Coffs Coast News Of The Area 15 AUGUST 2025

By Andrea FERRARI

BRIDGE PROGRESS

q Woolgoolga man Jeb Freeman and three teammates will attempt to row across the Atlantic Ocean.

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Rowing the Atlantic for Movember

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an extra 800km).

Everything they need for at least 29 days of rowing will be on board.

“Our ‘why’ is simple: ‘why not?'” Jeb told News Of The Area.

“Why not row across an entire ocean with some mates and raise money for an important cause along the way.

“We chose Movember for a few reasons but mainly because we all agree that there’s a lot of men struggling at the moment.

“It’s a new world out there and there’s a lot of men feeling like they have no place in it.

“We hope what we’re doing will be a launch pad for some important conversations about men’s health to occur.

“Mental illness can be isolating, scary and feel like you’re repeatedly up against a 10ft wave in the middle of the ocean.

“We will be out there, isolated, probably scared at times, and up against some tough conditions.

"It’s going to be gruelling; it’s going to be anything but comfortable, but it's a cause worth being uncomfortable for.”

The team is made up of Jeb, two English “legends” Jake and Max, and a Kiwi named Struan.

“Three of us are professional maritime navigators, so there’s some hope we won’t get lost.”

The current record, set by The Four Oarsmen, is 29 days 14 hours and 34 minutes.

During the “Racing Mos” row, the men will each lose approximately 8kgs, burning north of 5000 calories a day, probably closer to 7000 or 8000.

“We’ll be doing two-hour intervals of rowing, rotating out and having two hours of rest, which will be spent consuming

enormous amounts of calories, checking our route and trying to sleep.”

In 2023, more than 7500 men died by suicide in Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom.

“That’s enough men to fill 94 school buses or two Titanics”, Jeb said.

“We need to do better for our fathers, brothers, sons, uncles, friends, grandfathers, for the bloke sitting in an office and the barista making our coffee.”

From now until December next year, a large part of the rowers’ campaign will be getting sponsors onboard.

The team is looking for individuals and businesses aligned with Movember’s mission to sponsor the team.

“We can’t do this on our own, we need support to get us to the start line”.

The “Racing Mos” will be hosting events around the globe to raise the funds to get the mission on the move.

Details will be posted on their website racingmos.com and on social media.

Councillor: City’s strategy a ‘missed opportunity’

COUNCILLOR Tony Judge has branded the draft City of Coffs Harbour Homelessness Strategy as a “missed opportunity” to collaborate with service providers and the State Government on “strong measures” to reduce homelessness.

“The draft strategy is an excellent piece of research that identifies the extent of homelessness in the Coffs Harbour Local Government Area,” Cr Judge said.

“[However], I believe Council missed a great opportunity to partner with community organisations and service providers in the development of the strategy.

“We have a very knowledgeable and experienced group of people providing services to homeless people here in Coffs, some with decades of experience.

“A more collaborative approach in the development of the Strategy could have drawn on that experience and built the sort of relationships that would allow Council to work seamlessly with providers to assist people who are homeless in our community.”

Cr Judge is also disappointed that the draft strategy does not include staff resources specifically allocated to address homelessness.

“Other Councils, such as Byron Shire, are funding ‘Public Spaces Liaison Officers' to work with homeless people, identify their specific needs and liaise with service providers to find accommodation and support for them.

“That role has demonstrated that those Councils are genuinely committed to addressing homelessness.

“Their commitment has also encouraged the State Government to partner with them to provide further resources and support.

“The lack of funding in the [Coffs] draft strategy sends a message that Council thinks homelessness is someone else’s problem.”

In a statement on Tuesday, City of Coffs Harbour noted that while the State and Commonwealth remain the primary government agencies responsible for homelessness, Council can be “part of a positive response to drive meaningful change”.

“Homelessness is a significant issue in Coffs Harbour and the strategy speaks to how the City might channel its efforts, particularly through advocating and collaborating with front-line response agencies,” Mayor Nikki Williams said.

“The Australian and NSW governments are best placed to develop solutions to homelessness.”

Initiatives outlined in the draft strategy include:

• Advocate to the Australian and NSW Government to legislate a consistent framework for Local Government in relation to its role and responsibility to prevent homelessness.

• Advocate to the NSW Government to improve system responses at transition points, so those exiting prison, hospitals, acute mental health units and existing out-of-home care and foster care do not fall into homelessness.

• Advocate to the NSW Government to fund and expand a well-resourced Assertive Outreach

Team for the Specialist Homelessness Services Sector within the Coffs Harbour Local Government Area to address the growing numbers of people sleeping rough.

• Participate in local housing interagencies, such as the Coffs Coast Housing Partnership Group, the District Housing Implementation Group, as well as the NSW Government Housing and Health Agreement, supporting a ‘No Wrong Door’ approach for people experiencing homelessness.

• Undertake a research project to investigate the true cost of homelessness issues for the City and investigate how these funds could be redirected and better spent on homelessness prevention such as funding for a Public Space Liaison Officer position/s.

The Draft Homelessness Strategy can be viewed at https://haveyoursay.coffsharbour. nsw.gov.au/homelessstrategy2025 and submissions can be made through to Monday 8 September.

q Councillor Tony Judge thinks the City is missing an opportunity to develop ‘strong measures’ to reduce homelessness.

BRIDGE PROGRESS

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Beach.

Crown Lands will contribute $350,000, the Coffs Coast Regional Park Trust – representing City of Coffs Harbour and the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) – will contribute $100,000, and Reflections Holidays will spend $50,000 for Stage 1 of the bridge replacement project.

Work will commence during the 2025/26 financial year to finalise a design for the new bridge and undertake work to secure environmental and planning approvals, with a development application to be lodged with the City of Coffs Harbour.

Stage 2 construction of a replacement bridge will take place in the 2026/27 financial year, subject to funding availability.

The Moonee Beach

footbridge provides access over Sugar Mill Creek (a Crown waterway) between Coffs Coast Regional Park (managed by NPWS) and the Green Bluff headland (managed by Reflections Holidays).

The bridge also provides a link in the 60km Solitary Islands coastal walk, which is a major tourist attraction for the Coffs Coast area.

The dilapidated bridge was closed in November 2022 due to public safety concerns after an engineering assessment revealed the wooden piers had eroded and the bridge was unstable, with its condition later worsening following rain and large tides.

The dilapidated bridge was removed in June 2025 following approval of a development application by the City of Coffs Harbour the month prior.

Minister for Lands, Property and Tourism Steve

Kamper said, “It’s great to see this cooperative effort by the Minns Labor Government, the City of Coffs Harbour Council and Reflections Holidays to chart

a positive way forward for a replacement footbridge at Moonee Beach.

“The finalisation of a preferred bridge design and obtaining of planning

approvals will be the vital next steps toward restoring access through this significant area to support local recreation and regional tourism.”

City of Coffs Harbour Mayor Nikki Williams thanked Minister Kamper and the Coffs Coast Regional Trust Board for their work towards a solution.

q The original pedestrian bridge at Moonee Beach was closed in November 2022 due to public safety concerns.

Man charged with attempted murder at Nana Glen

A MAN has been charged with attempted murder following an alleged domestic violence related-incident at Nana Glen over the weekend.

in the chest at a home on Orara Way, Nana Glen at about 8.30pm on Saturday 9 August 2025.

Bradley John Thorncroft, 20, appeared before court on Sunday after allegedly shooting a 22-year-old man

he’s reported to be in a critical but stable condition after undergoing surgery.

NSW Ambulance paramedics treated the man at the scene before he was airlifted to Gold Coast University Hospital, where

About 30 minutes after the alleged shooting offence, officers attached to Traffic and Highway Patrol Command stopped an SUV on Carrall Close, Coffs Harbour and arrested Mr Thorncroft.

A rifle was seized when the vehicle was searched and taken for forensic examination.

Mr Thorncroft was taken to Coffs Harbour Police Station where he was charged with six offences:

“Shoot with intent to murder (DV)”, “Possess unauthorised firearm”, “Use unauthorised firearm”, “Possess ammunition without holding licence/permit/authority”, “Stalk/intimidate intend fear physical etc harm (domestic)”, and “Drive with

middle-range PCA”. His matters will return to court at Coffs Harbour on Saturday, 26 August, with briefs to be served by 23 September 2025. Mr Thorncroft made no application for bail.

Union pushes back against potential lifeguard outsourcing

By Andrew VIVIAN

WHEN the City of Coffs Harbour’s councillors passed a motion to adopt a recommendation in a confidential report concerning lifeguard services, it triggered an angry response from the United Services Union (USU) and costly court action.

The union condemned Council for “allegedly making a secret decision to outsource its Beach Lifeguard Service, without proper consultation or notification to affected staff”.

USU Acting Manager North Luke Hutchinson, said the move effectively breached the NSW Local Government (State) Award 2023 and demonstrated contempt for the Council’s own workforce.

“This is a disgraceful betrayal of the lifeguards who’ve protected our beaches for years,” he said.

The USU said it formally wrote to Council on 21 July, before its regular meeting, seeking consultation on the future of the service.

“Council told us nothing was happening.

"Then, days later, they told staff their jobs were gone.”

The USU requested an urgent intervention from the NSW Industrial Relations Commission (IRC).

At a hearing on 7 August at the Newcastle Courthouse, the IRC recommended that Council’s General Manager:

- reports to the elected Council to rescind Resolution “2025/160”

- cease all discussions about its implementation until at least 14 August

- disclose all relevant documentation, including previously confidential reports

- engage directly with the USU to resolve any operational concerns, and

- return to the IRC for a formal hearing on 14 August.

Mr Hutchinson said it was “a win for transparency, fairness, and public safety.”

In response, a Council spokesperson said the City highly values and appreciates the work of the lifeguards and was dismayed by the “emotive and inaccurate” statements issued publicly by the USU, and that it had chosen to breach confidentiality.

They said any solution should advance the delivery of the Lifeguard Services Strategic Plan, maintain current service levels and provide a pathway to improve service levels, operate within available budgets, provide effective outcomes for staff and promote collaboration, integration and efficiency with volunteer surf lifesaving clubs.

The spokesperson said the City remains open to exploring opportunities, which may lead to an even more effective Lifeguard Service, and that while no decision has been made, it is committed to engaging with its employees.

The only councillor to oppose the motion was Cr Jonathan Cassell.

“It does not align with my values,” he said.

“I believe we should be supporting and keeping our local lifeguards who have

invaluable knowledge of our beaches and water conditions, which has been built up from multiple decades of patrolling our unique beaches.”

The Northern Beaches Council in Sydney’s north has recently stopped outsourcing its lifeguard service and returned to it being inhouse.

In Port Macquarie, the lifeguard contractor relies mostly on casuals.

“We should be asking critical questions of these Councils before making any decisions,” Cr Cassell said.

Councillor Tony Judge, who voted for the motion, has had a change of heart.

“This is an issue of enormous community interest,” he said.

“However, councillors are prevented from discussing the nature of the resolution or even the matters it covers.

“I can confirm that had I known what I have discovered since the Council meeting, I would have made a very different decision.

“A major part of our role as Councillors is to act as a conduit between Council and the community.

“That has been almost impossible in this matter.

“Thankfully, current and former lifeguards, their union and the community have been very clear in voicing their concerns.

“I am grateful for their efforts.”

A petition on change.org to keep lifeguards ‘in-house’ had attracted more than 1700 signatures at the time of writing.

Council digitising planning maps

CITY of Coffs Harbour is now working to “digitise and align” its legacy planning maps.

Two years ago the NSW Government implemented a new suite of land use zones (known as Employment Zones) which replaced the existing business and industrial categories in all local environmental plans in NSW, including the Coffs Harbour Local Environmental Plan (LEP) 2013.

At this time, the Land Zoning Map and Additional Permitted Uses Map contained within the Coffs LEP were replaced in their

entirety and transitioned from PDF to digital maps.

These revised maps align with the State Cadastre - a digital representation of all land parcel and property boundaries in NSWutilised by the State Government.

At its 24 July meeting, Council resolved to submit an expedited Local Environmental Plan amendment to the NSW Department of Planning to transition the City’s remaining PDF maps in the Coffs LEP to digital format.

“As part of this process the City will also seek an associated amendment to the Coffs Harbour Development Control Plan 2015 to align with the digital mapping and State Cadastre,” Mayor Nikki Williams said.

“This will be placed on public exhibition for feedback and will be reported back to Council if there are submissions objecting to the proposal.”

City Planning and Communities Acting Director Ian Fitzgibbon said the current mix of digital and PDF maps meant there were some boundary misalignments between the two.

“By transitioning these remaining PDF maps to digital - based on a single cadastral source of truth – we'll achieve absolute boundary alignments,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.

“This will deliver a range of benefits, including better management of users’ requests for planning information plus alignment with the NSW Planning Portal Spatial Viewer.”

IN an Australian first, the NSW Police Force Drug & Firearms Squad last week charged a

Inquiries allegedly

uncovered evidence of a 20-year-old man running a sophisticated illicit drug distribution model to facilitate the supply of the nitazene in vape liquid vials between March and July

Concerns over synthetic opiates in vapes Patients happy with care, not food

By Andrew VIVIAN

THE Bureau of Health Information (BHI) has released a report showing how 25,658 patients rated the care they received in NSW public hospitals between January and December 2024.

BHI Acting Chief Executive Hilary Rowell, said the Adult Admitted Patient Survey 2024 showed that more than nine in 10 patients (92%) rated their experience of overall care as “very good” or “good”.

"The majority of patients were positive about the care they received and ratings for most questions at NSW-level were consistent with the previous year's survey,” she said.

On the Mid-North Coast, 89 percent of patients rated the care they received in hospital as “good” or “very good”.

Macksville patients were the most positive about their care, with 84 percent rating their care as “very good”,

compared to Kempsey (79%), Coffs Harbour (68%) and Port Macquarie (66%).

Mid-North Coast patients’ satisfaction with their public hospital care ranked midrange when compared with other local health districts.

Across the state, 78 percent of patients said the care and treatment they received “definitely” helped them while 80 percent said they “definitely” had confidence and trust in the health professionals who treated them

Ninety percent of patients said their cultural or religious beliefs were “always” respected by hospital staff, and 88 percent said they were “always” treated with respect and dignity – a key driver of positive overall experiences.

Seventy-four percent of patients said health professionals “always” listened carefully to their views and concerns, which was one of the largest improvements across the survey (up from 72% in

2025.

Detective Superintendent John Watson, Commander of the Drug & Firearms Squad, said the fact these substances are being distributed in vape liquid is deeply concerning.

“Nitazenes are highly addictive, incredibly potent and can be lethal,” Det Supt Watson said.

“By lacing vape liquid with these synthetic opioids, suppliers are deliberately creating dependency –hooking users to ensure repeat business. It’s calculated, dangerous, and entirely profit-driven.

“This is the first time in Australia someone has been charged with supplying nitazene-laced vape liquid, which demonstrates a disturbing evolution in the illicit drug trade.”

NSW Health’s Chief Addiction Medicine Specialist

Dr Hester Wilson said NSW Health is concerned about the risk of harm from potent synthetic opioids such as nitazenes.

“We want to remind the community of the dangers of synthetic opioids such as nitazenes, which can be stronger than fentanyl.

"It is important that people recognise the signs of an opioid overdose early and know how to respond.

“Opioid overdose symptoms can include pinpoint pupils, drowsiness, loss of consciousness, slow breathing/snoring or skin turning blue or grey.”

Federal Member for Cowper Pat Conaghan has renewed calls for new vaping regulation to stem the flow of harmful products and reduce the black-market trade that has continued to surge despite recent policy changes.

“It’s no secret that the sale of illegal vapes has exploded in this country,” he said.

“Where we were once seeing a reduction in the tobacco shop footprint, we are now seeing new stores opening every month.

“Governments at all levels should not be patting themselves on the back for policies designed to make headlines while ignoring the reality of organised crime syndicates that have been allowed to flourish in plain sight.”

A former Drug Squad Detective, Conaghan has long been vocal on the realities of the illegal vape trade.

“The current ban and enforcement model is blind to the true scale of the problem and scale of the manpower required to follow it through,” he said.

“Currently, the

responsibility for enforcing financial penalties lies with NSW Health Inspectors who are expected to visit retailers and check compliance with tobacco retailing laws.

“This includes checking if illicit tobacco, illegal vaping goods or other illegal products containing nicotine are being sold.

“Police are only able to confiscate goods and shut stores for a finite period of time.

“With that in mind, we need to be looking at better regulations of these products to reduce their attractiveness for organised crime gangs.

“If regulated products that meet a set of safety criteria and are packaged with warnings and information are available for those aged 18 and over, the illicit trade stronghold would be significantly diminished.”

2023).

The survey results also highlight areas where improvements are needed.

"These insights give health professionals guidance on where they can focus on improving care, to have the most impact on patients' overall experiences,” Ms Rowell said.

One of the largest declines

since the previous survey was in the rating of food.

In 2024, only 21 percent of patients said they would rate the food they were served in hospital as “very good” (down from 24% in 2023), with 44% of patients rating the food as just “good”.

The report shows patients admitted to rural hospitals gave significantly

higher ratings of care than patients admitted to urban hospitals, with 72 percent of rural patients rating their overall care as “very good” compared with 66 percent of urban patients.

