt. 7.30 Doc Martin. 8.30 Endeavour. 10.30 Air Crash Inv: Accident Files.

11.30 Late Programs.

9GEM (82) 6am Morning Programs.

11.30 My Favorite Martian. Noon MOVIE: Ghost Ship. (1952, PG) 1.30 MOVIE: Went The Day Well?

(1942, PG) 3.30 Yorkshire Auction House. 4.30 Tennis. United Cup. Day 4. Group Stage. USA v Spain. Czech Republic v Norway. Germany v Poland.

7.00 Tennis. United Cup. Day 4. Group Stage. Great Britain v Greece. Germany v Poland. 2am Late Programs.

DRAMA (51) 6am Home Shopping. 8.00 Reel Action. 8.30 Everyday Gourmet With Justine Schofield. 9.00 The Living Room. 10.00 JAG. Noon Days Of Our Lives. 12.45 The Young And The Restless. 1.30 The Dog House. 2.30 JAG. 4.30 The Living Room. 5.30 JAG. 7.30 NCIS. 8.30 FBI: Most Wanted.

10.20 Matlock. 11.15 The Ex-Wife. 12.15am Home Shopping.

SKY NEWS (53)

SBS MOVIES (32) 6am Ponyo.

(2008) 7.35 The Movie Show. 8.10 The Boy And The Heron. (2023, PG) 10.25 The Movie Show.

10.55 Mystic Pizza. (1988, M) 12.50pm Point Break.

(1991, M) 3.00 The Movie Show. 4.00 Discovering Film. 4.50 A Great Friend. (2023, PG, French) 6.35 Ponyo. (2008) 8.30 Godzilla Minus One. (2023, Japanese) 10.55 Late Programs. 5.50am Kiki’s Delivery Service. (1989, PG)

7MATE (64) 6am NFL. NFL. Week 18.

Continued. 8.30 NFL. NFL. Week 18. 11.30 NFL Tailgate. 12.30pm Border Security. 1.30 Rides Down Under: Workshop Wars. 2.30 Motor Racing.

NDRC Top Doorslammer. Highlights. 3.30 Billy The Exterminator. 4.30 American Resto. 5.00 Storage Wars. 5.30 American Pickers. 6.30 Pawn Stars.

7.30 Outback Opal Hunters. 9.30 Aussie Salvage Squad. 10.30 The Mightiest. 11.30 Late Programs.

9GO! (83) 6am Children’s Programs.

8.00 Cards And Collectables Australia. 8.30 Nanny. 9.30 Addams Family. 10.00 Bewitched.

10.30 Jeannie. 11.00 The West Wing. Noon Tennis.

Brisbane International. 6.00 Tennis. Brisbane International. 11.00 MOVIE: Navy SEALs. (1990, M) 1.15am The Vampire Diaries. 3.05 Pretty Little Liars: The Perfectionists. 4.00 Barbie: Dreamhouse Adventures. 4.30 Hop. 4.50 Late Programs.

NITV (34) 6am Morning Programs.

2pm Tradition On A Plate. 2.30 The Cook Up. 3.00 Jarjums. 5.00 Harlem Globetrotters. 5.25 Unstaged: Archie Roach. 5.30 The 77 Percent. 6.00 Bamay. 6.30 NITV News: Summer Yarns. 6.40 Great Blue Wild. 7.30 Who Do You Think You Are? 8.30 Karla Grant Presents. 9.00 Song Of Rapa Nui. 10.00 MOVIE: Little Shop Of Horrors. (1986, M) 11.40 Late Programs.

6am First Edition.

7.00 First Edition. 8.00 News. 8.30 News. 9.00 First Edition. 10.00 NewsDay. 11.00 NewsDay. Noon News. 12.30 News. 1.00 NewsDay. 2.00 Afternoon Agenda. 3.00 Afternoon Agenda. 4.00 Afternoon Agenda. 5.00 Afternoon Agenda. 6.00 Credlin. 7.00 The Bolt Report. 8.00 The Late Debate. 9.00 Artificial Intelligence Investigated.

