THE region has again been battered by wild weather, with emergency services mounting a second major response in just over two months.
On Saturday 2 August, severe storms lashed the Mid North Coast, bringing heavy rain and damaging winds to the Port Macquarie Hastings, Kempsey and Nambucca regions.
The NSW State Emergency Service (SES) received around 700 calls for assistance, prompting another large-scale response involving SES crews, emergency service partners, local councils and Local Emergency Management Committees (LEMCs).
This latest storm follows a significant flood event in May that triggered 8,895 calls for help, 806 flood rescues, and 1,209 community warnings across the state.
Between 19 May and 1 June, 277 flood warnings were issued, and more than 12,000 damage assessments completed.
Of those, at least 3,137 properties were damaged, 2,472 inundated, and 1,238 deemed uninhabitable.
NSW SES Mid North Coast Deputy Zone Commander Tony Day acknowledged the strain placed on emergency services across multiple weather events.
“The capability and effectiveness of the Emergency Management arrangements on the Mid North Coast have been tested over recent
months,” he said.
“It is a credit to all the emergency service first responders and members of the Local Emergency Management Committees to be able to effectively manage operations of this size and scale over a sustained period.
“I personally thank them, their families who support them and their employers.”
Mr Day urged the community to recognise the role of volunteers and emergency personnel and encouraged residents to reach out and thank the first responders who continue to serve during these challenging times.
“Communities across the Mid North Coast should have confidence that those arrangements are well planned, well supported and well tested in saving lives and protecting communities.”
q SES vehicles respond to calls for help. Photo: Supplied.
Fast-tracked help for cancer patients thanks to local alliance
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everyday essentials such as travel, groceries and other necessities, allowing patients to focus on their health and wellbeing during treatment.
As part of the partnership, CanDo will facilitate the distribution of approximately $60,000, raised by the
Nambucca Valley Cancer Support Group, to eligible patients in the Nambucca Valley.
The funds will be allocated based on recommendations made by social workers from the Mid North Coast Cancer Institute (MNCCI).
Nambucca Valley Cancer Support Group Vice President
Christina Brownhill said the funds were raised through community donations and raffles.
“The Nambucca Valley Support Group has been in operation for more than 34 years,” Ms Brownhill told News Of The Area.
“This is the first time we’ll be able to provide
Nambucca Valley volunteers thanked after flood support
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support to the community at centres in Nambucca Heads, Macksville, Bowraville, Kempsey, Port Macquarie and Gladstone.
“We have also assisted with a Recovery Assistance Point (RAP) at Bowraville as well as outreach in conjunction with the NSW Reconstruction Authority and Service NSW personnel to impacted areas such as Kings Point and other parts of Macksville, providing residents with information and support,” said Helen
Mower, Deputy Team Leader at Nambucca Valley Red Cross Emergency Services.
“The outreach contact proved to be successful, with residents coming into the Recovery Centre – some able to receive assistance they did not know was available.”
The Director of the Australian Red Cross NSW and Nationwide Programs Operations, Jacob Walsh, thanked the volunteers for their “support in recovery operations, continued commitment in helping, listening and advocating for the affected communities”.
Each team member received a personal letter of thanks, with these awarded at a team meeting on Saturday 2 August.
direct financial support to cancer patients accessing the services of MNCCI.
“For those who struggle to get to appointments or afford everyday items, this support will help relieve some of that burden so they can focus on getting better.”
CanDo Cancer Trust Chairperson Julie Jardine said
the new partnership will help ease the burden on patients undergoing cancer treatment.
“We are proud to be partnering with such a longstanding community group, such as Nambucca Valley Cancer Support Group and CanDo will be able to build on this support by offering a very fast turnaround for successful applications, helping to ease the stress for patients needing urgent travel and other essential
items," Ms Jardine added.
MNCCI Social Worker
Robert Brangwin said that the new partnership will provide patients with practical and timely assistance.
“On behalf of MNCCI and the Mid North Coast Local Health District, we sincerely thank these two wonderful organisations,” he said.
“Their generosity plays a crucial role in the treatment journey for many local people.”
Gumbaynggirr spirit embodied in NAIDOC events
By Andrew VIVIAN
FIFTY years of NAIDOC Week was celebrated at two community events at Urunga and Mylestom last month.
The events were run by the Galangga Biindarray Indigenous Corporation, in partnership with the Neighbourhood Centres of Bellingen Shire, and explored the 2025 NAIDOC Week theme of “The Next Generation: Strength, Vision and Legacy”.
Held at the Urunga Sailing Club/Sea Scout Hall and Alma Doepel Park in Mylestom, the events celebrated Indigenous culture, heritage, and connection to Country.
A highlight of the celebrations was a woven tapestry on a sail that
illustrated the significance and history of key areas of the mouth of the Bellinger and Kalang Rivers (Repton, Raleigh, Mylestom, Yellow Rock, Urunga, Hungry Head, Wenonah Head and Third Headland).
It took almost 30 people 18 months to weave the tapestry from donated clothes.
"The sharing of our Aboriginal maritime history and how the land and water has sustained us is woven into the tapestry among many Aboriginal and nonAboriginal stories,” said Aunty Frances Witt from the Galangga Biindarray Indigenous Corporation.
Joining the events were Gumbaynggirr Elders and community members, who
shared stories of their lives and relations with the land.
Both events ended with a yarning circle where Elders invited the community to join their discussions.
“The two events inspired the southern Gumbaynggirr people to share their stories of life on the river,” Aunty Frances said.
“The feedback from the yarning circles encapsulated the spirit of Gumbaynggirr life and culture.”
May Smith, coordinator of the Urunga Neighbourhood Centre, said she felt “very honoured” to be part of the celebrations.
“I felt welcomed and I appreciated the humour between the family members.
“They were both very moving days.”
q Volunteers Sally Gibbs, Darrel Ewart, Nicole Cisterne, Chris Waller, Joanne Waller Andy Perri, Michele Gerard, Lew Louden, Deidre Bear and Rae Condon, Mary Ball, Lesley Smith, Helen Mower. Absent were Adele McCollom, Kathy Redman, Helen Bruce, Jenny Allen and Patricia Greenwood.
q The tapestry captured stories of life along the region’s rivers. Photo: Neighbourhood Centres of Bellingen Shire.
Region represented at bridge march
By Andrew VIVIAN
MID North Coast locals were among the more than 100,000 people who braved the weather to march across Sydney Harbour Bridge last Sunday, 3 August, to protest against the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
The march, along with a rally of more than 25,000 people in Melbourne, was the culmination of protests around the country since the start of the Hamas-Israel conflict on 7 October 2023.
Brian Mahoney, who has taken part in local protests, travelled from Coffs Harbour to join the crowd in Sydney.
“I was motivated to attend to make a contribution to stop the genocide, mass starvation and the ethnic cleansing of the people of Gaza, who have suffered extremely for the one year and eight months of this dreadful war,” he said.
“Distressing pictures of children and babies suffering horrendous injuries and death… influenced me to want to demonstrate.
“I was hoping to send a strong message to politicians to take more action in support of the Palestinian people in Gaza and the West Bank.
“I enjoyed the march, despite the rain and wind at times, because I felt I was contributing to the cause.
“The size of the crowd was awesome, and [it was] uplifting to know so many people felt strongly.
“I would say to people that think it won't make a difference is that strength is in the numbers and politicians are sensitive to numbers and will listen to the many rather than the few.
“I didn't feel like I was just one more, but part of a crowd of
concerned people with heart.”
Ann Leonard was another from the Coffs Coast who marched.
She said there was a diverse mix of families, youth and older generations, and marchers of every ethnicity, creed and colour.
“There was no luck in the fact this was a well behaved crowd," she told News Of The Area.
“Congratulations to all concerned, including those marching, the organisers and the police.”
Cops transfer from other jurisdictions
TWENTY-ONE officers joined the ranks of the NSW Police Force (NSWPF) last week after graduating
from the Professional Mobility Program (PMP).
A State Government initiative, the PMP allows current serving police officers from other jurisdictions within
Australia and New Zealand to train and become police officers in NSW, while keeping their equivalent rank (up to Senior Constable level six).
Previously, there was no pathway for officers to move to NSW and keep their rank.
The graduates are from Queensland (three), Victoria (five), South Australia (one), Northern Territory (one), the Australian Federal Police (four) and New Zealand (seven).
Ten officers will be stationed across the state’s Northern Region, which includes the Hunter and Mid North Coast regions.
NSW Police Force Deputy Commissioner Dean Smith said, “Today we see 21 PMP recruits graduate in NSW after having started their policing careers at other Australian and New Zealand policing jurisdictions.
“They have completed 12 weeks’ training at the Police Academy, and from today are appointed as probationary constables for a period of six months.
