Coffs Coast News Of The Area 19 DECEMBER 2025

News Of The Area

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Recap of Council’s December meeting

Pages 22-27

New government workplace hub to house 600 staff

By Andrew VIVIAN THE State Government has announced its new workplace hub will be built on a 1,536-square metre block at 63-65 Albany Street, Coffs Harbour, to complement the existing government-owned site at 11 Gordon Street.

Property and Development NSW (PDNSW) are consolidating 26 existing leases into the Coffs Harbour Workplace Hub, to be delivered within a budget of $62 million, which will accommodate more than 600 staff from six government departments.

Construction of a multi-

q NSW Nationals leader and Coffs Harbour MP Gurmesh Singh, Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper and Minister for Planning Paul Scully on site. Photo: DPE.

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SLAVERY INQUIRY Committee explores modern slavery on the Mid North Coast

By Andrew VIVIAN

THE NSW Parliament's Modern Slavery Committee travelled to Coffs Harbour to

hold its fifth public hearing last week as part of its inquiry into the risks faced by

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temporary migrant workers in rural and regional NSW. The committee heard from service providers who work directly with victim-survivors of modern slavery in the Mid North Coast region, as well as local councils, health and

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REPORTERS

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New government workplace hub to house 600 staff

News Of The Area, team of REPORTERS

FROM Page 1

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level car parking facility for the Gordon Street site is also under consideration by PDNSW, with the potential to accommodate a mix of government fleet and public parking available for use by the Coffs Harbour community.

The Albany Street site will comprise 3,200 m2 of modern office space across three levels, with construction expected to start in late 2026, subject to development approvals.

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said, “This is fantastic news for government employees who call the North

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

Aiden BURGESS aiden@newsofthearea.com.au

Coast home.

“Strong regional hubs help attract and retain talented local workers, supporting thriving regional economies.

“Bringing agencies together under one roof will create modern, efficient workplaces that deliver lasting community benefits.”

Minister for the North Coast Janelle Saffin said, ”Securing this additional site in the heart of Coffs Harbour is a major step forward in strengthening local jobs and services for the community.

“This expansion will allow hundreds of regional staff to work closer to home, supporting families, boosting the local economy, and cementing Coffs Harbour as a

growing regional centre.”

NSW Nationals leader Gurmesh Singh, Member for Coffs Harbour, visited the site last week with Minister Kamper and Paul Scully, Minister for Planning.

“Its exciting to see progress on the new workplace hub on Albany Street,” Mr Singh said.

“Creating secure, permanent, and wellpaying jobs in our CBD is something we should all be proud of.

“Having NSW Government bureaucrats live and work in the regions rather than Sydney allows them to better experience the perspectives of regional people, which will lead to far better outcomes in the long run.”

“This is important planning for the way ahead for our community, and it is underscored by our commitment to maintain a balanced and sustainable financial position.”

Mr Beswick said that adoption of the Resource and Waste Strategy 2025-41 gives the City a clear long-term direction for sustainable waste management, which will embed the principles of a circular economy in its approach to waste minimisation.

Mayor Williams said the emergence of the Wiigulga Sports Complex was another green shoot for the community.

“It’s fantastic to see Wiigulga continuing to gain momentum as a key regional venue."

The colourful report provides summaries and graphics to inform residents, followed by more detailed regulatory and financial information.

Performance in key areas is depicted as either “on track”, “within 20% of target” and “off track”, with respect to Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).

The majority of areas are on track.

Volunteer contributions to the library and YAM, the Botanic Gardens, Jetty Memorial Theatre and C.ex Coffs International Stadium are acknowledged.

The detailed financial information shows that income from residential rates increased by almost six percent and parking fines by 28 percent during the financial year.

The report can be found by searching the City of Coffs Harbour website.

Report paints positive picture

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By Andrew VIVIAN

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THE City of Coffs Harbour has released its annual report, which paints a very positive picture of the city’s performance in the 202425 financial year.

Mayor Nikki Williams said, “From cover to cover, this document details our unwavering commitment to ratepayers.

“The highlights reel for this period includes the opening of the Woolgoolga Whale Trail, the redevelopment of Brelsford Park, the new Nature Discovery Centre at the Botanic Garden, and record nominations for the Yandaarra Aunty Grace Roberts Community Awards.

“It also explores the strong visitation at sport and cultural community facilities.

“That includes the hugely popular Swell Chasers surf exhibition at Yarrila Arts Museum (YAM) and the start of a three-year partnership with rugby to bring elite level entertainment to Coffs.”

The report highlights a range of infrastructure works, from road and bridge renewals through to flood resilience initiatives.

Acting General Manager Andrew Beswick, said the full replacement of the Boambee Creek footbridge, lifeguard tower renewals and the attractive and structurally important revetment wall and boardwalk at Englands Park, Coffs Creek, were notable achievements.

He also cited the milestones of a refresh of the MyCoffs 2035 Community Strategic Plan and the development of a new fouryear Delivery Program.

q The report highlights strong visitor numbers at community facilities. Photo: CoCH.

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SLAVERY INQUIRY FROM Page 1

religious organisations.

The hearing was open to the public and was live streamed on the NSW Parliament's website.

Committee Chair Dr Joe McGirr MP said, “The committee is grateful to local stakeholders for taking the time to share their perspectives on how the issue of modern slavery can be addressed and how support for temporary migrant workers can be strengthened”.

The meeting covered a wide range of issues and heard from people who interact with workers across a range of schemes.

Senior Solicitor for the Workplace Rights Service at Legal Aid NSW, Giles Fryer, told the Committee that the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme operates differently to usual work visas and work generally in Australia, because there is a larger class of deductions that can be taken from pay.

“Under the PALM deed and guidelines, they're really left with not much in their pocket at the end of a full working week,” he said.

“Because of that, and the fact there is a bit of idle time, especially in harvest-based industries like horticulture where there isn't [enough]

Friday, 19 December 2025

work, they're not able sometimes to get their full hours each week.”

James Blaxland, also Senior Solicitor for the Workplace Rights Service at Legal Aid NSW, said, “With almost zero regulation in NSW for labour hire, employers can essentially be a $10 company with no assets.

“We've seen examples of a labour hire company whose registered address is in fact the backpacker hostel, and the Director is overseas.

"Bringing a legal action for recovery of wages or anything against a company like that is fruitless. There's no money; there are no assets.

"It's often difficult to even serve documents on a company like that.”

We all benefit Biba Honnet, Migrant and Settlement Manager, St Vincent de Paul Society NSW, told the Committee, “These workers are doing work that Australians often aren't interested in doing.

“They're providing a service to us. We are all benefiting from that.

“They actually deserve to be welcomed into communities, and that starts with letting service providers know where they are working, where they are based and where they are

accommodated, and allowing us to bring them to welcome events and include them in faith-based activities, if that is their want.

“It's a whole-of community responsibility, and I think that the communities I have known that have included workers in their activities have said nothing but positive things.”

Carla Chung, Migrant Support Worker, Australian Catholic Religious Against Trafficking in Humans, talked about PALM scheme workers who are working on the coast of NSW with whom she has been in touch.

“I visited them last year along the coast. Most of them are living in overcrowded accommodation, sharing [with] a minimum two people to up to six,” she said.

“Previously, there were up to 10 people in one cabin.

"Regardless of how many people are sharing, the amount that they pay for the week is the same if they work for the same approved employer.

“Workers are too scared to speak up about the condition of their accommodation.”

Ms Chung cited two workers who came from the same village in Nauru; one who worked in Western Australia and another who worked on the coast of NSW. “The one who worked in Western Australia lived in a

one-bedroom [unit] with no sharing and with all of the available facilities, paying $125 per week.

“While the one on the coast of NSW was paying $170 per week and sharing with between two or six… people in a cabin.”

Other issues covered included women’s health, with harrowing stories of mothers and newborn babies not being able to afford health care and living in substandard conditions.

Again, workers were scared to come forward or complain for fear of losing their jobs.

Coffs Coast workers Malia Sykes, from the Coffs Coast Multicultural Society, talked about the inadequate accommodation and unfair conditions faced by horticultural workers in the area.

She said, “When they speak up about it, they just never bring them back.

“I know the supervisors and the farmers think that they're doing the right thing by them, but all we see is the unfairness and the expectations.

“When the boys are helping the girls to do some of the work, to work as a team, they get told that they need to be doing their own job.

“But they're trying to do it together as a team so, in that

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way, they all benefit from the work.

“I am trying to help our people without having to complain, but there needs to be some fairness.”

Coco Pereira, also from the Coffs Coast Multicultural Society, told the Committee, “The Tongans wouldn't get up and speak because they'd been threatened, if they complained, that they won't be brought back.

“So they asked us to come along and speak on their behalf.”

She later said, “Can I add, it's not just the workers themselves that are threatened by the employers;

it's their families [and the fear] that they won't be employed and brought back.

“It's not just them, but their family and village. That's a big threat.”

When asked if growers knew the conditions under which their workers were living, Ms Sykes said, “They do; they attend the site.

“They [say] if agencies are the ones that bring them, it's… their responsibility [to] look after the workers.”

Dr McGirr closed the meeting by thanking those who provided information and said the Committee would follow up the issues raised.

q A parliamentary inquiry is underway into the risks faced by temporary workers in regional NSW. Photo: Anti-Slavery Australia.

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Extra support for prawn fishers EXTRA support is being extended to prawn fishers and farmers in the Clarence, Evans and Richmond rivers who have been affected by the detection of white spot in wild prawns.

The state government has announced an additional financial assistance package of $4.5 million.

The package will assist impacted fishers to exit the industry.

Biosecurity control orders have been operating in the Northern Rivers since 2022.

Over the last two years, the Minns Government has invested $21.4 million to

respond to the outbreak, enhancing biosecurity controls and supporting affected prawn fishers with act-of-grace payments, business share buyouts, fee waivers, Crown Land rent waivers and mental health support services.

“With white spot now confirmed as established in wild prawn populations in the affected areas, the NSW Government has developed this funding package to help fishing businesses transition out with financial buybacks, business retraining and other support measures,” Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said.

Prawn fishers in the control zone have restrictions on how they can move uncooked or unprocessed prawns outside the zone, and this has considerable impact on their businesses.

“The NSW Government acknowledges this has been a challenging time for workers and businesses in the industry,” Ms Moriarty said.

“I encourage them to utilise the available mental health and financial counselling.

“Consumers are assured that white spot does not pose a threat to human health or food safety.”

By Miklos BOLZA, AAP

to look for valuables to pay off a drug debt and that he was attacked and grabbed by the 76-year-old after she woke up.

He denied any sexual contact.

But the claims have been rejected after a NSW District Court trial before Judge Michael McHugh.

The judge found Skinner guilty on Wednesday of one count of aggravated sexual intercourse without consent.

Judge McHugh heard that the elderly woman - who has since passed away due to unrelated causes - was seen naked from the waist down and screaming in the facility's hallway after the rape.

She gave several accounts in the hours after, including to her son, his partner and a nurse, that she had been attacked by a masked man in her room.

Her pants, underwear

q Affected prawns found in the Northern Rivers region. Photo: DPI.

Intruder found guilty of raping aged-care resident AN AGED-CARE burglar has been found guilty of sexual assault after a judge rejected a claim the 76-year-old frail victim attacked the intruder.

Hayden Carl Skinner, 31, molested the elderly woman during a burglary at an agedcare facility at Coffs Harbour in the early hours of January 1, 2024.

He testified he had only broken into the dark room

and incontinence pad were found by police next to her bed.

Skinner's DNA was found on her clothing, genitals and under her fingernails, the court heard.

The burglar scaled the fence and entered the resident's room through a sliding door that had been left unlocked after she had gone outside to watch a storm, the judge-alone trial was told.

He claimed she asked him "who the hell" he thought he was after spotting him in the dark and that she had grabbed him, pulling him onto her bed in a bear hug.

He said she had grabbed his genitals and hair, and wrapped her legs around his waist before he finally broke free.

Public defender Peter Pearsall contended that the elderly woman was an unreliable witness who had

shown a "racial attitude".

Skinner will remain behind bars where he has been since his arrest days after the sexual assault.

He will next appear at Coffs Harbour District Court on 2 February when a date for a sentence hearing will be set.

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Recap of Council’s December meeting

By Andrew VIVIAN

The motion and a subsequent amendment were defeated.

Councillors Cecato’s and Fowler’s alternative motion to note progress on the strategy, acknowledge human activity as being a contributor to global warming, but not join the GCoM because of data and reporting requirements, was carried six votes to two, with one abstention.

During the debate, Cr Cassell quoted the National Climate Risk Assessment in saying: “By the end of this century there will no longer be any bushfires because the forest will have all been burned by then.”

He later noted that, “Council dumped an opportunity for independent support to help reduce the City's emission [which] Bellingen Shire and 35 other NSW Councils have adopted.”

CITY of Coffs Harbour Council had another packed agenda for its 11 December meeting, with a number of development applications approved unanimously and other motions contested.

Mayor Nikki Williams also welcomed the new General Manager, Mr Murray Wood, who started in the role last week.

The draft meeting minutes and a video recording of the meeting can be found on the City of Coffs Harbour website.

Climate Adaptation Council’s objective of showing climate leadership was questioned during an update on its Adaptation Strategy.

Councillors Jonathan Cassell and Tony Judge moved that Council note the progress being made on the strategy, while deferring a decision on future membership of the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy (GCoM) pending a workshop and more consideration.

The GCoM is a coalition of city leaders addressing climate change by pledging to cut greenhouse gas emissions and prepare for future impacts.

Homelessness Strategy A motion to amend, then adopt, the City’s Homelessness Strategy and Homelessness Policy from Mayor Williams and Councillor Fowler was carried 6 votes to 3.

The motion also asked Council to advocate to NSW Government and Community Housing Providers to add to

the supply within the Coffs Harbour Local Government Area (LGA), request an update on the Local Area Action Plan for the LGA and inform those who made a submission about the Draft Homelessness Strategy and Draft Homelessness Policy.

Cr Williams emphasised that the State Government should be building more homes, not re-purposing existing housing because that could actually push more people into social housing.

"We have a problem, not just with homelessness, we have a problem with housing right across the scale.”

Mayor Williams added that rental pressures on families, and older women in particular, were putting pressure on social housing.

Cr Judge asked councillors to imagine what it must be like to be homeless.

He said of the strategy, “There are 12 initiatives, but no actions.”

He pointed out that Byron Bay, with a smaller population than Coffs Harbour, has put more than $600,000 towards assisting people experiencing homelessness and that the Tweed Council has an Outreach Officer to assist them.

Cr Fowler talked about

her own experiences of homelessness and commended council staff for their work in developing the strategy.

Cr Cassell suggested that early intervention increases the chances of success and that Council had money to contribute to facilitate the acquisition of government grants.

Mayor Williams indicated that Council would be ready to contribute when firm commitments were made by the Government.

By Andrea FERRARI

was a celebration of warmth and happiness on the first night of Hanukkah.

“The effects of this unimaginable act of terror are being felt deeply by not only the local community but the whole country.”

Members of the Coffs Harbour Branch of the NSWNMA said they are heartbroken by the tragedy.

“Our thoughts are with the victims, their families, and everyone affected by this devastating event,” Coffs Harbour Branch NSWNMA Secretary Amanda Bailey Derrett told News Of The Area

Meeting Practice, a Council Meeting Practice Note and Schedule of Meetings for 2026 and the rules for conducting the public forum.

The motion was carried five votes to four.

Council Codes Crs Amos and Sechi moved that Council note the Code of Conduct Complaints Statistics report for 1 September 2024 through to 31 August 2025.

It was carried unanimously.

Crs Fowler and Oxford moved that Council adopt three documents derived from the draft Code of Meeting Practice.

This was placed on public exhibition between 29 September 2025 and 10 November 2025, but there were no submissions.

Internal consultation determined that the best approach was to divide the document into a Code of

Memorial and Cultural Plan Council also resolved to put the Woolgooga War Memorial in the Woolgoolga Beach Reserve, six votes to three.

A recommendation to endorse the amended Coffs Harbour Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Management Plan was changed to a motion from Crs Cecato and Oxford to arrive at “an appropriate fee structure that is agreed to between the parties by March 2026”.

Cr Cecato indicated that he had received numerous

q Murray Wood, pictured with Mayor Nikki Williams the day his appointment was announced, has started in his role as the new General Manager of City of Coffs Harbour.

Local nurses pay tribute to Bondi colleagues

q Coffs Harbour Branch NSWNMA Secretary, Amanda Bailey Derrett.

IN a statement from the NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association (NSWNMA), members have expressed their deepest sorrow to the entire Jewish community, following the horrific mass shooting at Bondi Beach on Sunday 14 December.

Extending heartfelt condolences to the families and friends who have lost loved ones, and the dozens of victims who remain in hospital, the NSWNMA said, “Our hearts break for the tragic and senseless loss of innocent lives during what

representations about the management plan.

“There was one thing that kept repeating itself … and this was the cost and sometimes the uncertainty,” he said.

In answer to a question from Cr Judge, Cr Cecato said he had not consulted with the local Aboriginal Land Council.

Crs Amos and Judge both said that the motion could undo the good work of Council staff and the Aboriginal organisations with whom they had collaborated.

Cr Cassell pointed out that the work had taken almost six years.

Cr Fowler suggested, successfully, that the original wording to repeal the memorandum of understanding be changed to council staff simply report back if agreement cannot be reached by next March.

The motion was carried five votes to four.

“We pay tribute to our colleagues who responded with courage, professionalism and compassion in the most harrowing of circumstances.

“As nurses and midwives, our work is grounded in care, dignity and respect for all people.

“We stand united against hatred and violence in all its forms and condemn antisemitism.

“Our profession, and the NSWNMA, stand for peace and unity and send our strength and solidarity to all those affected by this horrific attack.”

The NSWNMA stated, “Our thoughts are with all first responders particularly police and paramedics, who displayed extraordinary courage to prevent further loss of life.

“We also recognise the many brave bystanders who ran towards the danger, acting to protect others and render assistance.

“These acts demonstrate the values we celebrate as nurses, midwives and carers; empathy, compassion and care which knows no borders or religion.

“We stand against bigotry and hatred, we condemn antisemitism in all its forms, and we stand for peace and unity.”

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Early start for shark spotting drones

SURF Life Saving drones will be in the air earlier and for longer this summer as the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) steps up shark surveillance.

The NSW Government has allocated an extra $2.5m for shark management following Call today for advert sizes and prices the recent deaths of a female tourist near Crowdy Bay and a local surfer on Sydney’s 0499 532 449 Northern Beaches. alisha@newsofthearea.com.au Through the DPI, Surf Life Saving NSW (SLSNSW) has delivered shark surveillance across the state for nearly a decade. This year, sweeps of 33 beaches were set to start a week early, on 13 December.

Email us the exact wording and we will The Hunter and Mid North Coast beaches email back a proof and price to have earlier drone surveillance are Fingal ads@newsofthearea.com.au Rovers, South West Rocks, Crescent Head, Phone us: Monday - Friday Phone line Open 9am -3pm (02) 4981 8882 Town Beach Port Macquarie, Lighthouse Beach Port Macquarie, Forster, Fingal Beach, Nobbys and Redhead.

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As part of the increased funding, weekend Some include, supermarkets, newsagents, patrols will then continue at all 50 beaches convenience stores, shopping centres, chemists, until 29 March. service stations, real estate agents, many general businesses throughout the area.

SLSNSW CEO Steve Pearce said, “Last Dr Sharon Marinucci summer alone, 50 locations from Tweed to Dr Louise Clement A list is published towards the back of this Bega were covered, with drones completing Closed: newspaper. You can also Open: find the outlets by Dr Nguyen Dr Mindie Sharon Marinucci Opening Hours 25th18,027 flights over 4897 flying hours. going to www.newsofthearea.com.au 24th - until 4pm Dr John Wills Louise “DuringDr that time,Clement 815 sharks were sighted 29th 26th Dr Oleg Pushkarev Open:- 9-12 Closed: Drbull Mindie Nguyen including 41 sharks, 45 white sharks and 31st 9-12 28th Dr Margaret Kleinig 24th - until 4pm 25th729 unknown Dr John Wills sharks.

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q Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW Tara Moriarty and SLSNSW CEO Steve Pearce, launched the expanded drone program in Sydney. Photo: SLSNSW.

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shark safety tips.

The SharkSmart van and the trailer will both travel up and down the coast and do popup sessions at beaches to deliver information and support to beachgoers.

To spread the word on safety even further, QR-coded ‘SharkSmart’ posters will be installed at beaches in every coastal LGA. There will also be further modifications and improvements to the popular SharkSmart app to further enhance its useability and information for beach goers.

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plus other counter-measures including beach sirens, drone sirens, and tasking Inflatable Rescue Boats (IRBs) and jet skis.”

More than 100 Australian Unarmed Aerial Vehicle pilots (UAVs) will operate the drones.

“Our incredibly talented and highly skilled team is well-placed to deliver a greater scope of service for this summer,” said AUAVS Manager James Bassam.

“To pull together a comprehensive rollout of drone patrols earlier than scheduled, all while pushing boundaries with new innovations and projects, is why Surf Life Saving NSW leads the way in this space.”

Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW Tara Moriarty, said drones have proven to be an effective eye in the sky when it comes to early shark detection and warning beach users.

“This enhancement package is another important step forward in using and expanding their potential along our coastline,” she said.

“A better awareness of sharks and their behaviour can help us all enjoy the beach and reduce the risk of shark interactions.”

As previously reported by News Of The Area, shark bite trauma kits will also be installed on 67 SLSNSW Emergency Response Beacons, in mainly high-risk unpatrolled locations along the coastline.

The kits contain tourniquets, compression bandages and other first aid supplies to treat serious bite injuries, and were the inspiration of Danny Schouten, whose mate Kai McKenzie was attacked by a shark while surfing off Port Macquarie’s North Shore in 2024.

The new funding will also see an extensive community awareness and SharkSmart education program across social media and at coastal communities this summer to promote

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Happy Christmas!

Thursday week is the day to celebrate the birth of Jesus.

So here are some of the truths he shared with his friends…..

“I and my Father are One”, “The Father is in me and I in him”.

“I seek not my own will but the will of the Father who sent me”.

“He that believes me, the works that I do, he shall do also – and greater works than these he will do”.

These are the teachings of a very great Humanist.

This man was born in a very human way; lived in a typical way and died in a typical way for his time and place, too.

Science is starting to prove his statements to be absolutely Correct: All is, ultimately One. A life-force that exceeds a single life exists within all of us.

Our deepest desire is always to be more: more love, more peace, more joy, more help, more harmony, more at one…..

He also said that we could do the same as he did....

In other words he truly believed and trusted in us!

Are we able (and willing) to convert that trust into action?

To help heal the sick? To support the poor?

To accept the outcast? To reject greed?

To function from the reality that “I and my Father are one”?

These are not trivial questions: society swings on our answers!

In effect, are we willing to embrace the ‘messiah’ within each of us? For that is what his life and death surely asks of us.

Not a sacrifice – but an affirmation: We are all aspects of the Divine and our birth, like his, is a chance to re-affirm the preciousness of life.

Truly, we are each born as a Messenger of God. Yes, each of us. Yes, that means you.

None of us came here to just be observers……

A very peace-filled, joy-full, kind and caring Christmas to you.

May the Messiah in each of us be born anew this Christ mass!

Happy Christmas!

Toormina Community Centre 171 Toormina Road, Toormina.

Every Fortnight (starts 4th January) Sundays 8.30-10am Absent Healing, Help and Info: 0414 524 601

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Staff praised as MNC hospitals deliver strong results PUBLIC hospitals across the Mid North Coast are providing high-quality care despite high demand in emergency departments, according to the latest Bureau of Health Information statistics.

The quarterly report is based on the period between July - September 2025.

Mid North Coast Local Health District (MNCLHD) Chief Executive Jill Wong praised staff for their commitment and dedication, despite the challenging winter quarter.

“These reports are so valuable, showing where we are performing well as a local health district, and where we can improve.”

During the quarter, there were 37,764 attendances to emergency departments (EDs) across the district, an increase of 4.2 percent (1521) compared with the same quarter in 2024.

Of these, 4891 were triage category 2 cases (emergency), an increase of 7.8 percent (353 presentations).

Triage category 3 (urgent) patients also rose to 14,221, an increase of 10.6 percent (1362 presentations).

Despite the rise in demand, the majority of ED patients (64%) began treatment on time, which is in line with the state result of

64.2 percent.

More than eight in 10 patients (83.6%) who arrived by ambulance were transferred to ED staff within the 30-minute benchmark, which was better than the state result (75.7%).

Additionally, more than seven in 10 patients (75.1%) who were treated and discharged from the ED, left within four hours of arrival, which is also better than the state result (63.2%).

During the third quarter of 2025, 3202 planned surgeries were performed across the district, a 17.4 percent (474) increase.

More than eight in 10 planned surgeries (86.1%) were performed on time, and all urgent surgeries were completed on time.

Coffs Harbour Health Campus During the quarter, Coffs Harbour Health Campus had 12,011 ED attendances, an increase of 3.8 percent (441 attendances) compared to the same quarter last year. More than seven in 10 patients (76.2%) who arrived by ambulance were transferred to ED staff within the 30-minute benchmark time, which is better than the state result for hospitals of a similar size (71.9%t).

The hospital performed 1094 elective surgeries, a 23.6 percent (209) increase.

All urgent surgeries were completed on time. Across all urgency categories, more than eight in 10 planned surgeries (80.6%) were performed on time.

Kempsey District Hospital Throughout the third quarter of 2025, Kempsey District Hospital had 6705 ED attendances with more than seven in 10 patients (72%) beginning their treatment on time. Almost all (96.7%) who arrived by ambulance were transferred from ambulance paramedics to ED staff within the 30-minute benchmark.

The majority of patients (80.3%) able to be treated and discharged from the ED, left within four hours.

The hospital performed 405 planned surgeries, with almost all (99.3%) completed on time, an improvement of 3.2 percentage points.

All urgent surgeries were completed on time.

Macksville District Hospital Macksville had 3580 ED attendances, an increase of 3.1 percent (109) compared to the same quarter in 2024. Almost nine in 10

patients (87.9%) began their treatment on time.

Almost all patients (95.9%) who arrived by ambulance were transferred to ED staff within 30-minutes.

The hospital performed 366 planned surgeries, a 29.3 percent (83) increase.

More than eight in 10 (84.2%) planned surgeries were completed on time, a substantial improvement of 41.4 percentage points compared with the same quarter in 2024.

Port Macquarie Base Hospital PMBH had 13,478 ED attendances, up 5.5 percent or 698 attendances, compared to the same quarter last year.

The majority of patients (61%) began their treatment on time.

More than eight in 10 patients (83.7%) were transferred from ambulance to ED staff within 30-minutes.

Of patients able to be treated and discharged from the ED, more than eight in 10 patients (80.9%) left within four hours.

The hospital performed 1034 planned surgeries, a 20.4 percent (175) increase compared to the same quarter last year. More than eight in 10 (84.3&) planned surgeries were completed

q The number of emergency and urgent care patients is the highest since reporting began. on time, including all (100%) urgent surgeries.

Working harder NSW Nurses and Midwives Association General Secretary Shaye Candish, said the data demonstrates nurses and midwives are working increasingly harder with limited resources.

“Triage one, two and three presentations in [all] EDs have increased considerably this quarter, highlighting the rise in patient acuity our members experience on a daily basis,” he said.

As our EDs get busier, staffing ratios will be crucial to keep both staff and patients safe and to ensure quality care can be provided.”

NSWNMA Assistant General Secretary Michael Whaites, said more investment in public healthcare was desperately

needed.

“The BHI data shows there are still almost 95,000 patients on the elective surgery waitlist.

“In order to bring these down permanently, we must see the federal government contribute more funding to the states - they can’t do it alone.”

If an illness or injury is not serious or life-threatening, the community is encouraged to call Healthdirect on 1800 022 222 for 24-hour advice.

Patients who feel their condition has deteriorated while awaiting surgery are encouraged to contact their treating doctor who can upgrade their urgency category if appropriate.

BHI quarterly reports include information based on patient surveys and can be found at bhi.nsw.gov.au/ BHI_reports/healthcare_ quarterly/Jul-Sep2025.

NSW Reconstruction Authority

Housing repair support for flood-impacted residents in the NSW Mid North Coast and Hunter Were you affected by the May floods?

More households are now eligible for the Home Repair Grant —with expanded income thresholds and extra time to apply.

Grants up to $25,000 are now available to help repair your home.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to get back on your feet.

Check your eligibility and apply today at nsw.gov.au/hrg

Friday, 19 December 2025

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LT0889

Applications close 2 February 2026 COFFS COAST NEWS OF THE AREA

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High tourism hopes for new Jetty drawcard

By Mike HELY

A NEW tourist attraction has opened its doors at the Coffs Harbour Jetty just in time for the Christmas holiday period, with hopes high that it will help kickstart local tourism.

Mie Mie’s, a 140-seat “Asian fusion” restaurant with conference facilities, is set on the upper level of the waterfront Jetty Foreshores Community Building, a space that had been empty

since its completion in 2022.

Downstairs, the building is home to Coffs Harbour’s TS Vendetta naval cadets.

After negotiating a fourby-five-year lease with City of Coffs Harbour in mid2025, local restaurateur Marcus Blackwell took on the task of turning his vision for the prime site into an architecturally designed reality.

“We’ve put our heart and soul into this,” Mr Blackwell said.

q Mie Mie’s head chef Sam Johnson and owner Marcus Blackwell celebrate the opening of the new Coffs Harbour Jetty Foreshores drawcard.

“We walked in here and the gents’, ladies’ and disabled toilets were done, but everything else we’ve had to do.

“From day one we loved the architecture of the building.

“We’ve come in and given it something extra and we think it will really benefit the Coffs Coast going forward.

“People go on about Byron Bay, but Coffs Harbour is right up there with the great beach destinations on the east coast of Australia.

“When you sit here in the evenings and listen to

the waves crashing on the beach, it’s just magical.”

In a moving Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony, Gumbaynggirr man Ben Ferguson spoke of the significance of the Jetty Foreshores, both spiritually and as a source of food.

“Local heritage is incredibly important,” Mr Blackwell said.

“Ben Ferguson is a fantastic guy and told us the stories of his people and what this area means to them.

“I think it’s very important that we know that and acknowledge it.”

q Mie Mie’s owner Marcus Blackwell with City of Coffs Harbour Mayor Nikki Williams. Photo: Lu.

q Gumbaynggirr man Ben Ferguson conducts a smoking ceremony at the new Mie Mie’s restaurant. Photo: Lu.

The festive season isn’t always easy, and that’s okay

Whether you’ve had a tough year or endured some recent setbacks, it’s okay to pause and reach out for support.

Looking after your mental health and wellbeing doesn’t mean making big changes. Often, it can start with something simple like checking in with yourself, or someone you care about.

For more information to support your mental health and wellbeing, visit www.health.nsw.gov.au/support or call the Mental Health line on 1800 011 511.

8 COFFS COAST NEWS OF THE AREA

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Ashton Angus wins Nambucca Heads Lions Youth of the Year

By Mick BIRTLES

ASHTON Angus, a Year 11 student at Coffs Harbour Senior College, has been named the winner of the Nambucca Heads Lions Youth of the Year competition.

The competition is designed to foster leadership, community contribution, and public speaking skills in high school students.

Ashton’s success followed a rigorous judging process, beginning with a formal

interview conducted by a panel of four experienced community members.

The interview was followed by a public speaking evening at the Lions Club Dinner, where Ashton impressed with articulate and thoughtful responses to two impromptu questions, as well as a compelling five-minute speech on the influence of social media.