10.00 NewsNight. 11.00 Late Programs.

TUESDAY, January 6 ABC TV (2)

SBS (3)

SEVEN (6)

NBN (8)

TEN (5)

6.00 Morning Programs. 10.00 Disease X. (PG, R) 11.10 Judi Dench: Shakespeare, My Family And Me. (PG, R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Call The Midwife. (PGa, R) 2.00 Restoration Aust. (PG, R) 2.55 Would I Lie To You? (R) 3.25 Simply Nigella. (R) 3.55 Grand Designs: Streets. (PG, R) 4.40 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

6.00 Morning Programs. 10.50 Off The Beaten Track With Kate Humble. (PG, R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Britain’s Most Expensive Houses. (R) 2.55 Going Places. (R) 3.25 Plat Du Tour. (R) 3.35 The Cook Up. (R) 4.05 Jeopardy! 4.30 Letters And Numbers.

(R) 5.00 Motor Racing. Dakar Rally. Stage 2.

H’lights.

6.00 Morning Programs. 10.30 Cricket. The Ashes. Fifth Test. Australia v England. Day 3.

Morning session. 12.30 The Ashes: The Lunch Break. 1.10 Cricket. The Ashes. Fifth Test.

Australia v England. Day 3. Afternoon session.

3.10 The Ashes: Tea Break. 3.30 Cricket. The Ashes. Fifth Test. Australia v England. Day 3.

Evening session.

6.00 Today.

9.00 Today Extra Summer. (PG) Highlights from the year in review.

10.30 Tennis. United Cup. Day 5. Group Stage. Italy v France. Canada v Belgium.

4.30 9News Afternoon.

5.00 Tipping Point Australia.

(PG, R) Hosted by Todd Woodbridge.

6.00 Ent. Tonight. 6.30 GCBC. (R) 7.00 Everyday Gourmet. (R) 7.30 Farm To Fork.

(R) 8.00 Bold. (PG, R) 8.30 Deal Or No Deal.

(R) 9.00 Lingo. (R) 10.00 Matlock. (PGa, R) 12.00 Farm To Fork. 12.30 Family Feud. (PG, R) 1.00 Taskmaster Australia. (PGls, R) 2.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R) 2.30 The Finish Line.

3.30 Lingo. (R) 4.30 Bold. (PG) 5.00 News.

6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R) 7.00 ABC News.

7.30 7.30.

8.00 Dr Karl’s How Things Work. (Return) 9.00 Human: The First Of Us. (Premiere, PG) 10.00 Britain By The Book. (PG, R) 10.50 Australia’s Open. (Ml, R) 11.40 Grand Designs: The Streets. (PG, R) 12.30 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 1.15 Rage. (MA15+dhlnsv) 4.00 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.00 A Bite To Eat With Alice. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)

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

7.30 Who Do You Think You Are? (Ma, R) 8.35 Rod Stewart: A Working Class Hero.

9.35 Aerial Australia. (PGa, R) 10.30 Great British Railway Journeys. (R) 11.05 Exit. (Premiere, MA15+ads) 12.00 Dopesick. (Mals, R) 2.15 The Eco Show. (R) 3.15 Off The Beaten Track With Kate Humble. (PG, R) 4.25 My Unique B&B. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Cricket. Big Bash League. Match 25.

Adelaide Strikers v Sydney Thunder.

10.30 Big Bash League Post-Match.

Post-match coverage of the game.

11.00 Lopez Vs. Lopez. (PGals) George starts secretly spending time with Rosie’s ex.

12.00 Miniseries: London Spy. (MA15+ds) Danny goes public with Alex’s research.

1.30 Travel Oz. (PG, R) Takes a look at Greek culture in Melbourne.

2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today.

5.00 Sunrise Early News.

5.30 Sunrise.

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 Tennis. United Cup. Day 5.

Group Stage. Australia v Czech Republic. Italy v France.

11.30 A Remarkable Place To Die. (Mlv, R) A detective returns to her home town.

12.30 La Brea. (Mav, R) Gavin takes charge of the survivors.

1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 2.30 Destination WA. (R) 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Hello SA: The Coast Is Calling. (PG) 5.00 Today Early News.

5.30 Today.

6.00 10 News+. Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace.

6.30 Deal Or No Deal. (R) Hosted by Grant Denyer.

7.30 The Dog House Australia. (PGa, R) Kelly meets a fluff ball named Jinglebells.

8.30 MOVIE: Mission: Impossible – Fallout. (2018, PGalv, R) A secret agent must prevent disaster when stolen plutonium falls into the hands of an arms dealer. Tom Cruise, Henry Cavill, Rebecca Ferguson.

11.20 10 News+. (R) 11.50 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 1.00 Home Shopping. (R)

ABC FAMILY (22)

6am Children’s Programs. 5.40pm Kangaroo Beach. 5.55 Octonauts. 6.05 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 The Adventures Of Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.45 Ben And Holly’s Little Kingdom.

