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Phone us : Mon, Tue, Wed or Fri Phone lines open 9am - 2pm (02) 4981 8882
Woolgoolga’s WWII veterans join service
1
Post Office to the Diggers Club while John presented a wreath on behalf of the Woolgoolga branch of the Australian Labor Party.
“I was very impressed with the crowd that turned out for this year’s Anzac Day service, particularly the number of school children and especially given the very unpleasant weather,” Mr Imrie said.
“It was great to see so many students from Corindi Public School.
“For the last few years, I have been invited to talk to the school about Anzac Day where I use the opportunity to emphasise the futility of war,” he said.
Both men are already looking forward to next year’s Anzac Day commemoration at Woolgoolga as they hope it will be at the new War Memorial on the foreshore near the surf club.
Where to vote in Cowper and Page
THE Coffs Coast can expect to be in the national spotlight after polls close in this Saturday’s Federal Election, 3 May.
It is in the most marginal Nationals seat in the country and could play a key role in determining whether there will be a hung or majority parliament.
As was the case in 2022, Nationals MP for Cowper Pat Conaghan is going toe-to-toe with Independent candidate Caz Heise, although they are among a record 11 candidates on the House of Representatives ballot paper.
Not all Coffs Coast NOTA readers are in the Cowper electorate however.
Federal electorate lines divide the Coffs Harbour local government area, with the electorate of Page covering north from Lowanna, Coramba, Karangi and Korora locality boundaries.
Nationals MP Kevin Hogan has held the seat of Page since 2013.
Where to vote: Cowper
- Salvation Army Hall, Coffs Harbour.
- Tyalla Public School, Coffs Harbour.
- Narranga Public School, Coffs Harbour.
- Rigby House, Coffs Harbour.
- Cavanbah Centre, Coffs Harbour.
- Coffs Harbour High School, Coffs Harbour.
- Upper Orara Public School, Upper Orara.
- Boambee Public School, Boambee.
- Toormina High School, Toormina.
- Mary Help of Christians School Hall, Toormina.
- Sawtell Public School, Sawtell.
- William Bayldon Public School, Toormina.
- Bonville Memorial Hall, Bonville.
- Repton Public School, Repton.
today for advert sizes and prices (02) 4981 8882 ads@newsofthearea.com.au
He is one of 11 candidates vying for the seat on Saturday.
Polls will be open from 8am - 6pm on Saturday.
- Raleigh School of Arts Hall, Raleigh.
- Mylestom Hall, Mylestom.
- Urunga Public School, Urunga.
- Gleniffer School of Arts, Gleniffer.
- Bellingen High School, Bellingen.
- St Margarets Anglican Church Hall, Bellingen.
- Thora Community Hall, Thora.
- Dorrigo Community Hall, Dorrigo.
Where to vote: Page
- Lowanna Community Hall, Lowanna.
- Coramba Public School, Coramba.
- Karangi Public School, Karangi.
- Korora Public School, Korora.
- Nana Glen Community Hall, Nana Glen.
- Sandy Beach Public School, Sandy Beach.
- Glenreagh Public School, Glenreagh.
- Woolgoolga Public School, Woolgoolga.
- Wiigulga Multi-Use Centre, Woolgoolga.
- Mullaway Public School, Mullaway.
- Corindi Public School, Corindi.
- Glenreagh Public School, Glenreagh.
- Red Rock Multi Use Centre, Red Rock.
This new structure will be based around
Woolgoolga’s original memorial, which is being enhanced to recognise all conflicts
involving Australians, including all those that have occurred since the Second World War.
q Second World War veteran Colin Robertson at the Woolgoolga Anzac Day service.
q The border (in red) between Cowper and Page electorates.
Photo: AEC website.
ROOFTOP PROTEST
FROM Page 1
The group employed devices that included pipe arm locks as they occupied the roof of the Park Street building from around 9.30am and unfurled banners next to the FCNSW logo that read, “End Native Forest Logging Now” and “We destroy it. You pay for it”.
By 1.30pm, all had been arrested and removed from the building by the Police Rescue Squad and taken to Coffs Harbour Police Station where they were charged with “offensive conduct whilst on inclosed lands”.
The women, aged between 24 and 65, say they were highlighting how FCNSW has been found guilty of multiple logging breaches and has cost taxpayers many millions in fines and legal fees.
“Forestry Corporation runs at a loss, so the community purse is paying them to push endangered wildlife like koalas and greater gliders to extinction,” said protestor Daisy Nutty.
Another group member, Jayde Haven, said, “Forestry Corporation routinely breaks the rules, felling habitat trees, fudging harvest numbers, damaging
old-growth rainforest, polluting streams and creeks and pushing threatened species to the brink, all funded by NSW taxpayers.”
A third protestor, registered nurse Juliet Lamont, said, “We are on the brink of a climate catastrophe”.
“Our governments are showing no visionary leadership, so ordinary citizens are being forced to show the way forward.”
NSW Nationals MPs condemned the protest.
lives of emergency services personnel at risk,” he said.
“It’s completely unacceptable behaviour and enough is enough.”
q The six women were charged with ‘offensive conduct whilst on inclosed lands’. Photo: Brian Mahoney.
resources away during the busy holiday period.
“Our forestry industry is the most sustainable in the world.
anything to halt production anywhere or threaten anyone’s livelihood.
Gurmesh Singh, the Member for Coffs Harbour, said their actions were both reckless and dangerous.
“We have all experienced it with recent floods and cyclones edging further south.
“What we saw was by no means a peaceful protest, but an illegal stunt that put their own lives and the
Member for Oxley Michael Kemp, said protests have also taken place in the Orara East and Brother State Forests in recent weeks.
“Not only are these unlawful demonstrations putting people in direct danger, but [they are] pulling vital emergency services
“Protesting should be carried out in the right way that doesn’t delay production, hurt local businesses, and threaten the livelihoods of hardworking Australians.”
“We are ordinary women,” Ms Lamont responded, “and didn’t do
“No one wants to climb onto roofs and face arrest but good people historically can protest bad laws.
“It is our moral duty to save what is left of our precious native forests.” The women were released on conditional bail and will appear in court on future dates.
Dr Alan
A Quality Optometric Service BURROW
A quality optometric service requires essential elements.
Firstly, it is imperative that the clinician devotes sufficient time to thoroughly examine the patient and assess the visual needs.
Secondly, great service includes extensive clinical knowledge coupled with experience, state-ofthe-art equipment and customised fitting of spectacles and a wide range of frames.
It is essential that clinical knowledge is enhanced by continuing training after entering practice. While it may surprise some, optometrists require a broad knowledge in a range of disciplines. The obvious areas include a detailed knowledge of the optics of the eye and lenses as well as medical conditions. In addition to a comprehensive knowledge of ocular diseases and their treatment, general medical knowledge is important as this can have a significant relationship to eye diseases. This is particularly important for optometrists who treat diseases of the eye.
While clinical knowledge is essential, it needs to be matched with practical experience, especially as many conditions do not present in a “textbook” form. It takes many years of experience to accurately and confidently differentiate unusual conditions.
Surprisingly, psychology is an essential element in the optometrists’ armoury. Vision takes place in the brain and is subject to many illusions. For example, all lenses change the image size and shape which can initially distort the appearance of common objects as well as causing tilting and sloping of flat surfaces. Fortunately, with time, the brain does adapt and restore the normal appearance.
Quality optometric service should be evident in all areas, from the time taken to perform comprehensive and extensive examinations right through to custom fitting spectacles.
q Housing targets could be difficult to achieve if Australia is unable to secure its timber supply.
Photo: James Ross/AAP PHOTOS.
Website alanburrow.com.au
By Alex MITCHELL, AAP
AUSTRALIA’S chances of hitting nationally agreed housing targets and bringing down the prices of new homes are being hurt by challenges to the timber industry.
Thousands of regional jobs are facing the axe unless a new national forest policy is delivered, including an expansion of plantations, a report provided to AAP has found.
Native forest logging is in terminal decline after contracting 80 percent across two decades, with plantations not expanding quickly enough to cover the losses.
That will become a problem as Australia aims to build 1.2 million well-located homes by 2029, a target vowed by the federal government.
Plantation forestry provides 42,000 jobs, 30,000 of which are in manufacturing.
The industry was at a "tipping point," said the chair of the Australian Climate and Biodiversity Foundation, which commissioned the report.
"This report shows that failure to support the plantation timber industry can drive up housing costs and undermine regional employment," Ken Henry said on Thursday.
"Investing in plantation expansion, mill capacity, and workforce transition will be critical to securing Australia's timber supply and meeting climate and biodiversity goals."
Australia is already at risk of missing the nationally agreed housing target.
Industry groups including the Property Council of Australia and Master Builders Australia estimate current rates could leave
the nation hundreds of thousands of homes short.
The foundation's report found existing plantations and sawmills were unlikely to meet short-term demand peaks, and longterm challenges in attempting to build the requisite homes.
Dr Henry said national forest policy had not been updated in more than 30 years.
"The next federal government needs to facilitate plantation expansion, support local industries creating engineered wood products, and develop carbon methods and environmental laws that transform the new management of native forests to create regional jobs and protect areas from hazards like fires," he said.
He has consistently called for native forest logging to end, citing environmental factors and an expected manufacturing boost.
Industry group Australian Forest Products Association said the government should be incentivising investment in sustainable wood, and pressed back against ideas that would increase duties on plantations.
"We don't need further cost imposts on construction, let alone on the most carbonfriendly building material we have in Aussiegrown timber," chief executive Diana Hallam said.
"Not only will this tax drive up the cost of construction by taxing carbon-friendly timber production, it will also disincentivise new production tree plantings that are desperately needed to ensure Australia's future sovereign capability in timber and wood fibre."
Victoria and Western Australia ended native forest logging in 2024, while the sector in NSW has struggled with deficits and fines in recent years.
Snapshot of Anzac Day
By Andrea FERRARI
ANZAC Day 2025 commemorated 110 years since the Gallipoli landings in World War I, and eight decades since the end of World War II.
It was a wet day on the Coffs Coast but that did not deter the crowds who upped their umbrellas and stood shoulder to shoulder in their communities to remember, recognise and commemorate the contribution of all those who have served Australia in war and war-like conflicts.
Woolgoolga Red Cross volunteer Robyn Rooth was out early with fellow members for the service at Diggers in Woolgoolga.
“Marchers assembled in Beach Street outside the Post Office and were first treated to a Remembrance dance from a group of students from Corindi Public School,” she told News Of The Area.
“The march was led by veterans, serving members of the armed services and family members proudly wearing their medals.”
Red Cross members followed, representing the history of the organisation whose humanitarian work was so important during the Great Wars.
Then came groups representing local organisations and a number
of schools.
“The service was held in heavy rain but was a solemn and moving tribute to those who helped to keep our country safe.”
This was followed on Saturday by a musical concert celebrating the songs, music, and dress of the First and Second World War eras.
In Coffs Harbour, local volunteer Steve Little enjoyed the Dawn Service with his
and interesting
“The singers were great, many wreaths were laid from all kinds of
and government
and it was very well-attended, possibly more people than last year.”
wife.
“The weather held and the emcee at the C.ex Dawn Service, Glenn Hall, did an excellent job with crystal
clear diction
dialogue,” he told NOTA.
Coffs
Harbour services, schools
[bodies]
q Woolgoolga Red Cross volunteers on Anzac Day 2025.
q Woolgoolga’s Guest of Honour Major General Michael Crane DSC and Bar, AM (Retd).
q Under umbrellas at the Woolgoolga Anzac Day service.
q Coffs Harbour’s Dawn Service outside Coffs C.ex.
q Coffs Coast Pipes and Drums at the Woolgoolga Anzac Day concert.
q Orchestra and Chorus with Lynn Rogers as Vera Lynn at the Woolgoolga ANZAC Day concert.
q Woolgoolga Anzac Day concert with 'Flanagan and Allen', Lisa Butcher and the Andrews Sisters Revival.
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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
The meaning of remembrance
q The concert featured the music and songs of the First and Second World War periods.
AN audience of over 500 enjoyed a special charity concert at the Wiigulga Sports Complex in Woolgoolga on Saturday afternoon, 26 April.
The concert marked 110 years since the Gallipoli landings, and 80 years since the end of World War II.
The concert was performed by the talented Clarence Valley Orchestra and Chorus, under the baton of Dr Greg Butcher, with special guest artists featuring too.
The concert featured the music and songs of the First and Second World War periods.
“The finale was a wonderful singalong of wartime hits and favourites sung with enthusiasm by all present,” said Christopher Chayko from the Woolgoolga RSL sub-Branch.
WWII veterans Colin Robertson, 99, and John Imrie, 98, were introduced to public acclaim, as was 101-year-old widow Joan Wood.
Coffs Harbour and Grafton Navy, Army and Air Force cadets also played a role in proceedings.
Four winners took home prizes in a 1940s Fashion Competition.
“The concert organisers were most grateful to the guest of honour, Major General Michael Crane DSC and Bar AM, for his short address thanking the performers for a superb afternoon of entertainment and reflecting on the true meaning of remembrance,” said Mr Chayko.
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The following pages establish the standards of how to use the design elements which make up The Residential Lift Company logo and the RESiLIFT® logo, as well as the writing style for the brand in the digital space. The specifications detailed here are to be strictly adhered to. Please note the RESiLIFT® logo is the prime public logo for all communications in line with the 2019 Marketing Strategy. The Residential Lift Company logo is only used by Head Office for internal communications.
“Afterwards, concertgoers and performers enjoyed a delicious buffet reception at the Diggers Club to cap off a marvellous afternoon and concert, the impressive musical scale and quality of which has never before been seen in Woolgoolga.”
Coffs Harbour resident Phyllis Taylor made the trip to Woolgoolga for the show.
“What a magic afternoon in a spectacular venue to remember all those that went to fight for us all," she said.
“Firstly we sang God Save the King, then the National Anthem of New Zealand then Advance Australia Fair along with lots of band recitals.”
The graphic elements on the following pages are examples only and are not to be used for reproduction purposes. Production quality logos can be received from The Residential Lift Company.
For brand style guidance please contact Jacquie McIntosh, (Brand Strategist) via email: jacquie@brandtopia.com.au
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Federal election, Saturday 3 May 2025
It’s important that you understand how to vote correctly.
On election day you need to complete two ballot papers:
• a green one for the House of Representatives
• a large white one for the Senate.
On the green ballot paper you are voting for a representative of your local area or electorate in the House of Representatives.
On the white ballot paper you are voting for representatives of your state or territory in the Senate.
Don’t worry if you make a mistake. Just ask for another ballot paper and start again.
EITHER
Vote above the line Number at least 6 boxes for parties or groups, in the order of your choice.
Vote below the line Number at least 12 boxes for individual candidates, in the order of your choice.
Anzac Day at the Bunker
By Andrea FERRARI
ANZAC Day was commemorated at the Bunker with a display highlighting the importance of the building in the defence of Coffs Harbour and the Eastern Seaboard during the Second World War.
Now housing the National Cartoon Gallery and the National Holden Motor Museum, the heritage listed Bunker was originally built to house communication equipment during World
War II.
Bunker volunteer and spokesperson Steve Little, told News Of The Area that it was built in response to Japan’s first attacks on the Australian mainland in 1942.
Australia was under threat and most of our troops and allies were fighting in other countries and unavailable to help.
Consequently, the Royal Australian Navy warships were called in to escort convoys of supply ships travelling between Newcastle
and the Queensland border, with the authority to attack if needed.
Royal Australian Air Force bombers protected these convoys from the air.
The Bunker was constructed in 1942-3 to house Base Operations Unit No.12 in Coffs Harbour for this mission.
The Base was needed to communicate with its aircraft, control area and Command Headquarters.
Radio communication equipment and personnel
Authority until 1980.
were of critical importance and were kept safe in the specially constructed underground bunker near the airfield on what is now known as City Hill.
The Bunker continued to be used as a communication facility by the Civil Aviation
Dozens of people who visited the Bunker on Anzac Day, were unaware of its history.
“Having an Anzac wreath located in the Bunker’s wartime history area, promoted good interest in [its] role in the war,” Mr Little said.
“At the Bunker, we endeavour to ask where
everyone comes from, and to our surprise, we had visitors from Switzerland and England with both groups taking great interest in our Holdens, a car brand they were not familiar with.
“And they loved the latest exhibition of cartoons.”