Patients were nine times more likely to rate their care, overall, as “very good” if it was “very well organised” and three times more likely if

they said they were “always” treated with respect and dignity.

For many measures, the longer patients stayed in hospital the less likely they were to rate their care positively, particularly for measures relating to communication and involvement in decisionmaking.

q Member for Cowper Pat Conaghan, a former Drug Squad Detective, pictured with Coffs/ Clarence Police District Superintendent Joanne Schultz APM. Photo: Pat Conaghan MP FB.

q Coffs Harbour Health Campus Hospital.

Defibrillator installed at Coffs boat ramp

By Andrea FERRARI

THE local Defib Hero initiative celebrated a milestone last week with the 20th Automated External Defibrillator (AED) installed in the Coffs Harbour local government area (LGA).

Situated on the amenities block at the Coffs Harbour boat ramp, it is available 24/7 and is the first approved Defib Hero placed on a council asset.

The installation is due to the financial support of AJ Civil Projects owners Alan and Tanya Johnson OAM.

“Our company spent two years working down here on the boat ramp and we saw the number of people who frequent this area - the fisherman, surfers, walkers and those who use South Wall for exercising - yet there was no AED nearby,” Mr Johnson told News Of The Area.

AJ Civil Projects has also funded the installation of AEDs at the Jetty and Stef Beachstone in Sapphire Beach.

Mrs Johnson has been involved in the purchase and installation of other AEDs across the Coffs Coast as Chair and Co-founder of the Pink Silks Trust.

The charity plans to add five more this year.

Since the Defib Hero App launched in the

area, more than 100 defibrillators have been registered.

It takes the region one step closer to ensuring that everyone in the LGA is within three minutes of a defibrillator.

“Having the defibrillators three minutes apart is definitely going to save lives in our community and those of tourists – it is a vital asset to a region such as ours,” Mrs Johnson said.

Having seen a person’s life saved by an AED, City of Coffs Harbour Mayor Nikki Williams is a keen supporter of the initiative.

“The more AEDs you have around, the more people are keen to understand how it works, and the more people’s lives are saved,” she said.

Every day, 100 Australians lose their lives to sudden cardiac arrests (SCA).

Increasing the number of defibrillators in a community and the number of people willing to use them, along with sharing where they are, can significantly reduce this toll.

Pacific Bay Resort General Manager, Brad Daymond, is a Defib Hero advocate.

“You just press the button, and ‘it’ does the assessment, you can’t go wrong,” he said.

The next step of the business and community campaign is awareness and education to ensure the Defib Hero App and Defib Hero Program are known throughout the community.

Local broker an awards finalist

By Andrea FERRARI

COFFS business owner Duane Mengel has been named a finalist in the Australian Broking Awards. He has been shortlisted in three categories: Regional Broker of the year, Regional Office of the Year and Franchise Office of the Year.

The Australian Broking Awards are the pinnacle event of the year for the broking industry.

Building on The Adviser’s state-based awards program, the Better Business Awards recognise the outstanding achievements of brokers and brokerages from across the country.

Winners will be announced at a cocktail

luncheon at The Star in Sydney on Friday 29 August,

Mr Mengel, the owner of Mortgage Choice Coffs Harbour, said he was humbled to be recognised and proud to be named as a finalist.

“Mortgage Choice Coffs Harbour’s recognition for our excellent contribution to the broking industry reinforces the strength of our service and dedication to connecting with the community and engaging with clients.”

q City of Coffs Harbour Mayor Nikki Williams with Defib Hero advocate and Pacific Bay Resort General Manager Brad Daymond.

q Defib Hero advocate Brad Daymond with Tanya and Alan Johnson from AJ Civil Projects.

q Duane Mengel with his wife and business partner Louise at the Better Business Awards earlier this year.

Recognition of Yazidi ethnicity

By Andrea FERRARI

A COMMUNITY-LED petition calling for official recognition of the Yazidi language, religion and ethnicity in the 2026 Australian Census, has been formally presented to the House of Representatives.

The Petition EN6775 - Recognition of Yazidi Ethnicity in the 2026 Australian Census - is a significant step in addressing the lack of official recognition of Yazidi Australians in national data collections and policy frameworks.

The principal petitioner is Sami Sheebo, a Yazidi man living in Coffs Harbour, who is a well-known community advocate.

“The Yazidi community in Australia plays a vital role in enriching the nation’s cultural diversity,” the petition states.

“Despite this, Yazidi language, religion, and ethnicity remain unrecognized in national data, making

it difficult to assess the needs of this community and provide tailored support.”

Many Yazidis resettled in Australia after fleeing persecution, including during the 2014 genocide in northern Iraq.

Today, they continue to rebuild their lives across regional centres like Coffs Harbour, Wagga Wagga, and Toowoomba.

However, the absence of dedicated Census categories has made it difficult for governments to accurately identify community needs and plan targeted support.

The petition urges the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) to reflect

Yazidi identity accurately in the next Census to support the preservation of Yazidi heritage, improve social and economic integration, and ensure fair access to services.

“This recognition is not symbolic, it’s practical,” Mr Sheebo said.

“We cannot plan for services like mental health, education, or language support unless our community is counted properly.”

Local community leaders, multicultural organisations, and advocacy groups have backed the petition and are calling on Australians to contact their local MPs to support the cause.

The petitioners are now awaiting a formal ministerial response.

Residents and stakeholders can view or track Petition EN6775 by visiting https://www.aph.gov.au/e-petitions/ petition/EN6775.

Free financial and legal support clinic

By Andrea FERRARI

CANCER Council NSW is hosting a free financial and legal support clinic for Coffs Harbour locals on 9-10 September at Norm Jordan Pavilion.

Funded by a grant from the Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation, the clinic will support cancer patients to prepare legal documents such as wills, Enduring Power of Attorney, and Appointment of Enduring Guardian. It will also provide

financial information sessions for both patients and carers.

Cancer Council support staff will be onsite to provide general information and support on the day, including information on cancer, available support services and emotional support.

Cancer Council NSW Manager for Practical Support Services, Sophie Anderson, said "We are looking forward to hosting this event to provide a local opportunity for cancer

patients and their carers living in the Coffs Harbour area to connect with Cancer Council NSW and increase access to information and support services.

“Legal and financial support will be available by pre-booked appointments, including preparing wills and enduring power of attorney documents, as well as financial advice and information sessions around managing debts, reducing day-to-day expenses, budgeting, accessing Centrelink,

superannuation or insurances.

“Attendees will also have the opportunity to speak with Cancer Council staff about more general cancerrelated concerns and other available support services.”

Walk-ins are welcome on the day for general information and support, however, to receive legal or financial support, patients or carers must have a prebooked appointment.

Support is subject to eligibility criteria.

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q The principal petitioner is Sami Sheebo, a Yazidi man living in Coffs Harbour.

q Cancer Council NSW is hosting a free financial and legal support clinic in Coffs Harbour.

Nexus Gallery marks 20 years

By Andrea FERRARI

NEXUS Community Gallery

will mark a significant milestone on Tuesday 19 August.

It has been operating out of its current premises at the Butter Factory in Bellingen for 20 years.

To celebrate the longevity of this community gallery, which is a testament to all its volunteers, new exhibitions will run from Sunday 17 August through to 12 September.

In the Main Gallery, Polly Wells and Elisa Hall are exhibiting a joint showcase of their recent works.

Both artists will be in the gallery between Noon and

2pm and are keen to talk to visitors.

Polly has lived in Bellingen for over 30 years, surrounded by its extraordinary beauty and natural diversity.

“It’s not hard to see why I’m drawn to painting the landscape,” she said.

“The main focus of my work has been the everchanging light.

“As human creatures we’re finely attuned to weather, the rhythms of the day and the seasons.

“We read the light… and we read into it.

“The dawn and dusk are particularly evocative of emotional responses within us.

“The dying of the day can arouse a heightened awareness of our mortality, the impermanence of things, and the mystery of life.

“The light of dawn often induces states of wonder, of possibility and renewal.”

Bellingen has been Elisa’s home for 25 years, during which she has taught oil painting techniques and drawing.

“In my own work I’m interested in the minutiae”, she said.

“Looking at how the light falls through glass or on a flower.

“I love colour and how it makes me feel. I like the intimacy of things.”

Her paintings are about

the passing of time, how things are alive and then die, but are still beautiful.

“I also like to paint symbolically, so the paintings will be more than representational; there are quiet meanings within each picture.”

Polly and Elisa have both been classically trained in Renaissance techniques.

This involves painting in layers and understanding the properties and possibilities offered by the paint itself.

Their paintings are not just about their subjects, but also about how they are painted.

While both artists have held many exhibitions, this is their first together.

John Biggart on show at Bellingen

By Andrea FERRARI

AS NEXUS Community Gallery marks its 20th birthday at The Old Butter Factory in Bellingen, local

and committed volunteer and friend of the

gallery, John Biggar, will open his one-man show of Latest Works.

They can be viewed in the Studio Gallery from Sunday 17 August, through to 11 September. A multi-award-winning

artist, John Biggart has a wealth of painting experience and is wellversed in classical oil painting techniques.

His latest works highlight his love of paint as a medium and his desire to

continuously explore new ways of working.

Now aged in his eighties, he began painting at the age of 16 when he was attending night school at Hurstville.

John said he soon began winning shows and selling

his paintings, so when an opening became available for an art teacher at Hurstville he applied and was given the job.

“Over the years I have had big gaps where I have been unable to pursue

painting, but since retiring I have time to paint as much as I like”, he said.

“Painting is a very necessary part of my life.

“My work has evolved from working very traditionally with oils and watercolours, to working with acrylics in more abstract ways.

“Although I do not travel now, bits of my travels still appear in my paintings.

“Some may see my work as complete abstraction but to me the paintings are landscapes.”

His advice to young artists just starting out is that “drawing is the foundation of art.

“It is so important to develop your drawing skills as they are the starting point for everything else.”

q ‘Knives’ by Elisa Hall.

q Polly Wells’ ‘Late afternoon dreaming on the Bellinger’.

q ‘Rainforest Pool Kalang’ by Polly Wells.

artist

q John Biggart’s ‘Escape to Ross River’.

q ‘West of Glen Helen’ by John Biggart.

q ‘Nasturtiums’ by Elisa Hall.

Farmsafe’s ‘Second Chances’ campaign

By Andrea FERRARI

FARMSAFE Australia has launched its 2025 National Farm Safety Week campaign with the theme “Second Chances – Who Knows How Many You’ll Get?”

It comes with a national call to action.

“If you’ve had a near miss on a farm, don’t just move on. Learn from it, share it safely, and use it to protect those around you.”

The National Farm Safety Week and Safer Farms Report 2025 shows that following a historic low of 32 farm fatalities in 2023, there were 72 deaths in 2024 - the highest number in more than two decades.

Chair of Farmsafe Australia Felicity Richards,

says the data shows that farm safety isn’t just about preventing the worst-case scenario, it’s about reading the signs before they happen.

“So many incidents are preceded by a ‘close call’… a moment when we got lucky,” she said.

“But unless we talk about what almost happened and what we did differently afterwards, we’re missing one of the most powerful tools we have to change behaviour.”

The Second Chances campaign highlights the role of the near miss as a warning sign.

It features stories from farmers across the country who’ve walked away from close calls and made changes that improved the safety of their families, their workers

and their communities.

The campaign recognises that many farmers process these experiences quietly.

“But when we’re ready, talking about what nearly went wrong helps normalise safer decision-making, not from a place of blame but from a place of care.”

Ms Richards says that when we share a near miss safely, without shame and with a focus on the lesson, we create space for someone else to say, ‘Actually, that happened to me too’.

“That conversation can lead to real action: putting seatbelts on sideby-sides, rethinking fatigue management, changing up how we supervise kids.

“None of those things happen in silence.”

Ms Richards, who is a farmer and mother, notes the emotional weight behind the Farm Safety Report statistics.

“Every number in that report is a person.”

“We are not asking anyone to relive trauma or share details they’re uncomfortable with.

“Sometimes, the best thing we can do is reflect privately or debrief with our team.

“The important thing is not how we share, it’s that we don’t ignore the lesson.”

The 2025 Safer Farms Report, sponsored by WFI, identifies key ongoing risks on Australian farms, including fatigue, poor communication, and child safety.

As part of the campaign, Farmsafe is encouraging

industry partners, member organisations and rural businesses to amplify the message.

“This is about taking steps. It’s about being conscious and trying to do better every day.”

To find out more, visit farmsafe.org.au.

“Everyone has a role to play in creating safer farms whether it’s by starting a toolbox talk, sharing a story, or just pausing before a job to check in.

Call for more Lifeline volunteers

By Andrea FERRARI

LIFELINE North Coast (NSW) needs call centre volunteers.

Across Australia the service takes over one million calls a year.

According to Coffs Harbour-based trainer and Centre Supervisor Lyn Anderson, one of the main reasons people shy away from this type of volunteering is fear, and the thought of not being able to cope.

She said having doubts is understandable when considering a role such as this, but it is worthwhile.

“The skills we gain we can take out into our home life and our community,” she told News Of The Area.

“I started as a volunteer and then moved into parttime; from there I have been given many skills and hope to be able to continue with Lifeline into the future.”

The type of calls a volunteer may be faced with can relate to relationships, work, world events, mental health, local issues, addiction and loneliness.

“We do have people call who are suicidal, but these are in the minority.

“The training gives us the skills to support these people so that many of these callers are able to carry on.

“We check everyone’s safety, so people know if they do have thoughts of suicide they can call Lifeline.”

“Occasionally, emergency services are contacted but this is a decision made by a supervisor, not a volunteer.

“Most people who call with suicidal thoughts don’t really want to die but they can see no way out of the emotional pain they are experiencing.”

As a Registered Training Organisation (RTO), Lifeline offers individual accreditation.

The training consists of eLearning then face-to-face workshops, leading to several “real life” phone shifts with a mentor before taking calls solo.

There is always a supervisor ready to support the volunteer.

Ms Anderson believes that being a Lifeline volunteer certainly requires commitment.

“[It’s] a commitment I believe is very worthwhile”, she said.

Neighbourhood Centres of Bellingen Shire Inc Manager position available

The Connecting Neighbourhood Centres of Bellingen Shire (NCoBS) Inc is looking for a Manager who is responsible for the overall operation, strategic direction, and day-to-day management of its centres, services, programs and projects.

Connecting NCOBS is a key community organisation in the Bellingen Shire and manages:

• 3 Neighbourhood Centres – Dorrigo, Bellingen & Urunga Services Australia Agency (Centrelink-Medicare-Child Support) in Bellingen

• Early Childhood Wellbeing and Development Service

• 3 Youth Services:

o Bellingen-Nambucca Youth Service

o Dorrigo Youth Centre

o Bellingen Shire Youth Hub

• Bellingen Shire No Interest Loans Scheme

• Work Development Orders at Bellingen Auspice for the Urunga Men’s Shed

• Drug and Alcohol Projects

“The feelings of connection one gets when speaking to many people is wonderful and of course it is satisfying.

“I think this is important because people would not continue volunteering if they did not get something out of it.

“The team of volunteers I work with are all special people and there is a wonderful feeling within the

The job is part-time 28 hours per week, to be worked flexibly over 4 days per week (7 hours per day), with the wage based on the SCHADS Level 7. The position services all parts of Bellingen LGA (Urunga, Bellingen, Dorrigo), so there will be regular travelling involved. Relevant qualifications &/or experience are essential.

If you are interested, please contact, by the 20th August 2025, Roger Horton (Manager) via phone 0429 778 706 or email manager@ncobs.org.au to arrange to have a chat about the position and receive more information. Formal applications must be received by Friday, 22nd August.

organisation.

“Lifeline gives so much support to the Australian community. Anyone can call 24/7.”

There is no typical volunteer; they can be male or female, young, old or middleaged.

“At the moment we have the youngest at about 21 and the oldest at 83 and they come

from all walks of life.”

No previous experience is needed.

“The qualities we look for are caring for others and a willingness to listen.”

If interested call Lifeline Training on 6651 4093, email 131114@lifelinenc.org.au or go to the Lifeline North Coast Home page or Lifeline North Coast Facebook page.

q Lifeline call centre volunteer Lyn on the phone.

q Image from the Farmsafe campaign 2025.

SCHOOLWEEK

TOORMINA HIGH SCHOOL

Outdoor Classroom: Year 7 Students Investigate River Health in Coramba

On Friday 1st August, Year 7 Science students from Toormina High School took their learning beyond the classroom with a hands-on field trip to Coramba, exploring the health of the local river system as part of their unit on ecosystems and environmental science.

Throughout the day, students worked across three different sites along the river, conducting a range of scientific investigations. They tested

water quality, collected and identified macroinvertebrates, and used this data to assess the overall health of the waterway. Students also examined surrounding land use and discussed the effects of human activity on the river ecosystem.

“It was a fantastic opportunity for students to apply their learning in a realworld context,” said Science teacher Sarah Young. “They really embraced the experience—getting their hands dirty, working as a team, and thinking critically about environmental health.”

The field trip provided an engaging and memorable way for students to deepen their understanding of local ecosystems while building their scientific observation and analysis skills.

Toormina High School Celebrates NAIDOC Week with Community, Culture, and Connection

Toormina High School recently celebrated NAIDOC Week 2025 with a vibrant series of events focused on cultural pride, student leadership, and strengthening community connections.

