Coffs scores goals for diversity at refugee World Cup
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tournament, held at the University of Wollongong (UOW), brought together over 300 participants from diverse refugee communities across regional NSW, serving as a key event in the celebration of Refugee Week.
Their participation not only highlighted their athletic talent but also underscored the event's core purpose: to unite individuals from various backgrounds through the shared love of sport, fostering a sense of belonging and celebrating cultural resilience.
Among the successful outcomes for the Coffs Harbour contingent was the outstanding performance of the Coffs Girls team, who emerged as champions in the Women's category.
The STARTTS Girls team, also from Coffs Harbour, were runners-up.
Enas Qasim from The STARTTS won most outstanding female player for the competition with Ranya Jindo from Coffs Girls taking the Golden Boot award and Rowena Hanson-Clark the Golden Glove award.
“I feel proud of myself and all of the girls teams from Coffs Harbour,” Enas Qasim, winner of Outstanding Female Player said.
“It was a great opportunity to attend the Wollongong World Cup and see all the different cultures coming together.”
Coffs Harbour team Fimbu FC also won their grand final in the Men’s Competitive division, competing against Congo FC from Wollongong.
It was an exciting match with Fimbu FC captain Dalshad Maao scoring the only goal.
He also took the award for the “Spirit of the Game” in the male competitive round with Fimbu FC goalkeeper Khaleel Himo receiving the Golden Glove award.
“I just feel so happy and proud of all the boys”, Dalshad said.
Participants came from diverse backgrounds including from Anuak,
NEWS Of The Area wishes to offer a correction to information printed in our 4 July edition.
In the page 9 story, “United support for Bello Hospital fundraiser”, two Lions Club members were inaccurately listed.
Both Sebastian Corridore and Peggy Reehorst are from the Bonville Sawtell Lions Club, not the Urunga Lions Club.
q Coffs Harbour team Fimbu FC won the grand final of the Men’s Competitive division.
q Sheelan Knjo in action at the Wollongong World Cup.
q
Maao, winner of the men's Spirit of the Game award.
TOBACCO CRACKDOWN
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Regional Health, Gurmesh Singh said while other states have cracked down on illegal tobacco, the State Government has let NSW become the “easiest place in the country for crooks to make money”.
“Everyone knows what’s going on - illegal shops run by criminals are popping up all over Coffs Harbour,” Mr Singh said.
“Chris Minns has done nothing while our communities and small businesses wear the cost.”
The Coalition’s Public Health (Tobacco) Amendment (Stopping Illicit Tobacco) Bill
2025 seeks to:
• Further increase the penalties for the sale of illicit tobacco, including prison sentences of up to seven years for serious offending or a $1.5 million fine.
• Provide NSW Health with the power to issue closure orders for businesses selling illicit tobacco and vapes for up to one month.
• Provide magistrates with the power to issue closure orders for businesses selling illicit tobacco and vapes for up to 12 months.
• Give lessors the statutory right to terminate leases where a closure order has been issued.
• Create a new offence for lessors who knowingly permit their tenant to use the store for the sale of illegal tobacco or vapes.
Mr Singh said criminals see NSW as a soft target.
“Victoria, Queensland, and South Australia have all stepped up with tougher penalties and strong enforcement.
“Chris Minns’ inaction has left NSW exposed to more criminals, more violence and more illicit tobacco,” Mr Singh said.
Shadow Attorney General Alister Henskens described illegal tobacco stores as “fronts for crime gangs”.
Poetry slam comes to Coffs
COFFS Harbour will host a heat of the Australian Poetry Slam 2025, a national competition that has been running since 2005.
Entrants are challenged to present their original poetry piece live to an audience, which in turn decides their fate.
“People have up to two minutes to present their poem or face a time penalty for going over,” City of Coffs Harbour Mayor Nikki Williams said.
engagement in what will be a very special night at Yarrila Place.”
Coffs Harbour has some form when it comes to the Australian Poetry Slam.
Heats of the national competition have been held here regularly, while in 2017, a then 12-year-old Solli Raphael from Coffs became the youngest winner of the Australian Poetry Slam.
event will be Rob Waters, the 2023 National Champion.
A Gomeroi poet, cultural educator and spoken word artist, Waters has been performing and sharing ‘story’ for more than 20 years.
The local heat will run from 6 to 8pm on Tuesday 12 August at the Harry Bailey Memorial Library.
Entry is free.
“Our laws will disrupt their business model by shutting the doors, tearing up the leases, and putting the crooks behind bars,” he said.
“If you’re breaking the law, under the Coalition, there will be nowhere to hide.”
In an attempt to stem the tide of illegal cigarettes, the NSW Government’s new tobacco licensing scheme came into force on 1 July, meaning retailers and wholesalers who wish to sell tobacco, or non-tobacco smoking products, now must apply for a licence to do so.
“The NSW Government’s tobacco licensing scheme will help clean out bad actors in NSW’s tobacco market and level the playing field for small
businesses who do the right thing,” said Minister for Health Ryan Park.
“Labor is getting on with the job of delivering what the Liberals failed to do, and what small businesses have long been calling for - a tobacco licensing scheme.
“Their failure to implement a tobacco licensing scheme ushered in a tsunami of bad actors into the tobacco market.”
Applicants will be required to complete an online application, provide a recent criminal records check and pay a yearly licence fee.
New penalties have also been introduced for anyone caught selling illegal tobacco or vaping products without a
valid licence.
The maximum penalties for individuals is $11,000 for a first offence, and $44,000 for a second or subsequent offence.
The maximum fine for a corporation is $220,000.
NSW Health is doubling its number of authorised inspectors from 14 to 28 to strengthen compliance efforts across the state.
From 1 January 2025 to 31 March 2025, NSW Health inspectors conducted about 400 retailer inspections and seized more than 3.2 million cigarettes, 700 kg of other illicit tobacco products and over 55,000 illegal vaping goods with an estimated combined street value of around $5.5 million.
“Five volunteers are selected from the crowd to be judges, so there’s a lot of
The Australian Poetry Slam is a live, literary performance program where heat winners can progress to State and National finals.
Special host at the Coffs
A bonus, free ‘wordshop’ led by Waters at Yarrila Place will be held the day before the heat, providing an opportunity for people to grow and hone their poetry craft.
q Poetry Slam heat at the Harry Bailey Memorial Library last year.
Hundreds attend NAIDOC Week opening
By Andrew VIVIAN
NATIONAL Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this story contains the name of a deceased person.
NATIONAL Aboriginal and Islanders Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC) Week kicked off at Yarrila Place on Monday 7 July.
Hundreds attended the flag raising ceremony, welcoming speeches, and other activities during the morning, which included a Housing Forum and Expo, Aboriginal dancers, guided tours of Yarrila Arts and Museum (YAM) and the Harry Bailey Memorial Library.
A highlight was the presentation of the Yandaarra Aunty Grace Roberts Community Awards with a record 50 finalists marking the 50th anniversary of National NAIDOC Week.
Mayor Nikki Williams said, “The five days of NAIDOC Week activities in Coffs Harbour are inclusive and provide an opportunity to formally recognise some of the legends and emerging leaders in our local Aboriginal community.”
City Planning and Communities Acting Director Luke Perry said, “This year’s NAIDOC theme is ‘The Next Generation: Strength, Vision and Legacy’, so it was particularly pleasing to see so many youngsters involved.”
Deedee Dickson-Lockwood, a respected member of the Bongil Bongil Youth Collective, where she serves in the role of Arts Representative, won the Youth of the Year Award.
Cara Reeves, a passionate advocate for her peers and promoter of the benefits of the Special Olympics movement, won the Sports Achievement Award, and the Arts and Cultural Achievement Award winner was Ebony Davies who has been singing, dancing and acting on stage since age nine.
Ms Davies represented Australia in Atlanta at the “Aussie Allstar” event, has trained with Broadway professionals in New York, and won the “Voice of the Ocean” cruise competition.
The Aunty Award was shared by Aunty Heather Duncan, Team Leader of the Orara High School NASCA Academy (National Aboriginal Sporting Chance Academy), and Aunty Shirley Duroux, who is heavily involved in cultural and arts activities.
The Uncle Award posthumously went to Uncle Bryce Filewood who was an advocate and mentor for young Aboriginal and nonAboriginal students at many schools around Gumbaynggirr Country.
The Aboriginal Community Organisation or Business of the Year Award was shared by Waagay Biliinyjarl, which runs cultural camps and works with youth and carers, and Yarrawarra Arts, one of Coffs Harbour’s cultural icons, which organises exhibitions, workshops and gatherings.
The highest accolade, the Grace Roberts Memorial Community Development Award, was won Cylie Brown who supports a cohort of young people through the Transition To Work program within Mission Australia.
Mayor Williams said, “I stand in awe of the achievements and application of so many who work tirelessly for their community.”
q A large crowd attended the flag raising ceremony. Photo: City of Coffs Harbour.
q Leanne Fisher, granddaughter of Aunty Grace Roberts, announces Cylie Brown as the winner of the award named in her honour.
Centenary for Sawtell Station
By Andrea FERRARI
SAWTELL
Railway Station has been serving the seaside town for 100 years, having opened for business on 13 July 1925.
The station is located on the North Coast line connecting Sydney to northern NSW.
It is a request stop, meaning trains only stop if passengers are booked to board or alight there.
Sawtell Historical Museum has gathered memories from past users of the station, which are now displayed at the museum at Big4 Holiday Park on Lyons Road.
Among them are those of then Jetty High schoolgirl Janice Murphy (nee Lusted) who remembers the station
as “very impressive”.
“There was a parcel office, a Station Master’s office, a Ladies Waiting Room, which was small, and a larger waiting room for everyone.
“There were toilets on the platform.
“I remember that there was a fairly grumpy station master and that was probably because of all the [school]kids.
“It was all weatherboard, the platform was tar I remember. I don’t know what was under that though, but I think it was railway sleepers.”
Assistant Station Master in 1972, Terry Mason, recalls helping to get the station connected to town water, facilitating the installation of the toilet block.
“This proved to be a major asset to the station and much appreciated by the travelling public,” he said.
“The toilet block was a major improvement, replacing the former pan facility.”
Terry was very popular with the Sawtell community after this.
Born in Sawtell and now living in Melbourne, Robert McPherson remembers, “The station was unmanned in the beginning, but it was very important for sending produce to the Sydney markets.
“The goods shed was built in the 1930s.
“Deliveries were locked in the shed by the goods train
staff and my grandmother held a key, so that local shopkeepers [and] the pub could borrow the key and collect their goods.
“It was an honesty system and there was trouble with the theft of goods.
“In 1937 the local constable, Buchanan, hid there all night and caught someone.”
Photographs and written memories can be viewed at Sawtell Historical Museum.
Bridge restorers visit North Coast forests
timber bridge restoration experts from Placemaking NSW, Transport for NSW and Broockmann Water Advisory have visited the North Coast for a guided tour of native hardwood production forests.
The tour, facilitated by the Forestry Corporation of NSW’s (FCNSW) Sales and Planning teams, offered an opportunity for the NSW Government’s bridge team to see first-hand where the timbers used for their restoration work are sourced.
“This was a fantastic opportunity to connect the dots between sustainable forest management and heritage timber bridge preservation,” said Carl Broockmann, Managing Director at Broockmann Water Advisory.
“It’s great to see how our work in the forest directly
supports the longevity of some of the state’s most treasured landmarks and most important public infrastructure,” he said.
Placemaking NSW manages the Pyrmont Bridge, the oldest continuously operated electric swing span bridge in the world.
The bridge, constructed in 1903, has two steel spans and 12 timber spans built with over 900 tons of hardwood timber sourced from the North Coast of NSW.
The NSW Government has announced a contribution of $59.6million to the restoration of Pyrmont Bridge timber trusses over the coming 10 years, in order to keep the pedestrian and cycleway route open between Pyrmont and the Sydney CBD.
“High quality and durable timbers of large diameter with specific strength and
durability requirements are needed for the Pyrmont Bridge restoration that are only available in NSW native forests,” said David Glassod, a bridge maintenance supervisor at Placemaking NSW.
Transport for NSW is also responsible for maintaining 27 timber truss road bridges of historical and engineering significance across NSW.
“Many of these bridges will require restoration over the coming 10 years and will require a steady supply of hardwood timber sourced from the North Coast region,” Alan Pottie of Transport for NSW said.
“These structures require premium-grade timbers such as ironbark, tallowwood, and blackbutt — species native to NSW and not available anywhere else in the world.”
q Dunkerley family on Sawtell railway station's platform c.1955-56: David, father John Dyson Dunkerley (dec.), Christopher (current Sawtell resident), Roland (dec.).
Photo by mother Jean Dunkerley (dec.).
q Sawtell railway station in the 1940s. Photo supplied to Sawtell Historical Museum by Linda Knight.
q July 2015, as the XPT zips past Sawtell Railway Station. Photo: Christopher Dunkerley.
HERITAGE
q The Pyrmont Bridge, constructed in 1903, has two steel spans and 12 timber spans built with over 900 tons of hardwood timber.
A
SCU celebrates 200 graduates
By Andrea FERRARI
THE achievements of more than 200 Southern Cross University (SCU) graduates were celebrated at the Coffs Harbour campus on Friday 27 June.
A particular highlight was the presentation of the Chancellor’s Medal, SCU’s highest accolade for an outstanding thesis.
This was awarded to Dr Allyson Wilson, a mental health nurse and educator who previously lived on the Coffs Coast.
Dr Wilson’s PhD research offers vital insights into trauma-informed care practices within acute mental health environments.
She describes receiving the Chancellor’s Medal as both humbling and surreal.
“It still feels like I’m an imposter, like maybe they got the name wrong.
“But really, I see this as a shared achievement.
“My family, supervisors and peers all deserve a slice of this."
Dr Wilson balanced full-time work, family and carer responsibilities - including the profound challenge of supporting her father through terminal illness - all while completing a rigorous doctoral journey.
“My supervisors weren’t just focused on the thesis; they walked the journey with me,” she said.
“Their empathy, flexibility and deep understanding got me through some very difficult times.”
Dr Wilson now contributes to mental health education through a conjoint role as a lecturer and hospital educator with Southern Cross University and the Gold Coast University Hospital.
She teaches into the field of mental health nursing and is in the process of developing further research projects.
Also celebrating was Thang Mang Mashinghlor, who graduated with a Bachelor of Nursing.
Her family gifted her a unique bouquet of flowers with petals created out of dollar notes totalling $900.
“I'm very happy and feel free having graduated,” said Mang, who is now officially a Registered Nurse (RN).
“And I'm very thankful to my family.
“I didn't realise this gift was coming.
“I'm the only person here that gets this big bunch of flowers. It’s very different from everybody else… but I love it.”
Mang plans to undertake further study.
Delivering the Occasional Address was Jonathan “Jono” Freeman, the University’s 2024 Alumnus of the Year and founder of Club Active, one of Australia’s leading health and fitness networks for over-50s.
The former St John Paul College graduate and Coffs Coast resident’s mission is to help Australians age actively through personalised programs delivered by allied health professionals.
“What gets me out of bed in the morning is knowing that we can change people’s lives,” he said.
q Dr Allyson Wilson receives the Chancellor’s Medal at the SCU graduation ceremony.
q SCU’s Alumnus of the Year 2024 Jono Freeman at Club Active with a client.
q Graduating SCU student Thang Mang Mashinghlor with her family.
Marsh makes it halfway around the world
By Andrea FERRARI
HALFWAY into the McIntyre
Mini Globe Race (MGR), sailing 28,000 nautical miles around the world, Coffs Harbour yachtsman Eric Marsh is now resting in Vudu Marina in Fiji.
The 71-year-old sailor is one of 15 intrepid competitors on a world-first adventure aboard their solo Globe 5.8m
boats.
“The adventure and journey so far have been fantastic, the fellow competitors from all around the world are fabulous [and] we are like one big family,” Mr Marsh told News Of The Area.
Vuda Marina is a major supporter of the MGR and its staff help the mariners use their milestone break
to service the crafts before setting sail again at the end of July.
“I’ve just completed some maintenance and upgrades to Sunbear (the boat), being a new wind vane, antifoul and a re-rigging.
“She went back in the water today.”
Performance-wise, Mr Marsh and Sunbear are
q Fiji’s Vuda Marina providing a haven for the round-the-world yachtsmen and women.
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running in ninth place overall. They were in seventh place throughout Leg Two until becoming becalmed near the finish.
Since setting off from the start line in Antigua on 23 February, the sailors have visited amazing islands and countries; from Panama, HivaOa, Tahiti, Tonga and now Fiji.
“So far, the weather has
been kind to all, apart from the usual thunderstorms and squalls you get around the tropics.
“Leg Three starts on 26 July; Fiji to Cape Town, via Thursday Island or Darwin, then down through the Indian Ocean, and round the Cape to Cape Town.
“Sunbear is a great boat averaging 100 to 120 nautical
miles per day, not bad for a 19ft boat.
“We are both doing ok, although it does get lonely out there sometimes.”
The race is expected to take a year to complete with the first boats back in March 2026.
The fleet can be followed on MGR Facebook and YouTube.
q Eric Marsh’s Globe 5.8m boat Sunbear, going back in the water.
q Coffs Harbour yachtsman Eric Marsh at the halfway mark in the McIntyre Mini Globe Race.
Tourism Awards finalists
By Andrea FERRARI
DESTINATION North Coast, in partnership with the NSW Tourism Association, has revealed the 33 finalists across 18 categories in the 2025 North Coast Regional Tourism Awards.