Nambucca Lions Youth Chairman Peter O’Neill extended his gratitude to the

panel of judges - Bob Carline, Phillip Argue, Adele McCollom and Bernadette Hayes - for their role in supporting youth development and recognising excellence in young Australians.

He also praised Ashton for his outstanding performance and commitment.

Ashton will now progress to the next stage of the Lions Youth of the Year program in March, where he will represent Nambucca Heads against other winners from

awarded first place at the NSW Tourism Awards in the Hosted Accommodation category.

This recognition highlights the business’ focus on delivering a highquality, personalised

surrounding regions.

With a proud history spanning over 50 years, the Lions Youth of the Year program continues to highlight the next generation of leading citizens by celebrating achievement across academic, sporting, cultural, and community spheres.

Lions Australia recognises the importance of developing interview techniques, personal interaction, and confidence in public speaking as essential tools for future success, and Ashton Angus is an excellent example of the program’s mission in action.

q Ashton Angus receiving his certificates for overall Winner and Public Speaking from judges Phillip Argue and Bernadette Hayes. Photo: supplied.

Bello’s The Belfry at the top

By Andrea FERRARI BELLINGEN’S Guesthouse has

Belfry been

“Set in a restored heritage building, we combine historic character with modern comfort, warm guest experience and its Accommodation category hosting and thoughtful local contribution to Bellingen’s recognises excellence guidance. visitor economy. in guest experience and “We encourage guests “As a small, locally run satisfaction, authentic sense to connect with the town’s business supported by a of place and local connection, food, arts, community and team of four local staff, quality accommodation, surrounding nature, creating the award is a Sunday wonderful service and st 1 & Monday 2ndsustainability, February 2026a relaxed and memorable acknowledgement of the and strong business practices stay that reflects the spirit of care and consistency that and regional contribution. the region.” goes into every stay,” owner “Our submission While Simon and the of The Belfry Guesthouse demonstrated how The team were unable to attend Rowan Simon told News Of Belfry Guesthouse offers the state finals, they will be The Area. a genuine Bellingen heading to Perth in March for The Hosted experience. the national awards.

GATSBY

with Port Bus to the Sydney Opera House

You’re invited to the party of the summer!

The party of the summer returns following a sell-out season in 2023. Don't miss your chance to be on the guest list at the hottest club in town.

Step into a dazzling world where the glitz of the 1920s collides with the energy of the 2020s in a bold reimagining of F Scott Fitzgerald’s novel The Great Gatsby. Prepare for a thrilling night of cabaret, variety and live music.

The Green Light is the city’s most sought-after nightspot, owned by the enigmatic Gatsby himself. Sip on a drink with a twist as you’re swept into a world of high-flying aerial feats, soaring vocals, hypnotic choreography and glittering costumes.

GATSBY is an innovative creation by the masterminds behind the acclaimed L’Hotel. After our previous sold-out season, don't miss your chance to be on the guest list this time.

There are two ways to experience the party. Choose a VIP st st canapé platter and nd cabaret table and enjoy a 1920s-inspired nd 1 side & Monday cocktail served by theSunday cast, with table drink service2 February 2026 throughout: an up-close invitation to mix and mingle with the club’s most intriguing characters.

Or opt for floor or mezzanine seating, where you can sit back and take in the full spectacle. While those tickets don’t include food or beverages, you’re welcome to bring in drinks purchased from the venue bars.

Dress to dazzle your host as Gatsby returns to reclaim the night. Step into the Green Light this summer where the champagne flows and whispers of the past still dance in the air.

GATSBY

GATSBY with with PortPort Bus to the Sydney Opera House Bus to the Sydney Opera House Sunday 1 & Monday 2 February 2026

q The Belfry Guesthouse owner Rowan Simon.

Itinerary: Itinerary:

You’re invited Day to the party of the summer!

Day1:1: Pickups commence by 07:30 from Sancrox,

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commence by 07:30 from Sancrox, Port miss Coach The party of the summer returnsPickups following a sell-out season inKew. 2023.

Don't Port Coach Terminal and Morning teayour @ chance Terminal and Kew. Morning tea @ Buladelah (supplied to be on the guest list at the hottest club in town.

Buladelah (supplied

by Port Bus). Lunch n Shop Step into a dazzling world wherebythe glitz of Lunch the 1920s collides the energy of the 2020s Port Bus). n Shop stop atwith Westfield Tuggerah. stop at Westfield Tuggerah.

Checking in to the in a bold reimagining of F Scott Checking Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby.

Prepare for a thrilling in tonovel the Great Southern Hotel around 15:15.

Great Hotel around 15:15. An night of cabaret, variety and liveAn music. earlySouthern dinner at 16:30 in the Great Southern Barearly dinner The Green Light the at city’s most at 16:30 indeparting theisGreat Southern Bar onsite before onsite before 17:30 for asought-after showtime of nightspot, owned by the enigmatic Gatsby himself. Sip on a drink with a 19:00. departing at 17:30 for a showtime of 19:00. twist as you’re swept into a world of high-flying aerial feats, soaring vocals, hypnotic choreography and glittering Day 2: A hot plated breakfast to start our day. costumes.

Departing around 09:00. Lunch stopis@ GATSBY anHeatherbrae, innovative creation by the masterminds behind theCentre acclaimed After our previous sold-out season, comfort stop at Taree Service andL’Hotel. then drop don't miss your chance to be on the guest list this time. offs commencing around 14:40. Back in the depot There are two ways to experience the party. Choose a VIP around 16:00. cabaret table and enjoy a 1920s-inspired canapé platter and cocktail served by the cast, with table side drink service throughout: an up-close invitation to mix and mingle with the Inclusions: club’s most intriguing Air-conditioned coachcharacters. transport, Port Bus welcome pack, daily H2O, 1 x Morning Tea Or opt for floor or mezzanine seating, where you can sit back (supplied by port stop While @ Westfield Tuggerah, and take in the fullBus), spectacle. those tickets don’t 1 x dinner, 1 x chosen show ticket + fees, 1 x food nightoraccommodation Great Southern Hotel, 1 xpurchased hot plated breakfast, include beverages, you’re@welcome to bring in drinks from the venue bars.

Dress to dazzle your host as Gatsby returns to reclaim the night. Step into the Green Light this summer where the champagne flows and whispers of the past still dance in the air.

VIP: $660 pp twin share | $716 pp single A Itinerary: $596 pp twin share | $703 pp single B Reserve: Day 1: Pickups commence by 07:30 Sancrox, Port Coach Reserve: $569 pp twin share | from $676 single Terminal and Kew. Morning tea @ Buladelah (supplied

by Port Bus). Lunch n Shop stop at Westfield Tuggerah.

Checking in to the Great Southern Hotel around 15:15.

02 6583 3330 https://www.portbus.com.au An early dinner at 16:30 in the Great Southern Bar onsite before https://events.humanitix.com/gatsby-26 departing at 17:30 for a showtime of admin@portbus.com.au 19:00.

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Christmas light display gets a new home in Boambee

By Mary KEILY

THREE generations of Leske family members are raising money for Coffs Harbour’s soup kitchen by holding a Christmas light display at 34 Deans Road, Boambee until 31 December.

The annual Leske tradition started in South Australia, when Bruce Leske joined the neighbours in

putting up lights.

Enjoying the festive spirit, he and his wife Marilyn began handing out candy canes and utilising the displays to raise money for charity.

They moved to Corriedale Street, Coffs Harbour in 2015, bringing the display and tradition with them.

Bruce, now residing in Bonville, handed over the reins to his daughter Joanne

this year.

She has since spruced up her front yard with her dad’s vintage Christmas decorations and her own ornaments and lights, including reindeers perched on the roof pulling Santa’s sleigh.

This year the display includes a fundraising stall selling kid’s lucky dips, novelty items and hats.

“We pay for them and sell them to make money for the local soup kitchen,” said

q The display is open until 31 December. Photo: Mary Keily.

q Harrison, Joanne and Bruce Leske are continuing the Christmas light tradition. Photo: Mary Keily.

Joanne.

“We really appreciate donations and reduced items.

“For example, Kmart at Toormina has been very generous.”

Bruce’s decorations come from as far as Western Australia and he cites the nativity scene as his favourite.

“The originals were stolen and the pieces were replaced – with an extra sheep,” he told NOTA. Joanne points to the new inflatable surfing Santa as a

highlight of the display.

“He’s so Aussie – wearing his Hawaiian shirt, thongs, sunnies, surfboard.

“It’s very Coffs!”

Her son, Harrison, loves the Christmas Grogu from Star Wars, given to him by his older brother, who insists he hates this time of year.

“But the ones who say they hate Christmas have been up on the roof helping us put up the lights,” quipped Joanne with a grin.

Bruce said the soup

kitchen was a very deserving recipient of the funds raised.

“To me, the soup kitchen epitomises what Christmas is all about; serving others, looking after the downtrodden and the underprivileged,” said Bruce.

“Jesus came for those who were lost, he didn’t come for the rich and the well off.

“He associated with the outcasts of society.

“That’s why we are donating to them.”

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Friday, 19 December 2025

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Arts and technology students among state’s finest

By Andrew VIVIAN COFFS Harbour Senior College (CHSC) is celebrating an extraordinary year of HSC achievements, with a record number of students nominated for prestigious showcase events.

These are recognised as the highest honour for creative and technological major works across Visual Arts, Dance, Drama, Music and Industrial Technology.

The achievement comes on the back of outstanding 2024 HSC results, with CHSC ranked as the top regional non-selective school in NSW. Four CHSC students were nominated for ARTEXPRESS, the exhibition that showcases

q

the finest Visual Arts Bodies of Work in NSW. Zoe McDonald’s hyperrealistic Prismacolor drawings, titled “The Disjunction of Collective Properties”, explore the duality between women’s private and public identities through the symbolic contents of handbags.

Her work will be exhibited at the Art Gallery of NSW, the Glasshouse Port Macquarie and the Western Plains Cultural Centre in Dubbo.

Delenn Croaker’s graphite series, “Drawn to the Shore”, reflects on the ocean as a place of peace and belonging shared with friends and family and will be displayed at ARTEXPRESS 2026

Zoe McDonald’s work. Photo: CHSC.

q Wayan Dwinada’s project. Photo: CHSC.

q Marijka Richter dancing. Photo: CHSC.

exhibitions in Bondi and the Glasshouse Port Macquarie.

Fellow nominees Edyn McDonald and Kiah Partington were also recognised for their outstanding bodies of work.

Zoe said that being selected for ARTEXPRESS was the achievement she had been working toward all year.

“It is such an exciting opportunity to have my work displayed in multiple galleries and to meet people within the industry,” she said.

In dance, Marijka Richter achieved the rare distinction of receiving two Callback nominations for both her Major Study Performance and her Core Performance.

"My Performance was

inspired by the ongoing struggle of homelessness, and the idea that something as simple as a bench can become a symbol of safety and refuge,” she said.

CHSC Drama students also saw outstanding success, with both Shanaya Pitt and Hannah Zahra earning nominations for OnStage, the showcase of exemplary HSC Drama performances.

Hannah’s deeply personal monologue drew on her experiences as a deaf student and combined Auslan signing, voiceover and emotive storytelling that left audiences in tears.

She has been selected to perform at the OnStage showcase at the Sydney

Seymour Centre in February 2026.

Shanaya impressed markers with a high-energy performance requiring rapid character transitions, impeccable timing and strong comedic skill.

Music student Hamish Moore was nominated for ENCORE for his exceptional Musicology Viva Voce.

His rigorous analysis involved critical listening, detailed research and a sophisticated conceptual understanding of contemporary music practices.

Hamish will present his work at the ENCORE concert at the Sydney Opera House in March 2026.

CHSC’s strength in Industrial Technology was highlighted by eight nominations for SHAPE, the

q Hamish Moore performing. Photo: CHSC.

exhibition that recognises NSW’s top HSC projects in Multimedia and Timber.

Among these students, Wayan Dwinada’s timber project was selected for display at the SHAPE exhibition at the University of Technology Sydney.

Fellow nominees include Isis Martin in Multimedia, and Ethan Edwards, Zyah Jones, Mitchell Newton and Falcon Plant in Timber.

All students praised their teachers for their guidance and support.

Principal Samantha Hutton said, “I am incredibly proud of these achievements, both for our students who have pursued their passions to the highest level and for their teachers whose skill and support have created an environment where creativity can thrive.

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Eisteddfod scholarships awarded

By Andrea FERRARI

TWELVE talented students from Coffs Harbour & District Eisteddfod have been awarded scholarships in Round Two of the 2025 program.

“We were grateful to all the students who took the time to submit their applications and only wish we could offer support to every applicant,” President

Debbie Waters told News Of The Area.

“We are proud to have students from Dance, Drama, and Instrumental disciplines represented in this round.

“Thanks to the generous ongoing commitment from RJK Optometry, our Major Sponsor again for 2026, and our 2025 supporters, we were able to award scholarships totalling $5800.”

Certificates were

presented to the scholarship recipients at RJK Optometry, where Michael Jones was present for a photo opportunity and to personally congratulate the students.

Both students and parents expressed their appreciation for the financial assistance, which will support upcoming Performing Arts training and participation costs.

Debbie Waters and the

q Isaac Hein (Instrumental), Isla Taylor (Dance), Charlotte Duffy, Jennifer Lindsay (Instrumental), Major sponsor RJK Optometry Michael Jones, Anise Gosbee (Instrumental), Zahra Cawley and Hunter Metcalf (Dance), Ebony Davies (Dance and Musical Theatre). Front row: Tiger-Lilly Jacob and Cerys Halligan (Dance).

12 COFFS COAST NEWS OF THE AREA

Committee thank all the students’ teachers for their ongoing support to their students, and of the Coffs Harbour Eisteddfod.

Entries for the 2026 Eisteddfod events will open on 1 January, with full details available on the website coffseisteddfod.org.au.

Community members interested in volunteering or supporting the event through sponsorship are encouraged to visit the website or contact the committee via info@ coffseisteddfod.org.au.

“We are still needing coordinators for our Vocal

and Drama disciplines for 2026. If anyone would like more information, please reach out.”

The Coffs Harbour and District Eisteddfod continues to champion young performers across the region, offering opportunities, development pathways, and financial support to help them achieve their artistic goals.

q Drama students Daniel Hellier and Luca McLean and Coffs Harbour and District Eisteddfod Vice President Louse Ray.

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Eastern Dorrigo celebrates Christmas

By Andrea FERRARI

THE Eastern Dorrigo Hall Committee hosted the annual Mountain Christmas Carols at the Ulong Community Hall, on Saturday 13 December, creating a heartwarming celebration.

“The hall was beautifully adorned with Christmas decorations, setting the stage for an evening of festive cheer,” committee spokesperson Katie Sibio told News Of The Area. q

The event featured a performance led by Vin Sibio from ONE26Bends band, accompanied by other local mountain musicians, playing Christmas carols.

Children of all ages joined in the fun, dancing and enjoying the music throughout the night.

A complimentary sausage sizzle added to the festivities, and the highlight of the evening was a special visit from Santa, Mrs Sibio said.

“Each child had the

q ONE26Bends at the Mountain Christmas Carols.

Conaghan for their generous donations, which helped make the event possible.

“Gratitude also goes to Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh and City of Coffs Harbour’s new General Manager, Murray Wood, who

The children of Eastern Dorrigo.

q Father Christmas with Steve and Carol Cleary, Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh, City of Coffs Harbour Mayor Nikki Williams and Katie Sibio. opportunity to visit Santa’s workshop and choose a gift, making the night even more memorable.

“The Carols were a huge success, with a joyous atmosphere and plenty of smiling faces, truly a

attended, dressed up, danced and supported our event.

“The Mountain Christmas Carols event was the perfect way to cap off the year, bringing the community together for a festive, funfilled evening." q Enjoying the free sausage sizzle.

'Christmas hug' for the community after a tough year for many on the mountain.”

Special thanks were given to City of Coffs Harbour Mayor Nikki Williams who attended the party, and Federal Member for Cowper Pat

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Generous donation supports Coffs families at Christmas

q David Tarrant, Phil Hartmann, Andrew Macleod, Colleen Cunningham and Leon Walsh.

Statewide koala survey THE NSW Government has completed its first comprehensive statewide koala survey.

It says it provides the most accurate picture to date of where koalas live and how populations are distributed across the state.

Using new tools such as heat-detecting drones and acoustic recorders, scientists surveyed more than 1,000 locations across national parks, state forests and private land.

The government says the updated estimate of 274,000

koalas reflects “improved technology and more extensive survey work”.

Previous estimates of NSW’s koala populations were conducted through more traditional survey methods such as visual sightings and scat analysis.

The NSW population estimate is in line with the recently released National Koala Monitoring Program, led by the Australian Government in partnership with the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation

E FRE LT SU ON

Dan Backhouse Dental Prosthetist

tool to guide conservation decisions.

“The Minns Labor Government has a strong record on koala conservation, and this survey shows we have been making the right decisions to ensure their survival.”

(CSIRO).

Minister for Climate Change and the Environment Penny Sharpe said, “This survey gives us a clearer understanding of where koalas remain in NSW. “It is an important

O government T H E Wsays OR D estimate of 274,000 qTThe theLupdated koalas reflects ‘improved technology and more extensive survey work’. Photo: Koala Conservation Australia.

R

OU

H FFS & O C GA UN R U

“If we can help take some pressure off parents and bring a few extra smiles on Christmas morning, then it’s absolutely worth doing.”

With the cost of living continuing to rise, Christmas can feel especially heavy for those already under pressure.

That’s where the quiet heroes at Vinnies step in.

Leon Walsh from St Vincent de Paul Society in Coffs Harbour said, “Many families are struggling just to cover the basics, and Christmas only adds to that stress.

“The generosity of local businesses like Macleods makes a genuine difference.

“These gift cards will bring real relief and real joy to families who need it most.”

JOY JOY

C

B AR

ANDREW MacLeod and the team at Macleods Furniture, Beds R Us and La-Z-Boy have donated $5,000 in gift cards to the St Vincent de Paul Society.

These cards will find their way into Christmas hampers delivered to families across Coffs Harbour, Woolgoolga, Sawtell, and Grafton, helping ensure that Santa doesn’t skip any houses this year.

Andrew’s connection to this cause runs deeper than a once-a-year gesture.

“Several years ago, I saw firsthand how hard local Vinnies members work to create Christmas hampers for families doing it tough,” Andrew said.

“Christmas should be a special time for kids.

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New year brings a new church A NEW kind of church service is coming to Toormina in 2026.

Called “The Community Of The Heart”, it offers meditation, spiritual healing, songs, mantra and teachings drawn from many of the world’s major religions

and spiritual teachers, such as Jesus, Buddha, Bishop Spong, Yogananda, Madame Blavatsky, Nanak, Osho, Baha’u’llah and Sai Baba.

The service will be held every second Sunday from 8:30am at the Toormina Community centre.

By Andrea FERRARI

appeal to everyone,” said Linda Ravlich, who in her volunteer role assists artists in the lead-up to their exhibitions.

“Each new exhibition brings a smile to my face, seeing what can be achieved when a group of volunteers willingly give of their time and energy to help bring something together for our

Founder Les Dyer has over 40 years’ experience running churches in Sydney and Brisbane.

“We don’t wish to intrude upon any existing congregations,” said Les. “We’re not the enemy.

“We’re simply offering

an alternative connection for those people who seek healing and spiritual commitment but don’t feel happy with their existing options.”

The first service will be held on Sunday, 4 January from 8.30am at the Toormina Community Centre.

COFFS COAST News Of The Area

q Founder Les Dyer has over 40 years’ experience running churches in Sydney and Brisbane.

Nexus Gallery opens summer show THE Nexus Community Gallery Members’ Summer Exhibition will be on display until 15 January, 2026.

Featuring over 80 works, the show is a smorgasbord of delights for art lovers.

“Covering all manner of styles and mediums there is sure to be something of

regional artists and the greater community.”

The Nexus Community Gallery exists thanks to the volunteers who put up their hand to help keep it running.

“Although I am still working, I also volunteer at Nexus because it is too important a resource in the community to see its doors closed because of lack of help.

q Volunteer Noella Chelman standing below her work, Morning Harmony.

q Volunteer Robyn Lawrence with one of her Summer Show works, Outback Trio.

q Volunteer John Biggart with his Summer Show work, Still Life.

“As superhuman as our volunteer team may appear to be, we are not immune to life’s unexpected events.

“It would be such a relief to know we had more volunteers we could call on – even if just on a temporary basis – to help out whenever any of our regulars may need some time out.”

A regular three-hour shift

once every four weeks on the gallery desk is a huge help to the core team of volunteers, she said.

For Ms Ravlich taking on a volunteer role at Nexus has been life changing.

“It is like being part of a huge, welcoming extended family.

“Whether an artist or non-artist – all are welcome

to volunteer.”

If you are interested in volunteering at Nexus or in exhibiting, the contacts are: Gallery Roster Coordinator, Helen on 0402 376 449; Gallery Manager, Lynn on 0432 116 653 (for other volunteer enquiries); or Artist Liaison Officer, Linda on 0438 297 898 (for exhibition enquiries).

THE ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE OF THE COAST

Celebrating 100 Years

q Volunteer Dubravka Sabljak with her ceramic piece, Elegance, and her watercolour above, Come What May.

q Volunteer Ross Thompson sharing his photographic works with a visitor.

The Saraton Theatre will be celebrating its 100th Birthday on Friday 2 January 2026 at 2pm.

Join us for a brief reflection on our remarkable journey, followed by a special musical performance from Rat Pack Reloaded, featuring timeless classics from Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr. and Dean Martin.

SAWTELL GOLF CLUB PH: 6653 1006

Back in February next year

Bayldon Road Sawtell

admin@sawtellgolf.com.au

www.sawtellgolf.com.au

wishing all our members and visitors a Merry

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Saraton Theatre: 99 Prince Steet Grafton NSW. Phone: 02 6642 1633 COFFS COAST NEWS OF THE AREA

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COFFS COAST News Of The Area

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Red Cross trivia raises funds for FoodFix

By Andrea FERRARI

RED Cross Coffs Harbour’s recent Trivia Morning raised over $800 in support

of FoodFix, a local charity for people experiencing homelessness.

Held at The Shoreline, there were around 50

community members making up seven teams.

The morning was organised and hosted by Brooke Bottrell, marking

her debut running and presenting an event.

Her efforts were met with overwhelming support from the community and

q The Red Cross Trivia Morning fundraiser at The Shoreline with Robert, Rohan and Caleb Mill, Elaine Neal, Trish and Biannca Mill, Brooke Bottrell and Norma Romeril.

Red Cross members.

The morning was filled with laughter, friendly rivalry, and plenty of lighthearted moments.

Some players had answers right on the tip of their tongue, while others were quick to jump in and claim points, creating a warm, energetic atmosphere that kept everyone smiling throughout the event.

Trish Mill, Liaison Officer for Red Cross, expressed her gratitude for the strong community involvement.

“I would like to thank the community groups who supported the event and the management and residents of the Shoreline who made it possible.

“The atmosphere was fantastic and seeing everyone come together for

such an important cause was truly uplifting.”

The money will directly assist people in Coffs Harbour who are facing homelessness.

“We will now be working closely with Troy Arvidson from FoodFix, a hands-on local organisation providing meals and practical support to those doing it tough,” Ms Bottrell said.

“We are incredibly inspired by Troy and the work of FoodFix. “They are proactive, compassionate and deeply connected to the needs of our community.

“Supporting FoodFix means we know our donations will be used locally and will make a real, immediate difference.”

adapted them to market his sugar almonds.

In 1861, he changed the name to Christmas Crackers after he added an explosive device that popped when pulled apart - describing them

as a “Bang of Expectations”.

Christmas traditions are as varied as the communities that established them, but most would agree that the most important gifts are that of Peace, Hope and Joy.

Christmas decorations steeped in history

By Marilyn SANDERSON HAVE you ever wondered why we decorate cone-bearing trees, eat turkey and ham, light candles, pull bonbons, hang Christmas stockings, decorate homes, make wreaths and credit Santa with delivering presents via flying reindeer?

Most of us know that many Christmas traditions from the Northern Hemisphere sailed south with immigrants.

But many so-called Christmas traditions originated from pagan rituals associated with the Winter Solstice, just before Christmas.

Burning Yule logs, present giving, decorating homes with holly, kissing under the mistletoe and making wreaths were activities designed to nurture new life, fertility, and promote peace

and hope.

Before Clement Clark Moore wrote the poem “A Visit from St Nicholas” in 1822 and before Coca-Cola transformed Saint Nicholas into an extension of their brand, the 4th Century Bishop of Myra in Asia Minor was being revered for his kindness and generosity especially to children and the needy.

As Christianity spread, the Greek Saint Nicholas evolved.

For centuries, the Dutch have celebrated Sinterklaas on 5 December, which is St Nicholas’s Names Day. Traditionally children leave their shoes out in the hope they will find them filled with treats and presents in the morning.

In some regions of Italy, La Befana was believed to sort “the naughty” from “the

16 COFFS COAST NEWS OF THE AREA

nice” on 6 January.

Arriving by broomstick, she would fill stockings with presents for the good and lumps of coal for the naughty.

Latvia claims to be the birthplace of the first decorated Christmas Tree when, in 1510, a pine tree was erected in the Town Hall Square in Riga; a tradition that continues to this day.

Latvian children receive presents on Christmas Eve but only after they entertain the family with a song, a poem or a musical performance.

Before the discovery of the Americas, a Christmas fowl was usually a goose, a chicken or, for the wealthy, a peacock.

Turkey didn’t become a popular dish among the general population until the 19th Century, thanks to “A Christmas Carol” and Ebenezer Scrooge.

And what Christmas dinner would be complete without a potato dish.

For that we can thank the Spanish who brought this

plant, native to the Andes, back to Europe in the 16th Century.

While originally bonbons were designed to hold treats in the French court, London confectioner Tom Smith

q Some of the symbols and decorations associated with Christmas date to ancient times.

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Christmas under the stars: The sky that started a story

By David RENEKE, Astronomer

EVERY year, as the festive season picks up speed, the night sky quietly rolls out its own holiday display- no tinsel, no blinking bulbs, just a crisp dome of stars performing the same cosmic pageant they’ve been staging for thousands of years.

And woven into that ancient canvas is a tale as old as Christmas itself: the mystery of the so-called Christmas Star.

It’s easy to imagine that long-ago night, clear, cool, and still, with the kind of silence only the desert can manage.

To the east, the familiar constellations of winter marched upward: Orion with his unmistakable belt, Taurus the Bull following close behind, and the pale shimmer of the Pleiades, a cluster so distinctive even non-astronomers can spot it in a heartbeat.

It was a sky suited for wonder.

A sky perfect for a story.

But was there truly a special star?

Something bright enough, strange enough, to send travellers on a journey?

That’s where astronomy steps in, not to spoil the magic, but to show that the universe

itself may have provided something extraordinary.

Historians and astronomers have been investigating this puzzle for centuries, and the contenders are more interesting than you might expect.

One idea points to a brilliant planetary conjunction, the meeting of Jupiter and Saturn in 7 BC and again in 2BC. The two brightest planets huddled so closely together that, to the naked eye, they would have appeared as a single, unusually intense point of light.

And since Jupiter was associated with kings and Saturn with older wisdom in ancient astrology, some scholars suggest the sight may have had symbolic meaning to early skywatchers.

Another possibility is a nova or supernova, a star exploding in a surge of light so dramatic it becomes briefly visible even without a telescope.

Ancient Chinese and Korean astronomers recorded such events around the right period, and it’s entirely plausible that one of those stellar outbursts lit up the western sky for weeks.

Then there’s the idea of a comet.

Halley’s Comet swept

through the inner solar system around 12 BC - too early, but not impossible if later storytellers merged events into a single narrative.

Comets, with their sweeping tails, were often seen as omens.

Some good. Some… well, less festive.

Still, the idea refuses to fade because a bright comet is, undeniably, a scenestealer.

And here’s the twist: it might not have been one single event at all, but a series of striking sights across several years. For ancient skywatchers, who monitored the heavens with a dedication modern stargazers can only admire, the sky was a messenger.

When something unusual happened, people paid attention.

Fast-forward to today.

When we step outside on a warm December night in the Southern Hemisphere, the sky is dramatically different from that old Middle Eastern canvas.

Our summer evenings are ruled by the brilliant Southern Cross, the coal-black patch of the Coalsack Nebula, and the faint smudge of the Large and Small Magellanic Clouds, two nearby galaxies visible to the naked eye.

If your Christmas involves a backyard barbecue, chances are you’ve glanced up at these silent companions without even realising how rare they are globally.

High overhead sits Canopus, the secondbrightest star in the night sky, dazzling enough to turn heads even in suburban light.

To the east, Sirius rises - whiter, sharper, and bright enough to cast a faint shadow under the darkest skies.

And if you’re up before dawn, you might catch Venus, so luminous it often

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gets mistaken for a UFO… or something far more biblical.

So, what does all this mean for the Christmas Star?

The beauty of astronomy is that it doesn’t try to replace wonder - it expands it.

The same laws of physics that govern planets and exploding stars also allow us to retrace the sky as it looked thousands of years ago.

Whether the star was a planetary alignment, a nova, or simply a poetic way of marking a moment, the fact remains: the sky has always been part of our story.

And maybe that’s the real

magic.

Long before fairy lights and plastic reindeer, before crowded shops and digital wish lists, humanity looked upward for meaning.

The night sky connected people across cultures, across deserts, across centuries. It still does.

This Christmas, when the air cools and the stars sharpen, take a moment to step outside and look up.

The universe isn’t just overhead, it’s part of the holiday tradition too, quietly shining, just as it did the night a story began.

q A tale as old as Christmas itself: the mystery of the so-called Christmas Star.

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COFFS COAST News Of The Area

Rotary student off to Denmark

By Andrea FERRARI

THE Rotary Club of Sawtell’s Youth Exchange Program has farewelled Toormina High School student Saskia Iredale, who leaves for Denmark in early January.

q Toormina High School Principal Paul Humphrey, Rotary Club of Sawtell Youth Director Alan Freedman, exchange student Saskia Iredale and Pat Conaghan MP.

Saskia attended a special

2 AIR FM’s lunch and a wedding

By Andrea FERRARI LOCAL radio station 2 AIR FM held its volunteers and friends Christmas lunch at Sawtell Golf Club on Sunday 14 December.

Entertainment was provided by Tommy Memphis.

“Around 80 of us had a ball,” said spokesperson President Michael Black.

“The food was excellent,

the music was the best and Tommy got everyone involved in the fun."

Not just a Christmas lunch, the gathering also saw the wedding of two 2 AIR FM radio presenters Charles Boothman and Shirley Lynch.

“The two presenters took their vows with celebrant Samantha Dawson officiating - a first for 2 AIR FM.”

The couple met when following one another on the radio.

On Tuesday 16 December, 2 AIR FM members drew their Christmas Raffle.

“Thanks to all who bought tickets and congratulations to the winners - it was a very popular raffle as the prizes all assisted with the family budget,” said spokesperson Elsie Langford.

media@newsofthearea.com.au

dinner on 8 December at the Sawtell RSL Club where she proudly wore her Rotary Youth Exchange blazer.

“At a special gathering… our club's latest outbound exchange student, Saskia, was presented with the Australian flag by our Federal Member for Cowper Pat Conaghan, prior to her departure next month,” Youth Director Alan Freedman, who is Saskia’s counsellor, told News Of The Area.

Saskia received the Australian Constitution at the event, which was also attended by Toormina High School principal Paul

Humphrey.

Saskia will be in Denmark for 12 months.

She will stay with four different families during this time and go to school alongside Danish students as well as attend Rotary meetings and assist her host club.

A student from Denmark will be hosted by Sawtell Rotary Club in July as part of the exchange, with Mr Freedman to also act as his or her counsellor.