“Each of these officers brings invaluable past experience from each of their individual jurisdictions, and we are delighted they have demonstrated a commitment to serve the people of NSW.
“This program is providing a boost to police numbers which will greatly help us best serve our communities.”
Expressions of interest are being sought from qualified and experienced plumbers to become a contractor on Councils ‘Supplier Panels’. We are seeking experienced and qualified suppliers to be registered for the purpose of establishing a pool of suitable trades people that are able to undertake minor works for Council.
To be able to apply for this opportunity, you must register on Council’s e-tendering portal, VendorPanel by following this link VendorPanel - Nambucca Valley Council provided on Council’s website.
This opportunity closes 2pm, 21st August 2025.
ENQUIRIES TO:
Contracts & Procurement Officer, (02) 6568 2555
PO BOX 177 MACKSVILLE NSW 2447 www.nambucca.nsw.gov.au
q Coffs Coast locals travelled to Sydney for the protest march. Photo: Peter Boyle.
Macksville students graduate from pathways program
By Mick BIRTLES
A GROUP of Year 10 students from Macksville High School (MHS) have completed a week-long Educational Pathways Program (EPP) with NVC Group, gaining hands-on training and valuable insight into careers in the aged care sector.
The experience was part of a growing state-wide program now running in 183 government high schools across NSW, including Macksville High, Bowraville Central School, and schools in the Kempsey region.
The EPP was launched as a pilot in 2020, designed to enhance existing careers education by introducing real-world opportunities and connections to industries.
It provides schools with dedicated Careers Head Teachers and School-Based Apprenticeship and Traineeship (SBAT) Engagement Officers who work to support student access to training, employment, and tailored guidance.
As part of the NVC Group training, students completed First Aid certification, learned practical skills in communication and health care, and participated in simulated scenarios, including emergency response to situations such as heart attacks and snake bites.
Their learning culminated in a small graduation ceremony held last Friday, attended by NVC and school staff, including Macksville High School Principal Sheree Burnham.
During the ceremony, students confidently demonstrated their training through role-play scenarios, impressing those present with their skill.
Amanda Davis, NVC Trainer
and Assessor, praised the group’s attitude and effort.
“From what I’ve seen of the wonderful young people that you are and the way you’ve approached your time here, I’m sure you’ll all have amazing careers whatever you choose to do once you leave school,” she said.
Principal Burnham thanked both NVC and the school staff involved.
“This experience is something these students will never forget and I’m truly grateful for the opportunity they’ve been provided by NVC. I am also very appreciative of the work done by staff who made it possible here at NVC and from our school,” she said.
The students themselves also spoke in glowing terms about the experience.
One of the students, My-Linh, told News Of The Area, “I don’t know if I’ll end up working in aged
care, but I do hope to have a job where I get to help people and this training has certainly helped me work toward that.”
Fellow student Isabella added, “The time spent at NVC has broadened my horizons and I’m now considering a range of employment options I hadn’t thought about before.”
“This experience is something these students will never forget and I’m truly grateful for the opportunity they’ve been provided by NVC. I am also very appreciative of the work done by staff who made it possible here at NVC and from our school,” she said.
q Year 10 Macksville High School students, Principal Sheree Burnham, NVC Trainer and Assessor Amanda Davis and MHS Careers Head Teacher Dionne Court.
4981 8882
Farmsafe’s ‘Second Chances’ campaign
By Andrea FERRARI
FARMSAFE Australia has launched its 2025 National Farm Safety Week campaign with the theme “Second Chances – Who Knows How Many You’ll Get?”
It comes with a national call to action.
“If you’ve had a near miss on a farm, don’t just move on. Learn from it, share it safely, and use it to protect those around you.”
The National Farm Safety Week and Safer Farms Report 2025 shows that following a historic low of 32 farm fatalities in 2023, there were 72 deaths in 2024 - the highest number in more than two decades.
Chair of Farmsafe Australia Felicity Richards, says the data shows that farm safety isn’t just about preventing the worstcase scenario, it’s about reading the signs before they happen.
“So many incidents are preceded by a ‘close call’… a moment when we got lucky,” she said.
“But unless we talk about what almost happened and what we did differently afterwards, we’re missing one of the most powerful tools we have to change behaviour.”
The Second Chances campaign highlights the role of the near miss as a warning sign.
It features stories from farmers across the country who’ve walked away from close calls and made changes that improved
the safety of their families, their workers and their communities.
The campaign recognises that many farmers process these experiences quietly.
“But when we’re ready, talking about what nearly went wrong helps normalise safer decision-making, not from a place of blame but from a place of care.”
Ms Richards says that when we share a near miss safely, without shame and with a focus on the lesson, we create space for someone else to say, ‘Actually, that happened to me too’.
“That conversation can lead to real action: putting seatbelts on sideby-sides, rethinking fatigue
management, changing up how we supervise kids.
“None of those things happen in silence.”
Ms Richards, who is a farmer and mother, notes the emotional weight behind the Farm Safety Report statistics.
“Every number in that report is a person.”
“We are not asking anyone to relive trauma or share details they’re uncomfortable with.
“Sometimes, the best thing we can do is reflect privately or debrief with our team.
“The important thing is not how we share, it’s that we don’t ignore the lesson.”
The 2025 Safer Farms Report, sponsored by WFI,
identifies key ongoing risks on Australian farms, including fatigue, poor communication, and child safety.
As part of the campaign, Farmsafe is encouraging industry partners, member organisations and rural businesses to amplify the message.
“Everyone has a role to play in creating safer farms whether it’s by starting a toolbox talk, sharing a story, or just pausing before a job to check in.
“This is about taking steps. It’s about being conscious and trying to do better every day.”
To find out more, visit farmsafe.org.au.
Net zero nonsense OPINION
DEAR News Of The Area,
WHEN Barnaby Joyce spruiked his private member’s bill to abolish net zero by 2050, I couldn’t understand how he could claim that net zero was why pensioners are having to pay high power bills.
He implied that removing a target 25 years away would somehow have the immediate effect of making pensioners’ electricity bills ‘affordable’.
The root cause of today’s high electricity prices is not the net zero target.
It is the Coalition’s failure over 10 years to deliver an energy policy that gave business the certainty it needed to invest huge amounts of money in the new energy generation needed to replace ageing, unreliable and end-of-life coal fired power stations.
Less electricity in the system and more demand for it means the price goes up.
The more it costs to generate a unit of electricity, the more consumers will have to pay for it.
This is not rocket science.
We now have to play catch-up for that decade of policy neglect and unfortunately for Mr Joyce’s argument, the cheapest form of energy is now renewable energy.
Walking away from adding more renewable energy to the grid will
guarantee that consumers, especially pensioners, will pay even higher power bills than they do now.
Walking away from net zero means a return to energy policy uncertainty and higher electricity bills.
It appears Barnaby Joyce and the Nationals are fighting tooth and nail for the reputation of being the party that guarantees consumers have to pay higher electricity bills.
Regards, Stephen OTTAWAY.
q Image from the Farmsafe campaign 2025.
Packed program for ‘SustainaBellingen’
By Andrea FERRARI
THE “SustainaBellingen Showcase”, originally planned as part of the Bellingen Show program, will proceed as a standalone event this Saturday and Sunday, 9-10 August.
Taking place at the CWA Rooms in Church Street, the free event features a lineup of speakers addressing the community’s resilience to environmental, economic and social issues.
“This showcase represents everything our community values,” said Show President Susan Lumsdaine, “practical solutions, expert knowledge, and the collaborative spirit that builds real resilience in uncertain times.”
Speakers include Graham Creed, the former ABC weatherman who swapped the studio for sustainable farming.
He will be a member of the “Sustainable Futures for Our Shire” panel, alongside community psychologist Rob Curnow and local zoologist Gary Fry.
He will also join local weather expert Kev Doye and ecologist Andrew Turbill in examining climate impacts specific to the region.
Speakers Chris Ormond, Brian Hawkins and Shane Ruming from the NSW Department of Environment will share breakthroughs in the recovery of the critically endangered Bellinger River Snapping Turtle, which lost 90 percent of its population to disease in 2015.
The Jaliigirr Biodiversity Alliance will present information on its specially trained koala detection dogs and how they are revolutionising efforts to locate and protect local populations.
The Great Koala National Park session features Paula Flack speaking about the proposed 315,000-hectares of continuous wildlife corridors connecting fragmented forests, and how they will transform the Coffs Coast.
Meaghan Burkett from Ethical Fields, a recognised leader in community wealth building, will explore how local communities can take hold of their economic agency.
The Housing Matters Action Group and Community Land Trust will tackle one of the region’s most pressing challenges, while “The Waste Wizard” Jules Laurent will share insights on waste reduction and circular economy principles.