Categories include Tourist Attractions, Tourism Restaurants and Catering Services, Festival and Events, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Tourism Experience, Adventure Tourism and a range of Tourist Accommodation types.
The supreme winners will be announced at an awards ceremony and gala dinner at Byron Bay on 31 July.
Among the 2025 Tourism
Awards finalists are six local businesses/organisations:
Park Beach Hotel Motel’s Hoey Moey, Spare Chef Catering, The Belfry guesthouse, Aanuka Beach House, Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary and City of Coffs Harbour.
Coffs’ Spare Chef Catering has been named a finalist in the Tourism Restaurants and Catering Services category.
“This recognition means the world to our team,” General Manager Robyn Woolaston said.
“It reflects the passion we pour into every event, every menu, and every bite - championing fresh, local produce from across the Coffs Coast and beyond.
“A huge thank you to our incredible clients, producers, and community who continue to support what we do… we’re so proud to be representing regional excellence.”
With a change in category specifications from last year, past gold winner in the Outstanding Accommodation Experience category, Bellingen’s The Belfry, is now listed in the Hosted Accommodation category as a 2025 finalist.
The Belfry manager Rowan Simon said, “We’re thrilled to be selected as a finalist once again.
“It’s a proud moment that reflects our team’s passion, resilience, and commitment to delivering meaningful
guest experiences in beautiful Bellingen.
“Thank you to our community and guests for your continued supportwe’re honoured to represent the region.”
On the back of launching the Coffs Coast Explorer App and the installation of seven digital information kiosks across the Local Government Area, the City of Coffs Harbour has been short-listed in the Tourism, Hire and Services category.
“These innovative digital tools have significantly enhanced visitor engagement and access to local attractions, services, and information,”
Mayor Nikki Williams said.
“The Explorer App, with
Backing the Future grants
its intuitive design and comprehensive listings, has experienced a remarkable increase in user downloads, with nearly 6000 to the end of April.
“Feedback to the app has been overwhelmingly positive.”
City Acting General Manager Andrew Beswick said, “Complementary to the app, the strategically placed
By Andrea FERRARI
THE Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR) and the Vincent Fairfax Family Foundation (VFFF) are looking for people with innovative ideas to enhance the lives of 12 to 30-year-olds living in remote, rural, and regional NSW.
They’re inviting applications for grants of $50,00 through the Backing the Future program.
In NSW, the program has already supported 28 individuals by investing $1.4 million in rural youth-focussed projects.
Jenny Wheatley, VFFF CEO, is excited about the potential to discover transformative ideas.
“Our experience shows that the hardest part of getting a project off the ground is securing initial funding to test the idea,” she said.
“This is especially true in rural and remote areas, where high costs and smaller populations make piloting new projects even more challenging.
“Backing the Future bridges this gap by trusting that leaders in local communities
kiosks provide accessible touchpoints for information, booking assistance, and emergency services - further streamlining the visitor journey.
“The kiosks and app have contributed to an estimated 10 percent rise in extended visitor stays and a measurable boost in local economic activity.”
can create transformative opportunities for young people, when provided with the right resources.
“Applicants not only get the grant funding, but they are also connected with the staff from FRRR, who provide additional capacity building, connections and networking to ensure that grantees have an opportunity to pilot innovative ideas.”
Mid North Coast grant recipient in 2022, Josie Clarke, used the funding to develop a platform to promote accessible job opportunities for young people interested in agriculture.
Her successful project was the development of AgCess, a job site which allows employers to outline the accessibility features of a role or workplace.
At the heart of this project is the recognition that workers with disabilities are talented, skilled and a great fit for many positions.
Grant funds enabled Josie to hire a software engineer to develop AgCess and supported advertising and marketing for the product launch.
Expressions of Interest are due by Monday 28 July 2025.
q Finalists in the 2025 North Coast Regional Tourism Awards.
q Spare Chef General Manager Robyn Woolaston. Photo: Fox and Kin photography.
q Bellingen’s The Belfry manager Rowan Simon.
q City of Coffs Harbour’s strategically placed tourist information kiosks, seen here in Sawtell.
q Backing the Future 2022 Mid North Coast grant recipient, Josie Clarke.
Boost for Blues and Berries Festival
By Andrea FERRARI
WOOLGOOLGA’S much-loved Blues and Berries Festival has secured key funding through the NSW Government’s 2025 Regional Event Fund, and is set to return to Woolgoolga Beach Reserve on Sunday 2 November.
The funding is a commitment to strengthen local communities and boost regional tourism.
The announcement, made by Destination North Coast, is a significant milestone for event organisers “Another Tasty Event” and highlights growing recognition of Woolgoolga’s vibrant culture and agricultural industry - especially its role in Australia’s thriving blueberry sector.
Michael Bryers, event manager and creative director of Another Tasty Event, welcomed the support, saying the funding will help take the festival to new heights.
“This grant means we can deliver an even better event for the community, visitors, and the local growers and businesses who support it,” Mr Bryers said.
“It’s a celebration of what makes Woolgoolga unique - our music, our food, and
our world-class blueberries.”
The event continues to receive strong backing from the City of Coffs Harbour Council and key industry supporters like the Costa Group, further cementing its role as a flagship celebration for the region.
On the program for Blues and Berries 2025 is a full day of live music, family-friendly entertainment, local food and produce, and a spotlight on Woolgoolga’s proud connection to
q Woolgoolga’s Blues and Berries Festival is back in November.
the berry industry.
The grants offered through the Regional Event Fund identify investment in regional events as key to growing the NSW regional visitor economy.
Since its establishment in 1996, the Regional Event Fund has distributed more than $14 million to more than 530 events.
The program is a mechanism to grow regional visitation by assisting events that
Gypsy Art Group’s winter exhibition
By Andrew VIVIAN
THE Gypsy Art Group winter exhibition opens at the North Coast Regional Botanic Garden on Monday 14 July.
Open daily between 10am and 3pm until 18 July, the artists will be on hand to discuss their individual art making journeys and the techniques they use, and they can answer
any questions about the Gypsy Art Group.
Donna Baldwin will be in attendance on Monday to discuss her watercolours.
“I find watercolour has a unique blend of artistry and science,” she said.
“When I get both right, I end up with unique textures and gradients that no other medium offers.
“The soft, translucent layers can evoke mood and atmosphere beautifully,
“Mastering watercolour, something I’m still working toward, offers an appealing challenge.”
Monique Buchbach will show her varied book making techniques on Wednesday and on Thursday, Kerrie Stewart will show an ecoprint reveal and explain the processes involved in flame treated wire sculpture.
Ms Stewart said, “If you have ever wondered about Gelli printing, indigo dyeing, zentangles, felting, photo transfer and expressive painting techniques, come along to view the artwork and meet the artists.
"The cool, sunny winter days are a perfect time to enjoy a stroll in the gardens, grab a coffee and view the artwork on show.”
The Group welcomes new members and meets fortnightly on Thursdays from 9am to 1pm at the Boambee Community Centre.
q Figbird chorus (gelli print, ink and wash) by Ann Sheppard; eco-printed woollen shawls by Kerrie Stewart; Irises (Watercolour) by Donna Baldwin and Zentangles by Monica Schumacher. Photo: Kerri Stewart.
contribute to the unique character of regional NSW to market themselves to visitors from outside their Local Government Area. Destination NSW manages the fund and provides support for the events.
q The famous pie eating contest.
q Live music is a big feature of the festival.
Pathway to performance
By Andrea FERRARI
YOUNG instrumentalists from the Coffs Coast region are being invited to audition for the Oz Schools Instrumental Championships (OSIC), a prestigious statelevel music event that takes place in August at the University of NSW (UNSW).
The OSIC is a solo performance competition for school-age students
across four categories: piano, strings, drums, and guitar.
The NSW finalists will gather for a live concert and competition at UNSW’s renowned theatres, with top students progressing to a National Final in Melbourne.
According to organisers, students who have recently placed at local eisteddfods, including the Coffs Harbour and District Eisteddfod, may be eligible for direct entry
into the NSW State Final.
Encouraging regional students to apply, OSIC event director Joe Patrick said, “We’ve created a pathway that celebrates local achievement.
“Students who’ve already performed well locally can now showcase their talents on a professional stage, connect with other top musicians, and represent their town at a state level.”
Students on the Coffs Coast who have not competed in a recent eisteddfod can still apply for the NSW State Final by submitting a short audition video.
Past performances and YouTube links are accepted.
Full details, including eligibility criteria and how to audition, are available at osic. com.au.
Entries close on Sunday 27 July.
Sewers bringing comfort to those in need
By Andrea FERRARI
COFFS Quilters and Needlecraft (CQ&N) club members have sewn up a creative half year and are looking ahead to catering to different needs in the community.
Member Wilma Lovett, who has been busy making dog rugs with donated material, gifted 16 blankets to Coffs Harbour RSPCA shelter.
“These quilts will be given to people who rehome a dog,” shelter Manager Nicole Balzer said.
Wilma acts as an unofficial ambassador for Coffs Harbour, giving away rugs to visitors who have a small dog with them.
The club has also taken on the responsibility of making breast pillows for women who have had a mastectomy.
Members have made 60 with 40 donated to Coffs Harbour Hospital.
The pillows are tailored for post mastectomy and lumpectomy surgery, and are specifically designed and shaped to offer comfort and protection under the arm and breast area.
“Our club has received an email from one woman who thanked CQ&N for the pillow which has helped with her recovery,” member Shirley Rose told News Of The Area.
Looking ahead, CQ&N club will be holding its 2025 Quilt Show at Coffs Harbour Showground Exhibition Hall on 19-20 September.
Opening on Saturday from 10am-4pm and Sunday from 10am-2pm, there will be trader tables,
demonstrations, raffles, lucky door prizes and light refreshments available.
CQ&N members meet every Thursday between 8.30am until 11.45.
Member activities cover a wide range of crafts such as knitting, crocheting, sewing and weaving.
“We knit squares for Wraps with Love, and
beanies, booties and rugs, which are given to Coff Harbour Hospital maternity ward.
“The public are welcomed to come along and have a
look at the items members are working on.
“We’re happy to teach people crafting techniques and morning tea or coffee is provided”.
Enquiries
NAIDOC Week at Sandy Beach
NAIDOC Week will be celebrated at Sandy Beach Reserve on Saturday, 12 July from 9am.
Described as a “family day of cultural immersion”, the Sandy Beach event will feature a smoking ceremony, didgeridoo performances, cultural
dancing, music from Manduway Dutton, a damper demonstration and a talk in the reserve’s new bush tucker garden.
NAIDOC stands for “National Aboriginal and Islander Day Observance Committee”, and is synonymous in Australia with celebrations of Indigenous culture and history.
In 1975, it was decided such festivities should last a week, and the modern NAIDOC Week was born, inspired by an Indigenous protest movement dating back to the 1920s and ‘30s. 2025 marks 50 years of NAIDOC Week celebrations, with this year’s theme being “The Next Generation: Strength, Vision and Legacy”.
q A 2024 junior strings finalist performs her piece, placing 1st in her age category.
q President Ruth Dorman demonstrates the mastectomy comfort pillow.
q Shirley Rose with Teenhah modelling one of Wilma’s dog coats.
q A 2024 drums finalist represents his regional town on the big stage.
q The OSIC NSW State Final venue, University of NSW (Kensington Campus), Sydney.
Photos provided by OSIC.
Dorman
q Wilma Lovett and Coffs RSPCA Shelter Manager Nicole Balzer with the donated dog rugs.
Road safety project
THE City of Coffs Harbour is partnering with The George Institute for Global Health in a road safety project being trialled in seven NSW Local Government Areas.
The next phase in the pilot is a community survey which will examine community attitudes to road safety issues, including speeding.
In the most recent fiveyear period reported (20182023) for the Coffs Harbour local government area:
• Speeding was the major crash factor, and at 1.6 times the NSW State average • 70 percent of crashes occurred in 50 or
Trivia for school books
By Andrea FERRARI
SAWTELL Primary School
is the latest recipient of early learning literacy books donated by the Rotary Club of Sawtell.
Assistant Principal Tracey Ferguson accepted the donation from Rotary’s Youth Director Alan Freedman.
The club is in its 20th year of donating books, which are purchased with the funds
raised from its annual Trivia Night.
"It’s a famously fun night,” Mr Freedman said.
“Our next Trivia Night is on Friday 5 September in the Princess room of the Sawtell RSL Club.
“Doors open at 6.45pm for a 7.30pm sharp start.
“There are tables of eight maximum - smaller bookings also also catered for.
“Name your team and
dress in a theme".
The fundraising tickets include hot canapes and prizes for the top three teams.
There is also a monster raffle with prizes ranging from an LCD television to necklaces and vouchers.
Bookings are now open and can be made by contacting Alan Freedman by email on alan.L.freedman@ bigpond.com.
Grants available for seniors’ events
APPLICATIONS are now open for the $200,000 NSW Seniors Festival Grant Program 2026, with funding of up to $5,000 and $10,000 available for events taking place during next year’s festival taking place from 2-15 March.
The festival theme for 2026 is ‘Live life in colour’, to encourage seniors to celebrate new adventures and embrace creativity, new connections and an active lifestyle.
This year, 35 organisations hosted events across the state that were attended by about 17,000
older people, including bush dances, art retreats, fitness classes and high teas.
The grant program offers funding of $1,500 to $5,000 for community programs and activities, and up to $10,000 for local government hosted largescale activities.
Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh is encouraging not-for-profit community groups and councils across the Coffs Coast to apply for funding.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for our local organisations and councils to get involved and celebrate the incredible contribution seniors make to our community,” Mr Singh said.
“Our seniors are a deeply valued part of the Coffs Coast. Their knowledge, achievements, and life experiences continue to shape and strengthen our region across generations.
“Whether it’s a morning tea, a fitness class, a community concert, or an information session, this funding supports inclusive and meaningful events that bring people together and celebrate older residents across the Coffs Coast.”
Applications close on Tuesday 12 August 2025.
Visit www.nsw.gov.au/ grants-and-funding/seniorsfestival-grants-program/ nsw-seniors-festival-grantprogram-2026 to apply.
60kph zones; and
• 17 lives were lost. 821 were injured.
“We are aiming for at least 350 local people to do the survey with the goal of driving behavioural change from the grassroots,” Mayor Nikki Williams said.
“The online survey takes only 20 minutes to complete but participants need to do it twice – once in July and then six months later to see if there’s been change.
“Those who complete the initial and follow-up surveys will go in the draw to win one of four $250 e-gift vouchers.”
To be eligible to
participate you must be:
• Aged 18 or older
• Able to complete the survey in English; and
• Live or work in the City of Coffs Harbour Local Government Area.
The Education and awareness of safe speeds in communities project is funded by the Australian Government through the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts.
To learn more and to participate, visit https:// haveyoursay.coffsharbour. nsw.gov.au/safespeed
For all your Livestock marketing, trust the team where the client comes first. We are an Auctions Plus Accredited Branch. Fortnightly Fat Cattle Sales at the Dorrigo Saleyards, on property sales, direct to feedlot, meatworks and online with AuctionsPlus
q A community survey will examine community attitudes to road safety issues.
q Sawtell Primary School Assistant Principal Tracey Ferguson and Rotary Club of Sawtell Youth Director Alan Freedman.
‘Seed’ grants for local projects
By Andrea FERRARI
THE SEEDS of Renewal program is now open for grant applications from community groups.
Over the past 23 years, the program has provided more than $6 million to support around 870 community groups to achieve their goals.
Administered independently by the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal
(FRRR), the program offers grants of up to $15,000 for local projects that support environmental sustainability and making a real difference.
This could include improving access to housing or financial wellbeing in regional communities of fewer than 15,000 people, improving digital access, supporting youth, protecting the environment, or building stronger, more connected communities.
Bellingen based OzGREEN, a past recipient, developed Rethink Waste Coffs Harbour in 2023.
Run by Program Manager Kathleen Hannah and delivered at local events, OzGREEN's Rethink Waste program supports event managers to rethink their waste management plans and to educate patrons about recycling, composting and items destined for landfill.
“Event holders face big
challenges with waste,” Kathleen told News Of The Area.
“It can be expensive to process and difficult to sort, with all waste often sent to landfill at the end of an event.
“Surprised and delighted by the response from the community, the Rethink team has now had thousands of engaging conversations around waste.
“The majority of people
Aussie classics from TAFE migrant students
By Andrea FERRARI
FIFTEEN Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) students at TAFE NSW Coffs Harbour celebrated their graduation from the Stepping Up into Kitchen Operations program by preparing and serving classic Australian
dishes for their families.
Students in the program come from a diverse range of countries including Ethiopia, Japan, Myanmar, the Philippines, Burundi, Sri Lanka, and Nepal. Not only does the course teach practical experience in a commercial kitchen
it also offers students the opportunity to strengthen their English language skills.
Throughout the course, students learned how to make popular Australian meals such as pasta, steak, and desserts. Completing the Statement of Attainment can be a springboard into part-
time employment or further studies in hospitality.
Evelyn Llevado, originally from the Philippines, said the experience had given them more than just kitchen skills.
“I feel more confident speaking English and I want to keep learning.
“My family is proud of me.”
TAFE NSW Project Lead Lisa Walker, who created the Stepping Up program in 2019, said it was originally designed to help English language learners break out of the traditional classroom environment.
Since then, Stepping Up has expanded from kitchen operations into bakery, hair and beauty, coffee skills, and horticulture.