The celebrations began with Indigenous student leaders visiting Crossmaglen Public School, where they led traditional games as part of the primary school’s NAIDOC Day festivities. Meanwhile, the school’s NASCA team launched their first outreach session with William Bayldon Public School, engaging students in creative journaling and cultural activities.

Toormina High is proud to be building strong and lasting relationships with our local Bongil Bongil primary schools, and

we look forward to sharing many more meaningful experiences together.

Back on campus, the school hosted a whole-school BBQ to officially launch NAIDOC Week, generously supported by Woolworths Toormina and Mission Australia. A highlight of the week was the school assembly, where NAIDOC Awards were presented to outstanding Indigenous students in recognition of their achievements.

To wrap up the celebrations, students participated in the NCAS UAA Talent Identification Day—an exciting opportunity for young Indigenous athletes to showcase their sporting talents and receive coaching from experienced mentors.

These activities not only celebrated the rich heritage of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, but also helped strengthen bonds across schools and the wider community. Toormina High School looks forward to continuing these important traditions for years to come.

Support Dogs Bring Joy and Calm to Toormina High School

Toormina High School is proud to be leading the way in student wellbeing with the help of two very special team members - Delilah and Ellie, the school’s beloved support dogs.

As part of a partnership with Wellbeing Support Dogs Mid North Coast, Delilah and Ellie have become a familiar and muchloved presence around the school grounds. Their calm nature, affectionate personalities, and friendly faces have made them a hit with students and staff alike.

More than just cuddly companions, these support dogs play a vital role in the school’s academic and wellbeing

programs. Since joining the Toormina High School community, Delilah and Ellie have helped create a more relaxed and positive environment, contributing to noticeable improvements in student engagement and behaviour.

“The difference when the dogs are here is incredible,” said Scott Gale, Deputy Principal. “Students feel more settled, supported, and open to learning.”

The program reflects Toormina High School’s strong commitment to student wellbeing and innovative approaches to support mental health and learning. A big thank you goes to Bree from Wellbeing Support Dogs Mid North Coast for her ongoing partnership and for allowing Delilah and Ellie to become such an integral part of the THS family.

Full house for SustainaBellingen

By Andrea FERRARI

THE inaugural SustainaBellingen showcase played to packed houses at the Bellingen CWA Rooms over the weekend of 9 and 10 August.

Organised by the Bellinger River Agricultural Society, after the annual show was cancelled owing to wet weather, the showcase was set up as a two-day fringe event.

"This showcase represents everything our community values; practical solutions, expert knowledge, and the collaborative spirit that builds real resilience in uncertain times," said outgoing Bellingen Show President Susan Lumsdaine as she officially opened the event.

Curator Liz Jeremy, supported by volunteers

from the community and Bellingen River Agricultural Show Society, convened the wide-ranging program.

The Bellingen Show has demonstrated its commitment to sustainability by initially focusing on waste reduction, cutting volumes from 16 cubic metres to only five in just two years.

The standout sessions were riveting panel discussions featuring climate change hypotheticals and resilience scenarios.

These interactive forums facilitated by Dominic King sparked deep conversations about personal agency, community connection, and our relationship with the natural world.

The climate panel addressed questions including weather misconceptions versus reality, locked-in climate changes for the Mid North Coast, what exceeding 1.5 degrees means for seasonal patterns, and practical steps for building community weather resilience.

Audiences expressed great interest in hearing about the Bellinger River snapping turtle recovery.

After a 2015 virus devastated 90 percent of the population within six weeks, collaborative efforts between the NSW Government, Taronga Zoo, and Symbio Wildlife Park, enabled successful releases back into the river.

Paula Flack from the National Parks Association presented on the proposed Great Koala National Park, recognising the extensive campaigning by numerous community groups and individuals.

She discussed the history of advocacy efforts and how local communities continue to wait for the government to announce the park, a State Labor election commitment.

“The event balanced local and external expertise brilliantly,” Ms Lumsdaine said.

Former ABC weatherman turned farmer and author Graham Creed, shared practical insights,

while Professor David Lindenmayer delivered forest conservation revelations, exposing how logging intensifies bushfire risks while most harvested timber becomes paper and cardboard, subsidised by taxpayers.

Environmental scientist Jennie Fenton facilitated a groundbreaking panel discussion around inclusion called “What have you always wanted to know about disability?”

Joined by her daughter Mala and friends, the discussion emphasised belonging and living life to the fullest.

Andrew (the Bird Guy) Turbill captivated audiences with backyard wildlife haven insights.

Meaghan Burkett highlighted place-based community capital as the critical enabler, positioning Bellingen to journey toward transformation.

The Bellingen Alternatives Bookshop operated a popular pop-up shop providing sustainability resources.

"It was great to see our community's embrace of SustainaBellingen," said curator Liz Jeremy.

"We presented a program that looks deeply at sustainability and building resilience with the objective of taking that discussion further over

time through building community knowledge, understanding and capacity.

“This was made possible by the fact that every one of our presenters donated their time and investment into the Bellingen community, and for that we are truly thankful."

q A full house for SustainaBellingen.

q A climate and weather panel discussion with Graham Creed, Andrew Turbill and Kev Doye.

q Jennie Fenton and her daughter Mala Colmer addressing inclusion.

Final call for Beyond Jazz Weekender

Written by Yasmina Reza Directed by Jordan Best

THE inaugural Beyond Jazz Weekender will transform Bellingen Memorial Hall into a three-day playground of live jazz, club culture, dance, art and wellbeing from 15–17 August.

More than a festival, Beyond Jazz revives the Weekender tradition — a term first used for Northern Soul Weekender dance events in 1970s UK, when fans travelled for multi-day gatherings centered on music, dancing and community.

Think cutting-edge jazz, funk, soul, big dancefloor energy, and some of the best food and drink in the region, all in one welcoming, bohemian riverside town.

Dancers, this one’s for you.

Across the weekend, join dance workshops for all levels, then put your new moves into action at the Saturday Night Social, a live band driven dance-athon designed to keep you moving well into the night.

On stage, expect national jazz trailblazers joining forces with local legends in The House Band Sessions, plus a DJ soundtrack all weekend that blurs the lines between jazz, funk, and club grooves. In every corner of the Hall, you’ll find roving performers, cabaret turns, immersive art experiences, and spaces to connect with old friends and new.

Sunday eases you into the week ahead with a Wellness-meets-Day-Rave.

Start with yoga and sound healing, then shift into an uplifting afternoon of dancing and community vibes.

With just 600 tickets available and a program packed with music, movement and pure good times, this is the perfect excuse to get active and warm your winter.

Final tickets are selling fast.

Full program and bookings: beyondjazzweekender.com.au.

q Put your moves into action at the Saturday Night Social. Photo: Dance Makers Collective.

Comedy turns to carnage for one night only

Directed by Jordan Best and set in Australian suburbia, this reimagining of Yasmina Reza’s awardwinning play dives headfirst into the chaos that erupts when two sets of parents meet to discuss a playground altercation

between their sons. What begins as calm and civilised quickly descends into shouting, blame, confession and a fair amount of spilled alcohol.

“What makes this play so accessible, so funny, so uncomfortable and real, is

that we know these people. We are these people,” said Best.

“These awful, flawed, vengeful, vulnerable and messy people.

“That’s the comedy and the tragedy of this magnificent play.”

Praised by the Canberra Critics Circle as “superb”, God of Carnage is a biting black comedy that strips away the social niceties to reveal the raw, ridiculous mess of adulthood.

Think The Slap meets a wine-fuelled dinner party

gone completely off the rails.

Running for 90 minutes with no interval, the show is recommended for audiences aged 15-plus due to strong language and adult themes.

Coffs Antique & Collectors Fair

q God of Carnage is a biting black comedy.

A POLITE conversation turns into a spectacular meltdown in God of Carnage, Echo Theatre’s razor-sharp new production showing at the City of Coffs Harbour’s Jetty Memorial Theatre on Wednesday 3 September at 7:30pm.

By Manny WOOD

Artificial intelligence not so smart

ROBERT is not happy with the result that he obtains in the Supreme Court, where he claimed an interest in real estate after the failure of a joint endeavour with a friend.

His application was dismissed and he was ordered to pay the whole of the legal costs involved.

Robert cannot afford legal representation and after conducting “deep research” through a popular Artificial Intelligence (‘AI”) platform, he decides to appeal the Judge’s findings.

The Court of Appeal, consists of a hearing before three Judges, who made a number of observations regarding Robert’s reliance on AI at the hearing.

The Court notes that a prior judgement that Robert refers to “had absolutely nothing to do with the legal issues in dispute” and another cited case “was wholly out of place and inappropriate to any factual or legal issues in dispute” and yet another, “had nothing remotely to do with the issues”.

One of the Judges was particularly concerned about how “Generative AI produce apparently credible citations to non-existent cases and somehow provides paragraph references to such cases” and further observed that “such tools can produce apparently coherent and plausible responses to prompts, but those coherent and plausible responses may turn out to be entirely incorrect” creating a “dilemma” when used by a person without legal training or otherwise “not familiar with or unable to discern both the relevance and accuracy of what Generative AI may produce”.

Additional concerns identified how the use of AI may introduce added cost and complexity to the proceedings and, where unverified, add to the burden of other parties and the Court in responding to it.

In dismissing the appeal, the Court states how the present case “illustrates the need for judicial vigilance in the use of AI, especially but not only by unrepresented litigants”.

Robert was also ordered to pay the other party’s substantial legal costs in defending his ill-fated appeal.

Generative AI was not used in the writing of this column.

Email Manny Wood, Principal Solicitor and Accredited Specialist in Wills and Estates at TB Law at manny@tblaw.net.au or call him on (02) 66 487 487.

This fictional column is not legal advice.

No-go zone for mining in our catchments

DEAR News Of The Area,

Residents and ratepayers in the Bellingen Shire, Clarence Valley and Coffs Harbour LGAs should be worried and informed.

Antimony and other metals are being explored for mining on the Dorrigo Plateau again.

It is time to take a stand for nature, common sense and science by declaring Dorrigo Plateau and water catchments a no-go zone for mining.

The concept of regional no-go zones for mining in areas of significant heritage, biodiversity and high rainfall was recently supported by Dr Ken Henry, to protect nature so that it can continue to provide the ecosystem services (clean air, water and soil) that sustain all life.

Several years ago, some clever and diligent scientists from the University of New England tracked antimony and other dangerous heavy metals from the old Hillgrove mine near Armidale all the way to the east coast, near

Kempsey.

They showed that these trace metals can bind with soil particles and travel vast distances through streams and rivers to the sea.

Clarence Valley and Coffs Harbour councils have water supplies downstream from the old mine site on the Plateau.

Several environmental principles apply to ecologically sustainable development (ESD).

Principles such as: The precautionary principle; intergenerational equity; and placing value on protecting our biodiversity and ecosystems.

Now on this very important issue, these principals must be applied and any proposed mining refused.

Historically the original mine was never adequately remediated, nor was the reprocessing site at Urunga until recently at a significant cost to the NSW Government.

Yours sincerely, Jillian CRANNY, Dorrigo.

On theCouch

Email Jasminda: media@newsofthearea.com.au

DEAR Jasminda,

MY partner wants to go travelling around Australia, camping along the way.

While this sounds great in theory, I'm wondering if the reality will be feasible. We both have jobs that are about 70 percent office-based.

Rachael O.

Dear Rachael,

It sounds like the most wonderful adventure. What an experience.

'Sounds' being the operative word.

When your partner says 'camping' you need to be very clear about what that definition means.

For some, camping is buying a Zone RV Summit worth the average parliamentarian's annual salary, fully decked out with every mod con so that it doesn't actually feel like camping, but instead residing in a mobile luxury apartment complete with mixer taps, a separate shower and ensuite, and an upholstered bedhead.

'Camping' for these people also means staying in high-end caravan parks with all the other campers who have used up their superannuation and the kids' inheritance to get back to their youth, but without any of the youthful associations such as being stone-broke and having no mobility issues.

For others, camping involves going back to nature and doing it tough.

This type of camping is more like an episode of Alone (but without the audiovisual gear and with no guarantee of being collected in a fast rescue boat if injury and/or malnutrition and or insanity kicks in).

Living off the land is not for the faint hearted (quite literally).

If your partner has visions of you setting off with nothing more than a head torch, some bracken fern for ant bites, two pairs of undies, a hunting knife, and a banjo, you are not going travelling around Australia, you are on a survival expedition.

This is not compatible with your office bodies that are used to being within walking distance of a Barista Express coffee machine, a flushing toilet, a Spotify playlist, and an office assistant named Max who can fix just about any issue including a migraine and/or an existential crisis.

DEAR News Of The Area,

I WRITE in regard to the lack of transparency regarding moving lifeguards from Council control to a private contractor.

In my experience, public services are usually reduced and wages cut to make a profit.

That is the nature of privatisation in the market where there is no competition.

In recent times, the excessive privatisation of the employment services by the Morrison federal government has been reviewed by a parliamentary committee which recommended that government take a more direct role.

The privatisation of lifeguard services could result in a reduction of skilled lifesavers who no longer see a career.

This is because a private contract will be time limited, whereas a council employee offers job security and benefits.

This will reduce the depth and experience of the talent pool.

It also appears that the raising of safety concerns over inadequate coverage in December 2024 by the lifeguard employees coincide with this secret decision.

Obviously a private contractor will not be raising such concerns!

If council are serious about promoting Coffs Harbour as a tourist destination, this is a necessary cost and one that the public should

be consulted over changes.

As a regular body surf user of Park Beach, I observe tourists with no idea of rips and currents using the beach out of patrol safety hours.

My biggest concern however is the secrecy surrounding this decision.

This alerts the community to attempts of deceit and develops a lack of public trust in our politicians and our council.

I am now wondering how many other secret decisions are being made behind closed doors.

Each councillor should review their charter.

You are there to serve the interests of the community.

What does a councillor do as ‘an elected representative’?

A councillor’s role as an elected representative is to provide an essential link between the community and council.

Councillors are expected to represent the interests of the community, provide leadership, and communicate and promote the interests of the council to other levels of government and relevant bodies.

Councillors have a responsibility to make decisions in the best interest of the whole community when deciding on the provision of services and the allocation of resources.

Councillors also need to provide

Rachael, I suggest you do a trial run (no more than two hours from where you live) just to make sure you are both on the same page.

This will help you decide whether you like the sort of camping your partner is interested in, and also whether you can be around each other for an extended period of time.

If the answer to both those questions is yes, and if you can afford to take a year off work, then go well my friend (and take a Personal Locator Beacon with you if you find that your partner is more Bear Grylls than Paris Hilton).

Carpe diem, Jasminda.

leadership and guidance to the community. This is especially important when communities face challenges, such as climate change, drought, bushfires or floods, high unemployment or skill shortages.

I would strongly urge council to reverse this secret decision and proceed with a review of services in an open and transparent manner.

Likewise I would encourage you to support the principles of participative democracy and listen to the community and act in our best interests.

Regards, Lisa HOLLEY, Coffs Harbour Jetty.

The Perseids: nature’s most dazzling night show

By Dave RENEKE, Astronomer

EVERY year around mid-August, the sky puts on one of its most spectacular performances - the Perseid meteor shower.

A favourite for stargazers and amateur astronomers alike, the Perseids are famous for their brilliance, speed, and sheer number of meteors.

This isn’t just a quiet trickle of falling stars - it’s a fireworks show written in the stars themselves.

So, what causes this celestial spectacle?

It all starts with Comet 109P/SwiftTuttle, a massive, icy traveller that orbits the Sun once every 133 years.

As this ancient comet loops around the Sun, it leaves a dusty trail of debris in its wake - tiny particles no bigger than a grain of sand.

Once a year, like cosmic clockwork, Earth ploughs through this debris field, and when those particles hit our atmosphere at high speeds, they burn up, creating streaks of light we call meteors.

That’s the Perseid meteor shower in a nutshell.

And this year, it’s already underway but more active from July 17 to August 24.

The meteors seem to radiate from the constellation Perseus, hence the name “Perseids”.

Some of the best viewing opportunities may come before dawn on August 17, when the Moon is less of a bother and the shower could still be quite active.

Those pre-dawn hours from midnight

The vastness of space

DEAR News Of The Area,

I VERY much enjoy the regular Stargazing articles in NOTA.

We are lucky to live in a part of the world where there is not too much light pollution and we can experience the awe and wonder of the night sky as humans have done for thousands of years.

However, the last article that asked how far is it to the nearest star rubbed me up the wrong way with some faulty arithmetic. Trying to relate the vast distances of

space to a human scale is a fraught task and I will not bore readers with a pedantic mathematical correction of the article.

Instead, let me attempt to recast the relationship in a relatable way.

Imagine trying to fit the solar system in one's house.

If you had a large room, 6x6 metres, you could put the Sun at the centre and the orbit of Neptune would just touch the four walls.

The sun would be a pin head in the middle of the room at less than one

to around 4am are your golden hoursliterally - as Earth rotates to face directly into the comet’s debris trail, giving you a front-row seat to the meteor magic.

What makes the Perseids so thrilling?

Speed, brightness, and colour.