7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Ninjago. 8.00 Deadly 60.

8.30 Ice Age. 9.15 Monsters Of The Deep. 10.00 Merlin. 10.45 Late Programs.

VICELAND (31) 6am WorldWatch.

10.00 The Movie Show. 11.40 WorldWatch.

12.10pm Homicide. 2.00 Curious Australia. 2.35 Heroines. 3.35 WorldWatch. 5.35 Shaun Micallef’s Origin Odyssey. 6.40 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 Genius Game. 9.40 The UnXplained Mysteries Of The Universe. 10.30 The Handmaid’s Tale. 11.35 Hoarders. 1.05am Bad Education. 1.40 Late Programs.

7TWO (62) 6am Morning Programs.

7.30 Harry’s Practice. 8.00 Million Dollar Minute.

9.00 Medical Emergency. 9.30 NBC Today. Noon Better Homes. 1.00 Escape To The Country. 2.00 Creek To Coast. 2.30 Air Crash Inv: Accident Files.

3.30 Harry’s Practice. 4.00 Medical Emergency.

4.30 Better Homes. 5.30 Escape To The Country.

6.30 Bargain Hunt. 7.30 Call The Midwife. 8.45 Judge John Deed. 10.45 Late Programs.

9GEM (82) 6am Morning Programs.

10.30 World’s Greatest Transportation Marvels.

11.30 My Favorite Martian. Noon MOVIE: My Learned Friend. (1943, PG) 1.30 MOVIE: The Man Who Haunted Himself. (1970, PG) 3.30 Yorkshire Auction House. 4.30 Tennis. United Cup. Day 5.

Group Stage. Australia v Czech Republic. 7.00 Antiques Roadshow. 7.30 New Tricks. 8.40 MOVIE: The Lincoln Lawyer. (2011, M) 11.05 Late Programs.

DRAMA (51) 6am Home Shopping. 8.00 Escape Fishing With ET. 9.00 The Living Room.

10.00 JAG. Noon Days Of Our Lives. 12.45 The Young And The Restless. 1.30 The Dog House. 2.30 JAG. 4.30 The Living Room. 5.30 JAG. 7.30 NCIS. 10.20 Matlock.

11.15 The Ex-Wife.

12.15am Home Shopping.

SKY NEWS (53)

SBS MOVIES (32) 6am Kiki’s Delivery Service. (1989) 7.45 The Movie Show.

8.20 Ponyo. (2008) 10.15 Ping Pong: The Triumph.

(2023, M, Mandarin) 12.45pm The Space Between The Lines. (2019, M, German) 3.00 Discovering Film. 3.55 Gulmohar. (2023, PG, Hindi) 6.30 Kiki’s Delivery Service. (1989) 8.30 Iris And The Men. (2023, French) 10.25 Bergman Island. (2021, M) 12.30am Late Programs.

7MATE (64) 6am Morning Programs.

9.00 America’s Game. 10.00 Aussie Adventure Bike Show. 10.30 American Resto. 11.00 Storage Wars. 11.30 American Pickers. 12.30pm Pawn Stars. 1.30 Outback Opal Hunters. 3.30 Billy The Exterminator. 4.30 American Resto. 5.00 Storage Wars. 5.30 American Pickers. 6.30 Pawn Stars.

7.30 Outback Truckers. 9.30 Railroad Australia.

10.30 Ice Road Truckers. 11.30 Late Programs.

9GO! (83) 6am Children’s Programs.

8.00 Cards And Collectables Australia. 8.30 Nanny. 9.30 Addams Family. 10.00 Bewitched.

10.30 Jeannie. 11.00 The West Wing. Noon Tennis.

Brisbane International. 6.00 Tennis. Brisbane International. 11.00 MOVIE: Dumb Money. (2023, MA15+) 1am The Vampire Diaries. 3.00 Pretty Little Liars: The Perfectionists. 4.00 Barbie: Dreamhouse Adventures. 4.30 Hop. 4.50 Late Programs.

NITV (34) 6am Morning Programs.

1.30pm Stompem Ground 2022: Footprince.

2.00 Tradition On A Plate. 2.30 The Cook Up. 3.00 Jarjums. 5.00 Harlem Globetrotters. 5.25 Unstaged: City Sessions. 5.30 Indian Country Today News. 6.00 Bamay. 6.30 NITV News: Summer Yarns. 6.40 Wild, Smart And Deadly. (Premiere) 7.30 Big Backyard Quiz. 8.30 Unleash The Beast.