“I saw how hard our AMEP students were working and thought ‘what if we gave them the chance to build their English skills while doing something hands-on, like cooking?’” Ms Walker said.
“It’s incredible to see how far they have come in just nine weeks.
“The students transform from being shy and quiet, to
Brelsford: The name behind the name
By Karen FILEWOOD
WHILE the Coffs Harbour jetty township and foreshores was designated Coffs Harbour, the original name of Coffs Harbour’s town centre was Brelsford.
Gazetted, then surveyed and mapped in 1886 by surveyor Herbert Evans, Brelsford is thought to be named after former northern districts surveyor,
William Albert Braylesford Greaves.
The second eldest of twelve children born to William and Barbara Greaves in 1829 at Ashbourne in Derbyshire, England, William Greaves had an elite education at Ashbourne Elizabethan Grammar School. By 1851 he was engaged in railway surveying when he met Surveyor General, Sir
Thomas Mitchell, who had travelled from Australia to England to attend the Great Exhibition.
He was offered the position of assistant surveyor and sailed on the barque ‘Florida’, reaching Sydney in October 1852.
He married Ann McKenzie in 1855 and was appointed Commissioner for Crown Lands in the Grafton district in 1858,
coming to the bins appreciate the guidance we offer on where to put different items.
"Most people want to do the right thing, they are just not equipped with the right information.
"There is a lot of mixed messaging out there and it’s not uncommon for us to answer questions around other tricky items like bottle tops, small electronics and UHT containers”.
To volunteer with or book the Rethink Waste team, visit ozgreen.org/ rethinkwaste.
Now in its 23rd year, the Seeds of Renewal program is a long-standing partnership between ANZ and FRRR and is designed to ensure the ongoing prosperity of regional Australia through vibrant, sustainable rural communities.
FRRR Head of Partnerships Jillian Kirwan Lee said, “Not-for-profits and social enterprises are
often the backbone of rural and regional Australia.
“They play a crucial role in addressing the environmental, financial, housing and economic challenges that local people face, and help their community to thrive.”
Since its inception in 2002, the program has provided more than $6 million in funding to more than 900 community-led projects.
Last year, $250,000 in grants were awarded to 22 community groups, supporting initiatives ranging from establishing a safe, free laundry facility for people experiencing homelessness in Orange, to delivering digital literacy programs for women in the Kimberley region.
Applications close at 5pm (AEST), 31 July 2025.
For community groups interested in applying in 2025, a Grantseeker Webinar is scheduled for 8 July, 12:30pm – 1:30pm (AEST).
To register, visit FRRR’s website.
q Graduation day for the Stepping Up into Kitchen Operations program students.
q Students in the Stepping Up into Kitchen Operations program make an Aussie
chatty, confident and proud of what they’ve achieved.”
The AMEP is a free English language tuition
then Magistrate of the region the following year, before being commissioned as captain of the Grafton Corp of Voluntary Rifles in 1861 and Associate Commissioner for the 1862 Great Exhibition in London.
During his seven years in Grafton, he laid out the towns of Lawrence, Maclean and Iluka, as well as marking out Grafton’s streets and allotments. He
also successfully protested against the proposed removal of Grafton’s Jacaranda trees in 1918.
On his appointment as one of four district surveyors in 1863, he moved his growing family to his Armidale headquarters. Two years after relocating he was appointed to represent the NSW Government in determining the position of the boundary between NSW and Queensland along the 29th parallel of south
latitude, working alongside Queensland’s representative surveyor Mr A C Gregory.
On his retirement in 1880 he moved from Armidale to Sydney, his residence also called ‘Braylesford’, remaining there until his death on 14 January 1925, just a couple of weeks before turning 96 and is interred in Waverley Cemetery.
On the administration of his will it was found he had total assets amounting to £97,102.
q Grant recipient Bellingen based OzGREEN, developed Rethink Waste Coffs Harbour in 2023.
service delivered by TAFE NSW and funded by the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs.
q Evelyn Llevado, originally from the Philippines, graduates from the TAFE Adult Migrant English Program.
q Adult Migrant English Program students in action in the TAFE kitchens.
lunch.
Violin virtuoso in concert at Bello
By Andrea FERRARI
THE Coffs Harbour City Orchestra’s upcoming concert featuring violin virtuoso Nicholas Fairbanks
at Bellingen Memorial Hall, will feature Mr Fairbanks performing the Vieuxtemps Violin Concerto No 5 Opus 37 with the orchestra.
“The music is dynamic and very engaging,” Coffs Harbour City Orchestra spokesperson Cathie McIntyre said.
“Nick asked our orchestra’s Artistic Director
Tim Egan if some of his friends could join the orchestra for these concerts; obviously Tim said 'by all means'.
“Adding string players with a high standard of ability to an amateur orchestra is always a game changer, you can never have too many string players, they’re the main elements of a symphony orchestra.”
Nicholas Fairbanks’ passion for the violin ignited at the age of six.
His journey in the world of music has been nothing short of remarkable, marked by dedicated tutelage and outstanding achievements.
Under the mentorship of Amber Davis from The Sydney Symphony Orchestra
during his formative years, Mr Fairbanks honed his skills and developed a deep appreciation for classical music.
By the age of 14, he had ascended to the prestigious role of Concert Master for the Bellingen Youth Orchestra, a position he held with distinction from 2019 to 2021.
Additionally, he served as the Concert Master and soloist for the Bellingen String Sinfonia, and also as a soloist with The Australian Hayden String Ensemble.
His commitment to excellence led him to the Australian Chamber Orchestra Academy in both 2021 and 2022, where he continued to refine his craft.
Seeking further musical enlightenment, he relocated to Sydney, where he is presently engaged in advanced studies with Dr Evgeny Sorkin at The Sydney Conservatorium of Music Open Academy.
His dedication is exemplified by his role as the NSW Arts Unit Orchestra Associate Concert Master and his involvement with the Rosemont Chamber Orchestra.
Committed to sharing his profound love for music and his expertise in playing the violin, Mr Fairbanks derives immense satisfaction from guiding his students toward the realisation of their musical aspirations.
The orchestra will also perform; Selections from Phantom of the Opera, Carnival of the Animals, Carmen and more.
Bellingen Memorial Hall Hyde Street Bellingen
q Violin virtuoso Nicholas Fairbanks.
q Coffs Harbour City Orchestra performing at Bellingen Memorial Hall.
Vieuxtemps
Nicholas Fairbanks Violin virtuoso Nicholas Fairbanks performs Vieuxtemps Violin Concerto No 5 Opus 37 with the orchestra.
By Manny WOOD
No bars on estate claim
MARVIN had been estranged from his family for several years and is now serving a lengthy prison sentence for a serious criminal offence.
As a former legal officer in a national security agency, he was charged with leaking classified information.
Following the death of his mother, Hilary, in 2023, her Will appointed her daughter, Emily, as executor and left the entirety of her estate including the family home, savings, and personal belongings to Emily.
Marvin was not mentioned in the Will.
Several months after probate was granted, Emily received correspondence from Marvin’s solicitor.
Marvin was making a family provision claim in his late mother’s estate.
In support of his claim, Marvin stated that he had shared a close relationship with his mother for most of his life.
He said that she had supported him both emotionally and financially during periods of hardship, and being excluded from the Will did not reflect her true intentions.
Emily disputed the claim.
She argued that Marvin’s conviction and incarceration disqualified him from making a claim.
She also raised the issue that Marvin, as a serving prisoner, did not have the legal right to commence civil proceedings at all.
The matter came before the Supreme Court of New South Wales to determine whether Marvin, despite his incarceration, was legally entitled to bring a family provision claim.
While acknowledging the gravity of Marvin’s offence and the distress it caused on the family, the Court confirmed that incarceration alone does not remove a person’s civil rights.
The Court held that the relevant legislation did not prevent Marvin from making a claim, provided that proper procedures were followed.
As Marvin had filed his application within 12 months of Hilary’s death, the Court allowed the matter to proceed.
The decision clarified that despite his conviction and imprisonment, Marvin was still entitled to commence proceedings, which led to the parties ultimately reaching an out-of-Court settlement for a substantial sum.
Thank you to lawyer Ellysha Laklem, for her assistance with this column.
This fictional column is not legal advice.
OPINION & LETTERS
Vegetation intrusion
DEAR News Of The Area,
WHILE the restoration of North Bank (NOTA 4th July) can be seen as altruistic it also highlights the continued erosion of usable recreation areas at the Jetty precinct.
This North Bank area was for many years mowed on a regular basis.
It was, for all intents and purposes, a lawn, offering uninterrupted views of the harbour.
The area only degraded after the dumping of heavy timbered mulch a few years ago.
It is an extension of the everincreasing encroachment of vegetation into usable public space, either by stealth, incompetence or a combination of both.
In time it will render this area useless as a viewing platform.
As late as the 1970s there was no bush or tree vegetation on the jetty foreshore south of the Jetty.
Later, land subject to vegetation planting was delineated by fencing on both the eastern and western boundaries.
Treed vegetation has since encroached beyond the eastern fence (still in original location) in places to the edge of the dune area adjacent to the beach proper.
New growth is appearing in an evereasterly direction with no indication or evidence of restriction.
Additionally, there is a previously mowed area south of the new Vendetta building where a lawned area has been allowed to regenerate and has very recently been planted with new trees around its boundary
to deter access.
Further loss of amenity has occurred in what appears to be a feature garden cum detention basin (in the middle of the previously promised cadets parade ground).
Both add to the further loss of usable recreational land.
The area is fast becoming like Beacon Hill Lookout, where vegetation has been allowed to grow unabated, severely affecting views of the ocean.
Again, in my youth this area was basically denuded of bush and trees allowing uninterrupted views of the ocean and airport.
The new function centre in the Vendetta building has very limited views and over time will resemble the Marine Rescue building, with ocean views completely obscured by vegetation.
Once established vegetated areas are almost impossible to remove (perhaps this is the reason a track from the Vendetta building to the beach for transport of their boats never eventuated), resulting in expensive and time-consuming EIS reports for starters (then comes compensatory planting in other locations and so it goes on.
Perhaps CHCC could explain what the overall plan for vegetation versus usable land is for the Jetty area, why it is growing unabated and why no community consultation is entered into.
Regards, Bob CAMERON, Coffs Harbour.
On theCouch
DEAR Jasminda,
Since the recent heavy rain events, we now have a flock of bin chickens in our yard.
They are not a very attractive bird, but I can't seem to shoo them away. How do I get rid of them?
Jonathan R.
Ah, Jonathon
Using the term bin chicken tells me everything I need to know about your position on the Australian White Ibis, despite it being an intelligent and resourceful bird, as well as a native species.
Your Flock of Ibis (not to be confused with A Flock of Seagulls, which would be an entirely different dilemma) is ('is' not 'are' as flock is a collective noun, before you correct me in an online community group) doing an important job in your yard.
Your attempts to shoo them (perhaps you'd prefer them to be rummaging around in a local skip bin) are taking them away from aerating your soil, feasting on insects, and adapting to new environments (such as your drenched yard that currently looks more like a Tough Mudder racetrack from all the vehicle traffic).
Instead of your 'Go Back to Where You Came From' attitude (misguided, since they traditionally inhabit wetlands, which your yard seems to have evolved into), perhaps you should embrace them as a significant part of Australia's cultural heritage.
It is actually our fault that the birds have relocated from their usual habitats and moved to far less suitable urban locations.
I hope this has shed some more light on the matter, and instead of calling them bin chickens (or trash vultures or flying rats or dumpster divers), you will instead embrace their distinctive repetitive grunting sounds (much like a surly Australian teenager) and marvel at them perched in your eucalyptus trees (where they are roosting to escape predators like coastal retirees named Jonathon).
Carpe diem, Jasminda.
A few inconvenient truths on jetty question
DEAR News Of The Area,
WHILE I respect the views of people who oppose development of the harbour foreshores, I’m getting a bit tired of hearing their claim that the great majority of people who voted at the last Council election, opposed the development.
Let’s consider a few inconvenient truths:
1. For two-three years, the antidevelopment movement has complained that the earlier surveys showing support for some development on the foreshores were biased and therefore should be ignored.
2. The question drafted by the previous anti-development Council, and used in the survey held as part of the last Council election, was clearly biased and designed to get an anti-development answer. Apparently, a biased question is OK if it’s biased in their favour.
3. I volunteered to hand out “how to vote” leaflets for one of the council candidates at the last election. I was surprised when many of the people supporting anti-development candidates were approaching voters and telling them lies about what was being proposed. As many voters were not very aware of the development proposal, it was easy to mislead them with stories of many high-rise residential buildings along the foreshores.
So it’s hardly surprising that a biased
question, supported by misleading information told to uninformed people, just before they voted, resulted in majority support for the anti-development cause. Clearly the foreshore is a divisive issue.
Various state governments clearly want to see some development on this land.
Does it not make sense to try and find a compromise solution, limiting the amount of residential development rather than trying to prevent anything happening on this land and continuing to see a fenced off paddock keeping everyone out of the railway owned land.
Regards, Patrick WALTERS, Coffs Harbour.
Does the Treasurer own a calculator?
DEAR News Of The Area,
LABOR’S proposal to introduce an unrealized capital gains tax on superannuation funds has created quite a bit of attention since Chalmer’s Federal Budget back on 25 March.
I don’t believe Jim Chalmers owns a financial calculator or has thought through the effect of his tax.
Recently the Government estimated that a young person entering the work force will accumulate a superannuation balance of $3,000,000 over their working life.
That estimate is seriously at risk if the tax on unrealised capital gains successfully passes through both houses of parliament.
Last week I presented my tax
cost calculations to a small group of accountants.
I workshopped a few scenarios, all of which concluded that a tax on unrealised capital gains would have a significant negative effect on member balances.
Superannuation funds already pay a considerable amount of tax in the way of contribution tax at a rate of 15 percent and a tax on realised gains during the year.
Assuming that a person entering the work force now works for 45 years, my conservative calculations reveal that the government’s estimated member balance of $3,000,000 at retirement would drop to $2,523,050.
The unrealised capital gains tax would cost the member $476,950.
Over the same period, contribution tax
paid at the current rate of 15 percent is estimated to be around $112,005.
Members have been paying contribution tax for years now.
However, the total of both taxes would be approximately $588,955.
Many small business owners have had their self-managed superannuation fund purchase a business premises for them to operate from.
A significant proportion of these SMSF have no other assets other than a cash account which is used to collect rent and pay property expenses and operating costs.
A tax on the unrealised capital gains could lead to the fund not having sufficient cash reserves to pay the additional tax.
The members would be faced with only two scenarios; make non-concessional
Treasurer’s reform agenda
DEAR News Of The Area,
IN NOTA on 27 June 2025 our local federal Member Mr Pat Conaghan wrote a very critical condemnation of the Treasurer’s proposed summit meeting with employers, unions, government policy authorities and representatives from the broader Australian public.
The Treasurer, Jim Chalmers’, agenda for this summit is for “modernising our economy and maximizing our advantages”.
He is convening a relatively small reform round table as an advisory group, with a particular focus on budget sustainability and productivity.
This is an initiative that I thought would be lauded by most Australians, as there has been a lack of policy activity on issues of tax reform and deregulation for many years.
However, in what we have come to expect from the LNP we received a very derisive retort from our federal member to this reform initiative and for the Treasurer’s performance in general.
Even though John Hewson, ex-leader of the Liberal Party, proclaimed that the reform agenda “may well be the envy of the Coalition. He has filled the vacuum that their policy inactivity has left”.
Ken Henry, who is known as the guru of tax reform, commented “its visionary, its ambitious and its overdue”.
We did not receive a tax policy from
the Coalition at the last election and we are still waiting.
In the decade between the global financial crisis and the pandemic, labour productivity growth steadily declined from just four percent to almost zero.
However, all we ever heard during Labor’s last term in office was negativity and obstructionism and apparently things have not changed in this new term.
We are confronted with greater demands on our budget for increased defence spending, better medical services (some politicians are seeking dental services to be included in Medicare), higher costs for NDIS and Aged Care, the need for more housing, the containment of climate change, etc. The money has to come from somewhere, but no-one wants to suffer, no-one wants to pay.
The Treasurer’s proposed initiative to increase the tax on super funds over $3m (tax increases from 15 percent to 30 percent) is attacked by Mr Conaghan as the Treasurer’s “raid on Self Managed Super Funds of producers and small businesses”.
What Mr Conaghan fails to accept is that the superannuation scheme was established to fund our retirement, so that we do not need to rely on the age pension.
It was not established so that we can fund the inheritance of our children, or for our wealth creation, or as a tax shelter.
The Superannuation Fund of Australia
maintains that a single person with $595,000 super or a couple with $690,000 can generate a comfortable lifestyle in retirement.
This is well less than the $3m which is affected by the proposed changes.
The revenue which is expected to be raised by this tax is $2.3b per year.
The number of Australians most likely affected by this policy is 80,000, just 0.5 percent of the population.
I have two daughters (“inner city dwellers”) who are struggling to pay their mortgages; one is paying 37 percent tax on her income, while the other is paying 45 percent.
They have a minuscule proportion of super, compared to those with super over $3m, who are projected to receive a tax increase to 30 percent.
Is Mr Conaghan really serious about his criticism of the tax super change?
Who does Mr Conaghan believe should help in meeting our budget burden?
I suggest we start with the large polluters.
The Nationals do not accept global warming and reject zero percent emissions by 2050.
They maintain that to achieve this target is too costly.