A few locals visited while most came from Sydney and others came from Armidale, Tamworth and Warwick.
Pike to contest Page for Patriots party
DONNA Pike will contest the seat of Page in Saturday’s federal election for the newlyformed Trumpet of Patriots party.
Ms Pike, who has lived in the electorate for over 40 years, holds a Certificate 4 in leadership and management, and has worked in real estate sales and as a wedding celebrant.
She has also served as a Justice of the Peace.
Ms Pike ran for Mayor of Coffs Harbour in 2021, and for One Nation in the 2022 Federal Election, receiving 5.4 percent of the first preference vote in Page.
She told NOTA she has lost faith in Australia’s current political leadership and the “promises they fail to keep”.
If elected, Ms Pike said she will call for Australia to cut ties with the World Health Organisation, World Economic Forum and the United Nations, as she believes “unelected authoritarian globalist groups should not be telling us what to do”.
“We have the people we elect and they should decide what happens in our country,” she said.
Ms Pike wishes to “end
harmful fake climate change 2030 targets” and claims Australia is “decimating our environment under fake climate agendas with solar panel fields and wind farms”.
“I am running in this election to get rid of the corruption and to help turn our government into the government we need and deserve, a government that listens and works for the people, instead of ignoring
them,” she said.
Ms Pike lists affordable housing, student debt, and healthcare access as other key issues for the electorate.
If elected, she has pledged to donate one third of her yearly wage back into the Page electorate to “assist those living in crisis with a focus on youth suicide programs, domestic violence programs, mental health and homelessness”.
q Visitors viewing the Bunker WWII exhibition.
q Donna Pike, Trumpet of Patriots candidate for Page.
Sweet farewell to Fozzie’s
By Leigh WATSON
AFTER years of turning
“perfect pillows of love” and winning the hearts (and stomachs) of locals and visitors, the much-loved Fozzie’s Mini Pancakes van is preparing to say goodbye to Coffs Harbour.
Fozzie’s has been a staple in the local scene for over a decade, with roots going back more than 30 years to the underground Jetty markets.
Current owner Bob Foster, bought the business in 2010 as a side hustle.
Bob was then working for the Attorney-General’s Department but when redundancy struck, he took the leap, pouring heart and batter into what became a thriving venture.
“I could see a niche in the market for mini pancakes,” he said.
“It’s a product everyone in the world enjoys. We’ve even managed to convert a few non-pancake eaters over the years.”
But it wasn’t always syrup and sunshine.
Financial hurdles marked the early days, with conservative lenders unwilling to back the concept.
Determined to make it
work, Bob and wife Renee relied on credit cards and short-term loans to get off the ground.
They eventually grew to include two vans and a bright yellow pancake bus.
Then there was the weather.
"There were times we’d be staring out at a pond where our site was supposed to be.”
Over the years, Fozzie’s has collected more than just loyal customers.
They’ve gathered stories, friendships, and unforgettable moments.
Like the time a lifeguard stopped by to ask if they’d found a prosthetic leg (a skydiving mishap,
apparently).
Or the dedicated customer who left Canberra at 4am so they could get their fix of pancakes en route to Brisbane before closing.
Now it’s time for Fozzie’s to grow beyond the Mid North Coast.
With franchise documents completed and new opportunities ahead, Bob is heading north to open a flagship store on the Sunshine Coast.
Daughter Alexa, who has been part of the venture from the beginning, will be moving on to her own adventure, and son Jeremy will join the team in its new location.
But the Fozzie’s dream will continue, with hopes
of opening more franchises in the future, including, possibly, a return to Coffs
Messages flooded in before their final trading
day last Sunday, along with handshakes, hugs, heartfelt notes, gifts, and social media tributes.
It was a bittersweet moment for the pancake family and the community they’ve served so warmly.
For now, it’s time to celebrate a legacy of love, laughter, and pancakes.
And as Fozzie’s heads into its next chapter, the gratitude for Coffs Harbour is as rich as the maple syrup they pour.
“Thank you. Your loyalty and support made this possible. We’ll carry every story, smile, and shared pancake with us.”
Cut the fuel tax in half,
q The van has been a landmark at the Jetty over the years.
q Bob with daughter Alexa serving the pancakes their customers loved.
q Valued staff member Amanda serving happy customers.
Harbour.
Vale Betty Tolhurst, the Hoey Moey’s first owner
By Andrea FERRARI
MUCH respected and beloved local-born businesswoman
Betty Tolhurst, was laid to rest on Thursday 1 May at Hogbin Drive Crematorium.
Tributes galore have been shared for a woman who never spoke a bad word about anyone - or received one, her family said.
“Mum never judged people, she never felt
anyone had the right to do so,” daughters Michelle and Christine told News Of The Area.
“She was one of those people who never complained, she did what had to be done and gave so much to the community.”
Betty was born in 1932 in the former Sunnyside Hospital in Elizabeth Street, Coffs Harbour.
She left Coffs High School
aged 15 and worked at Forsyth’s Pharmacy until she married at the age of 20.
Betty and husband Keith (1927-1996) ran a building business, then an earthmoving business in Coffs Harbour for nearly 50 years.
They carried out the earthworks on the city’s Olympic Pool, subdivisions, and most of the local resorts.
They also built and coowned the Hoey Moey in
1960, built the Ebor Falls Hotel/Motel, and also donated land to build the link road from Coffs to Sawtell. They donated much back to the community by supplying the machines and operators for the regular dredging of Boambee Creek and redressing the rugby league field in the off-season.
In building these and many more legacy infrastructures, Betty Tolhurst saw the names of her seven children stamped on the map of Coffs.
A series of closes off Bray
Street were named after her girls, Christine, Diane, Katherine, Deborah and Michelle.
Coffs Coast hosts Christian surfers
By Kim SATCHELL
EVERY Easter for the past 48 years, Christian Surfers (CS) from across Australia have gathered to celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
For the first time, the Christian Surfers National Conference was held in Coffs Harbour.
Over 400 surfers attended the daily sessions, marking the largest gathering in CS history.
The highlight of the weekend was the Sunday morning “paddle out”, with close to 500 surfers taking to the water at Sawtell Beach to form a huge cross out beyond the break.
Eighteen people from the CS community then went through the waters of baptism.
“What an incredible weekend, we had a transformative experience that has changed many lives,” Juda Leet, the
Christian Surfers North NSW Regional Co-ordinator told News Of The Area.
“Pumping waves and epic weather all weekend, positive local interactions
While streets were named after her boys, Bradley and Frederick (Billy’s middle name).
“For years she donated big Christmas stockings to the hospital to be raffled as a fundraiser,” her daughters said.
She was also instrumental in the establishment of the Eisteddfod Society in Coffs Harbour, donating to it for many years to ensure its continuation.
Betty started out as a mostly self-taught business administrator, which she did while raising her children.
“There was no email in those days, and she had no home help… I remember her hanging out nappies on the line at 11pm, all part of a day’s work.”
Michelle remembers her mum as very well-presented.
“She never left the house without her stilettos and lippy on,” she said.
The much-loved mother, grandmother, great grandmother - well-known for her beautiful friendly smile and gentle demeanour - will be sadly missed by all who knew her, especially her six surviving children, 19 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.
“She worked really hard and did what had to be done,” said Christine.
and witness, this may be the best ever CS National Gathering.”
Coffs Harbour has a rich history of Christian Surfers that stretches back to 1982.
They have participated in various activities from games nights, surf camps, pizza nights and bible studies. The support
network they enjoy extends nationally and internationally.
Anyone interested in the program can find them @ cs_coffscoast.
q Betty and Keith Tolhurst.
q Betty Tolhurst (right) with the hospital’s Christmas stocking fundraiser.
q The late Betty Tolhurst.
q Some of the 400 delegates at the Christian Surfers National Conference.
q New believers going through the waters of baptism.
Art by the Sea
By Kim SATCHELL
ART by the Sea has become a much-loved Easter event on the Northern Beaches calendar.
The popularity and strength of the Woolgoolga Art Gallery was on display on Saturday 19 April, when local artists and craftspeople setup stalls to display their skills and wares.
The weather on this chosen Saturday and the splendour of the Woolgoolga Beach Reserve brought to life the postcard perfection of the award-winning foreshore, with the spectacle of a raging sea icing the cake.
Lynne Dent told News Of The Area, “I had a group of about five children who came on their own into my stall area and, after
q The demonstrations and activities were extremely popular.
some conversation… were fantasising about what art works they would buy if they had any money.”
The day provided fun for the many children who were thriving on the opportunities to get involved, revelling in the heightened level of inspiration flooding the senses.
The cake stalls, crafts demonstrations, food outlets
and artist displays were buzzing with activity.
Each year, the community rallies to the event while visitors purchase a piece of the culture of the Mid North Coast.
Moira Scerri told News Of The Area, “The
Dutton and Albanese go head to head in final debate
By Kat WONG, AAP
UNDECIDED voters crowned the prime minister the debate winner after a chaotic and eccentric end to the final leaders' clash.
The 60-strong live studio audience reached its decision after witnessing Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's final face-off against Opposition Leader Peter Dutton before voters head to the polls on Saturday.
But their decision was not a resounding endorsement, with 50 percent declaring Mr Albanese the winner of Sunday night's stoush, compared to 25 percent who favoured Mr Dutton and another 25 percent who remained undecided.
Many members of the undecided camp said they were looking to independent candidates.
The debate - aired on Channel Seven, moderated by Seven News political editor Mark Riley and hosted by Sunrise's Natalie Barrstarted with typical talking points.
But things quickly devolved as rapid-fire questions were lobbed at the leaders.
Mr Dutton greatly underestimated the price of eggs as $4.20 a dozen - half the real cost - and called billionaire Elon Musk an "evil genius".
Mr Albanese, meanwhile, had a bizarre exchange around whether US President Donald Trump owned a phone.
"I'm not sure that he has a mobile phone," he said.
"He's an elusive character to get hold of."
The audience gave the opposition leader some
points, with 46 percent favouring his stance on Indigenous issues to Mr Albanese's (27 percent) after Mr Dutton said Australians thought the Welcome to Country was overdone.
"It cheapens the significance of what it was meant to do," he said.
Mr Dutton also took the upper hand on defence, with 43 percent of the audience favouring him over the prime minister on 37 percent.
When it came to the cost of living, the audience leaned towards the prime minister, with 65 percent preferring his position to Mr Dutton's (16 percent).
Housing was a much closer battle - 35 percent preferred Mr Albanese on the issue, with Mr Dutton on 30 percent.
"I think Albanese finished with inspiration, which was
ROBINSON
demonstrations were enjoyed and well attended; the queues at the cake stall and other food outlets were consistent and I think most attendees walked away with something.
“The stallholders I spoke to all said it was very
worthwhile attending.
“There were plenty of purchases made and the opportunity for makers to interact with passersby provided a wonderful opportunity to get their reaction and feedback.”
q Anthony Albanese pipped Peter Dutton at the post in the final leaders' election campaign debate.
a nice change instead of that nitpicking that we obviously always see," one audience member said.
Another viewer sitting in the studio said both had good points about the cost of living, but harboured concerns.
"I'm yet to see whether they'll actually come to fruition," she said.
Mr Dutton continued to
lean on nostalgia to build his vision for the future, drawing comparisons between himself and a former Liberal prime minister.
"Our job as a Liberal government - as was the case for John Howard - is to clean up a Labor mess," he said.
Mr Albanese, on the other hand, tried to paint a bright picture of Australia's future.
"We're undertaking these measures to look after people - not to go out there, talk Australia down and to try to secure political advantage from grievance," he said.
Millions of Australians have already voted, casting doubt over whether any lastditch efforts will impact the election outcome.
q Woolgoolga artist Peter Bland. q Woolgoolga artist Kevin Tierney.
Photo: Lukas Coch/AAP PHOTOS.
Swimmers say ‘CanDo’
By Andrea FERRARI
HUNDREDS of people suited up to swim laps for the CanDo Cancer Trust in Coffs Harbour and Grafton in March and April, together raising over $9000 to help local patients attending the Mid North Coast Cancer Institute.
The local swims are in the style of CanDo’s official Rottnest swim held each year in WA which is 19.7 kilometres long.
That equates to 394 laps of a 50m pool.
Local businesses, schools and community groups bought a 30-minute timeslot at Coffs Harbour War Memorial Olympic Pool and Grafton Olympic Pool to swim as many laps as they could to win a trophy, have fun and fundraise.
The overall aim is for the team effort to amount to enough laps to cover the same distance as the official race.
The Coffs Coast Freemasons and Masonicare run the days.
“The official Rottnest
committee also sent their leftover official swim caps for our participants to wear as well as them all receiving a CanDo tee-shirt to mark the occasion,” Coffs Harbour spokeswoman Julie Jardine said.
The Coffs swim day awards went to:
- Best Business House: HQB
- Most Laps: Forestry Corporation
- Best Community Team: Mid North Coast Cancer Institute
- School Community Award: St John Paul College Team 2.
Visit the CanDo Facebook page or email info@ candocancertrust.com.au for information about next year’s event.
q Team City of Coffs Harbour.
q Team C.ex Coffs Harbour.
q Coffs Harbour’s Team Forestry Corporation of NSW.
q Team Clout Advisory Coffs Harbour.
Birthday ‘girls’ turn 102 and 103
By Andrea FERRARI
ON Saturday, 26 April, friends and family gathered to honour two extraordinary women.
Lily Haworth (née Stumer) turned 103, while her sister-in-law and lifelong friend Freda Haworth (née Wells), celebrated her 102nd birthday.
Their 80-year friendship is a story of resilience and adventure bound by love and deep affection.
Lily Esther Stumer was born on 24 April 1922, in Wondai, Queensland - the ninth child in a family of 11.
She enjoyed a joyful country childhood and was raised with strong values of faith, kindness and a love for learning and the arts.
Lily studied commercial art and, impressively, continues to paint at the age of 103.
She has also written several memoirs, including “A Soldier Dreams”, which was completed just before her 100th birthday.
She met Maxwell Haworth, a member of the 12th Australian Armoured Car Regiment, at a dance in Tingoora during the Second World War.
After his return from active service in Labuan, they married in 1946 and began life together growing bananas in Korora, side by side with Max’s brother Don and his wife Freda.
Freda Wells was born in Guyra, NSW, on 7 May, 1923.
One of six children, she fondly recalls riding her pony “Pebbles” five miles to school through the harsh winters. After earning her Intermediate Certificate, she taught correspondence lessons to children across regional NSW.
While posted near Tamworth, she met Don Haworth, whom she married in 1944.
Living in Korora as young brides married to brothers, Freda and Lily became nextdoor neighbours and fast friends.
They shared family dinners, a love of tennis and the experience of raising their children side-by-side.
Over the decades, they supported one another through life’s many chapters, including caravanning trips with their husbands and close friends, and the joys and challenges of rural family life.
They travelled far and wide, including a memorable trip to Uluru, where Freda and Max climbed to the top
while Don and Lily cheered from below.
Freda also ventured abroad, riding a donkey in Santorini and an elephant in Africa.
Always active in her community, she volunteered with the Red Cross, volunteered as a Pink Lady at Coffs Harbour Hospital, played table tennis with the over-50s and enjoyed many
years of ceramics.
Between them, Lily and Freda raised six children, were blessed with many grandchildren and greatgrandchildren, and have created a legacy rich in love, creativity and kindness.
Their secrets to a long life?
Lily shared: “IOU”.
Inwards – Take care of oneself.
Living at home
By Andrea FERRARI
THE Coffs Harbour Older Women’s Network (CHOWN) is hosting a free community workshop at Shoreline Luxury Retirement Living’s Pavilion Room on Wednesday, 14 May.
It will address the question of how we support today’s increasing cohort of older people to live well, safely, and with dignity in their own homes and communities.
“It’s a very different workshop, held in conjunction with the University of Technology Sydney’s Dr Moira Scerri,” CHOWN’s Lorraine Penn told News Of The Area.
Dr Scerri will share new research on elder personas - detailed snapshots of different experiences of growing older - and open the floor for discussion about what makes it easier or harder to “age in place".
While many older people want to stay in their homes for as long as possible, doing so requires the right mix of support, social connection, and practical tools.
The workshop will also introduce some of the latest technologies, including social robots and assistive devices designed to enhance independence and reduce isolation.
Attendees will get handson with this technology and help shape local thinking about what’s acceptable,
useful, or simply not for them.