9.30 Hunting Aotearoa. 10.00 Late Programs.

6am First Edition.

7.00 First Edition. 8.00 News. 8.30 News. 9.00 First Edition. 10.00 NewsDay. 11.00 NewsDay. Noon News. 12.30 News. 1.00 NewsDay. 2.00 Afternoon Agenda. 3.00 Afternoon Agenda. 4.00 Afternoon Agenda. 5.00 Afternoon Agenda.

6.00 Credlin. 7.00 The Bolt Report. 8.00 The Late Debate. 9.00 Are We Ready For War? 10.00 NewsNight. 11.00 Late Programs.

CONSUMER ADVICE (P) Pre-school (C) Children (PG) Parental Guidance Recommended (M) Mature Audiences (MA15+) Mature Audiences Only (AV15+) Extreme Adult Violence (R) Repeat

ELEVATE YOUR COMFORT REFRIGERATION - AIR CONDITIONING - CATERING EQUIPMENT

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Friday, 2 January 2026

ONTHEBOX

COFFS COAST NEWS OF THE AREA

WEDNESDAY, January 7 ABC TV (2)

SBS (3)

SEVEN (6)

NBN (8)

TEN (5)

6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 News. 10.00 Australia’s Best Competition Competition.

(Ml, R) 11.10 All Creatures Great And Small. (R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Miniseries: The Cry. (Mal, R) 1.55 Restoration Aust. (PG, R) 2.55 Would I Lie To You? (PG, R) 3.25 Simply Nigella. (R) 3.55 Grand Designs: Streets. (R) 4.40 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

6.00 Morning Programs. 10.50 Off The Beaten Track With Kate Humble. (PG, R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Britain’s Most Expensive Houses. (Mas, R) 2.55 Going Places.

(R) 3.25 Plat Du Tour. (R) 3.35 The Cook Up. (R) 4.05 Jeopardy! 4.30 Letters And Numbers. (R) 5.00 Motor Racing. Dakar Rally.

Stage 3. H’lights.

6.00 Morning Programs. 9.30 The Ashes: Pre-Game Show. 10.30 Morning Programs.

12.30 The Ashes: The Lunch Break. 1.10 Cricket. The Ashes. Fifth Test. Australia v England. Day 4. Afternoon session. 3.10 The Ashes: Tea Break. 3.30 Cricket. The Ashes. Fifth Test. Australia v England. Day 4.

Evening session.

6.00 Today.

9.00 Today Extra Summer. (PG) 10.30 Tennis. United Cup. Day 6.

Group Stage. Poland v Netherlands.

First quarter-final.

4.30 9News Afternoon.

5.00 Tipping Point Australia.

(PG, R) Hosted by Todd Woodbridge.

6.00 Ent. Tonight. 6.30 GCBC. (R) 7.00 Everyday Gourmet. (R) 7.30 Farm To Fork.

(R) 8.00 Bold. (PG, R) 8.30 Deal Or No Deal.

(R) 9.00 Lingo. (R) 10.00 Matlock. (PGav, R) 12.00 Farm To Fork. 12.30 Family Feud. (PG, R) 1.00 Taskmaster Australia. (PGls, R) 2.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R) 2.30 The Finish Line.

3.30 Lingo. (R) 4.30 Bold. (PG) 5.00 News.

6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R) 7.00 ABC News.

7.30 7.30.

8.00 Hard Quiz. (Return, PG) 8.30 Utopia. (PG, R) A security consultant creates stress.

9.25 Changing Ends. (Return, PG) 10.10 You Can’t Ask That. (MA15+, R) 10.45 The Jetty. (Mdl, R) 11.40 Chopsticks Or Fork? (R) 12.00 Grand Designs: The Streets. (R) 12.45 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 1.30 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 4.00 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.00 A Bite To Eat With Alice. (PG, R) 5.30 7.30. (R)

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

7.35 Michael Palin: Into Iraq. (PG, R) 8.30 The Jury: Murder Trial UK. (Return) 9.25 Crime. (MA15+) 10.25 Great British Railway Journeys. (R) 11.00 Face To Face. (Premiere, Ma) 11.50 Darkness: Those Who Kill. (Premiere, Malv) 1.40 The Eco Show. (R) 2.35 Off The Beaten Track With Kate Humble. (PG, R) 4.20 My Unique B&B. (R) 4.55 Destination Flavour Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Cricket. Big Bash League. Match 26.