I suggest that it is too costly if we don’t achieve this target.
Look at our record this year.
We spent over $1b to recover from
Incorrect assertions on running group
DEAR News Of The Area,
I WRITE in response to a recent letter from Mr Todd Hunter in NOTA on 27 June 2025 regarding alleged incidents involving the Coffs Harbour Triathlon Club at Park Beach Reserve.
I am a member of Coffs Harbour Triathlon Club and I also participate in Coffs Harbour Parkrun.
While I appreciate the need for shared public spaces to be safe and accessible to all, Mr Hunter’s assertions are both factually incorrect and unfairly damaging to a valued local organisation.
To clarify: the Coffs Harbour Triathlon
Club does not hold events on the Park Beach Reserve pathway.
Their running leg takes place on the Jetty Foreshores - well away from the area in question.
It appears Mr Hunter is confusing the Triathlon Club with Coffs Harbour Parkrun, a free, community-led five km walk/run held every Saturday at 7:00am along the Park Beach Reserve pathway.
As a regular Parkrun participant, I can attest that the people involved represent a broad cross-section of our communityincluding the very groups Mr Hunter claims to speak for: families, the elderly, young parents, and fellow joggers.
In the several months I’ve attended, I’ve never witnessed the types of incidents he describes, nor have I heard any such
complaints directly or second-hand.
On the contrary, it’s a welcoming, respectful, and inclusive environment that contributes positively to the health and social cohesion of our town.
Public discussion should always be underpinned by truth, goodwill, and a spirit of community.
I respectfully ask that future concerns be directed to the appropriate groups and based on verified information - not assumptions.
Our local organisations, whether Parkrun or the Triathlon Club, deserve recognition for the positive role they play in promoting healthy lifestyles and community connection.
Sincerely, Craig CUSACK, Coffs Harbour.
contributions to the fund (possibly an unaffordable option), or sell the property.
There would be thousands of SMSFs that would be affected by this incredibly ill-contrived tax.
Superannuation has become less and less concessional over the years and becoming a less attractive means of savings.
The loss of tax benefits on lifetime retirement savings means members and their employers will be under pressure to make further contributions to help offset rising tax costs.
In the future, the only real benefit superannuation offers will be that it is a compulsory saving program funded by employers as a part of a total wage package and enforced through legislation.
Regards, Rodney FOX, Public accountant.
cyclone Alfred, then over $2b from the later floods, no doubt similar costs from the storm “bomb” this week and the year is only half over.
We just need to look at the current heat wave in the UK and Europe and the resultant lives that have been lost from the resultant high temperatures.
Future costs would include the significant medical and hospital costs of heat affected citizens, food shortages and further natural disasters.
We have to accept that we need to be taxed more and we need to target those that can most afford it. It is not a matter of how much, but how we spend it and this is where we hold our politicians to account (no more sports rorts, or expensive railway car parks).
Mr Chalmers asked “everyone with any power or privileges to set aside their self interest so that we can achieve an effective outcome”.
I am assuming that he was referring to Opposition politicians, as well, in this statement.
But based on previous performance (rejection of negative gearing, capital gains tax, franking credits on investments) I have little expectation anything will change.
We seem unable to implement any creative and radically constructive initiatives in our political system. Any new, innovative idea is jumped on immediately.
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Pieter DE VISSER, Korora.
Investment or starter option
There
Agents: Chris Hines (0439 667 719) and Kim McGinty (0432 953 796).
Top of the town
underneath, offering an open plan layout featuring a large kitchen, dining and a big lounge area, with soaring ceilings.
THIS is a rare opportunity to buy an architecturally designed home nestled into a hillside on a 4.1 Ha (10 acre) block which offers absolute privacy and superb city and ocean views, with a panoramic vista of twinkling city lights at night.
The home is set high on poles with garaging
The floor to ceiling glass doors and windows invite the view right into your living room.
The master bedroom is huge with a walk-in robe and its own ensuite bathroom.
There are two other bedrooms with builtins, adjacent to the main
bathroom.
Large picture windows in the dining room look out to the national park forest at the rear.
To control the climate all the year around, you have a choice of ducted air conditioning, ceiling fans and a feature combustion stove fireplace.
While the land is zoned for intensive agriculture and some crops may be suitable, it is not suited to animals or horticulture other than
July.
Viewing is strictly by appointment and potential buyers are encouraged to attend the open homes which are scheduled for 12 July and 11am-12pm on 19
The auction will be held in the Coffs Harbour CWA Hall at 1pm on 19 July.
Only a few minutes' drive to the Plaza, beaches and CBD, properties like this rarely become available.
“The vendor has a very
realistic price expectation, so don't miss out,” said agent John Vickars.
“The vendor will consider offers prior to auction (conditions apply).”
To discuss an auction price guide, please call agent John Vickars on 0428 380 201.
This 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 rented at $400.0 P/W.
maybe a few bananas. The driveway, which is mostly concrete, is exactly one kilometre long.
From the Valley to the world
MICK Birtles, a regular reporter for News Of The Area and a familiar voice on 2NVR Nambucca Valley Radio, has launched a new podcast celebrating the stories of everyday people doing extraordinary things.
Titled ‘Life Worth Listening’, the podcast features heartfelt, insightful, and often surprising
conversations with locals who are living with passion, purpose, and a dash of adventure.
The first series will feature 10 episodes and is now streaming globally.
“This isn’t about celebrities or headlinemakers,” said Mick, from Nambucca Heads.
“It’s about grassroots
people, most from right here in the Nambucca Valley, who are living lives that deserve to be heard about.
“Everyone’s life is a journey, and in this podcast, I try to share as many of those journeys as I can.”
Far from a commercial venture, Life Worth Listening is a personal project Mick has self-funded and created as
Annual farm census underway
NSW LANDHOLDERS are being asked to report their livestock numbers and land use information as part of Local Land Services’ annual farm census.
The Annual Land and Stock Return collects information that helps shape the delivery of animal health and biosecurity services and prepare for emergencies such as bushfires and biosecurity outbreaks.
Landholders must lodge their return by 31 August 2025 via the online portal or by completing the paper form received in the mail.
Local Land Services’ Executive Director Delivery, Rob Kelly, said the Annual Land and Stock Return helped paint a picture of agricultural land use and livestock across NSW at the time of the 30 June census date.
“An accurate snapshot helps the NSW Government respond quickly and accurately to emergencies such as bushfires and floods, monitor flock and herd health and carry out emergency animal disease surveillance,” Mr Kelly said.
“This helps protect NSW from the threat of pests, diseases and emergencies while supporting primary producers and keeping
supply chains strong.
“We recognise many farmers have faced significant challenges recently that have impacted their stock levels, including floods in the Hunter and North Coast regions and drought conditions in southern parts of the state.
“Despite these challenges, it is still important for everyone to lodge their Annual Land and Stock Return as this information allows us to better respond in emergency situations and deliver timely animal health and biosecurity advice.
“If you need advice or support, please reach out to Local Land Services on 1300 795 299 or visit your nearest office.”
There are more than 170,000 landholders across NSW.
Those without stock still need to complete their returns to avoid unnecessary fees.
The Animal Health and Meat Industry Levy is automatically applied to a landholder’s next Local Land Services rates notice if they fail to complete their return.
Landholders can visit nsw.gov.au/alsr or scan the QR code on their Annual Land and Stock Return notice to submit their return online.
part of his own journey.
“It costs me a little bit to produce and share, but this is something I’m doing out of a desire to share stories that inspire,” Mick explains.
Among the guests in this inaugural season are Jill Ashley, co-founder of ShoreTrack, whose inspiring work with local youth is changing lives; David Jones, former mayor of one of Australia’s largest inland cities and now a councillor in the Nambucca Valley, reflecting on a lifetime of public service; and Rob McRea, who carved out a unique career impersonating Elvis Presley.
The podcasts often take you to unexpected and fascinating places, such as Mick’s chat with Nambucca Heads-based historian, author and playwright Carrolline Rhodes, in which listeners hear vivid descriptions of post-blitz London and the reality of life for Ten Pound Poms.
With natural curiosity and a love of good conversation, Mick brings out the richness
q Titled ‘Life Worth Listening’, the podcast features heartfelt, insightful, and often surprising conversations with locals who are living with passion, purpose, and a dash of adventure.
in his guests’ stories; stories that might otherwise go untold.
“I’m fascinated by people who inject energy and enthusiasm into doing things that are outside the mainstream, of value to others, or just for the joy of it and that’s what makes these conversations so special,” Mick said.
Life Worth Listening is available now and can be
streamed globally across all major podcast platforms such as Spotify, I heart Radio, Amazon Music and Apple Podcasts.
Whether you're a local looking to celebrate the stories of your neighbours, or a curious listener from afar, this is one podcast that delivers genuine voices, real stories, and a powerful reminder that every life has a story worth hearing.
Inquiry into conservation hunting bill
AN Upper House inquiry has been established to examine the Game and Feral Animal Legislation Amendment (Conservation Hunting) Bill 2025, a private members’ bill introduced by Robert Borsak MLC of the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers party.
The bill proposes a number of amendments to the Game and Feral Animal Control Act 2002, including
to abolish the Game and Pest Management Advisory Board and replace it with the Conservation Hunting Authority.
The bill would also recognise and make provision for a right to hunt, and abolish restricted game hunting licences and replace those licences with conservation hunting licences.
The bill additionally seeks to amend laws to establish that Crown land is available for hunting.
Committee Chair Emily Suvaal MLC acknowledged the wide range of views on the bill.
"This inquiry will ensure that stakeholder issues and concerns about the proposed legislation can be adequately considered
and addressed by the House when debate resumes on the bill,” she said.
Stakeholders can make submissions until 4 August 2025 by lodging a submission via the committee's website.
The committee will then hold a hearing on a date to be determined.
The committee is due to report by 10 October 2025.
q Nambucca Heads’ Mick Birtles uses his podcast to highlight grassroots people doing extraordinary things.
q The Annual Land and Stock Return helps paint a picture of agricultural land use and livestock across NSW. Photo: Leanda Connor.
Regional buses get real-time travel technology
FOR the first time, all NSW regional bus passengers can access real-time bus travel information from their smart devices.
All 3,010 contracted buses across rural and regional NSW, which collectively cover more than 3,880 routes and around 316,000 kilometres per day, are now fitted out with GPS and automatic passenger counting technology.
Passengers are now able to:
- Track their bus in realtime using any travel app, including Opal Travel or via Transport for NSW’s Trip Planner website
- Get arrival times and capacity information
- Access interactive maps,
digital timetables, and route information
- Plan journeys through Transport for NSW's Trip Planner
Roads and Regional Transport Minister Jenny Aitchison said, “As someone who represents a regional community, I know how frustrating it is for regional commuters and public transport users who feel left behind when it comes to accessing real-time data.
"No matter where you live in NSW, you deserve the same quality public transport experience.”
Learn about using the Transport for NSW Trip Planner tool at transportnsw. info/trip or other apps at transportnsw.info/apps.
Fire ants discovered in Tweed Heads
FARMERS are calling for a government crackdown to stamp out fire ants in
NSW after the pests were discovered in Tweed Heads last week.
Fire ants (Solenopsis invicta) are prohibited under the NSW Biosecurity Act 2015
and high-risk materials are restricted from infested areas of south-east Queensland.
On Wednesday the NSW Government confirmed an immature Red Imported Fire Ant nest was detected on a property on NSW’s far north coast, where it was later destroyed by authorities.
“An investigation was immediately commenced following the report of suspected fire ants and the discovery of an immature nest led to its destruction,” Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty said.
A genetic analysis has commenced of the specimen fire ants to determine the likely source.
NSW Chief Invasive Species Officer Scott Charlton
said, "Investigations and surveillance are underway following this detection; however, the fact that the nest was immature, or nonproductive, is reassuring.
“A vigilant pest control contractor at the site quickly identified suspected fire ants.”
NSW Farmers Biosecurity Committee Chair Tony Hegarty said the repeated detections of fire ants in NSW were a clear sign of a “colossal failure” of current biosecurity measures.
“The danger that Red Imported Fire Ants present to people, animals and the environment could not be more extreme," Mr Hegarty said.
“We’re rapidly losing
the battle from one pest to another here in NSW, and the way we’re going, fire ants could well be the next threat our government fails to control.”
Mr Hegarty called on the state government to ensure every resource was available to eradicate the ants as soon as possible.
“Current biosecurity measures clearly aren’t doing the job, and while we’ve got $100 million in new biosecurity funding, this one pest alone could cost us $60 billion over the next 30 years,” Mr Hegarty said.
“The NSW Government needs to get real on border biosecurity and properly vet high-risk materials coming into our borders, or else these ants are only going to keep marching on in until it’s all too late.”
Bellingen Council thanks volunteers
BELLINGEN Shire Council formally recognised the hard work and dedication of its approximately 170 volunteers at a Volunteer Appreciation Event on Thursday 19 June at the Waterfall Way Visitor Information Centre.
The evening brought together volunteers from across Council programs to celebrate their invaluable service to the community.
Volunteers play a vital role in delivering local services and building community spirit, from supporting libraries and the Waterfall Way Visitor Information Centre to maintaining community halls and recreational reserves and assisting with events at the Bellingen
Memorial Hall.
Bellingen Shire Mayor Steve Allan, expressed heartfelt thanks to all involved in supporting the Bellingen Shire community.
"Our volunteers give their time, skills and energy to help make our community stronger, more inclusive and better connected,” said Mayor Allan
“This event was just one way we can show our appreciation and say thank you for their incredible efforts throughout the year."
The celebration included a presentation of certificates acknowledging long-standing volunteers across all Council programs and Section 355 Committees.
q All buses are now fitted out with GPS and automatic passenger counting technology.
q Fire ants (Solenopsis invicta). Photo: DPI.
$50k in play for Coffs Coast sport and rec clubs
By Aiden BURGESS
SPORT and recreation clubs
across the Coffs Coast are being urged to apply for a share of $50,000 in funding through the 2025 NSW Local Sport Grant Program
Coffs Harbour Nationals
MP Gurmesh Singh said the program is designed to strengthen grassroots sport by increasing participation, improving access, and enhancing facilities across local communities.
“It is so important we continue supporting our local
sporting clubs. They are the lifeblood of our communities and key to ensuring our kids live a healthy and happy lifestyle,” he said.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for local clubs to boost participation, upgrade equipment, or improve
facilities that support community sport.
“Grassroots sport plays a vital role in the physical and mental wellbeing of our region, and this funding can make a real difference.”
Grants of between $2000 and $20,000 are available to incorporated, not-for-profit sport and active recreation clubs and associations.
Each electorate has access
to $50,000 in funding, and applications will be assessed through a competitive process.
Applications close at 1pm on Monday, 18 August, with successful recipients announced in March 2026.
Projects must be completed by September 2027.
“I strongly encourage local clubs to take this opportunity
and apply now,” Mr Singh said. “Visit sports.nsw.gov.au for full details.”
The Local Sport Grant Program aims to support grassroots sporting clubs to increase participation, host events, improve access and enhance sport and recreation facilities. It also aims to increase regular and ongoing participation opportunities.
Breakers and Saints have big wins
By Aiden BURGESS
THE Coffs Harbour Breakers
and Sawtell/Toormina Saints both had big wins in the latest round of the AFL North Coast season.
The Breakers showed why they are the ladder leaders with a 25.13 (163) to 3.6 (24) demolition of the Macleay Valley Eagles at Fitzroy Oval.
The Sawtell/Toormina Saints had a convincing win of their own, smashing the Grafton Tigers 19.20 (134) to 6.3 (39) in Grafton. Reserves
Coffs Harbour Breakers had a 10.6 (66) to 5.6 (36) win against the Nambucca Valley Lions at Fitzroy Oval.
Port Macquarie Magpies became the first team to beat
the Northern Beaches Blues this season, having a 4.6 (30) to 1.5 (11) win in Port Macquarie.
Women’s
Port Macquarie Magpies recorded their first win of the season, beating the Northern Beaches Blues 3.5 (23) to 1.5 (11).
Round 10
The AFL North Coast
season continues this weekend with Round 10 matches.
The Sawtell/Toormina Saints travel to take on the Macleay Valley Eagles in South Kempsey. The Eagles had a 16-point win when they last met.
The Port Macquarie Magpies host the Grafton Tigers at Wayne Richards
Park. The Magpies had a 137-point win when they last played in the opening round.
Ladder leaders the Coffs Harbour Breakers have the bye.
Coffs Harbour Breakers and Northern Beaches Blues reserves, women’s, and Under 18s sides play off in Woolgoolga.
SWIMMING North Coast has held its annual general meeting (AGM) in Grafton and online.
It was attended by delegates from 14 of the area’s clubs in addition to life members and NSW Swimming representative, Matt Levy.
The AGM was opened
by President Ann Pilkie of Laurieton..
All office-holders were elected unopposed.
They are President, Ann Pilkie; Vice President North, Faye Rowles of Twin Towns Swim Team; Vice President South, John Miall of Kempsey; Secretary, Joanne Hodgson of Bellingen; Treasurer, Helen Green of Twin Towns;
Registrar, Graham Canning of Lismore Workers and Area Technical Swimming Coordinator, Jennie Riley of Woodenbong.
The competition committee comprises Samantha Bergen of Coffs Harbour, Raymond Clark of Macksville, Kathryn Robinson of Grafton, Ian Smith of Taree, Tania Jean of Wauchope, and
Kristy Magann of Lismore Workers.