“Older women bring a wealth of lived experience to conversations about community design and aged care.
“Yet too often, their voices are excluded from planning and policy.
“This workshop flips that script: here, older women are not just participants, but partners in shaping the
Outwards – Consider others.
Upwards – Look to The Lord.
Freda’s tip?
“A tipple a day and a potter in the garden.”
Their lives remain a beautiful testament to enduring friendship, the strength of family and the joy of growing older, together.
future of aging in our region,” Ms Penn said.
All women aged 50 and over are invited to join the conversation.
The morning will be interactive, reflective, and grounded in real-world experiences.
To attend, RSVP by Friday, May 10.
Morning tea will be provided.
Contact: coffsharbour@ ownnsw.org.au or Lorraine Penn on 0404163136.
q Sisters-in-law Freda Haworth, 102, and Lily Haworth, aged 103.
q Social robot Abi.
Showcasing community craft
By Kim SATCHELL
THE Easter holiday weekend provided the ideal conditions to showcase a community craft project in the heart of Woolgoolga.
Visitors and locals alike were greeted with a veritable inundation of handmade daffodils and butterflies.
In the weeks leading up to Easter, students from St Francis Xavier, local churches, craft groups and a cast of various individual volunteers, had busied themselves crafting hundreds of butterflies and daffodils out of disposable plates and cups, completing
the effort with a dazzling use of colour and paint.
The community project came about as a collaboration between
Orchid Society all set for Autumn Show
By Mick BIRTLES
GARDENING enthusiasts and orchid lovers are in for a special treat in Nambucca Heads next week, as the Nambucca Valley Orchid Society presents its eagerly awaited Autumn Show.
Held at the Nambucca Senior Citizens Centre, the show will kick off with setup and judging on Wednesday 7 May.
Plants will be benched between 2-6pm, with judging beginning at 7pm sharp.
The event will be open to the public from Thursday 8 to Saturday 10 May.
Visitors can admire the spectacular displays from 9am-4pm on Thursday and Friday, and from 9am-2pm on Saturday.
Entry is just two dollars making it an affordable outing for the family.
In addition to the breathtaking orchid displays, there will be plant sales, expert information stalls, and a raffle with wonderful prizes up for grabs.
Whether you're a seasoned grower or a curious newcomer, the show promises something for everyone.
“The Nambucca Valley Orchid Society has a proud history of excellence and last year we took top honours at the District Show at
q The Autumn Show will feature hundreds of orchid varieties.
Woolgoolga, impressing judges and visitors alike,” Nambucca Valley Orchid Society President Grahame Beatton told News Of The Area.
“Later this year, in October, our society will again represent the region at the prestigious International Orchid Show in Woolgoolga,
showcasing our passion and skill on the world stage.”
For further information contact Grahame on 6568 8978, Secretary Rhonda Smith at 0457 271 071, or Treasurer Moya Tucker at 0488 569 090.
The Senior Citizens Centre is located at 11 Kent Street, Nambucca Heads.
Woolgoolga Community Creations and the Evergreenhouse initiative.
One of the organisers, Robyn Lockwood, told News Of The Area that she was “so appreciative of the effort and the community involvement".
“I read all the little signs, just heart-warming.”
The zero-impact display saw the collective output placed discreetly at the base of designated garden beds, arcing around the grassed area in front of the playground and adjacent to the main path, joining Beach Street to the foreshore.
The installation came to life at night courtesy of solar lighting illuminating the trees, particularly the centrally located symbol of
the cross.
“I love the effect of the lit up cross with the heart at the bottom - the gospel without words, everyone who saw it would just ‘get it’,”
The symbolic significance of the daffodils and butterflies was in representing the emergence of new life.
Eisteddfod Society names scholarship recipients
By Andrea FERRARI
THE Coffs Harbour and District Eisteddfod Society has announced the recipients of the 2025 Round 1 Performing Arts Scholarships.
These scholarships are awarded to support and encourage young artists striving for excellence and further education in the performing arts.
President of the Coffs Harbour Eisteddfod Society, Debbie Waters, told News Of The Area that there was an overwhelming number of high-calibre applications from across the region.
The Society was particularly inspired by the dedication, talent, and ambition of students seeking pathways in dance, drama, music, and other performance
disciplines.
“We have been absolutely blown away by the response,” Ms Waters said.
“It’s incredibly heartening to see so many young people passionate about developing their skills and seeking careers in the arts.
“These scholarships are just one way we can give back and invest in their futures.
“Over $5000 is being awarded with the help from our sponsors, including RJK Optometry.”
The recipients are Jemima Hein (Instrumental), Olivia Hoare (Instrumental), Camble Scott (Instrumental), Pearl Pisk (Dance), Ella-Grace Chowdhury (Dance), Amelia Carpenter (Dance), Angus Bryant (Dance), Violette Hyland (Vocal) and Eido Roques (Instrumental).
Each will receive a financial contribution towards tuition, workshops, or other training-related expenses, helping to relieve some of the financial pressure that can come with pursuing a career in the arts.
Their success will be celebrated at their discipline’s event over the next few weeks culminating with the Gala Concert on 21 June, which brings the Eisteddfod Society’s 2025 year at Jetty Memorial Theatre to a close.
The Coffs Harbour District Eisteddfod has long been a cornerstone of cultural development in the region, offering a platform for young performers to showcase their talents, receive valuable feedback, and grow their confidence on stage.
q The Easter display installation.
Trish Rae told NOTA.
q Nambucca Valley Orchid Society’s Rhonda Smith and Moya Tucker at last year's District Show at Woolgoolga. Photo: supplied.
q Coffs Harbour District Eisteddfod dance students.
q The 2025 Coffs Harbour District Eisteddfod executives Louise Ray (Vice President and Instrumental Coordinator), Sandra Goodby (Treasurer), Debbie Waters (President) and Anne Chittick (Secretary).
‘Pretty’ Biggest Morning Tea
By Andrea FERRARI
CANCER Council’s Biggest
Morning Tea in Nana Glen on Sunday 25 May, will be a collaboration between Petal N Vine flower farm, Idle In Café, and Glenreagh Bakery.
The event is being hosted by Jodi and David, the owners of Petal N Vine.
Australia's Biggest
Morning Tea (BMT) is a community event that raises funds to make a positive difference for those impacted by cancer.
“We have all been touched by or know someone who has been affected by cancer and we’re proud to have decided that Australia's Biggest Morning Tea will be our first event since purchasing the
previously, much-loved, Two Tails winery in Nana Glen,” Jodi told News Of The Area.
The couple and their Bordoodle pup, Popcorn, are keen to welcome the community to their homestead by running creative joyful events with a connection to nature, art and flowers.
“At our BMT we will be
having freshly baked scones, generously made by the Idle In Café, pastries by the Glenreagh Bakery and barista made coffee and drinks, flower sandwiches, and more.”
There will also be a raffle and prizes.
The BMT allows hosts to choose their own colour theme, and Jodi has chosen
‘Rogaining’ arrives on the Coffs Coast
MORE than 200 competitors navigated to checkpoints deep within Lower Bucca State Forest as part of Coffs Harbour’s first “Rogaining” event.
Rogaining is a longdistance orienteering sport that involves navigating between checkpoints, marked by a flag, within a time limit.
The goal is to score the highest by visiting the most checkpoints.
This Rogaining event featured a six or 12 hour event with 47 controls on offer to find.
Over 80 teams travelled from Sydney and Brisbane to compete.
In the six hour event, Andrew and Nicole Haigh collected 1,590 points - just
over half of all possible points - to win the overall division.
John Bulman and Chris Frain finished second with 1,200 points and Chris Stevenson and John Clancy collected 1,110 to come third overall.
In the 12 hour event, it was a battle between states with Glenn Wilkinson and Dave Schloss from Queensland collecting 2,610 to win ahead of Ivan Koudashev and Tristan White from NSW with 2,600.
With only 10 points separating the top two teams, this is the equivalent of two minutes over a 12 hour event.
Melissa Robertson and Andrew Brown were third overall with 2,390 points.
Competitors had to battle
heavy rain, swollen creeks and many leeches to find the checkpoints.
“The event was a huge success, with an excellent turnout and praise about the course setting,” said event coorganiser Keelan Birch.
“Every control out there was difficult to find.
“The heavy rain for 10 hours out of the 12 hours of the event posed a real challenge.
“The creeks rose significantly and the leeches came out in force.
“Despite that, everyone reported to have a good time and were grateful for the catering put on by Coffs Harbour Scouts afterwards.”
The event was also the first interstate challenge between NSW and Queensland rogaining communities.
a palette of pretty hues, “all nodding to the flowers, which is our project and dreams for the future.”
The food will look pretty, there will be uplifting background music and, “maybe even some bubbles floating around to add a bit of whimsy to complement our new five-metre-long floral wall mural located in the events building (the former
Two Tails restaurant).
Everyone who attends the fundraiser will be given a potted plant and a little packet of seeds which Jodi and David hope will encourage them to grow their own flowers, and encourage pollinators to visit their gardens.
For more about the fundraiser go to events. humanitix.com/biggestmorning-tea-at-nan-glen.
Melissa Robertson finding
NSW emerged victorious scoring a total of 41.5 points to Queensland's 28.5 points.
The organiser extended
their thanks to all the volunteers who helped bring the event together.
Results from the event,
and future upcoming events,
can be found on the NSW Rogaining website.
q Competitor
checkpoints within Lower Bucca State Forest.
q Petal N Vine’s Biggest Morning Tea event venue.
q ‘Pretty’ food will be served at the Biggest Morning Tea.
q Jodi and David in the event room with the floral mural.
Surge in demand for handmade
By Andrea FERRARI
THE biggest dedicated handmade market on the Mid North Coast is about to celebrate 14 years of operation, with its Mother’s Day market on Sunday 4 May.
The “Made with Love” market started with just 27 stallholders back in 2011 and is held quarterly.
Over that time, there’s been over 40 markets, hundreds of stallholders, tens of thousands of customers and it has generated millions of dollars in revenue.
Organiser and cofounder Alison Paul, says over the past 14 years, she’s witnessed a surge in interest for handmade goods, with a combination of factors contributing to the popularity of the handmade movement.
“COVID brought out a lot of creativity and craftiness in people, so there’s a whole wave of new stallholders continually coming through,” Ms Paul told News Of The Area.
“It never ceases to amaze me just how much talent and creativity there is in our area.”
Handmade is also viewed as environmentally friendly and part of the “slow fashion” movement, with many stallholders using upcycling techniques in their work.
Ms Paul believes the struggle to make ends meet is inspiring people to get creative and make things to sell.
“It’s a boost that many need to help with the cost of living, or paying for dance lessons, a family holiday or car rego.
“And it helps that locals love and continually show their support.”
Fledgling businesses have also used the event to test the market and to springboard them into fulltime operations, either online and shopfront.
“Brooke George now has two gorgeous shops in Sawtell and Woolgoolga, and B and L Creations just opened in South Grafton.
“There are heaps of amazing handmade stockists across the coast.
“Kaleidoscope in Coffs Harbour and Port Macquarie are dedicated to all things handmade.”
The Made with Love Market is in the Exhibition Hall at Coffs Harbour Showground.
Come along and enjoy a scone & a cuppa!
Lots of delicious cakes & slices, preserves & jams, plants & books, and handsewn & knitted items.
Raffles
Lots of great bargain presents for kids to buy for mum! Enjoy the atmosphere with two young buskers and their guitars to serenade us all!
Coffs Woodies will be selling their wooden items
PH:
By Manny WOOD
Deathbed promise and bank withdrawals
SCOTT, battling cancer, has a prognosis of just 12 months to live.
Scott calls his sister, Mary, and asks her to come and live with him as his full-time carer. He tells her that if she does so, he will give her half of his estate when he passes-away.
Mary tells Scott that she will need time to consider his proposal.
Scott considers it unlikely that Mary will accept his offer and changes his will, gifting the whole of his estate to charity.
In the meantime, Mary makes plans to relocate to Scott’s home and ultimately accepts his proposal.
Mary resides with Scott and cares for him during the final stages of his life, before he passes-away one year later.
Mary withdraws $100,000 from Scott’s bank account just days before his death.
When Mary discovers that Scott never updated his will to reflect their agreement, she is understandably concerned.
Mary seeks legal advice and soon commences action against Scott’s executor, to enforce her agreement with Scott.
The executor says that the verbal arrangement, if any such agreement were reached, is not enforceable and seeks the return of the $100,000.
Mary files affidavits from her brother and her husband evidencing the alleged promise and states that the $100,000 was authorised by Scott.
On the balance of the evidence before the Court, it ultimately finds that the promise was made and that it constituted an agreement.
Despite the agreement being solely verbal and between family members, the Court rules that there was an “intention to create legal relations” and that the deceased was in breach of a valid “testamentary contract”.
The Court also rules that the $100,000 withdrawal was authorised in a conversation between Scott and Mary and accordingly, the executor’s claim against Mary for the return of “monies had and received” is dismissed.
This case demonstrates that verbal arrangements can override the provisions of a duly executed will and highlights the importance of disclosing any such arrangements to your solicitor when estate planning.
This fictional column is not legal advice.
Vote however you wish but let the playing field be fair
DEAR News Of The Area,
A letter to NOTA dated 25 April requires a response.
Perhaps Dave Williamson, in hindsight, a tax on a cow farting would have been better than a tax on innocent citizens by way of a thing called Robodebt.
The remainder of Dave's assertions appear to be groundless, ideological annotations as opposed to rational commentary.
Dave’s statement that "many have had a gutful" is correct, hence the growing support for "independents”.
His derisive commentary on Climate 200 and Simon Holmes à Court in particular, give cause for me to challenge readers to watch Holmes à Court at the National Press Club on ABC iView as previous contributors have also recommended.
His address is enlightening and his interaction with the press gallery articulate.
Shane Grant makes similar misguided commentary as to funding for Caz Heise.
Her funding details are readily accessible and offer clear insight as opposed to your misguided speculation.
Further, how can any candidate make a rationed and valued decision as to who they would align themselves with until they know the final makeup of Parliament (even the Nationals and Liberals wait until after the election to negotiate their cozy inter-party agreement, details of which are kept secret). Why single Caz Heise out?
Leave her to act as a true Independent, able and willing to vote according to her community's wishes after reading legislation, not as directed by a party system.
Caz Heise and Simon Holmes à Court readily offer explanations of their funding unlike the major parties and organisations such as the Cormack Foundation.
Dutton and Albanese's recent marriage of convenience to pass a contemptuous electoral reform bill aimed at disadvantaging independents should be condemned.
Vote however you wish but let the playing field be fair.
Regards, Bob CAMERON, Coffs Harbour.
Orange is the new
Teal
DEAR News Of The Area,
THE cost-of-living crisis is the main issue at this election.
The higher cost of energy in particular is driving up household bills and also leading to higher production costs for businesses and driving up the cost of household groceries and goods.
Families are struggling to pay the bills.
Labor, supported by the Greens and Teals have driven Australia towards an over ambitious and mismanaged race to renewables, which is driving up our energy costs.
The hypocrisy of it being okay to mine and export coal and gas to the rest of the world to consume instead of Australians, and this is saving the world environment is
laughable.
We are now running the risk of running out of gas on the east coast and having to re-import some of the gas that we exported at a higher cost, increasing our energy costs further!
The rising cost of energy presents an image problem for the Climate 200-backed Teal “independents”.
I see their solution is to replace the teal colour in their political ads with orange!
They say a leopard never changes its spots, but politicians are willing to change anything to win a few extra votes, even their founding colours.
It seems orange is the new "Teal".
Regards, Paul DOYLE, Korora.
DEAR Jasminda,
YET again I have destroyed my healthy eating plan over Easter.
The couple of kilos I lost following my New Year's resolution are back on the scales.
It all feels like a waste of time trying to get fit and healthy.
Do I just give in and give up?
Dear
Tina,
WE have a booking system at the gym I attend, and when I tried to book a class on Good Friday for the day after Easter, it was fully booked.
Two days later, on Easter Sunday, five spots became available.
I have a theory on this.
On Good Friday, people were feeling optimistic.
They'd had fish for dinner and Easter gifts were wrapped in cellophane or on the top shelf of the pantry.
Temptation hadn't yet eased its way into the equation and a gym session complemented by healthy eating from each of the food groups seemed achievable.
This all changed by about 7am on Easter Sunday.
I imagine my fellow gym goers experienced something very similar to what happened in our household.