These meteors travel at around 59 km per second and are often brilliant enough to be seen even in semi-lit skies.

Some leave glowing trails that linger.

Others burst as fireballs, sudden, intense flashes that briefly outshine everything else in the sky.

And unlike the typical white streaks of most meteors, Perseids can flash in yellow, orange, red, or even blue, depending on the minerals they contain.

Here are some quick tips to make your Perseid meteor viewing truly unforgettable: aim for the magic hours between midnight and dawn, when the sky is at its darkest millimetre in diameter.

Close in size to a grain of sand.

The Earth is only 109th the diameter of the sun and so, in our room, would be a speck of dust, at 8.5 thousandths of a millimetre in diameter and 10mm from the sun.

It would be invisible to the naked eye.

So, where would the nearest star, Proxima Centauri, be from our sand grain sized sun?

The 4.24 light-year distance would scale to 26.85km, or the distance from Valla Beach to Sawtell.

With the distances between stars in mind it is not hard to realise that two galaxies could collide without any stars

GKNP will bring economic boom

DEAR News Of The Area,

I am writing to you as a Bellingen Shire Councillor, former Mayor, Environmental Scientist and Geography Teacher who has been involved in the campaign for the Great Koala National Park (GKNP) for the last 10 years.

It’s been nearly two and a half years since the state election where the GKNP was promised to the people of NSW if

Labor won.

Yet we continue to see the systematic destruction of the large tracts of the biodiverse, rich forests contained within the boundaries of the proposed GKNP.

The industrial logging of these precious forests provides very little benefit to the people of NSW and costs the taxpayer around 19 million dollars a year for it to continue.

We know the GKNP concept will bring

an economic boom to this region and will help our endangered species have a better chance of survival.

In addition, these intact forests will protect us from the worsening impacts of climate charged fires, floods, droughts and storms.

The increase in weather extremes in Australia and around the globe demonstrates that we are now in a worsening climate heating phase and we need to change our

and the meteor radiant is high overhead.

Escape the glare of city lights and seek out a dark, open spot; think countryside paddocks or coastal headlands.

If the moon’s up, sneak it behind a tree or building to cut the glare.

Ditch your phone (yes, really!) and give your eyes a good 20–30 minutes to adjust to the dark.

Bring a reclining chair or cosy blanket, rug up against the chill, and maybe bring a thermos of hot chocolate or a glass of wine.

It’s the perfect recipe for a night of shooting stars and sky-bound wonder.

Despite the bright moon, the Perseids still promise a stunning show.

So, step outside, look up, and enjoy the magic.

After all, who wouldn’t want to see the sky come alive with ancient comet dust dancing in our atmosphere?

crashing into each other.

They would pass through each other without touching although the gravitational effects would cause the shapes of the galaxies to be very distorted.

To quote Douglas Adams, the late author of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, “Space is big. You just won't believe how vastly, hugely, mind-bogglingly big it is. I mean, you may think it's a long way down the road to the chemist's, but that's just peanuts to space.”

Regards, Peter SOBEY, Valla.

relationship to our natural assets and the ecosystems services they provide.

The days of industrial logging of our diminishing forest estate need to stop and we need to listen to the global scientific consensus around how to manage our forests for the future.

I implore the Premier to implement the full 176,000ha assessment area of the GKNP and leave a legacy that will live well beyond his time leading the state of NSW.

Regards, Dominic KING, Kalang.

Jetty repairs essential for safety reasons

DEAR News Of The Area,

IT seems that the City of Coffs Harbour Council has finally come to the understanding that many of the timber components of the jetty have reached their end-of-life, no doubt the result of the lack of maintenance by past and present councils.

This is evidenced by Council's advice that just $4M has been spent on

maintenance over the past 17 years.

Council will however carry out some modifications to the safety fence (over the beach area only) so as to prevent falls from the Jetty.

This is finally in response to a fall by a young boy who was severely injured in September 2011 which resulted in the boy’s parents taking action against the Council in the Supreme Court to recover

Cops transfer from other jurisdictions

TWENTY-ONE officers joined the ranks of the NSW Police Force (NSWPF) last week after graduating from the Professional Mobility Program (PMP).

A State Government initiative, the PMP allows current serving police officers from other jurisdictions within Australia and New Zealand to train and become police officers in NSW, while keeping their equivalent rank (up to Senior Constable level six).

Previously, there was no pathway for officers to move to NSW and keep their rank.

The graduates are from Queensland (three), Victoria (five), South Australia (one), Northern Territory (one), the Australian Federal Police (four) and New Zealand (seven).

Ten officers will be stationed across the state’s Northern Region, which includes the Hunter and Mid North Coast regions.

compensation.

Council are reminded that falls from the Jetty can and do happen along the full length of the Jetty.

As a case in point, as reported in the Coffs Coast Advocate in December 2018, a three year old boy trailing behind his parents fell from the Jetty into the harbour waters.

Fortunately a 17 year old student

NEWS

NSW Police Force Deputy Commissioner Dean Smith said, “Today we see 21 PMP recruits graduate in NSW after having started their policing careers at other Australian and New Zealand policing jurisdictions.

“They have completed 12 weeks’ training at the Police Academy, and from today are appointed as probationary constables for a period of six months.

“Each of these officers brings invaluable past experience from each of their individual jurisdictions, and we are delighted they have demonstrated a commitment to serve the people of NSW.

“This program is providing a boost to police numbers which will greatly help us best serve our communities.”

saw the accident and saved the boy from drowning.

This accident could well have ended tragically.

Council has not advised when any major repairs will be undertaken so the Jetty will continue to fall into disrepair.

Regards Jeff CLANCY, Coffs Harbour.

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Publication will be determined by the editor around available space, relevance and appropriateness.

media@newsofthearea.com.au

Coffs Regional Brass Band plays Brelsford Park

By Andrea FERRARI

THE Coffs Regional Brass Band is performing at the upcoming Freedom of Entry festivities at Brelsford Park on Sunday 17 August.

“Our brass band will be set up ready to play as soon as the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Squadron march through Brelsford Park concludes,” Band President Phillip Vial told News Of The Area.

While the band has not played in public for a while,

the members are looking forward to it.

“We usually start our performance with something bright and breezy to get the feet tapping.

“This time we will be opening with a cheery tune called ‘Hey Look Me Over’ from the old movie ‘Wildcat’.

“We will then follow with music from a variety of styles including swing, jazz, Latin, pop, movie themes, rock and, of course, marches.

“It is amazing that, despite their age, the old

marches are still among the most popular.”

The band members are Coffs locals and from Macksville, Port Macquarie and Armidale.

They are “a dedicated lot” who attend every Wednesday night’s band practice and travel some distance to play concerts.

“Our concerts are always enthusiastically received, and the positive feedback helps boost our morale and keeps us motivated.

“For anybody who wishes

to join our band, see our ad in the classifieds for details,” Mr Vial said.

The brass band had its beginnings in the gold mines at Bucca Bucca in 1869 and adopted the name The Beacon Band.

Then manager Captain William Crabbe employed bandmaster E. Moses to instruct the players, and bring them up to competition level.

A top-grade band was to be sent to Sydney to compete, however the trip ended at the Jetty as the organisers forgot to book the steamer.

When the Bucca gold mine closed, a band called

the Bucca Coramba Band was formed and then the Coramba Band.

The band has had various name changes since its initial inception and has ceased performing at times due to insufficient membership, and also during both World Wars.

The Coffs Harbour Regional Brass Band, as it is presently called, was reformed in 2001 with Rob Davies as the Band Master.

This was considered a coup at the time as he was previously the Band Master of the A grade Benalla Band.

Since then, it has had considerable local support and has played regularly

at Mother's Day, Father's Day, the Jetty Markets and Anzac Day events, and has supported the Australian Army Band at the Annual Matthew Locke Memorial concert.

“We play the full range of brass band instruments, which include, cornets, flugelhorn, Eb tenor horn, euphonium, trombone, Eb bass, Bb Bass and drums.

“We have also included some saxophones which give the band a bit more fizz.”

For information about joining the Coffs Harbour Regional Brass Band phone 0408 574087, or email philvial@bigpond.com.au.

Quad bike standards saving lives as crackdown urged

By Stephanie GARDINER, AAP

FARMERS, their families and workers are returning home safely after a day on the land due to stronger quad bike safety standards, but tougher enforcement could save even more lives.

Quad bikes have long been a leading cause of deaths on farms, with 10 fatalities in 2024 and 46 reports of injuries, according to Farmsafe Australia.

National standards introduced in 2020 require vehicle stability testing, along with the installation of anti-crush devices that keep quad bikes off the ground if they roll over.

Researchers have used coronial records to analyse 161 work-related quad bike deaths on farms between 2001 and 2024 to understand the effects of the new standards.

Roll-overs were responsible for 65 percent of those fatalities, according to the review published in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health.

Chest injuries caused deaths in more than half the cases, including instances of asphyxia, and a further 24 per cent involved head

injuries.

But there was a small reduction in fatalities in the few years after the safety standards came into force, academics from the University of Sydney's School of Rural Health found.

Lead author Tony Lower said it was early days for the standards and fewer fatalities could be expected as new quad bikes replaced the older fleet.

"They are a really effective vehicle, but we just need to see them designed safely and used safely," said Dr Lower, an honorary associate professor at AgHealth Australia.

Victoria led the decline in fatalities, possibly due to greater enforcement of the standards than other states.

Authorities issued 1200 prohibition or improvement notices to Victorian users in recent years, compared to 60 in NSW.

While people don't always like enforcement, it has proven effective in areas such as road trauma, Dr Lower said.

"Everyone should get home at the end of the day," he told AAP.

With estimates of more than 20,000 anticrush devices in use across

Australia, there were no deaths involving vehicles fitted with roll bars, the paper said.

But there were fatalities related to quad bikes where the devices had been installed and then removed.

The Farmsafe Australia report, released in midJuly, showed fatalities from side-by-side vehicles had overtaken quad bike and tractor accident deaths for the first time in 2024.

Side-by-side vehicles

were thought to be a safer alternative to quad bikes, but riders died or were injured when they carried heavy loads, did not use seatbelts or went without a helmet.

Engineering and design

standards could only go so far, Dr Lower said.

"There is certainly a role for farmers, producers and parents and everybody else that works and lives on farms to ensure they do the right thing."

q Coffs Regional Brass Band.

q Enforcement of safety standards could lower farming deaths involving quad bikes, research indicates. Photo: Mark Tadic/AAP PHOTOS.

Feels like home

Address: 17 Fernleigh Avenue, Korora

Price: $1,200,000

Beds: 4, Bath: 2, Car: 2 Land size: 590 sqm

WELCOME to 17 Fernleigh Avenue, Korora.

Discover this striking high-set four-bedroom home situated on a 590sqm lot in a highly sought-after estate within the everpopular suburb of Korora. As you approach the property, you'll be immediately drawn in by the elegant combination of timber and rendered brick, which offers a modern, prestigious appearance and impressive street presence. This doublestory design, complete with garaging below, provides stunning views of the Coffs Hinterland from both the front and rear verandas. Ideal for family living, the interior features an open-plan layout with two distinct living areas, beautifully separated by a modern kitchen equipped with a gas cooktop, underbench oven, and dishwasher. The front living area boasts a cozy dining nook and direct access to the front verandah, while the rear living area seamlessly opens to the rear deck and backyard, perfect for entertaining.

The main bedroom is spacious and features a walk-in wardrobe and a contemporary ensuite. The additional three bedrooms are equipped with built-in robes, ceiling fans, and ducted air conditioning throughout for optimal comfort.

The main bathroom includes a separate bath and shower cubicle, and the toilet is conveniently located separately, enhancing the family-friendly design.

The landscaped rear yard is fully fenced, providing a safe haven for both children and pets. Additional highlights of this home include instantaneous gas hot water and a 6.6kW solar panel system installed on the roof. Agents: Chris Hines (0439 667 719) and Kim McGinty (0432 953 796).

Female pilots won't let gendered headwinds divert them

By Maeve BANNISTER, AAP

A GROWING

number of female pilots are making their mark in one of the most male-dominated industries in Australia, saying more women should fly planes.

"The aircraft doesn't care what gender you are. It responds to skill and judgment," pilot Amelia Johnson tells AAP.

"The feeling of flying yourself for the first time is unlike anything I've ever experienced."

Ms Johnson decided to make a mid-career switch in her mid-30s - from owning a business in the events industry to taking a seat in the cockpit.

She traded in Sydney's northern beaches for the rural Hunter region to make a dream she'd had since finishing high school a reality.

"(Flying) was something I was always interested in

as a young girl but when I looked at it as a career option in year 12, I was a bit intimidated and decided not to pursue it," she said.

"When we moved to the Hunter, I didn't even know if I'd been accepted into flight school or if I could actually afford it, so there were a lot of unknowns."

Ms Johnson moved to the region with her young son, who has since earned his pilot's licence - before qualifying for his driver's licence.

Seven years on, Ms Johnson is now a lead instructor at Aerohunter Flight Training in the upper Hunter, where she trains the

next generation of pilots. She also mentors young women hoping to break into the industry.

Her students include 17-year-old Ava Boras, who wants to fly commercially internationally for a major airline one day.

Ms Boras has worked multiple jobs to put herself

through flight school - her qualifications have so far cost her about $22,000but has taken a break from flying and working to focus on her HSC.

The male-dominated nature of the aviation industry has not put her off her goal of becoming a pilot.

"At the end of the day we're all human, just trying to do the job, and it doesn't matter if you're male or female because it's all down

made a

Amelia

and

‘My First Speech’ competition

THE Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Hon. Milton Dick MP, has launched the “My First Speech" competition for high school students across Australia.

Students from across the Cowper electorate are encouraged to take part in this unique opportunity to learn more about Parliament and public speaking.

“The My First Speech competition challenges students in years 10, 11 and 12 to envision

themselves as newly-elected Members of the House of Representatives and write a 90-second speech, focusing on a topic of their choosing,” Member for Cowper Pat Conaghan said.

“The winning entrant from each year group, accompanied by a parent or guardian, will be flown to Canberra to deliver their speeches live at Parliament House and participate in an engaging program tailored to deepen their understanding of the legislative process.”

In addition to presenting their speeches, winners will participate in a tour of Parliament House, observe Question Time, receive a prize pack from the Parliament Shop, and engage in an immersive education program.

Entries close at 11.59 pm AEST on Monday 15 September 2025 and can be submitted via the competition’s official website: mfs. houseofrepresentatives.gov. au.

Policies on public exhibition

CITY of Coffs Harbour Council has resolved to place the following draft policies on public exhibition:

• Liquid Trade Waste Policy

• Private Sewer Pump Station Policy

• Pressure Sewer System Policy

• Urban Rainwater Tank Policy; and

• Water Carters’ Policy.

The Liquid Trade Waste Policy covers the

City’s requirements for the discharge of liquid trade waste to the reticulated sewerage system.

Draft amendments include clarification of the City’s requirements, the addition of fees and charges and the addition of a definition for domestic sewage.

The Water Carters’ Policy regulates water carter businesses operating in the City to ensure compliance with relevant environmental,

public health and financial requirements associated with drawing and selling potable water.

The draft has been amended so that a credit account is the main payment process for customers, with pre-payment available by exception.

The draft policies can be viewed at https:// haveyoursay.coffsharbour. nsw.gov.au/draft-localpolicies and submissions will close on 5 September.

to skill and what you know," Ms Boras said.

"But it would be nice to see more female faces around the airport."

According to Qantas' 2025 gender pay gap statement, only 7.5 percent of pilots are women, which is higher than the global average of four percent.

Yet female pilots might outperform their male colleagues, a study conducted by Canada's University of Waterloo found.

Despite male and female pilots having almost identical visual attention patterns and flight experience, the study found female pilots tended to make fewer flight control errors in high-stress situations.

While both paid attention to the same information during a flight, women's responses were more consistent and accurate.

Ms Johnson said it was satisfying to see more women coming through the Hunter flight school.

"The human factors in flying are what women are quite skilled at naturally: great communicators, can perform under pressure and we're good at being risk aware and making difficult decisions," she said.

"You don't have to be fearless, just willing."

q Milton Dick is the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

q

Johnson

mid-career switch to become an aviator

now mentors young female pilots. Photo: supplied.

Historic tea set gifted to museum

By Rachel BURNS

CHERYL Dal Pozzo (nee Whaites), a descendant of Captain William Whaites, has gifted the Nambucca Headland Museum a silver tea service presented to her great grandparents by the Nambucca River community in 1889.

The engraved set, which when purchased cost 80 guineas, consists of a large tray, an urn, a teapot, coffee pot and a sugar and creamer.

Also donated is a medical kit belonging to William, which is suitably compact for taking onboard vessels and horseback to treat injuries and perform dentistry.

William, who was born in England in 1844 from a seafaring family, was appointed Pilot of the Nambucca in 1874.

The village of Nambucca Heads had only been declared four years earlier, with William one of the first purchasers of land there.

His role as Pilot included guiding ships in and out of Nambucca Heads with its notorious sand bar, making heroic rescues of shipwrecks and tending to the sick and injured.

He went on to be a valuable supporter of the town’s development.

His first wife, Alice Atherton, is buried at the Rotary Lookout in Nambucca Heads.

His second wife, Emily Bayldon, was a nurse and aided him in his role as well as being the first postmistress.