Perth Scorchers v Melbourne Renegades.

10.30 Big Bash League Post-Match.

Post-match coverage of the game.

11.00 Air Crash Investigations: Deadly Exchange. (PGa, R) Explores the crash of Flight 5966.

12.00 MOVIE: Party From Hell.

(2021, Mav, R) A party planner plots against her employer. Jackie Moore, April Martucci.

2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. News and current affairs.

5.00 Sunrise Early News. The latest news, sport and weather.

5.30 Sunrise.

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Great Getaways. (PG) 8.30 Paramedics. (Mam, R) 9.30 Beyond The Build.

10.30 American Crime Story. (Madlsv) 12.10 World’s Greatest Natural Icons. (R) 1.05 Hello SA. (PG) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 2.30 Global Shop. (R) 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R) 4.30 A Current Affair. (R) 5.00 Today Early News.

5.30 Today.

6.00 10 News+. Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace.

6.30 Deal Or No Deal. (R) Hosted by Grant Denyer.

7.30 Airport 24/7. (PGadl, R) The night shift contends with problem passengers.

8.30 Elsbeth. (Mv, R) Sparks fly between Elsbeth and a Scottish musician after he witnesses a murder through a video art installation linking Manhattan with his tiny seaside town.

10.30 10 News+. (R) Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace.

11.00 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) Hosted by Stephen Colbert.

12.00 Home Shopping. (R)

ABC FAMILY (22)

6am Children’s Programs. 6.20pm Bluey. 6.25 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.00 Supertato.

7.05 Batwheels. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Ninjago. 8.00 Deadly 60. 8.30 Steven Universe. 8.50 Adventure Time. 9.15 Teen Titans Go! 9.40 We Bare Bears. 9.50 Shaun Tan’s Tales From Outer Suburbia. 10.15 My Adventures With Superman. 10.35 Late Programs.

VICELAND (31) 6am WorldWatch.

10.00 Mastermind Aust. Noon WorldWatch. 12.30 Stone Cold Takes On America. 1.25 If You Are The One. 3.35 WorldWatch. 5.35 Shaun Micallef’s Origin Odyssey. 6.40 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 Genius Game. 9.40 The UnXplained Mysteries Of The Universe. 10.30 The Handmaid’s Tale. 11.20 MOVIE: Michael Collins.

(1996, MA15+) 1.50am Late Programs.

7TWO (62)

6am Morning Programs. 7.30 Harry’s Practice. 8.00 Million Dollar Minute. 9.00 Medical Emergency. 9.30 NBC Today. Noon Better Homes. 1.00 Escape To The Country. 2.00 Home In WA. 2.30 The Master. 3.30 Harry’s Practice. 4.00 Medical Emergency. 4.30 Better Homes. 5.30 Escape To The Country. 6.30 Bargain Hunt. 7.30 Heartbeat. 8.45 Inspector George Gently. 10.45 Late Programs.

9GEM (82) 6am Gideon’s Way. 7.00 Creflo. 7.30 Thunderbirds. 8.00 TV Shop. 10.30 World’s Greatest Transportation Marvels. 11.30 My Favorite Martian. Noon Explore. 12.10 MOVIE: The Rebel. (1961) 2.20 MOVIE: The Siege Of Pinchgut.

(1959, PG) 4.30 Tennis. United Cup. Day 6. Group Stage. Poland v Netherlands. First quarter-final.

7.00 Antiques Roadshow. 8.00 Tennis. United Cup. Day 6. Second quarter-final. 2am Late Programs.

DRAMA (51) 6am Home Shopping. 8.00 Escape Fishing With ET. 9.00 The Living Room.

10.00 JAG. Noon Days Of Our Lives. 12.45 The Young And The Restless. 1.30 The Dog House. 2.30 JAG. 4.30 The Living Room. 5.30 JAG. 7.30 NCIS. 10.20 Matlock.

11.15 The Ex-Wife.

12.15am Home Shopping.

SKY NEWS (53)

SBS MOVIES (32) 6am Kiki’s Delivery Service. (1989) 8.05 The Movie Show.

8.40 My Neighbour Totoro. (1988, PG) 10.25 Speed Kills. (2018, M) 12.20pm The Hummingbird. (2022, M, French) 2.45 The Movie Show. 3.20 Discovering Film. 4.20 Limelight. (1952, PG) 6.50 My Neighbour Totoro. (1988, PG) 8.30 Pig. (2021) 10.15 Traffic.