“They will also attend school here and join in our club meetings and functions.

“The Rotary Club of Sawtell strongly supports Rotary's Youth Exchange Program.”

q The 2 AIR FM wedding ceremony for Charles Boothman and Shirley Lynch with celebrant Samantha Dawson and guests Ian and Linda Williams.

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

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

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

Use facilities in town before heading to the natural reserves. q

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

Stay on tracks & park smart

2 AIR FM Christmas Raffle.

Proposed redevelopment of Shops 20 and 21/20 Gordon Street Coffs Harbour. This proposed update of the premises will provide one large single office or retail space of 344 square metres or two smaller spaces of 172 square metres. The space is available for rent or purchase.

For further information, please contact the owner on 0418 654 371

Protect fragile riverbanks and animal habitat.

Learn how to explore gently and leave it lovely. @visitbellingenshire visitbellingenshire.com.au

18 COFFS COAST NEWS OF THE AREA

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Woopi Red Cross honours volunteer achievements

q Woolgoolga High School student Finn helping with the cleanup.

q Doreen Liddle receives the Yvonne Kennedy Memorial Trophy for her work with Trauma Teddies.

WOOLGOOLGA Red Cross celebrated a successful and busy 2025 with a Christmas afternoon tea for branch members, volunteers and supporters.

Entertainment was provided by students from St Francis Xavier school, who presented guests with handmade Christmas gifts.

Santa also made an appearance, offering a special gift to branch President Kerry Chaffey for her extensive efforts throughout the year.

Tasty homemade fare was enjoyed with

the background accompaniment of harpist Gemma and carol singing with the Plantation Singers.

President Kerry conducted the branch’s Christmas Raffle, a fundraiser to help the everyday humanitarian work of the organisation.

All three local winners attended to receive their prizes.

The gathering was also an opportunity to reflect on the year’s successes.

Earlier in the year the branch received two highly commended awards from NSW Red Cross, presented at the Annual General Meeting.

The first was the Margaret Waddell Award which recognises significant achievement in fundraising and community service.

Miss Waddell was a former officer in q

the Army Medical Corps and an Honorary Director of Red Cross Branches.

The second was in recognition of the outstanding work of Trauma Teddy program coordinator Doreen Liddle, who received the Yvonne Kennedy Memorial Trophy.

Doreen has a large team of knitters, sewers and fillers who work together to produce teddies for small children in need of comfort.

Doreen delivers many hundreds of teddies to hospitals, doctors’ surgeries, dentists and ambulance stations.

“Our Trauma Teddies are especially available in times of disasters,” President Kerry said.

q St Francis Xavier students Olivia, Chelsea and Willow distributing Christmas Cards.

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The branch has also continued its volunteering in the Woolgoolga Retirement Village and with its emergency services work.

President Kerry said she is constantly inspired by the dedication and work ethic of all the members who give so freely of their talents and resources.

“I am also so grateful for the generosity and support of our local community.

“The Branch will return to its activities in February – unless there are any seasonal disasters, in which case our trained and experienced volunteers will be ready to help.”

Any enquiries to Secretary Judy on 0408 354 422.

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Chill & In the c Open M c NOTA Graphics - Ref: MOM_250621

By Andrea FERRARI

19

COFFS COAST News Of The Area

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A very ‘Yorky’ Christmas in Glenreagh

By Andrea FERRARI THE Glenreagh community is holding a festive family event to honour the extraordinary fundraising efforts of Mrs Nola York, a local treasure who passed away in November.

For over 25 years Mrs York's Christmas display was a labour of love.

It would take her two months to set up three front rooms in her home,

including an old bakery shop front, with thousands of Christmas ornaments.

“We loved seeing the display every year and she would proudly wander around greeting visitors and setting off all the musical or motion ornaments,” said local Sheridan-Lee Motbey.

Mrs York used the display to raise funds to support cancer patients through the Coffs Harbour Mid North Coast Cancer

Institute and Coffs Hospital oncology unit, raising almost $40,000 in the process.

“Her dedication, in memory of her husband Ron, exemplified the true meaning of Christmas: kindness, community, and giving,” Sheridan said.

Celebrating the work of Mrs York, locals have organised the "A Very Yorky Christmas" fundraiser at The Golden Dog Hotel in Glenreagh from 12:30pm till 3:00pm on Sunday, 21 December.

Lions Club of the Orara Valley Secretary Mike

Pollard said, “The Lions Club of the Orara Valley has given our full support to the event.

“All funds raised will be collected by the club and passed on in full to the Oncology Unit of Coffs Harbour Hospital.

“The community of Glenreagh and our Lions Club would very much appreciate any support you may be able to offer towards our goal.”

See Mrs Yorky's Christmas Display on Facebook at www. facebook.com/Mrs YorkysChristmasDisplay.

q

The late Mrs York of Glenreagh.

q Mrs York’s famous Christmas decorations.

q Mrs York’s festive front room inspires the fundraiser.

Push to fund shark bite kits

By Sis HIGGINS

THREE surfers and shark attack survivors are leading the call for the roll out of lifesaving emergency response kits on beaches across

Australia.

One year after creating Community Shark Bite Kits, founder Danny Schouten has deployed more than 150 kits on beaches across NSW, Queensland, South Australia

and Western Australia.

“We’re not going to stop doing what we love, so we just have to be better prepared,” he said.

“When a shark attack happens, every second

counts.”

The importance of the kits was evident following the recent death of a Swiss woman and the mauling of her partner, while swimming off Kylies Beach in Crowdy

q Kai McKenzie, founder Danny Schouten, Toby Begg, and GoFundMe CEO Tim Cadogan. Photo: supplied.

20 COFFS COAST NEWS OF THE AREA

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Bay National Park.

The man was saved by a passer-by who applied a makeshift tourniquet.

Permanent kits were about to be installed on the beach.

“A Shark Bite Kit provides tools that can help control bleeding and hopefully increase someone’s chance of survival,” Danny said.

“With the support of communities and donors, we can get Shark Bite Kits on every beach around the country.

“It’s about Australian beaches being well-prepared for when these attacks happen and making our coastline a safer place for everyone.”

Danny’s surfer friends and shark attack survivors Toby Begg and Kai McKenzie, whose traumatic experiences on Port Macquarie beaches last year inspired the kits, are supporting his campaign.

“Shark Bite Kits are important because they have

the potential to be life-saving specifically to stop massive bleeding until emergency help arrives,” Toby said.

Kai McKenzie added, “The Shark Bite Kits are a great idea that could really save someone’s life.”

Medical equipment specialists TacMed supply the contents, which include a tourniquet, two conforming bandages, two large dressings, an emergency thermal blanket, gloves, a whistle and step-by-step instructions on how to treat a shark bite.

GoFundMe CEO Tim Cadogan said, “I had the privilege of meeting Danny, Toby and Kai last month and admire their drive to roll out such a simple but vital kit.”

A GoFundMe fundraiser has been launched to support the development and rollout of the kits nationally, aiming to give Australians the best possible chance of survival in the event of a shark attack.

Friday, 19 December 2025

COFFS COAST News Of The Area

media@newsofthearea.com.au

Complaints drive Bureau’s web updates

q The rain radar and weather map were at the top of the Bureau’s list of fixes.

Photo: Sue Stephenson.

THE Bureau of Meteorology has implemented the first round of changes to its heavily-criticised $96.5m website.

Since launching, the site has attracted 400,000 “items of feedback”.

As a result, the rain radar and weather map have been improved and there is more information about daily temperature highs and lows on state, territory and district pages.

The update also includes refinements to warnings and other public safety information.

Bureau of Meteorology CEO Dr Stuart Minchin says some of the improvements were planned while others are a direct response to the complaints.

"We've heard a significant amount of feedback about the new rain radar and weather map.

“In response to that feedback, we have added a quick link button from the homepage, increased the visibility of the map location pin, and made it easier to customise the map.”

Changes have also been made to help users understand warning status and details, making it easier to see at a glance if a location has an active or recently cancelled warning.

Warning icons will display as yellow for active warnings and grey for cancelled.

Format changes to warning details will help with clarity, accessibility and

consistency.

Dr Minchin says these updates follow recent changes to the weather map's default rain view and fire forecast information.

"Website development and improvements are guided by user feedback, analysis, user research and business needs,” he said.

"We have an expert and highly dedicated workforce committed to providing the best possible service to the Australian community every day.

"We will continue to support the community to use the new website and make the most of its features through video tutorials, website help and troubleshooting."

More updates are planned in the new

By Aiden BURGESS

Xavier Hartley retired on 27 not out, and William Jamieson took 3-2 from two overs for the Rebels.

The home side reached the target in the 12th over, Daniel Martin led his side home on 43 not out off 24 balls.

Sawtell Storm beat the Nana Glen Lizards by 51-runs at Jetty Oval.

Sawtell scored 3/125 from 20 overs after winning the toss and electing to bat.

Jude Maunder retired on 57 not out off 30 balls, and Percy Martin retired on 20 not out.

Nana Glen finished at 7/74 from 20 overs, Percy Martin took 2-7 from two overs for Sawtell.

Coffs Colts Cricket Club beat Diggers Cricket Club by seven wickets to win their local derby at Reg Ryan Oval.

Diggers posted 7/94 from 20 overs, after the Colts won the toss and elected to bowl.

Sejal Singh Mahal finished on 40 not out, and Arjan Atwal took 2-10 from two overs for the Colts.

The Colts chased down Diggers total with five balls to spare, William Byron led his side home on 41 not out off 28 balls, and Akam Bains retired on 25 not out.

Jayden van der Walt took 2-5 from 2.1 overs for Diggers.

Under 14s ladder 1.Woolgoolga Cricket Club Rebels Lions.

48 points. 8 wins. 0 losses. Quotient: 3.361.

2.Macksville Bulls. 37 points. 5 wins. 1 loss.

2 no results. Q: 1.803. 3.Sawtell Storm. 32 points. 4 wins. 2 losses. 1 tie. 1 no result.

Q: 1.803. 4.Bellingen/Dorrigo. 24 points. 3 wins. 3 losses. 1 no result. Q: 0.588. 5.Coffs Colts Cricket Club. 25 points. 3 wins. 4 losses.

1 tie. Q: 1.032. 6.Diggers Cricket Club. 18 points. 2 wins. 6 losses. Q: 0.852. 7.Nana Glen Lizards. 18 points. 2 wins. 6 losses. Q: 0.644.

8.Woolgoolga Cricket Club Rebels Hawks. 5 points. 0 wins. 5 losses. Q: 0.131.

Under 12s Diggers Cricket Club won their ninth straight match remaining undefeated heading into the Christmas/New Years break.

The ladder leaders had a 52-run win against the Woolgoolga Cricket Club Rebels Dolphins at Reg Ryan Oval.

Diggers set a total of 4/99 from 20 overs after winning the toss and electing to bat, Havannah O'Shaughnessy finished on 21 not out.

The Rebels finished at 2/47 from 20 overs.

Sawtell Sloggers had an eight-wicket win against the Nana Glen Lizards at Toormina Oval.

Nana Glen scored 2/61 from 20 overs, after Sawtell won the toss and elected to bowl.

Nate Maguire took 2-1 from three overs for the Sloggers.

Sawtell reached the Lizards total in the 16th over.

Under 12s ladder 1.Diggers Cricket Club. 54 points. 9 wins.

0 losses. Quotient: 2.877. 2.Sawtell Sixers. 40 points. 6 wins. 1 loss. 1 no result. Q: 2.766.

3.Macksville Bulls Blue. 43 points. 6 wins.

1 loss. 2 no results. Q: 3.363. 4.Nana Glen Lizards. 36 points. 5 wins. 3 losses. 1 no result.

Q: 0.889. 5.Sawtell Sloggers. 34 points. 5 wins.

4 losses. Q: 0.873. 6.Urunga Cricket Club.

28 points. 3 wins. 4 losses. 1 tie. 1 no result.

Q: 0.664. 7.Macksville Bulls White. 27 points. 3 wins. 3 losses. 1 tie. 1 no result. Q: 1.787. 8.Bellingen. 20 points. 2 wins. 5 losses.

1 no result. Q: 0.622. 9.Dorrigo Buzzards. 18 points. 2 wins. 6 losses. Q: 0.359. 10.Woolgoolga Cricket Club Rebels Dolphins. 19 points. 2 wins. 7 losses. Q: 0.490. 11.Woolgoolga Cricket Club Rebels Sharks. 8 points. 0 wins. 5 losses. 1 no result. Q: 0.323.

Alex Pyke finished on 31 not out.

Archie Townsend was the pick of the Diggers bowlers taking 3-36 from eight overs.

Chasing 165 for victory, the visitors reached the total with one over to spare.

Ash Angel top scored with 32, and Michael Townsend was next best with 30.

Max Morgan took 2-14 from eight overs for the Lizards, and Marty Nigro took 2-32 from eight overs.

Sawtell Cricket Club also got the job done in Round 10, accounting for Urunga Cricket Club

by three wickets at Forsyth Park.

Urunga scored 9/116 from 35 overs after winning the toss and electing to bat.

Brayden Levy took 3-9 from eight overs for Sawtell, and James Arnold took 2-11 from four overs.

Thomas Harris top scored for Urunga with a knock of 35.

Sawtell chased down Urunga’s total in the 30th over, Jaxen Heward took 2-13 from four overs for Urunga, and Wayne Martin took 2-25 from eight overs.

Second grade ladder 1.Woolgoolga Cricket Club Rebels. 37 points. 5 wins. 1 loss. 1 tie. 1 no result. Quotient: 1.410.

2.Sawtell Cricket Club. 32 points. 4 wins. 2 losses. 2 no results. Q: 1.246.

3.Urunga Cricket Club. 27 points. 3 wins. 3 losses. 1 tie. 1 no result. Q: 1.182.

4.Nana Glen Lizards. 20 points. 2 wins. 5 losses. 1 no result. Q: 1.324.

5.Diggers Cricket Club. 20 points. 2 wins. 5 losses. 1 no result. Q: 0.336 .

Coffs junior cricket wrap SIXERS Cricket League Coffs Harbour’s junior season continued with the final round of matches before the school holidays break.

Under 16s Last Friday afternoon’s Round 9 matches were abandoned due to the wet weather.

Under 16s ladder 1.Sawtell Sloggers. 45 points. 6 wins.

0 losses. 3 no results. Quotient: 1.952.

2.Woolgoolga Cricket Club Rebels. 43 points. 6 wins. 1 loss. 2 no results. Q: 1.939. 3.Macksville Bulls. 35 points. 4 wins. 2 losses. 3 no results.

Q: 1.410. 4.Diggers Cricket Club. 23 points. 2 wins. 5 losses. 2 no results. Q: 0.910. 5.Coffs Colts Cricket Club. 22 points. 2 wins. 4 losses.

2 no results. Q: 0.492. 6.Bellingen/Dorrigo.

13 points. 0 wins. 7 losses. 2 no results. Q: 0.497.

Under 14s Woolgoolga Cricket Club Rebels Lions remained undefeated after defeating Bellingen/Dorrigo by nine wickets in Woolgoolga.

The visitors won the toss and elected to bat, scoring 5/81 from 20 overs.

SPORT

year and are subject to severe weather conditions.

For more information and tips for using the new Bureau website, go to bom.gov.au/ website-help.

Diggers and Sawtell win in last round before break

By Aiden BURGESS

DIGGERS Cricket Club and Sawtell Cricket Club’s second-grade sides both had wins in the last round before the Christmas/New Years break.

Diggers defeated the Nana Glen Lizards by three wickets on the Lizards home turf at Len Towells Oval in Nana Glen.

The home side set a total of 6/164 from 40 overs, after winning the toss and electing to bat.

Colin Bruckard top scored with 46, and

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COFFS COAST NEWS OF THE AREA

21

SUMMER SCHOOL HOLIDAY FUN

Discover the wonders of the Coffs Coast DIVE into an unforgettable experience at the Solitary Islands Aquarium, your window to the vibrant marine world of the Coffs Coast.

Located at Southern Cross University’s National Marine Science Centre, this family-friendly destination

brings the ocean to life through stunning aquariums, interactive exhibits, and hands-on activities.

“Marvel at colourful clownfish weaving through sea anemones, graceful angelfish gliding over coral reefs, and fascinating creatures like sea stars, sea q

cucumbers, and even Curly the Gloomy Octopus!” the aquarium team said.

“Our touch tank allows you to get up close and personal with marine life, while our theatrette showcases spectacular footage of the Coffs Coast.”

Perfect for all ages, the

aquarium offers guided presentations by marine experts, fun games for kids, and educational displays on the unique biology and geology of the Coffs Coast. Learn about ocean conservation, climate change, and the cutting-edge research happening right

enthusiasts alike.

“While not essential, we encourage visitors to reserve their tickets online via our website at www. solitaryislandsaquarium. com, as the Aquarium is space limited.”

Payment is made at the front desk upon arrival.

here.

Open every day during the NSW School Holidays (closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Years Day, and Australia Day) from 10 am to 4 pm, the Solitary Islands Aquarium is an affordable and enriching experience for families, tourists, and ocean

The facility brings the ocean to life through stunning aquariums, interactive exhibits, and hands-on activities.

SUMMER PROGRAM

Visit Yarrila Arts and Museum (YAM) this summer and ignite your imagination with multisensory and immersive exhibitions, hand-on activities and free and low-cost artmaking programs - plus special events for all ages and abilities!

Exhibitions HOSSEI | ESSSENSSSE Until 1 February Deborah Kelly | CREATION Until 15 March Yearbook ’25 | HSC Visual Arts Students from the Coffs Coast Until 8 February Yaamanga (around here) |Ongoing exhibition Special Events ESSSENSSSE Performance & Wearables Workshop Drop in to the wearable art workshop then dress up in your creation and experience a special ESSSENSSSE performance!

Thursday 22 January, 10am-12noon YAM Up Late!

ESSSENSSSE performance + YAM Bar with Emerald Island Distillery gin cocktails, Pizza by OneTwoFive, music by DJ Jemka Thursday 22 January, 5-7pm

To find out more or book a program scan the QR code or visit our website

22 COFFS COAST NEWS OF THE AREA

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

Friday, 19 December 2025

SUMMER SCHOOL HOLIDAY FUN

Holiday adventures at the Botanic Garden q There is so much to experience for children and families these summer holidays at the Botanic Garden.

THERE is so much to enjoy at the Coffs Harbour Botanic Garden these summer holidays.

Young and old alike will enjoy fun-packed activities with a difference.

The wonderful adventures on offer include exploring

macro photography, a chance to build connection to Country through observation and reflection, interpreted using photography and digital art.

A fun and explorative “Bird Language - Listening and Recording” workshop will fill young minds with

wonder, while the “Ecological Mystery Game” and “Nature Connection for Families” activities will help build ecological awareness.

There is even a calling for all “amphibian amigos” to discover the amazing world of amphibians and explore their

secret hideouts.

“If that hasn’t gotten you excited to discover our beautiful and amazing botanic garden, then maybe the ‘Sounds of Twilight Tour’ or ‘Wildlife After Dark!’ nocturnal tour with UV photography might hit the

spot, or a ‘Bushtucker talk and tasting’ with Aunty Sue and Uncle Rob,” the team said.

“There is so much to experience for children and families.

“If all of this is too much excitement and wonder, perhaps a relaxing stroll

through the rainforest walk and sensory garden followed by a Devonshire Tea or coffee at the garden café is more what you need these holidays.”

Book now: eventbrite. com/o/51916629173 (tickets limited).

Discover

Kids and families activities Summer 2026 school holidays

Dorrigo Junior Ranger: Elusive rainforest reptiles

Discover the lives of elusive rainforest reptiles in Dorrigo National Park. Kids aged 5 to 12 years can reconnect with nature through play.

When • 18, 15, 22 and 29 January 2026 9.30am to 11am, 11.30am to 1pm

Muttonbirds by moonlight tour

This hugely popular activity will engage all the family.

Hear the eerie wailing of the muttonbirds as they return on nightfall to their burrows.

When • Fridays 19 December 2025, 2 January, 6 February and 6 March 2026 7:30pm-9pm

Trial Bay Goal twilight tour

Explore Trial Bay Gaol by twilight with a guide by your side. Discover what life was like for prisoners as you watch the sun set in beautiful Arakoon National Park, South West Rocks.

When • 2, 9. 16, 23, 30 January 2026 6.30pm to 8pm

Smoky Cape Lighthouse Tour

Walk alongside a NPWS ranger on a fascinating tour of Smoky Cape lighthouse, the highest lighthouse in NSW.

When

Innes Ruins Historic Site guided tour

Discover what it was like to live in this fascinating place during its prime. This exclusive experience is only available through a guided tour.

When

• 31 December 2025 • 7, 10, 14, 21 and 28 January 2026 10am, 11am, 12pm

• 7 and 10 January • 4 and 14 February • 4 and 14 March 2026 9am- 11:15am

For other North Coast NPWS tours

nswparks.info/kids-tours npws.northcoasteducation@environment.nsw.gov.au 02 6657 5935

Friday, 19 December 2025

Download the NPWS app

www.newsofthearea.com.au

COFFS COAST NEWS OF THE AREA

23

SUMMER SCHOOL HOLIDAY FUN

Discover summer adve NPWS North Coast LOOKING for unforgettable experiences this summer?

The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) invites you to explore nature, history, and culture across our stunning North Coast parks.

From twilight tours to rainforest walks, there’s something for everyone!

Historic adventures at Arakoon National Park Step back in time at the iconic Trial Bay Gaol, where history comes alive within its stone walls. Wander through the gaol at sunset and uncover

stories of resilience and intrigue, or bring the whole family for an adventure filled with games, treasure hunts, and hands-on history.

Don’t miss the chance to climb to the top of Smoky Cape Lighthouse, the highest in NSW, where sweeping coastal views will take your breath away.

Rainforest wonders at Dorrigo National Park Immerse yourself in the magic of World Heritage rainforest.

Stroll beneath towering

24 COFFS COAST NEWS OF THE AREA

trees on a ranger-guided walk and discover the secrets of this ancient ecosystem.

Children can dive into nature play sessions, exploring elusive reptiles through fun and interactive activities.

For a deeper connection, join an Aboriginal cultural experience led by Gumbaynggirr rangers, sharing language, traditions, and rainforest resources.

As the sun sets, the coast transforms - Muttonbird Island becomes a stage

for thousands of seabirds returning home, a truly unforgettable spectacle under the stars.

Coastal treasures at Sea Acres and Innes Ruins Step into a world where rainforest meets the sea.

Meander along the Sea Acres boardwalk under a lush green canopy, guided by experts who reveal the wonders of coastal ecology.

Explore Aboriginal culture on a guided walk to Shelly Beach, learning about bush tucker and traditional

media@newsofthearea.com.au

knowledge.

For history enthusiasts, the Innes Ruins offer a glimpse into the 1830s, where stories of early settlers echo through the remnants of a grand estate overlooking Lake Innes.

Bookings are essential for all activities.

Visit www.nationalparks. nsw.gov.au to secure your spot and make this summer one to remember.

Explore, learn, and connect with nature on the North Coast.

Friday, 19 December 2025

entures with

HOLIDAY ADVENTURES AT COFFS HARBOUR BOTANIC GARDEN January 2026 Location for all activities - The Nature Discovery Centre at the Botanic Garden Hardacre St Coffs Harbour Book now: eventbrite.com/o/51916629173 (tickets limited)

Explore your connection to nature through digital art on country with Bernard Kelly Edwards

Become an animal carer for a day IF you're looking for a school holiday activity that’s equal parts fun, eye-opening, and unforgettable, the Animal Carer Experience at Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary is hard to beat.

Designed for curious kids and teens aged 8–16, this hands-on program gives participants a real glimpse into the world of marine wildlife care - from feeding and observing the animals in our care to learning the science behind rescue and rehabilitation.

Sessions run throughout January, and it’s a day packed with discovery.

Participants step behind the scenes, join the team in their daily routines, and see first-hand what goes into supporting injured turtles, caring for marine mammals, and understanding the unique needs of each species.

It’s fun, it’s inspiring, and it’s grounded in genuine conservation work.

“The Animal Carer Experience gives young people a rare opportunity to understand what wildlife care really involves,” said Tiga Cross, Managing Director at the Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary.

“It builds empathy, encourages curiosity, and helps them see the impact they can have. It’s one of the most meaningful programs

q The hands-on program gives participants a real glimpse into the world of marine wildlife care.

we run.”

For many kids, it becomes a highlight of their holidays and sometimes a spark for a lifelong passion.

Past participant Emma MacPherson said, “It’s such a great day - you get to get up close with the animals, and I learned so much about them.

“I really enjoyed the opportunity to learn more about what the animal carers do here at the Sanctuary, and lunch was great too.”

If your young adventurer is ready to roll up their sleeves, learn new skills, and experience the Sanctuary in a completely new way, bookings are now open.

Book online: www. coffscoastwildlifesanctuary. com.au

Participants will be guided on how to connect to country through observation and reflection and how to interpret those connections using Photography & Digital Art. Bernard is a Gumbaynggirr Digital Artist. Date: Tuesday 13 January Time: Session 1 10-12pm Session 2 1-3pm Ages: 10-15 yrs Cost: $10 - Bookings essential.

Mini Beasts Macro Photography

Get up close with the smallest creatures we can find in the botanical gardens using macro lenses and cameras. Date: Wednesday 21 January Time: Session 1 1012pm Session 2 1pm-3pm Ages: 10-15 yrs Cost: $10 - Bookings essential

Sounds of Twilight

Take a stroll to the Japanese Garden and enjoy the tranquillity of the lake at dusk.

As the light softens and the colours of the day change, the air fills with the curious sounds of summer twilight. Micro Bats and Flying Foxes wake and take to the skies and the frog chorus begins with gusto. Date: Friday 9th January Time: 6.30pm 7.30pm Ages: Families Cost: $10.00 per family.

Calling all amphibian amigos!

Hop along and discover the amazing world of amphibians. Learn the signature sounds of our local frogs, explore their secret hideouts and find out how you can help to keep them happy in healthy habitats. Date: Thurs. 15 January Time: 6pm7.30pm Ages: All ages, families. Children must be supervised by a carer. Cost: $5.00 per family.

Bird Language - Listening & Recording

Using professional recording equipment participants will have the opportunity to observe, record & then listen back to the recordings, as well as viewing the various spectrograms of the recordings. A fun and explorative workshop that will fill young minds with wonder and change the way they experience their environment. Date: Tuesday 20th January Time: 10.00 - 2.00pm Ages: 10 - 15 yrs Cost: $10.00 Bookings essential.

Nature Connection for Families

Join us for nature-based games and hands-on practices that help families build ecological awareness and a deeper connection with the natural world. Bring a picnic dinner and stay back for our Sounds of Twilight tour at 6.30pm. Date: Friday 9 January Time: 2:30-5:30pm Ages: Families Cost: $10 per family.

An Ecological Mystery Game

Children become bush detectives who investigate clues to solve a perplexing mystery in this hands-on fun game. Following their curiosity and great questions.

The detectives learn wildlife tracking skills and ecological concepts along the way.

Date: Friday 23 Jan Time: 4-6pm Ages: 8+ Cost: $5 per child.

Bushtucker talk & tasting with Aunty Sue & Uncle Rob

Take a walk on the wild side with Aunty Sue and Uncle Rob Tompkins from Bushtucker Shack. Explore native plants, hear their stories, and taste delicious bush flavours along the way. Date: Monday 19 January Time: 10-12pm Ages: All ages Cost: $10 per person. Children under 5 are free. Bookings essential.

Wildlife After Dark + UV photography

Join us for a spotlight safari to meet possum gliders, koalas, and other nocturnal wonders.Get creative using a UV torch to reveal details invisible to the human eye and glimpse the world as insects see it. Use a smart phone to snap amazing photos of glowing flowers, orb weavers and other wild surprises. Dates: Fri 16th & Fri 23rd Jan.Time: 8pm - 7pm Ages: Families Cost: $5 per child. Children must be supervised by a carer.

Friday, 19 December 2025

www.newsofthearea.com.au

COFFS COAST NEWS OF THE AREA

25

SUMMER SCHOOL HOLIDAY FUN Show off the Coffs Coast this summer q The Coffs Coast offers a range of unique opportunities for exploration and adventure.

WITH family and friends arriving for Christmas, New Year and school holidays, many locals find themselves playing tour guide – and the good news is it’s never been easier to show off everything the Coffs Coast has to offer!

A great place to start is coffscoast.com, the region’s official visitor website and

a handy one-stop shop for planning days out close to home.

From markets, live music and holiday workshops to beachside walks and familyfriendly attractions, the What’s On pages make it easy to see what’s happening while guests are in town.

The site is packed with

ideas on where to eat and drink, whether you’re chasing a casual café catch-up, a long lunch, or somewhere special to book for Christmas Day. There are also plenty of suggestions for New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, plus practical tips for rainy days when the weather doesn’t play along.

For anyone keen to explore in a more interactive way, the Coffs Coast Explorer app adds another layer to the experience.

The free app includes a range of self-guided trails that are perfect for showing visitors a different side of the region.

History lovers can step

back in time with four different Heritage Trails, including the latest which brings the stories of Coffs Harbour’s City Centre to life through photos, films and fascinating local anecdotes.

Families with kids can head to the Botanic Gardens and take on the Wildlife Quest, a fun mission to track down

six virtual animals hidden throughout the gardens.

Art fans can wander the City Centre Street Art Trail, discovering colourful murals and the stories behind them.

Whether you’re hosting for a day or a week, the visitor website and app make it easy to plan, explore and share the Coffs Coast you love.

Find inspiration at coffscoast.com • Plan your holiday fun with lots of ideas and day trips.

• Eat, sip and explore at local cafés, restaurants, art and nature spots.

• Rainy day ideas? We’ve got you covered.

• Plus all the best events, markets and festivals... all summer long!

Scan and download the FREE Coffs Coast Explorer App for trails, tales and more!

26 COFFS COAST NEWS OF THE AREA

media@newsofthearea.com.au

Friday, 19 December 2025

SUMMER SCHOOL HOLIDAY FUN What’s on at Yarrila Arts and Museum this summer school holidays IGNITE your imagination and celebrate creativity at Yarrila Arts and Museum (YAM) this summer!

The City of Coffs Harbour’s vibrant cultural hub is buzzing with exhibitions, performances, and hands-on activities designed to inspire children and adults of all ages and abilities.

Immerse yourself in ESSSENSSSE Step into the playful, multi-sensory world of ESSSENSSSE by contemporary artist HOSSEI. This aquatic-themed installation, featuring fantastical sea creatures, invites visitors to explore art beyond sight – through sound, touch, and imagination.

Don’t miss the special live performances on Thursday 22 January, where HOSSEI and performers bring the exhibition’s themes to life in a joyful celebration of movement and colour.

Families can also join the free wearable art workshop

that morning and wear their creations during the performance!

Experience Deborah Kelly’s CREATION Running until 15 March, CREATION by internationally acclaimed artist Deborah Kelly is a bold, cross-disciplinary installation blending video, textiles, costumes, and ceramics.

Developed through nationwide collaborations,

this immersive work explores themes of climate consciousness, possibility, and collective dreaming.

Mark your calendar for the spectacular live performance on Saturday 14 March.

Celebrate young Coffs talent with Yearbook ’25 On display until 8 February, Yearbook ’25 showcases outstanding HSC Visual Art from students across the Coffs Coast. This

q The City’s vibrant cultural hub is buzzing with exhibitions, performances, and hands-on activities.

annual exhibition offers a glimpse into the ideas and perspectives shaping the next generation of artists.

Family-friendly activities YAM is the perfect destination for summer fun,

with free exhibition guides, activity trails, tactile tours, and art-making in The Workshop.