Amanda Fairbanks will address textile waste in “Fashion: Fix It, Don’t Bin It”, while Andrew the Bird Guy will show audiences how to create backyard havens for native birds, and the “Women Who Farm Network” will celebrate the vital role of women in agriculture and sustainable farming.
Beyond the speaker presentations, the showcase offers hands-on learning opportunities.
Bellingen Shire Council’s Carole Sampson will demonstrate a digital sand table displaying real-time environmental modelling over local terrain and what happens in bushfires and floods.
Jason John will be available to discuss Landcare opportunities across the shire, while the Bellingen Alternatives Bookshop will provide curated sustainability resources.
The Bellingen Singers will highlight how social, mental and physical wellbeing can be strengthened through performance.
“This event… brings together excellent minds, great passion, innovative solutions, and strong collaborative spirit,”
Sustainability Convenor Liz Jeremy said.
“Whether we’re talking about turtle conservation, climate adaptation, or economic sustainability, the Road to Resilience will emerge when we work together.”
Registration is required for the free tickets. Visit bellingenshow.com.au/ attractions-sustainabellingen-showcase
q Sustainability Convenor Liz Jeremy and Bellingen Show President Susan Lumsdaine.
NRMA Insurance Nambucca Heads
Andy walks Australia to fight gambling harm
By Leigh WATSON
He’s
caused by gambling addiction, a struggle that
has dominated his life for over 40 years.
Although he’ll be travelling solo, he won’t be completely alone.
His loyal dog Scrubby will be by his side, and together they are WAG - “Walk Against Gambling”.
Andy moved to Coffs Harbour four years ago for what he hoped would be another “fresh start”, believing the natural beauty and new surroundings might help him leave gambling behind.
But, like everywhere else, the temptations were still there - both online and in local venues.
Indeed, like the rest of Australia, Coffs Harbour is experiencing extremely high gambling harm rates.
A recent NSW Liquor & Gaming report revealed that in one recent three-month period, clubs and hotels in Coffs Harbour pulled in $18.5 million in net poker machine profits.
“Every time I’ve moved, I’ve always thought I could leave it behind,” Andy said.
“But I’ve come to realise that no matter how far you travel, you’re always the same distance from the gutter.”
Last year, on his 59th birthday, he decided it was time for real change.
“Enough is enough,” he told himself.
He then made the bold decision to spend his 60th birthday launching a walk that will take nearly two years, covering all mainland states and the Northern Territory via routes like National Highway 1, pulling his essentials behind him in a small trailer.
Andy’s been free from gambling since making that decision a year ago and has
praise for the local support available through organisations such as GambleAware, Gambler’s Anonymous, and the Neighbourhood Centre Gambling Harm Program.
He’s using the walk to raise funds for Lifeline North Coast and to start meaningful conversations along the way with people who are struggling, or who have loved ones caught in addiction.
He’s not setting out to lobby politicians, though
he believes Australia urgently needs gambling law reform, with Australia holding the unfortunate global record for the highest gambling losses per capita.
“If I can do this, maybe someone else can make a change in their own life, no matter how small,” he said.
His message is simple: “If nothing changes, nothing changes.”
“Even one small change can help you get your life back,” Andy said.
q Andy and Scrubby are excited about their big walk. q Their route will traverse all mainland states and the Northern Territory.
Stargazing: How far to the nearest star?
By Dave RENEKE, Astronomer
LET’S say you woke up this morning, stretched, had your coffee, and thought, “I wonder how long it would take me to get to the nearest star?”
First, good morning.
Second, buckle up! Because this trip takes longhaul travel to a whole new level.
Our destination?
Proxima Centauri, the closest star beyond our Sun, is hanging out a casual 4.24 light-years away.
That’s about 40 trillion kilometres.
Yes, trillion with a "T."
Even if you left yesterday, you’re still ridiculously far behind.
Let’s put that distance into perspective.
If Earth were the size of a marble, the Sun would be about a metre away - and Proxima Centauri would be over 380 kilometres away.
That’s Sydney to the midnorth coast, just to visit the nearest star.
It gets even crazier!
If you drove a car at 100 km/h, never stopping, it would take over 50 million years to reach Proxima Centauri.
That’s enough time for humans to evolve from treedwellers to TikTokers - twice.
The mighty Apollo missions got to the Moon in just three days, travelling at 40,000 km/h. Impressive, right? At that speed, the trip to Proxima would still take over 115,000 years.
That’s about 4,600 generations of humans. Imagine trying to pass down the GPS instructions.
NASA’s Voyager 1, launched in 1977, is the farthest human-made object from Earth.
It’s cruising at 61,000 km/h, and even so, it would take over 75,000 years to reach Proxima - if it were heading that way. Spoiler alert: it's not. It's drifting towards a different star in 40,000 years.
But don’t despair - this is where it gets exciting. In the future, interstellar travel could become a reality through advanced propulsion systems.
One idea is the ‘Breakthrough Starshot’ project, using powerful lasers on Earth to push tiny light sails to 20 percent of the speed of light.
A journey that once took 50 million years in a car could,
with next-gen tech, be done in the time it takes for a kid to go from cradle to university.
Nuclear fusion engines could provide massive thrust and speed for larger craft.
Antimatter propulsion offers immense energy output, but it's still theoretical. Another concept is the warp drive, which warps space itself - shrinking space in front and expanding
it behind - but it requires exotic matter we haven't yet discovered.
Ok, there are hurdles, but hey, nobody said interstellar travel was easy.
Besides being awesome, there’s a practical reason to look at our closest stellar neighbour. Proxima Centauri has an exoplanet - Proxima b - which sits in the star’s habitable zone.
Youth gig ‘Coastal Grown’
That means it could, just maybe, have conditions for life.
Water, an atmosphere… even little green things waving at the sky?
In truth, we’re only just beginning to dream beyond our solar system. But as technology grows, our reach will too.
The stars aren’t just twinkling lights anymore -
By Andrea FERRARI
A GIG put together by 10 young people from across the Mid North Coast is being planned for Coffs Harbour’s Hoey Moey on 30 August between 5pm and 9pm.
Free to attend, “Coastal Grown” is an all-ages showcase featuring the music talents of Korderoy, Lily Hallawell, Autopilot, Rhetorical? and Temperate.
Coastal Grown is the culmination of “Outset”, a new program by MusicNSW that brings together a Youth Committee to curate, create and deliver their own all-ages gig, mentored by industry experts.
The committee members, all aged under 25, are involved in every aspect of event planning, gaining the hands-on experience, industry knowledge and connections needed to thrive in the live music industry on the Mid North Coast and beyond.
“Outset was developed to counter limited opportunities for young people in the area to participate in live music, both on and off the
they’re destinations.
So next time someone asks you how long it takes to get to the nearest star, just smile and say: “Depends, are we talking car, rocket… or laser-powered spaceship?”
And who knows?
One day, someone might read this from orbit around Proxima b, looking back at Earth and thinking, “Wow, they learned quickly.”
stage,” MusicNSW Managing Director Joe Muller said.
“When you bring young people together, provide guidance by local industry professionals and hand over the reins, great things happen - and we’re seeing that with Coastal Grown.
“The program has supported its Youth Committee members to find pathways into the live music industry but also, and essentially, it is providing an opportunity for five young local acts to perform live - and a live music experience for young gig-goers in one of the region’s best-loved venues.”
Outset is presented by not-for-profit organisation MusicNSW in partnership with Arts Mid North Coast, the Hoey Moey and with support from Create NSW and Sound NSW.
It empowers and connects artists and industry by providing access to professional and skill development opportunities and best practice resources, facilitating strong industry networks, and bringing industry together for consultation.
This includes Sound Advice, regional industry development and support for First Nations artists and industry.
To register for a free ticket to Coast Grown music event visit: events.humanitix.com/ coastal-grown-presentedby-outset-and-musicnsw/ tickets.
q Coastal Grown’s Andrew Davis and 2025 Youth Committee: Isiaha Kelly (Coffs), Brylee Eklund (Nambucca), Annabelle Kerr (Port Macquarie), Mahli Grant, Amy Hughes and Jaiden McDermid (Nambucca), Arlo Smith, Scott Shrimpton and Ethan Pursch (Coffs) and Sam Duff (Port Macquarie).
AFL North Coast juniors represent NSW
By Aiden BURGESS
SOME of AFL North Coast’s most promising juniors have proudly represented their state.
Reese Legend, Chloe Murphy and Zoe Tarlinton were part of the NSW All Schools team that played at the School Sport AustraliaAustralian Football Girls 15 Years & Under Championship at Moreton Bay.
Their NSW team finished third after defeating South Australia by 54 points in the bronze medal match.
NSW had victories against Western Australia and Queensland-White in their pool matches, before a loss to eventual runners-up Queensland-Maroon in their semi-final.