The tea set had been broken up over time and was in the possession of

family both in Australia and overseas.

Cheryl reunited the pieces over the years and recently presented it back to the Nambucca community.

“The set was presented to Captain Whaites and his wife by the people of the Nambucca River and for this reason it was more appropriate to return it to the area,” said Cheryl.

“By being on display at the museum, everyone can see now and, in the future, how much Captain Whaites was appreciated for his services to the community.”

Museum President Margaret Duffus shares Cheryl’s enthusiasm.

“This is a major donation to the museum plucked straight out of early Nambucca Heads history,” Margaret said.

“It will be proudly displayed and cared for. We thank Cheryl and her family for this valuable bequest.”

The tea service and medical kit will be on public display at the museum in the near future. The museum is open Wednesdays, Saturdays

Be hypnotised by Haiming

By Rikki WALLER

SCEPTICS and believers alike are in for a treat this August as the “Chinese Hypnotist”, Haiming Jiang, brings his hilariously enchanting show to the Jetty Memorial Theatre.

Blending comedy, hypnosis and education - all within a safe and meaningful space - Haiming guarantees that the show will not only make attendees laugh but allow them to take a journey inside the world of hypnosis.

“This isn’t magic, it’s a live social experiment where everyday people become the stars,” Haiming told News Of The Area.

“It’s always fun, respectful, and unforgettable.”

Haiming invites local audience members to join him on stage where he guides them through funny, light-hearted

moments.

A bit like a Choose-YourOwn Adventure novel, every show is different, making for a funny yet wholesome evening.

Beyond the entertainment, Haiming also shares positive messages.

He is also a life coach and his performances often include subtle yet impactful lessons about mindset, confidence, and personal growth.

After going viral on TikTok, appearing on Seven Sharp, and performing throughout Australia and New Zealand, Haiming has a genuine passion and talent for connecting with people beyond social media and outside major cities.

“Regional audiences are some of my favourites,” he said.

“[They] have a warmth and openness that’s really special. People are curious

Older women’s

and supportive - and once the show starts, they’re all in.”

As for the sceptics, Haiming warmly encourages them to come along.

“You don’t have to believe in hypnosis to have fun.

“Come along, have a laugh, and see for yourself. It’s a unique live show, and maybe you’ll even be on stage”

The Chinese Hypnotist will be at the Jetty Memorial Theatre on Wednesday, 20 August.

For more details, go to www.jettytheatre.com.

GIVEAWAY:

News Of The Area has two double passes to the show to give away.

Be the first to email media@newsofthearea. com.au with the subject line “Hypnotism Giveaway” for your chance to win.

By Andrea FERRARI

THE Older Women’s Network (OWN) is offering a program for women aged over 50 addressing the potential barriers they can face when looking to re-enter the workforce.

An information workshop

TICKET GIVEAWAY

program

about the program’s content takes place at Coffs Harbour’s Cavanbah Centre on Tuesday 27 August from 10am-11.30am, hosted by EmpowerPath Employment Services coordinator Sharon Stone.

OWN is an advocacy organisation advocating for the rights, dignity and financial wellbeing of older women.

This funded program provides personalised, wraparound support, including coaching in career direction, resume writing, interviews, and confidence building.

“This tailored program is designed to work closely with each person one-on-

one, to facilitate an older person’s re-entry and appropriate placement in the workforce, specifically providing support in resume writing, interview coaching, job search strategies, and confidence-building,” Ms Stone said.

“While our program is relatively new, we’ve already assisted several women in securing employment.

“The only requirement for entry is that you’re over 50 and reside in NSW and ACT with a desire to rejoin the workforce.”

challenges older women face when seeking employment.

There will also be a Q&A session so you can ask questions and hear from others in a similar situation.

Women who are interested in joining the program will be able to register on the day and discuss their situations with Ms Stone.

“This is a welcoming and supportive space for women ready to take the next step toward meaningful work.”

To find out more call Sharon Stone on 0492 829 795 or register at https:// events.humanitix.com/ employment-pathwaysinformation-session

Ms Stone will talk through the program structure and discuss the current job market, including the unique and Sundays from 2-4pm at 50 Liston Street, Nambucca Heads. New volunteers are welcome.

q Cheryl Dal Pozzo and Margaret Duffus with the tea service.

q Captain William Whaites and wife Emily Bayldon.

q Chinese hypnotist Haiming Jiang. Photo: supplied.

q EmpowerPath Employment Services coordinator Sharon Stone.

By Aiden BURGESS

Coffs Coast rugby players named in World Cup squad

TWO of the Coffs Coast’s best sportswomen are ready to represent their country on rugby’s biggest stage.

Brianna Hoy and Kaitlan Leaney have been named in the Australian Wallaroos squad that is set to compete at the upcoming Women’s Rugby World Cup in England.

Both have previously represented Australia, with

Roller derby star represents Australia LOCALSPORT

By Aiden BURGESS

CLAIRE Dwyer has proudly represented her country in roller derby.

The Coffs Coast Derby team member played for Team Australia at the recent Junior Roller Derby Association World Cup in Brisbane.

She was part of the Australian team that took home the bronze medal, after defeating New Zealand 213-211 in a nailbiting contest.

The Australian side faced off against USA, Sweden, Denmark, Mexico, and New Zealand in their pool games.

It’s been a rapid rise to represent her country for the player known as “Glare Bear”, having only been playing the sport for two years.

The 17-year-old from Macksville played the position of blocker for the Australian junior team, whose job is to stop the opposing jammer (point scorer) from getting past as well as running offence for their own jammer.

Leaney having played 31 games for her country, while Hoy has eight caps for the Wallaroos.

The two Australian representatives both played their formative years in the Mid North Coast Rugby Union competition, with Leaney having played for both the Coffs Harbour Snappers and SCU Marlins, and Hoy for the Snappers.

Leaney was looking forward to once again playing alongside Hoy for their country.

“It’s been a dream of ours to represent our country… obviously growing up in Coffs Harbour together is really special as well, and now playing on the world stage

it’s something that’s really special,” she said.

Hoy was also excited to represent her country at the sport’s highest level.

“It’s really hard to put into words, we're being selected to represent our country at the pinnacle of our sport, the Rugby World Cup for the women's 15s, so it’s super exciting,” she said.

The Wallaroos get their World Cup campaign underway on Saturday, 23 August, when they take on Samoa.

Australia faces the USA in their second group match on Sunday, 31 August, before taking on England in their final group match on Sunday, 7 September.

The Australian junior representative expressed how much it meant to represent her country.

because of the time and effort I put into it, especially because I haven’t been skating for very long,” she said.

“It meant a lot just

“It just meant a lot to show my commitment, and not just me but all my

coaches and all my team, just to show that they’ve made such an impact,” she said.

The bronze medallist shared her highlights of the World Cup.

“Our America game was

really good, we worked really well as a team and responded well to that really high level the Americans brought, so that was really good,” she said.

“And when we beat New Zealand for bronze,

we actually thought we had lost, because they put up our points after the whistle went, so just seeing that on the scoreboard was great.

“It was a really good game to play in because of how close the score was, and we never thought that oh we have this, or that this was definitely ours.”

Rugby round washed out

By Aiden BURGESS

THE penultimate round of the Mid North Coast Rugby Union Northern Division season fell victim to the wet weather deluge.

The scheduled matches between the Coffs Harbour Snappers and Port Macquarie Pirates at Coffs Rugby Park were abandoned, likewise the

scheduled matches between the Hastings Valley Vikings and SCU Marlins in Port Macquarie.

Snappers win catch-up games

The Coffs Harbour Snappers and Grafton Redmen played off in a midweek catch-up game at Coffs Rugby Park, with the home side prevailing 17-13.

The Snappers reserves also won at home on Thursday, 7 August, defeating the Redmen 25-10 as they went to the top of the ladder.

The Hastings Valley Vikings and Port Macquarie Pirates were due to play in a mid-week catch-up game on Tuesday, 12 August in Port Macquarie.

Final round

The Mid North Coast Rugby Union Northern Division home and away season culminates with the final round of matches this weekend.

The Coffs Harbour Snappers and SCU Marlins face off in their third local derby of the season, on Saturday afternoon at Coffs Rugby Park.

The Snappers have won on both occasions this season, including a 42-21 win when they last met.

Port Macquarie Pirates host the Grafton Redmen, with the Redmen having beaten them on both previous occasions this season.

Hastings Valley Vikings host the Kempsey Cannonballs in Port Macquarie, with their season series split at 1-1.

First grade ladder

1.Port Macquarie Pirates. 51 points. 9 wins. 2 draws. 2 losses. 235 (points differential). 2.Coffs Harbour Snappers. 51 points. 9 wins. 2 draws. 3 losses. 186 (p.d). 3.Grafton Redmen. 42 points. 7 wins. 2 draws. 5 losses. 67 (p.d). 4.SCU Marlins. 38 points. 6 wins. 2 draws. 6 losses. 77 (p.d). 5.Hastings Valley Vikings. 14 points. 2 wins. 2 draws. 9 losses. -160 (p.d). 6.Kempsey Cannonballs. 13 points. 2 wins. 2 draws. 10 losses. -405 (p.d).

q Brianna Hoy and Kaitlan Leaney in their Coffs Harbour Snappers days.

q Claire Dwyer greets the crowd at the World Cup.

Coffs Basketball seniors wrap

By Aiden BURGESS

THE finals of the Coffs Harbour Basketball Association’s winter seniors season get underway in early September.

The latest round of games was played at Sportz Central.

Chihuahuas went to the

top of the Men’s A Grade ladder with a 53-40 win against We Can’t Dunk.

Michael France and Nicholas Nugent both top scored for the winners with 15 points each.

Beyond Towing – Coffs Harbour had an 83-78 win against the Coffs Harbour Suns Under 18s team.

Noah Light had a game

high 36 points, and Phillip Ely top scored for the winners with 23 points.

Men’s B Grade ladder leaders Can’t Catch A Breath had a 58-49 win against Scorpions.

Jeremy McRae had a game high 22 points for the winners.

White Chocolate beat Duwant 68-45, Simon

Vrachliotis top scored with 30 points.

Men’s C Grade ladder leaders Pingas kept their undefeated record intact with an 80-76 win against the Coffs Harbour Suns Under 16s Division 1 team.

Max Roulstone had a game high 31 points.

Pulsars beat the Coffs Harbour Suns Under 16s

Division 2 team 75-54, Sonny Burrell top scored with 34 points.

Women’s Coffs Harbour Suns Under 18s went to the top of the Women’s A Grade ladder with a 91-62 win against Narwhals Loaded.

Claudia Simpson top scored for the Suns with 38 points.

The Coffs Harbour Suns Under 16s Division 1 team beat the Coffs Harbour

Suns Under 16s Division 2 team, 55-41.

Aribelle Dawes top scored with 24 points, Women’s social competition ladder leaders Coffs Flames beat The Mighty Ducks 56-31; Charlotte Sommers top scored with 22 points.

Mantas Mermaids beat Ring Ins 27-13, and Mantas Mystics beat Mantas Mummas 26-18.

Comets, Sea Eagles and Seahorses win in final round

By Aiden BURGESS

THE COFFS Harbour Comets, Macksville Sea Eagles, and the Woolgoolga Seahorses, have been victorious in the final round of the Group 2 Rugby League first grade season.

Minor premiers the Woolgoolga Seahorses head into the finals series on a winning note, bouncing back from their first loss of the season to have an 18-10 win against the Nambucca Roosters in Bellingen.

The Macksville Sea Eagles headed into the finals in dominant fashion with a 54-0 demolition of the Grafton Ghosts in Macksville.

The Coffs Harbour Comets finished fifth on the

ladder, ending their home and away season by beating the South Grafton Rebels 28-20 in South Grafton.

Reserves

Woolgoolga Seahorses finished as minor premiers, and had a 28-12 win against the Nambucca Roosters in the final round.

The Macksville Sea Eagles finished second on the ladder and ended the season with a 42-30 win against the Grafton Ghosts.

The Coffs Harbour Comets finished fourth on the ladder, and had a 2210 win against the South Grafton Rebels.

Women’s

The Woolgoolga Seahorses finished as minor premiers, but suffered a 14-4 defeat to

the Nambucca Roosters in the final round.

The Macksville Sea Eagles defeated the Grafton Ghosts 6-4.

Under 18s

The Macksville Sea Eagles finished as minor premiers after an 18-16 win against the Grafton Ghosts in their top of the ladder clash in Macksville.

Nambucca Roosters finished third on the ladder and had a 20-16 win against the Woolgoolga Seahorses in the final round.

The Coffs Harbour Comets ended their season with a 36-22 win against the South Grafton Rebels.

First week of finals series

The Group 2 Rugby League finals series gets underway this weekend with the first week of

games in Macksville and Nambucca Heads.

The Nambucca Roosters host the Sawtell Panthers in their Qualifying SemiFinal.

The winner plays the Woolgoolga Seahorses for a grand final spot during next weekend's Major SemiFinal in Woolgoolga.

The Roosters have won both their meetings against the Panthers this season.

Macksville Sea Eagles host the Coffs Harbour Comets in their Elimination Semi-Final.

It’s the end of the season for the loser, while the winner moves on to play either the Nambucca Roosters or Sawtell Panthers in next weekend’s Minor Semi-Final.

The Sea Eagles have won both their meetings against the Comets this

season.

Reserves

The Macksville Sea Eagles and Sawtell Panthers clash in the Qualifying Semi-Final, with the winner to play the Woolgoolga Seahorses for a grand final spot.

The Coffs Harbour Comets and Grafton Ghosts play off in the Elimination Semi-Final.

Women’s

The Grafton Ghosts and Nambucca Roosters clash in the Qualifying Semi-Final, with the winner to play the Woolgoolga Seahorses for a grand final spot.

The South Grafton Rebels and Sawtell Panthers square off in the Elimination Semi-Final.

Under 18s

The Grafton Ghosts and Nambucca Roosters face off in the Qualifying

Semi-Final, with the winner to play the Macksville Sea Eagles for a spot in the grand final.

The Sawtell Panthers and Woolgoolga Seahorses meet in the Elimination Semi-Final.

First grade ladder. 1.Woolgoolga Seahorses. 25 points. 10 wins. 1 loss. 2 byes. 148 (points differential). 2.Nambucca Roosters. 18 points. 7 wins. 5 losses. 2 byes. 118 (p.d). 3.Sawtell Panthers. 18 points. 7 wins. 5 losses. 2 byes. 90 (p.d). 4.Macksville Sea Eagles. 16 points. 6 wins. 6 losses. 2 byes. 62 (p.d). 5.Coffs Harbour Comets. 16 points. 6 wins. 6 losses. 2 byes. -20 (p.d). 6.South Grafton Rebels. 11 points. 3 wins. 8 losses. 2 byes. -210 (p.d). 7.Grafton Ghosts. 8 points. 2 wins. 10 losses. 2 byes. -188 (p.d).

Coffs hosts International Tag Series

By Aiden BURGESS

OZTAG players from across the country have proudly represented their cultural heritage on the field in Coffs Harbour.

New Zealand won the Mixed Seniors title beating the Irish Exiles 6-2 in their grand final at C.ex Coffs International Stadium.

The New Zealand

The players competed in the International Tag Series, a unique tournament which sees players representing their cultural heritage rather than their country of residence.

defence proved to be the difference in the wet weather conditions, with the Kiwis repelling numerous attacking raids from the Irish as they staunchly defended their tryline.

Winnie Henry was the co-captain of the New

Zealand side, and the proud Māori woman found the tournament a way to express pride in her cultural heritage.

“The cultural experience and the cultural love with our people is what makes this tournament,” she said.

“To do the tournament

with the people that you love, and for our people, our ancestors, and all the next generations that will follow.

“It’s key that people know where they come from and what their background is, and I think this tournament provides that for everyone that is of heritage.”

Henry said her team’s defence played a pivotal role in winning the grand final.

“Defence is key in this game, defence wins you the game, and all the tries coming off the back of it is just a bonus,” she said.

q The New Zealand Mixed Seniors team celebrate their title win.

SPORT

Final round before AFL finals

By Aiden BURGESS

THE final round of the AFL North Coast season continues this weekend with the last of the home and away games.

It began with catch-up games between the Northern Beaches Blues and Port Macquarie Magpies sides in Port Macquarie.

The Magpies reserves went to the top of the ladder with a 6.4 (40) to 4.6 (30) win against the Blues.

The Blues women’s side edged out the Magpies, 2.5 (17) to 2.3 (15).

Final round

Ladder leaders the Coffs Harbour Breakers host the Grafton Tigers at Fitzroy Oval.

The Breakers have won all three

of their meetings against the Tigers this season.

Sawtell/Toormina Saints play host to the Port Macquarie Magpies at Richardson Park.

The Magpies won their only meeting this season by 12 points.

The Coffs Harbour Breakers and Northern Beaches Blues reserves, women’s, and Under 18s sides play off at Fitzroy Oval.

Seniors ladder.