It started with the obligatory Easter Egg hunt, which was on for young and old.
The nostalgia of collecting and gorging on Easter eggs was not so much a choice as an expectation.
Who wants to mess with tradition? Not this bunny.
Half an hour later, dough was being kneaded to make dozens of Easter buns.
It's a lengthy but rewarding process, and the reward is to eat them, in multiples, in all their sticky, oozing goodness.
It would be rude not to.
By evening, with no hope of restoring the protein-carb-fat ratio to anything resembling normality, and the fitness app showing a four-digit calorie surplus, something ticked over and a decision was made to continue eating chocolate because the quicker you eat it, the sooner it's out of the house.
This sugar-fuelled mentality continued until there were only a few small eggs remaining.
This brings us back to the gym class booking app.
By 9pm, the phone started pinging with newly available spots, which one could only assume was fellow gymgoers cancelling because they had lost every ounce of enthusiasm and had instead donned trackies with a forgiving waistband and settled back on the lounge to watch a movie.
There is a point to this story, and that is that those gym spots were quickly taken up and I reckon they were taken up by people willing to squeeze into too-tight tights so they could get back on the health wagon. It's not the falling off that's important, it's the getting back on.
Trying to get fit and healthy is never a waste of time.
Jump back into your healthy eating plan and maybe jump off the scales for a while.
Carpe diem, Jasminda.
Tina P.
Vote according to your values
DEAR News Of The Area,
ON Sunday, Peter Dutton asked his supporters to stay true to their values.
This begs the question: ‘What are the coalition’s values?’
What does the coalition actually stand for?
Values are ideals or beliefs that someone holds and uses to decide what
they think is acceptable or unacceptable.
Whatever the coalition’s values are now, they’re not what they used to be.
John Howard, often lauded as a Liberal Party hero (conveniently bypassing Abbott, Turnbull and Morrison), once took the principled stand of telling coalition supporters to put One Nation last on their ballot paper.
Now, Pat Conaghan has the One
Nation candidate number 2 on his how to vote card while Kevin Hogan and Peter Dutton both have the One Nation candidate at number 3.
Why have the guiding principles of the coalition changed so much in the intervening years?
Given that people tend to adopt the values they are raised with, I struggle to understand how the values of coalition
supporters can have changed to now align with One Nation.
What is the point of winning at all costs if the outcome doesn’t align with your values?
As Mr Dutton says, voters should stay true to their values and cast their vote accordingly.
Regards, Stephen OTTAWAY Red Rock.
Undue alarmism over hung parliaments
DEAR News Of The Area,
PAUL McKeon’s letter (18 April) raising concerns about a hung parliament in a dangerous international environment is unduly alarmist.
He claims that it would be impossible for a minority government to act “firmly and quickly” because it would have to get the agreement of minor parties and independents. This is simply not the case.
The Government, whether it has a majority in the House of Representatives or not, has executive power under the Constitution.
The Prime Minister and Cabinet Ministers make decisions and take action on a huge range of things without needing to go to the Parliament.
This applies not only to everyday matters (e.g. actioning policies and directing the work of government departments) but to
major defence and national security matters.
John Howard did not need to seek parliamentary approval to send Australian troops to war with Iraq.
Scott Morrison sprang the AUKUS deal on the country without consulting anyone much, certainly not the Parliament.
Indeed, the Parliament has never even had a debate about AUKUS.
Unless a particular Government action requires new legislation or the amendment
Sneaky campaign tactics
DEAR News Of The Area,
TODAY I received in my letterbox a card in Caz Heise colours that was really a National Party ad.
This was after receiving unsolicited NP texts to my private mobile number asking for my vote and for donations.
I spoke to Mr Conaghan about this at the
Australia
DEAR News Of The Area,
Jetty Markets.
He told me it was wrong for the National Party to send the texts but he couldn’t do anything about it as it came from head office!
That’s what can happen if you are controlled by the party machine.
Why does a supposedly upright organisation need to be so sneaky?
Why at the council elections couldn’t
they label their candidate as National Party?
The obvious answer is they feared that the majority of the electorate (it turned out 70 percent) didn’t want their foreshore project and wouldn’t vote for them.
More sneakiness!
I haven’t heard of Pat Conaghan supporting his constituents by opposing the foreshores project.
at the crossroads
THIS coming federal election is the most important for all Australians present and future, with our debt poised to break $1.2 trillion, and the budget to remain in deficit for the next 40 years.
This will be like having a visa card, maxed out, being unable to purchase anything, as we only pay the interest payment every month.
Australia is in the middle of a major cost of living crisis, with some of the highest
power costs in the world, high interest rates, high wages and new industrial relations that have destroyed productivity.
Increasing construction costs, massive bankruptcies in builders and small businesses, and the closing down of Australia’s manufacturing base are other issues.
We can return the incumbent Federal Labor, whose out of control spending and broken promises are leading us down the same path as state Labor in Victoria.
Labor promised to unite the country, but
has overseen the greatest division of our country, eg the voice, growing antisemitism.
It promised the most transparent government ever (Oh, yes!) but has shown no regard for us “doing it tough”, while giving themselves three pay rises.
We can vote for the Greens, who have forgotten their agenda of forest and environment and are more intent on international affairs and division.
And then we have the independent, who runs on a platform of integrity and transparency.
Plenty of policies, not ‘platitudes’
DEAR News Of The Area,
YOUR recent correspondent Garry Connelly bemoaned what he perceived as platitudes by ‘many minor contenders’ vying for the seat of Cowper.
Interestingly the only ‘minor contender’ he named in this regard was the community independent candidate Caz Heise.
Mr Connelly considers it feasible that candidates set out their position on a range
of national issues such as immigration, defence, industrial relations, cost of living, taxation, welfare, energy and national security.
He wants to know where Ms Heise stands on these issues.
A quick look at Ms Heise’s website provides a wealth of information about her priorities if she is elected to represent Cowper communities.
It sets out her position and provides
detailed policy papers on several national issues Mr Connelly raised.
Her position on each issue is informed by her own in-depth experience as a health professional who has lived in the Cowper electorate for 30 years and by conversations she and many of her community volunteers have had with thousands of Cowper residents at street and market stalls; by knocking on residents’ doors; by arranging and attending community forums.
A few inconvenient facts
DEAR News Of The Area,
WHILE I strongly believe that Australia and the world need to act sensibly on climate change, the disappointing reality is that most of the big polluters don’t appear serious about it.
India has given 2070 as its target for reaching net zero.
China has said 2060, while President Trump has recently signed an executive order withdrawing America from the Paris
Agreement.
Together these three countries are responsible for 50 percent of the world’s greenhouse gases.
So while the Greens and most of the independent candidates are promising stronger action to reduce the one percent of greenhouse gases that Australia is currently responsible for, we should be aware that this will not solve the world’s climate change threat.
Please also consider a few facts about
electricity generation
Currently there are 30 countries in the world using a
total of over 400 nuclear reactors to generate electricity. Some politicians say that nuclear power is impractical and too expensive for Australia to consider.
Are we really that backward?
Currently there are probably four countries (Australia, Norway, Uruguay and Portugal) trying to build an electricity grid depending very largely on solar and wind power.
Most countries with high levels of reusables have plenty of hydro generation.
of current legislation it does not need to involve the Parliament.
The effect of a hung Parliament is that the Government has to consult more widely with other parties and independents to get laws passed.
How refreshing – bring it on!
Regards Barbara GUTHRIE, Bellingen.
Have you?
The National Party ad says ‘think local vote national’.
Is it thinking local to ignore the wishes of a big majority of locals?
The National Party has held our electorate for too long and treats us like fools.
A change is needed!
Regards, Doug POWELL, Coffs Harbour.
She says “I’m here for you”, not corporate donors, however she also accepts massive donations from donors with obscure funding, that live outside our electorate, but apparently want nothing in return.
Sounds too good to be true doesn’t it!
Lastly, the LNP, who have served Australia and this area very well for many years.
As they say: ”If it ain’t broke”.
We have choices to make, and those choices will decide our path to the future.
Please think very wisely before you vote!
Regards, Robert ORCHARD, Sawtell.
She has learned what residents’ main concerns are, both local and national, and what they expect from their federal member. Ms Heise’s website also has some very interesting podcasts of her conversations about politics and national issues with Senator David Pocock, John Hewson and others.
I suggest Mr Connelly go beyond the socalled platitudes and Google the website.
If you don’t know, it's easy to find out!
Cheers, Maureen KINGSHOTT, Bellingen.
We don’t have much.
By 2034 , nine years from now, Labor plans to close down 90 percent of coal fired power stations (good idea).
We are told that storage batteries will back up the renewables.
Unfortunately the largest battery installations available today, couldn’t keep Newcastle operating for more than an hour.
This energy debate would be laughable, if it wasn’t so serious for Australia’s future.
Regards, Patrick WALTERS, Coffs Harbour.
Dorrigo dream
SITUATED on a 781.5m2 block, 11 Hickory Street, Dorrigo enjoys an elevated position with views over the neighbouring farmland that will never be built out and offers an easy flat walk to schools and the centre of town.
The three bedroom, one bathroom home is largely constructed from local hardwoods and benefits from a sizable kitchen with double height ceiling featuring gas and electric cooktops.
The dining and living areas provide access to the wrap around verandah and covered entertaining area that has recently had a new roof added.
Three generous sized bedrooms, one with independent access, plus a large loft space able to be used as an additional fourth bedroom, office or living area with its own private verandah, provide flexibility for the new owners to make the home their own.
The large windows and outdoor areas make the most of the temperate Dorrigo climate allowing you to experience the four seasons while remaining not too hot in summer nor too cold in winter. Enjoy dinner on the verandah in summer watching the sunset or the warm glow of a winter afternoon with the combustion heater in the living room.
The home also features a heat pump and solar hot water plus 10 kilowatt solar system feeding back into the grid.
The bathroom benefits
kitchen overlooks the level rear yard. Polished timber floors throughout the home are a feature with the single garage having additional storage. Just a great location in central Sawtell to build your dream home or a project home to renovate. Total land size 534m2.
from both a shower and bath with the added convenience of a separate toilet. A large lockable garage and workshop, with plumbing in place, plus additional lockable storage room and covered carport can be found on the lower level adding to the functionality of the home.
The terraced front yard features a variety of fruit trees plus a large liquid amber providing shade in the summer but allowing filtered light through to the living room in winter. Town sewer and water, mains power and rubbish collection are provided and the current owner has completed extensive work constructing new retaining walls.
& the living areas are open plan. The garages have internal access with each townhouse having their own yard. The schools and shopping centers are close by with Sawtell’s café strip & beaches being approximately 5 minutes away by car. All townhouses are currently leased with all tenant’s keen to stay!
COFFS COAST News Of The Area
The large front yard plus council zoning also provide the ability to build a secondary dwelling or granny flat subject to council approval for additional income or a family member. With the current owner being committed to an interstate move, contact Birt’s Property today for further details or any enquiries.
Open homes are Thursdays 4-4.30pm and Saturdays 10-10.30am or by appointment with the auction on Saturday 24 May at 11am on-site.
PROPERTYWEEK
private rear villa/unit is just a walk across the street to the Beach Reserve. It is a compact two bedroom home with air conditioner, open plan living, french doors from the bedrooms to the rear covered awning and yard. There is a carport, garden shed, vegie patch, avocado & mango tree. Situated on the northern corner of the complex for those sunning days. An affordable option for the Sawtell lifestyle. Currently tenant at $400.0 P/W.
WET weather footy is always a tough proposition, especially in your first game of the season.
But the Sawtell/Toormina Saints passed the test with flying colours.
The Saints got their season off to a winning start by beating the Coffs Harbour Breakers in a hard-fought wet weather contest at Richardson Park.
The Saints prevailed 7.7 (49) to 4.9 (33) in their first game of the AFL North Coast season.
The Breakers had the better running in the opening term, kicking a goal within the first few minutes.
The wet weather conditions and the
enthusiasm of both sides’ first game of the season made it a bruising contest throughout, as both sides tried to adapt to the tougher conditions.
A Jai Langenberg goal just before quarter time gave his side a five-point lead at the first break.
The tide started to turn from the start of the second quarter, as the Saints' contested work was rewarded with repeat forward 50 entries and a 29-16 half-time lead, with the game played predominantly in the Saints forward half.
The Saints continued their momentum and hard attack on the footy in the third, as they increased their lead to 25 points heading into the final quarter, which proved to be insurmountable in the
context of the conditions.
Saints player Jai Langenberg was awarded the Anzac medal for the best player on the ground.
Saints player/coach Brandt Lee said his team adapted well to the wet weather conditions.
“We had been talking in the last couple of weeks about playing in the wet, and our normal game plan went out the window as you try not to be as daring with the run and carry and just win contest after contest,” he said.
“The first quarter we tried to be a bit too-well drilled, and we reset at quarter time and just tried to win the hard footy and contest after contest, and not overuse it.
“I think we performed well in the wet with our
contested work, and adapted quite well.”
The Saints coach praised his side’s performance as one unit.
“I wrote on the whiteboard ‘22 brothers, whatever it takes’, and our supporters told us after the game they were pretty impressed with the mindset of the players,” he said.
AFL North Coast season resumes
By Aiden BURGESS
AFTER a week off due to Easter, the AFL North Coast season resumed with Round 2 matches in Sawtell.
The Sawtell Toormina/ Saints and Coffs Harbour Breakers women shared the points in a 2.9 (21) to 3.3 (21) draw in their grand final rematch at Richardson Park.
The Saints reserves opened their season with a 11.4 (70) to 7.5 (47) win against the defending premiers, the Coffs Harbour Breakers.
The Saints Under 18s recorded their first win of the season, beating the Breakers 7.7 (49) to 5.2 (32) at Richardson Park.
The senior match between the Port Macquarie Magpies and Macleay Valley
Sawtell to host World Croquet Day
By Andrew VIVIAN
THE 2025 Coffs Coast Croquet Pennants season wrapped up with a triumphant double win for Sawtell Croquet Club, taking out both Division Two and Division Three titles.
Relentless wet weather throughout the season saw matches postponed, rescheduled, and relocated, making it one of the most disrupted pennant seasons in recent memory.
Despite the setbacks, clubs across the region demonstrated flexibility and commitment to keep the competition on track.
Sawtell Pennants
Captain Gaylene Humphries said, “It was a season to be remembered, not only for the challenges it presented, but for the extraordinary
resilience, sportsmanship, and community spirit that defined it from beginning to end.”
In Division Two, Sawtell secured a commanding win, while Division Three was a tighter contest, coming down to an exciting series of matches between Sawtell and Coutts Crossing.
A countback ultimately saw Sawtell claim the title, with Woolgoolga earning third place.
With the wins under their belts, Sawtell Croquet Club invites the public to celebrate World Croquet Day with them on Saturday, 3 May.
The Club was established in 1948 and has grown into a vibrant organisation with about 100 members.
It welcomes players of all ages and skill levels.
The courts are in use six days a week and offer both social and competitive play.
Members range from first-timers to “hoophardened” veterans who play several codes of croquet, including Golf, Ricochet, and Association.
The Club stresses that no experience is needed, just curiosity and, maybe, a competitive streak.
Although croquet may look like a gentle game from a Jane Austen novel that has been around since the 1850s, members say it delivers a surprising mental workout.
Croquet requires hand-eye coordination, unpredictable bounces, and the intellectual challenge of plotting three moves ahead as your plans are ruined by one well-placed whack from an opponent.
“We just had to keep communicating and just keep playing together as 22 players as one, and I think that was the most impressive part of our win.”
Eagles in Port Macquarie was postponed due to the wet weather.
The AFL North Coast season continues this weekend with Round 3 matches in Coffs Harbour, Nambucca Heads, and Sawtell.
Sawtell/Toormina Saints seniors play host to defending premiers the Port Macquarie Magpies at Richardson Park, as they look to make it two wins in a row to start the season.
Coffs Harbour Breakers seniors play their first game at home for the season, as they welcome the Grafton Tigers to Fitzroy Oval.
Both sides are looking for their first win of the season.
Sawtell/Toormina Saints women host the Port Macquarie Magpies at Richardson Park.
The Saints now prepare to face defending premiers the Port Macquarie Magpies on Saturday afternoon at Richardson Park.
They last met in the opening round, with the Saints winning by 102 points. The Saints Under 18s will look to avenge their opening round loss to the Magpies when they take them on again this weekend.