Reese Legend was named to the Australian team after being picked as one of the
best players at the National Championship.
The AFL North Coast trio earned NSW selection after outstanding performances playing for the North Coast at the NSW Combined High Schools Sports AssociationSecondary, Australian Football Girls Championship on the Central Coast.
Reese Legend plays for the Nambucca Valley Lions, Chloe Murphy plays for the Sawtell/Toormina Saints, and Zoe Tarlinton plays for the Coffs Harbour Breakers, in the AFL North Coast’s Youth Girls competition.
Boys’ representative
Fellow AFL North Coast junior Oto Ryan of the Port Macquarie Magpies also represented his state, playing for the NSW All Schools team at the Boys 15 Years & Under Championship at Moreton Bay.
Gala day shines through the storm
By David WIGLEY
THE rain poured but that didn’t dampen the spirits for over 200 football players aged from nine to 12 years old competing at the North Coast Gala Day last Sunday at the Coffs Coast Synthetics.
“The weather may have been rough, but that didn’t stop players from across the regions from showing up with commitment and
resilience at the Gala Day in Coffs Harbour,” said North Coast Football (NCF) head coach Nico Bonarrigo.
“The event brought together teams from [Northern] Inland, Mid Coast, and even Valentine FC who made the trip up from Newcastle.”
NCF entered seven teams consisting of players from the Skill Acquisition Phase (SAP) program and one team from the Talented
Female Program (TFP).
The SAP program is an Australian-wide program to perfect and accelerate the skill development of identified players at the critical ages of 9 to 12.
Bonarrigo was impressed with the calibre of players on display from the North Coast.
“North Coast Football players were brilliant throughout the day, putting in strong performances and
Breakers win in rain affected round
By Aiden BURGESS
THE Coffs Harbour Breakers have consolidated top spot on the seniors ladder with a victory against the Grafton Tigers, during the penultimate round of the AFL North Coast season.
The Breakers took a big step towards winning this year’s minor premiership after having a 10.17 (77) to 7.8 (50) victory against the Tigers in Grafton.
The scheduled matches between the Port Macquarie Magpies and Sawtell/ Toormina Saints in Port Macquarie were cancelled due to the wet weather deluge.
Round 17
The AFL North Coast season continues this weekend with Round 17 matches in Port Macquarie.
showing great teamwork and spirit,” he said.
“A special shoutout goes to our TFP Clarence girls for stepping up and competing with energy and determination.
“It was fantastic to see so many talented and hardworking players enjoying themselves and embracing some good, healthy competition.
“Huge thanks to all the NCF coaches who supported and coached on the day - their effort and commitment really showed their passion for the game and the work they’re doing to develop football across the North Coast,” Bonarrigo said.
The Northern Beaches Blues and Port Macquarie Magpies reserves, women’s and Under 18s sides play off in catch up games.
The AFL North Coast season fixture had to be
amended due to both the Macleay Valley Eagles and Nambucca Valley Lions withdrawing for the remainder of this year’s competition.
The final matches of the home and away season will be played on Saturday, 16 August.
Preliminary finals will be played on Saturday, 23 August at the Wiigulga Sports Complex.
Grand finals will be played on Saturday, 30 August at the C.ex Coffs International Stadium.
q Zoe Tarlinton, Reese Legend, and Chloe Murphy at the National Championship.
q Rain didn’t dampen the spirits of the footballers at the NCF Gala Day.
q The teams consisted of players aged nine to 12 years old.
q North Coast entered seven teams at the Gala Day. .
q Big smiles at the NCF Gala Day.
Coffs Coast Masters cricketers compete at national carnival
By Aiden BURGESS
THE COFFS Coast Masters Cricket (Over 60s) side have taken on top teams from across the country.
The Coffs Coast team was one of 16 teams to compete in the Sunshine Coast National Club Carnival, one of the largest Masters club cricket carnivals in Australia.
The side played four matches of Masters format cricket in five days.
The format of Masters cricket means everyone gets a go; in a oneday format of 45 overs per team, a maximum of six overs per bowler, and batters needing to retire if not out after facing 35 balls.
The opening day saw the Coffs Coast side up against Queensland Wombats at the Mooloolaba Cricket Complex.
Coffs Coast dismissed them for 187, with Terry Herbert taking 2-13 with both wickets in his first over, and Richard Spain taking 4-28 in his first game with the club.
After losing a few early wickets, Richard Spain (40 not out) and Barry Hill (21 not out) managed to provide a glimmer of hope, but
unfortunately it was not enough to see the Coffs side over the line after being bowled out for 110.
Coffs Coast took on the Central Coast Cyclones on the second day, as they had a morale boosting victory in the beautiful village of Palmwoods.
Coffs Coast scored 210 after opening the batting, with Richard Spain (37 not out), Barry Hill (29 not out), Bruce Mackie (28 not out) and Brian Russell (24 not out) leading the way.
Central Coast finished on 182, with John Priddle taking 3-18 and Terry Herbert taking 2-19 to be the pick of the Coffs Coast bowlers.
Coffs Coast took on the undefeated Geelong on day three, with Geelong coming out strong to score 210.
Bruce Mackie, Michael Cheers and Terry Herbert kept their side in the game with their fine bowling.
Coffs Coast fell 62 runs short of victory after scoring 149, Richard Spain (25) and Bill Saker (22 not out) top scoring.
Coffs Coast took on Port Jackson (Sydney Metro) in their final game of
the carnival, in the lovely township of Yandina.
Port Jackson had not lost a game, and bowled out the Coffs Coast for 103.
Bruce Mackie (30 not out) and Barry Hill (22 not out) were the top scorers, but the Coffs side didn’t have enough runs on the board to give their bowlers any chance of
defending their target.
Coffs Coast Masters Cricket team member Barry Hill said it was a great week spent playing cricket with good mates.
“All up it was a terrific tournament and a great week of hard-fought cricket while spending time with good mates in the twilight of their cricketing careers,” he said.
Coffs Coast Masters Cricket trains every week throughout the year at the Bray St, Coffs Harbour nets, and encourage anyone over 60 who still feels the fire to compete to come by and join them.
For more information, contact Damian Madden (0488402867), Richard Cannon (0429661112) or Barry Hill (0428666903).
Coffs Comets secure gritty win over Nambucca Roosters
FROM Page 20
plan was to rack-up points early, the plan worked.
With less than 10 minutes gone from the clock the Comets had crossed for two tries, scored by lock Kellen Wood and forward Henry Davies.
With the Comets looking good early and holding a 0-10 lead, it took 14 minutes for a Nambucca breakthrough.
After a penalty for a dangerous tackle metres from the line, Nambucca’s Toby Batten evaded defenders and unloaded to a charging Brody Simon who scored first points for the home side.
A successful Dwayne RobertsJarrett conversion reduced the deficit to 6-10, before the Roosters’ fortunes shifted again.
With less than 15 minutes left in the half, Nambucca’s Jack Margetts was sent to the bin for 10 minutes.
Roosters Captain Tyronne Roberts-Davis was then sent from the field from the remainder of the game, after appearing to seek clarification from the referee as to the reason for his teammate’s dismissal.
As decisions continued to go against the home side, the Comets patiently and systematically went on the attack, exploiting the numerical advantage.
With just over 10 minutes left in the half, Henry Davies went over for
his second try.
Leading 6-14, the Comets were largely able to keep the Roosters in their danger zone until the break, with the home side having trouble breaking out of their own half.
It was a more settled Roosters outfit that took to the paddock for the second half, as Jake Saunders added to the home side’s tally after 12 minutes.
Coffs Comets fullback Liam Dunn was then sent to the bin for a dangerous tackle as the pendulum seemed to swing in favour of the Roosters.
When Jack Margetts crossed for a hard fought team try, the Roosters took the lead for the first time in the game, leading 16-14.
The advantage was short-lived however.
With just over seven minutes left in the game, Coffs Captain Macauley Dawson spotted space on the left of the Roosters’ defensive line.
Travelling three quarters of the field with the ball, Dawson crossed the line to score an impressive individual try and give his side a two point advantage with five minutes to play.
A penalty in front of the posts in the closing minutes sealed the deal for the Comets, who headed back to Coffs Harbour with a 16-20 victory.
In the minor grades, there was no Women’s Tackle match as the Roosters had a bye, the Comets U/18s forfeited their match and in Reserve Grade the Comets edged out the Roosters to take the win 18-20.
On Sunday 10 August the Roosters will host Woolgoolga at Coronation Park for a top of the table thriller that will also be the Roosters’ Indigenous Round, commencing at 11:00 when the U/18s kick off.
Panthers first team to beat Seahorses this season
By Aiden BURGESS
THE Sawtell Panthers have become the first team to beat the Woolgoolga Seahorses this season, defeating the minor premiers 32-10 in Woolgoolga during the penultimate round of the Group 2 Rugby League season.