(2000, MA15+) 1am Late Programs. 5.50 Limelight.

(1952, PG)

7MATE (64) 6am Morning Programs.

10.30 American Resto. 11.00 Storage Wars. 11.30 American Pickers. 12.30pm Pawn Stars. 1.30 Outback Truckers. 3.30 Billy The Exterminator.

4.30 American Resto. 5.00 Storage Wars. 5.30 American Pickers. 6.30 Pawn Stars. 7.30 Highway Patrol. 8.30 The Force: Behind The Line. 9.30 Caught On Dashcam. 10.30 World’s Wildest Police Videos. 11.30 Late Programs.

9GO! (83) 6am Children’s Programs.

8.00 Cards And Collectables Australia. 8.30 Nanny. 9.30 Addams Family. 10.00 Bewitched.

10.30 Jeannie. 11.00 The West Wing. Noon Tennis.

Brisbane International. 6.00 Tennis. Brisbane International. 11.00 MOVIE: The Courier. (2020, M) 1.10am The Vampire Diaries. 3.05 Pretty Little Liars: The Perfectionists. 4.00 Barbie: Dreamhouse Adventures. 4.30 Hop. 4.50 Late Programs.

NITV (34) 6am Morning Programs.

1.30pm Off Country. 2.00 Tradition On A Plate.

2.30 The Cook Up. 3.00 Jarjums. 5.00 Harlem Globetrotters. 5.25 Unstaged: Midsumma. 5.30 Going Places. 6.00 Bamay. 6.30 NITV News: Summer Yarns. 6.40 Wild, Smart And Deadly. 7.30 Ocean Warriors: Mission Ready. 8.00 Lurujarri Dreaming. 8.35 MOVIE: Set It Off. (1996, M) 10.25 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 8.00 News. 8.30 News. 9.00 First Edition. 10.00 NewsDay. 11.00 NewsDay. Noon News. 12.30 News. 1.00 NewsDay. 2.00 Afternoon Agenda. 3.00 Afternoon Agenda. 4.00 Afternoon Agenda. 5.00 Afternoon Agenda. 6.00 Credlin.

7.00 Bolt Report. 8.00 The Late Debate. 9.00 Never Again: The Fight Against Antisemitism. 10.00 NewsNight. 11.00 Late Programs.

THURSDAY, January 8 ABC TV (2)

SBS (3)

SEVEN (6)

NBN (8)

TEN (5)

6.00 Morning Programs. 10.30 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R) 11.00 Classic Countdown Extras. (R) 11.10 Changing Ends. (PG, R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Miss Austen. (R) 2.00 Restoration Aust. (PG, R) 2.55 Would I Lie To You? (PG, R) 3.25 Nigella At My Table. (R) 3.55 Grand Designs: Streets. (PG, R) 4.45 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

6.00 Morning Programs. 11.10 Wild Beauty Of Germany’s Islands. (Premiere) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Britain’s Most Expensive Houses. (PG, R) 2.55 Going Places. (R) 3.25 Plat Du Tour. (R) 3.35 The Cook Up. (R) 4.05 Jeopardy! 4.30 Letters And Numbers. (R) 5.00 Motor Racing. Dakar Rally. Stage 4.

H’lights.

6.00 Morning Programs. 10.30 Cricket. The Ashes.

Fifth Test. Australia v England. Day 5. Morning session. (Please note: alternative schedule may be shown due to changes to cricket coverage).

12.30 The Ashes: The Lunch Break. 1.10 Cricket.

The Ashes. Fifth Test. Australia v England. Day 5.

Afternoon session. 3.10 The Ashes: Tea Break.

3.30 Cricket. The Ashes. Fifth Test. Aust v England.

Evening session.

6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra Summer. (PG) 11.30 9News Morning.

12.00 Space Invaders. (PG, R) 1.00 Jeopardy! Australia.

2.00 Pointless. (PG, R) 3.00 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 4.00 9News Afternoon.

5.00 Tipping Point Australia. (PG, R)

6.00 Ent. Tonight. 6.30 GCBC. (R) 7.00 Everyday Gourmet. (R) 7.30 Farm To Fork.

(R) 8.00 Bold. (PG, R) 8.30 Deal Or No Deal.

(R) 9.00 Lingo. (R) 10.00 Matlock. (PGlv, R) 12.00 Farm To Fork. 12.30 Family Feud. (PG, R) 1.00 Taskmaster Australia. (PGls, R) 2.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R) 2.30 The Finish Line.