Saints reserves host the Magpies, Breakers host the Tigers, and Nambucca Valley Lions host the Northern Beaches Blues.
q Sawtell/Toormina Saints’ Tully Jarvis and Coffs Harbour Breakers’ Khaila Chalker contest a centre bounce. Photo: AFL North Coast.
q Hayden Cekanauskas gets a handball away in the wet conditions. Photo: AFL North Coast.
World Croquet Day begins with a BBQ at noon, followed by a relaxed introduction to the basic
rules, strokes, the chance to play a simple game and meeting new people. The Club is located in
the grounds of the Sawtell Caravan Park.
q Members celebrate their pennant wins. Photo: Lyn Hastings.
Rugby resumes after wet weekend
By Aiden BURGESS
AFTER last week’s round was washed out, the fourth round of the Mid North Coast Rugby Union’s Northern Division season is set to be decided this weekend.
Early season ladder leaders the Coffs Harbour Snappers will look to make it three wins in a row when they play host to the Grafton Redmen at Coffs Rugby Park.
SCU Marlins travel to take on the Kempsey Cannonballs, as they look to make it successive wins.
Hastings Valley Vikings host the Port Macquarie Pirates in their local derby.
Coffs Harbour Snappers reserves will look to make it three wins in a row to start the season when they host the Grafton Redmen.
The Snappers women will try to make it two wins in a
Panthers’ comeback win
By Aiden BURGESS
SAWTELL Panthers have started their season in memorable style with a spirited comeback win against the Grafton Ghosts at Rex Hardaker Oval.
Down 22-6 shortly after half-time, a dominant second half saw the Panthers prevail 30-26 to open their Group 2 Rugby League season.
The Ghosts ambushed the home side early with Jake Vickery crossing the line after six minutes, and Lewis Cooper making it 12-0 after 15 minutes.
Facing an early deficit, the Panthers lifted, making big metres and muscling up in defence as they started to gain the ascendancy.
But a Jake Martin try
against the run of play took the lead to 16-0.
The Panthers responded with a much needed try a few minutes later, with captain Sam Johnstone barging over to cut the lead to 16-6.
Sawtell were all over the Ghosts late in the half, with the half-time break giving the visitors a reprieve as they took a 16-6 lead to the sheds.
It was a perfect start to the second half for the Ghosts, with Callum Martin crossing in the opening minute to take the lead to 22-6.
The Panthers hit straight back courtesy of Robert Brilley busting over in the 46th minute.
A quick downpour brought the wet weather factor into account, as the Panthers worked their way
back into the match creating a number of scoring chances.
Trailing for most of the game seemed to galvanise the Panthers, as they dominated the contest for much of the second half with an outstanding attack and suffocating defence.
Their dominance of the territory battle paid off, with Luke Hetherington barging over to cut the lead to 22-18 with 20 minutes remaining.
The Panthers continued their dominance, and were rewarded again with Jake Thornton scoring in the corner, and Mikaere Beattie converting from the sideline to give the home side their first lead of the game, 24-22, with just 10 minutes to go.
A try out wide to Kalani Morris extended the lead to
30-22 with five minutes to go, before a late Ghosts try to Liam Bloomer set up a final few frantic moments, with the Panthers hanging on for the come-from-behind victory.
“We knew we had the ability to come back, and we spoke about it at halftime,” Panthers captain Sam Johnstone said.
“We knew that if we fixed up our defence we had the points in us, and we showed that at the back end of the half.
“We just spoke about completing our sets, and we backed our fitness to come over the top.
“Just having a bit of belief, and also in that second half I thought our defence showed [us] the side that we really want to be for the
row to start the season when they take on the Redmen.
SCU Marlins reserves and women’s sides will try to record their first wins of the season when they clash with the Kempsey Cannonballs in Kempsey.
First grade ladder. 1.Coffs Harbour Snappers. 2 wins. 0
“I think a big positive is we probably played to about 50 percent of our ability, so if we can build on that we
are going to be a pretty good side.”
The Panthers now travel to take on the Macksville Sea Eagles this weekend.
Group 2 Rugby League season kicks off
By Aiden BURGESS
RUGBY League has returned to the region for another year, with the Group 2 season getting underway last weekend.
Macksville Sea Eagles first grade side won their opening game, beating the Coffs Harbour Comets 24-18 at Geoff King Motors Oval.
Sawtell Panthers
reserves started their season in dominant fashion, crushing the Grafton Ghosts 62-0 at Rex Hardaker Oval.
Macksville Sea Eagles reserves began their season with a 30-12 win against the Coffs Harbour Comets, in their grand final rematch at Geoff King Motors Oval.
Grafton Ghosts women had an 18-16 win against the defending premiers Sawtell
Panthers at Rex Hardaker Oval.
Grafton Ghosts Under 18s got their season off to a winning start beating the Sawtell Panthers 20-6.
Macksville Sea Eagles Under 18s had a 16-6 win against the Coffs Harbour Comets.
The opening round games between the South Grafton Rebels and Woolgoolga
Seahorses were deferred due to the wet weather.
The Group 2 Rugby League season continues this weekend with Round 2 matches in Grafton, Macksville, and Woolgoolga.
Woolgoolga Seahorses play host to the Coffs Harbour Comets in their first local derby of the season on Saturday afternoon.
Sawtell Panthers travel
to take on the Macksville Sea Eagles, as both sides look to start their season with two straight wins.
And the Nambucca Roosters begin their premiership defence in Grafton against the Grafton Ghosts.
NRL bunker, review committee split on dangerous tackles
By Scott BAILEY, AAP
THE NRL's bunker and match review committee have disagreed on more than a third of dangerous-tackle calls this season, with alarming data showing the great disconnect.
The league's foul-play
crackdown reached its zenith at the weekend, with a record 18 players sin-binned and mass confusion from coaches and former players.
But perhaps the more concerning element for the NRL is the clear split between on-field punishments and the
judiciary system.
In recent years, a sin bin has traditionally equated to a grade-two charge from the match review committee and at least a one-game ban.
Trends from recent weeks appear to show the NRL has lowered the marker for a
q
sin bin, with NRL officials believed to be happy with fines in some instances.
Even so, an analysis of the opening eight rounds of this season show 31 players have been sin-binned for dangerous acts.
Of those, 17 have received suspensions and 12 have been fined.
On two occasions, the match review committee cleared them altogether.
In contrast, the match review committee has handed out 13 suspensions to players who were not sin-binned on field.
It means that of the 44 players sin-binned or suspended this season, the bunker and match review committee's stances have significantly differed on 15 of them.
Sin bin numbers do not include players ordered off the field for professional
fouls, repeated infringements, fights, slaps or trips.
The issue was best highlighted in Canterbury's loss to Brisbane on Thursday night, where Broncos winger Deine Mariner was sin-binned for a high tackle on Viliame Kikau.
In the same game, Bulldogs pair Matt Burton and Sitili Tupouniua both avoided being penalised for contact with the head earlier in the second half.
By the next morning, the match review committee deemed Mariner's offence not worthy of even a fine and he escaped any charge.
Burton and Tupouniua's offences were ruled far more serious, handed grade-two charges, with the pair each facing bans.
The issue comes as several coaches questioned the NRL's crackdown over the weekend.
Manly coach Anthony Seibold pushed for the NRL to review its approach, while Penrith counterpart Ivan Cleary accused referees of
Cameron Ciraldo admitted the stoppages in the Bulldogs' match made it hard to watch, while Adam O'Brien questioned if rules designed to make the game faster were at fault.
Des Hasler again claimed sin bins were "spoiling" games, while Immortal Andrew Johns labelled the situation as "farcical", "embarrassing" and "beyond a joke".
"The breakdown of this sending players to the bin is absolutely farcical," Johns said on Nine's Sunday Footy Show.
"It's gone beyond a joke. It is embarrassing.
"The over-analysis and the overreach of the bunker in play... the bunker should be used only for try-scoring opportunities unless it's a send-off.
"If it's an out-and-out send-off and they miss it, then fair enough, come in and send the player off.
"Going back eight plays in a set of six where the referee doesn't see it, the touch judges don't see it, the players don't see it... to send someone to the bin is absolutely farcical."
A record 18 players were sin-binned in round eight of the NRL. Photo: NRL PHOTOS.
q Sawtell Panthers captain Sam Johnstone leads his side out onto the field.
Masters pack a punch in the pool
By Andrea FERRARI
COFFS Harbour Masters
Swimming Club members gave standout performances at recent national titles in Melbourne.
The Coffs Masters were among 730 swimmers representing all regions of Australia, aged from 18 to 98 years, across the five-day schedule of events.
Leanne Da Costa led the charge with a huge schedule over the five days of competition.
Leanne competed in eleven events in the 65-69 years category and came away with three bronze medals for the 100m and 200m butterfly, along with the 400m individual medley.
“Leanne is off to the World Championships in Singapore later this year and is hitting top form to make the Coffs Coast proud on the international stage,” Coffs
Masters spokesperson Paul Edwards told News Of The Area.
Michael Stubbs competed in the 60-64 years age group and delivered outstanding swims throughout the competition, claiming a silver in the 100m backstroke and bronze in the 200m freestyle.
He narrowly missed the podium in the 50m and 200m backstroke events.
“Michael’s strong results highlight his versatility and strength across multiple distances and strokes.”
Anthea Barnfield competed in the 65-69 age group, placing fourth in the 100m breaststroke and fifth in the 50m breaststroke.
“[This] was an amazing effort considering she is continuing to rehab from a broken wrist that occurred in a basketball game late last year,” Paul said.
turning in personal best times in the 50m, 100m, 200m and 400m freestyle events.
Coffs Masters swimmers also competed in the recent Coffs Coast Ocean Swims, which highlighted how competitive masters athletes remain against much younger participants.
Jemma Werrell (30-39 years) was 14th overall in the 600m swim and 15th overall in the 2km.
Jodie Gordon (40-49 years) was 24th overall in the 600m swim out of 97 participants.
Jane Rudgley (50-59 years) came 80th out of 177 participants in the 2km race.
For the men, Richie Goddard and Michael Morton (30-39 years) came this and sixth respectively in the 600m.
with Dave Johnson (40-49 years) achieving 25th out of 85 participants.
Edwards (50-59 years) placed 12th out of the 164 participants.
In the 2km race, Richie and Michael backed up with Richie coming fifth overall and Michael a close seventh.
By David WIGLEY
A TEENAGE debutant soared and two determined heavyweights split the points, as Boambee and Coffs City United played out a thunderous 1-1 draw under the lights last week at Forsyth Park.
The Eagles were dealt a brutal blow just 13 minutes in, as they were reduced to 10 players on a drenched, slippery pitch that turned every touch into a test.
But if Boambee looked down and out, nobody told Kylie McDonald.
The evergreen goalmachine did what she does best; make something from
Michelle Stubbs represented the club proudly, nothing.
A race sponsor and local swimming coach, Daniel Bannerman (40-49 years) came 12th in the 600m swim,
Participating in his first ocean swim event, Paul
“Swimming has always been an important part of Australian sporting culture, and Masters swimmers are committed to promoting the importance of swimming.
Young Eagle soars in fiery derby
With the rain tumbling and Coffs on the front foot, McDonald coolly cushioned a slick through ball, took one glance, and rifled home a low strike into the far corner.
One-nil. Against the run of play. Against the odds.
But the Lionesses weren’t ready to lie down.
Just after the hour, Ally Gadd turned the game on its head with a moment of individual brilliance.
Pouncing on a loose pass, Gadd drove half the length of the park with a defender on her heels, before burying the equaliser past a stranded stand-in goalkeeper.
Cue pandemonium on
McLean Street.
What followed was 30 breathless minutes of endto-end football, both sides throwing punches, both goalkeepers standing tall in the chaos.
Neither could land the winner, but neither left Forsyth Park disappointed.
Among the drama, one young star quietly etched her name into club folklore.
Fifteen-year-old Olivia Purnell made her senior Women’s Premier League debut for Boambee - a milestone not lost on club president Aaron Banks.
“Boambee Football Club are incredibly proud of Olivia,” he said.
“Hard work, natural talent, and a love for the game.”
Purnell, who joined Boambee in 2022, has swiftly risen through the ranks with grit and grace, now earning her spot at the region’s top level.
“Her commitment and consistency have made her an invaluable part of our club.
“We’ve had multiple juniors step up to Premier League this season, and Olivia’s journey is a perfect example of the pathway we’re building.
“At Boambee, we’re dedicated to providing our youth with real opportunities - the future is very bright.”
“Swimming provides a positive, healthy platform for a range of ages to mix and socialise with carnivals helping meet the need for competition, which doesn’t necessarily diminish as the years add up.”
q 15-year-old Olivia Purnell made her Women’s Premier League debut for
Lions and Storm share Anzac Cup spoils
By David WIGLEY
COFFS United and Northern Storm lit up a rainy Saturday night with a pulsating 1-1 draw in the Anzac Cup under the floodlights at Coffs Coast Synthetic.
The contest exploded
out of the blocks, with Lions striker Marty Kelleher almost handing his side the perfect start. After rounding the goalkeeper, Kelleher looked certain to scoreonly for Storm defender Ethan Andrews to pull off a heroic, last-gasp clearance
to deny a certain opener.
Both sides traded blows in a frenetic first half, but it was the Lions who finished the stronger - yet neither could find the back of the net before the break.
For much of the second half, it seemed a goalless
stalemate was inevitable.
That was until the 82nd minute when Chris Dooley conjured a moment of magic.
Pouncing on a wayward Storm free-kick, Coffs United surged forward in numbers.
Dooley collected a clever pass, glided past two defenders with a pair of cheeky feints, then rifled a shot into the bottom corner.
His acrobatic backward somersault celebration was every bit as stunning as the goal itself.
But just as the Lions looked set to claim the points, Storm’s teenage prodigy Matt Newbury had other ideas.
With five minutes remaining, Newbury coolly drilled a low shot into the corner to snatch a share of the spoils - sending the Storm faithful into raptures.
Coffs United coach
Connor Knight provided insights from the coach’s box.
“The boys set up really well and our defensive shape was solid for a majority of the game,” he said.
“The wet surface made it a bit difficult to play our game as well as we are capable of but we still managed to create a few great attacking opportunities that unfortunately we couldn’t convert.
“Storm were able to use their momentum well and had several periods of sustained pressure on the ball, though I think as a whole our shape was solid and we were able to move into the defensive transition fairly quickly.
“Unfortunately we weren’t able to maintain the late lead and conceded at the death for the draw,” Knight said.
Northern Storm coach Craig Caruana reflected on the hard fought match.
“[I was] very happy with our game play, especially in the second half where we were able to apply a lot of pressure without any reward and were unlucky with a goal that was ruled out for offside after some good lead up play,” he said.
“Was disappointed with some of our decision making in key moments.
“It cost us a goal in the first half when the goal was wide open and a simple pass would have seen a tap in from six yards; and again in the second half, after applying pressure for a good period of time failed to clean up a clearance and got punished on the counter attack.
“But after going down a goal we didn’t drop our heads and went straight back on the attack and got our reward.”
q Coffs Harbour Masters swimmers Michael Stubbs, Leanne Da Costa, Anthea Barnfield and Michelle Stubbs.
the Boambee Eagles.
q Chris Dooley scored the opening goal for Coffs United Lions.
Coffs Coast athletes excel nationally
By Aiden BURGESS
TWO Coffs Coast junior athletes have taken on the best the country has to offer.
Evie Hill and Thomas Joyce had impressive performances at the recent Australian Junior Athletics Championships in Perth.
Hill competed in the Under 16 heptathlon, while Joyce competed in the Under 14 200m and 400m events.
Hill finished ninth overall in just her second-ever heptathlon
She delivered a solid Day 1, and while she didn’t notch any personal bests in individual events, her performances in the 90m Hurdles (15.23s), High Jump (1.48m), and Shot Put (6.92m) were consistent.
She closed out the day with a strong 200m run
in 26.91s, earning a Day 1 personal best total of 2459 points.
Day 2 brought better weather and continued grit from Evie.
Despite a tricky take-off in Long Jump, she landed a respectable 4.72m, and then threw a personal best of 19.16m in Javelin and capped off the weekend with a gutsy 800m in 2:46.37.
Hill finished ninth overall with an equal personal best total of 3719 pointsa fantastic achievement at national level.
Thomas Joyce kicked off his championships with the 200m heats, clocking a strong 26.15s to place 6th in his heat and 19th overall.