The Panthers snapped the Seahorses nine-game winning streak, as they clinched third spot on the ladder heading into the finals series.
The Coffs Harbour Comets clinched a spot in this season’s finals series after having a vital 20-
16 win against the second-placed Nambucca Roosters in Nambucca Heads.
The Macksville Sea Eagles also booked a place in this season’s finals series with a 46-20 win at home against the South Grafton Rebels.
Reserve grade
The Woolgoolga Seahorses maintained top spot on the ladder with a 38-22 win against the Sawtell Panthers.
The Coffs Harbour Comets had a 20-18 win against the Nambucca Roosters in Nambucca Heads.
Women’s
The Woolgoolga Seahorses maintained top spot on the ladder with a 20-4 win at home against the Sawtell Panthers.
The South Grafton Rebels had a 16-8 win against the Macksville Sea Eagles in Macksville.
Under 18s
The Sawtell Panthers had a 16-10 win against the Woolgoolga Seahorses in Woolgoolga.
Final round
The Group 2 Rugby League home and away season culminates with the final round of games this weekend.
Minor premiers the Woolgoolga
Seahorses take on the Nambucca Roosters in their top of the ladder showdown in Nambucca Heads.
The Seahorses were 42-18 winners when they last met in Round 7.
The Coffs Harbour Comets travel to take on the South Grafton Rebels on Saturday afternoon.
The Comets had a 28-12 win in their previous meeting this season.
The Macksville Sea Eagles host the Grafton Ghosts, with the Ghosts having had a 26-24 win when they last played.
Sawtell Panthers have the bye as they prepare for the finals series.
q Coffs Comets players Jett McCarthy and Waka Petera shut down a charging Toby Batten.
q Try time for the Nambucca Roosters’ Jack Margetts during the First Grade Round 13 clash against Coffs Comets.
q Coffs Comets Reserve Grade player Arthur Wilkinson on the attack in their Round 13 clash against the Nambucca Roosters last weekend.
q The Coffs Coast Masters Cricket team.
By Manny WOOD
Secret daughter emerges to claim father's estate
IN tragic circumstances, Wendy’s son, William, passes away.
Aware that William did not have a Will, Wendy contacts a solicitor to commence the administration of her late son’s estate. Wendy believes that she is William’s “next of kin” on the basis that William was never married, was not in a de facto relationship when he passed, and did not have any children.
William’s father passed-away several years ago.
Wendy makes enquiries with William’s bank and superannuation fund.
Wendy files an application to obtain a grant of “letters of administration”.
This is similar to a grant of probate, but is issued when a deceased person does not leave a Will.
The grant is made by the Supreme Court and is evidence that Wendy has the authority to deal with William’s estate.
One month after the application is filed with the Court, she receives a call from Amy, claiming to be William’s daughter.
She tells Wendy that William was aware of her existence, but chose not to be a part of her life.
Wendy is shocked by the news and refuses to believe that the allegation is true.
Amy files a caveat in the Probate Registry preventing a grant from being made to Wendy.
This is because in circumstances where there is no Will, if Amy is found to be William’s only child, she is entitled to the whole of his estate and is entitled to be the sole administrator of his estate as his next of kin.
The matter proceeds as a contested matter in the Supreme Court but because William is not named on Amy’s birth certificate, she has no evidence that she is his daughter.
The Judge orders DNA testing and when the results are received, it is revealed that Amy is in fact, William’s child.
Wendy is left with no choice but to withdraw her application to obtain a grant, which is ultimately awarded to Amy.
Wendy makes a claim for “commission”, being a lump sum payment for her “pains and troubles” in administering William’s estate, which is also rejected by the Court.
This fictional column is not legal advice.
DEAR News Of The Area,
WHY do we allow people to drive on our beaches?
A recent meta-study by University of the Sunshine Coast Professor of Marine Science, Thomas Schlacher, confirms that driving 4WD vehicles on beaches has serious environmental impacts.
The vast majority of 4WD users follow the rules and do their best to avoid deliberate harm.
The research, however, demonstrates that there is no such thing as a low-impact
Dorin’s Draws By Paul DORIN On theCouch
Time to transition timber workers
DEAR News Of The Area,
I WOULD like to make a few points with reference to MP Michael Kemp’s response to a letter delivered to his office on Wednesday 23 July by KoaLa Man (Peter Elzer).
The event was reported in the Macleay Argus (online Friday, 25 July and in print Saturday, 2 August).
On one level Mr Kemp’s response seems more conciliatory than in his previous contributions to the topic.
Here he advocates for the coexistence of a healthy koala population and a healthy timber industry which on the face of it seems a reasonable proposition.
But in referring to koala counts he implies that there are plenty of koalas left, therefore a healthy population therefore no problem.
But this does not take account of the fact that every day more areas are being logged that are earmarked for the Great Koala National Park (GKNP), potentially qualifying for World Heritage listing.
As explained in my previous Letter to the Editor (1 August 2025), koalas need large tracts of connected forests to avoid a reduced gene pool which is a precursor to extinction.
Even more incredulously, Mr Kemp states: “There was no evidence that regulated timber harvesting harmed koala numbers”.
Does this include the clear-felling of plantation timber which koalas also occupy as they can’t read maps?
It has been proven that clear felling kills koalas.
As for the logging industry, it doesn’t look too healthy either, as evidenced by the huge tax-payer funded losses NSWFC has been running since 2020.
If Mr Kemp really cares about the logging industry, perhaps he should look at the writing on the wall.
Sooner or later the industry
will follow the path of SA and WA and be closed down for economic, environmental and social licence reasons.
If Mr Kemp really cares, he would be working on a transition plan for the workers and supporting the development of alternative industries which are producing building materials such as manufactured wood, bamboo, hempcrete and sucrete.
Although Australia is known as a species extinction hotspot, it is not too late for a world heritage national koala park to be established.
The tourist dollars and therefore jobs from this alone would be significant.
Mr Kemp refers to the ‘informed discussion’ about the GKNP at the annual conference of the NSW Farmers Association where they unanimously passed a motion opposing its creation.
I wonder if they were informed about the multiple functions of the forest, not least as a carbon sink in mitigating climate change but also about their crucial role as part of the water cycle, recycling rainfall back into the atmosphere (cooling the land in the process), storing water and releasing surplus water into streams.
Thus they increase baseflows in dry periods and reduce peak flows and flooding in rainfall events.
If Mr Kemp really cares about farmers, he would be educating them about these and other services forests provide which are of direct relevance to their interests in this era of more frequent extreme weather events.
Unfortunately Mr Kemp MP seems to prefer playing politics.
Yours sincerely, Dr Nona HARVEY, West Kempsey.
The conundrum of cars on beaches
beach drive from an environmental perspective.
Every pair of tyre tracks crush the pippies and other creatures that live in the littoral, or inter-tidal, zone.
Over time this can turn the beach into a barren wasteland.
The tyre tracks can also act as obstacles to hatching sea turtles, preventing them from reaching the sea at their most vulnerable time.
The beaches are a community asset and need to be managed for the
DEAR Jasminda,
AFTER a couple of weeks away, my husband and I have realised that we get along much better when we are away from home. Our relationship improved, we both relaxed for the first time in a long time, and it became apparent that we are soft touches and often feel that others take advantage of that at work and in our personal lives.
How do we keep on this trajectory now we are back?
Belinda R.
Dear Belinda,
This is a challenging situation to be in, but no doubt one of your own creation, so only you can fix it. Also, remember that when you were away from home, you weren't burdened by work commitments, you probably weren't cooking your own meals, you were calm from doing complimentary yoga classes facilitated by a very flexible Argentinian, you were no doubt drinking poolside Negronis every afternoon, and you were returning from a day out to a freshly made bed and replenished beverages. It can definitely be hard to make the transition home after a holiday.
It's also why people frequently look at real estate during their time away because they are viewing life through rosecoloured glasses.
Despite those considerations, it sounds to me as though you and your husband have spent a long time being 'fixers' just like Christopher Pyne, but without his impressive pay packet and lifetime parliamentary perks.
It's natural for some people to step into fixer roles, and it is actually a really positive quality, but not when it is taken
advantage of.
Reading between the lines, I feel you aren't good at setting boundaries.
I don't mean like a 10foot fence (though that could work as well) but you need to discuss what you're willing to accept, what you aren't, and also let those who will be impacted know too.
Often work colleagues and family members have just gotten used to the status quo of you taking charge.
If you put some parameters around work and family situations, everyone will be on the same page and miscommunication won't result in hostility.
Are you a couple that finds it hard to say no?
This is something you can practice, so when the situation arises, you'll be prepared, otherwise it can be easy to fall back into bad habits and that's not good for anyone's personal growth.