The Development Committee is Luke Anderson of Woolgoolga and Helen Phipps of Coffs Harbour.
The Technical Swimming Committee is Janelle Barnett of Kempsey, Helen Green of Twin Towns, Josanne Hodgson of Bellingen, Donald Law
of Lismore Workers, Ann Pilkie of Laurieton and Faye Rowles of Twin Towns.
The organisation still needs a Competition and Development Coordinator and four more members of the Development Committee.
Trophies were presented to the winning clubs of various Swimming North Coast Championships.
- Division 1 Championships: 1st Coffs Harbour, 2nd Alstonville and 3rd Port Macquarie. - Division 2 Championships: 1st Port Macquarie, 2nd Kingscliff and 3rd Taree. - Short Course Championships: 1st Alstonville, 2nd Coffs Harbour and 3rd Port Macquarie.
q Coffs Harbour Table Tennis Club and Over 50's members with Coffs Harbour MP Gurmesh Singh.
Sydney Sixers to return to Coffs Harbour
By Aiden BURGESS
THE Sydney Sixers are set to return to Coffs Harbour in early 2026, as they take on a familiar rival.
The Sixers meet the Brisbane Heat on Monday, 5 January, at the C.ex Coffs International Stadium as part of the newly-announced fixture for the BBL|15 season.
Marking the club’s seventh appearance in the region, the Sixers have cemented Coffs Harbour as a home away from home, first bringing the Big Bash to the Coffs Coast during BBL|09 in 2020.
With regular sold-out crowds at the venue, the support from the local community has made the annual fixture one of the
Snappers win local derby
By Aiden BURGESS
COFFS Harbour Snappers have earned bragging rights this season with a 42-21 win in their local derby against the SCU Marlins at Coffs Coast Sport and Leisure Park.
A dominant first half performance helped the Snappers record their second win from as many matches against the Marlins this season, as they regained the Des Hoy Cup, which the Marlins won last year.
The Snappers struck first in the seventh minute, with
Stuart Mcvicar bursting over the line.
There was lots of open field play and kicking to start the match, as both teams tried to establish the all-important territory advantage.
The Snappers started to gain the ascendancy with the game played predominantly in their attacking half, and this territory advantage paid off with Fredrick Ralulu crossing out wide to take the lead to 12-0 after 16 minutes.
The Snappers continued to threaten out wide and
were winning the early territory battle, starting to dominate as they pinned the Marlins in their own half.
This domination paid off as Daniele Yaya crossed out wide in the 24th minute to extend the lead to 19-0.
The Snappers defence was not letting the Marlins gain any momentum, forcing mistakes which led to another try in the 32nd minute courtesy of Bradley Thorn, taking the lead to 26-0.
A penalty goal right on half-time made it 29-0, a lead which proved to be
insurmountable.
The Snappers were all over them to start the second half and were held up numerous times, before the Marlins opened their scoring against the run of play courtesy of a Joshua Rayner try.
The Snappers early dominance finally paid off with a try in the 50th minute taking the lead to 36-7, which ultimately proved to be a match winning one.
The Marlins and Snappers meet in their third local derby of the season on Saturday 16 August.
Seahorses remain perfect
By Aiden BURGESS
THE Woolgoolga Seahorses winning streak has continued with the undefeated ladder leaders having a 32-24 win against the Macksville Sea Eagles in Macksville, in Round 10 of the Group 2 Rugby League season.
The victory was their seventh in a row and sees them sit three points clear at the top of the ladder, with just four rounds to go until this season’s finals series.
The Nambucca Roosters maintained second spot on
the ladder after having a 32-6 win against the Sawtell Panthers at Rex Hardaker Oval.
South Grafton Rebels moved into third spot on the ladder with a 30-22 win against the Grafton Ghosts in their local derby.
Reserves
Macksville Sea Eagles moved into top spot with a 30-16 win in their top of the table clash against Woolgoolga Seahorses.
Sawtell Panthers had a 34-10 win at home against the Nambucca Roosters.
The Grafton Ghosts edged out the South Grafton Rebels 24-22 in their local derby.
Women’s
The Woolgoolga Seahorses maintained their undefeated record with an 18-6 win against the Macksville Sea Eagles.
The second-placed Grafton Ghosts had a 22-10 win against the South Grafton Rebels.
Nambucca Roosters had a 40-0 win against the Sawtell Panthers at Rex Hardaker Oval.
Under 18s
The second-placed Grafton Ghosts had a 30-0 win at home against the South Grafton Rebels.
The Sawtell Panthers moved into the top four with a 22-18 win against the Nambucca Roosters.
Round 11
The Group 2 Rugby League season continues this weekend with Round 11 games.
The Coffs Harbour Comets play host to the Grafton Ghosts on Sunday afternoon at Geoff King Motors Oval.
standouts on the Sixers calendar.
This summer’s match in Coffs will also serve as the club’s First Nations Round fixture, with the team taking the field on Gumbaynggirr Country in newly designed kits by artist and Wiradjuri woman Lua Pellegrini.
The round, which celebrates culture, connection, and community, aims to recognise and honour First Nations people and their connection to the lands on which we live, work and play.
Treated to some of the very best of the Big Bash in recent years, fans in Coffs have enjoyed a host of unforgettable moments, including most notably Steve Smith’s heroics during BBL|12 when the superstar smashed a record-breaking century in front of the local crowd.
The Sydney Sixers and Brisbane Heat have played off once before in Coffs Harbour.
The Heat had a 3-run win under the DLS method in 2024.
Last season’s scheduled match between the two sides in Coffs Harbour was abandoned without a ball being bowled.
The Sixers have a 2-2 record in their four matches played in Coffs Harbour.
Sixers General Manager Rachael Haynes, said the trip to Coffs Harbour is always a highlight for the club.
“The support that we
The Comets had a 28-18 win when they last met in a catch-up game on the June long weekend.
The Sawtell Panthers travel to take on the South Grafton Rebels on Saturday afternoon.
The Panthers had a 30-16 win when they last played in Round 4.
The Nambucca Roosters host the Macksville Sea Eagles on Saturday afternoon.
The Sea Eagles had a 2618 win when they last met in a catch-up game on the June long weekend. Ladder leaders the Woolgoolga Seahorses have
receive from the local community has been incredible and we've loved the opportunity to bring the game regionally.
“The energy and atmosphere at the venue is always electric and we've witnessed so many unforgettable moments in Coffs in recent years.
“We would like to extend our thanks to Coffs Harbour City Council for their continued support of the club.
“We’re proud to partner with them and we’re committed to delivering an amazing experience for our members, fans, and the broader Coffs Harbour community.”
City of Coffs Harbour Mayor Nikki Williams said,
“The Sixers against the Heat at the Stadium is about as big as it gets for sport in a regional centre, and the addition of Babar Azam will add just another level of gold to the contest.”
City of Coffs Harbour Planning and Communities Acting Director Ian Fitzgibbon, said the Sixers game would be a great way to start the year.
“There’s no better way to celebrate the New Year than soaking up the party atmosphere at the stadium for a Sixers game,” he said.
“BBL is turbocharged entertainment which has extended cricket’s reach, particularly to younger people.”
Grafton and Kempsey both win in Round 11
By Aiden BURGESS
THE Grafton Redmen and Kempsey Cannonballs have both been victorious during Round 11 of the Mid North Coast Rugby Union Northern Division season.
The Grafton Redmen knocked off the ladderleading Port Macquarie
Pirates, 29-27, in Grafton.
The Kempsey Cannonballs had a 45-34 win at home against the Hastings Valley Vikings.
Port Macquarie Pirates had a 44-10 win in their local derby against the Hastings Valley Vikings, in their midweek catch-up game in Port Macquarie.
The Mid North Coast Rugby Union Northern Division season continues this weekend with a catchup game between the SCU Marlins and Kempsey Cannonballs in Kempsey.
The Marlins had a 42-21 win when they last played the Cannonballs in Round 9. Round 11 results. Coffs
Harbour Snappers vs SCU Marlins. First grade: Snappers 42 def. Marlins 21. Reserves: Snappers 26 def. Marlins 10. Women’s: Snappers 22 def. Marlins 17. Under 18s: Snappers 38 def. Marlins 12. Under 16s Girls: Marlins 34 def. Snappers 29. Under 16s Boys: Snappers 31 def. Marlins 26. Under 14s Girls:
Snappers 36 def. Marlins 12. Under 14s Boys: Marlins 36 def. Snappers Red 0. Grafton Redmen 33 def. Snappers Black 29.
q The Sydney Sixers are playing another Big Bash game in Coffs Harbour. Photo: Mark Evans/AAP PHOTOS.
Coffs to host Secondary Schools Rugby League Championships
By Aiden BURGESS
COFFS Harbour is set to host Australia’s best junior rugby league talent for the
second straight year. The Australian Secondary Schools Rugby League Championships kick off this weekend, Sunday 13
July. The week-long competition will be held at the C.ex Coffs International Stadium, with the
championships showcasing future NRL and NRLW stars.
The Under 18s Girls age group will feature eight teams, while the Under 18s
Sydney Swans visit Coffs
By Aiden BURGESS
SYDNEY Swans have returned to the Coffs Coast, with the club's women’s side taking part in an AFLW Community Camp and visiting local schools to help run clinics,
The Swans were put through their paces in a gruelling training session at the C.ex Coffs International Stadium, before hosting a junior clinic for their adoring young fans.
Swans player Rebecca Privitelli loved spending time in the area.
“I love Coffs, I come up here a fair bit as I find it such a beautiful place,” she said.
“I love Orara and the hinterlands, the beaches
are beautiful, the fields are beautiful, the people are awesome, they are always so welcoming, and it’s a beautiful place.”
She emphasised the importance of the Swans visit.
“I think one of the best things about us coming up here is you look around and see all these kids coming to the clinic and it's a really good opportunity for us to grow the game up here, and I think that’s the best thing about it.
“Obviously it’s a growing sport but I think we’ve done a lot of work over the last couple of years to keep making the game bigger and giving girls more opportunities to come in and play Aussie Rules.
“I think in NSW as a whole there's a huge opportunity to keep growing the game.
“One of the biggest shifts I’ve noticed is people and the girls knowing the players, so they have idols now they can look up to… and go ‘well there's an opportunity for me to make it to the AFLW one day’.
“Growing up when I was a kid I didn't have that opportunity, so I think it’s so great that the girls have that opportunity now.”
The Sydney Swans take on the Essendon Bombers at the C.ex Coffs International Stadium during the final round of the AFLW season between 31 October and 2 November.
Boys age group will feature six teams as they play off for national titles.
The National Championships have long been an integral part of the NRL’s talent identification program, providing an important stepping-stone for many current NRL and NRLW players.
It has had a longstanding reputation as an important conduit for the development of Australia’s future professional and senior players, showcasing the rugby league stars of tomorrow in tournament conditions.
Tim White, who is the 2024 Australian Secondary Schools Rugby League Championships Boys National Coach and President of the NSW Combined Catholic Colleges Rugby League,
said the championships are a flagship event on the Australian schools calendar.
“This unique tournament allows participants to step away from their grassroots school teams and into an elite environment with other players and coaches from their state or territory association,” he said.
“Teams are competing for not just the prestigious National Championship title, but also for the attention of the national teams’ selectors.
“As we converge on Coffs Harbour, let us celebrate the journey of these remarkable footballers and the countless hours of dedication that have brought them to this moment.”
q NSW Combined Catholic Colleges Under 18s Boys celebrate their victory at last year’s Australian Secondary Schools Rugby League Championships in Coffs Harbour. Photo: NashysPix.
Coffs Basketball seniors wrap
By Aiden BURGESS
COFFS Harbour Basketball
Association’s senior winter season has reached its midway point, with the latest round of games played at Sportz Central.
Group
2
By Aiden BURGESS
GROUP 2 Junior Rugby League’s best teams have shown their premiership credentials as they head into the home stretch before the finals series.
Chihuahuas had a 37-19 win against We Can’t Dunk, during Round 7 of the Men’s A Grade season.
Nicholas Nugent had a game high 13 points for the winners.
Can’t Catch a Breath
continued their undefeated start to the Men’s B Grade season, beating Scorpions 66-34.
Archie McRae top scored for the winners with 23 points.
White Chocolate had a
76-11 win against Duwant, Joe Greer top scored with 18 points.
Pulsars had a 57-49 win against the Coffs Harbour Suns Under 16s Division 2 team, during Round 7 of the Men’s C Grade season.
Women’s Ladder leaders the Coffs Harbour Suns Under 18s Division 1 side had an 83-34 win against the Coffs Harbour Suns Under 16s Division 2 team, during Round 8 of the Women’s A Grade season.
Women’s social competition ladder leaders Coffs Flames had a 40-20 win against The Mighty Ducks. Charlotte Sommers top scored for the winners with 22 points.
Mantas Mummas had a 37-30 win against Mantas Mystics, Brooke Dart had a game high 19 points.
Junior Rugby League ladder leaders
Five teams remain undefeated so far this season.
Nambucca Valley Tigers sit at the top of the Under 16s competition with six wins from their seven games. Sawtell Panthers lead the
way in the Under 16s Girls Tackle competition with six wins from their seven games.
Coffs Harbour Comets Under 15s remain undefeated with eight wins from as many matches.
The Coffs Harbour
Comets Under 14s also remain undefeated with eight wins from as many games.
Bowraville Tigers are yet to taste defeat in the Under 14s Girls Tackle competition, with six wins from six
Kira Juffermans top scored for the winners with 20 points. matches.
Macleay Valley Red are also undefeated in the Under 14s Girls Tackle competition.
Coffs Harbour Comets Under 13s are undefeated with a perfect seven wins from seven games.
The Kempsey Dragons (Under 16s), Macleay Valley (Under 16s Girls Tackle), Bowraville Tigers (Under 15s), Kempsey Dragons (Under 14s), Macleay Valley Red (Under 14s Girls Tackle), and Bowraville Tigers (Under 13s) are in second spot in their respective competitions.
q Sydney Swans AFLW player Rebecca Privitelli with Sydney Swans Academy players at the junior clinic.
Lachlan Dierkx d Paul Hendriks 3/0, Troy Prystasz d George Ruaporo 3/0, Reece Baker d Troy Prystasz 3/0, Lachlan Dierkx d George Ruaporo 3/0, Paul Hendriks d Bo Zhang 3/1, Reece Baker d Paul Hendriks 3/0, Lachlan Dierkx d Troy Prystasz 3/0, Bo Zhang d George Ruaporo
Bailey 85c/b. C: Elaine Everitt 84, Lee Farrell 87. Balls to 88c/b. Pro pin 7 Sandra Guymer. Putting A: Jackie Chapman, B: Nickie Owen, C: Kerrie Pitman. Straightest Drive
A: Kate Thornborough, B: Vickie Mcnamara, C: Rosi Hrncir
Winner, with 37 points, Kevin Sanford, 2nd Bruce Parker 35 c/b, 3rd Wozz Rawlings 35. Run-down Mike Edsall 34,Roger Young 33, Peter Inskip 32, Bob Archibald, Ross Hardaker, Grant Cardow 30, Brett Bosbach 29 c/b. Bradmans Loz Renshall 14. NTPs 3rd John Davis, 9th
Standing 36.5
Garry & Vicki Silver 37.
Nearest the Pins: 3rd Hole: Noel Frame & Sandy Skinner
6th Hole: Norman Shannon & Carlene Bath
Next week 14/7 is a single stableford.
Followed by 21/7 single stableford.
28/7 is the shot gun start teams event held over from 30th June.
No Play for Monday Vets on 4th August 2025 due to the Pro Am.
Cheeseman 6th - Tracey Foster, Janelle Passlow, Janet Clayton, 22nd - Gail De Groot, Judi Isles, Dot Trevaskis, 26th - Lindy Ingham, Prue Trethowan SATURDAY 5th JULY SINGLE STABLEFORD
stunning free kick, curling it into the top corner to make it 1-1.
Not long after, Pippa Koelmeyer turned the match on its head, bursting through Orara’s backline and calmly slotting home to give the Storm a 2-1 lead at the break.
There was no letting up in the second half.
The Storm piled on three more goals to seal a dominant 5-1 victory – a result that lifts them to fifth on the ladder and within striking distance of a top-four finish and a place in the finals.
With seven points to their name, the Storm now sit just two behind the fourth-placed Woolgoolga Wildcats.
Boambee remain the pacesetters on 23 points, with Urunga (20 points, two games in hand) and the Coffs United Lionesses (17) rounding out the runaway top three.
3/1, Reece Baker d George Ruaporo 3/0, Lachlan Dierkx d Bo Zhang 3/0, Paul Hendriks d Troy Prystasz 3/2, Reece Baker d Lachlan Dierkx 3/0, Paul Hendriks d George Ruaporo 3/0, Troy Prystasz d Bo Zhang 3/0. WINNER: Reece Baker from Lachlan Dierkx.
3/7 Play 9 Keith Hutchinson 18, Andy Gibson17c/b. Balls to 17 4/7 Stableford David Angus
39 5/7 Stroke A: Max Neal 71c/b. B: Grant Martin 71. C: Ian Malley 71. Balls to 78c/b. Gross A: Ian
Kevin Sanford 18th Bruce Parker, with a wonderful hole in one !
Bruce also shot under his age, again, with 87 off the stick. Longest Putt Wozz Rawlings. Slab Winner Jock Howarth. Welcome to our new members, Mike Edsall and Ross Williams.