Plus, enjoy free and lowcost bookable workshops and visit the Harry Bailey Memorial Library next door for even more activities.

Make this summer unforgettable – explore, create, and connect at Yarrila Arts and Museum.

For bookings and details, visit the Yarrila Arts and Museum website and follow on socials!

Experience. Discover. Act.

Experience local wildlife up close.

Discover how you can protect marine wildlife and the environment.

Be inspired to act and help save our oceans for future generations.

Cafe Open Daily 7:30AM - 1:30PM

|

65 Orlando Street, Coffs Harbour

OPEN 7 DAYS 9 AM - 3PM

Book daily tickets and animal interactions at www.coffscoastwildlifesanctuary.com.au Friday, 19 December 2025

www.newsofthearea.com.au

COFFS COAST NEWS OF THE AREA

27

HYPOTHETICAL

OPINION & LETTERS

Taking a Legal Look

n the O Couch

Email Jasminda: media@newsofthearea.com.au

DEAR Jasminda,

By Manny WOOD

Real tree or fake?

Kids are nagging me for a real one, but I have a tree on the mezzanine that I can just drag down and decorate.

A one-way ticket to the naughty list AFTER many years of delivering Christmas Cheer around the world, Santa decides it is time to get his legal affairs in order.

He visits his long-time solicitor Ebenezer Scrooge, who dutifully prepares a Power of Attorney (‘POA’) appointing Santa’s son, Kringle Jr. The POA contains a specific power allowing Kringle Jr. to oversee “emergency operational decisions” strictly relating to “the distribution of gifts, management of the reindeer herd and the elves’ employment”.

Santa executes the POA in the presence of Scrooge, who witnesses the appointment as a legal practitioner.

Mrs Claus convinces Santa that even immortal gift-givers deserve a holiday, so they fly off to the Caribbean, leaving Christmas in the “capable” hands of Kringle Jr. After two weeks, Santa receives a call from Dr Suess, deeply concerned for his distressed elf clients who have not been paid and were threatening to go on strike.

Santa immediately checks the North Pole Operating Account and discovers several large transactions to Kringle Jr Enterprises for consulting fees, a gold-plated sports model sleigh and an Airbnb charge for a “self-morale retreat” in Whoville.

Santa and Mrs Claus immediately abandon their pina coladas and race back to the North Pole, where they are greeted by a host of angry elves yelling “No Pay, No Sleigh!”

Santa seeks urgent advice from Scrooge who, with his usual frosty precision, confirms that while Kringle Jr had been given authority to make emergency decisions, siphoning funds for personal use was a breach of his fiduciary duties.

The conduct of an attorney is subject to strict obligations to always act in the principal’s best interests and unless expressly authorised, an attorney cannot personally benefit from their role.

Scrooge explains that emergency decisions do not reasonably include purchasing gold-plated sleighs or spa weekends.

Santa promptly revokes Kringle Jr as his POA, scrambles to pay the elves and Christmas is saved just in the nick of time.

Meanwhile, Kringle Jr receives a permanent one-way ticket to the Naughty List.

Thank you to Rhiannon Beck, for her assistance with this column.

This fictional column is not legal advice.

Katherine E. Dear Katherine,

Editor’s note: Thanks for making the newspaper possible

By Douglas CONNOR, Group Editor

out to the community.

A big thanks also to NOTA owners Mick and Rochelle Wright, who have been steadfast supporters of regional news at a time when the industry is facing significant challenges and newspapers are struggling to keep printing.

Thanks too to all our readers across broader northern NSW for your ongoing engagement.

I have met many of you in my travels and enjoyed some great conversations on issues of the day.

2026 is shaping up to be another bumper year and I will be back behind the desk from early February.

In the meantime, I am off to Nepal with my partner, Ayla, and a very capable team will be covering my role in my absence.

Until 9 February, all editorial submissions, enquiries etc can be made to media@ newsofthearea.com.au, as my inbox will not be monitored.

Thanks again for your support in 2025.

Merry Christmas and a happy new year.

AS another year of newspapers comes to a close, I would like to take the opportunity to thank everyone involved in the News Of The Area (NOTA) world for their support in 2025.

It is hard to believe it has been fiveand-a-half years since I first came on board with NOTA, and I continue to be very proud of the role our newspapers play in their communities.

Family-owned and operated, NOTA has expanded rapidly in recent years.

In 2020 the business ran two regional newspapers (in Port Stephens and on the Myall Coast), before launching papers on the Coffs Coast and in the Nambucca Valley (2020 and 2021 respectively).

In the past two years we have launched papers in Dungog, Gloucester, Camden Haven and Port Macquarie and it has been a privilege to work alongside those communities since.

Dozens of people contribute each week to make these eight weekly newspapers a reality.

A huge thank you to the ads team, admin and reception staff, truck drivers, deliverers, designers and more for their hard work and professionalism.

Our editorial teams across the board have had a fantastic year too, and should be applauded for their dedication to community-focused public interest journalism.

To the business owners who support their local paper with advertising, thank you for supporting us and your community.

I would urge readers to support the businesses who advertise within these pages wherever possible, as printing the newspaper is simply not possible without their backing.

To the stockists of the paper, thank you for q NOTA Group Editor Douglas Connor. helping us get the news

28 COFFS COAST NEWS OF THE AREA

media@newsofthearea.com.au

I don't want to alarm you, but do you realise we are heading towards the pointy end of Christmas?

With just a handful of days to go, I'm not sure if now is the time to be making decisions about what sort of tree you want.

There are extremes on the Christmas preparation spectrum though, so who am I to judge?

I clearly remember having an existential crisis in the Santa queue at the local shopping centre one year, which was the very last year we had Santa photos.

I may have put a Santa hat on our pet goat and taken a quick snap with the kids before the goat head-butted them as a sub par alternative.

I personally get irritated by those who have their tree up and presents wrapped by mid-November.

I know these people exist, because they drop casual, 'Have you done your Christmas shopping yet?' questions from about September, just waiting for me to say, 'don't be ridiculous' so they can tell me how they've pretty much completed every detail. Elf on the Shelf enthusiasts drive me crazy too.

Who has time to come up with 25 naughty elf ideas?

Not this bunny.

Going back to the tree, there are pros and cons of both options. Real trees look spectacular but they drop a lot of pine needles which means you're constantly sweeping. They are also not a great idea if you have an indoor dog for reasons I'd prefer not to spell out.

Then there is the issue of postChristmas disposal.

Nothing looks sadder than a withering tree on the wood pile that will have to stay there until the end of March when you can burn it, unless you diligently cut it into green-bin sized offcuts.

The tree you have stored like a safer bet this year.

Though terrible from an environmental perspective, you already own it, so it's better going up in your lounge-room than being put on the council verge ready for landfill.

May I suggest that in the postChristmas sales, you purchase a tree in a pot.

This will grow with your family, resolve the real/fake tree dilemma, and be far better from an organisational and environmental perspective for many years to come.

Carpe diem, Jasminda.

Friday, 19 December 2025

media@newsofthearea.com.au

From the Mayor’s desk

By Mayor Nikki WILLIAMS City of Coffs Harbour

I LOVE Christmas and having grown up in Coffs Harbour, I can’t think of a better place to celebrate the season.

OPINION It’s also an exceptionally busy time of the year.

The past few weeks I’ve been on the ‘schools circuit’ - attending end-of-year presentations.

This is a proud moment for all the mums and dads and carers and it’s positive to pause, reflect and recognise another chapter in a child’s journey.

Tomorrow afternoon it will be fantastic to open the Emerald Beach playground.

This is a beautiful beachside setting and a popular place for young families.

Straight after that the community will come together for the Coffs Coast Carols in Brelsford Park.

This year’s program promises to be one of the best yet.

COFFS COAST News Of The Area

The entertainment line-up includes Imogen Daymond, Glen Price, Adelaide Robinson, Coco Fabry, Heather Rose, JRDS Dancers, James Freeman and Eva Kent, plus the Coffs Carols Band featuring Louise Richards.

The Voice finalist Mick Harrington will share the Masters of Ceremonies duties with Councillor Julie Sechi.

To channel Mariah Carey, all I want for Christmas is for everyone to have a safe and peaceful time, and for those on the Northern Beaches, there’s the very special Carols By The Sea tonight at Woopi.

On the Council front, the past couple of meetings have seen some important actions.

One of these is the process to reimagine

Last Sunday my country changed

DEAR News Of The Area,

IT is always front of mind to reach out to family and my friends after a shock.

I remember, as many of us do, when we saw planes fly into skyscrapers almost 25 years ago. Our world changed.

Last Sunday my country changed.

Many Australians were needlessly killed.

People died because a couple of locals set out to murder them because they were different or identified together in joyous

celebration as a group.

It was pure evil and it was at Bondi Beach!

We are a safe country and we all shun violence.

This tragedy is most certainly and completely un-Australian.

Those fellow Australians of Jewish faith or heritage need to know that we have their back.

They need to know that we share their grief and that we all will continue to do what

we can to ensure their safety and by doing so the safety of all of us.

This is not a time for recriminations or criticism of those who could not have predicted this evil.

It is a time to focus on those intrinsic values that unite us.

I have written to this journal previously highlighting our responsibility to champion anti-racism and inclusion.

We have an excellent blueprint for this work from our Human Rights Commission,

Climate action laggard

DEAR News Of The Area,

I BELIEVE Council can no longer claim to be a climate leader but are now a climate action laggard.

In the last two meetings, Council have deliberately set their intent to scale back climate action commitments from previous terms of Council.

Bellingen Shire Council, on the other

hand, is leading the City of Coffs Harbour in meeting its targets, community-led plans and professional networks.

While I accept Council's two decisions, the City of Coffs Harbour appears eager to rapidly shift responsibility for preventing runaway climate change to our children and no strategic adaptation planning will help prepare us for a high-emissions future, which is the accepted trend.

Instead of maintaining the urgent work needed to avoid worse heatwaves, hail storms or beach erosion, Council is, in my opinion, choosing to pull back on evidence-based economic and environmental best practice.

I would like to see Council prove me wrong.

However, I am concerned an immediate fallout from these decisions

the Pacific Highway through town which will become a ‘local’ road when the Coffs Bypass opens to traffic late next year.

That’s not far off, and it’s crucial we come up with a plan to make the ‘main drag’ more appealing for all road users – walkers, riders and vehicles.

Due to the timeline we are looking at an express design process as we crack on to get things right.

Community input on this in 2026 will be an important guiding light.

Finally, I’ll sign off my final NOTA column for the year with my warmest wishes to Editor Doug and his team of dedicated reporters.

To all readers, may the season bring you all that you wish for.

“National Anti-Racism Framework” published in November 2024.

It is a vital tool in these times.

I, for one, have confidence in the response of national and State authorities to oversee the investigation and make the necessary changes to further protect our collective safety.

In the end, the responsibility for community harmony rests with us all.

Both our history and our future demands that we accept this and act accordingly.

Regards, Paul SEKFY, Yarranbella. will negatively affect our City's ECO Destination Certification program.

The window for keeping global temperature below 2°C is closing and local government needs to take its responsibility seriously to avoid any associated legal, financial, environmental or reputational risk.

Kind regards, Cr Jonathan CASSELL, City of Coffs Harbour.

Highway will remain the primary route

DEAR News Of The Area,

I REFER to the NOTA article on the “Grand plans for the highway future” (NOTA Friday 5 December 2025).

There are some admirable visions for the new “High Street”.

However, it must be noted that this section of the old highway will continue

to be the main thoroughfare through the CBD and the responsibility of Transport for NSW (TfNSW).

This roadway section will remain the primary route through the CBD for local traffic, vehicles carrying/delivering material, fuel and chemicals, and for vehicles carrying Dangerous Goods, which are excluded (currently) from using

the bypass tunnels.

It should be noted that when the Coramba Road bypass off-ramp opens, it will provide a new route into/from the CBD and local industrial areas.

Subsequently, increasing traffic volume on Coramba Road, Moonee Street and West High Street, and into/ through the CBD.

No horses left in the stable

DEAR News Of The Area,

IT has been a failure of government through its complacency in allowing evil to insidiously evolve within our communities that has now put our way of life persistently under threat from deranged ideologies and malicious activists that have proliferated in the absence of strong and rational decision

making.

This current incident (the Bondi shootings on 14 December) is not an isolated issue, but rather an element of a larger one of misguided tolerance towards radical fringe groups, deviance, and criminality which has emboldened and encouraged intimidating and violent behaviour.

The preaching of hatred under the guise of religion and the provocation behind a façade of protesting must stop.

Divisive groups and individuals... need to be called out.

Those who attempt to poison the principles of law and order have no place in civil society.

If politicians continue to ‘close the gate

The planting of trees, although visually pleasant, brings with it additional maintenance costs and risks associated with falling branches and collisions.

Regards, Michael ALEXANDER, North Boambee Valley.

after the horse has bolted’ rather than face up to the challenge of confronting disobedience and dissension, there will be ‘no horses left in the stable’.

We need leaders who will make necessary decisions and implement necessary policies to safeguard our common values.

Regards, Adam FULLER, Mid North Coast.

Y ur Paper, Y ur Voice Email your OPINION and VIEWS to media@newsofthearea.com.au By way of its publication, the Publisher does not endorse, support or substantiate the views, opinions and letters printed in this newspaper. We are pleased to be able to give people their voice and view, freely without bias.

Friday, 19 December 2025

www.newsofthearea.com.au

COFFS COAST NEWS OF THE AREA

29

PROPERTYWEEK PROPERTY WEEK

COFFS COAST News Of The Area

Amazing acreage

Address: 7 McAlpine Way, Boambee Price: $1,399,000 Land size: 6,756sqm Beds: 4, Bath: 2, Car: 2 WELCOME to a rare opportunity at 7 McAlpine Way, Boambee - a stunning, fully renovated home set on an expansive 6000-plus square metre lot, which translates to an impressive acre and a half of pure potential.

From the moment you

drive up the picturesque driveway to this high-set property, you'll sense that you are about to experience something truly exceptional.

Step inside through the oversized feature front door and enter a world of elegant living.

The spacious formal living area greets you with abundant natural light, creating an inviting ambiance that is perfect for both relaxation and entertainment.

Your journey continues into the main bedroom, a personal retreat featuring a stylish ensuite and a generous walk-in robe for all your storage needs.

From the entry living area there is a seamless flow to the heart of the home - the brand new kitchen. Equipped with modern appliances, ample cupboard space, and smooth soft-closing drawers, this kitchen is a chef's delight.

Adjacent to the kitchen,

a thoughtful hallway leads to three additional generously sized bedrooms, two with large built-in robes, along with a renovated bathroom with shower cubicle and bath tub, the toilet is separate.

There is also a renovated internal laundry.

For more informal gatherings, the living area off the kitchen is perfect for family time or casual dining.

This space opens directly to a large family room that overlooks a sparkling in-

ground pool, providing a perfect mix for leisure and entertainment.

Step outside to discover a spacious, covered outdoor entertaining area, where you can host family barbecues or unwind while enjoying views of the parklike lawn and pool.

Adding to the charm of this property, you'll find a double garage along with a turning bay or additional parking area at the top of the driveway for your convenience.

Boambee is renowned as one of the premium rural residential areas of the Coffs Coast, offering a tranquil lifestyle just minutes away from the golden sands of Sawtell Beach.

Don't miss your chance to own a slice of paradise.

Experience everything this breathtaking home has to offer at 7 McAlpine Way, Boambee!

Agents: Chris Hines 0439 667 719 and Kim McGinty 0432 953 796.

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

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

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

30 COFFS COAST NEWS OF THE AREA

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

media@newsofthearea.com.au

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

Friday, 19 December 2025

New Listing

Compact and Convenient

A Unique Investment or Lifestyle Purchase in Korora

5/32 VICTORIA STREET, COFFS $449,000 HARBOUR

4/10 TROPIC LODGE PLACE, KORORA

• Located in the Jetty precinct, close to CBD, racecourse & transport • Compact living area, with white kitchen adjacent, large benchtop doubles as preparation and serving area, plus dining table • Two bedrooms both with built in robes, and ceiling fans • Combined laundry/bathroom with shower over the spa bath, separate WC • Carport positioned at the front of the unit

$499,000 - $519,000

• Discover a rare chance to own this well presented two-bedroom, fully self-contained villa, privately positioned at the rear of the sought-after former Tropic Oasis Resort in Korora • Tiled throughout for easy maintenance • Large deck off rear and tandem carport at side

Kim McGinty 0432 953 796 Kaitlyn Walker 0491 734 761 2

1

Chris Hines 0439 667 719 Kim McGinty 0432 953 796

1

2

1

2

unre.com.au/vic5.32

unre.com.au/tro4.10

Commanding Location

Family Home in Prime Location

50 THOMPSONS ROAD, COFFS HARBOUR $850,000

D L SO

• 3 bedrooms, all with built ins and new carpet, main with ensuite • Open plan air-conditioned living area with stunning timber floors, which flow to renovated kitchen • Large covered outdoor entertaining area overlooking large, fenced backyard.

• Oversized double lock up garage below with room for workshop

Chris Hines 0439 667 719 Kim McGinty 0432 953 796 3

2

2 TALLOWOOD COURT, TOORMINA

$888,000

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

D L SO

Chris Hines 0439 667 719 Kim McGinty 0432 953 796 4

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unre.com.au/tho50

Land size: 728.8sqm

3

unre.com.au/tal2

Land size: 703sqm

Charming Rural Bliss

Embrace Character and Endless Possibility

24 ALEXANDER STREET, NANA GLEN

44 FOREST CLOSE, BOAMBEE

$1,090,000

$1,100,000

• Country cottage style property with striking rural views of the valley & mountains

bathroom

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

Kim McGinty 0432 953 796 Chris Hines 0439 667 719

Chris Hines 0439 667 719 Kim McGinty 0432 953 796

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

• Large outdoor deck overlooking the manicured lawns and established gardens

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

• Loft style living area upstairs with main bedroom and

3

2

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unre.com.au/ale24

Land size: 3,923.4 sqm

Chris Hines 0439 667 719 Kim McGinty 0432 953 796 2

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

D L SO

Chris Hines 0439 667 719 Kim McGinty 0432 953 796 3

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

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

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

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

• Billabong-style inground pool.

• Agents interest Declared

Kim McGinty 0432 953 796 Chris Hines 0439 667 719 3

2

Land size: 8,178sqm

New Price

CHECK ONLINE FOR OPEN TIMES

2

unre.com.au/gor33

A Unique Blend of Luxury Living and Natural Harmony

$2,799,000

164C FRIDAYS CREEK ROAD, UPPER ORARA

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

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

Chris Hines 0439 667 719 Kim McGinty 0432 953 796 7

unre.com.au/ayr82

2

Land Size: 1.031 Ha

unre.com.au/cam259

The Ultimate Entertainer

4

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

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

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

2

Land size: 3.95 Ha

unre.com.au/for44

33 GORDON ROAD, RALEIGH

$1,299,000

lifestyle property perched above the tranquil Little Nymboida River.

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

2

Pavilion Perfection

259 CAMP CREEK ROAD, LOWANNA • Discover a superb 3.95-hectare (9.8-acre)

2

Land size: 3,008 sqm

Idyllic Rural Escape Along the Little Nymboida River

New Price

2

3

4

Land size: 56.757 Ha

unre.com.au/fri164c

6658 6042

137 Sawtell Road Toormina Unrealestate Coffs Coast unrealcoffs

Friday, 19 December 2025

www.newsofthearea.com.au

COFFS COAST NEWS OF THE AREA

c NOTA Graphics - Ref: UNRE_191225

www.unre.com.au

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32 COFFS COAST NEWS OF THE AREA

media@newsofthearea.com.au

Friday, 19 December 2025

Friday, 19 December 2025

www.newsofthearea.com.au

COFFS COAST NEWS OF THE AREA

33

LOCALSPORT

COFFS COAST News Of The Area

Tee off time for Stig Family Charity Golf Day q The Nambucca Glass and Aluminum team at the Stig Family Golf Day.

By Andrea FERRARI

THE Stig Family Charity Golf Day held at Nambucca Heads Island Golf Club returns on Sunday, 4 January 2026 and registrations are now open.

The day will once again be played as a four-person Ambrose, with $25 entry per person, which includes a barbecue lunch prepared by the Nambucca Heads Lions Club.

Tee-off times are available at 8:00am and 10:30am, with registrations

taken through the club’s Pro Shop.

“Whether you think you are a skilled golfer or not, all are welcome,” golf day coorganiser Raelene Squires told News Of The Area.

The organisers emphasise that the day is more about participation, fun, friendship and community spirit than golfing ability.

“Beginners, seasoned players, and everyone in between are warmly encouraged to come along and enjoy themselves.

q A packed house at Nambucca Heads Island Golf Club.

For the Stig family, the charity golf day is a living tribute and a legacy of love.

Previously known as the Elly Stig Charity Golf Day, the event continues to honour the memory of Elly Stig, who tragically passed away from a rare form of leukaemia in 1993, at just 11 months old.

For the community, it is a chance to gather, have fun, and make a meaningful contribution towards improving the lives of children and families facing

cancer.

Having begun 32 years ago as a small family-driven tribute, today the golf day has grown into a remarkable annual tradition that attracts participants from across the district and beyond.

Since its inception in 1994, the charity day has raised $475,500 for the Children’s Cancer Institute, supporting vital research into safer and more effective treatments for childhood cancers.

“The event offers a wide range of prizes to reward participants’ efforts, including the ever-popular fancy dress/best dressed category, which always brings colour and laughter to the fairways.

“Spectators and families are welcome to attend and soak up the cheerful atmosphere.”

Off the course, fundraising continues with an auction at around 1:00pm.

This year’s auction

includes a two-person camping swag; a 4WD 20-litre fridge/freezer; two entries into the Chairman’s Marquee for the Coffs Harbour Gold Cup; tickets from the Nambucca District Jockey Club; and many more generously donated items.

Alongside the auction, there will also be raffles and a trading table.

The Stig Family Charity Golf Day is a community tradition supporting childhood cancer research.

scored with 58 off 38 balls, and Parvinder Nagra was next best finishing on 19 not out.

Angus Rissel took 2-29 from four overs for Diggers, and Nick Bennie took 2-31 from four overs.

Needing 162 for victory, Diggers finished at 8/144 from 20 overs.

Angus Rissel top scored with 39, and Chris Novak was next best with 24.

Buta Singh took 2-21 from four overs for the Rebels.

Woolgoolga Cricket Club Rebels White had a 17-run win against the Woolgoolga Cricket Club Rebels Rhinos at the Wiigulga Sports Complex.

Rebels White scored 6/144 from 20 overs, after the Rebels Rhinos won the toss and elected to bowl.

Alex Byrne scored 67 not out off 45 balls, while for the Rebels Rhinos Manthan Patel took 2-23 from four overs, and Saurav Adhikari took 2-25 from four overs.

Chasing 145 for victory, the Rebels Rhinos were bowled out for 127 in the 20th over.

Scott Jennings took 4-8 from four overs, and Paul Blade took 3-24 from four overs.

Roshan Neupane finished on 35 not out for the Rhinos.

The scheduled matches between Sawtell Cricket Club Gold and Coffs Colts Cricket Club at Richardson Park, and the Nana Glen Lizards and Sawtell Cricket

Club Blue at Coffs Coast Sport and Leisure Park were abandoned due to Thursday’s wet weather.

Round 5 matches were scheduled to be played on Thursday, 18 December, in the last round of the T20 Cup before the Christmas/ New Years break.

T20 Cup ladder.

1.Sawtell Cricket Club Gold.

14 points. 3 wins. 0 losses.

1 no result. Quotient: 2.036.

2.Woolgoolga Cricket Club Rebels Blue. 13 points.

3 wins. 1 loss. Q: 1.207.

3.Nana Glen Lizards. 10 points. 2 wins. 0 losses. 1 no result. Q: 7.266. 4.Coffs Colts Cricket Club. 10 points. 2 wins. 0 losses. 1 no result. Q: 3.029. 5.Sawtell Cricket Club Blue. 8 points.

1 win. 2 losses. 1 no result. Q: 1.030. 6.Diggers Cricket Club. 7 points. 1 win. 3 losses. Q: 0.673.

7.Woolgoolga Cricket Club Rebels White. 7 points.

1 win. 3 losses. Q: 0.614.

8.Woolgoolga Cricket Club Rebels Rhinos. 4 points. 0 wins. 4 losses. Q: 0.457.

against Diggers Cricket Club at Fitzroy Oval.

Diggers resumed at 1/17 as they tried to chase down Nana Glen’s first innings total of 9/225 declared.

Nana Glen successfully defended their total bowling Diggers out for 98 in the 57th over.

It was a team bowling effort from the Lizards, with Zane Guthrie taking 3-19 from 9.4 overs, Nicklaus Stanlan-Velt took 2-8 from eight overs, Jonathon Paff took 2-15 from ten overs, and Riley Dagger took 2-26 from ten overs.

Nana Glen finished their

second innings at 7/156 from 24.1 overs.

Brodie Bartlett top scored smashing 80 off 43 balls, and Tom Craig was next best with 33.

Will Townsend took 2-25 from six overs for Diggers, and Angus Rissel took 2-33 from four overs.

The Woolgoolga Cricket Club Rebels had a three wicket win against Bellingen District Cricket Club at the Wiigulga Sports Complex.

The Rebels resumed at 2/31, as they tried to chase down Bellingen’s first innings total of 226.

The home side reached

the total in the 59th over, Taj Dosanjh had a captain’s knock leading his side home on 81 not out.

Luke Cox was next best for the Rebels with 65, and Anu Grewal scored 34.

Taylor Gilbert took 3-50 from 15 overs for Bellingen, and Justin Gilbert took 2-21 from 3.2 overs.

Sawtell Cricket Club defeated Coffs Colts Cricket Club, after the second day of their match was washed out.

Sawtell had bowled out the Colts for 62 on the first day, and were 8/221.

Round 10 The first-grade season

continues this weekend with the final round of matches before the Christmas/New Years break.

Sawtell Cricket Club will try to head into the break undefeated, when they take on the Woolgoolga Cricket Club Rebels at the Wiigulga Sports Complex.

Nana Glen Lizards and Bellingen District Cricket Club play off in their oneday match at Coffs Coast Sport and Leisure Park.

Coffs Colts Cricket Club and Diggers Cricket Club face off in their local derby at Fitzroy Oval.

The matches were

abandoned when the teams last played in Round 4.

First grade ladder 1.Sawtell Cricket Club.

48 points. 7 wins. 0 losses.

2 no results. Quotient: 1.963. 2.Nana Glen Lizards.

36 points. 5 wins. 3 losses.

1 no result. Q:1.280.

3.Bellingen District Cricket Club. 35 points. 4 wins.

2 losses. 3 no results. Q: 1.266. 4.Woolgoolga Cricket Club Rebels. 33 points. 4 wins. 3 losses. 2 no results.

Q: 1.040. 5.Diggers Cricket Club. 16 points. 1 win. 7 losses. 1 no result. Q: 0.541.

6.Coffs Colts Cricket Club.

15 points. 0 wins. 6 losses.

3 no results. Q: 0.532.

q Wizard of Oz fancy dress at the Stig Family Charity Golf Day.

Wins for Woolgoolga teams in T20 Cup

By Aiden BURGESS

WOOLGOOLGA Cricket Club Rebels teams have been victorious during the latest round of Coffs Harbour District Cricket Association’s T20 Cup. Woolgoolga Cricket Club Rebels Blue had a 17-run win against Diggers Cricket Club at Fitzroy Oval.

The Rebels won the toss and elected to bat, going on to score 7/161 from 20 overs.

Dave Szumowski top

Nana Glen, Sawtell and Woolgoolga win two-day matches

By Aiden BURGESS

NANA Glen, Sawtell and Woolgoolga have won their two-day matches during the latest round of Sixers Cricket League’s first-grade season.

The Nana Glen Lizards, Sawtell Cricket Club, and Woolgoolga Cricket Club Rebels all won the first twoday matches of the season.

A strong bowling performance saw the Nana Glen Lizards move into second spot on the ladder with a dominant win

34 COFFS COAST NEWS OF THE AREA

media@newsofthearea.com.au

Friday, 19 December 2025

SPORT

COFFS COAST News Of The Area

Coffs win opening T20 match

By Aiden BURGESS

COFFS Harbour District Cricket Association’s Opens side have won their opening match in North Coast Cricket Council’s Inter-District T20 competition.

The Coffs Harbour side got the job done at home beating Valleys Cricket by 48

COFFS Harbour Basketball Association’s senior summer season continued with Round 7 games at Sportz Central.

Men’s A Grade ladder leaders We Can’t Dunk had

BOXING returned to the North Coast on Saturday afternoon at the Royal Hotel in South Grafton.

The Black Rifle Boxing event was held in a large circus-like tent at the rear of the pub.

points.

Coffs Harbour Basketball Association’s men’s competition is played on Monday nights at Sportz Central, with the women’s competition played on Tuesday nights.

Junior competitions are played on Wednesday and Fridays.

their total restricting Valleys Cricket to 7/133 from 20 overs.

Ty Adams took 3-23 from four overs, and Flynn Taylor took 2-19 from three overs.

Lincoln Kellett top scored for Valleys Cricket with 36.

Lower Clarence Cricket Association won their opening T20 match defeating

Clarence River Cricket Association by five wickets in South Grafton.

Clarence River scored 4/117 from 20 overs after winning the toss and electing to bat.

Shannon Connor top scored with 37, and Lewis Chevalley finished on 27 not out.

an 82-44 win against White Chocolate.

Jayden Dean was dominant in scoring a game high 43 points.

Can’t Catch a Breath had a 55-31 win against Narwhals Stingers, Phillip Ely top

scored with 16 points.

All Washed Up beat The Chihuahuas 28-18.

The Bricklayers continued their undefeated start to the Men’s C Grade season with a 50-33 win against Bricked Up. Dylan Parbery had a

game high 13 points for the winners.

Walsh’s Plumbing had a 62-59 win against Narwhals Net Ninjas, Kai Holst had a game high 23 points.

Women’s Ring Ins had a 51-32 win against Erica’s Team, during Round 7 of the women’s social competition.

Emily Field had a game high 16 points.

Mantas Mystics had a 51-37 win against Dunkin’ Disorderly, Brooke Dart top scored for the winners with 16 points.

The Mighty Ducks beat Mantas Mummas 39-28, Momoko Maeda top scored for the winners with 17

The sold out crowd witnessed seventeen bouts of excellent boxing.

The main event featured Woopi Boxing Club head trainer Angus Percy against standout athlete Jay Melrose in a heavyweight contest.

Melrose is a former

Group 2 player of the year and this year and last year was the lock forward for the premiership winning Nambucca Roosters.

This excellent main event had Angus Percy edging a win in every round.

Angus is now

the Northern NSW Heavyweight Champion.

South Grafton Black Rifle Boxing Club featured in eleven of the seventeen bouts with Black Rifle boxer Lockie Mc Laughlin named fighter of the tournament.

He had won his 65kg bout in style against

Lismore boxer Jake Rubbo.

Another standout boxer was Kempsey fighter Jye Hayden who stopped his Grafton opponent Reilly Tozer in the second round of their 60kg lightweight bout.

Jye is one to watch after only three fights for three

wins.

A super heavyweight bout had Port Macquarie big man Kai Wakely beating Joel Pritchard from Camden Haven Boxing Club.

Boxers from Lismore, Ballina, South Grafton, Woolgoolga, Coffs Harbour, Kempsey, Port Macquarie, Camden Haven, the Central Coast, Tamworth and Armidale attended the tournament.