Although just shy of a personal best, it was a great
first hit-out and a confidence booster.
On Monday, he returned for the 400m heats, where his experience showed.
Running with confidence and strength, Thomas shaved 0.4 seconds off his personal best, finishing in 58.26s and placing 13th overall - a wellearned reward for his efforts.
Coach Glenn Thacker praised their performances despite a difficult lead-up.
“Both athletes should be incredibly proud of their results, their preparation was far from ideal, with the final three weeks hampered by wet weather and closed tracks,” he said.
“Despite the disruptions, they adapted, persevered, and represented themselves and their club with pride.
“The need for an allweather athletics track in
Coffs is long overdue. Our athletes deserve better training conditions to match their talent and commitment.
“Both athletes showed resilience and determination, particularly in Saturday’s challenging conditions, where strong headwinds made competition tough.”
Gold for Georgia
By Andrea FERRARI
COFFS Coast skateboarder Georgia Winn offered up a stellar performance at the 2025 King of Concrete Bowl competition at Newcastle’s Bar Beach at the weekend, bringing home gold in the 12 and Under Girls division.
Young archers on target
Olympic
Compound, and Barebow disciplines. Among the talented athletes were local siblings
Kye and Maddy Lockyer, alongside Olivia Ross, who represented their community with skill and
Park Beach Men’s Bowling Club
By Todd BROWN
MIXED Triples Tuesday 22 April 2025
W Moore, R Oakley, D Walsh d R Aitken, J Long, B Johns 23 - 13
P Woodsell, P Toy d Clyde, G Stanford, R Lane 23 - 12
S Clouten, V Valentine, D Valentine d S Kindred, P Laurence, K Kaaden 25 - 9
D Lindner, C Jones, L Morris d G Williams, R
Beaumont, G Hinsley 18 - 14
M Cutts, J Murtas, I Trengrove d T Aarts, P North, P Rambow 21 - 13
J Alford, D Powell, R Alford d Stuart F, R Dooglas, M Miller 22 - 12
W Grimshaw, J Robinson, R Host d C McLeod, A Dorrington, D Hull 20 - 19
D Catling, R Wiseley, M Star d A Stone, C Hansch, M Flint 18 - 14
M Finn, D Wilson, B Nicko d S Ward, J Thorn, D Condon 25 - 18 T Brown, J Clark, S Jones
d S Crawford, B Kelly, P Lilly 26 - 17
Triples Thursday 24 April
2025
C Brian, G Stanford, J Phillips d P Hood, L Goodacre, B Walmsley 1910
G McInerney, B Parker, R Bennell d R Aitken, J Long, D Lindner 21 - 16
J Thorn, C Weatherall, D Valentine d S Bywater, M Miller, J Swan 21 - 17
G Williams, R Beaumont, G Hinsley d B Kelly, D Catlin, B Garner 23 - 9
Georgia combined speed and flow through the 11-foot-deep end with a range of grinds and airs, putting down two complete runs to cement the win.
“I’m super stoked to get the gold and so happy to get my lines at Bar Beach bowl,” Georgia said.
determination.
Kye continued his impressive streak, claiming three gold medals and one silver.
“[It was] an exceptional follow-up to his four-gold victory in 2024”, Sherwood Archery coach and sponsor Troy O’Doherty told News Of The Area.
Maddy encountered fierce competition in her new Under 18 compound division, making for an intense battle across all four events.
Meanwhile, Olivia Ross competed in the highly contested Under 16 women’s Olympic Recurve division, where numerous aspiring Olympians were vying for spots on Australian teams bound for
J Kindred, G Kindred, S Kindred d L Frail, C Hansen, M Flint 15 - 15
M Finn, R Lane, P Lilly d N Dean, R Host, J Bishop 18 - 16
D Burridge, M McCabe, K Kaaden d J McLeod, R Alford, P Newman 39 – 3
D Francis, S Crawford, I Trengrove d R Finch, W Moore, S Jones 17 – 16
GJ Meyer, S Clouten, D Condon d J Lowndes, D Hoffman, T Cooper 35 – 9
D Hull, A Dorrington, P Rambow d B Worboys, P Elliot, R Douglas 32 – 11
“I really love skating that bowl and it’s so great to have all the other girls from NSW and QLD there competing and having fun.”
The King of Concrete competition series is one of Australia’s biggest and attracts many of the best transition skateboarders
international tournaments such as the Trans-Tasman event and the World Youth Championships in Canada.
“Maddy and Olivia impressed with their sportsmanship and continued effort.”
The young archers are now focusing on field archery, with the upcoming South Queensland State Field Championships in Lismore on 17–18 May, followed by the NSW State Field event in Newcastle on 31 May - 1 June.
“This outdoor discipline requires precision across 24 targets set in a crosscountry environment, a bit like golf.”
July will bring the National and State Indoor Championships, with a
from across the East Coast. Sanctioned by the Australian Skateboarding Federation, and hosted by Renton Millar, King Of Concrete draws the best skaters from around the country to events in Street, Bowl, Vert, Park and Mini Ramp in age groups from age 9 and Under to Masters.
round hosted at the Coffs Harbour club.
This event will unite local youth competitors with experienced archers, including Penny, Troy, and Seton O’Doherty, who showcased their talents in Las Vegas in March at the world's largest indoor archery tournament. That event saw 5500 archers competing in the Paris and Horseshoe Casino grand ballrooms over four days.
Troy said, “With backto-back competitions lined up, Australia’s young archers are in for a thrilling and demanding season ahead, testing their skills in diverse settings that will shape their future in the sport.”
SPORT RESULTS
J Eding, H Katala, G Colman d W Grimshaw, J Robison, D Wilson 24 - 12
Pairs Saturday 5 April 2025
J Flynn, J Brown d M Benham R Harris 25 – 13
G Flynn, R Holloway d P Rambow, R Oakley 23 – 10
C Williamson, R Lane d D Powell, R Douglas 16 – 15
C Holland, D Holland d S Bailey, D Lindner 20 – 18
T Ide, K Morrison d J Dolan, N McKee, J Slater 16
– 14
Pairs Saturday 19 April 2025
M Parker, I Parker d J Booth, J Hillier 19 – 15
R Lane, K Cutmore d C Keogh, D Hull 29 – 12
K Blow, T Blow d R Oakley, R Holloway 20 – 12
W Grimshaw, M Flint d S Jones, J Slater 17 – 13
A McKee, S Clouten, N McKee d J Phillips, A Dorrington, I Trengrove 23 - 12
q Evie Hill in action at the Australian Junior Athletics Championships. q Thomas Joyce in action.
q Coffs skateboarder Georgia Winn wins gold.
Recurve,
STORY STARTS on BACK COVER, Page 40
q Kye Lockyer scoring arrows.
q Sherwood Archery competitor Maddy Lockyer walking back from the target.
38. B: Joshua De Groot 42, Greg Semmonds 35. C: Bob Harris 39, Wayne Farrell 37. Balls to 32. NTP
7 A: Paul McHugh, B: Charles AutryHall, C: Michael Hart (pro pin). NTP
11 A: Allan Burns, B: Neil Oates, C: Jackson Hordern
Urunga Men’s Veterans Golf
By Ross HARDAKER
APRIL 21
Single Stableford 31 players contested today’s event, including one visitor from Coffs Harbour, and one new member.
Welcome Rob and Darren. Winner, with 41 points, Wozz
Coffs CEX Social Golf Results
By Steve ROBINSON
27 APRIL 2025
Coffs CEX Social Golf Club played on Sunday 27 April 2025 at Coffs Harbour, Single Stableford. The Winner: Catherine Robinson (32pts) Runner Up: Jose Caravante (32pts c/b)
MNC Cross Country
By Peter BERRINGTON
27 APRIL 2025 at Habitat Walk
RESULTS: 2km (Male) - Alex Greenwood 8:07, 1; Finn Griffin 8:08, 2; Edison Happ 8:17, 3; Archer Jordan 8:19, 4; Reuben Wong 8:23, 5; Harrison Jordan
8:27, 6; Max Herbert 8:56, 7; Ben Ewart 9:06, 8; Lachlan Herbert
9:54, 12; Astin Nuttall 10:09, 13; Jesse Munn-Power 10:28, 14; Drew Herbert 10:39, 15; Matt Herbert 10:40, 16; Max Kelly 10:41, 17; Jonathan Ewart 11:14, 18; David Jordan 11:31, 19; August Hamilton 11:33, 20; Oliver Darlington 11:47, 21; Harvey Griffin 11:49, 22; Darcy Kelly 12:25, 23; Peter Hood 12:35, 24; Kane Woodgate 13:13, 25; Illay Shermeister 13:51, 26; Miles Hamilton 14:02, 27; Chris Hamilton 14:04, 28; Naveh Shermeister 14:36, 29; Oaklei Nuttall 14:38, 30; Bar Shermeister 14:39, 31; Arlo Aronsten 15:12, 32; Kumsal Gozeloglu 15:57, 33; River Woodgate 16:00, 34; Sahar Shermeister 16:07, 35; Iggi Nuttall 24:55, 36; Steel Beveridge 28:33, 37.
Reece Baker d George Ruaporo 3/1, Gerard Martin d King McKie 3/0, Paul Hendriks d Tim Garrad 3/1, Yash Tyagi d Troy Prystasz 3/2. Division 1 Reece Baker d Yash Tyagi 3/0, Gerard Martin d Paul Hendriks 3/0, Yash Tyagi d Paul Hendriks 3/2, Reece Baker d Gerard Martin 3/1.
26/4 Stableford Louis White 40, Andrew Dent 38, Rohan McIntosh 37. Balls to 34. NTP 7 A: Casey Pilen, B: Scott Collins, C: Andrew White (pro pin)
Rawlings, 2nd Brett Bosbach 39, 3rd Roger Young 37.
Run-down Arthur Hassett, Kim Michelsen 35, Gary Teale 34, Selwyn Newby, Kevin Sanford, Tom Cornelius 33, Peter Inskip 32 c/b. Bradmans Richard McCabe 23 c/b.
NTPs 3rd John Leahy, 9th Grant Cardow, 18th Kevin Sanford.
Longest Putt Alan Titley. Slab Winner, yet again, Bruce Parker.
Ball Winners: Peter Woods (32), Troy Henderson (29), Mark Heelis (28), Terry Stephens (28), Tyler Woods (26), Dave Curtis (24), Gavin Gilmore (21), Steve Robinson (21), Scott Croft (20).
NTP’s: Steve Robinson, Jose Caravante (x 2), Dave Curtis, Scott Croft (Nearest Pin in 2)
Chip In’s: Jose Caravante
Next Game is at Dorrigo, Single Stableford on 4th May 2025 start 8.00am. All Welcome.
Sutton 7:58, 2; Emma Sandes 8:51, 3; Summer Bates 9:02, 4; Zara Johnson 9:11, 5; Lily-Mei Wong 9:27, 6; Anika Bates 9:38, 7; Nicole Feain 9:42, 8; Hope Mengel 9:43, 9; Sophie Van Hoeck 9:45, 10; Emily Mengel 9:51, 11; Felicity Bates 10:03, 12; Eliette Munn-Power 10:11, 13; Kalani Vigors 10:15, 14; Isla Kelly 10:21, 15; Lola Barclay 10:23, 16; Alex Greenhalgh 10:36, 17; Evie Hunter 10:42, 18; Lilly Darlington 10:44, 19; Lauren Reid 10:51, 20; Kylie Davis 11:34, 21; Tanya Griffin 11:50, 22; Kristy Bridger 11:53, 23; Annabelle Swainston 11:54, 24; Clarissa Hull 11:55, 25; Florence Van Hoeck 12:07, 26; Barbara Ewart 12:13, 27; Stella Hood 12:33, 28; Iris Greenwood 12:45, 29; Sylvie Peck 13:08, 30; Quinn Woodgate 13:14, 31; Dianne Vigors 13:15, 32; Rebecca Blanco 13:16, 33; Vicky McClure 13:18, 34; Joanne Munn 14:14, 35; Rhea Nuttall 14:21, 36; Willow Nuttall 14:35, 37; Nikki Greenwood 15:00, 38; Kate Kennedy 15:16, 39; Lucy Hood 15:41, 40; Alicia Gozeloglu 15:57, 41; Kaya Michener 16:12, 42. RESULTS: 5km (Male) - Hugh Morgan 20:04, 1; Angus Morgan 20:44, 2; Oliver Philip 22:23, 3; Neil Griffin 22:28, 4; James Karrasch 22:30, 5; Ned Griffin 22:51, 6; Peter Hood 22:53, 7; Sam Peck 24:12, 8;
WINNER: Reece Baker from Gerard Martin.
Division 2
Troy Prystasz d George Ruaporo 3/0, Tim Garrad d King McKie 3/1, George Ruaporo d King McKie 3/1, Troy Prystasz d Tim Garrad 3/0. WINNER: Troy Prystasz from Tim Garrad.
Division 3
Sharee Templeton d Lindsay Jones 3/0, Nick Jankovic d Char Berglund 3/0, Vaibhav Tyagi d Jo Ellis 3/0, Sharee Templeton d Vaibhav Tyagi 3/1, Nick Jankovic
SSAA Benchrest Results
By Rod MADELEY
DAIRYVILLE range. Event was 100yds Rimfire Group.
Hunting rifle: Brett Ewington 1.198, sg .767. Robert Ramsey
CEX Woolgoolga Lawn Bowls
By Suzanne BRACHER
TUESDAY 22/4/2025 (Pairs) Rink 1:A Plain, R Bennell (D) J Lynn, S Oliver. Rink 2: T McKenzie, P Buck (D) J Gibbins, R Shaw. Rink 3: P Wroe, S Dodd (D) A, Wroe R Gurber. Rink 4: G McInerney C Davis (D ) C Nightingale, Scott. Rink 5: G Lane, S Bailey (D) J Weston, B Merchant. Rink6: G Pallister, H Pallister (D) Nathan W, K Stirling. Rink 7: Phill, J
Coffs Harbour Ladies Golf
By Leah RAY
TUESDAY 22nd APRIL 9 HOLE SINGLE STABLEFORD A GRADECarolyn Daley 19, Sandra Dollin 18 B GRADE - Jennifer Blake 19, Robyn Schomberg 16 NTPs - 12th hole - Carmel Hill, Robyn Schomberg, 15th - Jo Foggiato WEDNESDAY 23rd APRIL SINGLE STABLEFORD OVERALL WINNERS 1. Kerry
Safety Beach Women’s Golf Club
By Marilyn ELY
TUESDAY 22 April. The game of the day on Tuesday 22 was a Six Six Six, 4BBB Agregate Multiplier. Does that catch your imagination? Overall winners of the day were Merryl Kyburz and Jo Elwood 54 pts, runners-up Lex Bailey and Karen Bellamy 53 pts on c/b from Vicki Aubusson and Anne Tobin. NTP 11th Iluka MacDonald.
Balls went to Kerry Slater, Marian Brading, Wendy Rogers, Linda MacDonald, Marlene Power
Andrew Wong 24:16, 9; Kyle Bates 24:39, 10; Kweller Happ 25:00, 11; Neil Burgess 25:56, 12; Chris Hamilton 27:36, 13; Matt Herbert 28:15, 14; John Philip 29:11, 15; Brett Taylor 30:36, 16; Astin Nuttall 32:24, 17; Steve Thompson 53:45, 18.
RESULTS: 5km (Female)Emelia Wilson 21:18, 1; Poppy Barclay 23:32, 2; Lacey Van Hoeck 24:49, 3; Tanya Griffin 25:05, 4; Sarah Morgan 26:04, 5; Lara Karrasch 27:38, 6; Kristie Hood 28:04, 7; Stacy Wong 28:52, 8; Clara Philip 29:10, 9; Willow Nuttall
d Jo Ellis 3/1, Char Berglund d Lindsay Jones 3/0, Sharee Templeton d Char Berglund 3/2, Vaibhav Tyagi d Nick Jankovic 3/0, Jo Ellis d Lindsay Jones 3/1, Sharee Templeton d Jo Ellis 3/0, Nick Jankovic d Lindsay Jones 3/0, Vaibhav Tyagi d Char Berglund 3/2, Nick Jankovic d Sharee Templeton 3/0, Char Berglund d Jo Ellis 3/0, Vaibhav Tyagi d Lindsay Jones 3/0. WINNER: Vaibhav Tyagi from Nick Jankovic.