1.Coffs Harbour Breakers. 30 points. 7 wins. 2 losses. 1 draw. Match ratio: 75. 199.51% 2.Sawtell/ Toormina Saints. 18 points. 4 wins. 2 losses. 1 draw. Match ratio: 64.28. 151.45%. 3.Port Macquarie Magpies. 20 points. 5 wins. 3 losses. Match ratio: 62.50. 210.29%. 4.Macleay Valley Eagles. 8 points. 2 wins. 3 losses. 3 forfeits. Match ratio: 25.00. 32.08%. 5.Grafton Tigers. 8 points. 2 wins. 6 losses. 1 forfeit. Match ratio: 22.22. 49.70%.

Lions junior selected to All-Australian team

q Reese Legend displays her accolades.

Coffs Table Tennis Results

By Margaret ILES

FRIDAY 8th August, 2025

Division 1

Reece Baker d George Ruaporo

3/0, Paul Hendriks d Yash Tyagi

3/1, Troy Prystasz d Tim Garrad

Coffs Harbour Rifle Club

By Geoffrey HART

AUGUST 06 - Howard St Rimfire

Range. The 90m Field Class match was conducted with 24 participants.

By Aiden BURGESS

REESE Legend has earned prestigious All-Australian honours while representing her state.

The Nambucca Valley Lions junior was named to the Australian team after being recognised as one of the best players at the School Sport Australia - Australian

3/0, Reece Baker d Troy Prystasz

3/0, Paul Hendriks d Tim Garrad 3/0, Yash Tyagi d George Ruaporo

3/2, Reece Baker d Yash Tyagi 3/0, Paul Hendriks d Troy Prystasz 3/1, George Ruaporo d Tim Garrad 3/2, Reece Baker d Tim Garrad 3/0, Paul Hendriks d George Ruaporo 3/0, Yash Tyagi d Troy Prystasz 3/0,

Master Grade: Ben R 97.9, Daniel Finlay 93.4, Jake Buckley 89.6, A Grade: Stuart D 94.7, Johan Greyling 79.1, Jayden Cooper 71.1, B Grade: Hayley R 85.3, Danny W 81.4, Member-677 79.3, Steve Cooper 75.3, Andrew Graham-Higgs

Breaking records

STORY STARTS on BACK COVER, Page 36

take participants along this iconic stretch, adding a scenic and memorable element to the race.

“The Jetty Foreshores are a spectacular part of the course,” said Festival Director Keelan Birch.

“It’s a chance for runners to experience the best of Coffs Harbour’s natural beauty and are elevating the profile of the event.”

This year’s event marks the first time a full marathon has been included, and it’s already hit its goal of 100 entrants.

The half marathon continues

to be a standout favourite, with over 400 runners signed up.

In addition to the running events, the festival is a major fundraiser for local charities.

This year, Lifeline North Coast and the Coffs Coast Children’s Ward join other long-time beneficiaries who receive 100 percent of every entry fee, meaning the more people who enter, the more support goes back into the community.

“It’s not just about running - it’s about giving back,” Birch said.

“Every entry helps us support vital services across the Coffs Coast.”

The festival has also received support through a Coffs Coast Events grant, helping elevate its profile and

Football Girls 15 Years & Under Championship at Moreton Bay.

She was named as one of the country’s best players in her age group after outstanding performances playing for the NSW All Schools team.

She was also part of the NSW team that won the bronze medal at the National Championship.

The All-Australian member was initially selected to the NSW team after standout performances playing for the North Coast at the NSW Combined High Schools Sports Association- Secondary, Australian Football Girls

Reece Baker d Paul Hendriks 3/0, Tim Garrad d Yash Tyagi 3/2, Troy Prystasz d George Ruaporo 3/0. WINNER: Reece Baker from Paul Hendriks.

Division 2

King McKie d Dominic Arjona 3/0, Ann Joy d Sharee Templeton 3/2, Nick Jankovic d Char Berglund

75.1, Lockie Knight 61.0, C Grade: Pete C 83.5, Jay Archibald 82.1, Member-952 69.3, Mitch Upton 69.2, Isaac Williams 65.2, Austin Atkinson 51.1, Member-926 50.0, Leah Gallo 42.0, Phil Hartmann 20.1, Daniel Rees 20.0, Diezel Gallo

attract more participants.

Organisers have thanked the City of Coffs Harbour for its continued backing.

“The support from the City of Coffs Harbour has been instrumental in growing this event,” Birch added.

“We’re proud to showcase our region and bring people together for a great cause.”

Registrations are still open, but spots are filling fast.

To enter or learn more, visit coffsrunfestival.com.

Traffic notices To ensure the safety of participants and spectators, several traffic changes will be in place on race day.

Orlando Street Bridge, near the Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary, will be closed from 6:00am to 8:30am.

Championship on the Central Coast.

Legend currently plays for the Nambucca Valley Lions in AFL North Coast’s Youth Girls 15s competition.

The Lions congratulated their club member on her AllAustralian selection.

“Reese has just finished competing at the Australian National Championships, and we are beyond proud to share her achievements,” the club said on social media.

“Her NSW team placed third overall, a massive accomplishment

on the national stage.

“But Reese didn’t stop thereshe was named MVP of her finals game and has now been selected in the prestigious All-Australian Team.

“What an amazing honour for a truly deserving young athlete, Reese continues to inspire with her talent, determination, and humble spirit.

“We’ve loved watching her shine, and we can’t wait to see what comes next.

“Your Lions family is cheering you on every step of the way, go get ‘em, Legend!”.

SPORT RESULTS

3/0, King McKie d Char Berglund 3/1, Ann Joy d Nick Jankovic 3/0, Dominic Arjona d Sharee Templeton 3/1, King McKie d Sharee Templeton 3/0, Ann Joy d Char Berglund 3/0, Dominic Arjona d Nick Jankovic 3/0, King McKie d Nick Jankovic

19.0, Visitors: Cloe Borkowsky 12.0

The 50m F-Class match was conducted with 17 participants. Hayley R 197.9, Johan Greyling 196.10, Lockie Knight 195.11, Daniel Finlay 195.9, Danny W 195.8, Ben R 195.7, Pete C 190.7,

Traffic control will be in place.

Traffic control will also be active around the Fisherman’s Co-op and at the entrance to the Coffs Harbour

3/0, Ann Joy d Dominic Arjona 3/0, Sharee Templeton d Char Berglund 3/0, Ann Joy d King McKie 3/1, Nick Jankovic d Sharee Templeton 3/0, Dominic Arjona d Char Berglund 3/0. WINNER: Ann Joy from King McKie.

Phil Hartmann 188.6, Mitch Upton 188.5, Austin Atkinson 187.5, Isaac Williams 183.3, Daniel Rees 181.3, Member-952 180.1, Member-926 165.3, Diezel Gallo 163.0, Member-677 160.0, Andrew Graham-Higgs 128.4

boat ramp.

Motorists are advised to plan ahead and follow signage and directions from traffic controllers.

Sawtell Bowls Life Member

By Geoff HAMPSON

AT THE AGM held on Sunday 10/8/25 William (Bill) Meadows was awarded Life Membership in recognition of his valuable contribution to the Club.

Bill and his wife relocated from Greencare in 2004 and he joined Sawtell Bowls Club and served as Umpire for almost 20 years.

Bill volunteered as a Club Coach

Sawtell Golf Results

By Janet O’DOWD

5/8 MEDLEY Stableford

Danny Spillane (Armidale) 39, Bill Hobbs 37c/b, Peter McDonald 37. Balls to 30c/b.

Park Beach Men's Bowling Club

By Todd BROWN

TRIPLES Thursday 7 August 2025

M Miller, S Jones, W Moore d R Feltin, M Baker, D Hull 15 - 11

D Catling, C Hansen, B Garner d J Kindred, S Kindred, M Bryan 8 - 6

Park Beach Women’s Bowls Club

By Trish WELSH

WITH two beautiful sunny days, Park Beach Women’s Bowls Club ran another successful

SPORT RESULTS

culminating in him being appointed Chairperson of the Coaches.

Sawtell Bowling and Recreation Club Chairman, Paul Covington congratulated Mr Meadows on his Life Membership saying it was a very deserving award, and the club had benefited greatly from his involvement.

For 15 years Bill was the Club appointed Returning Officer for the Clubs Board and Men’s Bowling Club elections and often sacrificed playing to coach school groups.

Mr Covington highlighted Bill's

NTP 7 Dennis Ryan. Pro pin John Veness 6/8 4BBB Triple Express Charmaine

Edwards & Pam O'Sullivan 59, Lynne Rapley & Gayle

James 58. Balls to 50. NTP

3 3: Lee Farrell. NTP 16

D Barnard, G Pallister, R Bennell

d I Goodacre, J Dove, M Finn 15 - 13

G McInerny, R Ryan, M Hodge d D Burridge, M McCabe, G Brewis 18 - 9

P North, P Booth, J Dunn d G Williams, R Beaumont, A Campbell 14 - 5

T Cooper, G Stanford d P Lilly, R Douglas 14 - 5

Sapphire Triples carnival. Proudly sponsored by Toleman Jewellers for the 20th year, and with 28 teams from the region and Victoria competing, the winners of the beautiful sapphire rings were 1st Kaylene Cutmore (Park Beach) and Rae Gurber &

Park Beach Women's Bowls Club

By Anne ORR

SOCIAL Bowls Friday

8.8.25. J Cahill, S Dove def B Foster, M Foster 17-14; P Elliott, T Brown def R Holloway, A Orr 18-17; M

CEX Woolgoolga Social Bowl Results

By Sue BRACHER

TUESDAY 5/8/25 (Pairs)

Rink 1: M Hopes, J Wilcox (D) J Simons, W Gavenlock. Rink 2: S Barnard, H Katala (D) T McKenzie, P Buck. Rink 3: D McIntyre, R Thornton (D) R Ryan, G Cunningham. Rink 4: J C, S Dodd (D) J Gibbins, Fred C.

Rink 5: S Milstev, N Campbell (D) J Barnes, W Barnes. Rink 6: J Taylor, G Pallister,(D) D Valentine, C Weatherall. Rink 7: J Migg, I Ball, T Wylie (D) R Westbrook,

achievements on the Green having represented Sawtell Bowling Club at many tournaments including being on teams which won six Zone Pennant Flag.

In 2020 Bill received the Mid North Coast Zone Merit Award in recognition of his many years of service as Head of Coaches and Game Official (Umpire).

Thank you Bill Meadows the Club Members appreciates your service and support and congratulate you on this welldeserved honour.

1: Charmaine Edwards (Pro pin), 2: Maureen Ryan 8/8 Play 9 Heather Snow 16c/b. Balls to 15c/b 9/8 Stableford Danny Hill 33, Paul McHugh 32. Balls to 31c/b. NTP 7 Paul McHugh (pro pin)

R Host, K Crooks, J Bishop d D Stirton, R Heinrich, L Boekmaan 12 - 10

P Woodsell, P Toy, L Morris d M Hope, Fredd C, G Connerhan 13 - 5

J Groat, R Aitken, J Long d G Spink, C Lloyd, K Morrison 10 - 3

D Valentine, C Weatherall, R Alford d D Francis, S Crawford, M Berube 16 - 10

Ainsley Wroe (Woolgoolga). 2nd Dawn Futcher, Yvonne Hinsley & Anne Maree Taylor (Park Beach). 3rd Chris Sheridan, Val Valentine & Valda Slater (Park Beach). Monetary prizes went to 4th Elaine Tindall, Dawn Grebert & Genevieve Staunton-Latimer

Arundel, B Arundel def P Ray, D Ray 28-14; M England, C England def K Elliott, J Farrell 19-16; A Stone, T Lainchbury def Suzanne, Patrick 23-11; D Hargraves, S Hancock, B Jones def M Cutts, J Jones, J Murtas 21-17; G Duffy, D Lindner def V Slater, R Oakley 24-10.

R Ball, B Smith. Rink 8: Wendy, Simon (D) Colleen, B Wylie. Rink 10: S Bailey, P Wroe (D) L Jordon, J Lynn. Rink 11: L Walsh, G McInerney (D) L Carroll, R Bennell. Rink 12: D Washfold, D Conden, (D) G Lane, N Wood. Rink 13: S Noad, J Evan’s (D) T Kellahan, S Watt. Rink 14: A Plain

B Merchant (D) J Hurrell, D Barnard.

Wednesday 6/8/2025 ( Wanderers) Rink 2: S Noad, H Carroll, J Evan’s (D) I Brien, G Burgess, P Jones. Rink 3: T Colling, G Woolley, S Ferro

By Ken MASON

TUESDAY 5th

C Williamson, B Smith, B Nicholson d P Rambow, B Jones, B Arundel 12 - 5

J McLeod, G Wallace, P Newman d D Powell, T Lainchbury, R Harris 9 - 7

G Kindred, J Thorn, D Condon d J Eding, H Katala, G Colman 15 - 9

D Wilson, P Wirth, I Rose d S McAveney, D Hoffman, S Prior 9 – 4 (Sawtell). 5th Jan Slater, Denise Hargraves & Judy Clark (Park Beach). There were also AM & PM winners for both days. Thank you again to Michael Toleman from Toleman and Co Jewellers for their wonderful support of our Carnival.

SSAA Benchrest Results

By Rod MADELEY

DAIRYVILLE range. Event was 100yds Centrefire Group.

Ray Beavis.3156, sg .228. Alistair McMillan .3688, sg .192. Gary Hunt .4148, sg .287. Keiran Grabham .4828, sg .275.

(D) J Tayor, J Hampstead, M Mulligan. Rink 4: C Williams, J Simmons, Johnny (D) K Dunstone, P Stirling, B Rennie.

Rink 5: Bear, R Pillon, D Mason ( D) G Lane, R West Brook, N Campbell. Rink 6: J Lynn, D Randall, G Marsh (D) ………… P Diamond, I Gentle. Friday 8/8/2025 (2.4.2) Rink 1: D Barnard, G Pallister, (D) C Albolt, S Bailey. Rink 2: R Gurber, B Merchant (D) W Rice, S Rice. Rink 3: T Wylie, S Dodd ( D) M Farrands, T Teer. Rink 4: N Garalnes, L Balforn (D) J

Peter McGrath .6670, sg .490. Rob Hamilton .6760, sg .283. Event was 50m Rimfire Group. Keiran Grabham .5364, sg .127. Greg Sutherland .5684, sg .186. Bill Buchanan .5852, sg .196. Ian Thompson .6056, sg .208. Meika .7680, sg .255. Hunting rifle: Brett Ewington 1.1936, sg .218. Robert Ramsey 1.3032, sg .470.

Barnes, R McIntyre. Rink 5: N Wood, L Carroll (D) J Lynn, B Martin. Rink 6: G, Rick B (D) Rosa, Ian . Rink 7: R Marsh, W Martain, C Boyden (D) G Marsh, W Barnes, M Hopes. Rink 8: J Nichell, Fred C, R Ryan (D) K March, P Diamond, M Hodge. Rink 10: D Washfold, P Buck, (D) J Hurrell, H Katala. Rink 11: J Taylor, T McKenzie (D) J Simmons, C Nightingale. Rink 12: S Noad, R West (D) L Walsh, A Plain. Rink 13 J Burgess, K Costelloe (D) G Lane, E Pearce. Rink 14: W Wayne, J Mig (D) Warren G, Jenny H.

q Smuggler at the Sydney to Hobart Yacht race.

Sawtell RSL Snooker Club

q Bill Meadows.

q Winners.

q Second Place.

q Third Place.

Dr Barry Cross

7th August 2025

Passed away at Townsville Hospital following a car accident, aged 67. Recently of Melbourne, formerly of Coffs Harbour. Barry leaves behind his wife Andrea, and sons Ryan and Simon, and daughter-in-law Amanda. Grandad to Elliott, Isaac and Zoe. Brother to David and Sandra, brother-in-law to Irene and Lesley. A beloved friend and devoted GP to many. Barry was a dedicated table tennis player both in Coffs and Coburg, Melbourne.

A Celebration of Barry’s Life will be held in Coffs Harbour in the coming weeks, details will be announced in due course.

Special thanks to Townsville University Hospital ICU unit, and Queensland Police.

VICTOR RULLIS

FUNERAL SERVICES

(02) 6651 5007 www.funeralcoffsharbour.com.au

FOAT

Wesley David ‘Jack’ 2nd August 2025, peacefully at Mater Christi Aged Care Facility. Late of Toormina, formerly of Sawtell. Dearly beloved husband of Norma (dec’d).

Aged 98 Years

Reunited With Norma

‘Jack‘ was privately cremated at Hogbin Drive Crematorium & Memorial Gardens, Stadium Drive, Coffs Harbour.

KEITH LOGUE & SONS

FUNERAL DIRECTORS

1999

McLELLAN

Colin Noel ‘Col’

7th August 2025, peacefully at Coffs Harbour Health Campus, late of Fernmount. Dearly beloved husband of Maureen (dec’d). Loving father and father-in-law of Gary & Susan, Paul & Celsa and Ruth & Neville Robb (dec’d). Adored grandfather and great-grandfather of their children.

Aged 89 Years

Reunited With Maureen Col’s Graveside Funeral Service was held in Bellingen Cemetery, Bellingen on Wednesday 13th August 2025.

KEITH LOGUE & SONS

1999

Jacqueline Melvin

1.12.1936 to 29.7.2025

Goodbye to our lovely aunt Jacqui. You will be so missed for your wisdom, care and stories of your life before and with your soulmate, Don. We will always enjoy sharing memories of our smart, witty, elegant Aunt. Judy, Lyn, Dianne, Lesley and Terry.