3.30 Lingo. (R) 4.30 Bold. (PG) 5.00 News.

6.25 Hard Quiz. (PG, R) 7.00 ABC News.

7.30 7.30.

8.00 Grand Designs Transformations. (Return, PG) 9.00 Amanda & Alan’s Italian Job. (Return, PG) 9.30 Goolagong. (Ma, R) 10.20 Chopsticks Or Fork? (R) 10.30 Grand Designs: The Streets. (PGl, R) 11.25 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 12.15 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 4.00 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.00 A Bite To Eat With Alice. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)

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

7.30 Toronto Airport Uncovered. (Premiere) 8.20 Robson Green: World’s Most Amazing Walks. (Premiere) 9.15 In Flight. (Premiere) 10.10 Great British Railway Journeys. (PGa, R) 10.45 Vienna Blood. (MA15+av) 11.40 Outlander. (Msv, R) 2.05 The Eco Show. (R) 3.30 Off The Beaten Track With Kate Humble. (PG, R) 4.05 My Unique B&B. (R) 4.40 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Cricket. Big Bash League. Match 27.

Melbourne Stars v Sydney Sixers.

10.30 Seven’s Cricket: The Spin. An expert panel examines the latest in cricket.

11.15 Boyzone: Life, Death And Boybands: Love Me For A Reason.

(Mal, R) Charts the rise of Boyzone.

12.15 Life. (Malsv, R) Crews searches for a missing Reese.

1.15 Travel Oz. (PG, R) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today.

5.00 Sunrise Early News.

5.30 Sunrise.

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Tennis. United Cup. Day 7. Quarter-finals.

11.30 Chicago Med. (Ma) Maggie and Sharon’s friendship is tested.

12.30 A Remarkable Place To Die. (MA15+lv, R) A detective returns to her home town.

1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 2.30 Global Shop. (R) 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R) 4.30 A Current Affair. (R) 5.00 Today Early News.

5.30 Today.

6.00 10 News+. Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace.

6.30 Deal Or No Deal. (R) Hosted by Grant Denyer.

7.30 The Graham Norton Show.

(Mns) Guests include Kim Kardashian.

8.40 MOVIE: Rocketman. (2019, Madls, R) Follows the life of Elton John, from his years as a prodigy to his musical partnership with Bernie Taupin. Taron Egerton, Jamie Bell, Richard Madden.

11.10 10 News+. (R) Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace.

11.40 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 12.30 Home Shopping. (R)

ABC FAMILY (22)

6am Children’s Programs. 5.40pm Kangaroo Beach. 5.55 Octonauts. 6.05 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.45 Ben And Holly’s Little Kingdom. 7.00 Supertato.

7.05 Batwheels. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep.

7.35 Ninjago. 8.00 Deadly 60. 8.30 Secrets Of The Zoo. 9.10 Secret Life Of The Wombat. 10.00 The Wonderful World Of Puppies. 10.40 Late Programs.

VICELAND (31) 6am WorldWatch.

10.00 Mastermind Aust. Noon WorldWatch. 12.30 Fashionista. 12.40 Bowled Over: Untold Australia.

1.45 Devoured. 2.40 Insight. 3.40 WorldWatch.

5.40 Shaun Micallef’s Origin Odyssey. 6.40 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown.

8.30 Genius Game. 9.30 The UnXplained Mysteries Of The Universe. 10.20 The Handmaid’s Tale. 11.10 Homicide. Midnight Late Programs.

7TWO (62)

6am Morning Programs.

9.00 Medical Emergency. 9.30 NBC Today. Noon Better Homes. 1.00 Escape To The Country. 2.00 Home In WA. 2.30 The Age Of Elizabeth. 3.30 Harry’s Practice. 4.00 Medical Emergency. 4.30 Better Homes. 5.30 Escape To The Country.

6.30 Bargain Hunt. 7.30 Father Brown. 8.30 The Inspector Lynley Mysteries. 10.30 Murdoch Mysteries. 11.30 Late Programs.

9GEM (82) 6am Morning Programs.

10.30 Iconic Australia. 11.30 My Favorite Martian.

Noon Avengers. 1.00 MOVIE: Second Fiddle.

(1957) 2.30 MOVIE: Josephine And Men. (1955) 4.30 Yorkshire Auction House. 5.30 Tennis. United Cup. Day 7. Quarter-finals. 7.30 Clarkson’s Farm.