Always looking for new players and members.
1.6504, sg 1.144.
Custom: Bill Buchanan .7456, sg .539. Robert Wells .8434, sg .490. Keiran Grabham .8632, sg .470. Greg Sutherland .8648, sg .571. Centrefire 100yds Group: Keiran Grabham .1876, sg .070. Peter Fleming .2928, sg .147. Rob Hamilton .4196, sg .214.
Taylor (D) D Hodge, M Hodge. Wednesday 23/4/2025 (Wanderers) Rink 10: B Smith, Punkin (D) Chole, S Ferro. Rink 11: B Pendred, M Lambert, P Jones (D) G Lane, C Williams, I Gentle.
Rink 12: C Nightingale, S Oliver, I Brien, (D) Bear, R Shaw, D Mason.
Rink 13: K Costelloe, N Wills, J Simpson. (D) P Hatton, M Mulligan, K Stirling. Rink 14: J Simmons, J Taylor (D) J Whalen, P Diamond.
Farmer 35 2. Dawn Smith 34 NTPS - 3rd hole, Kerry Farmer, Dinah Nutchey-Robinson, 22nd - Greer Galloway, 26th - Maureen Franklin, Judy Everitt SATURDAY 26th APRIL
Thank you Marney Jefferies for donating the raffles won by Judy Boyle and Lyn Reilly and a big thank you ladies for your continued persistence with the trying weather and conditions. You really are a dedicated group of golfers. Lets hope for lots more sunshine and great scores.
Sawtell RSL Snooker Club
By Ken MASON
TUESDAY 22nd April 2025
Main Draw Winners: - James O’Connor - R/U Bernie Couzens Consolation Winners: - Dave Laneyrie - R/U Tony Gauci
Send News Of The Area your sports club’s results each week by Monday evening for publication on a Friday. Bowls, golf, tennis, kayaking, cycling, cross country, athletics, fishing etc - you name it, we can publish it in our dedicated weekly Sports Results section. Email your results, relevant photos and captions to media@newsofthearea.com.au.
q Smuggler at the Sydney to Hobart Yacht race.
CAMILLERI
Louise ‘Lou’
24th April 2025, peacefully at Calvary The Brelsford. Late of Coffs Harbour Jetty. Dearly beloved wife of Tony (dec’d). Loving sister and sister-in-law of Ann & Phil. Loved stepmother of Silvana and Michael. Treasured auntie of Martine, Christine, Catherine, Mark, Corrina and Clinton.
Aged 72 Years
Now Resting In Peace
Louise was privately cremated at Hogbin Drive Crematorium & Memorial Gardens, Stadium Drive, Coffs Harbour.
KEITH LOGUE & SONS
FUNERAL DIRECTORS
RAE
Kenneth George ‘Ken’
28th April 2025, peacefully at Baringa Private Hospital. Late of Coffs Harbour. Much loved husband of Elaine (dec’d). Loving father, cherished and adored grandfather. Ken was loved dearly and will be greatly missed by all that knew him.
Aged 95 Years
Forever In Our Hearts
Ken was privately cremated at Hogbin Drive Crematorium & Memorial Gardens, Stadium Drive, Coffs Harbour.
KEITH LOGUE & SONS
FUNERAL DIRECTORS
ROLLINS
Lola Marion
20th April 2025, peacefully at Fresh Hope Care, Coffs Haven. Late of Coffs Harbour. Dearly beloved wife of Les. Loving mother and mother-in-law of Lynn & Kevin Cross. Greatly loved grandmother of Adam & Laura and Lauren & Tim Baynham. Cherished great-grandmother of Augie. Loved sister and sister-in-law of Jeanette & Billy Webb, Geoff Adams (dec’d), Ronda & Paul Plummer and Fay McLennan. Fond auntie of her nieces and nephews.
Aged 87 Years
Sadly Missed, A Lovely Lady
A Private Family Funeral Service was held for Lola at Hogbin Drive Crematorium & Memorial Gardens, Stadium Drive, Coffs Harbour on Tuesday 29th April 2025.
KEITH LOGUE & SONS
FUNERAL DIRECTORS
Coffs Harbour
6652 1999
STANBURY
Jeffrey Steven ‘Jeff’ 15th April 2025, passed away suddenly, late of Emerald Beach. Devoted husband of Pam (dec’d). Beloved father and father-in-law of Jaime & Mark. Much loved grandfather of Mikayla. Fondly remembered by Cathy with whom he shared many meaningful years. Dear brother of Jennifer and Robert. Cherished uncle of all his nieces and nephews. Known for his unwavering love, devotion and strength, he was the heart of his family and a steady presence for all who knew him. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Aged 74 Years
Loved Beyond Words Missed Beyond Measure
Jeff’s Private Cremation and Memorial Service was held in the Chapel of Hogbin Drive Crematorium & Memorial Gardens, Stadium Drive, Coffs Harbour.
KEITH LOGUE & SONS
FUNERAL DIRECTORS
ads@newsofthearea.com.au
SOUTAR
James ‘Jimmy’
27th April 2025, passed peacefully at Coffs Harbour Health Campus with family at his side. Late of Sandy Beach, formerly of Seven Hills NSW. Much loved husband of Nadia (dec’d). Caring father and father-in-law of Rob & Susan and Andrew (dec’d). Adored ‘grundy’ of Dylan & Demika and Kayleigh, ‘granda’ of Hudson and Adelaide.
Aged 75 Years
Rest In Peace
Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend a Celebration of Jimmy’s Life to be held in the Chapel of Hogbin Drive Crematorium & Memorial Gardens, Stadium Drive, Coffs Harbour on Monday 5th May 2025 commencing at 10.00 am.
Please find livestream details on Keith Logue & Sons website.
KEITH LOGUE & SONS
FUNERAL DIRECTORS
Coffs Harbour 6652 1999
HIBBARD
Helen Ivy
29th April 2025, peacefully passed away at The Shoreline Retirement Village with family by her side.
Adored wife of Malcolm (dec’d). Loving mother of Cath & Ray, Bruce & Brony, Mark (dec’d), Andrew & Michelle, Tim & Sally and Rebecca & Michael.
Treasured and loved grandmother of 15 grandchildren and their spouses.
Dearest great-grandmother of 24, their spouses and great-great-grandmother of 3. Mother in the christian faith to many.
Aged 96 Years
Forever In Our Hearts
Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Helen’s Funeral Service to be held in the C3 Church, 11 June Street, Coffs Harbour on Saturday 10th May 2025 commencing at 10.30 am, thence for private cremation at Hogbin Drive Crematorium & Memorial Gardens, Stadium Drive, Coffs Harbour.
In lieu of floral tributes the family would appreciate donations to Loaves and Fishes. A collection box will be at the Church.
Please find livestream details on Keith Logue & Sons website.
KEITH LOGUE & SONS
FUNERAL DIRECTORS
Coffs Harbour
6652 1999
Coffs Harbour and District Local Aboriginal Land Council (CHDLALC) seek the services of a suitably qualified person to fill the position of Property Manager. Interested persons should email admin@ coffsharbourlalc.com.au to request an application package. Applications close Friday 02 May 2025 at 5pm.
Enquiries: please call Chris Spencer on 0408 264 887.
TERRY O’HALLORAN
The family of the late Terry O’Halloran would like to thank family and friends who attended his funeral on 08.04.25 or sent flowers and cards following his recent passing.
Your condolences, sympathy and support were very much appreciated at this sad time.
Proposed Re-Naming of Pacific Highway, Coffs Harbour
The Australian and NSW Governments are investing in the 14-kilometre Coffs Harbour bypass project. The bypass will boost the regional economy and improve connectivity, road transport efficiency and safety for all motorists.
This project will remove approximately 12,500 vehicles from the Coffs Harbour CBD, bypass up to 12 sets of traffic lights and save motorists a minimum of 12 minutes travel time. The project is on track to open to traffic at the end of 2026.
As with other regions that have seen sections of the Pacific Highway bypassed, the current Pacific Highway from England’s Road roundabout at North Boambee to Korora Interchange will be renamed.
The new road name will be used for postal addresses and feature on directional signage. Giving this section of the current highway a new name also benefits postal, transport and emergency services that rely on easily identified postal addresses to avoid confusion or delays.
Transport for NSW is seeking your suggestions for the new road name and encourages submissions to be lodged via email prior to COB 16 May 2025
Please lodge a written response to the below email address should you wish to provide feedback. CoffsHarbourBypass@rms.nsw.gov.au
LOCALCLASSIFIEDS
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HUGH vintage mirror. 100cm x 70cm. can be hung horizontal or vwertical. $75 Photos can be supplied 0490 161 119
BODY Board, Manta Pro Comp Rail with leash, turns quick, Red/ Black, 44inch - 20 inch wide, VGC. $49. Ph 0417 471 225 F240125
BOOKS, Cleveland Bison, Weston paperbacks. Bundle of 25 - $75. Pick up only 0400 513 862
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LOVELY vertical circular 5 shelves display tower for collectibles etc. $80 6652 3791
OFFICE Chair, no arm rests $10 6650 0350
PAIR of lovely jacquared fabric vintage-style footrest 60cm x 40cmx 30cm H $35 each Photos can be supplied 0490 161 119
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PEAK ellipse rollator safewok load 1150kgs only 6mth old As New $95 Photos can be supplied 0490 161 119
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TIMBER garden shelf unit, 1m W x
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ONTHEBOX
BEST ON THE BOX
SUNDAY
THE PIANO
ABC TV, 7.30pm
A piano is placed in a public location and everyday Australians are invited to sit down and play in this heartwarming new series. What they don’t know is, as they’re playing, two of the world’s most renowned pianists – Harry Connick Jr and Andrea Lam (pictured) – are secretly watching. Hosted by TV stalwart Amanda Keller, The Piano gives these amateur musicians the opportunity of a lifetime as Connick Jr and Lam choose a pianist to mentor at each locale, before inviting them to play at an end-of-series concert. It all begins tonight at Sydney’s Central Station.
FRIDAY, May 2
MONDAY
SAM PANG TONIGHT
TEN, 8.40pm
They said it couldn’t be done – a tonight show, on network television, in this day and age?
But Sam Pang (pictured) has proved the detractors wrong, staying on air for not only all eight scheduled episodes but earning a second season to air later this year. Pang’s fresh take on the classic format offers a casual approach, with engaging yet relaxed interviews and absurd segments all peppered with the comedian’s signature wry asides. Plus, there’s regular input from a rotating roster of guest announcers who manage to both help and hinder proceedings. In tonight’s finale, Pang grills You Been Paying Attention? host Tom Gleisner ahead of Australia’s favourite quiz show returning next Monday.
THURSDAY SHERLOCK & DAUGHTER
SBS, 9.30pm
From Northern Irish writer Brendan Foley Cold Courage), this new take on the frequently reimagined detective doesn’t veer too far off course.
Legendary sleuth
Sherlock Holmes (David Thewlis), flying solo after the disappearance of his friend Dr Watson, is baffled by the arrival of a young Native American woman on his doorstep.
Amelia Rojas (Blu Hunt, pictured with Thewlis) has travelled across the world after her mother’s murder, intent on meeting Holmes, who she believes is her father. Despite possessing many traits in common with Amelia, Holmes is no stranger to so-called long-lost relations appearing, and devises a method of determining whether she is who she says – by putting her to work on his next case.
Boys. (MA15+l, R)
ABC Late News.
Father Brown. (Mv, R)
Mayfair Witches. (Ml, R)
SBS World News.
Rage New Music. (MA15+adhlnsv) 5.00 Rage. (PG) 6.00 Mastermind Australia.
24 Hours That Changed The World. 8.30 The Giza Pyramid: Reaching For The Stars. (PG, R) 9.30 Scotland’s Scenic Railways. (R) 10.30 SBS World News Late.
5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. 8.30 House Of Wellness. (PG) A team of industry experts, media personalities and wellness advocates share insights and experiences to highlight living well.
9.30 MOVIE: Couples Retreat. (2009, Ms, R) Four couples head to a tropical island resort only to discover they must attend mandatory therapy sessions. Jason Bateman, Kristen Bell, Malin Akerman.
12.00 The Black Donnellys. (Mdsv)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R)
5.00 NBC Today.
6.00 NBN News. 7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Rugby League. NRL. Round 9. Sydney Roosters v Dolphins.
9.55 Golden Point. A wrap-up of the Sydney Roosters versus Dolphins match, with NRL news and analysis.
10.45 MOVIE: RoboCop. (2014, Mv, R) A cop becomes a cyborg. Joel Kinnaman, Gary Oldman.
1.00 Young Sheldon. (PGadlsv, R)
1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)
4.30 Global Shop. (R)
5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 5.30 Postcards. (PG, R)
6.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R) Hosted by Grant Denyer.
6.30 The Project. A look at the day’s news. 7.30 The Graham Norton Show. (Ml, R) Graham Norton is joined on the couch by guests including Billy Crystal, Hugh Bonneville and Michael Kiwanuka.
The List. (Mln, R) Two best friends take on The List, a collection of travel experiences most people avoid. 10.40 10’s Late News. Coverage of news, sport and weather. 11.05 The Project. (R) 12.05 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 1.00 Home Shopping. (R)
Young Jedi Adventures. 7.50 Teen Titans Go! 8.00 Be Cool, Scooby-Doo! 8.25 BTN Newsbreak. 8.30 MythBusters “There’s Your Problem!”. 8.55 Robot Wars. 9.55 Merlin. 10.40
ONTHEBOX
SATURDAY, May 3
6.00 Rage Charts. (PG) 7.00 Weekend Breakfast On Election Day. 11.00 Rage. (PG) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 12.30 MOVIE: Sherpa. (2015, Mal, R) 2.00 Extraordinary Escapes. (R) 3.00 Living With Devils. (PG, R) 3.55 Landline. (R) 4.25 Australian Story. (R) 5.00 ABC National News On Election Day. 5.30 Australia Votes.
7.00 Australia Votes. Chief elections analyst Antony Green identifies the trends that will decide the election. David Speers and Sarah Ferguson bring the sharpest and most reliable election night analysis.
12.00 Creative Types With Virginia Trioli: Tony Albert. (PG, R) Virginia Trioli meets Tony Albert, one of the most exciting visual artists of his generation, who takes everyday items that represent the most confronting aspects of colonisation to create work that is provocative and deeply moving.
12.30 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) Continuous music programming.
6.00 Morning Programs. 10.00 Hugh’s Wild West. (R) 11.05 Escapes Down Under. (R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Preparing To Give. (PG, R) 3.00 Cycling. UCI World Tour. FlecheWallonne Women’s Race. H’lights. 4.00 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Fleche-Wallonne Men’s Race. H’lights. 5.00 Going Places. (R) 5.30 How To Lose A War. (Premiere)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Titanic In Colour. (R) Charts the history of the RMS Titanic
9.20 Stanley Tucci: Searching For Italy: Tuscany. (R) Stanley Tucci heads to Tuscany.
10.10 Great Coastal Railway Journeys: Helensburgh To Connel. (R) Hosted by Michael Portillo.
11.10 Homicide: Life On The Street. (Mav, R)
3.40 Barkley Manor. (PG, R)
4.35 Bamay. (R) 5.15 France 24 Feature.
5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 NBC Today. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 The Morning Show: Weekend. (PG) 12.00 Horse Racing. Hawkesbury Cup Day, Caulfield Members Day, Guineas Day and SA Derby Day. 4.00 7NEWS: Election Day. 5.00 7NEWS: Australia Decides – Election.
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 7NEWS: Australia Decides – First Count. Hugh Whitfeld and Mark Riley take an up-to-the-minute look at the results of the federal election.
8.00 7NEWS: Australia Decides – The Result. Hugh Whitfeld and Mark Riley take an up-to-the-minute look at the results of the federal election.
11.00 MOVIE: Life. (2017, MA15+v, R) Scientists discover a dangerous life form. Ryan Reynolds, Jake Gyllenhaal.
7.00 Election 2025: Australia Decides – Vote Count.
8.00 Election 2025: Australia Decides – Election Night Live. An analysis of election results.
10.00 Election 2025: Australia Decides – Analysis.
11.00 MOVIE: Miss Sloane. (2016, Mls)
1.30 Destination WA. (PG, R)
2.00 The Incredible Journey Presents. (PGa)
2.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.30 Global Shop. (R) 5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 5.30 Helping Hands. (PG, R)
6.00 10 News First: Australia Decides. Coverage of the 2025 federal election, hosted by Sandra Sully, Hugh Riminton and Ashleigh Raper, with commentary from The Betoota Advocate’s Errol Parker and Clancy Overell. 12.00 Home Shopping. (R) 5.00 Hour Of Power. Religious program.