Aged 88 Years

As per Jacqueline’s wishes she was privately cremated.

VICTOR RULLIS FUNERAL SERVICES

(02) 6651 5007 www.funeralcoffsharbour.com.au

SOMERS

Mary ‘Joan’

10.10.1944 - 05.08.2025

Passed peacefully at Coffs Harbour Health Campus with family by her side. Much loved mother and mother-in-law of Tracey & Richard, Dwayne (dec’d) and Darren (dec’d). Devoted and adored grandmother of Jordan & Matthew, Joshua & Elise, Nicholas & Rebecca, Sarah, Rachelle, Dylan and great-grandmother of Kyah, Lainey. Morgan, Beau, Lucas, Nash and Silas.

Aged 80 Years

In The Arms Of The Angels

Joan’s Funeral Service was held in the Chapel of Hogbin Drive Crematorium & Memorial Gardens, Stadium Drive, Coffs Harbour.

KEITH LOGUE & SONS

FUNERAL DIRECTORS

Coffs Harbour 6652 1999

Ray

Rolinson 11th August 2025

Passed away peacefully after a long illness. Late of Lakes Village, North Boambee. Formerly of Urunga. Much loved husband of Ailsa. Loving father, father-in-law, Pa and brother.

Aged 86 Years At Peace

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Ray’s funeral service to be held on Friday, 15th August 2025 at 1.30pm in the LifeHouse Church Urunga (Uniting Building), Bonville Street, Urunga. Thence for interment within the Urunga Cemetery.

VICTOR RULLIS

(02) 6651 5007 www.funeralcoffsharbour.com.au

CROWLEY

Harold Edwin ‘Harry’ 5th August 2025, peacefully at Bellinger River District Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. Late of Boambee East. Dearly beloved husband of Barbara. Loving father and father-in-law of Christine, Owen & Robin, Marion & Kevin, Julia & Nigel and Jennifer & Glen. Cherished grandfather and great-grandfather of their children.

In His 100th Year

His Love Will Continue To Guide Us Through Life

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Harry’s Funeral Service to be held in the Chapel of Hogbin Drive Crematorium & Memorial Gardens, Stadium Drive, Coffs Harbour on Friday 15th August 2025 commencing at 10.00 am. Ex Service Personnel are invited to attend.

Family have requested that everyone attending wear bright and colourful clothing. Please find livestream details on Keith Logue & Sons website.

KEITH LOGUE & SONS

FUNERAL DIRECTORS Coffs Harbour 6652 1999

John 08.04.1946 - 06.08.2025

Loving and loved husband of Rosalind. Adored father and father-in-law of Timothy & Heather, Steven, David & Alexandra. Cherished pop of Hayley, Jade, Audrey and Florence. Brother of Anthony (dec’d) and twin brother of Wendy O’Brien.

Finally At Rest

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Peter’s Funeral Service to be held in the Chapel of Hogbin Drive Crematorium & Memorial Gardens, Stadium Drive, Coffs Harbour on Saturday 16th August 2025 commencing at 1.00 pm.

Please find livestream details on Keith Logue & Sons website.

KEITH LOGUE & SONS

Harbour 6652 1999

Funeral Notices

ROSS

Anthony John ‘Tony’ ‘Rossy’ 23.02.1967 - 31.07.2025

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Tony also known as ‘Big Tones’ and ‘Poppy Tones’. Devoted husband of Carol. Loving father of Sarah, Emma and Lil. Proud stepfather of Alex and Jake. Tony cherished his role as a grandfather to Larnje, Djulgin and Tommy. Loved son of Norm & Marly Ross. Beloved brother of Anna, David, and Col. True friend of Robbie, Amy and all the boys at Coffs Demolitions.

Aged 58 Years

Rest In Peace ‘Rossy’

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend a Celebration of Tony’s Life to be held in the Chapel of Hogbin Drive Crematorium & Memorial Gardens, Stadium Drive, Coffs Harbour on Saturday 16th August 2025 commencing at 10.30 am. Tony lived life to the fullest, working hard and loving fiercely. His infectious smile, kind spirit and dedication to family and friends will be deeply missed.

Brian Charles Read 12th August 2025

Passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family. A much loved husband and soulmate of Leeanne. Loving and devoted father to Jonathon, Josh and Jayden. Treasured father-in-law to Khristine, Mary-Jane and Ana. Adored Pop to his grandchildren and great-granddaughter. Sadly missed by extended family and friends.

Aged 69 Years Forever loved.

Family and friends are warmly invited to attend Brian’s celebration of life service to commence on Monday, 18th August 2025 at 1.30pm in the chapel of the Coffs Harbour Crematorium, Coramba Road, Karangi.

VICTOR RULLIS

Funeral Notices

SCOTT

Rev. John Sydney

7th August 2025 at home. Late of Woolgoolga, formerly of Red Rock and Coffs Harbour. Dearly beloved husband of Jennifer (dec’d). Loving father and father-in-law of David & Alison, Kathryn & Matthew Bolte and Helen & Cameron Webber. Cherished grandfather and great-grandfather of their children.

Aged 93 Years

Served God & The Community Faithfully To The End

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend John’s Service of Thanksgiving to be held in Woolgoolga Uniting Church, Woolgoolga on Friday 15th August 2025 commencing at 10.30 am, thence for private cremation at Hogbin Drive Crematorium & Memorial Gardens, Stadium Drive, Coffs Harbour.

Please find livestream details on Keith Logue & Sons website.

KEITH LOGUE & SONS

FUNERAL DIRECTORS

Coffs Harbour 6652 1999

Please find livestream details on Keith Logue & Sons website.

KEITH LOGUE & SONS

FUNERAL DIRECTORS

Coffs Harbour

6652 1999

Funeral Notices

CASTLE

Agnes Frances ‘Aggie’ 11th August 2025, died peacefully at Mater Christi Aged Care Facility surrounded by her loving family. Lifelong friend of Maureen and Dorothy. Beloved daughter, sister, sister-in-law, aunt, cousin, godmother and a special friend to many. Cherished by all at Mater Christi Aged Care.

Aged 88 Years

Always Smiling

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Aggie’s Requiem Mass to be celebrated in Our Lady of The Way Chapel, Marian Grove, Toormina on Wednesday 20th August 2025, commencing at 9.30 am, thence for private cremation at Hogbin Drive Crematorium & Memorial Gardens, Stadium Drive, Coffs Harbour.

Please find livestream details on Keith Logue & Sons website.

KEITH LOGUE & SONS

FUNERAL DIRECTORS

Coffs Harbour 6652 1999

Bernard

Silvia 10th August 2025

Passed away peacefully in the arms of his beloved Elsie. A much loved husband of Elsie. Treasured Dad of John & Kerry, Stephen and Kevin & Kylie. Adored Pa of Emily and Allana & Jekoda. Brother of Colleen (dec), Barry & Gail (both dec), Ruth, Maree, Margaret and Sheila. Sadly missed by all his family & friends.

Aged 87 Years

“Hey Darl, time for a cuppa & a biscuit”.

Family and friends are warmly invited to attend Bernie’s celebration of life to commence on Monday 18th August 2025 at 10.30am in the Chapel of the Coffs Harbour Crematorium, Coramba Road, Karangi. Thence for interment within the adjoining Coffs Harbour Lawn Cemetery.

LOCALCLASSIFIEDS

For Sale

Thomas Michael Donnelly 18/08/1935

My action man & husband, celebrating our time together. Never a dull moment. Loving you to the end of my time.

Astrid Donnelly Skene

Public Notices Birthday Notice

WARNING NOTICE FOX BAITING

This notification is to advise all landholders within 1 kilometre of the property at 249A Coramba Rd, COFFS HARBOUR that 1080 Fox baits will be laid from 18/8/2025 to 18/11/25 in an ongoing control program.

Property owners are recommended to restrain their pets and working dogs, and to ensure that they do not enter the baiting location during and after the poisoning operation. In the event of an accidental poisoning seek immediate veterinary assistance. 1080 poisoned baits will be laid in accordance with Pesticide Control (1080 Liquid Concentrate & Bait Products) Order 2020 under Section 38 Pesticides Act 1999.

For further information contact: LLS

Michael Elliott 0408 352 174

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PORCELAIN biscuit jar (8in high) with cream and jam pots, tea strainer and small flat teaspoon holder. $35 0400 641 561 F210225

LEATHER lounge 3 x 1 + 2 x 1, 2 timber outdoor settings & 2 budgies in large cage. 0407 580 436

LOUNGE suite, green fabric, dbl couch + 2 reclining chairs $100 0412 254 563

LOVELY vertical circular 5 shelves display tower for collectibles etc. $80 6652 3791

MARBLE rolling pin Chill for pastry, crush spices, tenderise meat roll pottery clay $30 0407 654 879 f010825

“MORRIS” recliner chair (old replica) $95 pic avail 0439 682 267 SOLD

OUTSIDE Gas Heater with cover 120cm high $100. 0400 513 862SOLD

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

SOUND Bar 2.0.2 CH 120W Dolby ATMOS 12 months old with 2 built in subwoofers. Price $100 Ph 0412 081 950

STAMPS date back to 1900 and prior. First Day Covers unopened 19612004. Offers. Ph Wyn 0417 969 322

QUEEN size divan bed base. Excellent condition $100. Emerald Beach 0419 632 117 SOLAR hot water panels 300L $85 0487 239 157 f250725ALL

RAILWAY line small gauge, 70mm high x 5m lengths. Suit cattle grid, $75 each 0499 684 401

RED overcoat size 10

Jigsaw brand fabric made in Italy 80% wool Never used. Pic ava. $95 0439 682 267

to reel tapes x 38 7in. All recorded by favourite singers. $50 ono 0491 035 704

ROLLER blinds to fit window 120cm wide x up to 210cm drop $5each 0400 513 862

ROLLER Blinds x 2 White. 2385 x 2100 & 1490 x 2100 w/ brackets. GC. $100 for both. 0427 965 015 F250725

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 or 6655 3193

SHOES, winter ARA Europe. Black suede Size 37 like new. Worn 3 times. Paid $300, selling $100 ono. 0459 040 014 or 6651 4237

SMALL bar fridge in good working order $100. 6649 1472

SMALL mobile bench 2 shelves, suit shop or office. $40. 6652 3791

3.4m Savage with trailer rego, 6HP and electric swivel seats, cover safety gear, lots of extras ACF724N. L26949

$2,000. 0427 528 084

STOOL seats. Variety size, type and colour. $30 6652 3791 F110425

SUITCASES - X Large $15, Large $10, Med $5 0481 966 840

TABLE Tennis table w/ new fittings $80 0458 041 772

TEASPOONS large collection as new feat various characters $3-5 per spoon 0403 425 913 F040425

TOILET bowl, white Never used, still packaged $130, seat $20. 0411 527 727

TV 80cm (32”) + DVD player $100 0491 035 704

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

small wooden childrens wheelbarrows to play or learn planting etc $70. 6652 3791

UTE tray 1.8 x 1.8m all aluminium. VGC. Incl gates, headboard, lights, guards and chassis rails. Would suit most crew cab utes. $1000 0418 235 973

2019 New Age Mantra Ray 19ER Caravan Part annex BBQ, car fridge freezer, towing system 30 years of caravan bits & pieces everything must go! $55,000 ono. TF93TZ Woopi 0412 665 988

LUXURY 23ft Regent Brenwood caravan, exc cond

Has been stored for the last 3 yrs

cond for age

of the

WETSUIT, Mad Dog. Mens, full length. 3mm neoprene. Small. Feats textured knee pads, black/blue. $90 ono 0409 716 774 F010825

WINE glasses 6 boxes; 2 x champagne; 2 x low tumblers; 2 white wine $100 ono 0491 035 704 f150825

SUDOKU

ONTHEBOX

BEST ON THE BOX

FRIDAY PROFESSOR T

ABC TV, 8.30pm

This very solid British crime drama stars Ben Miller (pictured) as the titular Professor, who teaches Criminology at Cambridge University. Professor Jasper Tempest has obsessive-compulsive disorder, so his life is one of cleanliness and order – and it’s about to be completely upended when one of his former students, DS Lisa Donckers (Emma Naomi), ropes him into an investigation. In Friday’s premiere, when a student is sexually assaulted at the university, something about the offender’s MO seems familiar to Donckers – so she reaches out to the professor for help.

FRIDAY, August 15

TUESDAY

HOME AND AWAY

SEVEN, 7pm

It’s never easy saying goodbye, especially when you’re part of the furniture like Irene Roberts (Lynne McGranger, pictured) is in Summer Bay. But after her Alzheimer’s diagnosis, Irene knows it’s now or never if she wants to see the world. She has called the Bay home for more than three decades – maturing from a despicable drunk into a down-to-earth matriarch –so you can bet this is going to be an emotional farewell for all concerned. None more so than for McGranger herself, whose time playing Irene made her the longestserving female actress on Aussie TV – and finally scored her Gold and Silver Logies earlier this month. Worth a watch, even if you haven’t tuned in for years.

THURSDAY NATIONAL PARKS FROM ABOVE: IRELAND

Britain’s favourite Irishman, comedian Dara Ó Briain narrates this three-part docuseries which offers a birds-eye of Ireland’s six stunning national parks. In tonight’s first instalment, we visit Killarney, which became the country’s first national park when it was created in 1932. Down in the southwest of Ireland, Killarney National Park is known for its beautiful lakes and wild woodlands and is home to Ireland’s highest peak. Then, we head north to Burren National Park (pictured), which couldn’t be more different from Killarney if it tried. Its star attraction is Mullaghmore, barren landscape of swirling rock and hardy, low-growing plants – and this stark landscape is every bit as interesting as its verdant cousin.

(Ma, R)

Rage New Music. (MA15+adhlnsv)

Rage. (PG)

The Good Ship Murder. (Mv)

The Royals: A History Of Scandals. 9.25 Britain’s Most Luxurious Train Journeys. (R)

SBS World News Late.

Catch Me A Killer. (Malv) 11.40 The Shelter. (Ma, R) 1.20 Romulus. (MA15+av, R) 3.15 Curious Traveller. (R)

4.15 Great Irish Interiors. (R)

4.45 Destination Flavour. (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. Lynne McGranger takes Johanna Griggs back stage of her new theatre show TheGrandparentsClub 8.30 The Voice. (PGal, R) Contestants set out to prove they have what it takes to be a singing sensation and claim the prize. Hosted by Sonia Kruger, with coaches Melanie C, Ronan O’Brien, Kate Miller-Heidke and Richard Marx.

1.30 Touching Evil. (MA15+av) Creegan questions Cyril.

2.30 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 24. Sydney Roosters v Canterbury Bulldogs. 9.55 Golden Point. A wrap-up of the Sydney Roosters versus Canterbury Bulldogs match, with news and analysis. 10.45 MOVIE: Man On A Ledge. (2012, Mlv, R) A suicidal man distracts authorities. Sam Worthington. 12.40 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R) 4.30 Global Shop. (R) 5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

ONTHEBOX

SATURDAY, August 16

6.00 Morning Programs. 9.00 Rage. (PG) 11.55 Rage Closer. (R) 12.00 News. 12.30 Grantchester. (Ma, R) 1.15 Professor T. (Mav, R) 2.05 All Creatures Great And Small. (Final, PG, R) 2.50 Great Southern Landscapes. (R) 3.25 Earth. (R) 4.25 Would I Lie To You? (PG, R) 4.55 Dr Ann’s Secret Lives. (R) 5.30 Landline. (R)

6.00 Australian Story. (R)

6.30 Back Roads: Mataranka, NT. (PG, R) Kristy O’Brien explores Mataranka, NT.

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 Grantchester. (Final, Ma) Alphy and Geordie investigate a murder.

8.20 Midsomer Murders. (Mav, R) Barnaby must uncover whether a myth has become a murderous reality after a man is murdered.

9.50 The Family Next Door. (Ml, R) A stranger arrives in a Victorian coastal town.

10.40 Miss Austen. (R) 11.35 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 Destination Flavour. (R) 9.05 Lap Of Luxury: Escapes Down Under. (PGa, R) 10.05 Blue Water Safari. (PGa, R) 11.00 WorldWatch. 1.00 Motor Racing. Hi-Tec Oils Super Series. Round 4. Day 1. 5.00 Plat Du Tour. 5.10 Dylan Alcott: The Road To Kasama. 5.40 Kursk: 10 Days That Shaped Putin. (Premiere)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Great British Cities With Susan Calman. (PG)

8.20 Leonardo Da Vinci. (Final, PG)

9.25 Stanley Tucci: Searching For Italy. (PGl, R)

10.15 Great Australian Walks. (PG, R)

11.10 Homicide: Life On The Street. (Mav, R)

2.50 24 Hours In A&E. (Ma, R)

3.45 Curious Traveller. (R)

4.45 Destination Flavour: Japan Bitesize. (R) 5.15 France 24 Feature.

5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 NBC Today. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 Border Security: International. (PG, R) 12.30 Football. AFL. Round 23. Gold Coast Suns v GWS Giants. 3.30 Horse Racing. The Rosebud Day, Caulfield P.B. Lawrence Stakes Race Day and Mekka Raceday. 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. (PG) The team visits a record-breaking city.