Edward Redfern (Port Macquarie Magpies) Under 18s: Isaac Luke (Port Macquarie Magpies) Girls Under 12s: Jane Marsters-Nootai (Macleay Valley Eagles/Nambucca Valley Lions), Violet Trevail (Port Macquarie Magpies) Under 13s: Valla Parsons (Northern Beaches

Blues), Emily Carson (Port Macquarie Magpies), Ella Cronin (South West Rocks Dockers).

Under 14s: Lexi Findlay (Northern Beaches Blues), Mireille Marshall (South West Rocks Dockers), Willow Matthews (Sawtell/ Toormina Saints), Eliette Munn-Power (North Coffs Kangaroos) Under 15s: Reese Legend (Nambucca Valley Lions), Harpa Skinner (Sawtell/Toormina Saints), Josephine Tait (Nambucca

Valley Lions), Zoe Tarlinton (Coffs Harbour Breakers), Hayley Woods (Sawtell/ Toormina Saints) Under 16s: Chloe Murphy (Sawtell/Toormina Saints), Gia Hudson (Port Macquarie Magpies), Ruby Luke (Port Macquarie Magpies), Grace Morris (Port Macquarie Magpies) Under 17s: Annalise Crawley (Coffs Harbour Breakers) Under 19s: Amaia Wain (Bellingen Bulldogs/ Sawtell/Toormina Saints)

runs at Fitzroy Oval.

Coffs Harbour set a total of 8/181 from 20 overs after winning the toss and electing to bat.

Daniel Craig top scored with 50 off 37 balls, Jesse Buckle was next best with 35 off 20 balls, and Tyh Murphy scored 33.

Coffs Harbour defended

Fight card held at South Grafton

By Darrell WALLBRIDGE

Clarence River and Lower Clarence on Sunday, 11 January, at Coffs Coast Sport and Leisure Park.

The grand final will also be held on that day at Coffs Coast Sport and Leisure Park.

The Coffs Harbour Open’s side play their next one-day match against Lower Clarence on Sunday, 1 February at Fitzroy Oval, before playing Valleys Cricket on Sunday, 8 February at Phillip Hughes Oval.

Jacob McMahon took 2-27 from four overs for Lower Clarence.

Lower Clarence chased down Clarence River’s total in the 18th over, Dean Carroll top scored with 60 and captain Ben McMahon finished on 36 not out off 23 balls.

Shannon Connor took 3-13 from four overs for Clarence River.

Coffs Harbour play their next T20 matches against

Coffs Basketball wrap

By Aiden BURGESS

media@newsofthearea.com.au

AFL North Coast juniors selected to Sydney Swans Academy

By Aiden BURGESS AFL North Coast’s top junior players have been selected into Sydney Swans Academy squads for 2026.

A record number of 52 players from the region were selected to the squads, bettering the 45 players chosen in 2024.

The QBE Sydney Swans Academy exists to increase the number of players in NSW who have expert AFL knowledge and high-level skills.

Established in 2010, the Academy has nurtured and developed a number of elite AFL-level players, but also made a significant contribution to the growth and strength of the code in NSW. The Academy provides a professional, ageappropriate development program for males and females aged 11 to 19, and each year the Academy trains up to 700 players.

AFL North Coast juniors selected to the Sydney Swans Academy for 2026.

Boys Under 11s: Zeke Boulet (Port Macquarie Magpies), Arlo Burkinshaw (Nambucca Valley Lions), Aubrey Dixon (Northern

Friday, 19 December 2025

Beaches Blues), Ace MacGregor (Lower Clarence Suns).

Under 12s: Edward Epis (Lower Clarence Suns), Eli Fernie (Sawtell/Toormina Saints), George Lake (Coffs Harbour Breakers), Xavier Upston (Port Macquarie Magpies).

Under 13s: Chase Allen (Northern Beaches Blues), Beau Lill (Port Macquarie Magpies), Alby Lindsay (Sawtell/Toormina Saints), Ashton Miller (Lower Clarence Suns), Matthew Welsh (Coffs Harbour Breakers).

Under 14s: Oscar Churton (Lower Clarence Suns), Noah Bates (Port Macquarie Magpies), Mason Embling (Port Macquarie Magpies), Henry Fryer (Port Macquarie Magpies), Deziah MarstersNootai (Macleay Valley Eagles/Nambucca Valley Lions), Jack Morris (Port Macquarie Magpies), Blair Sibarani (Port Macquarie Magpies) Under 15s: Sam Dicker (Port Macquarie Magpies), Sonny Dusting (Northern Beaches Blues), Jackson Sierakowski (Northern Beaches Blues), Clancy Tune (Sawtell/Toormina Saints), Xavier Mat (Port

Macquarie Magpies), Taj Upston (Port Macquarie Magpies) Under 16s: Finlay Campbell (Nambucca Valley Lions), Zane Guthrie (Coffs Harbour Breakers) Under 17s: Thomas Epis (Northern Beaches Blues), Duke Marshall-Orr (Coffs Harbour Breakers/ Northern Beaches Blues),

q Coffs Coast-based Sydney Swans Academy members meet Sydney Swans players and coaches at the captain’s training run before last month’s AFLW game in Coffs Harbour. Photo: Sydney Swans..

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COFFS COAST NEWS OF THE AREA

35

SPORT

COFFS COAST News Of The Area

Sawtell to play in NSW Community Cup finals

By Aiden BURGESS

senior cricket clubs across NSW. Sawtell progressed to the first round of finals after winning their opening round match against Rovers Cricket Club in Kempsey last month.

The Newcastle-based WaratahMayfield Cricket Club progressed to the first round of finals after having a six-wicket win against Northern Power Cricket Club in Toukley.

If Sawtell wins this Sunday, they play North Tamworth Cricket Club in the second round of finals on Sunday, 11 January.

The semi-finals and grand

finals are scheduled to be played on Sunday, 18 January, at the Cricket NSW Cricket Central in Sydney.

Sawtell currently sits undefeated at the top of the ladder in the Coffs Harbour first-grade competition, while their Sawtell Gold side are top of the ladder in the T20 Cup competition.

Nana Glen Lizards were the other Coffs Coast side to take part in the state-wide competition, bowing out in the first round of finals to North Tamworth Cricket Club, after beating Nulla Cricket Club in the opening round.

Alistair McMillan 49.2.

Robert Ramsey 49.1 Hunting rifle. Rod Madeley 49.1.

Bernie Axford 49.1. IRB: Peter Fleming 249.13. Greg Sutherland 248.5. Bernie Axford 247.10. Ian Thompson 247.10. Bill Buchanan 246.15.

Alistair McMillan 243.10.

Keiran Grabham 241.6. Rod Madeley 236.5. Robert Ramsey 223.1 Hunting rifle. Agg: Peter Fleming 8. Ian Thompson 9. Bill Buchanan 9. Greg Sutherland 11. Rod Madeley 18. Bernie Axford 18. Keiran Grabham 18.

Alistair McMillan 19. Robert Ramsey 25 Hunting rifle.

Sawtell RSL Snooker Club

NTP 11th.

Kempnich NTP 12th.

Richards NTP 15th.

Sue Kempnich Putting Mark Ashcroft 15 The sole birdie went to Tony Withers on the 12th. Gary Tolhurst took ou the Frog & Michael Skipper

SAWTELL Cricket Club are preparing to play in the latest round of a state-wide T20 knockout competition.

Sawtell takes on WaratahMayfield Cricket Club in Newcastle on Sunday afternoon, during the first round of finals of the NSW Community Cup. The NSW Community Cup is a T20 knockout competition for q Sawtell Cricket Club sides are undefeated in the first-grade and T20 Cup competitions.

SPORT RESULTS SSAA Benchrest Results

By Rod MADELEY DAIRYVILLE range.

Event was 3 card Rimfire.

Group: Ian Thompson .181. Rod Madeley .198. Bill Buchanan

Urunga Men's Veterans Golf

By Ross HARDAKER DECEMBER 15 Single Stableford

Woopi Monday Vets Golf

By Shirley STRAUCH MONDAY 15th. December 2025

.280. Greg Sutherland .299.

Peter Fleming .317. Bernie Axford .431. Alistair McMillan .500. Keiran Grabham .504.

Robert Ramsey .621 Hunting rifle. Score: Bill Buchanan 50.3.

Peter Fleming 50.2. Keiran Grabham 50.2. Ian Thompson 50.2. Greg Sutherland 50.2.

Good roll up today, with 32 starters contesting the event, including one visitor from Nambucca Island.

Winner, and recipient of our 2nd Christmas Ham, Dennis 29

23 starters Winner

STORY STARTS on BACK COVER, Page 48

their total, bowling out Kingscliff for 120 to win the North Coast title, thanks largely to Darcy Franks who had a super spell of 5-13.

Coffs Harbour High School defeated South Grafton High School in Round 2, Orara High School in the Round of 16, Grafton High School in the quarter final, and Hastings Secondary College in the semi-final, on their way to winning the North Coast title.

Coach Adam Mason gave a recap of the school’s North Coast title win.

“In a gripping NSWCHS Alan Davidson Shield clash, Coffs Harbour High School emerged victorious over Kingscliff High School in a tense, seesawing contest that went down to the final overs,” he said.

“The win secures Coffs Harbour High the North Coast Title and a shot at entering the state’s final eight, with a playoff against Armidale Secondary College now awaiting them.

“After Kingscliff won the toss and elected to bowl on a damp Leisure Park outfield, early movement off the deck saw opener Cooper Pearce dismissed cheaply for 4.

“The pressure eased when Tom

Trevor Kempnich

R/U Tony Withers 32 2nd R/U c/b Mark Ashcroft

North Coast title

Craig and Darcy Franks combined for a steadying 48-run partnership, Franks’ well-constructed 14 provided valuable support before he fell, bringing Zane Guthrie to the crease.

“Craig and Guthrie then took control of the innings, working the ball into gaps and punishing anything loose to put on an impressive 61 runs during a period of worsening weather.

“Craig's classy 59 - featuring a mix of elegant drives and clever placement - ended when he holed out on the boundary trying to lift the scoring rate.

“From there, Guthrie anchored the back end of the innings superbly, he farmed the strike smartly and guided Coffs through the remaining overs, adding 19 with Charlie Cameron (6) and Deegan Tomlinson (3), Guthrie finished unbeaten on 34, steering Coffs Harbour High to a competitive 133/5, later revised to a target of 134 for Kingscliff.

“With the sun breaking through for the run chase - but the ball quickly turning into ‘a cake of soap’ on the saturated outfield - fielding became treacherous for both sides.

“Kingscliff began confidently, reaching 13 before Craig’s clever offspin struck the first blow, thanks to a difficult outfield catch by Noah Hart.

“Momentum swung further when Guthrie removed Kingscliff’s

36 COFFS COAST NEWS OF THE AREA

media@newsofthearea.com.au

Holmstrom, with 40 points.

2nd Garry Matthews, from 3rd Peter Brotherton, both with 36.

Run-down Peter Drysdale 35, Michael Trist, John Anselmi 34, Mick Bellew, Artie Hassett, Joe

Dick Cooper Sue Tony Withers Di Gary Tolhurst

captain and key batter Brody Felton for just 8.

“At two down early, Coffs Harbour looked in control, but Kingscliff had other ideas.

“A determined 62-run stand between Jimmy Rosser (30) and Kai Robinson (37) tilted the match firmly back in Kingscliff’s favour, their partnership blended patience with aggression, punishing anything short as the Coffs bowlers battled the slippery ball.

“Sensing the need for a breakthrough, Coffs captain Guthrie turned to Harley Teale, and the change paid off instantly.

“Teale struck with his first over, removing Rosser to break the partnership.

“The very next over, Darcy Franks dismissed the set opener Robinson, and suddenly Coffs were back in the contest with renewed energy.

“But cricket’s momentum swings were far from over. Teale’s second over disappeared for 15, and Kingscliff surged from 90 to 105, needing only 29 runs with plenty of overs in hand.

“Darcy Franks then delivered the over of the match, he took wickets with consecutive balls—just missing a hat-trick—and had Kingscliff reeling at 6/109.

“Still, Kingscliff steadied to 6/117 after two tight overs, leaving the match delicately poised.

“After a tough first spell (0/23 from 4 overs), Nathan Clarke

media@newsofthearea.com.au

By Ken MASON TUESDAY 9th December 2025 Main Draw Winners: - Laurie Preston - R/U - Brian Ng Consolation Winners: - Richie Hoskins - R/U - James O'Connor

Street, Grant Cardow, all with 33.

Bradmans Wazza Botfield 16.

Ntps 9th Wazza Botfield, 18th Ross Hardaker.

Longest Putt Ross Hardaker.

Slab Winner Gary Teale, yet again !

A reminder that next week's event is our 3 clubs plus putter day.

Choose your clubs carefully, as they are all you are permitted to use over the course of the day.

Should be interesting !

produced a brilliant fifth over, removing two batters in quick succession to turn the game on its head again, Kingscliff were suddenly 8 wickets down, still needing 15 runs from 24 balls.

“Franks, sensing the moment, returned for his final over and delivered a dream finish, he bowled both tailenders - clean, stumprattling dismissals - to seal victory in emphatic style.

“His final figures: 5 wickets for just 13 runs off 4 overs - a matchwinning performance that will long be remembered.

“Supported superbly by Clarke (2/25 off 5), and single wickets to Guthrie, Craig and Teale, Coffs Harbour High bowled Kingscliff out 14 runs short of the target to claim a nail-biting North Coast Title win.

“With the victory, Coffs Harbour High School advances to face Armidale Secondary College for a coveted place in the final eight of the Alan Davidson Shield.

“If their composure under pressure is any indication, this team is far from finished making statements.”

the NAGA. Next week is the Xmas do, we’ll be away so to all the stalwarts who get out of bed early on Mondays, Merry Xmas.

q Coffs Harbour High School’s Opens Boys cricket team celebrate their North Coast title win. Back row: Adam Mason (Coach), Noah Hart, Charlie Cameron, Tom Craig, Zane Guthrie, Darcy Nikolich, Ben Watson (Coach). Front row: Hunter Lynch, Josh Degle, Harley Teale, Ryan Ellingham, Darcy Franks, Cooper Pearce, Nathan Clarke. Absent: Deegan Tomlinson.

Friday, 19 December 2025

OUTLETS Where you can pick up your paper If your business stocks the paper and you are not listed here, please email us. media@newsofthearea.com.au

NORTHERN BEACHES Woolgoolga Woolworths Moonee Beach Newsagency Moonee Beach Coles Supermarket Emerald Beach General Store Sapphire Beach Service Station Woolgoolga Diggers Club Woopi Bottle Shop Liquor Legends Emerald Beach Mitre 10 Woolgoolga Top Town Market Sunken Chip Takeaway Sandy Beach Sunset Room Restaurant Woolgoolga Library Woolgoolga's Finest General Store COFFS HARBOUR Coffs Central Shopping Centre Fresco Marketplace Palate and Ply Coffee Shop Lucky 7 Supermarket, Northside Shopping Centre Bray Street Newsagency Coffs Coles Supermarket Woolworths Spar Supermarket Coffs Harbour Spar Supermarket Jetty Village Shop 36 General Store Midway Convenience Shop Good Price Pharmacy Discount Chemist CBD BP South BP Truck Stop South Caltex Service Station BP Service Station Bailey Centre Service Station Caltex Service Station Park Beach Bowling Club Coffs Hotel Green House Bottle Shop BYO Cellars Big Country Meats Bray Street Butchery Coffs Harbour Produce Clog Barn Coffs Macleod's Furniture Court Homebase The Village Pantry - Homebase Observatory Apartments The Happy Frog Northside Bakery Book Warehouse Community Village Coffs Harbour Library and Cafe Coffs City Council Nu Era Kitchens Big 4 Park Beach Holiday Park Clarke Rubber Morrisons Betta Electrical Coffs Harbour Surf Club North Coast V Twins Masonic Lodge Retirement Centre Baringa Hospital Coffs Harbour Hospital The Mens Shed Pacific Marina Apartments Stone Real Estate PRD Real Estate Century 21 Real Estate CBD Newsagency Dolphin Marine Magic Pacific Bay Resort Corner Store Frances & Long Park Beach Plaza Woolworths Ritchies IGA Big W Terry White Chemmart Target Silvio’s Italiano Park Beach Plaza Food Court Park Beach Plaza Customer Information BOAMBEE/TOORMINA/SAWTELL Sawtell Newsagency Coles Supermarket Ritchie’s Supermarket Boambee Lucky 7 Convenience Store Blooms the Chemist Sawtell Boambee Liberty Service Station Bonville Service Station Bonville Golf Club Toormina Hotel Sawtell Surf Lifesaving Club The Country Brewers Marian Grove Retirement Village Toormina Centre Management Boambee Garden Retirement Raine & Horne Toormina Unrealestate Agent Sawtell Real Estate Toormina Real Estate URUNGA/BELLINGEN IGA Supermarket Spar Supermarket Urunga Foodworks Urunga Urunga Bowling Club Welcome Dental Urunga Lindsay’s Oysters Kombu Wholefoods Fermount Fire Station Ray White Real Estate Bellingen Pet & Vet Supplies Bellingen Golf Club Cardows Urunga

Friday, 19 December 2025

media@newsofthearea.com.au Bellingen Diggers Swimming Club

By Lois LANE 11.12.25 WE HAD five swimmers tonight.

RACE 1 $ 25m Backstroke HEAT 1 Colin Redman flew off his block taking out first place and in second was Jill Williams.

HEAT 2

Coffs CEX Social Golf Results

By Steve ROBINSON

14 DECEMBER 2025 Coffs CEX Social Golf Club played on Sunday 14 December 2025 at

Coffs Table Tennis Results

By Margaret ILES

FRIDAY 12th December, 2025 Division 1 Troy Prystasz d Steve Godstone 3/1, Paul Hendriks d Dominic Arjona 3/0, Sharee Templeton d Char Berglund 3/2, Troy Prystasz d Char Berglund 3/0, Paul Hendriks d Sharee Templeton 3/0,

Mid North Coast Veterans Golfers Association

By Colin CUTT TUESDAY , 9th December, 2026: 33 MNC Veteran golfers competed in a single stableford at

Park Beach Mens Bowling Club

By Todd BROWN OPEN Triples Tuesday 9 December 2025 W Grimshaw, J Robinson, G Hinsley d V Valentine, C Weatherall, D Valentine 22 - 20 M Millar, T Lainchbury, P Wroe d J Long, R Aitken, B Johns 19 - 18 D Catling, R Wisley, M Star d W Moore, R Oakley, L Morris 19 - 17 J Clarke, T Brown, I Trengove d K Raymond, M Cutts, J Murtas

Sawtell Bowls Results

By Geoff HAMPSON

MONDAY Twilight Bowls 8/12/25 Twilight Bowls Christmas Party No Bowls played TUESDAY Ladies Social Bowls 9/12/25 G Staunton-Latimer, B Pyke, J Townsend, E Tindall DEF C Dodds, K Lewis, K Stirling, N Foy

Sawtell Golf Results

By Janet O’DOWD

7/12 9 HOLE mixed foursomes Tara Brooks Rava & Dave Rava 32.5, Narelle & Aussie Foy 33.5, Scott & Kate Pollard 35c/b, Chris & Sharon Shipman 35c/b, Karen & Brian Wilson 37.5. Pauline Barnes & Brian Holman 37.5 9/12 Stableford Steven Provost 38, David Clements 36c/b,

SPORT RESULTS

COFFS COAST News Of The Area

Peter Allison made this race his own coming first and in second was Elizabeth Casey.

FINAL Colin Redman had his windmill arms on coming first and in the money and in second was Peter Allison.

RACE 2 25m Freestyle HEAT 1 Jill Williams held on by the skin of her teeth coming first, in second place was Colin Redman and in third

was Peter Allison.

HEAT 2 Elizabeth Casey put the pedal to the metal coming first and in second was Paul Sheridan.

RACE 3 100m Freestyle HEAT 1 Colin Redman went for hell to leather coming first and in second was Peter Allison.

HEAT 2 Elizabeth Casey put everything into this race coming first and in

second was Paul Sheridan.

RACE 4 50m Breaststroke HEAT 1 Peter Allison had his froggy legs on coming first and in second was Colin Redman.

HEAT 2 Paul Sheridan swam like the wind coming first and in second was Elizabeth Casey.

We would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Dominic Arjona d Steve Godstone 3/1, Troy Prystasz d Dominic Arjona 3/0, Paul Hendriks d Char Berglund 3/0, Steve Godstone d Sharee Templeton 3/0, Troy Prystasz d Sharee Templeton 3/0, Paul Hendriks d Steve Godstone 3/0, Dominic Arjona d Char Berglund 3/0, Troy Prystasz d Paul Hendriks 3/2, Sharee Templeton d Dominic Arjona 3/2, Steve Godstone d Char Berglund 3/1.

WINNER: Troy Prystasz from Paul

Coffs Harbour Rifle Club

DECEMBER 10 - Howard St Rimfire Range. 50m Precision Rimfire results. Cherelle S 379.23, Jon B

370.18, Jake B 358.17, Mark P 344.18, Johan G 338.14, Dave K 327.14, Lockie K 325.20, Matt M 315.6, Leah G 306.9, Phil H 300.6, Micah M 282.8, Diezel G 279.6, Craig Mc 249.0, Lachlan J 115.1, Darren J 68.2

Sawtell Golf Course on a lovely day.

The course was in great condition and the players commented that the greens were quick.

Winner: Col Osland 36 c/b, 1st runner-up Rod Edwards 36 c/b, 2nd runner-up Gillian Anderson 36.

NTP’s: 7th Col Osland, 11th Rob Reid, 15th Alan Guthrie.

Ball run to 32 pts.

33 MNC Veteran Golfers also competed in a single stableford event at CEX Urunga Golf Course, which was in great condition, with true greens and beautiful weather.

Winner: Shadley Fataar 38, 1st runner-up Wendy Johnstone 37, 2nd runner-up Steven Robinson 34.

NTP’s: 3rd - Stephen Arnold, 9th – Paul Bonventi, 16th Jeff Porter, 18th – Joe Street.

Ball run to 32 pts.

R Cook, J Webber, B Eden DEF M Friend, L Kratz, L North M Baguley, N Harvey DEF N Feltrin, D Grebert H Muir, J Fleming, T Goninan DEDFD H Muir, N Elford, E Savage WEDNESDAY Men’s Social Bowls 10/12/25 N Wong. K Sharman, A Wagstaff DEF M Gibbons, W Kellam, A Jones R Mitchell, A Birse, P Cook DEF W Vaughn, R Mroz, J Townsend

R Williams B Martin, P Collins DEF A Lavelle, N Stahlhut, B Blight T Books, R Cridge, G Denniss Played L Feltrin, D Anderson, A Berry G Fisher, D Frost, N Sillar Played P Swain, G Peel, L Preston I Maderic, J Rice, G Walsh Played M Flint, D Bond, W Meadows I Muller, L Zecchinati, A Sorbello DEF B Fitzpatrick, B Clugston, S Sillar

Coffs Harbour, Single Stableford.

Sponsor Cex Social Golf Club.

Results were as follows: Ham Winner’s: Team Total: 121 Rick Furlan (32), Rick Paxton (30), Troy Henderson (30) & Terry Stephens (29) Ham Runner-Up: Team Total:

23 - 11 G Williams, R Beaumont, A Campbell d B Worboys, Macca, D Garner 23 - 21 V Slater, P Booth, J Dunn d C Williamson, C Hansen, G Stanford 26 - 13 S Ward, J Thorn, D Condon d G Power, M Berube, S Crawford 24 - 12 Snapper, R Kelly, L Boekeman d J Barker, M Flint, K Kaaden 16 - 15 S Clouten, L McLeod, A Worboys d C McLeod, S Wilson, D Hull 27 - 17 L Clancy, B Fane, S Willis d A Wroe, R Gerbur, K Morrison 23 - 16 K Elliott, P Elliott, P Lilley d C

James Murdoch 36c/b, John Burke 36, Kane Hickey 35c/b.

Balls to 31c/b. NTP 7 A: Mark Greenshields, B: Ian Reynolds, C: Gary Reynolds. NTP 11 A: James Murdoch, B: Dave Lovett (pro pin), C: Mike Ryan 10/12 3 Person Ambrose Chris Veerhuis, Gayle James & Kerry Humphreys 65.667, Wendy Mason, Jenny Ball & Cara Reeves 66.5, Linda Rankin, Sue Flint & Vicki Macnamara 67.667. Brenda

www.newsofthearea.com.au

115 Courtney Smith (31), Amrik Thandi (20), Izzy Caravante (32) & Dave Turnbull (34) Single Stableford Winners: Carmel Hill, Dave Turnbull & Gavin Gilmore (All 34 pts) NTP’s: Rick Paxton (3rd),

By Geoffrey HART

Hendriks.

Division 2 Xavier Campbell d Tahli Andreou 3/0, David Iles d Kobe Smith 3/0, Xavier Campbell d

Maurice Tate (12th), Scott Croft (15th) & Jose Caravante (16th in Two) Chip In’s: Ben Gately, Dave Turnbull, Kel Wilton & Chris Oddy Next Game is at Sawtell on Sunday 4 January 2026, 7.00 am Tee Time. All Welcome.

Kobe Smith 3/1, David Iles d Tahli Andreou 3/0, Kobe Smith d Tahli Andreou 3/1, David Iles d Xavier Campbell 3/2. WINNER: David Iles from Xavier Campbell.

Domjahn, K Bienefelt, H Major 23 – 19 Triples Thursday 11 December 2025 D Catling, B Trotman, B Garner d N Dean, D Garner, J Bishop 14 - 14 S Barnard, G Pallister, C Davis d Twisley, M McCabe, H Major 9 - 7 A Plain, Fred C, B Merchant d T Lainchbury, M Baker, R Harris 7 - 5 D Powell, Athol D, W Moore d J Lowndes, K Crooks, B Edwards 10 - 4 C Brian, P Moore, R Kelly, I Trengove d K Bienefelt, C Lloyd, T Cooper, I Rose 11 - 9

C Weatherall, D Valentine, T Erskine d J Long, R Aitken, K Morrison 12 - 11 M Flint, G Stanford, R Alford d G Williams, R Beaumont, A Campbell 12 - 6 G Cunningham, M Hodge, R Ryan d C Hansen, P Elliott, P Lilley 9 - 8 P North, P Booth, J Dunn d C McLeod, P Newman, G Wallace 13 - 12 G Myer, P Toy, L Morris d W Grimshaw, J Robinson, G Hinsley 12 - 8 J Thorn, M Berube, D Condon d R Wisley, K Kaaden, P Evans 12 - 5

Connors, Rosi Hrncir & Hermie Maguire 68.333.

NTP 7 3: Nicole Owen. NTP 11 1: Narelle Foy 13/12 August Mug Stroke A: Andrew Sercombe 68, Kelcie Davis 72c/b. B: Aussie Foy 67, Allan Robertson 72. C: Dennis Ryan 72, Christopher Ryan 73c/b. Gross: A: Scott Pollard 74, B: Terry Rapley 89, C: David Hilton 97. NTP 7 A: Brad Waterhouse, B: Terry Rapley (pro pin), C: Gary Herbert. NTP 11

A: Ken Higgins, B: Chis Turnbull, C: Naydan Hill. NTP 15 Andrew Dent Xmas Freeforall 4 Person Ambrose Lorraine Lacey, Wendy Mason, Robyn Thompson & Margie Gill 29.1875, Joy Lawrence, Trish Bailey, Chris Constable & Linda Graff 32c/b. Longest drive Chris Constable. Saturday Sal Linda Graff. Nearest Santa's Pants Jean Dummer. NTP Annie White.

Saturday Sam Nikki Owen.Closest Santa in the sand Elaine Everitt

M Hastings, A Vivian, M Aujard Played N McClelland, J Urge, M Sharpe C Christian, D Wheeler DEF R McLellan, A Baker Please Note due to a glitch in the system not all winners are shown (they show as played) ones that show Winners hopefully are correct as relying on Memory: FRIDAY Mixed Social Bowls 12/12/25 BOWLS CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER

COFFS COAST NEWS OF THE AREA

37

LOCALCLASSIFIEDS DEADLINE: 12noon WEDNESDAYS

EMAIL: ads@newsofthearea.com.au

Death Notices

WEB: www.newsofthearea.com.au

COFFS COAST NEWS OF THE AREA PHONE: (02) 4981 8882 (phone line open Mon - Fri 9am - 3pm)

Death Notice

Death Notices

Donna Fraser

"BRANKO"

05.09.1936 - 20.10.2025 The last of 10 young men who absconded by sea to Italy in search of peace and opportunity.

Late of Safety Beach, previously of Torquay VIC. Belovéd wife, mother, and friend to Greg, Liesel, Ben, and several very lucky dogs over the past 58 years. Donna died peacefully after a long breast cancer journey. In lieu of flowers, please donate generously to an animal shelter.

A memorial service will be held on the beach in Woopi in Feb 2026. Time & Date TBA. Tempus est circulus. Iterum conveniemus.

Industrious, conscientious, faithful, loving and dearly loved.

Private cremation 23.10.2025 in lieu of body donation to science.

‘Gone as all old Soccer players go’.

CURTIS (née COOTE) Marjorie Evelyn 11th December 2025, passed away peacefully at Coffs Haven Nursing Home. Dearly beloved wife of George (dec’d). Mother of Michael and Suzanne. Cherished nana of Rebecca, Katy, Jamie and Lauren.

Aged 90 Years 55 Beautiful Years Of Marriage Marjorie was privately cremated at Hogbin Drive Crematorium & Memorial Gardens, Stadium Drive, Coffs Harbour.

PIKE, Marion 3rd December 2025, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her family. Loving wife of David. Loved mother and mother-in-law of Louise & Kim and Christina. Cherished grandmother of Ruffina.

Aged 82 Years Forever In Our Hearts Marion was privately cremated at Hogbin Drive Crematorium & Memorial Gardens, Stadium Drive, Coffs Harbour.

FUNERAL DIRECTORS Coffs Harbour 6652 1999

CURTIS, Ronald Nelson ‘Ron’ 12th December 2025, passed away peacefully at home, with his daughters Sarah and Jane by his side.

Loving father-in-law of Jonathan.

Cherished poppy of Sade and Molly.

Loved by Marley.

Aged 85 Years We Know You’re Somewhere Over The Rainbow With Mum We Love You

Loving wife of Harold (dec). Cherished mother to Belinda, Mandy, Andrew (dec), and Mathew. Loved grandmother and great-grandmother. She will be sadly missed by all her extended family and friends.

Aged 88 Years A beautiful caring soul.

As per Judy’s wishes a private cremation has been held.

VICTOR RULLIS F U N E R A L

S E RV I C E S

(02) 6651 5007

www.funeralcoffsharbour.com.au

Colin was privately cremated. Family & friends are respectfully invited to attend Colin’s memorial service to be held on Sunday, 21st December 2025 at 1pm in the Raleigh Hall, 9 Walter Street, Raleigh.

Aged 102 Years Forever In Our Hearts Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Freda’s Graveside Funeral Service to be held in Uralla Cemetery, Uralla on Monday 22nd December 2025 commencing at 11.00 am.

KEITH LOGUE & SONS FUNERAL DIRECTORS Coffs Harbour 6652 1999

VICTOR RULLIS

S E RV I C E S

(02) 6651 5007

www.funeralcoffsharbour.com.au

HEELIS Beryl Kathleen

WADE, Peter MacArthur 7th December 2025, late of Urunga.

Dearly beloved father of Darren, Sue, Brad (dec’d) and Natalie.

Fond grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great-grandfather and greatgreat-great-grandfather. Adored uncle and friend to many.

Aged 81 Years He Did It His Way A private family Funeral Service was held for Peter, followed by private cremation at Hogbin Drive Crematorium & Memorial Gardens, Stadium Drive, Coffs Harbour.