SUNDAY,
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The Movie Show. Noon MOVIE:
(2021, M) 1.50 Spiraling:
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MOVIES (32)
May 4
6.30 Compass: Unsettled. (PG)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 The Piano. (Premiere, PG) Hosted by Amanda Keller.
8.30 Bergerac. (Premiere, Mlv) When a member of one of Jersey’s wealthiest families is murdered, the police turn to ex-cop, Jim Bergerac.
9.20 The Split: Barcelona. (Ml, R) Hannah and her family are reunited.
10.20 MOVIE: My Brother Jack –Part 2. (2001, Mnsv, R) Matt Day.
11.55 Take 5 With Zan Rowe. (R) 12.25 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
4.00 Outback Ringer. (PG, R)
4.30 Insiders. (R)
6am Children’s Programs. 10.00 Tiddler. 10.25 Children’s Programs. 6.05pm PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.15 Bluey. 6.25 Octonauts. 6.35 Hey Duggee. 6.40 Kiri And Lou. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Rocket Club. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Kids Baking C’ship. 8.10 Chopped Junior. 8.55 Fresh Off The Boat. 9.35 Speechless. 9.55 Officially Amazing. 10.25 Dragon Ball Super. 10.50 Late Programs. 6am Children’s Programs. 3.45pm Tiddler. 4.10 Children’s Programs. 6.05 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.15 Bluey. 6.25 Octonauts. 6.35 Hey Duggee. 6.40 Kiri And Lou. 6.50 Ben And Holly. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Rocket Club. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Moominvalley. 8.00
5.00 Newsnight : Australia’s Verdict. 6.00 NewsNight. 7.00 Danica & James. 8.00 The Sunday Showdown. 9.00 Paul Murray Live. 10.00 Royal Report. 10.30 NewsNight. 11.00 Late Programs. SKY NEWS (53)
6.00 Morning Programs. 12.55 Blind Sailing. (R) 1.00 Motorcycle Racing. Australian Superbike C’ship. Round 3. 4.00 Grace Brown: Time For The Rest Of Life. (R) 4.30 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Liege-BastogneLiege. Women’s race. H’lights. 5.00 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Liege-Bastogne-Liege. Men’s race. H’lights. 5.30 How To Lose A War. (PGav)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Macchu Picchu: City Of Stone. Looks at Macchu Pichu.
8.30 Invasion: The Normans. (Mav, R) Charts how an exiled Irish king persuaded an Anglo-Norman lord to help him recover his kingdom.
10.30 The Temple Of Hatshepsut. (R) A look at Hatshepsut’s temple.
11.30 Hell On Earth: WWII: A Dream Of Great Success. (Mav, R)
4.25 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.15 France 24 Feature.
5.30 Al Jazeera News.
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2.20 Beyond Oak Island. 3.10 News. 3.15 WorldWatch. 5.10 Over The Black Dot. 5.40 Mastermind Australia. 6.40 Impossible Engineering. 8.30 The Push: Scotland’s Murder On The Cliff. 11.15 The YouTube Effect. 1.05am MOVIE: Drive. (2011, MA15+) 2.55 WorldWatch. 6am WorldWatch. 9.30 Small Business Secrets. 10.00 The Movie Show. 12.10pm Figure Skating. 1.45 Paul Merson: Football, Gambling And Me. 2.45 Jeopardy! 4.50 WorldWatch. 5.20 PBS Washington Week. 5.45 Abandoned Engineering. 7.35 Science Fiction Revolution. (Premiere) 9.35 ABBA In Concert. 10.35 WWE Legends. (Return) 12.15am Surviving Nova. 1.10 Letterkenny. 2.15 Late Programs. 6am Shopping. 8.30
MOVIES (32)
6am The Battle Of The River Plate. Continued. (1956, PG) 7.10 Princess Caraboo. (1994, PG) 9.00 The Kids Are Alright. (2021, PG, Spanish) 10.40 Boccaccio ’70. (1962, M, German) 2.25pm The Farewell. (2019, PG) 4.20 Dancing Ninja. (2010, PG) 6.10 The World’s Fastest Indian. (2005, PG) 8.30 Rogue Agent. (2022, M) 10.40 Bang Gang (A Modern Love Story) (2015, MA15+, French) 12.30am Late Programs. 6am Dancing Ninja. Continued. (2010, PG) 7.25 The World’s Fastest Indian. (2005, PG) 9.45 The Man Who Invented Christmas. (2017, PG) 11.40 Emma. (2017, M, Italian) 1.50pm A Great Friend. (2023, PG, French) 3.40 The Battle Of The River Plate. (1956, PG) 5.50 The Movie Show. 6.20 The Personal History Of David Copperfield. (2019, PG) 8.30 The New Boy. (2023, M) 10.40 Late Programs.
6am Morning Programs. 1pm Blokesworld. 1.30 Australia ReDiscovered. 2.00 Rides Down Under: Workshop Wars. 3.00 Motor Racing. Night Thunder. Silver Cup. H’lights. 4.00 Counting Cars. 4.30 Motor Racing. SpeedSeries. 7.30 Aussie Salvage Squad. 8.30 Mega Mechanics. 9.30 Air Crash Investigations:
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3.25 Young Sheldon. 3.55 MOVIE: Undercover Blues. (1993, PG) 5.40 MOVIE: The Croods: A New Age. (2020, PG) 7.30 MOVIE: The Hunger Games: Mockingjay –Part 1. (2014, M)
6.00 NBC Today. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 The Morning Show: Weekend. (PG) 12.00 Sunday Footy Feast. 1.00 Football. AFL. Round 8. Sydney v GWS Giants. 4.00 Better Homes And Gardens. (R) 5.00 Seven News At 5. 5.30 Sydney Weekender.
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 The 1% Club. (PGls)
8.05 7NEWS Spotlight.
9.05 24 Hours In Police Custody: The Murder Of Jane Doe. (Premiere, Mav) A woman calls police in distress.
10.05 Menendez & Menudo: Boys Betrayed. (MA15+av)
11.15 Autopsy USA. (Ma)
12.15 Shades Of Blue. (MA15+adsv, R)
1.15 Travel Oz. (PG, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
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6.00 NBN News.
7.00 Travel Guides. (PGln)
8.10 60 Minutes. Current affairs program.
9.10 The Killer Interview With Piers Morgan. (Premiere, Mlv) Piers Morgan interviews notorious killers.
10.10 9News Late.
10.40 See No Evil. (Ma)
11.40 The First 48. (MA15+av)
12.30 Oz Off Road TV. (PGl, R) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa)
4.30 Drive TV: Drive Car Of The Year. (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.
6.00 The Sunday Project. A look at the day’s news.
7.00 MasterChef Australia. (PGal)
8.30 MOVIE: Training Day. (2001, MA15+) 10.55 Late Programs.
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MONDAY, May 5
6.00
6.00 Mastermind Australia. 6.30 SBS World News.
7.35 Prague With Michael Portillo.
8.25 Bettany Hughes: Treasures Of Oman. (R)
9.20 Sri Lanka With Alexander Armstrong. (PGaw, R)
10.15 SBS World News Late.
10.45 Classified. (Malv)
11.35 Don’t Leave Me. (MA15+a, R)
1.40 Son Of. (MA15+av, R)
3.25 Barkley Manor. (PG, R)
4.25 J Schwanke’s Life In Bloom. (R)
4.55 Poh & Co. Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6am Children’s Programs. 6.25pm Octonauts. 6.35 Hey Duggee. 6.40 Kiri And Lou. 6.50 Ben And Holly. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Dino Dex. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 7.50 The Inbestigators. 8.05 Operation Ouch! 8.35 BTN Newsbreak. 8.40 The
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TUESDAY, May 6
News. 11.15 The Business. (R) 11.35 Four Corners. (R) 12.20 Media Watch. (PG, R) 12.35 Q+A. (R) 1.40 Grand Designs: The Streets. (Ml, R) 2.25 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 3.15 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)
6.00 Mastermind Australia.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Great Coastal Railway Journeys. (R) 8.30 Insight.
9.30 Dateline.
10.00 SBS World News Late.
10.30 Living Black. (R) 11.00 Snow. (Ma)
11.55 Unbroken. (Malv, R)
1.35 Invisible. (PGa, R)
3.05 Welcome To My Farm. (PG, R)
4.05 Barkley Manor. (PG, R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
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6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PG)
7.30 Farmer Wants A Wife. (PGal)
Hosted by Natalie Gruzlewski.
8.50 9-1-1: Lone Star. (Mav) Carlos is determined to solve his father’s murder. Owen is offered a life-changing opportunity.
9.50 Suits L.A. (M)
10.50 The Agenda Setters. An expert panel tackles the biggest AFL topics.
11.50 Autopsy USA: Tom Petty. (Mad, R) 12.50 Treadstone. (MA15+av)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News.
5.30 Sunrise.
The World’s Fastest Electric Car? 9.50 Cannes Uncut. 11.25 Alone Australia. 12.30am Taskmaster. 1.25 Love And Sex In India. 2.30 Late Programs. 6am Morning Programs. 9.00 Medical Emergency. 9.30 NBC Today.
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6am The Movie Show. 6.25 The Personal History Of David Copperfield. (2019, PG) 8.35 Rabbit-Proof Fence. (2002, PG) 10.15 Rogue Agent. (2022, M) 12.25pm Truth. (2015, M) 2.45 The Movie Show. 3.20 The World’s Fastest Indian. (2005, PG) 5.40 Little Nicholas’ Treasure. (2021, PG, French) 7.35 The Idol. (2015, M, Arabic) 9.30 Rheingold. (2022, MA15+, Turkish) 12.05am Late Programs. 6am Little Nicholas’ Treasure. (2021, PG, French) 7.55 3 Days In Quiberon. (2018, PG, French) 10.05 Once Upon A Time... In Bethlehem. (2019, M, Italian) 12.05pm The New Boy. (2023, M) 2.10 The Personal History Of David Copperfield. (2019, PG) 4.20 Rabbit-Proof Fence. (2002, PG) 6.05 Tourism. (2017) 7.30 A Call To Spy. (2019, M) 9.50 Fisherman’s Friends. (2019, M) 11.55 Late Programs.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PG)
7.30 Farmer Wants A Wife. (PGa)
Hosted by Natalie Gruzlewski.
9.05 Doc. (Ma) Amy teams up with TJ to treat a patient suffering from mysterious liver issues.
10.05 Accused. (Return, Ma) A psychic medium helps a couple.
11.05 The Agenda Setters.
12.05 The Act. (MA15+ans, R)
1.20 Harry’s Practice. (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 The Floor. (PG)
8.45 100% Footy. (M)
9.45 Rise Of The Dolphins. (PGl)
11.15 9News Late.
11.45 The Prison Confessions Of Gypsy-Rose Blanchard. (Mal)
12.40 Tipping Point. (PG, R)
1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
2.30 Global Shop. (R)
3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa)
4.30 A Current Affair. (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.
6.00 Deal Or No Deal. 6.30 The Project. A look at the day’s news. 7.30 MasterChef Australia. Special guest is Peter Gilmore. 8.40 Sam Pang Tonight. (Final, Mals) A weekly tonight show hosted by Sam Pang, featuring a monologue roasting the news of the week. 9.40 Taskmaster Australia. (Mals, R) Hosted by Tom Gleeson. 10.50 10’s Late News. 11.15 The Project. (R)
6.00 NBN News. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 The Floor. (PG) 8.45 Australian Crime Stories: The Investigators. (M) 9.45 9News Late.
Beach. H’lights. 10.05 Bewitched. 10.35 I Dream Of Jeannie. 11.05 Young Sheldon. 12.05pm MOVIE: Romantic Rewrite. (2022, PG) 2.00 The Golden Girls. 2.30 The Nanny. 3.30 Seinfeld. 5.00 Bewitched. 5.30 I Dream Of Jeannie. 6.00 The Golden Girls. 6.30 The Nanny. 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.40 MOVIE: Kong: Skull Island. (2017, M) 11.00 Late Programs. 6am Morning Programs. 10.10 Bewitched. 10.40 I Dream Of Jeannie. 11.10 Young Sheldon. 12.10pm MOVIE: Cry Macho. (2021, M) 2.10 Innovation Nation. 2.20 The Nanny. 3.20 Seinfeld. 4.30 The
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ONTHEBOX
WEDNESDAY, May 7
THURSDAY,
6.00 Mastermind Australia. 6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Alone Australia. (Mal)
8.40 Just One Thing With Michael Mosley. (Final)
9.15 The Handmaid’s Tale. (MA15+)
10.15 SBS World News Late.
10.45 My Brilliant Friend. (Ma)
11.45 The Wall: Cover Your Tracks. (Mav, R)
3.05 Welcome To My Farm. (PG, R)
4.05 Barkley Manor. (PG, R)
4.35 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Home And Away. (PG)
7.30 Clarkson’s Who Wants To Be A Millionaire UK. (PG)
8.30 The Front Bar. (Ml) Takes a lighter look at all things AFL.
9.30 Unfiltered. (PGa)
10.00 Nurse Georgie Carroll Sista Flow 2.0. (Mls)
11.45 St. Denis Medical. (PGal)
12.15 Midnight Texas. (MA15+hv, R)
1.15 Travel Oz. (PG, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
SBS MOVIES (32)
6am Rabbit-
Proof Fence. Continued. (2002, PG) 7.25 Tourism. (2017) 8.50 Red Obsession. (2013, PG) 10.20 Long Story Short. (2021, M) 12.05pm The Idol. (2015, M, Arabic) 2.00 Little Nicholas’ Treasure. (2021, PG, French) 3.55 Eat Wheaties! (2020, PG) 5.35 Goddess. (2013, PG) 7.30 Up In The Air. (2009, M) 9.30 Dirty Dancing. (1987, M) 11.25 Late Programs. 5.55am Eat Wheaties! (2020, PG)
May 8
The Business. (R) 11.15 Grand Designs: The Streets. (R) 12.05 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. (PG, R) 12.55 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.40 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)
6.00 Mastermind Australia.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 The Secret DNA Of Us. (Final, PGa)
8.35 Liberation: D-Day To Berlin: Belgium And The Netherlands.
9.30 Sherlock & Daughter. (Premiere)
10.25 SBS World News Late.
10.55 The Hollow. (Malv)
12.55 Departure. (Mav, R)
2.35 Welcome To My Farm. (R)
3.35 Barkley Manor. (PG, R)
4.30 J Schwanke’s Life In Bloom. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
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SBS MOVIES (32)
6am Eat
Wheaties! Continued. (2020, PG) 7.35 What Do We See When We Look At The Sky? (2021, Georgian) 10.20 A Call To Spy. (2019, M) 12.35pm Fisherman’s Friends. (2019, M) 2.40 Tourism. (2017) 4.10 Red Obsession. (2013, PG) 5.35 Kung Fu Yoga. (2017, PG) 7.35 Marmalade. (2024, M) 9.30 Priscilla Queen Of The Desert. (1994, M) 11.25 Taking Lives. (2004, MA15+) 1.20am Late Programs.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGa)
7.30 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly. (PG) Graeme Hall meets a nature-loving couple’s hyper-reactive doberman that makes it impossible to enjoy walks.
8.30 Britain’s Got Talent. (PG) The first set of semi-finalists set out to impress the judges and viewers at home.
10.30 The Amazing Race. (PG)
12.00 Raines. (Premiere, Mahv)
1.00 Travel Oz. (PG, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
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6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 The Hundred With Andy Lee. (Mls)
8.30 The Grand Tour. (MA15+l)
9.50 Freddy And The Eighth. (Ml)
10.50 9News Late.
11.20 The Equalizer. (MA15+av, R)
12.10 Young Sheldon. (PGadlsv, R)
12.40 Tipping Point. (PG, R)
1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
Global Shop. (R)
TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa) 4.30 A Current Affair. (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30
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By Andrea FERRARI
YOUNGER members of Sherwood Archery Club were among the country’s best at the 2025 Youth Australian Archery Championships in Canberra over the Easter weekend.
Competitors ranged from 12 to 20-years-old and participated across various categories, including CONTINUED Page 28