8.40 MOVIE: Hot Shots! (1991, M) 10.20 MOVIE: The Pink Panther Strikes Again. (1976, PG) 12.30am Late Programs.

DRAMA (51) 6am Home Shopping. 8.00 Escape Fishing With ET. 9.00 The Living Room.

10.00 JAG. Noon Days Of Our Lives. 12.45 The Young And The Restless. 1.30 The Dog House. 2.30 JAG. 4.30 The Living Room. 5.30 JAG. 7.30 NCIS. 10.20 Matlock.

11.15 The Ex-Wife.

12.15am Home Shopping.

SKY NEWS (53)

SBS MOVIES (32) 6am Limelight.

(1952, PG) 8.20 My Neighbour Totoro. (1988, PG) 10.00 Iris And The Men. (2023, French) 11.55 Bergman Island. (2021, M) 2pm Hajjan. (2023, PG, Arabic) 4.20 Mia And The White Lion. (2018, PG) 6.10 Spirited Away. (2001) 8.30 Priscilla. (2023, M) 10.40 May December. (2023, MA15+) 12.45am Spirited Away. (2001) 3.15 Pig. (2021) 4.55 Mia And The White Lion. (2018, PG)

7MATE (64) 6am Morning Programs.

9.00 America’s Game. 10.00 Blokesworld. 10.30 American Resto. 11.00 Storage Wars. 11.30 American Pickers. 12.30pm Pawn Stars. 1.30 Highway Patrol. 2.30 The Force: BTL. 3.30 Billy The Exterminator. 4.30 American Resto. 5.00 Storage Wars. 5.30 American Pickers. 6.30 Pawn Stars.

7.30 American Pickers. 8.30 MOVIE: Ghostbusters: Afterlife. (2021, PG) 11.00 Late Programs.

9GO! (83) 6am Children’s Programs.

8.00 Cards And Collectables Australia. 8.30 Nanny. 9.30 Addams Family. 10.00 Bewitched.

10.30 Jeannie. 11.00 The West Wing. Noon Tennis. Brisbane International. 6.00 Tennis.

Brisbane International. 11.00 MOVIE: Man On A Ledge. (2012, M) 1am The Vampire Diaries. 3.00 Pretty Little Liars: The Perfectionists. 4.00 Barbie: Dreamhouse Adventures. 4.30 Late Programs.

NITV (34) 6am Morning Programs.

1.35pm Bamay. 2.00 Tradition On A Plate. 2.30 The Cook Up. 3.00 Jarjums. 4.25 Little J And Big Cuz. 4.35 Motown Magic. 5.00 Harlem Globetrotters.

5.25 Unstaged: Sorbaes. 5.30 Going Places. 6.00 Bamay. 6.30 NITV News: Summer Yarns. 6.40 Wild, Smart And Deadly. 7.29 NITV Weather. 7.30 Going Places With Ernie Dingo. 8.30 Reservation Dogs.

9.30 MOVIE: Timecop. (1994) 11.15 Late Programs.

6am First Edition.

7.00 First Edition. 8.00 News. 8.30 News. 9.00 First Edition. 10.00 NewsDay. 11.00 NewsDay. Noon News. 12.30 News. 1.00 NewsDay. 2.00 Afternoon Agenda. 3.00 Afternoon Agenda. 4.00 Afternoon Agenda. 5.00 Afternoon Agenda. 6.00 Credlin. 7.00 The Bolt Report. 8.00 The Late Debate. 9.00 The Real Cost Of Net Zero. 10.00 NewsNight. 11.00 Late Programs.

CONSUMER ADVICE (P) Pre-school (C) Children (PG) Parental Guidance Recommended (M) Mature Audiences (MA15+) Mature Audiences Only (AV15+) Extreme Adult Violence (R) Repeat

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News Of The Area

COFFS COAST

Friday, 2 January 2026

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70 First Ave, Sawtell

By Mick BIRTLES THE Nambucca Roosters Rugby League Football Club has kicked off its 2026 Group 2 campaign with pre-season training at Coronation Park, setting the tone for another big year after remarkable back-toback premierships.

With first grade success now the benchmark, the club’s leadership is focused not only on continuing their winning ways, but also securing a strong future for the club.

Club President Peter Bellden told News Of The Area that while 2025 was another stellar season, 2026 would see the club double down on its community focus and junior development.

“My aim for 2026 is to keep working on improving our image and although it has greatly improved, you can always get better,” said Mr Bellden.

q

First Grade Coach Warwick Jones.

Roosters launch campaign CONTINUED Page 28

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