KEITH LOGUE & SONS

KEITH LOGUE & SONS

38 COFFS COAST NEWS OF THE AREA

Aged 89 Years Reunited With Janette

12th December 2025

FUNERAL DIRECTORS Coffs Harbour 6652 1999

FUNERAL DIRECTORS Coffs Harbour 6652 1999

© NOTA Graphics - Ref: KEITHLOGUE_3172020_NENIA

Passed away peacefully at Masonic Aged Care. Late of Urunga. Formerly of Raleigh. Beloved husband of Janette (dec). Loving father of Stephen, David, Judi, Carolyn. Proud Dunty & grandfather to James, Anna, Harrison, Laura, Georgia, Jesse and Ella. Loving brother & brother-in-law of Kevin (dec) & Roma, and Shirley (dec).

10th December 2025, passed away peacefully at Mater Christi Nursing Home, late of Moonee. Loving wife of Donald (dec’d). Loved mother and mother-in-law of Garry & Kim and Gayle & Gregor (dec’d).

Cherished grandmother of Laurinda, Janeen, Alison and Peter. Adored great-grandmother, sister, sister-in-law and aunty of their families.

newsofthearea.com.au

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

Pre-Planning a Funeral A Thoughtful Decision

Colin Sutton 8th December 2025

Judy Rafton

KEITH LOGUE & SONS FUNERAL DIRECTORS Coffs Harbour 6652 1999

HAWORTH Freda Kathleen

F U N E R A L

KEITH LOGUE & SONS

Funeral Notices

16th December 2025, late of Coffs Harbour. Dearly beloved wife of Peter.

Loving mother and mother-in-law of Stephen & Helen, Mark & Jenny and Karen & Ben. Cherished grandmother, great-grandmother and great-greatgrandmother of their children.

Aged 86 Years Loved By All Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Beryl’s Funeral Prayers to be celebrated in St. Augustine’s Catholic Church, Coffs Harbour on Monday 29th December 2025 commencing at 10.30 am, thence for interment in Coffs Harbour Lawn Cemetery, Karangi.

Please find livestream details on Keith Logue & Sons website.

KEITH LOGUE & SONS FUNERAL DIRECTORS Coffs Harbour 6652 1999

As unique as them

LifeLife is is a precious gift.gift. a precious

KEITH LOGUE & SONS Family Owned Funeral & Cremation Directors Since 1967 42 Park Avenue, Coffs Harbour 6652 1999

media@newsofthearea.com.au

Friday, 19 December 2025

LOCALCLASSIFIEDS

DEADLINE: 12noon WEDNESDAYS

EMAIL: ads@newsofthearea.com.au

WEB: www.newsofthearea.com.au

Funeral Notices

Funeral Notices

LOUDON Gordon Alexander

MAYLED Brenda Veronica

9th December 2025, passed away peacefully at home in Dairyville.

Cherished husband of Jane. Treasured son of Dan & Margaret (both dec’d).

Loving brother of Elaine. Proud and loving dad of Luke, Dylan and Gina.

Welcoming and caring father-in-law of Gabrielle, Dave, Naarah and Mark.

Adoring grandpa of Charlotte, Eva and Grace. Bestest mates with Bruce. A life lived with heart, humour and love.

15th December 2025, peacefully at St. Joseph’s Aged Care, late of Coffs Harbour, formerly of Port Macquarie and Dorrigo. Dearly beloved wife of John (dec’d). Loving mother and mother-in-law of Craig & Julie and Tracy & Ross Frazier. Adored grandmother of Ryan and Brodie.

Cherished great-grandmother of Charlie, Hailey, Lane and Pia.

Aged 74 Years His Triumph May Be Parked But His Spirit Rides On

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Brenda’s Funeral Service to be held in the Chapel of Hogbin Drive Crematorium & Memorial Gardens, Stadium Drive, Coffs Harbour on Tuesday 6th January 2026 commencing at 10.00 am, thence for interment in Dorrigo Cemetery, Dorrigo.

A Private Cremation was held for Gordon at Hogbin Drive Crematorium & Memorial Gardens, Stadium Drive, Coffs Harbour.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend a Celebration of Gordon’s Life to be held on Saturday 20th December 2025 commencing at 2.00 pm in the Coramba Hotel, Gale Street, Coramba.

KEITH LOGUE & SONS

In Her 84th Year

PHONE: (02) 4981 8882 (phone line open Mon - Fri 9am - 3pm)

Funeral Notices

Funeral Notices

PRICE (née McKAY) Shirley Margaret

Walter John TYSON OAM ‘Wally’, ‘Waterhole Wal’

13th December 2025, tragically, late of Coffs Harbour. Dear wife of John.

Loving mother and mother-in-law of Alicia & Neil Gilmore and Ben & Sally.

Fond stepmother of Sonja & Chris McKeddie and Sharni & Olaf Weldon.

Loving nan of Liam, Jayce, Sachi, Magnus, Ginger, Inez, Lucy and Rosie.

Adored sister & sister-in-law of Val & Rod Bursle and Neil McKay (dec’d).

Aged 77 Years Result Of A Terrible Tragic Accident Funeral date and time will be forthcoming.

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

In lieu of floral tributes the family would appreciate donations to the Lions Club of Bellingen. A collection box will be available at the Chapel.

Shirley Florence Rankin

Your Choice For When It Matters Matters Most ...

HOGBIN DRIVE CREMATORIUM CREMATORIUM

7th December 2025

FUNERAL SERVICES SERVICES & MEMORIAL GARDENS GARDENS

NICHOLLS Arthur ‘David’ 15th December 2025, passed away peacefully at Uniting Hawkesbury Richmond Aged Care, formerly of Urunga. Dearly beloved husband, father, father-in-law and grandpa of their families.

Stadium Drive, Coffs Harbour For Genuine Savings 6652 6652

For Genuine Savings

2822

6652 2822

Aged 82 Years Forever In Our Hearts Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend David’s Requiem Mass to be celebrated in Holy Name Catholic Church, Urunga on Tuesday 23rd December 2025 commencing at 2.30 pm, thence for interment in Urunga Cemetery, Urunga.

Passed peacefully at Shoreline Aged Care Facility, late of Sapphire Beach. Beloved wife of Raymond (dec), Loving mum and mother-in-law of Garry & Sharon, Wayne & Beth, Leanne and Craig. Loved Nan to Jai, Allison, Jackson and Brittany. Greatgrandmother to Sharmarnie, Tanay, Eli, Kalen, Imogen and Manika.

Aged 87 Years At Peace with Ray Family and friends are warmly invited to attend Shirley’s funeral service TODAY, Friday, 19th December 2025 at 10am in the Coffs Harbour Crematorium Chapel, Coramba Road, Karangi. Livestreaming is available from our website.

VICTOR RULLIS F U N E R A L

S E RV I C E S

(02) 6651 5007

www.funeralcoffsharbour.com.au

Please find livestream details on Keith Logue & Sons website.

KEITH LOGUE & SONS FUNERAL DIRECTORS Coffs Harbour 6652 1999

Friday, 19 December 2025

Aged 90 Years Rest Easy Dad The Valley Won’t Be The Same Without You, But It Is A Better Place Because You Were Here Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Wally’s Celebration of Life to be held in the Chapel of Hogbin Drive Crematorium & Memorial Gardens, Stadium Drive, Coffs Harbour on Friday 2nd January 2026 commencing at 10.00 am.

FUNERAL DIRECTORS Coffs Harbour 6652 1999

Care, Compassion & Quality Service Pre-paid funeral plans available Modern well appointed chapel Peaceful, beautifully maintained gardens

11th December 2025, passed away peacefully at Bellinger River District Hospital, where he was born. Wally leaves behind Yvonne his adored wife of 70 years. Loving father and father-in-law of Julii & Bob, Vicki & John, Suzanne (dec’d), Geoff & Hazel, Jenni & Hilton and Peter & Shelly.

Devoted pop of his 10 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandson.

Yvonne and family would like to sincerely thank the Nursing Staff, Doctors, Palliative Care Team, Paramedics, Fire Brigade and 000 for their compassion and care.

Please find livestream details on Keith Logue & Sons website.

KEITH LOGUE & SONS FUNERAL DIRECTORS Coffs Harbour 6652 1999

SIMPLE & SINCERE FUNERALS ALLIED FUNERAL HOME

&

Lady Cameo Funerals affordable & dignified funerals secure funeral plans available a large variety of timber & environmentally friendly cardboard coffins

c NOTA Graphics - Ref:AFLCF_040920

COFFS COAST NEWS OF THE AREA

6651 2363 or 6651 4155 124 West High Street, Coffs Harbour

www.newsofthearea.com.au

COFFS COAST NEWS OF THE AREA

39

LOCALCLASSIFIEDS DEADLINE: 12noon WEDNESDAYS

EMAIL: ads@newsofthearea.com.au

WEB: www.newsofthearea.com.au

For Sale

Boats

Motorcycles

Motors

Caravans

COFFEE Machine Expressi Capsule from Aldi model: EXP - 19CCMB, as new exc cond. $60. 0417969322

HUGE vintage buffet 230cm L x 75cm H x 40cm W, requires minor repairs. $65 0490 161 119. Photos can be sent.

3.4m Savage with trailer rego, 6HP and electric swivel seats, cover safety gear, lots of extras ACF724N. L26949 $2,000. 0427 528 084

12 month 2008 Suzuki Boulevarde c50 motorcycle 8640km unregistered $15,000 6653 7595

MAZDA 323 Astina wagon 2003. APQ24W rego to Dec 25. $4,000 ono 0415 621 222.

JARS Hexagonal Italian Glass, screw lids, 11 for $55, 1.2 litre clip lid jars $10 each. 0407 654 879

Trailers

Classifieds 4981 8882

TITANIUM sunseeker mirage 5.4m single axle semi-off road one owner, little use and stored under cover so VGC, 2 singles ensuite a/c, well insulated many extras. TF10MY $56,500 . 0401031997

2019 New Age Mantra Ray 19ER Caravan Part annex BBQ, car fridge freezer, towing system 30 years of caravan bits & pieces everything must go! $50,000 ono. TF93TZ Woolgoolga 0412 665 988

F211125

F260925

COMMONWEALTH bank original 1988 $5 coin in mint condition to celebrate opening of Parliament House. $45. 0490 161 119.

Photos can be sent.

F260925

DOG/cat carrier suit small dog. Near new cond. Safety door. $44.00 Ph 0417 471 225 F051225

EBIKE, white, as new selling for medical reasons, 2 batteries medmounted motor and extras , $1,600 0427 034 446

Public Notices

e191225 REN12225

Revival Centres Church - Coffs Harbour Have you received the Holy Spirit since you believed?

CWA Hall 3 Dalley St, Coffs Harbour Sundays 10.00 am Mobile 0427 949 206 - revivalcentres.org

F010825

GARAGE door opener remote control. Merlin Suitae panel door only Less than 5yr old. $100.

0412 776 409 GLASS jar 'Quattro Stagioni' good lid/seal 1.5 litre. $12. Ph: 0407 654 879

AMPLIFIER, for guitar Magnum, with tuner & lead. $25. 0493 079 313

GOLF balls, new, titleist $20 for the dozen ph 0422 940 328

AWNING with fittings 910mm x 1300mm W Suits back door. $80 0422 099 142

GOLF clubs x 2 sets Cleveland & Dunlop Great for beginners Right handed. $100 each. 0427 519 290

Wanted to Rent

F190925

Plants for Sale

BAG, large 22" heavy duty aeg tool bag with wheels, as new $40 Ph 0409 561 719

4 x bottlebrush, 2 x lillipillies H 1-1.5m, in large pot. $10 each 0412 354 974 F281125

AGAVE plants $5 to $10 each 0415 377 383 F121225

F101025

F101025

F211125

BAMBOO wireless keyboard. Something different. New in box. $35 Photos available 0490 161 119 F140225

RHAPIS palm 6ft, $70 0447 839 993 e160126

STAGHORNS for sale $20 each 0411 361 205 e020126

BOOKCASES (2), pine 1.0 W x 0.3 D x 1.83 H good condition, $50 each ono, photos available.

0415 669 378 F120925

Items for Sale CLOTHES Dryer Electric oven, Four 16” mag wheels 2 with tyres 0448 802 146

BUCKET 1.2m width, with hydraulic lift and tilt for a tractor $600 02 6649 1056 Re290526

F081125

For Sale ACOUSTIC guitar amplifier $90 ph 0493 079 313 F051225

F051225

F191225

F141125

HANDY-CAM Sony HDR-PJ410. VGC $100. 0409 561 719 F281125

BABY walker $10. 0481 966 840

e020126

Motors 1999 Auto Merc C200 Elegance. Detailed 373K, excel cond. New battery, 3 new tires, reg Apr 2026. LTP000.

Serviced by Merc mechanics. Txt Michael 0422 044 420

KITCHEN scales vintage 'KRUPS 875' $45. Ph: 0407 654 879 F051225

F260925

F260925

LEAD light wall unit 390w x 440h x 100d $65 pic avail. 0439 682 267

BOX trailer GC S67752 Rego til Jan 26' $1,000 0411 361 205 RUS261225

Motorhome MOBILE home Jayco Conquest 25ft slide out Fiat March '24. 26000km separate ensuite, island bed, disel heater, oven 2 solars & 2 batteries undercover. Serviced & warranty. Reg to March '26. FEV33T. VCG $165,000. 0415 196 766 Coffs. e020126

2020 Mazda CX5 GT (KF series) SUV, auto turbo diesel, 1 owner, full Mazda service history, machine grey rego til Apr 26' EKO73S, 128,500km 20” Simmons rims 2 new front tyres, sun roof, Bose sound, 11 speakers, heated electric front seats $22,575 ono 0411 237 688 e191225

Re031025

E191225

RUS200126

RUS211125

Caravans Stop Dreaming!

Beautiful 19.6 Regent Discoverer Caravan, only two years old.

Supplied with full annex, plenty of cabinet space and washing machine plus more! $65,000 ono Coffs Harbour 0408 206 353 or 0402 775 150 Re130226

2020 Jayco Lark Bushpack camper trailer Sleeps 6, March 26 rego TR78ZR. Excellent condition added extras electric jockey, solar blankets, tinted windows etc. $21,899. Coffs Harbour 0422 422 866 Re240426

CAMPER trailer Off Road Goldstream/goldstorm 2003, electric brakes gas/elect fridge 4 gas burner/oven sleeps up to 5 Anderson plug ready portable shower toilet, many extras, rego to Dec 2026 offers over $13,000.

Q29955. Ph 0437 499 513 RUS170426

MARBLE rolling pin Chill for pastry, crush spices, tenderise meat roll pottery clay $30 0407 654 879 F010825

MID century traymobile with bottle holders. $95. 0490 161 119.

Photos can be sent.

F260925

MILK frother $15. Never used. 6653 8337 or 0419 166 688 F101025

BABY jolly jumper, as new $30. 0481 966 840

UTILITY trailer new, only used twice TL00ZJ $5,000 Contact 0455 737 045

rus281125

Re210225

F250725

F141125

M AT U R E q u i e t professional lady seeking private kitchenate/granny flat long term preferred, no pets, Ph 0484 649 765

e020126

F311025

Re300525

KAWASAKI selfpropelled pro-scape lawn mower WB506SK GC rarely used. Serviced $300. Ph 6649 1056

LARGE metal puppy crate. 75cm x 50cm x 60cm H. as new $40 0490 161 119. Photos can be sent.

1930s vintage cane komode chair w/ genuine fowlerware porcelain chamber pot $95 Photo can be supplied. 0490 161 119

e191225

F121225

FURRY hood jacket Ladies size 10, toggle front $25 0407 654 879

F101025

HUGE garage & estate sale. Sat 29th 7am to 3pm, Sun 30th 8am to 1pm, 10 Kotuku St, Coffs Harbour. Tools, antiques electric beds, records kitchenware, plants stairchair lift and many more.

MODEL car garage sale collected over 40 years Dinky M/box Corgi etc Ph 6654 1695, 6 Turon Pde Woolgoolga

JIGSAW puzzels x10 $50 for the lot. Ph 0421 362 632

KITTY litter house with removal tray. $30 0490 161 119. Photos can be sent.

For Sale

e251225

F051225

FISH tank w/ food & loads of accesories. 33” L x 16” W x 18” H. $30 0481 966 840

Garage Sale

F050925

PHONE: (02) 4981 8882 (phone line open Mon - Fri 9am -3pm)

For Sale

Funeral Notices

Here for you.

COFFS COAST NEWS OF THE AREA

HEALTHCARE heavy duty shower stool 250kg with arms. $85. 0490 161 119. Photos can be sent.

F260925

MIRROR, swivel, on stand $100. 0411 361 205

e261225

HERO mobility heavy duty 4 wheel walker 135kg, safe working load exc cond. $95 ph 0490 161 119. Photos can be supplied

PET Carrier: Transport crate, lock safety door Small cat or dog Near new cond. $39 0417 471 225

HISENSE chest freezer H80cm x W52cm x L73cm. $50. 0481 966 840

PIANO, small. $100 0466 040 154

F211125

HONDA compressor 5.5hp $300. Ph 02 6649 1056 Re290526

CAMPING chair Coleman. Ice pouch drink holder, storage net VGC. $35. 0408 223 662 F171025

40 COFFS COAST NEWS OF THE AREA

HORSE MANURE 0429 583 144 e090126

Check out the holiday opening hours for our full range of facilities and services, via the QR code or coffsharbour.nsw.gov.au.

OUTDOOR dining table and 6 chairs with cushion, very GC $250 ono 0458 492 961 PENSIONER Scooter 2024. As new. $6,000ono. 0428 628 105

F121225

Our Customer Service front desk and call centre will be closing at 3.30pm Wednesday 24 December and reopening at 9am Monday 5 January.

F071125

HERO 4 wheel walker w/ seat. 136kg safe working load. $85. Photo can be supplied. 0490 161 119 F050925

City of Coffs Harbour wishes you a happy and safe festive season!

RUS060226

F241025

To notify the City of urgent issues like water service problems or critical road maintenance during this time, please call 02 6648 4000.

There will be no change to your usual kerbside bin collection days. However, bin collections scheduled for Christmas Day will start from 5am, so please put your bins out the day prior.

F311025CCNV

PLANT tying tape gun + 8 rolls tape + 5,000 staples $100 0407 654 879 PORTABLE devanti F010825

PWM-S-46-BK. Used cond, in working order photos can be sent.

Weekend pickup only Coffs Harbour $50 Ph 0456 210 772 F211125

media@newsofthearea.com.au

Friday, 19 December 2025

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PO Box 8271 Bundall Qld Australia 4217

Telephone: (07) 5553 3200 Toll Free: 1 800 652 284 Fax: (07) 5553 3201

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P E F O L N S P Auspac B K I C D Media Gale Telephone: (07) 5553 3200 D R B E D W M E PEO AB o X G Add x 8L 271 Ink Any Toll Free: 1 800 652 284 Bundall Qld Fax: (07) 5553 3201 Mix 2 1 7 Apt Y E E T L A W R AI u sAt r aNl i aA 4 Y Nests Arabs Email: N I T D S Y F F A R L R N auspac@auspacmedia.com.au Pea Ban Visit our site: www.auspacmedia.com.au Performed H K R N I S M O W E C E A Betraying Permanently Cart Predict Q E A W A C C R Z D S K I Cries Rack Cry G G Y X F W T M Q T C J A Debts Safely Declare N R I E V P M E S A R P R Demonstrate Ski Tan U J N P D L F D R J T C A Difficulties Wanted Yawn Eyed O G G N K B U T Y T Q Q B Fry Young Y L T N E N A M R E P Q S

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29 Use 49 To place within Across 33 Fastidious 50 Exciting story 1 Formal charge 34 Exudes 51 Proposition 6 Doubters 36 Excused 12 Take place 38 Italian rice dish 13 Moral uprightness Down 39 Fringe benefits 1 Explosive (4,4) 14 Lie 40 Unfeeling 2 Chirpy insects 15 The lowest state 42 Long-term 3 Moisturising 16 Music lover Solution No. 3030 prisoner cream 18 Jog 44 Awaken 4 Deceived 19 Guides wrongly 46 Ground grain 5 Commotion 20 For each 7 Bell person (3,6) 8 Settles up 24 Plinth C I A T E D P H A R I S E E 28 Orange liqueurA S S 9O Extrapolate L C O B A D I A A M 30 Ease off (3,2) S T O10R Underlying M S U layer R R O U N D S L O B A O P T T U D H V O container 31 Parasitic plant,T A P11 I Googy O C A H U B B U B W E N D (3,3) seen at Christmas I E N I Y T A I A G R17E Retracts E I N G S T A T E R O O M 32 Re-evaluate N N C H H P E secretly 35 Pure (4-5) V I 21R Run T Uaway O S O C O M E C L E A N A N N L O G O S R R T 22 Thoughts 37 Debatable D E A T H T R A P P E R S O N A L V N23 Demonstrative R T P R joyE 41 Yellow egg part E X E R C I S E S L A C E R A T E 25 Artist’s 43 Most arid N E tripod O P N N B S D U F F E R I N H E R I T 45 Turning tool T I C26K Boiled U O B N T E M O I O 47 Gremlin R O W27 On E high N C H I L A D A U N D E R E E28 Restrain R L E C L S G E 48 Gear S P R I N T E R C H A S T E N E S S

1

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DOWN BIG CROSSWORD

ACROSS

NEWS OF THE AREA

5 7 4 2 8 9 1 6 3

PUZZLES

Release No. 3030

Email: auspac@auspacmedia.com.au Visit our site: www.auspacmedia.com.au

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Note to Editor:

The Big One Crossword

19 x 19

Grid Q

Release No. 3664

ANSWERS: Spot the difference Picture B - Pinocchio’s nose is longer, extra nail, chisel missing, different hammer and button missing from teacher’s shirt.

Grooming! - Beware spare bear hair there.

TIDE CHART - 7 DAYS

Times are for

Sydney Fort Denison

Billy doesn’t have what he needs for school.

SPONSOR A DISADVANTAGED AUSTRALIAN CHILD TODAY. The Smith Family 1800 318 238

TIME VARIATIONS FOR LOCAL AREAS NAMBUCCA RIVER

Watts Creek Macksville

KALANG RIVER

Uranga Bridge

Friday, 19 December 2025

High

Low

BELLENGER RIVER

High

Low

1hr 1hr 30m 2hr 10m

1hr 1hr 30m

2hrs 10m

Mylestom Raleigh Bellingen

30m 1hr 1hr 40m

1hr 20m

1hr 40m

COFFS HARBOUR

0 to 15m 0 to 15m

www.newsofthearea.com.au

TIDES

The time variation should be added to the corresponding Fort Denison time.

In view of the variations caused by local conditions and meteorological effects, these times are approximate and must be

considered as a guide only.

They are not to be relied on for critical depth calculations for safe navigation. Actual times of High and Low Water may occur before or after the times indicated.

COFFS COAST NEWS OF THE AREA

41

TRADESSERVICES CLEANING

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RUBBISH REMOVAL

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BEST ON THE BOX SUNDAY

SUNDAY

CHRISTMAS WITH DELTA

THE IMPOSTER

NBN, 7pm

FRIDAY

A (VERY) MUSICAL CHRISTMAS

ABC TV, 7.30pm

Returning for a much-anticipated encore after last year’s special, Australia’s musical theatre community comes together in support of Beyond Blue for this delightful concert. At a time of year that can be difficult for many, it’s an important reminder of the charity’s free mental health and wellbeing support. Filmed on the festively decorated set of MJ the Musical at Melbourne’s Her Majesty’s Theatre, the special sparkles with homegrown talent including Casey Donovan, Rob Mills (pictured) and Caroline O’Connor.

After filming her 2024 special in Hollywood, Delta Goodrem (pictured) returns to home soil for this sparkling evening.

Taking over Channel Nine’s Sydney studio and transforming it into a retro winter wonderland, the newlywed singer invites Cody Simpson, Jon Bon Jovi, Jordin Sparks and a bevy of talented Aussies to perform their festive favourites. There’s delightful duets, joyful surprises and moving moments in store as Goodrem shares the stage with her famous friends. A toetapping tradition that began in 2020, Goodrem’s annual special is the perfect way to celebrate the season in style.

TEN, 8pm

A triple treat for soap opera fans on both sides of the Atlantic, this homegrown drama combines the talents of Neighbours stalwart Jackie Woodburne, Coronation Street favourite Kym Marsh and one-time Summer Bay resident Dannii Minogue (all pictured). Set in a Victorian coastal town, the four-part series sees Woodburne swap Susan Kennedy’s cherry locks for a bushy silver bob as Helen, the matriarch at the centre of a bitter family feud. Helen’s three adult kids are pressing her to sell a seaside hotel, but she’s determined to stay put. The situation is heightened by the arrival of Amanda (Marsh), the daughter Helen gave up decades ago.

1912

FRIDAY, December 19 ABC TV (2)

SBS (3)

SEVEN (6)

NBN (8)

TEN (5)

6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 News. 10.00 Portrait Artist Of The Year. (PG, R) 11.00 The Forsytes. (R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 1.00 Royal Carols. (R) 2.05 Grand Designs Australia.

(Final, PG, R) 3.00 QI. (PG, R) 3.30 Nigella Bites. (R) 3.55 Grand Designs New Zealand.

(R) 4.45 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

6.00 Morning Programs. 10.00 Inside Oxford Street. (PGa, R) 10.50 Who Do You Think You Are? (PGa, R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Amazon: The Lost World. (PG, R) 2.55 Nick Knowles Into The Grand Canyon. (PGaw, R) 3.45 The Cook Up. (PG, R) 4.15 Westminster Abbey: Behind Closed Doors. (PG, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

6.00 Morning Programs. 10.30 Cricket. The Ashes. Third Test. Australia v England. Day 3.

Morning session. 12.30 The Ashes: The Lunch Break. 1.10 Cricket. The Ashes. Third Test.

Australia v England. Day 3. Afternoon session.

3.10 The Ashes: Tea Break. 3.30 Cricket. The Ashes. Third Test. Australia v England. Day 3.

Evening session.

6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra Summer. (PG) 11.30 9News Morning.

12.00 MOVIE: Unforgettable Christmas. (2023, G, R) 2.00 Pointless. (PG, R) 3.00 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 4.00 9News Afternoon.

5.00 Tipping Point Australia. (PG, R)

6.00 Morning Programs. 8.30 Deal Or No Deal. (R) 9.00 Lingo. (R) 10.00 Ent. Tonight.

(R) 10.30 Jamie’s Cook Ahead Christmas. (R) 11.30 My Market Kitchen. (R) 12.00 Farm To Fork. 12.30 Family Feud. (PG, R) 1.00 News.

2.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R) 2.30 Lingo. (R) 3.30 News. 4.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R) 4.30 Bold.

(PG) 5.00 News.

6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R) Presented by Tom Gleeson.

7.00 ABC News. A look at the top stories of the day.

7.30 A (Very) Musical Christmas.

Music for the festive season.

9.00 The Yearly With Charlie Pickering. (PGa, R) Charlie Pickering is joined by celebrities to take a look back at the highs and lows of 2025.

10.15 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R) Hosted by comedian Adam Hills.

10.45 Silent Witness. (Ml, R) 12.35 Rage Best New Music Videos Of 2025. (MA15+adhlnsv) 5.00 Rage. (PG)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R) 6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Indiana Jones: In Pursuit Of An Icon.

8.30 Starring Dick Van Dyke.

10.30 SBS World News Late.

11.00 Sisi. (Mav, R) 11.55 Culprits. (Malv, R) 2.05 Soldiers. (Malsv, R) 3.50 Growing A Greener World. (R) 4.20 Rediscover Victoria. (R) 4.45 Destination Flavour Down Under Bitesize. (R) 4.55 Destination Flavour: Singapore Bitesize.

(R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 NSW Schools Spectacular. (PG) Featuring dance and musical performances.

9.30 Victorian State Schools Spectacular. (PG) Featuring dance and musical performances.

12.30 Harry’s Practice. (R) Dr Harry Cooper and Dr Katrina Warren present information about animals and pet care.

1.00 Miniseries: Any Human Heart.

(Malns) After the deaths of Freya and Stella, Logan moves to New York in 1955.

2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Million Dollar Minute.

(R) Hosted by Simon Reeve.

5.00 NBC Today. News and current affairs.

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Space Invaders. (PGa) Experts help people declutter their lives.

8.40 MOVIE: Elf. (2003, G, R) A man raised as an elf searches for his father. Will Ferrell, James Caan.

10.40 MOVIE: Four Holidays.

(2008, Mls, R) 12.20 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 1.10 Hello SA. (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) 5.30 Postcards Summer. (PG, R)

6.00 10 News+.

7.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R) Hosted by Grant Denyer.

7.30 MOVIE: Jack Reacher: Never Go Back. (2016, Mlv, R) Jack Reacher helps an army officer he suspects is the victim of a conspiracy. Tom Cruise, Cobie Smulders.

9.55 10’s Late News. Comprehensive coverage of local, national and international news, as well as the latest sport and weather.

10.20 10 News+. (R) Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace.

11.20 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) Hosted by Stephen Colbert.

12.30 Home Shopping. (R)

ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Children’s Programs. 6.05pm PJ Masks. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.45 Ben And Holly.

7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Gardening Australia Junior.

7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 8.00 Scooby-Doo And Guess Who? 8.25 My Adventures With Superman.

(Premiere) 8.45 Robot Wars: Battle Of The Stars.

9.45 Merlin. 10.30 Late Programs.

VICELAND (31) 6am WorldWatch.

10.00 Mastermind Aust. Noon WorldWatch. 12.30 Dark Side Of Comedy. 1.20 WWE Legends. 2.55 Bamay. 3.25 Fashionista. 3.40 WorldWatch. 5.40 If You Are The One. 6.40 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 The Count Of Monte Cristo. (Final) 9.35 Secrets Of The Female Orgasm.

10.30 Homeland. 12.40am Letterkenny. 1.40 The Bloody Decade. 2.35 Late Programs.

7TWO (62) 6am Morning Programs.

9.00 Medical Emergency. 9.30 NBC Today. Noon Better Homes. 1.00 Escape To The Country. 2.00 Australia’s Deadliest. 2.30 Weekender. 3.00 The Great Australian Doorstep. 3.30 Harry’s Practice.

4.00 Better Homes. 5.00 Escape To The Country.

6.00 Bargain Hunt. 7.00 Better Homes And Gardens Summer. 8.30 Escape To The Country.

11.30 Late Programs.

9GEM (82) 6am Gideon’s Way. 7.00 Creflo. 7.30 Skippy. 8.00 TV Shop. 10.30 Pointless.

11.30 My Favorite Martian. Noon Shakespeare And Hathaway. 1.00 MOVIE: Summer Holiday.

(1963) 3.15 Explore. 3.20 Antiques Roadshow. 3.50 MOVIE: A Shoe Addict’s Christmas. (2019) 5.30 Yorkshire Auction House. 6.30 Antiques Roadshow.

7.30 Antiques Downunder. 8.30 MOVIE: A View To A Kill. (1985, M) 11.10 Late Programs.

DRAMA (51) 6am Home Shopping. 8.00 Escape Fishing With ET. 9.00 The Living Room.

10.00 JAG. Noon Days Of Our Lives. 12.45 The Young And The Restless. 1.30 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly Australia. 2.30 JAG. 4.30 All 4 Adventure.

5.30 JAG. 7.30 NCIS. 10.20 The Hunt For The Family Court Killer. 11.20 Blue Bloods. 12.15am 48 Hours. 2.15 Home Shopping.