7.30 Ron Iddles: The Good Cop: Marafiote Murders. (Madlv, R) Revisits the murder of Dominic Marafiote.

8.35 MOVIE: The Martian. (2015, Mal, R) Believed to be dead by his crew, an astronaut is stranded on Mars and has to rely on his ingenuity to survive. Matt Damon, Jessica Chastain, Jeff Daniels.

11.30 The Voice. (PGal, R)

1.20 Travel Oz. (PG, R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 It’s Academic. (R)

5.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R)

6.00 Morning Programs. 10.00 Today Extra: Saturday. (PG) 12.00 Drive TV: Launch Pad. 12.30 Rugby League. NRL Women’s Premiership. Round 7. Cronulla Sharks v Gold Coast Titans. 2.30 NRLW Wrap. (PG) 3.15 Rugby League. NRL Women’s Premiership. Round 7. Brisbane Broncos v Parramatta Eels. 5.00 News. 5.30 Getaway. (PG)

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 Rugby League. NRL. Round 24. South Sydney Rabbitohs v Parramatta Eels.

9.25 Soccer. English Premier League. Matchweek 1. Aston Villa v Newcastle United.

11.30 Law & Order: Organized Crime. (MA15+av, R)

12.30 Space Invaders. (PGa, R)

1.30 The Garden Gurus. (R)

2.00 The Incredible Journey Presents. (PG)

2.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

4.30 Global Shop. (R)

5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

5.30 Helping Hands. (PG, R)

6.30 The Dog House Australia. (PGa, R) Narrated by Dr Chris Brown.

7.30 Selling Houses Australia. Steve’s house has been on the market for seven months.

8.30 Ambulance Australia. (Mal, R) Follow two first responders as they help a patient in need of urgent care after an incident involving a car.

9.40 Gordon Ramsay’s Secret Service. (PGl, R) Gordon Ramsay works to save a legendary café. 10.40 Elsbeth. (PGv, R) 11.35 Watson. (Mm, R) 12.30 Home Shopping. (R) 5.00 Hour Of Power.

VICELAND (31)

7TWO (62)

SUNDAY, August 17

6.00 Morning Programs. 10.30 World This Week. (R) 11.00 Compass. (PGa, R) 11.30 Praise. (R) 12.00 News. 12.30 Landline. 1.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 2.30 Griff’s Great American South. (PG, R) 3.15 Nigella Bites. (R) 3.40 Martin Clunes: Islands Of The Pacific. (PGa, R) 4.30 Joanna Lumley’s Spice Trail Adventure. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow.

6.30 Compass.

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 Austin. (PG) Austin fakes pop culture tastes to sell books.

8.00 The Family Next Door. (Mls) Essie finds a new friend in Isabelle.

8.55 Miss Austen. (Final, PG) Cassandra prepares to leave Kintbury.

9.50 MOVIE: Puberty Blues. (1981, Mdlns, R) Charts a teenager’s coming-of-age story. Nell Schofield.

11.15 Take 5 With Zan Rowe. (PG, R)

11.45 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

1.40 Under The Vines. (PG, R)

4.00 Gardening Australia. (R)

5.00 Insiders. (R)

6am Children’s Programs. 5.40pm Peter Rabbit. 5.55 Octonauts. 6.10 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.20 Bluey. 6.30 The Adventures Of Paddington. 6.45 Steve And Aneeshwar Go Wild. 6.50 Andy And The Band. 7.05 Do Not Watch This Show. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Teenage Boss: Next Level. 8.00 Kids Baking Championship. 8.40 Chopped Junior. 9.25 Fresh Off The Boat. 10.05 Speechless. 10.45 Late Programs. 6am Children’s Programs. 5.55pm Octonauts. 6.10 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.20 Bluey. 6.30 The Adventures Of Paddington. 6.45 Steve And Aneeshwar Go Wild. 6.50 Andy And The Band. 7.05 Do Not Watch This Show. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 The Mysterious Benedict Society. 8.25 Fresh Off The Boat. 9.05

6.00 Morning Programs. 9.05 Lap Of Luxury: Escapes Down Under. (PGaw, R) 10.05 Blue Water Safari. (PGaw, R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 12.30 PBS Washington Week. 12.55 The Point. (R) 1.00 Motor Racing. Hi-Tec Oils Super Series. Round 4. Day 2. 5.00 Plat Du Tour. 5.10 Going Places. (R) 5.40 Kursk: 10 Days That Shaped Putin.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Colosseum Rise And Fall. (Premiere, Mav)

9.25 Pompeii’s Secret Underworld. (Mav, R)

10.20 Tutankhamun: Secrets

Of The Toxic Tomb. (PG, R)

11.15 Eva Longoria: Searching For Mexico. (PGad, R)

1.35 24 Hours In Emergency. (PGa, R)

3.25 Wuthering Harlots: Pride And Prostitution. (MA15+as, R)

4.20 J Schwanke’s Life In Bloom. (R)

4.50 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 APAC Weekly.

VICELAND (31)

6.00 NBC Today. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 The Morning Show: Weekend. (PG) 11.30 Sunday Footy Feast. 12.30 Behind Behani. (PGal, R) 1.00 To Be Advised. 4.00 Better Homes And Gardens. (R) 5.00 Seven News At 5. 5.30 Sydney Weekender.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 The Voice. (PGl) Hosted by Sonia Kruger.

8.40 7NEWS Spotlight. Presented by Michael Usher.

9.40 24 Hours In Police Custody: Sex And Corruption. (MA15+as, R) A man in Luton reports he is being blackmailed.

10.40 Crime Investigation Australia: Most Infamous. (Mav, R)

12.00 Jamestown. (MA15+av)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R)

4.00 NBC Today.

5.00 Sunrise Early News.

5.30 Sunrise.

7TWO (62)

6.00 Morning Programs. 11.00 NRL Sunday Footy

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 The Block. (PGl)

8.40 60 Minutes. Current affairs program, investigating, analysing and uncovering the issues affecting all Australians.

9.40 9News Late.

10.10 Body In The Suitcase. (Mav) Looks at the murder of Deborah Chong.

11.10 The First 48. (Mal)

12.05 The Gulf. (Madlsv, R)

1.00 Destination WA.

1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa)

4.30 Fishing Australia. (R)

5.00 Today Early News.

5.30 Today.

6.00 10 News+. Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 7.00 Survivor: Australia V The World. (Return, PGa) Fourteen returning contestants head to Samoa. 8.45 Watson. (PGals) Watson treats a sickle cell patient with an unorthodox surgery. The team faces their own dilemma with a young woman. 9.45 FBI. (Mv, R) The team investigates when a federal judge is gunned down execution-style in broad daylight. 10.45 10 News+. (R) Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 12.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mornings.

DRAMA (51)

DRAMA (51)

9GEM

9GEM (82)

ONTHEBOX

MONDAY, August 18

TV (2)

6.00 News. 9.00 News. 10.00 Dr Ann’s Secret Lives. (R) 10.30 Midsomer Murders. (Mav, R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 1.00 Landline. (R) 2.00 Anh’s Brush With Fame. (PG, R) 2.30 Back Roads. (R) 2.55 Grand Designs. (R) 3.45 Grand Designs Transformations. (R) 4.40 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

(3)

6.00 Morning Programs. 10.00 Lady Jane Grey: Murder Of A Child Queen. (PGv, R) 11.10 Rick Steves’ Europe. (R) 12.10 WorldWatch. 2.00 Brendan Gleeson’s Farewell To Hughes. 3.10 Grand Tours Of Scotland’s Rivers. (R) 3.45 The Cook Up. (PG, R) 4.15 Secrets Of The Royal Palaces. (PGa, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.35 Portugal With Michael Portillo. (PG)

8.25 Abandoned Railways From Above. (R)

9.20 Britain’s Most Beautiful Road. (R) 10.15 SBS World News Late.

10.45 Classified. (Malv)

11.35 A Criminal Affair. (Mal, R)

1.15 Blackport. (Mln, R) 2.00 Incredible Homes. (PGn, R) 3.00 Curious Traveller. (R) 3.30 Great Irish Interiors. (PG, R) 4.00 J Schwanke’s Life In Bloom. (R) 4.30 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGa)

7.30 The Voice. (PGal) Hosted by Sonia Kruger. 8.55 The Rookie. (Return, Mav) Nolan and the team welcome two new rookies and hunt for two dangerous inmates with personal vendettas. 9.55 S.W.A.T. (Return, Mv) The team heads to Mexico.

11.00 The Agenda Setters. 12.00 Gone. (MA15+v, R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 The Block. (PGl)

8.45 100% Footy. (M)

9.45 Opal Hunters: Red Dirt Road Trip. (PGl)

10.45 9News Late.

11.15 A Killer Makes A Call. (Mav, R)

12.10 Footy Classified. (Ml)

1.05 Hello SA. (PG)

1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

6am Children’s Programs. 6pm Octonauts. 6.10 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.20 Bluey. 6.30 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Isadora Moon. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Piripenguins. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 7.50 The Inbestigators. 8.05 Dr Ann’s Secret Lives. 8.35 BTN Newsbreak. 8.40 Contraption Masters. 9.25 The Crystal Maze. 10.15 Merlin. 11.00 Late Programs.

TV (2)

6.00 News. 9.00 ABC News Mornings. 10.00 Australian Story. (R) 10.30 Compass. (R) 11.05 Miss Austen. (Final, PG, R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 1.00 Countdown 50 Years On. (PG, R) 2.50 Grand Designs. (R) 3.40 Grand Designs Transformations. (PG, R) 4.45 Long Lost Family. (R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

3.05 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)

6am Children’s Programs. 6.10pm PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.20 Bluey. 6.30 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Isadora Moon. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Piripenguins. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 7.50 The Inbestigators. 8.05 Operation Ouch! 8.35 BTN Newsbreak. 8.40 Deadly 60. 9.10 Expedition With Steve Backshall. 10.00 Merlin. 10.45 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22) ABC FAMILY (22)

TUESDAY, August 19

6.00 Morning Programs. 9.50 Rick Steves’ Europe. (R) 10.50 Looking For Rembrandt. (PGa, R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 The Point. (R) 2.05 Miscarriage And Me. (Mal, R) 3.00 Grand Tours Of Scotland’s Rivers. (PG, R) 3.35 Plat Du Tour. 3.45 The Cook Up. (R) 4.15 Secrets Of The Royal Palaces. (PGa, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R) 6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 Seven’s News At Noon. 1.00 To

6am The Movie

Show. 6.30 The Legend Of Longwood. (2014, PG) 8.25 Bring It On. (2000, PG) 10.15 Emma. (2017, M, Italian) 12.25pm Knight Of Cups. (2015, M) 2.35 Gambit. (2012, PG) 4.10 Mrs Lowry And Son. (2019, PG) 5.50 Remi Nobody’s Boy. (2018, PG, French) 7.50 Two Many Chefs. (2022, M, Spanish) 9.30 Studs. (2006, M) 11.15 Joe Bell. (2020, M) 12.55am Boogie Nights. (1997, MA15+) 3.40 Late Programs.

(3)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Great Continental Railway Journeys. (PG)

8.30 Insight.

9.30 Dateline.

10.00 SBS World News Late.

10.30 Secret World Of Snacks. (R) 11.25 The Shift. (Ma) 1.05 Everything You Love. (Mals, R)

2.05 Curious Traveller. (R)

3.35 Incredible Homes. (R)

4.35 Bamay. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

VICELAND (31) VICELAND (31)

7TWO (62)

6.10 New York Super Airport. 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 Alone. 9.40 Hoarders. 11.20 Pitino: Red Storm Rising. (Final) 12.15am Late Programs. 6am Morning

6am The Movie Show. 6.25 Mrs Lowry And Son. (2019, PG) 8.05 Remi Nobody’s Boy. (2018, PG, French) 10.10 3/19. (2021, M, Italian) 12.20pm Studs. (2006, M) 2.05 The Legend Of Longwood. (2014, PG) 3.55 The Company. (2003, PG) 6.00 Emu Runner. (2018, PG) 7.45 The Fence. (2022, M) 9.30 In Bruges. (2008, MA15+) 11.30 Taking Lives. (2004, MA15+) 1.30am Snowpiercer. (2013, MA15+) 3.50 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 1pm Watersport. Offshore Superboats. 2.00 Motor Racing. Supercars C’ship. Support Races. Carrera

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PG)

7.30 The Voice. (PGl) Hosted by Sonia Kruger. 8.55 Boyzone: Life, Death And Boybands: When All Is Said And Done. (Final, Mal) With fame, loss and reunion, Boyzone faces highs and heartbreak.

10.00 Kylie Vs Bee Gees. (PG, R) 11.00 The Agenda Setters.

12.00 Fairly Legal. (Mav, R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 NBC Today.

5.00 Sunrise Early News.

5.30 Sunrise.

7TWO (62)

DRAMA (51)

DRAMA (51)

9GEM (82)

ONTHEBOX

WEDNESDAY, August 20

6am Children’s Programs. 6.20pm Bluey. 6.30 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Isadora Moon. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Piripenguins. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 7.50 The Inbestigators. 8.05 Operation Ouch! 8.35 BTN Newsbreak. 8.40 Fresh Off The Boat. 9.20 The Mysterious Benedict Society. 10.10 Merlin. 10.55 Late Programs.

2.55 Grand Designs. (PG, R) 3.45 Grand Designs Australia. (R) 4.40 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 Susan Calman’s Grand

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (PG, R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.35 Wonders Of Volcanoes With Dara Ó Briain. (PGa)

8.25 Aerial Australia. (PGaw)

9.20 Smilla’s Sense Of Snow. (M)

10.25 SBS World News Late.

10.55 Estonia. (Ma)

12.30 Das Boot. (MA15+av, R)

2.25 Curious Traveller. (R)

3.25 Incredible Homes. (R)

4.20 J Schwanke’s Life In Bloom. (PG, R)

4.50 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

VICELAND (31)

THURSDAY, August 21

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PG) 7.30 The 1% Club UK. (PG) 8.30 The Front Bar. (Ml) Takes a lighter look at all things AFL. 9.30 Unfiltered. (PGa) Hosted by Hamish McLachlan.

10.00 Armed And Dangerous. (Mav, R) 11.30 Border Security: International. (PGadl, R)

12.00 Imposters. (Madlv, R)

1.00 Travel Oz. (PG, R) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

6.00 NBN News. 7.00 A Current Affair.

(PG, R) 4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)

6am Children’s Programs. 6.20pm Bluey. 6.30 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Isadora Moon. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Piripenguins. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 7.50 The Inbestigators. 8.05 Operation Ouch! 8.35 BTN Newsbreak. 8.40 Secrets Of The Zoo. 9.25 Teenage Boss: Next Level. 9.50

6am The

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6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Great Australian Road Trips. (PG)

8.30 National Parks From Above: Ireland. (Premiere, PGa)

9.25 Snowpiercer. (MA15+v)

10.15 SBS World News Late.

10.45 Dopesick. (Mals, R)

11.50 Desperate Measures. (Malv, R)

1.30 Curious Traveller. (R)

2.30 Incredible Homes. (R)

3.30 Great Irish Interiors. (R)

4.00 J Schwanke’s Life In Bloom. (R)

4.30 Bamay. (R)

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SBS MOVIES (32) SBS MOVIES (32)

Company. Continued. (2003, PG) 7.35 Emu Runner. (2018, PG) 9.25 The Movie Show. 10.00 Two Many Chefs. (2022, M, Spanish) 11.40 Broker. (2022, M, Korean) 2pm Mrs Lowry And Son. (2019, PG) 3.40 Bicycle Thief. (1948, PG, Italian) 5.15 The Way. (2010, PG) 7.30 The Unlikely Pilgrimage Of Harold Fry. (2023, M) 9.30 Calvary. (2014, MA15+) 11.25 Late Programs. 6am Morning Programs. 7.40 The Way. (2010, PG) 10.00 The Fence. (2022, M) 11.45 The Unlikely Pilgrimage Of Harold Fry. (2023, M) 1.40pm Playground. (2021, M, French) 3.00 The Movie Show. 3.35 The Four Musketeers: Revenge Of Milady. (1974, PG) 5.40 Sidonie In Japan. (2023, PG, French) 7.30 Dog Day Afternoon. (1975, M) 9.45 Perrier’s Bounty. (2009, MA15+) 11.20 Late Programs.

5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PG) 8.30 Clarkson’s Who Wants To Be A Millionaire UK. (PG) 9.30 Air Crash Investigations: Firebomber Down. (PGa) 10.30 Soham: Catching A Killer. (Mav, R) 11.30 Kick Ons. 12.00 Life. (Madv, R) 1.00 Travel Oz. (PG, R) 1.30 Harry’s Practice. (R) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

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News Of The Area COFFS COAST

WITH less than a month to go, the C.ex Group Coffs Harbour Running Festival organised by the Rotary Club of Coffs Harbour is on track to smash participation records, with over 1,000 entries already received - a 50 percent increase compared to this time last year.

Organisers are still planning for 2,000 runners to take part on Sunday, 14 September, across a range of distances from 3km to the full marathon.

One of the most exciting additions for 2025 is the expanded course, which now includes the Jetty Foreshores, offering runners stunning views of the Coffs Harbour Jetty, North and South Walls, and the boat ramp precinct.

The new marathon and half marathon courses will

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