As an example, a staff member may want to have two weeks off when the roster has already been prepared.
If, in the past, you've made adjustments whenever staff want changes, this has become an expected behaviour for you and them.
Going forward, you could put out a roster policy which preempts any last-minute changes. You could, for example, get the staff member to organise a staff swap with a similarly qualified colleague to be approved by you three days in advance, put a limit on the number of roster changes, or only allow changes when they are accompanied by a medical or other urgent reason with paperwork to support this.
Alternatively, you and your husband should sell up your assets, wind back or redirect your business, buy a retro camper, and drive off into the sunset, leaving them all to it.
long term benefit of the community. This should mean that we act to restrict those activities that we know to be degrading and destroying the very things we wish to enjoy.
We need to have a community wide conversation about, perhaps, eliminating the driving of 4WD vehicles on certain beaches.
Regards, Peter SOBEY, Valla.
News Of The Area would love to hear your OPINION and VIEWS on issues and topics affecting our area. Keep Letters to the Editor under 250 words for its best chance of publication. Please be aware that there is no guarantee of publication from your submission to us. Publication will be determined by the Editor around available space, relevance and appropriateness.
Email us media@newsofthearea.com.au
Carpe diem, Jasminda.
WE’RE HIRING
3rd August 2025, passed away peacefully at Coffs Haven Aged Care. Late of Nambucca Heads. Dearly beloved wife of Rex (dec’d). Sadly missed by all her extended family. Aged 83 Years
Joan was privately cremated at Hogbin Drive Crematorium & Memorial Gardens, Stadium Drive, Coffs Harbour.
COMMUNITY
ENGAGEMENT
ADVISOR (CEA)
Help protect and prepare Bowraville for the future.
Your Role:
• Lead the Aboriginal Community Emergency Management Plan (ACEMP) Work with the Bowraville Aboriginal Land Council & Aboriginal Affairs.
• Build strong relationships with community and emergency services.
• Help Bowraville prepare for and recover from natural disasters.
You’ll Work With:
• Elders & community members • Aboriginal & non-Aboriginal organisations • Government departments • Volunteers & emergency services
What You’ll Bring:
• Strong community connections • Confidence & great yarnin’ skills • Organised & good at building partnerships
The Offer:
• Part-time role (flexible hours) • Paid position • Full training & support provided
Location: Bowraville
Applications close: Friday 15th August 2025
Phone: (02) 6564 7812
Send your resume to: Dean.Buchanan@aborignalaffairs.nsw.gov.au
Apply now and help shape our community’s resilience for the future!
Personals
LADY seeks gentlemen with finesse for friendship 65 - 70 yrs. 0415 981 605
PAMELA JUDITH THOMSON (NEE LLOYD)
15 January 1933 - 10 July 2025
Widowed with two sons, three grandchildren, one step-granddaughter and two step-great grandchildren. A dedicated enrolled nurse and home maker. Spent most of her life in Freshwater, NSW then Yarrahapinni, NSW. Aged 92 years.
Join us for Pamela’s memorial service at 10am on Friday, 15 August 2025 at the Macksville Anglican Church. Followed by light food and drinks at Nambucca RSL.
All welcome and tributes appreciated, but no flowers please.
To celebrate Pamela’s long and fulfilled life, please wear bright and happy colours.
Position Vacant
KEITH LOGUE & SONS
Joan Elaine
BEST ON THE BOX
SUNDAY THE FAMILY NEXT DOOR
ABC TV, 8pm
Teresa Palmer (pictured) might just be the busiest woman in Australia – the star of The Last Anniversary and Mix Tape (both streaming, Binge) is also a small business owner and mum of five (with another on the way). In this female-forward drama, adapted from the novel by Aussie author Sally Hepworth, the in-demand star plays Isabelle, a mysterious stranger who moves into the idyllic seaside community of Osprey Point – but she’s not the only one with something to hide. A stellar local cast bolsters this addictive suburban mystery.
FRIDAY, August 8
6.00 News. 9.00 News. 10.00 Planet America. (R) 10.30 Home Delivery. (R) 11.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Bay Of Fires. (Final, Mdlv, R) 1.55 Muster Dogs: Collies And Kelpies. (Final,
6.25 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 Gardening Australia.
8.30 Patience. (Final, Ma) The police investigate the death of a man on a bus and uncover his history of eco terrorism.
9.20 Hard Quiz. (PG, R) Presented by Tom Gleeson.
9.50 Guy Montgomery’s Guy Mont Spelling Bee. (Final, PG, R) Presented by Guy Montgomery.
10.40 ABC Late News.
10.55 Austin. (PG, R)
11.25 Silent Witness. (Mav, R)
12.30 Rage New Music. (MA15+adhlnsv)
5.00 Rage. (PG)
MONDAY
THE VOICE
SEVEN, 7.30pm
Spoiler alert: Ronan Keating (pictured) couldn’t catch a break in Sunday night’s premiere of A veteran of the series, who’s mentored singers in Australian, UK and German versions of the reality juggernaut, the Irish hitmaker begins the second night of Blind Auditions with an empty team. To be fair, his fellow coaches are tough competition: operatic alt-pop powerhouse Kate Miller-Heidke, Spice Girl Melanie C and Grammy Award-winning superstar Richard Marx have got some serious tricks up their sleeves. Can the smooth-talking star convince tarot reader Milly, piano man Mitchell or former forester Chris to join team Ronan tonight?
TUESDAY MASTERCHEF AUSTRALIA
It’s been three long months, but the MasterChef Australia pressure cooker is about to release and one Back to contestant will finally hold the trophy they’ve been dreaming of. The returning cooks have gone above and beyond in showcasing the skills, creativity and composure they’ve gained, and while the perfect way to cap off the season would have been a 23-way tie, we’ll settle for one winner. In tonight’s grand finale, the two finalists go head-to-head. Impeccably dressed judges Andy Allen, Poh Ling Yeow (pictured), Sofia Levin and JeanChristophe Novelli have the best and worst jobs in the country – they get to taste the phenomenal culinary creations, but also have to choose between them.
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 The Good Ship Murder. (Mv)
8.25 The Royals: A History Of Scandals.
9.20 Britain’s Most Luxurious Train Journeys. (R)
10.15 SBS World News Late.
10.45 Catch Me A Killer. (Premiere, Malv)
11.40 The Shelter. (Ma, R)
1.20 Romulus. (MA15+av, R)
3.10 Curious Traveller. (R)
3.40 J Schwanke’s Life In Bloom. (R)
4.40 Bamay. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. Hosted by Johanna Griggs.
8.30 MOVIE: The Devil Wears Prada. (2006, PGl, R) A young woman is hired as an assistant to the ruthless editor of a leading fashion magazine in Manhattan. Anne Hathaway, Meryl Streep, Emily Blunt.
10.45 To Be Advised.
11.45 Border Security: International. (PGadl, R)
12.15 Touching Evil. (MA15+av)
1.15 Travel Oz. (PG, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R)
5.00 NBC Today.
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Rugby League. NRL. Round 23. Canberra Raiders v Manly Sea Eagles.
9.55 Golden Point. A wrap-up of the Canberra Raiders versus Manly Sea Eagles match, with news and analysis.
10.45 MOVIE: Rambo III. (1988, Mlv, R) Rambo sets out to rescue his former commander. Sylvester Stallone.
12.40 Tipping Point. (PG, R)
1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)
4.30 Global Shop. (R)
5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
5.30 Postcards. (PG, R)
(31) 6am Children’s Programs. 6pm Octonauts. 6.10 Super Monsters. 6.20 Bluey. 6.30 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Isadora Moon. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Gardening Australia Junior. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Good Game Spawn Point. 7.55 Teen Titans Go! 8.05 Be Cool, Scooby-Doo! 8.25 BTN Newsbreak. 8.35 MythBusters “There’s Your Problem!”. 9.00 Robot Wars. 10.00 Merlin. 10.45 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Children’s Programs. 8.00 Surfing Australia. 8.30 Nanny. 9.30 Addams Family. 10.00 Bewitched. 10.30 Jeannie. 11.00 The West Wing. Noon MOVIE: Wanda And Sully. (2023, M) 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.
MOVIES (32)
6am Shin Ultraman. Continued. (2022, PG, Japanese) 8.00 The Fifth Element. (1997, PG) 10.15 Moonfall. (2022, M) 12.35pm Aline. (2020, M, French) 2.55 Goal! 2: Living The Dream. (2007, PG) 5.00 The Movie Show. 5.35 The Final Countdown. (1980, PG) 7.30 Transcendence. (2014, M) 9.40 Gravity. (2013, M) 11.25 Body Melt. (1993, MA15+) 12.55am Limitless. (2011) 2.55 Late Programs.