SKY NEWS (53)

SBS MOVIES (32) 6am The Three Musketeers. Continued. (1973, PG) 7.40 The Movie Show. 8.50 A Room With A View. (1985, PG) 11.00 The Nugget. (2002, M) 12.50pm Up In The Air. (2009, M) 2.55 The Movie Show. 3.30 The Bookshop. (2017, PG) 5.35 Moonlighting. (1982, PG) 7.30 The Last Castle. (2001, M) 9.55 Driving Miss Daisy. (1989) 11.45 Reservoir Dogs. (1992, MA15+) 1.35am Late Programs.

7MATE (64) 6am Hook, Line And Sinker. 7.00 My Fishing Place. 7.30 Creek To Coast.

8.00 A Football Life. 9.00 America’s Game. 11.00 NFL Tailgate. Noon NFL. NFL. Week 16. Seattle Seahawks v Los Angeles Rams. 3.30 Billy The Exterminator. 4.30 American Resto. 5.00 Storage Wars. 5.30 American Pickers. 6.30 Pawn Stars.

7.30 Road Wars. 8.30 MOVIE: Monty Python’s The Meaning Of Life. (1983, M) 10.50 Late Programs.

9GO! (83) 6am Children’s Programs.

8.00 Seinfeld. 8.30 Nanny. 9.30 Addams Family.

10.00 Bewitched. 10.30 Jeannie. 11.00 The West Wing. Noon Explore. 12.10 Australian Ninja Warrior.

2.00 Golden Girls. 2.30 Nanny. 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family. 5.00 Bewitched. 5.30 Jeannie.

6.00 Golden Girls. 6.30 Nanny. 7.30 MOVIE: The Flash. (2023, M) 10.20 MOVIE: Snatchers. (2025, MA15+) Midnight Late Programs.

NITV (34) 6am Morning Programs.

1.35pm Anthem Sessions. 2.00 On Country Kitchen. 2.30 The Cook Up. 3.00 Jarjums. 5.00 Harlem Globetrotters. 5.25 Black As. 5.30 Living Black. 6.00 Bamay. 6.30 Yiyili. 6.40 Wildlife Rescue New Zealand. 7.29 NITV Weather. 7.30 MOVIE: Crackers. (1998, M) 9.10 First Nations Bedtime Stories. 9.20 MOVIE: This Christmas.

(2007, PG) 11.20 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 11.00 NewsDay. Noon News. 12.30 News. 1.00 NewsDay. 2.00 Afternoon Agenda.

3.00 Afternoon Agenda. 4.00 Afternoon Agenda.

4.30 Business Now With Ross Greenwood. 5.00 Danica De Giorgio. 6.00 Steve Price. 7.00 The World According To Rowan Dean. 8.00 The US Report. 9.00 Lefties Losing It. 9.30 The Media Show. 10.15 NewsNight. Midnight Late Programs.

CONSUMER ADVICE (P) Pre-school (C) Children (PG) Parental Guidance Recommended (M) Mature Audiences (MA15+) Mature Audiences Only (AV15+) Extreme Adult Violence (R) Repeat Please Note: Programs are correct at the time of print and are subject to change by the Networks.

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SATURDAY, December 20 ABC TV (2)

SBS (3)

SEVEN (6)

NBN (8)

TEN (5)

6.00 Morning Programs. 12.00 News. 12.30 Return To Paradise. (PGdv, R) 1.25 Royal Carols: Together At Christmas. (R) 2.30 All Creatures Great And Small Christmas Special.

(PG, R) 3.25 A (Very) Musical Christmas. (PG, R) 5.00 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R) 5.30 Muster Dogs: Where Are They Now. (R) 5.55 Hard Quiz Battle Of The Networks. (PG, R)

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 The Point: Road To Referendum History Bites. (R) 9.05 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (PGaw, R) 9.15 Matched. (PG, R) 10.10 Inside The Steam Train Museum. (R) 12.00 WorldWatch.

2.00 When The World Watched. 3.25 Ethnic Business Awards. (R) 5.30 Bettany Hughes: History Of Mother Earth.

6.00 Morning Programs. 9.30 The Ashes: Pre-Game Show. 10.30 Morning Programs.

12.30 The Ashes: The Lunch Break. 1.10 Cricket. The Ashes. Third Test. Australia v England. Day 4. Afternoon session. 3.10 The Ashes: Tea Break. 3.30 Cricket. The Ashes. Third Test. Australia v England. Day 4.

Evening session.

6.00 Morning Programs. 10.00 Today Extra Summer. (PG) 12.00 Surfing Aust. (PGl) 12.30 Find My Beach House Australia. (R) 1.00 Drive Safer. 1.30 My Way. (R) 2.00 Ready Vet Go: The Vet Paramedics. (PGm, R) 2.30 MOVIE: Christmas In Scotland. (2023, G) 4.30 Garden Gurus. 5.00 News. 5.30 Find My Country House Aust. (R)

6.00 Morning Programs. 10.30 GCBC. (R) 11.00 Gordon Ramsay’s Secret Service. (PGal) 12.00 Everyday Gourmet. (R) 12.30 Farm To Fork. (R) 1.00 Silvia’s Italian Masterclass.

(R) 1.30 The Yes Experiment. (PG) 2.00 4x4 Adventures. 3.00 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly Australia. (PGl, R) 4.00 All 4 Adventure.

5.00 News.

6.30 When The War Is Over: Changi. (PGa, R) Rachel Griffiths visits the Burma-Thailand Railway.

7.00 ABC News. A look at the top stories of the day.

7.30 Return To Paradise. (Final, PGdv) Glenn and Daisy’s wedding is interrupted.

8.30 Vera. (Ma, R) The body of a sickly young girl is discovered at the side of an isolated railway crossing.

10.00 The Forsytes. (Final, PG, R) Jolyon decides his future.

10.55 Bergerac. (Final, Mlv, R) 11.45 Rage Best Of The Guests 2025. (MA15+adhlnsv) 5.00 Rage. (PGadhlnsv)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Building The Vatican. (PGa, R) 8.30 A Warwick Castle Christmas: Christmas At The Castle. Looks at Christmas celebrations at Warwick Castle.

9.30 Harrods: The Rise And Fall Of A British Institution. (Ma, R) 10.25 MOVIE: Robin’s Wish. (2020, Ma, R) 11.45 Homicide: Life On The Street. (Mav, R) 3.10 Growing A Greener World. (R) 4.10 Rediscover Victoria. (PG, R) 4.40 Bamay. (R) 5.15 France 24 Feature.

5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Animals Aboard With Dr Harry. (PG) The team hits the road to save man’s best friend.

8.00 Carols In The Domain. (PG) Coverage of Carols In The Domain from Sydney. Featuring The Wiggles, Marcia Hines and Hugh Sheridan.

10.30 NSW Schools Spectacular. (PG, R) Featuring dance and musical performances.

1.00 Miniseries: Any Human Heart. (Malns) 2.30 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 It’s Academic. (R) 5.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R)

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 MOVIE: Nugget Is Dead: A Christmas Story. (2024, Mln) 9.30 MOVIE: Bad Moms 2.

(2017, MA15+als, R) Three mums prepare for Christmas. Mila Kunis.

11.35 MOVIE: Christmess. (2023, Madl, R) 1.05 Find My Beach House Australia.

1.35 Surfing Australia TV. (PGl, 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)

6.00 MOVIE: Dear Santa. (2024, PGalv) A devilish character posing as Santa wreaks havoc. Jack Black, Keegan-Michael Key. 8.00 Love It Or List It Australia.

Rachael and Ryan can’t agree over their Greenslopes Queenslander, so Neale tries to find a solution.

9.10 The Dog House. (PGa, R) The Griffiths family hopes Gigi the labrador cross will help dad Dave get into the festive spirit.

10.10 Jamie Oliver: Christmas. (R) 11.20 Jamie’s One-Pan Christmas. (R) Jamie Oliver shows how to make one-pot meals.

12.30 Home Shopping. (R) 5.00 Hour Of Power.

ABC FAMILY (22)

6am Children’s Programs. 6pm Octonauts: Above And Beyond.

6.10 PJ Masks. 6.20 Bluey. 6.30 Paddington.

6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Andy And The Band. 7.05 Piripenguins. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Merry Madagascar.

8.00 Kung Fu Panda Holiday. 8.25 Chopped Junior.

9.10 Fresh Off The Boat. 9.50 Abbott Elementary.

10.10 Speechless. 10.35 Dragon Ball Super. 11.00 Late Programs.

VICELAND (31) 6am WorldWatch.

10.00 Mastermind Aust. Noon Tiny Beautiful Things. 12.35 Bamay. 1.00 Curse Of Oak Island.

3.30 SBS50. 3.35 WorldWatch. 5.35 Mastermind Aust. 6.35 Inside Legoland: A World Of Wonder.

7.35 Impossible Engineering. 8.30 Icons Unearthed: Fast & Furious. (Premiere) 10.20 Snowpiercer.

12.10am Letterkenny. 1.50 The Bloody Decade.

2.45 NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera.

7TWO (62)

6am Home Shopping.

8.30 Better Homes And Gardens. 11.00 Medical Emergency. 11.30 Harry’s Practice. Noon Horse Racing. Royal Randwick Raceday and Pakenham Cup Day. 6.00 Dog Patrol. 6.30 Bondi Vet. 7.30 The Yorkshire Vet. 8.30 Escape To The Country.

11.30 Heathrow. 12.30am The Yorkshire Vet. 1.30 The Great Australian Doorstep. 2.00 Medical Emergency. 2.30 Late Programs.

9GEM (82) 6am Morning Programs.

8.30 Tomorrow’s World. 9.00 Turning Point. 9.30 TV Shop. 10.00 Helping Hands. 10.30 My Favorite Martian. 11.00 Explore. 11.05 Edgar Wallace Mysteries. 12.25pm MOVIE: The Sound Barrier.

(1952, PG) 2.50 MOVIE: The Hallelujah Trail. (1965) 5.50 MOVIE: A Perfect Christmas. (2016, PG) 7.30 Death In Paradise. 8.30 MOVIE: The Living Daylights. (1987, PG) 11.10 Late Programs.

DRAMA (51) 6am Home Shopping. 9.00 IFISH. 9.30 On The Fly. 10.00 JAG. 3pm Camper Deals. 3.30 Tough Tested. 4.30 Soccer. A-League Men. Round 9. Newcastle Jets v Sydney FC. 7.00 Football Tonight.

7.35 Soccer. A-League Men. Round 9. Melbourne City v Melbourne Victory.

10.00 NCIS. 12.50am NCIS: Hawai’i. 1.45 48 Hours.

3.45 Home Shopping.

SKY NEWS (53)

SBS MOVIES (32) 6am Moonlighting. Continued. (1982) 7.55 The Three Musketeers. (1973, PG) 10.00 The Last Castle.

(2001, M) 12.25pm Say It Loud. (2020, M, Italian) 2.10 A Room With A View. (1985, PG) 4.20 Driving Miss Daisy. (1989) 6.10 The Family Man. (2000, PG) 8.30 The Royal Hotel. (2023, MA15+) 10.10 Stars At Noon. (2022, MA15+) 12.40am Late Programs.

7MATE (64) 6am Morning Programs.

12.30pm Timbersports. 1.00 Blokesworld. 1.30 Cool Cars & Bikes. 2.00 Rides Down Under: Workshop Wars. 3.00 Motor Racing. National Drag Racing Championship. Top Fuel Championship.

4.00 Desert Collectors. 5.00 Counting Cars. 6.00 Pawn Stars. 7.00 Storage Wars. 7.30 MOVIE: 47 Ronin. (2013, M) 9.50 MOVIE: Dante’s Peak. (1997, PG) 12.10am Late Programs.

9GO! (83) 6am Children’s Programs.

8.00 Innovation Nation. 8.10 Jeopardy! UK. 9.10 MOVIE: Christmas Hotel. (2019) 11.00 Ice Hockey. NHL. Panthers v Hurricanes. 1.40pm Soccer. English Premier League. Crystal Palace v Manchester City. Replay. 3.40 MOVIE: Radio Christmas. (2019, PG) 5.30 MOVIE: Santa Hunters.

(2024, PG) 7.30 MOVIE: The Hunger Games: Catching Fire. (2013, M) 10.25 Late Programs.

NITV (34) 6am Morning Programs.

Noon MOVIE: Mee Shee: The Water Giant. (2005, PG) 1.40 Wildlife Rescue New Zealand. 2.30 MOVIE: Mama Africa. (2011, PG) 4.10 Precious Leader Woman. 5.00 Faboriginal. 6.00 The Barber.

6.30 NITV News: Summer Yarns. 6.40 The Other Side. 7.30 Alone Australia. 8.30 MOVIE: Seeds.

(2024, MA15+) 10.00 Australian Music Vault: Kutcha Edwards. 11.20 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 9.00 Weekend First Edition. 10.00 Weekend Newsday. 11.00 News. 11.30 News. Noon Weekend Newsday. 1.00 News. 1.30 News. 2.00 Steve Price. 3.00 Weekend Newsday. 4.00 News.

4.30 News. 5.00 NewsNight. 6.00 News. 7.00 The US Report. 8.00 Lefties Losing It. 8.30 The Media Show. 9.15 NewsNight. 10.00 NewsNight. 11.00 Late Programs.

SUNDAY, December 21 ABC TV (2)

SBS (3)

SEVEN (6)

NBN (8)

TEN (5)

6.00 Morning Programs. 11.00 Compass.

(PG, R) 11.30 Praise. (R) 12.00 News. 12.30 A Dog’s World With Tony Armstrong. (Final, R) 1.25 Gardening Australia: Christmas Special.

(R) 2.25 Nigella’s Cook, Eat, Repeat: Christmas Special. (R) 3.25 Long Lost Family. (Final, PG, R) 4.15 Extraordinary Escapes: Christmas Special. (R) 5.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.05 Destination Flavour China. (R) 9.25 Matched. (PG, R) 10.15 Inside The Steam Train Museum. (PG, R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 12.55 The Point: Road To Referendum History Bites. (R) 1.00 Speedweek. 3.00 Figure Skating. ISU Grand Prix 4. H’lights. 5.30 Hotel Chocolat At Christmas. (R)

6.00 Morning Programs. 9.30 The Ashes: PreGame Show. 10.30 Cricket. The Ashes. Third Test.

Australia v England. Day 5. Morning session. (Please note: alternative schedule may be shown due to changes to cricket coverage). 12.30 The Ashes: The Lunch Break. 1.10 Cricket. The Ashes. Third Test.

Australia v England. Day 5. Afternoon session. 3.10 The Ashes: Tea Break. 3.30 Cricket. The Ashes. Third Test. Aust v England. Evening session.

6.00 Morning Programs. 10.00 Cross Court.

10.30 GolfBarons. (PG, R) 11.00 Fishing Aust.

11.30 Explore TV. (R) 12.00 Find My Beach House Australia. (R) 12.30 MOVIE: The Most Colorful Time Of The Year. (2022, G) 2.10 MOVIE: Destination Christmas. (2022, PGa, R) 4.00 Great Getaways. (PG, R) 5.00 News.

5.30 RBT. (PGd, R)

6.00 Morning Programs. 9.30 Key Ingredient.

10.00 Farm To Fork. (R) 10.30 The Dog Hospital With Graeme Hall. (PGm, R) 11.30 Pooches At Play. (R) 12.00 The Dog Academy.

(PGa) 1.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R) 1.30 Lingo.

(R) 2.30 Basketball. NBL. Round 13. Tasmania JackJumpers v Perth Wildcats. 4.30 Deal Or No Deal. (R) 5.00 News.

6.00 Grand Designs Australia. (Final, PG, R) 7.00 ABC News.

7.30 Spicks And Specks. (Final, PG) 8.00 Portrait Artist Of The Year. (Final) 8.50 Return To Paradise. (Final, PGdv, R) 9.50 When The War Is Over. (Final, PGa, R) 10.20 War Stories.

10.30 Anh’s Brush With Fame. (Ml, R) 11.00 Nigella’s Cook, Eat, Repeat: Christmas Special. (R) 12.00 Rage Vault Guest Programmer.

(MA15+adhlnsv) 3.10 Dream Gardens. (R) 3.40 The Art Of. (PG, R) 4.10 Gardening Aust.

(R) 5.10 Annabel Crabb’s Civic Duty. (PG, R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Cleopatra: Cracking The Enigma. (PG) 8.30 Ken Burns’ The American Revolution. (PG) 10.35 Mayhem: Secret Lives Of Georgian Kings. (Ma, R) 11.30 Australian Fashion Past, Present, Future. (PGln, R) 12.35 Empires Of New York. (MA15+ad, R) 3.05 Growing A Greener World. (R) 4.05 Rediscover Victoria. (PG, R) 4.30 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 APAC Weekly.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Cricket. Big Bash League. Match 8.

Melbourne Renegades v Hobart Hurricanes.

10.30 Unfiltered: Cricket. (PG) Jackson Warne shares memories of his late father Shane.

11.00 7NEWS Spotlight. Bruce McAvaney meets Gout Gout.

12.00 MacGruber. (Premiere, MA15+lsv) MacGruber goes on one last mission.

1.15 Travel Oz. (R) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R) 4.00 NBC Today.

5.00 Sunrise Early News.

5.30 Sunrise.

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 Christmas With Delta.

8.30 MOVIE: Vacation. (2015, MA15+ln, R) A man embarks on a cross-country trip to an amusement park with his family.

Ed Helms, Christina Applegate.

10.30 To Be Advised.

11.30 World’s Most Dangerous Prisoners. (MA15+av, R) 12.20 Wild Cards. (Mav, R) 1.10 Explore TV. (R) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa) 4.30 The Garden Gurus. (R) 5.00 Today Early News.

5.30 Today.

6.00 The Dog House Australia.

(PGa, R) Narrated by Mark Coles Smith.

7.00 Selling Houses Australia.

(R) A couple’s house has been on the market for eight months.

8.00 The Imposter. (Premiere, Mals) A beachfront hotel sparks family conflict when the matriarch won’t sell, despite her children’s wishes. However, the arrival of a woman claiming to be a long-lost daughter adds complexity.

10.00 FBI. (Mv, R) The team discovers that the identities of multiple undercover agents have been compromised.

12.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mornings.

ABC FAMILY (22)

6am Children’s Programs. 5pm Peppa Pig. 5.10 Piney: The Lonesome Pine. 5.35 Peter Rabbit. 6.00 Octonauts: Above And Beyond. 6.10 PJ Masks.

6.25 Bluey. 6.30 The Adventures Of Paddington.

6.45 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Andy And The Band. 7.05 Piripenguins. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 MOVIE: Paddington.

(2014) 9.00 A (Very) Musical Christmas. 10.30 Fresh Off The Boat. 10.55 Late Programs.

VICELAND (31) 6am WorldWatch.

9.30 Small Business Secrets. 10.00 Mastermind Aust. Noon Dark Side Of The ‘90s. 1.50 WWE Rivals. 2.40 Jeopardy! 4.45 WorldWatch. 5.45 Icons Unearthed: The Lord Of The Rings. 6.40 Abandoned Engineering. 8.30 Miracles. 9.50 Liaison. 10.50 Myths: The Greatest Mysteries Of Humanity. 12.50am Am I Being Unreasonable?

2.50 NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera.

7TWO (62)

6am Morning Programs.

8.30 Shopping. 9.00 The Zoo. 9.30 The Great Australian Doorstep. 10.00 Escape To The Country.

1pm Harry’s Practice. 1.30 Medical Emergency.

2.00 South Aussie With Cosi. 2.30 Christmas With The Salvos. 3.00 Hornby: A Model Empire. 4.00 Escape To The Country. 7.00 Greatest Escapes To The Country. 7.45 Mrs Brown’s Boys. 8.30 Vera.

10.30 Murdoch Mysteries. 11.30 Late Programs.

9GEM (82) 6am Skippy. 6.30 Amazing Facts With Doug Batchelor. 7.00 Leading The Way. 7.30 In Touch. 8.00 Beyond Today. 8.30 The Incredible Journey. 9.00 Turning Point. 9.30 TV Shop. 10.00 My Favorite Martian. 10.30 Avengers.

11.40 MOVIE: Attack On The Iron Coast. (1968, PG) 1.35pm MOVIE: Sabata. (1969, PG) 3.45 MOVIE: The Train. (1964, PG) 6.30 M*A*S*H. 8.30 MOVIE: Licence To Kill. (1989, M) 11.15 Late Programs.

DRAMA (51) 6am Home Shopping. 8.00 Reel Action. 8.30 Pooches At Play. 9.30 Camper Deals. 10.00 Pat Callinan’s 4x4 Adventures. 11.00 JAG. 4pm IFISH. 4.30 Basketball. NBL. Round 13.

Sydney Kings v Cairns Taipans.

6.30 JAG. 7.30 NCIS. 10.20 Blue Bloods.

12.15am 48 Hours. 1.15 Home Shopping.

SKY NEWS (53)

SBS MOVIES (32) 6am The Family Man. Continued. (2000, PG) 7.45 The Movie Show.

8.55 The Red Turtle. (2016, PG, No dialogue) 10.25 On The Basis Of Sex. (2018, M) 12.35pm The Bridges Of Madison County. (1995, M) 3.00 Moonlighting. (1982) 4.55 Miyazaki, Spirit Of Nature. (2024, PG) 6.30 The Boy And The Heron.

(2023) 8.50 Freud’s Last Session. (2023) 10.50 A Beautiful Mind. (2001, M) 1.10am Late Programs.

7MATE (64) 6am Morning Programs.

9.00 Duck Dynasty. 10.00 Counting Cars. 10.30 Pawn Stars. 11.30 Storage Wars. Noon The Fishing Show By AFN. 1.00 Fishing Addiction. 2.00 Tackling Australia. 2.30 Merv Hughes Fishing. 3.00 Duck Dynasty. 4.00 Mt Hutt Rescue. 5.00 Counting Cars.

6.00 Border Security: Int. 6.30 Border Security: America’s Front Line. 7.00 Border Security. 8.30 MOVIE: 1917. (2019, MA15+) 10.45 Late Programs.

9GO! (83) 6am Morning Programs. 8.00 Jeopardy! UK. 9.00 MOVIE: Jingle Belle. (2018) 10.45 MOVIE: The Christmas Pact. (2018) 12.30pm Basketball. WNBL. Flyers v Spirit. 2.30 Soccer. EPL. Manchester United v Bournemouth. Replay. 4.30 Premier League Stories. 5.05 Explore. 5.15 MOVIE: Scooby-Doo. (2002, PG) 7.00 MOVIE: The Polar Express. (2004) 9.00 MOVIE: The Dark Knight Rises. (2012, M) 12.15am Late Programs.

NITV (34) 6am Morning Programs.

1pm Rugby League. Koori Knockout. Connections v All Blacks. Replay. 2.00 Road Open. 2.10 Black And Dusty. 3.10 Ethnic Business Awards. 5.10 Australian Music Vault: Kutcha Edwards. 6.30 Living Black SBS 50 Interstitials. 6.35 NITV News: Summer Yarns. 6.45 Wildlife Rescue New Zealand.

7.35 Aerial Australia. 8.30 Nat King Cole: Afraid Of The Dark. 10.10 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 10.00 The War Cabinet. 11.00 Weekend Newsday. Noon News. 12.30 News. 1.00 Weekend Newsday. 2.00 Weekend Newsday. 3.00 Weekend Newsday. 4.00 News. 4.30 News. 5.00 NewsNight. 6.00 NewsNight. 7.00 The Real Cost Of Net Zero. 8.00 NewsNight. 9.00 Never Again: The Fight Against Antisemitism. 10.00 NewsNight.

11.00 Late Programs.

CONSUMER ADVICE (P) Pre-school (C) Children (PG) Parental Guidance Recommended (M) Mature Audiences (MA15+) Mature Audiences Only (AV15+) Extreme Adult Violence (R) Repeat

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COFFS COAST NEWS OF THE AREA

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COFFS COAST NEWS OF THE AREA

MONDAY, December 22 ABC TV (2)

SBS (3)

SEVEN (6)

NBN (8)

TEN (5)

6.00 Morning Programs. 9.30 Nigella’s Christmas Kitchen. (R) 10.00 Take 5. (Final, R) 10.30 Vera. (Ma, R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Ningaloo Nyinggulu. (Final, R) 2.00 Death In Paradise. (Mv, R) 3.00 QI. (PG, R) 3.30 Nigella Bites. (R) 3.55 Grand Designs NZ. (R) 4.40 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

6.00 Morning Programs. 11.00 Who Do You Think You Are? (PGa, R) 12.10 WorldWatch.

2.00 Amazon: The Lost World. (PG, R) 2.55 Such Was Life. (R) 3.05 Going Places. (R) 3.35 Plat Du Tour. (R) 3.45 The Cook Up. (R) 4.15 Westminster Abbey: Behind Closed Doors. (R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show Summer Series. (Return, PG) 12.00 MOVIE: Christmas In Pine Valley. (2022, PGa, R) 2.00 Bridge Of Lies.

3.00 The Chase. (R) 4.00 Seven News At 4.

5.00 The Chase Australia.

6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra Summer. (PG) 11.30 9News Morning.

12.00 MOVIE: Just Like A Christmas Movie. (2023, PGa) 2.00 Pointless. (PG, R) 3.00 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 4.00 9News Afternoon.

5.00 Tipping Point Australia. (PG, R)

6.00 Morning Programs. 8.30 Deal Or No Deal. (R) 9.00 Lingo. (R) 10.00 Ent. Tonight.

(R) 10.30 Jamie’s One-Pan Christmas. (R) 11.30 My Market Kitchen. (R) 12.00 Farm To Fork. 12.30 Family Feud. (PG, R) 1.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R) 1.30 MOVIE: The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie. (2004, G, R) 3.30 Lingo.

(R) 4.30 Bold. (PG) 5.00 News.

6.30 Hard Quiz Kids. (PG) 7.00 ABC News.

7.30 I Was Actually There. (Ma, R) 8.00 MOVIE: Songs Inside.

(2024, Ml) Nancy Bates.

9.30 MOVIE: Girls Can’t Surf.

(2020, M, R) A group of surfers challenge professionals. Layne Beachley.

11.15 Creative Types With Virginia Trioli. (MA15+, R) 11.45 Grand Designs New Zealand. (R) 12.35 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 1.20 Rage. (MA15+dhlnsv) 3.30 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.35 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.35 Nigella Bites. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R) 6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Secrets Of The Tasmanian Tiger. (PG, R) 8.30 Never Mind The Buzzcocks Christmas.

9.25 Jimmy Carr’s I Literally Just Told You. (M) 10.20 The 2010s. (MA15+av, R) 11.50 The Man Who Died. (Mav) 12.40 Culprits. (Malv, R) 2.45 Pagan Peak. (MA15+as, R) 4.30 Growing A Greener World. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Cricket. Big Bash League. Match 9.

Sydney Thunder v Brisbane Heat.

10.30 Big Bash League Post-Match.

Post-match coverage of the game.

11.00 Chicago Fire. (Mav) Boden returns on Grissom’s orders to run a post-incident analysis after a house collapsed during a fire with a firefighter inside.

12.00 Girlfriends’ Guide To Divorce. (MA15+s) Jo’s ex-husband comes to Los Angeles.

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 Travel Guides. (PGl, R) 8.40 MOVIE: Raiders Of The Lost Ark. (1981, Mv, R) An archaeologist sets out to recover a relic. Harrison Ford, Karen Allen.

11.00 Sight Unseen. (Mv) 11.50 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 12.40 Pointless. (PG, R) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 2.30 Global Shop. (R) 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa) 4.30 A Current Affair. (R) 5.00 Today Early News.

5.30 Today.

6.00 Bondi Rescue. (PG, R) Will races in to rescue a swimmer.

6.30 Deal Or No Deal. (R) Hosted by Grant Denyer.

7.30 Love It Or List It Australia.

Andrew Winter helps a couple.

8.40 The Imposter. (Final, Madls) A beachfront hotel sparks family conflict when the matriarch won’t sell, despite her children’s wishes.

10.40 NCIS. (Mv, R) A pilot’s body is found with unusual wounds.

12.30 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 1.30 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mornings.

ABC FAMILY (22)

6am Children’s Programs. 5.45pm Kangaroo Beach. 5.55 Knee High Spies. 6.05 PJ Masks. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 The Adventures Of Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Shaun The Sheep. 6.55 Tiddler. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising.

8.00 Operation Ouch! 8.30 TKO: Total Knock Out. 9.15 The Crystal Maze. 10.00 Merlin. 10.45 Late Programs.

VICELAND (31) 6am WorldWatch.

6.50 The 77 Percent. 7.20 WorldWatch. 8.40 DW Euromaxx. 9.30 Small Business Secrets. 10.00 Mastermind Aust. Noon WorldWatch. 12.30 Rex In Rome. 3.50 WorldWatch. 5.45 Travel Man: 96 Hours In Iceland. 6.40 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 I Am Luke Perry.

10.05 The Billionaires Who Made Our World. 11.05 Question Team. 11.55 Late Programs.

7TWO (62) 6am Morning Programs.

10.30 Better Homes And Gardens Summer. Noon Better Homes. 1.00 Hornby: A Model Empire. 2.00 Weekender. 2.30 Hornby: A Model Empire. 3.30 Harry’s Practice. 4.00 Medical Emergency. 4.30 Better Homes. 5.30 Escape To The Country. 6.30 Bargain Hunt. 7.30 Doc Martin. 8.30 Endeavour.

10.30 Air Crash Inv: Accident Files. 11.30 Late Programs.

9GEM (82) 6am Morning Programs.

9.30 Newstyle Direct. 10.00 Rainbow Country.

10.30 Pointless. 11.30 My Favorite Martian. Noon Shakespeare And Hathaway. 1.00 MOVIE: Shalako.

(1968, PG) 3.20 Antiques Roadshow. 3.50 MOVIE: Double Holiday. (2019) 5.30 Yorkshire Auction House. 6.30 Antiques Roadshow. 7.30 Death In Paradise. 8.40 MOVIE: GoldenEye. (1995, PG) 11.20 Late Programs.

DRAMA (51) 6am Home Shopping. 8.00 Reel Action. 8.30 Everyday Gourmet With Justine Schofield. 9.00 The Living Room. 10.00 JAG. Noon Days Of Our Lives. 12.45 The Young And The Restless. 1.30 The Dog House. 2.30 JAG. 4.30 The Living Room. 5.30 JAG. 7.30 NCIS. 8.30 Blue Bloods.

10.20 Fire Country. 12.15am 48 Hours. 1.15 Home Shopping.

SKY NEWS (53)

SBS MOVIES (32) 6am The Movie Show. 6.10 Under The Cover Of Cloud. (2018, PG) 7.50 The Movie Show. 8.25 The Snow Foxes. (2023, PG) 10.00 A Beautiful Mind. (2001, M) 12.25pm The Hummingbird. (2022, M, French) 2.45 The Boy And The Heron. (2023) 5.00 The Red Turtle. (2016, PG, No dialogue) 6.30 Ponyo. (2008) 8.30 Hachi: A Dog’s Tale. (2009, PG) 10.15 Year Of The Dog. (2007, M) Midnight Ponyo. (2008) 1.55 Late Programs.

7MATE (64) 6am Morning Programs.

Noon Border Security. 1.30 Rides Down Under: Workshop Wars. 2.30 Motor Racing. National Drag Racing Championship. Top Fuel Championship.

Replay. 3.30 Billy The Exterminator. 4.30 American Resto. 5.00 Storage Wars. 5.30 American Pickers.

6.30 Pawn Stars. 7.30 Outback Opal Hunters. 9.30 Aussie Salvage Squad. 10.30 The Mightiest. 11.30 Late Programs.

9GO! (83) 6am Children’s Programs.