Sawtell Veterans Golf
By Ian REYNOLDS
RESULTS for 7th July 2025
9 Hole Stableford 17
Starters
Ladies
Narelle Mutton 18
Men
Dave Knudsen 22, Jack Odendaal 21, Peter Rode 20 NTP’s, 3rd Hole, Dave Knudsen, Narelle Mutton
Division 2 Ann Joy d Dominic Arjona 3/0, Lulu Zhang d Char Berglund 3/0, Nick Jankovic d Dodzi Kpodo
3/2, Ann Joy d Nick Jankovic 3/1, Lulu Zhang d Dodzi Kpodo 3/1, Dominic Arjona d Char Berglund 3/2, Char Berglund d Ann Joy 3/0, Lulu Zhang d Nick Jankovic 3/0,
Kenny 77, B: Benjamin Armstrong 87, C: Michael Hart 94. Eagle on 10 Ken Higgins. NTP 7 A: Angus Croft, B: Alistair Lane, C: Ian Malley. NTP 11 B: Chris Ryan (pro pin), C: Bill Hobbs. NTP 15: Garry Herbert Ladies Stableford Gayle
Dodzi Kpodo d Dominic Arjona 3/1, Ann Joy d Dodzi Kpodo 3/0, Lulu Zhang d Dominic Arjona 3/1, Nick Jankovic d Char Berglund 3/0, Ann Joy d Lulu Zhang 3/2, Dodzi Kpodo d Char Berglund 3/2, Nick Jankovic d Dominic Arjona 3/0. WINNER: Lulu Zhang from Ann Joy.
James 29, Hermi Mcguire 28 Ladies 9 Hole Stableford Chris Anderson 17c/ b, Heather Snow 17c/b. NTP Sharon Shipman. Saturday Sal Bronwyn Nicholson 6/7 Men's Pennant Final Div 1 Sawtell beat Safety Beach 3/2
Hunting rifle: Robert Ramsey 439. 2. Brett Ewington 431. 6. Silhoettes: Lauren 46. Carl 43. Steve 42. Jim 38. Rob 38. Paul 36. Brett 35. Jeff 26. Sam 24. James 23. Neil dnf.
Centrefire 100yds Group. Michael Thomson .2366, sg
.170.
Peter Fleming .2954, sg .170. Keiran Grabham .3226, sg .200.
Alistair Mcmillan .3356, sg .193.
Rob Evans .3416, sg .264.
Gary Hunt .3680, sg .269.
Peter McGrath .3728, sg .265.
Ray Beavis .4156, sg .254. Rob Hamilton .6396, sg .402.
q Kevin Sanford receiving the Ralph Dunn Shield.
q Northern Storm (white) pushing for finals contention. Photo: David Wigley.
Agent
Sawtell Real Estate
Toormina Real Estate
URUNGA/BELLINGEN
IGA Supermarket
Spar Supermarket Urunga
Foodworks Urunga
Urunga Bowling Club
Welcome Dental Urunga
Lindsay’s Oysters
Kombu Wholefoods
Fermount Fire Station
Ray White Real Estate
Bellingen Pet & Vet Supplies
Bellingen Golf Club
Cardows Urunga
MNC Cross Country
By PETER BERRINGTON
6 JULY 2025 at Sandy Beach RESULTS: 2km (Male) - Ned Ross 9:06, 1; Toby Fidge 9:09, 2; Leon Petrohelos 9:39, 3; Oliver Laybutt 10:09, 4; Kyle Bates 10:37, 5; Astin Nuttall 10:51, 6; Sahar Shermeister 11:02, 7; Harry McCosker 11:14, 8; Jesse MunnPower 11:16, 9; Jack Duncan 11:17, 10; August Hamilton 11:18, 11; Sam Wilbers 11:19, 12; Leo Tarran 11:31, 13; Jack Brennan 11:54, 14; Matt Evans 12:07, 15; Russell Crane 12:12, 16; Kane Woodgate 12:18, 17; Iggi Nuttall 12:32, 18; River Woodgate 12:46, 19; Andrew Martin 13:22, 20; Jamahl Laybutt 13:45, 21; Jack McCosker 13:46, 22; Stephen Boyd 14:11, 23; Naveh Shermeister 15:24, 24; Bar Shermeister 15:26, 25; Cooper
CEX Woolgoolga Lawn Bowls
By Suzanne BRACHER
SUNDAY 29/5/25 (Social AM )
Rink 4:G McInerney, I Coltman (D) L Virag, P Diamond. Rink 5: C Nightingale, B Parker (D) D Chandler, P Cattriss. Rink 6: J Martin, G McInerney. Tuesday 1/7/25 (social Pairs)
Rink 2: L Walsh, G McInerney ( D) J Gibbibns, Fred C. Rink 3: N Wood, J Evan’s (D) Park Beach Men's Bowling Club
By Todd BROWN
OPEN Triples Tuesday 1 July 2025
L Clancy, B Fane d K Bienefelt, D Catling 24 - 12
H Hallett, L McLeod, M Van Praagh d S Ward, J Thorn, D Condon 22 - 16
M Finn, N McVicar, R Douglas, J Dunn d K Elliott, J Kennedy, M Cutts, D Walsh 26 - 12
G Williams, R Beaumont, G Hinsley d W Grimshaw, J Robinson, Sawtell Bowls Results
By Geoff HAMPSON
MONDAY 30/6/25 Twilight Bowls Cancelled Due to Wet Weather
TUESDAY Ladies Social Bowls 1/7/25
C Irvine, H Dodd, E Tindall DEF A Waters, M Friend, N Harvey N Elford, L Savage, N Foy DEF A Baily, G Pickard, C Weir
S Mason, L Mitchell, L North DEDF M McDonald, M Sharman, D Tree
B Webster, A Day, D Grebert DEF R Cook, J Brown, B Eden
WEDNESDAY Men’s Social Bowls
2/7/25
G Nichols, L Dyson, K Garth DEF
Coffs Harbour Rifle Club
By Geoffrey HART
JULY 02 - Howard St Rimfire Range. The 60m Field Class match was conducted with 28 participants. Master Grade: Daniel Finlay 100.9, Jake Buckley 95.6, A Grade: Johan Greyling 92.7, Norm Johnson 87.3, Kieren Ward 86.5, B Grade: Sam Matten 92.5, Danny W 92.3, Carl P 87.0, Member-677 86.7, Cooper
SPORT RESULTS
Mears 15:45, 26; Miles Hamilton 15:53, 27; Chris Hamilton 15:56, 28; Henry Owen 16:06, 29; Kumsal Gozeloglu 16:31, 30; Peter Hood 17:04, 31; Illay Shermeister 17:42, 32; Oaklei Nuttall 18:25, 33; Chase Bates 19:37, 34; Steel Beveridge 31:24, 35.
R Ryan, G Cunningham. Rink 4: S Wall, J Brooks (D) R Gurber, A Wroe. Rink 5: J Burgess, L Walsh (D) B Smith, D Washfold. Rink 6: Rick, Peter (D) Athol, Hodgie. Rink 11: K Costelloe, S Dodd (D) Diamond, J Taylor. Rink 12: W Gavenlock, J Hurrell (D) C Nightingale, R Shaw. Rink 13: S Oliver, P Wroe (D)
T McKenzie, P Buck.
Wednesday 2/7/25( AM Wanderer’s) Rink 2: J Taylor, J Lynn, N Camtbill (D) T Collins, J Wane, P Diamond. Rink 3: S Wall,
R Alford 25 - 13
A Stone, P Elliott, P Lilly d J McLeod, S Macca, D Hull 29 - 11
C Hansen, J Groat, C Jones d C Domjahn, AM Taylor, J Brown 27 - 15
S Kindred, P Lawrence, K Kaaden d R Coffey, W Moore, R Oakley 27 - 12
Clyde, Russell, G Stanford d T Brown, B Worboys, Moose 27 - 13
Triples Thursday 3 July 2025
J Eding, H Katala, G Colman d M Lee, R Aitken, J Long 34 - 14
B Parker, G Macernery, P Cuttriss d R Douglas, C Lloyd, K
W Hall, D Anderson, A Berry
J Chapman, D Williams, A Robertson, J Burt DEF P Swain, J Richardson, J Urge, A Sorbello
B Fitzpatrick, B Clugston, R Williams DEF N Kotrozos, J Oats, J Tainsh
B Kennedy, G Campbell, B Newling DEF C Christian, P Cook, D Wheeler
G Fisher, D Frost, N Sillar DEF I Maderic, G Walsh, M Jenkins
P Covington, W Vaughn, J Townsend DEF R McLennan, G Hitchen, S Wilkinson
S Sillar, T Mitchell, L Preston DEF P Roach, D Bond, W Meadows
I Muller, L Zecchinati, N Lamond
DEF H Henderson, B Martin, P Collins
Finlay 85.2, Hayley R 78.4, Allan Matten 78.1, C Grade: Member-952 91.5, Matt Miller 76.3, Andrea Ward 76.2, Kevin Mackay 74.1, Mitch Upton 73.0, Jacob W 71.2, Stephen Meakins 68.2, Isaac Williams 64.0, Phillip Ward 61.1, Phil Hartmann 54.1, Member-926 51.2, Noah Finlay 30.1, Daniel Rees 16.0, Visitors: Damien W 72.1, Rick T 63.0, Connor R 46.0 The 50m F-Class match was conducted with 20 participants.
RESULTS: 5km (Male) - James Karrasch 20:01, 1; Max Ross 20:45, 2; Andrew Wong 22:13, 3; Dylan Hannaford 22:34, 4; Lennox Bennington 23:27, 5; Alexander Jacquin 23:43, 6; Greg Crowe 24:43, 7; Christian Petersen 28:40, 8; Matt Evans 34:25, 9; Tim
J Brooks, S Dodd ( D) G Burgess, S Oliver, J Bryant. Rink 4: J Simpson, N Wills, K Costelloe (D) J Simmons, P Jones, B Pendred. Rink 5: Bear, R Pillon, B Rennie (D) K Dublstral, G Woolley, S Ferro. Rink 6: J Martin, A Carroll, T Evan’s (D) P Hatten, J Hampstead, M Mulligan. Friday 4/2/25 ( pm. 2.4.2)
Rink 2: J Hurrell, H Katala ( D) P Diamond, R Bennell.
Rink 3: G Lane, L Walsh (D)
I Coltman, B Symes. Rink 4: T Wylie, B Wylie (D) J Lynn, S
Watts 29 - 13
J Thorn, GJ Meyer, P Rambow d R Ryan, M Hodge, G Cunningham 20 – 12
D Burridge, M McCabe, R Wisley d B Smith, C Hansen, M Berube 31 - 17
W Grimshaw, L Goodacre, J Robinson d J Lowndes, B Edwards, Peter, P Harrison 33 - 6
K Kaaden, T Bell, P Evans d G Williams, R Beaumont, G Hinsley 23 - 19
P Woodsell, L Morris d I Trengrove, P Toy 22 - 14
R Heinrich, R Alford, K
T Brooks, D Speck, N Wong DEF R Smithers, S Shaw, J Rice
H Slater, M Cutts, A Baker DEF W Kellam, A Jones, M Gibbons
P Paunovic, K Sharman, R Petterson DEF, M Hastings, M Aujard, A Vivian
FRIDAY Mixed Social Bowls
4/7/25
D Williams, D Speck. W Meadows DEF C Gay, J Wenzel, L Dyson
C Dodds, K Lewis, C Weir DEF G Campbell, D Garth, K Garth
J Grebert, A Day, D Grebert DEF W Vaughn, A Wagstaff, D Anderson
A Meek, J Urge, T Karam DEF G Staunton-Latimer, A Baker, B Blight
D Isaccs, R Stock, T Hodgson DEF N Kotrozos, J Oates, J Townsend
P Day, G Hampson, Ken Taylor
Johan Greyling 196.8, Cooper Finlay 194.7, Danny W 192.7, Daniel Finlay 191.7, Norm Johnson 191.5, Mitch Upton 190.5, Allan Matten 190.4, Matt Miller 189.5, Member-677 187.8, Carl P 182.1, Isaac Williams 182.1, Sam Matten 181.2, Member-926 177.0, Phil Hartmann 175.1, Member-952 171.0, Stephen Meakins 166.2, Jacob W 166.0, Noah Finlay 131.6, Visitors: Connor R 168.2, Rick T 144.0
Karrasch 40:55, 10.
RESULTS: 5km (Female)Emma Sandes 22:41, 1; Felicity Bates 25:35, 2; Mel Brodie 26:08, 3; Stacy Wong 26:59, 4; Anthea Martin 27:07, 5; Willow Nuttall 27:39, 6; Skyla Petersen 28:39, 7; Miriam Johnson 29:10, 8; Kathy Robson 29:39, 9; Ella Petrohelos 31:52, 10; Laura Tarran 32:01, 11; Sara Evans 34:21, 12; Rebecca Ridges 43:40, 13.
RESULTS: 10km (Male) - Adam Johnson 41:38, 1; Patrick Brennan 42:40, 2; Chris Hamilton 45:31, 3; Bruce Meder 45:37, 4; Leo Tarran 49:44, 5; Leon Petrohelos 52:41, 6; Kieren Ward 53:24, 7; Russell Crane 58:49, 8; Stephen Boyd 58:52, 9.
RESULTS: 10km (Female)Janie Mahoney 1:2:39, 1. Next week we are at the Woolgoolga Sports Ground near the tennis courts.
Oliver. Rink 5: D Hodge, M Hodge (D) John, Colleen. Rink 6: R Gurber, B Merchant, (D) S Barnard, D Barnard. Rink 7: D Evan’s, J Evan’s (D) R Ryan, M Hopes. Rink 8: A Wroe, R Shaw (D) J Martin, W Gavenlock, Rink 10:M Campos, J Brooks (D) J Gibbons, Fred C. Rink 11: L Carroll, N Wood (D) N Haines, J Hampstead. Rink 12: Roy’s, team (D) Shayne Teams. Rink 14: D Washfold, L Walsh ( D) C Albert, I Hounslaw.
Morrison d P North, P Booth, J Dunn 22 - 10
M Miller, P Elliott, W Moore d I Trengrove, B Worboys, N McVicar 24 - 8
R Felton, M Baker, D Hull d J McLeod, G Wallace, P Newman 28 - 13
J Boyd, M Couchman, B Jones d G Brewis, M Star, G Stanford 28 - 17
I Rose, R Kelly, T Cooper d S Kindred, J Kindred, G Kindred 27 – 11
N Dean, J Groat, J Bishop d D Catling, R Harris, B Garner 18 – 14
DEF J Fleming, S Fleming, N Foy J Flynn, G Flynn, D Hyde DEF S Mason, C Hill, S Thompson
A Sorbello, C Christian, A Berry DEF K Lowry, L Feltrin, W Bujeya
K Stirling, J Ritchie, D Holland DEF J Brown, J Smithers, R Morris
B Hamilton, T Brooks, R Cridge DEF N Feltrin, N Elford, L North Kev Taylor, M Baguley, P Weir DEF H Slater, K Henderson, H Henderson
P Paunovic, M Friend, E Nicolaou, DEF H Muir, P Roach, B Eden
R Avery, K McNauntion, P McNauntion DEF A Burt, J Wenzel, J Burt
C Taylor, B Webster, A Taylor DEF J Chapman, S Hartog, A Jones
Sawtell RSL Snooker Club
By Ken MASON
TUESDAY 1st July 2025
Main Draw Winners: - John Browning - R/U Dave Laneyrie
Consolation Winners:Tony Gauci - R/U Simon Bathgate
q Smuggler at the Sydney to Hobart Yacht race.
COLE, Keith
5th July 2025, passed away peacefully at Dorrigo Multi-Purpose Service. Late of Dorrigo. Dearly beloved husband of Barbara (dec’d). Much loved brother and brother-in-law of Trevor & Marg. Fond uncle of Louise, David, Michael and James. Cherished great-uncle of Ben, Dom, Grace, Erika and Elliot.
Aged 81 Years
Rest In Peace
Keith’s Requiem Mass was celebrated in Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Dorrigo on Thursday 10th July 2025, followed by private cremation at Hogbin Drive Crematorium & Memorial Gardens, Stadium Drive, Coffs Harbour.
KEITH LOGUE & SONS
FUNERAL DIRECTORS
Coffs Harbour
6652 1999
DONNAN
Geoffrey Alan ‘Geoff’
6th July 2025, passed at home surrounded by his loving family, late of Sawtell. Dearly beloved husband of Liz. Loving father and father-in-law of Jane & Trevor, Brad & Dionne, Michael & Sophie and Stuart & Biw. Adored and cherished grandfather and great-grandfather of Cameron & Liz, Emma, Lily, Andrew & Abbey, Courtney & Lachie, Kara & Hunter and Matthew & Olivia. Loved brother and brother-in-law of Margaret (dec’d), Peter, Jean & Wayne and John & Karen.
Aged 83 Years
He Has Had A Wonderful Life
A Private Family Funeral Service was held for Geoff in the Chapel of Hogbin Drive Crematorium & Memorial Gardens, Stadium Drive, Coffs Harbour.
KEITH LOGUE & SONS
FUNERAL DIRECTORS
LARKIN
Elizabeth Ruth ‘Betty’
4th July 2025, peacefully at Mater Christi Aged Care Facility. Late of Toormina. Dearly beloved wife of John ’Jack’ (dec’d). Loving mother and mother-in-law of Philip & Pam, Rosemary & Tony Doolan, Kerry & Peter Burns, Melanie & Andrew Foulkes and Paul & Jo. Cherished grandmother of her 13 grandchildren. Adored great-grandmother of her many great-grandchildren.