Nambucca Bowls Report
By Charlie POTTER
WEDNESDAY Sep 30. As there were no Christian names in the diary I am only able to name those I know and with visitors every week it makes it impossible. 24 entries and S Docharty, Stu Thorne and Ken Tennick were the winners. Second
spot to Drew Stephens, Glenn Brady and Bruce Mason and third to Jinx Campbell, Wayne Bolton and Alan Cosgrave. The Lucky Losers were Ron Hill, Chris D'Elboux and Peter Fredericks. Ron was also the Lucky Bowler but not for the Jackpot. Fri Aug 1. It was played in bright sunshine after the previous day's
deluge... and no wind! The day's major prize went to Syd Campton, Andrew Shearer and David Davies. Mike James, Chris D'Elboux and Charlie Potter were second with Owen Smith, Bullwinkle Ruane and Dallas Nancarrow third. Peter Meehan, Gary Tierney and Andrew Power drew Lucky Losers and Stuart
Garvey missed the Jackpot of $540 as Lucky Bowler. That means $600 next week with $300 guaranteed to go off.
The rain came back Saturday and Sunday to prevent any thought of further activity outside.
There's still time to enter a team for the Club Minor Pairs... first rounds Aug 23 and 24.
6.00 10 News+.
7.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R)
7.30 Love It Or List It Australia. (R) Hosted by Neale Whitaker and Andrew Winter.
8.40 Have You Been Paying Attention? (Malns, R) Celebrity panellists compete to see who can remember the most about events of the week. 9.40 The Graham Norton Show. (Ml, R) Highlights from the recent series. 10.40 10’s Late News. 11.05 10 News+. (R) 12.05 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 1.00 Home Shopping. (R)
Advertising within the Nambucca Valley News Of The Area reaches your local customers. Call us today 02 4981 8882 ads@newsofthearea.com.au
SATURDAY, August 9
6.30 Back Roads: Snowy River, NSW. (R) Lisa Millar explores the Snowy River.
7.00 ABC News. A look at the top stories of the day.
7.30 Grantchester. (Ma) Cathy and Mrs Chapman open a fashion boutique.
8.20 Midsomer Murders. (Mv, R)
DCI Barnaby and DS Winter investigate when the winner of a music award is murdered and his violin stolen.
9.50 Bay Of Fires. (Final, Mdlv, R) The former Mystery Bay locals head to Melbourne.
10.40 Miss Austen. (R) Cassandra tries to keep Jane’s letters private. 11.35 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
FAMILY (22)
6am Children’s Programs. 5.55pm Octonauts. 6.10 Super Monsters. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.45 Steve And Aneeshwar Go Wild. (Premiere) 6.50 Andy And The Band. 7.05 Do Not Watch This Show. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Teenage Boss: Next Level. 7.55 Kids Baking Championship. 8.40 Chopped Junior. 9.20 Fresh Off The Boat. 10.05 Speechless. 10.45 Late Programs.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Great British Cities With Susan Calman. (PG)
8.20 Leonardo Da Vinci. (Premiere, PGan)
9.25 Stanley Tucci: Searching For Italy. (PGal, R)
10.15 Great Australian Walks. (PG, R) 11.10 Homicide: Life On The Street. (Mv, R)
2.40 Ukraine: Life Under Attack. (Mal, R) 3.35 Curious Traveller. (R) 4.05 J Schwanke’s Life In Bloom. (R) 4.35 Bamay. (R) 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 The Great Outdoors. (PG)
7.30 Ron Iddles: The Good Cop: Jane Thurgood-Dove. (Mav, R) A look at the murder of Jane Thurgood-Dove.
8.35 MOVIE: Inferno. (2016, Malv, R) After a university professor awakens with amnesia, he discovers he is being pursued by an assassin. Tom Hanks, Felicity Jones. 11.00 MOVIE: The Invitation. (2022, MA15+v, R) Nathalie Emmanuel.
1.10 Motor Racing. Supercars Championship. Ipswich Super 440. Day 1. Highlights. 2.30 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 It’s Academic. (R)
5.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R)
7TWO (62)
6am Sun
Children. Continued. (2020, PG, Farsi) 6.35 The Emperor’s Club. (2002, PG) 8.40 The Final Countdown. (1980, PG) 10.35 Limitless. (2011) 12.35pm Gravity. (2013, M) 2.20 Shin Ultraman. (2022, PG, Japanese) 4.20 The Fifth Element. (1997, PG) 6.35 Above Us The Waves. (1955, PG) 8.30 That Good Night. (2017) 10.15 The Piano Teacher. (2001, MA15+, French) 12.35am Late Programs.
SUNDAY, August 10
6.30 Compass. (Final, PG)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 Austin. (PG)
8.00 The Family Next Door. (Premiere, Ml) A stranger arrives in a Victorian coastal town.
8.50 Miss Austen. Cassandra is forced to confront past choices.
9.45 MOVIE: Tracks. (2013, Mal, R) Mia Wasikowska.
11.35 Take 5 With Zan Rowe. (Ml, R)
12.05 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
1.35 Rage Closer. (R)
1.40 Under The Vines. (PG, R)
4.00 Gardening Australia. (R)
5.00 Insiders. (R)
FAMILY (22)
6am Children’s Programs. 5.55pm Octonauts. 6.05 Super Monsters. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.45 Steve And Aneeshwar Go Wild. 6.50 Andy And The Band. 7.05 Do Not Watch This Show. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 The Mysterious Benedict Society. 8.25 Fresh Off The Boat. 9.05 Abbott Elementary. 9.50 Speechless. 10.10 Merlin. 10.55 Late Programs.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 The Roman Pantheon.
8.35 Venice From Above. (PGa, R)
9.45 Pompeii’s Secret Underworld. (Mansv, R)
10.40 Tutankhamun: Secrets Of The Toxic Tomb. (PG, R)
11.30 Eva Longoria: Searching For Mexico. (R) 1.55 24 Hours In Emergency. (Ma, R)
2.50 Pelosi’s Power. (Ma, R)
4.20 Curious Traveller. (R)
4.50 Destination Flavour: Japan Bitesize. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 APAC Weekly.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 The Voice. (Return, PGal)
8.50 INXS: Live At Wembley. (Ml) A look at one of the greatest INXS concerts ever filmed, with interviews with band members Jon Farriss and Kirk Pengilly and never-before-seen backstage moments.
10.50 To Be Advised.
12.50 Motor Racing. Supercars Championship. Ipswich Super 440. Day 2. Highlights.
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News.
5.30 Sunrise.
6am The Emperor’s Club. Continued. (2002, PG) 8.20 Above Us The Waves. (1955, PG) 10.10 Transcendence. (2014, M) 12.20pm Lord Of The Ants. (2022, M, Italian) 2.55 The Final Countdown. (1980, PG) 4.50 Sun Children. (2020, PG, Farsi) 6.35 The Man Who Brought Down The White House. (2017, PG) 8.30 Hard Eight. (1996, M) 10.25 Superposition. (2023, MA15+, Danish) 12.20am Late Programs.
Nambucca Valley Bridge Club News
By Barbara MARANIK
1st Micheal Finucane & Vicky Walker 70%, 2nd Linda & Mike Siford 64%, 3rd Pamela Rongen & Theda Faulwetter 54%
Thursday 31st July 2025
1st Barry Butler & Paula Guthrie 61%, 2nd Sandra Ellis & Vicki Walker 55%,
6.00 NBN News. 7.00 Rugby League. NRL. Round 23. Canterbury Bulldogs v New Zealand Warriors.
9.25 NRL Saturday Night Footy Post-Match.
10.00 MOVIE: The Expendables. (2010, MA15+lv, R)
12.00 Law & Order: Organized Crime. (MA15+av, R)
1.00 Destination WA. (PG)
1.30 Next Stop. (PGa, R)
2.00 The Incredible Journey Presents. (PG)
2.30 TV Shop. (R) 4.30 Global Shop. (R) 5.00 TV Shop. (R) 5.30 Helping Hands. (PG, R)
6.30 The Dog House Australia. (PGa, R) Narrated by Dr Chris Brown. 7.30 Selling Houses Australia. (Return) A couple’s house has been on the market for eight months. 8.30 Ambulance Australia. (Ma, R) Follows paramedics as they respond to calls, including a diver trapped underwater by a piece of concrete. 9.40 Gordon Ramsay’s Secret Service. (PGal, R) Gordon Ramsay exposes a toxic environment at Caffe Boa. 10.40 Elsbeth. (Mv, R) 11.45 Ambulance UK. (Mal, R) 1.00 Home Shopping. (R) 5.00 Hour Of Power.
Children’s Programs.