8.30 Nanny. 9.30 Addams Family. 10.00 Bewitched. 10.30 Jeannie. 11.00 The West Wing.

Noon Australian Ninja Warrior. 2.00 Golden Girls.

2.30 Nanny. 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family.

5.00 Bewitched. 5.30 Jeannie. 6.00 Golden Girls.

6.30 Nanny. 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30 MOVIE: Ghosts Of Girlfriends Past. (2009, M) 10.35 Seinfeld. 11.35 Late Programs.

NITV (34) 6am Morning Programs.

1.40pm Road Open. 2.00 Strait To The Plate.

2.30 The Cook Up. 3.00 Jarjums. 5.00 Harlem Globetrotters. 5.25 Black As. 5.30 The 77 Percent.

6.00 Bamay. 6.30 NITV News: Summer Yarns. 6.40 Wildlife Rescue NZ. 7.30 Who Do You Think You Are? 8.30 Karla Grant Presents. 9.05 Diana Ross: Supreme Sensation. 9.55 MOVIE: Saturday Night Fever. (1977, MA15+) Midnight Late Programs.

6am First Edition.

7.00 First Edition. 8.00 First Edition. 9.00 News.

9.30 News. 10.00 NewsDay. 11.00 NewsDay. Noon News. 12.30 News. 1.00 NewsDay. 2.00 Afternoon Agenda. 3.00 Afternoon Agenda. 4.00 Afternoon Agenda. 5.00 Afternoon Agenda.

6.00 Credlin. 7.00 The Bolt Report. 8.00 The Late Debate. 9.00 Australia: A History. 10.00 NewsNight. 11.00 Late Programs.

TUESDAY, December 23 ABC TV (2)

SBS (3)

SEVEN (6)

NBN (8)

TEN (5)

6.00 Morning Programs. 10.00 The Art Of...

(PG, R) 10.30 Death In Paradise. (PG, R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Killer Whale: Australia’s Megapod.

(PG, R) 2.00 Death In Paradise. (Mv, R) 3.00 QI. (PG, R) 3.35 Nigella Bites. (R) 4.00 Grand Designs NZ. (PG, R) 4.45 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. (PGa, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

6.00 Morning Programs. 10.50 Who Do You Think You Are? (PGa, R) 12.00 WorldWatch.

2.00 Darcey Bussell’s Royal Road Trip. (R) 2.55 Such Was Life. (PG, R) 3.05 Going Places.

(R) 3.35 Plat Du Tour. (R) 3.40 The Cook Up. (R) 4.10 Westminster Abbey: Behind Closed Doors. (R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show Summer Series. (PG) 12.00 MOVIE: Candy Cane Candidate. (2021, PGa, R) 2.00 Bridge Of Lies.

3.00 The Chase. (R) 4.00 Seven News At 4.

5.00 The Chase Australia.

6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra Summer. (PG) 11.30 9News Morning.

12.00 MOVIE: 12 Dares Of Christmas. (2023, G) 2.00 Pointless. (PG, R) 3.00 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 4.00 9News Afternoon.

5.00 Tipping Point Australia. (PG, R)

6.00 Morning Programs. 10.00 Ent. Tonight.

10.30 Jamie’s Christmas Shortcuts. (R) 11.30 My Market Kitchen. (R) 12.00 Farm To Fork. 12.30 Family Feud. (PG, R) 1.00 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly Australia. (PGas, R) 2.00 Taskmaster Australia. (PGl, R) 3.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R) 3.30 Lingo. (R) 4.30 Bold.

(PG) 5.00 News.

6.30 Hard Quiz Kids. (R) 7.00 ABC News.

7.30 The Piano UK. (PG, R) 8.25 The Piano UK: The Incredibly Talented Lucy. (PG, R) 9.25 The Assembly. (PG, R) 10.55 Escaping Utopia. (Ma, R) 11.55 A Country Road: The Nationals. (Final, R) 12.55 Grand Designs New Zealand. (PG, R) 1.40 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 2.30 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.30 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.35 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.35 Nigella Bites. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R) 6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Great British Railway Journeys. (R) 8.30 Who Do You Think You Are? Olly Murs. (PG) 9.40 Australia In Colour. (Md, R) 10.40 The 2010s. (Malv, R) 11.30 Families Like Ours. (MA15+v) 12.30 De Gaulle. (Ma, R) 2.30 Nordland 99. (Mal, 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 Cricket. Big Bash League. Match 10.

Adelaide Strikers v Melbourne Stars.

10.30 Seven’s Cricket: The Spin. An expert panel examines the latest in cricket.

11.15 Lopez Vs. Lopez. (PGal) Mayan makes a shocking discovery.

12.15 Miniseries: London Spy. (MA15+ds) The police accuse Danny of murder.

1.30 Travel Oz. (R) Presented

by Greg Grainger.

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 Taronga: Who’s Who In The Zoo. (PG) 8.30 Jamie Durie’s Future House.

9.35 Red Eye. (Mav) 11.30 La Brea. (Mav, R) 12.15 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 1.05 Cross Court. (R) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 2.30 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R) 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa) 4.30 A Current Affair. (R) 5.00 Today Early News.

5.30 Today.

6.00 Bondi Rescue. (PG, R) 6.30 Deal Or No Deal. (R) Hosted by Grant Denyer.

7.30 The Dog House Australia.

(PGa, R) Narrated by Mark Coles Smith.

8.30 MOVIE: The First Wives Club. (1996, PGal, R) Three women, dumped by their husbands for younger women, decide to get revenge. Goldie Hawn, Bette Midler, Diane Keaton.

10.35 Mariah Carey: Merry Christmas To All. (R) 12.30 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 1.30 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mornings.

ABC FAMILY (22)

6am Children’s Programs. 5.45pm Kangaroo Beach. 5.55 Knee High Spies. 6.05 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.20 Bluey. 6.30 Ben And Holly’s Little Kingdom. 6.45 Supertato. 6.50 Stick Man. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00 Operation Ouch! 8.30 Animals Up Close With Bertie Gregory. 9.10 Super Shark Highway. 10.00 Merlin.

10.45 Late Programs.

VICELAND (31) 6am WorldWatch.

10.00 Mastermind Aust. Noon WorldWatch. 12.30 Homicide. 2.15 Heroines. 3.45 WorldWatch. 5.45 Travel Man: 96 Hours In Jordan. 6.40 Jeopardy!

7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 Our Guy In Vietnam. 10.20 Hoarders. 11.15 Dark Side Of The Ring. 12.10am Bad Education. 1.20 Count Abdulla. 2.10 NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera.

7TWO (62) 6am Morning Programs.

7.30 Harry’s Practice. 8.00 Million Dollar Minute.

9.00 Medical Emergency. 9.30 NBC Today. Noon Better Homes. 1.00 Escape To The Country. 2.00 Creek To Coast. 2.30 Air Crash Inv: Accident Files.

3.30 Harry’s Practice. 4.00 Medical Emergency.

4.30 Better Homes. 5.30 Escape To The Country.

6.30 Bargain Hunt. 7.30 Call The Midwife. 8.45 Judge John Deed. 10.45 Late Programs.

9GEM (82) 6am Morning Programs.

9.30 Newstyle Direct. 10.00 TV Shop. 10.30 Pointless. 11.30 My Favorite Martian. Noon Shakespeare And Hathaway. 1.00 MOVIE: My Brother Jonathan. (1948) 3.20 Antiques Roadshow.

3.50 MOVIE: Welcome To Christmas. (2018) 5.30 Yorkshire Auction House. 6.30 Antiques Roadshow.

7.30 New Tricks. 8.40 MOVIE: Tomorrow Never Dies. (1997, M) 11.05 Late Programs.

DRAMA (51) 6am Home Shopping. 8.00 Escape Fishing With ET. 9.00 The Living Room.

10.00 JAG. Noon Days Of Our Lives. 12.45 The Young And The Restless. 1.30 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly Australia. 2.30 JAG. 4.30 The Living Room.

5.30 JAG. 7.30 NCIS. 10.20 Fire Country.

12.15am 48 Hours. 1.15 Home Shopping.

SKY NEWS (53)

SBS MOVIES (32) 6am The Movie Show. 7.05 The Red Turtle. (2016, PG, No dialogue) 8.30 The Movie Show. 9.00 Hachi: A Dog’s Tale. (2009, PG) 10.40 La La Land. (2016, M) 1pm Freud’s Last Session. (2023) 3.00 Ponyo.

(2008) 5.00 The Snow Foxes. (2023, PG) 6.30 Kiki’s Delivery Service. (1989) 8.30 Starring Dick Van Dyke. 10.25 Divorce American Style. (1967, M) 12.25am Late Programs.

7MATE (64) 6am Morning Programs.

10.00 Australia ReDiscovered. 10.30 American Resto. 11.00 Storage Wars. 11.30 American Pickers.

12.30pm Pawn Stars. 1.30 Outback Opal Hunters.

3.30 Billy The Exterminator. 4.00 American Resto.

5.00 Storage Wars. 5.30 American Pickers. 6.30 Pawn Stars. 7.30 Outback Truckers. 9.30 Railroad Australia. 10.30 Ice Road Truckers. 11.30 Late Programs.

9GO! (83) 6am Children’s Programs.

8.30 Nanny. 9.30 Addams Family. 10.00 Bewitched. 10.30 Jeannie. 11.00 The West Wing.

Noon Talking Honey. 12.10 Australian Ninja Warrior.

2.00 Golden Girls. 2.30 Nanny. 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family. 5.00 Bewitched. 5.30 Jeannie.

6.00 Golden Girls. 6.30 Nanny. 7.30 Seinfeld.

8.30 MOVIE: Elf. (2003) 10.30 Seinfeld. 11.30 Late Programs.

NITV (34) 6am Morning Programs.

1.30pm Our Law. 2.00 Strait To The Plate. 2.30 The Cook Up. 3.00 Jarjums. 5.00 Harlem Globetrotters.

5.25 Black As. 5.30 Indian Country Today News.

6.00 Bamay. 6.30 NITV News: Summer Yarns.

6.40 Wildlife Rescue New Zealand. 7.30 Water Worlds. 8.30 Pro Bull Riding USA: Unleash The Beast. 9.30 Hunting Aotearoa. 10.00 Late Programs.

6am First Edition.

7.00 First Edition. 8.00 First Edition. 9.00 News.

9.30 News. 10.00 NewsDay. 11.00 NewsDay. Noon News. 12.30 News. 1.00 NewsDay. 2.00 Afternoon Agenda. 3.00 Afternoon Agenda. 4.00 Afternoon Agenda. 5.00 Afternoon Agenda.

6.00 Credlin. 7.00 The Bolt Report. 8.00 The Late Debate. 9.00 Australia: A History. 10.00 NewsNight. 11.00 Late Programs.

DENTURES COFFSBEACH HARBOUR DENTURES EMERALD

CONSUMER ADVICE (P) Pre-school (C) Children (PG) Parental Guidance Recommended (M) Mature Audiences (MA15+) Mature Audiences Only (AV15+) Extreme Adult Violence (R) Repeat

Steve Ryan

For All Your Denture Need

For All Your Denture Needs Steve Ryan All Health and Veteran DENTAL PROSTHETIST All Health FundsFunds and Veteran Affairs Affair DENTAL PROSTHETIST

102 Fiddaman Road, Emerald Beach NSW Beach 2456 NSW 24 102 Fiddaman Road, Emerald www.denturescoffsharbour.com.au www.denturescoffsharbour.com.

Ph: 2266 2266 Ph:6656 6656 46 COFFS COAST NEWS OF THE AREA

media@newsofthearea.com.au

Friday, 19 December 2025

ONTHEBOX

COFFS COAST NEWS OF THE AREA

WEDNESDAY, December 24 ABC TV (2)

SBS (3)

SEVEN (6)

NBN (8)

TEN (5)

6.00 Morning Programs. 10.00 MOVIE: Songs Inside. (2024, Ml, R) 11.30 Maggie Beer’s Christmas Feast. (R) 12.00 News. 1.00 The Piano UK. (PG, R) 1.55 Death In Paradise.

(Mv, R) 2.55 Would I Lie To You? (PG, R) 3.30 Nigella Bites. (R) 3.55 Grand Designs NZ. (R) 4.40 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next.

(PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

6.00 Morning Programs. 10.00 Inside Oxford Street. (PG, R) 10.50 Who Do You Think You Are? (PGa, R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Darcey Bussell’s Royal Road Trip. (R) 2.55 Such Was Life. (R) 3.05 Going Places. (R) 3.35 Plat Du Tour. (R) 3.40 The Cook Up. (R) 4.10 London Zoo At Christmas. (PG, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show Summer Series. (PG) 12.00 MOVIE: Murder, She Baked: A Plum Pudding Mystery.

(2015, PGav, R) 2.00 Bridge Of Lies.

3.00 The Chase. (R) 4.00 Seven News At 4.

5.00 The Chase Australia.

6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra Summer. (PG) 11.30 9News Morning.

12.00 MOVIE: Under The Christmas Sky. (2023, G) 2.00 Pointless. (PG, R) 3.00 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 4.00 9News Afternoon.

5.00 Tipping Point Australia. (PG, R)

6.00 Morning Programs. 10.00 Ent. Tonight.

10.30 Jamie’s Cook Ahead Christmas. (R) 11.30 My Market Kitchen. (R) 12.00 Farm To Fork. 12.30 Family Feud. (PG, R) 1.00 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly Australia. (PGas, R) 2.00 Taskmaster Australia. (PGal, R) 3.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R) 3.30 Lingo. (R) 4.30 Bold. (PG) 5.00 News.

6.30 Hard Quiz Kids. (PG, R) 7.00 ABC News.

7.30 Shaun Micallef’s Eve Of Destruction. (PG) 8.10 Guy Montgomery’s Guy Mont Spelling Bee. (PG) 9.00 QI. (Mls) 9.30 Would I Lie To You? (PG, R) 10.00 Spicks And Specks. (Final, PG, R) 10.30 Utopia. (PG, R) 11.25 You Can’t Ask That. (Mals, R) 12.35 Grand Designs New Zealand. (R) 1.20 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 2.10 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.30 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.35 Gardening Aust. (R) 5.35 Nigella Bites. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R) 6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Big Fat Quiz Of Everything. (Mls, R) 9.05 Rock Legends: Elton John. (PGd, R) Documents the career of Elton John.

9.35 Crime. (MA15+) 10.30 The 2010s. (Ma, R) 11.20 Mirusia: Live In Concert.

12.50 Daddy Issues. (Mls, R) 4.00 Growing A Greener World. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 The 1% Club UK. (PG, R) Hosted by Lee Mack.

8.00 MOVIE: The Holiday. (2006, Mls, R) Two women who live on opposite sides of the Atlantic impulsively switch homes for Christmas. Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet.

10.40 Chicago Fire. (Ma) Severide investigates a past house fire.

11.40 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG, R) 12.05 MOVIE: The Other Me. (2021, Mav, R) Sheena Peña.

2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Larry The Wonder Pup. (R) 5.30 NBC Today.

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Christmas With Delta. (R) A Christmas concert with Delta Goodrem.

8.00 Carols By Candlelight. (PG) Hosted by David Campbell and Sarah Abo. 11.00 MOVIE: Noel Next Door.

(2022, PGa) Natalie Hall.

12.40 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 2.30 Global Shop. (R) 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa) 4.30 Nine Perth Presents: Christmas In WA. (R) 5.30 Thunderbirds. (R)

6.00 Bondi Rescue. (PG, R) 6.30 Deal Or No Deal. (R) 7.30 Airport 24/7. (PGal, R) A kangaroo keeps Trent on his toes.

8.30 The Cheap Seats. (MA15+l, R) Presenters Melanie Bracewell and Tim McDonald take a look at the week that was.

9.30 MOVIE: Patriot Games.

(1992, Mv, R) A former CIA agent is targeted by assassins. Harrison Ford, Anne Archer.

11.50 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 1.00 Hour Of Power Christmas Eve Special.

2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mornings.

ABC FAMILY (22)

6am Children’s Programs. 5.45pm Kangaroo Beach. 5.55 Knee High Spies. 6.05 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Hey Duggee. 6.35 Ben And Holly’s Little Kingdom. 6.45 Supertato. 6.55 Tabby McTat. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00 Merry Madagascar. 8.25 MOVIE: The Night Before Christmas In Wonderland. (2024) 9.45 A (Very) Musical Christmas. 11.20 Late Programs.

VICELAND (31) 6am WorldWatch.

10.00 Mastermind Aust. 11.05 The Movie Show.

12.15pm WorldWatch. 12.45 Stone Cold Takes On America. 1.35 If You Are The One. 3.35 Fashionista.

3.45 WorldWatch. 5.45 Travel Man: Jon Hamm In Hong Kong. 6.40 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 Adam Hills: The Last Leg. 9.20 MOVIE: Gremlins. (1984, M) 11.20 Late Programs.

7TWO (62)

6am The Zoo. 6.30 Escape To The Country. 7.30 Harry’s Practice. 8.00 Million Dollar Minute. 9.00 Medical Emergency. 9.30 NBC Today. Noon Better Homes. 1.00 Escape To The Country. 2.00 The Zoo. 2.30 The Master. 3.30 Harry’s Practice. 4.00 Medical Emergency. 4.30 Better Homes. 5.30 Escape To The Country. 6.30 Bargain Hunt. 7.30 Heartbeat. 8.45 Inspector George Gently. 10.45 Late Programs.

9GEM (82) 6am Morning Programs.

10.30 Pointless. 11.30 My Favorite Martian.

Noon Shakespeare And Hathaway. 1.00 MOVIE: Wonderful Life. (1964) 3.20 Antiques Roadshow.

3.50 MOVIE: It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas. (2019) 5.30 Yorkshire Auction House.

6.30 Antiques Roadshow. 7.30 Keeping Up Appearances. 8.40 MOVIE: The World Is Not Enough. (1999, M) 11.15 Late Programs.

DRAMA (51) 6am Home Shopping. 8.00 Escape Fishing With ET. 8.30 The Living Room.

10.00 JAG. Noon Days Of Our Lives. 12.45 The Young And The Restless. 1.30 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly Australia. 2.30 JAG. 4.30 The Living Room.

5.30 JAG. 7.30 NCIS. 10.20 Fire Country.

12.15am 48 Hours. 1.15 Home Shopping.

SKY NEWS (53)

SBS MOVIES (32) 6am The Movie Show. 6.35 The Snow Foxes. (2023, PG) 8.10 All Quiet On The Western Front. (1979, PG) 11.00 Year Of The Dog. (2007, M) 12.55pm Starring Dick Van Dyke. 2.55 Kiki’s Delivery Service. (1989) 4.55 Mosley. (2019, PG) 6.50 My Neighbour Totoro.

(1988, PG) 8.30 Bye Bye Birdie. (1963, PG) 10.35 The Comic. (1969, PG) 12.25am My Neighbour Totoro. (1988) 2.05 Late Programs.

7MATE (64) 6am Morning Programs.

10.30 American Resto. 11.30 American Pickers.

12.30pm Pawn Stars. 1.30 Outback Truckers.

3.30 Billy The Exterminator. 4.30 American Resto.

5.00 Storage Wars. 5.30 American Pickers. 6.30 Pawn Stars. 7.30 Highway Patrol. 8.30 The Force: Behind The Line. 9.30 Caught On Dashcam Holiday Specials. 10.30 World’s Wildest Police Videos. 11.30 Late Programs.

9GO! (83) 6am Children’s Programs.

8.30 Nanny. 9.30 Addams Family. 10.00 Bewitched. 10.30 Jeannie. 11.00 The West Wing.

Noon Innovation Nation. 12.15 Australian Ninja Warrior. 2.00 Golden Girls. 2.30 Nanny. 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family. 5.00 Bewitched.

5.30 Jeannie. 6.00 Golden Girls. 6.30 Nanny. 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30 MOVIE: Unseen Enemy. (2025, MA15+) 10.40 Late Programs.

NITV (34) 6am Morning Programs.

1.30pm Off Country. 2.00 Strait To The Plate.

2.30 The Cook Up. 3.00 Jarjums. 4.25 Little J And Big Cuz. 4.35 Motown Magic. 5.00 Harlem Globetrotters. 5.25 Black As. 5.30 News. 6.00 Bamay. 6.30 NITV News: Summer Yarns. 6.40 Arctic Secrets. 7.30 Ocean Warriors: Mission Ready.

8.30 MOVIE: Scrooged. (1988, M) 10.15 Uncharted With Alicia Keys. Midnight Late Programs.

6am First Edition.

7.00 First Edition. 8.00 First Edition. 9.00 News.

9.30 News. 10.00 NewsDay. 11.00 NewsDay. Noon News. 12.30 News. 1.00 NewsDay. 2.00 Afternoon Agenda. 3.00 Afternoon Agenda. 4.00 Afternoon Agenda. 5.00 Afternoon Agenda.

6.00 Credlin. 7.00 The Bolt Report. 8.00 The Late Debate. 9.00 Australia: A History. 10.00 NewsNight. 11.00 Late Programs.

THURSDAY, December 25 ABC TV (2)

SBS (3)

SEVEN (6)

NBN (8)

TEN (5)

6.00 Morning Programs. 12.00 News. 12.30 Guy Mont Spelling Bee. (PG, R) 1.20 Shaun Micallef’s Eve Of Destruction. (PG, R) 1.55 Death In Paradise. (Final, Mv, R) 2.55 Would I Lie To You? (PG, R) 3.25 HM The King’s Christmas Message. 3.40 Bluey. (R) 3.50 MOVIE: A Boy Called Christmas. (2021, PG, R) 5.30 Royal Carols: Together At Christmas.

6.00 Morning Programs. 10.50 Who Do You Think You Are? (PGa, R) 12.00 WorldWatch.

2.00 Darcey Bussell’s Royal Road Trip. (R) 2.55 Such Was Life. (R) 3.05 Going Places.

(R) 3.35 Plat Du Tour. (R) 3.40 The Cook Up. (PG, R) 4.10 Christmas Carols From London Coliseum. (R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

6.00 NBC Today. 7.00 Carols In The Domain.

(PG, R) 9.30 Alinta Energy Christmas Pageant.

(PG) 10.30 Mayor’s Christmas Carols.

(PG) 11.30 St John Ambulance Carols By Candlelight. (PG, R) 2.00 Christmas With The Salvos. (PG, R) 2.30 MOVIE: Last Train To Christmas. (2021, PGaln, R) 5.00 The Chase Australia.

6.00 Thunderbirds. (R) 6.30 National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant.

8.30 Lord Mayor’s Christmas Carols.

10.30 CMA Country Christmas.

11.30 Christmas With Delta. (R) 1.00 Carols By Candlelight. (PG, R) 4.00 MOVIE: Blizzard. (2003, G, R)

6.00 Jamie Oliver: Christmas. (R) 7.00 Jamie’s One-Pan Christmas. (R) 8.00 MTV Greatest Christmas Hits. 12.30 The Graham Norton Show. (PGls, R) 1.30 The Dog House.

(PGa, R) 2.30 The Living Room. (PGa, R) 3.45 The King’s Christmas Message. 4.00 Bondi Rescue. (PGa, R) 4.30 Deal Or No Deal. (R) 5.00 10 News.

6.30 Hard Quiz Kids. (PG, R) 7.00 ABC National News.

7.30 HM The King’s Christmas Message. (R) 7.40 The Royal Variety Performance. (PG) 9.40 Portrait Artist Of The Year. (Final, R) 10.25 A (Very) Musical Christmas. (R) 11.55 The Art Of. (M, R) 12.30 Nigella Bites. (R) 12.55 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 1.40 Rage Christmas Special. (MA15+dhlnsv) 3.20 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.35 Gardening Aust. (R) 5.35 Nigella Bites. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R) 6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Andrea Bocelli 30: The Celebration. (R) 9.20 Vigil. (MA15+v) 10.30 The 2010s. (Ma, R) 11.20 Vienna Blood. (Mav) 12.15 Outlander. (Masv, R) 1.35 House Of Promises. (Mlnsv, R) 3.20 Growing A Greener World. (R) 4.20 Rediscover Victoria. (PG, R) 4.50 Destination Flavour: Japan Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 7News: Sydney’s Christmas Lights. Explores Sydney’s Christmas light displays.

7.30 MOVIE: Love Actually.

(2003, Mlns, R) Explores a series of interlocking vignettes. Hugh Grant, Colin Firth.

10.15 MOVIE: Last Christmas.

(2019, PGals, R) An aspiring singer gains a new perspective. Emilia Clarke.

12.25 Life. (Malsv, R) 1.25 Travel Oz. (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 MOVIE: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. (1989, Ml, R) 9.30 MOVIE: National Lampoon’s Vacation. (1983, Mdl, R) Chevy Chase.

11.30 The King’s Christmas Message.

11.40 MOVIE: The Jazz Singer. (1980, G, R) 1.40 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 2.30 Global Shop. (R) 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa) 4.30 GolfBarons. (PG, R) 5.00 A Current Affair. (R) 5.30 Today.

6.00 The King’s Christmas Message. (R) King Charles III’s annual Christmas message.

6.15 The Dog House. (PGa, R) The Griffiths family gets a dog.

7.15 The Graham Norton Show.

Graham Norton is joined by Jack Black.

8.30 Basketball. NBL. Round 14.

Sydney Kings v Illawarra Hawks.

From Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney.

10.30 MOVIE: The Lost City.

(2022, Masv, R) Sandra Bullock.

12.45 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 1.30 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mornings.

ABC FAMILY (22)

6am Children’s Programs. 6.25pm The Gruffalo. 6.50 The Gruffalo’s Child. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep.

7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00 Wallace And Gromit: A Grand Day Out. 8.20 Wallace And Gromit: The Wrong Trousers. 8.50 Wallace And Gromit: A Close Shave. 9.20 Wallace And Gromit: A Matter Of Loaf And Death. 9.50 The Wonderful World Of Puppies. 10.35 Late Programs.

VICELAND (31) 6am WorldWatch.

10.00 The Movie Show. 12.20pm WorldWatch.

12.50 Australia’s Sleep Revolution. 1.55 Devoured.

2.45 Insight. 3.45 WorldWatch. 5.45 Travel Man: Rebel Wilson In Florence. 6.40 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 History’s Greatest Mysteries. 10.10 The UnXplained With William Shatner. 11.00 Homicide. 12.45am Normal People. 2.25 Late Programs.

7TWO (62)

6am Morning Programs.

Noon Better Homes. 1.00 Escape To The Country.

2.00 South Aussie With Cosi. 2.30 Charles: The Monarch And The Man. 3.30 Harry’s Practice. 4.00 Christmas With The Salvos. 4.30 Better Homes.

5.30 Escape To The Country. 6.30 Bargain Hunt.

7.30 Father Brown. 8.30 The Inspector Lynley Mysteries. 10.30 Murdoch Mysteries. 11.30 Late Programs.

9GEM (82) 6am Gideon’s Way. 7.00 Creflo Dollar Ministries. 7.30 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. 8.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. 10.30 Pointless. 11.30 My Favorite Martian. Noon How We Celebrate. 1.00 MOVIE: Christmas Reservations.

(2019, PG) 2.45 MOVIE: A Christmas In Tennessee.

(2018, PG) 4.30 Poirot. 6.30 Antiques Roadshow.

7.30 Clarkson’s Farm. 8.30 MOVIE: Die Another Day. (2002, M) 11.10 Late Programs.

DRAMA (51) 6am Home Shopping. 8.00 Escape Fishing With ET. 9.00 The Living Room.

10.00 JAG. Noon Days Of Our Lives. 12.45 The Young And The Restless. 1.30 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly Australia. 2.30 JAG. 4.30 The Living Room.

5.30 JAG. 7.30 NCIS. 8.30 Law & Order: SVU. 10.20 Fire Country.

12.15am 48 Hours. 1.15 Home Shopping.

SKY NEWS (53)

SBS MOVIES (32) 6am All Quiet On The Western Front. (1979, PG) 8.40 Bye Bye Birdie.

(1963, PG) 10.40 The Comic. (1969, PG) 12.25pm Sisi & I. (2023, M, German) 2.45 The Movie Show.

3.15 My Neighbour Totoro. (1988, PG) 4.55 Selkie.

(2000, PG) 6.30 Spirited Away. (2001, PG) 8.55 Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. (1968, PG) 11.30 Operation Mincemeat. (2021, M) 1.50am Spirited Away.

(2001) 4.10 Late Programs.

7MATE (64) 6am Morning Programs.

9.00 America’s Game. 10.00 Blokesworld. 10.30 American Resto. 11.00 Storage Wars. 11.30 American Pickers. 12.30pm Pawn Stars. 1.30 Highway Patrol. 2.30 The Force: BTL. 3.30 Billy The Exterminator. 4.30 American Resto. 5.00 Storage Wars. 5.30 American Pickers. 6.30 Pawn Stars.

7.30 American Pickers. 8.30 MOVIE: Ghost Rider.

(2007, M) 10.45 Late Programs.

9GO! (83) 6am Children’s Programs.

8.00 The Nanny: Oy To The World. 8.30 Nanny.

9.30 Addams Family. 10.00 Bewitched. 10.30 Jeannie. 11.00 The West Wing. Noon Explore.

12.15 MOVIE: Christmas On Holly Lane. (2018, PG) 2.00 Golden Girls. 2.30 Nanny. 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family. 5.00 Bewitched. 5.30 Jeannie.

6.00 Golden Girls. 6.30 Nanny. 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30 MOVIE: The Circle. (2017, M) 10.45 Late Programs.

NITV (34) 6am Morning Programs.

1.40pm Road Open. 2.00 Strait To The Plate.

2.30 The Cook Up. 3.00 Jarjums. 5.00 Harlem Globetrotters. 5.25 Black As. 5.30 Going Places.

6.00 Bamay. 6.30 NITV News: Summer Yarns.

6.40 Arctic Secrets. 7.29 NITV Weather. 7.30 Going Places With Ernie Dingo. 8.30 Reservation Dogs.

9.30 MOVIE: New Jack City. (1991, MA15+) 11.15 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 1pm NewsDay. 2.00 Elizabeth II: A Life Of Duty. 3.00 Afternoon Agenda. 4.00 The Menzies Movies. 5.00 Afternoon Agenda. 6.00 Cyclone Tracy: 50 Years On. 6.30 NewsNight. 7.00 Barry Humphries: A Tribute. 7.30 NewsNight. 8.00 The Royals In Australia. 8.30 NewsNight. 9.00 The Dismissal: 50 Years On. 10.00 NewsNight. 11.00 Late Programs.

CONSUMER ADVICE (P) Pre-school (C) Children (PG) Parental Guidance Recommended (M) Mature Audiences (MA15+) Mature Audiences Only (AV15+) Extreme Adult Violence (R) Repeat

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News Of The Area

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By Aiden BURGESS COFFS Harbour High School are North Coast champions after winning the final of the Combined High Schools - North Coast Cricket Boys Opens Alan Davidson Shield competition.

They defeated Kingscliff High School in a thrilling regional final at Coffs Coast Sport and Leisure Park.

Third time was a charm for the Coffs side after losing to Kingscliff in the last two finals.

Coffs Harbour scored 5/133 from their 30 overs after opening the batting in the final.

Tom Craig top scored with 59, and Zane Guthrie finished on 34 not out.

Coffs Harbour defended

q Coffs Harbour High School’s Opens Boys cricket team celebrate their North Coast title win. Back row: Adam Mason (Coach), Noah Hart, Charlie Cameron, Tom Craig, Zane Guthrie, Darcy Nikolich, Ben Watson (Coach). Front row: Hunter Lynch, Josh Degle, Harley Teale, Ryan Ellingham, Darcy Franks, Cooper Pearce, Nathan Clarke. Absent: Deegan Tomlinson.

CONTINUED Page 36

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