Aged 97 Years
Reunited With Her Darling Jack Betty’s Funeral Prayers were celebrated in Our Lady of The Way Chapel, Marian Grove, Toormina on Thursday 10th July 2025, followed by private cremation at Hogbin Drive Crematorium & Memorial Gardens, Stadium Drive, Coffs Harbour.
KEITH LOGUE & SONS
FUNERAL DIRECTORS
Coffs Harbour 6652 1999
(nee Bailey)
14th March 1932 - 3rd July 2025
Daughter of William Henry & Amy Merle (both dec). Beloved wife of Cyril (dec). Loving mother and mother-in-law of Robert & Vicki, Vicki & Adrian, and Philip (dec). Loved Nan of Joshua, Luke, Nathan, Christopher, Matthew, Bradley and partners. Doting G.G. of Jackson, Bailey, Brandon, Mason, Owen and Olivia. Dear sister, sister-in-law and aunt.
Privately Cremated. A memorial will be held at a later date. (02) 6651 5007
Reville Robert Stitt 4th July 2025
Passed away peacefully at the Coffs Harbour Health Campus. Late of Boambee Gardens. Much loved husband of Joyce, and loving father, father-in-law, Pop, Great Grand-Pop.
Aged 91 Years
Gone Fishing
As per Reville’s wishes a private cremation will be held. (02) 6651 5007 www.funeralcoffsharbour.com.au
Dulcie Merle Pitman
LOCALCLASSIFIEDS
Kerry George Hales 8th July 2025
Passed away peacefully at the Coffs Harbour Health Campus after a long battle. Late of Boambee East. Much loved husband of Betty. Loving father and father-in-law of David & Carly, Nathan & Jess. Proud Pa to Oskar, Cody, Darcee, and Olivia. Beloved brother and brother-in-law.
Aged 84 Years
Forever in our hearts.
Family & friends are warmly invited to attend the celebration of Kerry’s life on Saturday, 19th July 2025 at 10:30am in the chapel of the Coffs Harbour Crematorium, Coramba Road, Karangi.
VICTOR RULLIS FUNERAL SERVICES
(02) 6651 5007
www.funeralcoffsharbour.com.au
John Leslie Le Breton 6th July 2025
Passed away peacefully, late of Upper Orara. Much loved husband of Jude, and father of Adam & Tammi. Beloved brother of Rob and Peter. Cherished friend of the Baker family.
Aged 73 Years
Always will be unforgettable.
Family & friends are warmly invited to attend John’s funeral service to be held TODAY, Friday 11th July 2025 at 10am in the chapel of the Coffs Harbour Crematorium, Coramba Road, Karangi.
VICTOR RULLIS
FUNERAL SERVICES
(02) 6651 5007 www.funeralcoffsharbour.com.au
Public Notices
PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE AN EXISTING MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION AT 115 BRUXNER PARK ROAD, KORORA NSW 2450
1. Optus is proposing to upgrade an existing mobile phone base station at 115 Bruxner Park Road, Korora NSW 2450.
2. The proposed upgrade will consist of the replacement of four (4) existing panel antennas with four (4) new panel antennas (each no longer than 2.8 metres), the installation of four (4) new active antenna units (AAUs), each no longer than 0.8 metres, on the existing headframe on the existing 30m high monopole, the installation of ancillary equipment necessary for the proper functioning of the facility, and the removal of redundant equipment.
3. In accordance with Section 7 of the Industry Code C564:2025 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment, we invite you to make comments about the proposal.
4. Please direct comments to CPS Technology & Infrastructure, 02 9300 1700, SubmissionsNSW@cpstech.com.au, Suite 1003, 1 Newland Street, Bondi Junction NSW 2022 by Monday, 28 July 2025.
For more information about the proposal, scan the QR Code or visit www.rfnsa.com.au/2450004.
PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE AN EXISTING MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION AT Lot 3 PLAN 595755 LINDEN AV TOORMINA NSW 2452. (-30.35286, 153.07676)
1. Telstra is proposing to upgrade an existing mobile phone base station at Lot 3 PLAN 595755 Linden Av Toormina NSW 2452.
2. The proposed upgrade will consist of the removal of three existing Telstra panel antennas, reconfiguring six existing Telstra panel antennas for 4G/5G technology and the Installation of associated ancillary equipment and associated ancillary works.
3. In accordance with Section 7 of the Industry Code C564:2025 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment, we invite you to make comments about the proposal.
4. Please direct comments to Ash, Town Planner, Downer Group, via phone: 0467953938, Email: community.consult@downergroup.com, or postal: T1, Level 4, 39 Delhi Road, North Ryde 2113. By 5 pm, Friday, 25th July 2025
For more information about the proposal, scan the QR Code or visit https://www.rfnsa.com.au/2452002
GREAT Groodle pups (Great Dane x Groodle) looking for their forever homes. Mum & Dad available to view, both have lovely temperaments. 1 boy, 8 girls. Wormed, microchipped & vaccinated. $1,200.
LOVELY vertical circular 5 shelves display tower for collectibles etc. $80 6652 3791F081124
MOTOR scooter $2500 for more info 0447 533 048
OLD rosewood fence posts, suit wood turning & wood craft from $30 each. 0499 684 401
OLD leather armchair.
Reupholstered 20yrs ago. Very good condition. On casters. Can supply photos. $150 Urugna 0427 684 202 Rick.
For Sale For Sale
OUTDOOR setting, 3-piece, plus 8 seat table with chairs white, as new never used. $2500 ono 0418 656 845
OUTSIDE Gas Heater with cover 120cm high $100. 0400 513 862
Classifieds 4981 8882
PAIR of lovely jacquared fabric vintage-style footrest 60cm x 40cmx 30cm H $35 each
Photos can be supplied 0490 161 119
PAVERS 90mm square $1 each. 0467 640 964 F190724
PEAK ellipse rollator safewok load 1150kgs only 6mth old As New $95 Photos can be supplied 0490 161 119 F140225
PIANO Leider. Recently tuned & recond’d $1300. 0402 264 715
PORCELAIN biscuit jar (8in high) with cream and jam pots, tea strainer and small flat teaspoon holder. $35 0400 641 561
PORCELAIN biscuit jar
$18 ono - For die-hard morning tea enthusiasts! 0400 641 561
PUZZLES, large variety near new, mostly 1000 pieces. Photos available on request. $5 each. 0427 665 477.
PUZZLES, WASGIJ, large variety, good condition. Photos avail on request. $15 each. 0427 665 477. f200625
QUEEN bed VGC wood frame with Tempur mattress $400 0466 239 266
RAILWAY line small gauge, 70mm high x 5m lengths. Suit cattle grid, $75 each 0499 684 401
RECORDING vocal booth ISK RF-5 Desk or stand mount, unused still boxed. $100. Ph 0409 561 719
REEL to reel tapes x 38 7in. All recorded by favourite singers. $50 ono 0491 035 704
SHOES, Birkenstock size 37, narrow fit. Paid $150. selling $50 ono. 0459 040 014 or 6651 4237
SHOES, LADIES
Colorado Silverton CF sure grip black leather work/walking shoe size 8, still new in box. $75. 0402 102 558
SHOES, winter ARA Europe. Black suede Size 37 like new. Worn 3 times. Paid $300, selling $100 ono. 0459 040 014 or 6651 4237
SIDE tables, two, small, metal frame melamine tops $10ea. 0400 513 862
SMALL bar fridge in good working order $100. 6649 1472
SMALL mobile bench 2 shelves, suit shop or office. $40. 6652 3791
SONY Super Stereo System 7.2ch. As new cond. Home theatre system. 1695w (185w x 7 + 200w x 2) RMS output power. 10% THD per channel driven. RRP $7130. $1,500. Ph 0491 035 704
For Sale
SOUND Bar 2.0.2 CH 120W Dolby ATMOS 12 months old with 2 built in subwoofers. Price $100 Ph 0412 081 950 F140225
STAMPS date back to 1900 and prior. First Day Covers unopened 19612004. Offers accepted. Ph Wyn 0417 969 322
STOOL seats. Variety size, type and colour. $30 6652 3791
SUITCASES - X Large $15, Large $10, Med $5 0481 966 840
TEASPOONS large collection as new feat various characters $3-5 per spoon 0403 425 913 F040425
THE World of Henry Lawson, $30 ono 0491 035 704
Classifieds 4981 8882
TWO macrame wall hangers hand made $50 both 0412 254 563
TWO single bed frames round heads & foot rail black. $50 both 0412 254 563
YORK stepping unit/ air walker, 3 different exercise benches, 9 sets of weights, 3 sets of bars and weights. For individual sale or the lot for $250. 6656 4293
WALKER, alloy frame good as new. $100 0491 035 704
WHEELCHAIR like new perfect condition, used twice. Aluminium frame $100 0491 035 704
0427 528 084
Motorcycles
1995 SUZUKI GSXR 750
82,000km Has been stored for the last 3 yrs
Great cond for age
Last of the classic shape GSXR Can be sold with or without rego $7,500 Contact Robbie 0403 612 733
HONDA Civic hatch 2015. EPY07N 157k/km Reg to Sep. New battery $11k ono. Red. Call Alex 0411 664 466
Zen is a 1-year-old Mastiff-cross who’s still learning to trust the world. He can be a bit unsure when meeting new people, but once he knows you’re safe, he opens up and shows his affectionate and loyal personality. Zen will require time and patience, and a safe environment with slow introductions. A meet and greet will be required if you own other dogs. Secure fencing must also be provided. Adoption fee for 2024/2025 is $220, and this includes microchipping, vaccination, desexing and lifetime registration.
Please visit Council’s website to view the full list of animals lost or available for adoption. For any adoption enquiries, please complete the Adoption Enquiry Form on Council’s website.
PUZZLES
SUDOKU
ONTHEBOX
BEST ON THE BOX
FRIDAY GARDENING AUSTRALIA
ABC TV, 7.30pm
The Gardening Australia team is focused on all things First Nations in this NAIDOC Week episode, with Indigenous plants front and centre. Costa Georgiadis is cooking up a storm in Kakadu, resident bush tucker expert Clarence Slocklee (above) – a Bundjalung man – shares his own gardening journey with us, and Josh Byrne gets a lesson in identifying the arguably more useful Noongar seasons (of which there are six). Rounding things out, Jerry Coleby-Williams imparts his knowledge of the culturally significant bunya pine –another traditional source of nutrition – and the team pays a visit to a group using plants to ensure their Arrernte language is passed on to a new generation.
SUNDAY
THE CROW GIRL
SEVEN, 9.20pm
Based on the Scandinavian novel by Erik Axl Sund, this dark psychological thriller flips the usual Jane Doe script on its head and instead follows the efforts to catch a serial killer who’s brazenly leaving the bodies of young men in bags all over Bristol. DCI Jeanette Kilburn (Eve Myles, Broadchurch with Sophia Craven (Katherine Kelly, right), a psychotherapist whose speciality is counselling criminals, to solve the case. As they dig deeper – and grow closer – the unlikely duo begin to uncover a trail that leads to overlooked missing children’s cases tracing back decades. All the while, the body count is increasing and police corruption is rearing its ugly head, but the clues are adding up.
FRIDAY, July 11
6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 Gardening Australia. Costa Georgiadis gets a taste of Kakadu cooking. 8.30 Patience. (Ma) Patience is questioned by the police after coming under suspicion in the burning man investigation.
9.20 Gruen. (R) Presented by Wil Anderson.
9.55 Guy Montgomery’s Guy Mont Spelling Bee. (PG, R) Presented by Guy Montgomery.
10.45 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R)
11.15 ABC Late News.
11.30 Silent Witness. (Mav, R)
12.35 Rage New Music. (MA15+adhlnsv)
5.00 Rage. (PG)
WEDNESDAY ELSBETH
TEN, 8.40pm
Her wardrobe is bursting with colourful confections, her trusty totes are packed with more goodies than Mary Poppins’ magic carpet bag and her brain is buzzing with more information than the standard PC –yep, Elsbeth Tascioni (Carrie Preston) is every minimalist’s worst nightmare. Enter this week’s guest star, Mary-Louise Parker (above, Weeds, The West Wing), as decluttering guru Freya Frostad. Famous for her rule of “44” – the perfect number of possessions a person should own – Freya has seemingly also applied a less-is-more approach to her personal life, by offing her husband. As our charming crime solver tests Freya’s boundaries, more than a few surprising revelations are in store.
6.00 Mastermind Australia. Presented by Marc Fennell.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Shetland: Scotland’s Wondrous Isles. Looks at The Swan
8.25 Cycling. Tour de France. Stage 7.
1.30 Great Coastal Railway Journeys. (R)
2.30 Eva Longoria: Searching For Mexico. (PGa, R)
4.05 Growing A Greener World. (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 Better Homes And Gardens. Hosted by Johanna Griggs.
8.30 MOVIE: The Other Woman. (2014, Mals, R) After discovering her boyfriend is married, a woman tries to get her ruined life back on track. Cameron Diaz, Leslie Mann, Kate Upton.
10.50 Stranded On Honeymoon Island. (Mlns, R) The couples receive another crate.
12.25 The Disappearance. (Ma, R)
1.30 Harry’s Practice. (R)
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 19. Cronulla Sharks v Dolphins. From Sharks Stadium, Sydney. 9.55 Golden Point. A wrap-up of the Cronulla Sharks versus Dolphins match, with news and analysis.
10.45 Tennis. Wimbledon. Day 12. Semi-finals. 12.00 Tennis. Wimbledon. Day 12 Late. Semi-finals. 4.00 Tipping Point. (PG, R) Hosted by Ben Shephard. 5.00 Fishing Australia. (R) 5.30 Postcards. (PG, R) 6.00 10 News+. 7.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R) 7.30 House Hunters Australia. A couple are searching for their first home. 8.30 Have
Of Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Isadora Moon. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Gardening Australia Junior. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Good Game Spawn Point. 7.50 MOVIE: Space Jam: A New Legacy. (2021, PG) 9.45 BTN Newsbreak. 9.50 Robot Wars. 10.50 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Children’s Programs. 8.00 Nanny. 9.00 Jeopardy! UK. 10.00 Bewitched.
The Assembly. (PG, R) 1.15 Patience. (Ma, R) 2.00 All Creatures Great And Small. (PG, R) 2.50 Last Night Of The Proms. (R)
Spicks And Specks. (PG, R)
QI. (PGls, R) 5.55 Landline. (R)
6.25 Australian Story: The River Pt 2 – Franklin River Rescue. (R) The conclusion to the perilous 24-hour mission.
7.00 ABC News. A look at the top stories of the day.
7.30 Grantchester. (Mav) A familiar face arrives at the vicarage.
8.20 Midsomer Murders. (Masv, R) Barnaby and Winter investigate when a member of a village watch is murdered.
9.50 Bay Of Fires. (Madv, R) Stella is thrown into a tailspin.
10.40 Little Disasters. (Mal, R)
11.30 Whale Wisdom. (R)
12.20 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
ABC FAMILY (22)
6am Children’s Programs. 5pm Peppa Pig. 5.10 Octonauts And The Caves Of Sac Actun. 6.20 Bluey. 6.30 The Adventures Of Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Isadora Moon. 7.00 Andy And The Band. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Kids Baking Championship. 8.10 Chopped Junior. 8.55 Dance Life. 9.45 Fresh Off The Boat. 10.30 Dragon Ball Super. 10.50 Late Programs.
7.30 Spicks And Specks. (PGs) Hosted by Adam Hills.
8.00 Bay Of Fires. (Mlv) Mystery Bay’s brief flirtation with happiness ends.
8.55 Little Disasters. (Mal) Jess’ fate hangs in the balance.
9.45 MOVIE: Spear. (2015, Mal, R) A young Aboriginal learns what it means to be a man. Hunter Page-Lochard.
11.05 Take 5 With Zan Rowe. (Ml, R)
11.35 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
1.40 Under The Vines. (PG, R)
4.00 Gardening Australia. (R)
5.00 Insiders. (R)
ABC FAMILY (22)
6am Children’s Programs. 5.35pm Peter Rabbit. 6.00 Octonauts. 6.10 Super Monsters. 6.20 Bluey. 6.30 The Adventures Of Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.55 Andy And The Band. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Moominvalley. 8.00 Walking With Dinosaurs. 8.50 Fresh Off The Boat. 9.30 Abbott Elementary. 10.15 Speechless. 10.35 Merlin. 11.20 Late Programs.
6.00 WorldWatch. 7.00 Cycling. Tour de France. Stage 7. H’lights. 8.00 WorldWatch. 11.00 Cycling. Tour de France. Stage 6. H’lights. 12.00 Cycling. Tour de France. Stage 7. H’lights. 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 Going Places. (PG, R) 4.30 Cycling. Tour de France. Stage 7. H’lights. 5.30 From The Ashes Of World War II. (PG)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Travels With Agatha Christie And Sir David Suchet. (PG)
8.25 Emily: I Am Kam. (PG, R) Celebrates the legacy of artist Emily Kam Kngwarray.
9.35 Cycling. Tour de France. Stage 8. Saint-Méen-le-Grand to Laval. 171km flat stage. From France.
1.45 Homicide: Life On The Street. (Mv, R)
2.35 Blue Water Safari. (PGal, R)
4.25 Bamay. (R) 4.55 Down Under Bitesize. (R) 5.15 France 24 Feature.
5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
H’lights. 3.00 Cycling. Tour de France. H’lights. 4.00 News. 4.05 WorldWatch. 6.00 Mastermind Australia. 6.30 The Secret Genius Of Modern Life. 7.30 Impossible Engineering. 8.30 Cracking The Code. 10.30 UFOs: Investigating The Unknown. 12.20am Late Programs.
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6am Lara. Continued. (2019, PG, German) 6.35 The Movie Show. 7.05 Hamlet. (1948, PG) 10.00 The Movie Show. 10.30 Walkabout. (1971, M) 12.25pm The New Boy. (2023, M) 2.35 Bran Nue Dae. (2009, PG) 4.05 The Movie Show. 4.35 Ride On. (2023, PG, Mandarin) 6.55 Bicycle Thief. (1948, PG, Italian)
8.30 Harry Brown. (2009, MA15+) 10.30 La Maison. (2022, MA15+, German) 12.10am Late Programs.
6.00 NBC Today. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 Motor Racing. Supercars C’ship. Round 7. Townsville 500. Day 1. Qualifying and support races. 2.00 Motor Racing. Supercars C’ship. Round 7. Townsville 500. Day 1. Pre-race and race 21. 5.00 Seven News At 5. 5.30 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG, R)
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 The Great Outdoors. (Return, PG) The team stays in Tasmania’s central highlands.
7.30 MOVIE: Titanic. (1997, Mansv, R) An upper-class woman falls for a penniless young man. Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet.
11.35 Stranded On Honeymoon Island. (Mals, R)
12.55 Motor Racing. Supercars Championship. Round 7. Townsville 500. Day 1. Highlights.
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 It’s Academic. (R)
5.00 My Greek Odyssey. (PG, R)
6.00 Morning Programs. 12.00 Great Australian Detour. 12.30 Rugby League. NRL Women’s Premiership. Round 2. Canberra Raiders v Cronulla Sharks. 2.30 NRLW Wrap. (PG) 3.15 Rugby League. NRL Women’s Premiership. Round 2. St George Illawarra Dragons v Sydney Roosters. 5.00 News. 5.30 Getaway. (PG)
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 MOVIE: The Castle. (1997, Ml, R) Michael Caton. 9.20 MOVIE: Muriel’s Wedding. (1994, Mls, R) A woman leaves her small town to find romance. Toni Collette, Bill Hunter.
11.30 To Be Advised.
12.30 Wimbledon 2025 Pre-Show.
1.00 Tennis. Wimbledon. Day 13 Late. Women’s final.
4.00 Find My Country House Australia. (PG, R)
5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
5.30 Helping Hands. (PG, R)
6.30 The Dog House Australia. (PGa, R) Narrated by Dr Chris Brown. 7.30 Love It Or List It Australia. A couple must decide whether to leave or stay.
8.40 Ambulance Australia. (Ma, R) Follows NSW Ambulance on the longest night of the year, the end of daylight saving. 9.50 House Hunters Australia. (PGl, R) A couple look for a home near Lake Macquarie, NSW. 10.50 Elsbeth. (Mv, R) Elsbeth matches wits with a psychic. 11.50 Ambulance UK. (Ma, R) 1.00 Home Shopping. (R) 5.00 Hour Of Power.
6.00 Morning Programs. 10.00 PBS Washington Week. 10.25 Bitesize. (R) 10.30 Growing A Greener World. (R) 11.00 Cycling. Tour de France. Stage 7. H’lights. 12.00 Cycling. Tour de France. Stage 8. H’lights. 1.00 Speedweek. 3.00 Going Places. (PGa, R) 4.30 Cycling. Tour de France. Stage 8. H’lights. 5.30 From The Ashes Of World War II. (Final, PG)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Eiffel Tower: Building The Impossible. (PGan, R) Takes a look at the Eiffel Tower, a symbol of progress that has towered over Paris for over 130 years.
9.15 Cycling. Tour de France. Stage 9. Chinon to Chateauroux. 170km hilly stage. From France.
1.45 24 Hours In Emergency: You Are Not Alone. (Ma, R)
2.40 Blue Water Safari. (PGal, R)
4.30 Bamay. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 APAC Weekly.
7TWO (62) 7TWO (62) VICELAND (31) VICELAND (31)
6.00 NBC Today. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 Motor Racing. Supercars C’ship. Round 7. Townsville 500. Day 2. Qualifying and support races. 2.00 Motor Racing. Supercars C’ship. Round 7. Townsville 500. Day 2. Pre-race and race 22. 5.00 Seven News At 5. 5.30 Sydney Weekender.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Dancing With The Stars. (PG) 8.20 7NEWS Spotlight.
9.20 The Crow Girl. (Premiere, Malv) A detective teams up with a psychotherapist.
11.25 Stranded On Honeymoon Island. (Mals, R)
12.45 Motor Racing. Supercars Championship. Round 7. Townsville 500. Day 2. Highlights.
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News.
5.30 Sunrise.
6am Morning Programs. 1.10pm Our Law. 1.45 Cook Up Bitesize. 1.55 SBS50. 2.00 Cycling. Tour de France. H’lights. 3.00 Cycling. Tour de France. H’lights. 4.00 WorldWatch. 4.25 PBS Washington Week. 4.50 Jeopardy! 5.15 Alone: The Skills Challenge. 5.40 Lost Gold Of The Aztecs. 6.35 Engineering Reborn. 7.30 Abandoned Engineering. 8.25 Bermuda Triangle: Into Cursed Waters. 10.10 Late Programs. 6am Home Shopping. 8.30 Better Homes And Gardens. 11.00 Harry’s Practice. 11.30 GetOn Extra. Noon Horse Racing. Royal Randwick Raceday, Caulfield Winter Race Day and Member Rewards Day. 5.00 Slow Train Through Africa With Griff Rhys Jones. 6.00 Every Bite Takes You Home. 6.30 The Yorkshire Vet. 8.30 Escape To The Country. 11.30 The Yorkshire Vet. 1.30am My Greek Odyssey.
MOVIES (32)
6am The Life And Death Of Colonel Blimp. Continued. (1943, PG) 6.45 Ride On. (2023, PG, Mandarin) 9.05 Bicycle Thief. (1948, PG, Italian) 10.40 White Tiger. (2012, M, Russian) 12.40pm To Leslie. (2022, M) 2.55 Hamlet. (1948, PG) 5.50 Thirteen Days. (2000, PG) 8.30 J. Edgar. (2011, M) 11.05 Before, Now And Then. (2022, MA15+, Indonesian) 1.05am Harry Brown. (2009, MA15+) 3.05 Late Programs.
6am Morning Programs. 9.55 Innovation Nation. 10.10 Rise Of The Superbombs. 11.55 Adelaide Motor Festival. 12.55pm Motor Racing. IndyCar Series. Grand Prix of Mid-Ohio. H’lights. 2.00 Surfing Australia. 2.30 Jeopardy! Australia. 3.30 MOVIE: Curse Of The Pink Panther. (1983, PG) 5.45 MOVIE: Doctor Dolittle. (1998, PG) 7.30 MOVIE: Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows: Part 2. (2011, M) 10.05 Late Programs.
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 Travel Guides. (PG)
8.10 60 Minutes. Current affairs program, investigating, analysing and uncovering the issues affecting all Australians.
9.10 To Be Advised.
10.10 9News Late.
10.30 See No Evil: The Trophy Collector. (MA15+av)
11.30 The First 48: Tell No Tales/Unfair Fight. (Mav)
6am Morning Programs. 9.50 Innovation Nation. 10.05 Harry And Meghan: Royal Rebels. 11.00 MOVIE: Harry And Meghan: A Royal Romance. (2018, PG) 1pm Celebrity Ghost Stories. 2.00 Jeopardy! Australia. 3.00 Cards And Collectables Australia. 3.30 MOVIE: Benny & Joon. 6am Morning Programs. 12.30pm Timbersports. 1.00 Blokesworld. 1.30 My Road To Adventure. 2.00 Rides Down Under: Aussie Truckers. 3.00 Motor Racing. National Drag Racing Championship. Top Fuel Championship. 4.00 Football. AFL. Round 18. GWS Giants v Geelong. 7.00 Storage Wars. 7.30 Pawn Stars. 9.30 American Pickers. 10.30 Air Crash Inv: Accident Files. 11.30 Late Programs. 6am Morning Programs. 8.00
6.00 10 News+. Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 7.00 MasterChef Australia. Four contestants face off. 8.15 Fake. (Final, Ml) Birdie retraces her steps back to Joe’s shack, investigating his stories. Background searches on Joe are incriminating. 9.15 FBI. (Mav, R) The shooting of a corrections officer leads the team to an ex-marine who has gone rogue after returning from Afghanistan. 11.05 10 News+. (R) Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 12.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mornings.
DRAMA (51)
DRAMA (51)
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9GEM (82)
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9GO! (83)
ONTHEBOX
MONDAY, July 14
6.00
6am Children’s Programs. 6pm Octonauts. 6.10 Super Monsters. 6.20 Bluey. 6.30 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Isadora Moon. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Piripenguins. (Premiere) 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Do Not Watch This Show. 7.40 The Inbestigators. 7.55 Junior Vets. 8.25 BTN Newsbreak. 8.30 Hard Quiz Kids. 9.00 The Crystal Maze. 9.45 Merlin.
6.00 Morning Programs. 11.00 Cycling. Tour de France. Stage 8. H’lights. 12.00 Cycling. Tour de France. Stage 9. H’lights. 1.00 WorldWatch. 2.05 Engineering Reborn. (PG, R) 3.00 Going Places. (R) 3.30 SBS50. (R) 3.35 The Cook Up. (R) 4.05 Jeopardy! 4.30 Letters And Numbers. (R) 5.00 Cycling. Tour de France. Stage 9. H’lights.
6.00 Mastermind Australia.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Portillo’s Andalucia. (Final, R)
8.20 Sue Perkins: Lost In Thailand. (Final, PGa, R) Sue Perkins concludes her exploration of Thailand.
9.15 Cycling. Tour de France. Stage 10.
2.05 Great Coastal Railway Journeys. (PGa, R)
3.05 Incredible Homes. (PGn, R)
4.05 Growing A Greener World. (R) 4.35 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
VICELAND (31)
6am 3 Days
In Quiberon. Continued. (2018, PG, French) 7.25
Thirteen Days. (2000, PG) 10.05 The Movie Show. 10.40 Boccaccio ’70. (1962, M, German) 2.25pm The Movie Show. 3.00 8 1/2. (1963, PG, Italian) 5.35 Another Mother’s Son. (2017, PG) 7.30 The Great Spirit. (2019, M, Italian) 9.35 Wild Seas. (2022, MA15+, French) 11.20 Boiling Point. (2021, MA15+) 1.10am J. Edgar. (2011, M) 3.40 Late Programs.
TUESDAY, July 15
6.00 Morning Programs. 11.00 Cycling. Tour de France. Stage 9. H’lights. 12.00 Cycling. Tour de France. Stage 10. H’lights. 1.00 WorldWatch. 2.05 Engineering Reborn. (R) 3.00 Going Places. (R) 3.30 SBS50. (R) 3.35 The Cook Up. (R) 4.05 Jeopardy! 4.30
6.00 Mastermind Australia.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Great Continental Railway Journeys. (PGav)
8.30 Insight.
9.00 Dr Karl’s How Things Work. (R)
ABC Late News. 10.45 The Business. (R) 11.00 Four Corners. (R) 11.50 Media Watch. (PG, R) 12.05 Lucy Worsley Investigates. (PG, R) 1.00 Brush With Fame. (PG, R) 1.30 EXPOSED: The Case Of Keli Lane. (Ml, R) 2.30 Love Your Garden. (R) 3.15 For Frogs’ Sake! (R) 3.30 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)
9.30 Dateline.
10.00 SBS World News Late.
10.30 Living Black. (R)
11.05 Anne Boleyn. (Masv, R)
2.00 Great Coastal Railway Journeys. (PGa, R)
3.00 Incredible Homes. (R)
3.55 Growing A Greener World. (PGa, R) 4.25 Bamay. (R) 4.55 Destination Flavour. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
VICELAND (31)
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Home And Away. (PGa)
7.30 The 1% Club. (PGl, R) Hosted by Jim Jefferies.
8.30 9-1-1. (Mav) Following Maddie’s mysterious 911 call, Chimney returns home to find his daughter alone and Maddie nowhere to be found.
10.30 The Agenda Setters.
11.30 Police Custody USA: Meth Wars. (Madl, R)
12.30 Gone. (MA15+v, R)
2.30 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
The Food That Built The World. 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 Alone. 9.40 Hoarders. 11.25 Pitino: Red Storm Rising. 12.20am Late Programs. 6am Morning Programs. 7.30
6am 8 1/2. Continued. (1963, PG, Italian) 8.25 3 Days In Quiberon. (2018, PG, French) 10.30 20th Century Women. (2016, M) 12.45pm Nostalgia. (2022, M, Italian) 2.55 Thirteen Days. (2000, PG) 5.35 Widows’ Peak. (1994, PG) 7.30 American Pastoral. (2016, M) 9.30 Maria Into Life. (2022, M, French) 11.15 Mother Couch. (2023, M) 1am Wild Seas. (2022, MA15+, French) 2.45 Late Programs.
6am Morning Programs. 1.45pm
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Parental Guidance. (PGa)
9.00 100% Footy. (M)
10.00 Rise Of The Dolphins. (PGl)
11.30 9News Late.
12.00 Gypsy Rose: Life After Lockup. (Ma)
1.00 Fishing Australia. (R)
1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
2.30 Global Shop. (R)
3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa)
A Current Affair. (R)
Today Early News.
Today.
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6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGa) Irene returns with a heartbreaking secret.
8.30 Stranded On Honeymoon Island. (Mls) As one couple pull the flare and leave the experience for good, two couples ignite fire in another way, taking their relationship to the next level.
11.30 The Agenda Setters. An expert panel tackles the biggest AFL topics.
12.30 Fairly Legal. (Ma, R) Kate helps a friend with a prenup.
2.30 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
9GO!
ONTHEBOX
WEDNESDAY, July 16
6.00 Mastermind Australia. 6.30 SBS
News. 7.30 How Disney Built America. (PG) 8.20 Eat Smart: Secrets Of The Glucose Goddess. (Final, PG)
Cycling. Tour de France. Stage 11.
Great Coastal Railway Journeys. (PG, R) 2.45 Incredible Homes. (R) 3.40 Growing A Greener World. (R)
4.10 Bamay. (R)
4.50 Down Under Bitesize. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGa)
7.30 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG) 8.30 The Front Bar. (Ml) Takes a lighter look at all things AFL. 9.30 Unfiltered. (PGa) 10.00 Ashley Cain: Into The Danger Zone. (MA15+a) 11.20 Stags. (MA15+alv)
12.20 Touching Evil. (MA15+av)
1.20 Harry’s Practice. (R) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
7TWO
THURSDAY, July 17
6am Another
6.00 Mastermind Australia. 6.30 SBS World News.
7.35 Treasures With Bettany Hughes. (PGaw)
9.30 Cycling. Tour de France. Stage 12.
2.15 Destination Flavour Down Under Bitesize. (R)
2.25 Great Coastal Railway Journeys. (R)
3.25 Incredible Homes. (R)
4.25 Bamay. (R)
4.55 Down Under Bitesize. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
A Current Affair.
RBT. (Ml)
Murder Down Under. (MA15+av) 9.30 Australian Crime Stories. (Mav, R)
MOVIES (32) SBS MOVIES (32)
Mother’s Son. Continued. (2017, PG) 6.40 Widows’ Peak. (1994, PG) 8.35 The Band’s Visit. (2007, PG, Arabic) 10.10 The Great Spirit. (2019, M, Italian) 12.15pm American Pastoral. (2016, M) 2.15 Another Mother’s Son. (2017, PG) 4.10 The Battle Of The River Plate. (1956, PG) 6.20 The Great Escape. (1963, PG) 9.30 Other People’s Children. (2022, M, French) 11.25 Late Programs. 6am The Battle Of The River Plate. Continued. (1956, PG) 7.25 The Great Escape. (1963, PG) 10.35 Maria Into Life. (2022, M, French) 12.20pm Mother Couch. (2023, M) 2.10 Widows’ Peak. (1994, PG) 4.00 The Band’s Visit. (2007, PG, Arabic) 5.40 The Legend Of Longwood. (2014, PG) 7.35 St. Vincent. (2014, M) 9.30 Winter Boy. (2022, MA15+, French) 11.45 Late Programs.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGa) Tane and Jo connect. 7.30 Football. AFL. Round 19. Essendon v GWS Giants. 10.30 AFL Post-Game Show. Post-game discussion and interviews. 11.00 Kick Ons.
11.30 Evil By Design: End Game. (Malv, R) 12.35 Life. (Madv, R) 1.35 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.
Over The Black Dot. 6.30 Travel Man. 7.00 Jeopardy! 7.30 8 Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 The Curse Of Oak Island. 10.10 The UnXplained. 11.00 Homicide. 11.55 Late Programs.
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DRAMA (51)
DRAMA (51)
9GEM (82)
9GEM (82)
9GO!
By David WIGLEY
THE Northern Storm have literally stormed into finals contention with a resounding 5-1 comeback over the Orara Valley Dingoes in the Women’s Premier League on Friday night.
It was far from smooth sailing early, as the Dingoes drew first blood after just seven minutes when Kalla Linsley pounced on a loose ball in the six-yard area to hand Orara a surprise lead.
The Storm weathered the early blow and responded in style.