9.20
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 The Block. (PGl) 8.40 60 Minutes. Current affairs program, investigating, analysing and uncovering the issues affecting all Australians. 9.40 9News Late. 10.10 To Be Advised. 11.10 The First 48. (Mav) 12.05 Embarrassing Bodies. (MA15+admns, R) 1.00 Destination WA. 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa) 4.30 Fishing Australia. (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.
6.00 10 News+. Comprehensive coverage of the
3rd Scott Parker & Paul Coe 53%
Saturday 2nd August 2025
1st Linda & Mike Siford 66%, 2nd Amber Fox & Carol McKee 56%, 3rd Maureen Cowan & Barb Maranik 54%
Morning Programs. 11.30
6.00 Morning Programs.
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
SBS World News.
Portugal With Michael Portillo. (PG)
Abandoned Railways From Above. (R)
9.20 Britain’s Most Beautiful Road. (PGa, R) 10.15 SBS World News Late. 10.45 Classified. (Malv) 11.35 A Criminal Affair. (Mals, R) 1.15 Blackport. (MA15+s, R) 2.05 Living With The Boss. (PG, R) 3.45 Great Irish Interiors. (R) 4.45 Destination Flavour. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
VICELAND (31)
6am Children’s Programs. 6pm Octonauts. 6.10 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.20 Bluey. 6.30 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Isadora Moon. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Piripenguins. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Do Not Watch This Show. 7.40 The Inbestigators. 7.55 Dr Ann’s Secret Lives. 8.30 BTN Newsbreak. 8.35 Contraption Masters. (Premiere) 9.20 The Crystal Maze. 10.10 Merlin. 10.55 Late Programs.
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Home And Away. (PG) Roo is determined to protect Cohen. Dana and Harper prepare to move.
7.30 The Voice. (PGl) Hosted by Sonia Kruger. 9.05 9-1-1. (Mav) Following an earthquake, the 118 races to the scene of several unusual fires.
11.05 The Agenda Setters. An expert panel tackles the biggest AFL topics.
12.05 Gone. (MA15+v, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
6.00
(R) 2.55 Guy Montgomery’s Guy Mont Spelling Bee. (PG, R) 3.45 Grand Designs Transformations. (R) 4.40 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)
SBS MOVIES (32)
7MATE (64)
6am Whina.
Continued. (2022, PG, Maori) 6.25 The Lunchbox. (2013, PG, Hindi) 8.20 The Man Who Brought Down The White House. (2017, PG) 10.15 That Good Night. (2017) Noon Mahana. (2016, M) 1.55 Whina. (2022, PG, Maori) 4.00 Above Us The Waves. (1955, PG) 5.50 Bonneville. (2006, PG) 7.30 A Singular Crime. (2022, M, Spanish) 9.35 The Raid. (2011, MA15+, Indonesian) 11.35 Late Programs.
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Great Continental Railway Journeys.
8.30 Insight. 9.30 Dateline.
10.00 SBS World News Late.
10.30 Secret World Of Snacks. (R)
11.25 The Shift. (Ma)
1.05 Everything You Love. (MA15+s, R)
2.05 Living With The Boss. (PG, R)
3.45 Curious Traveller. (R)
4.45 Destination Flavour: Japan Bitesize. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
VICELAND (31)
6am Children’s Programs. 6pm Octonauts. 6.10 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.20 Bluey. 6.30 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Isadora Moon. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Piripenguins. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Do Not Watch This Show. 7.40 The Inbestigators. 7.55 Operation Ouch! 8.25 BTN Newsbreak. 8.30
SBS MOVIES (32)
6am Hum Do Hamare Do. (2021, PG, Hindi) 8.20 Bonneville. (2006, PG) 10.00 Hard Eight. (1996, M) 11.55 Into The White. (2012, M, Norwegian) 1.50pm The Lunchbox. (2013, PG, Hindi) 3.45 The Man Who Brought Down The White House. (2017, PG) 5.40 Where Is Anne Frank. (2021, PG) 7.30 The Lost King. (2022, M) 9.30 71. (2014, MA15+) 11.20 Bull. (2021, MA15+) 1am Mahana. (2016, M) 2.55 Late Programs.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PG)
7.30 The Voice. (PGl)
8.50 Boyzone: Life, Death And Boybands: When The Going Gets Tough. (Mal) The band hits number one, but fame brings tabloids, pressure and strain.
9.50 Below Deck Down Under. (M, R)
10.50 The Agenda Setters.
11.50 Police Custody USA. (Malv, R)
12.50 Fairly Legal. (Mav, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
7MATE (64)
WEDNESDAY, August 13
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
Wonders Of Volcanoes With Dara Ó Briain. (Premiere, PGa)
8.25 Aerial Australia. (PG)
9.20 Smilla’s Sense Of Snow. (M)
10.25 SBS World News Late.
10.55 Estonia. (Ma)
12.30 Das Boot. (MA15+a, R)
2.25 Living With The Boss. (PG, R)
4.05 Curious Traveller. (PG, R)
4.35 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6am Children’s Programs. 6pm Octonauts. 6.10 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.20 Bluey. 6.30 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Isadora Moon. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Piripenguins. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Do Not Watch This Show. 7.40 The Inbestigators. 7.55 Operation Ouch! 8.25 BTN Newsbreak. 8.30 Abbott Elementary. 9.15 The Mysterious Benedict Society. 10.00 Merlin. 10.45 Late Programs. 6am Children’s Programs. 6pm Octonauts. 6.10 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.20 Bluey. 6.30 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Isadora Moon. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Piripenguins. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Do Not Watch This Show. 7.40 The Inbestigators. 7.55 Operation Ouch! 8.25 BTN Newsbreak.
SBS MOVIES (32)
6am Murder Party. Continued. (2022, PG, French) 7.35 The Movie Show. 8.10 Where Is Anne Frank. (2021, PG) 10.00 A Singular Crime. (2022, M, Spanish) Noon The Lost King. (2022, M) 2.00 Bonneville. (2006, PG) 3.40 Hum Do Hamare Do. (2021, PG, Hindi) 5.55 All At Sea. (2010, PG) 7.35 A Walk In The Woods. (2015, M) 9.30 Glengarry Glen Ross. (1992, MA15+) 11.25 Late Programs.
THURSDAY, August 14
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Great Australian Road Trips. (PG)
8.25 Into The Amazon With Robson Green. (PGa, R)
9.20 Snowpiercer. (MA15+v)
10.10 SBS World News Late.
10.40 Dopesick. (Mals, R)
11.50 Desperate Measures. (Malv, R)
1.30 Curious Traveller. (R)
2.30 Living With The Boss. (PG, R)
4.10 Great Irish Interiors. (R)
4.40 Bamay. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Home And Away. (PGa)
7.30 The 1% Club UK. (PG)
8.30 The Front Bar. (Ml) Takes a lighter look at all things AFL. 9.30 Unfiltered. (PGa) Hamish McLachlan sits down with Erin Phillips. 10.00 Armed And Dangerous: Stickups. (Mav, R)
11.30 Border Security: International. (PGadl)
12.00 Imposters. (Madlv, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
7TWO (62)
6.00 NBN News. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 The Block. (PGl) 8.40 Clarkson’s Farm: Porking. (Mls) Jeremy Clarkson prepares for new residents.
Freddy And The Eighth. (Ml)
9News Late.
The Grand Tour. (MA15+l)
Tipping Point. (PG, R)
TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
SBS MOVIES (32)
6am Widows’ Peak. Continued. (1994, PG) 6.50 The Three Musketeers. (1973, PG) 8.50 All At Sea. (2010, PG) 10.25 A Walk In The Woods. (2015, M) 12.20pm The Report. (2019, M) 2.30 The Movie Show. 3.05 Murder Party. (2022, PG, French) 5.00 The Movie Show. 5.35 The Chaperone. (2018, PG) 7.35 Hope Springs. (2012, M) 9.30 Nobody Has To Know. (2021) 11.25 Late Programs.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGa) 8.30 Clarkson’s Who Wants To Be A Millionaire UK. (PG) Hosted by Jeremy Clarkson. 9.30 Air Crash Investigations. (PGal) 10.30 Soham: Catching A Killer. (Mav, R)
11.30 Code Blue: The Killing Of June Fox-Roberts. (MA15+av, R)
12.30 Life. (Madv, R) 1.30 Harry’s Practice. (R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
7TWO
(64) 7MATE (64)
(34)
DRAMA (51)
DRAMA (51)
9GO!
By Mick BIRTLES
Marking the club’s Ladies in League Round, Roosters President Peter Bellden addressed the crowd to formally recognise the role that women play in the game of rugby league, not only as players but as officials and partners and parents of players.
Although the rain had stopped falling in time for kick-off, a strong south-west wind and slushy conditions underfoot greeted the second placed Roosters at home against the fifth placed Comets. If part of the visitors' game CONTINUED
q Coffs Comets players Alex Bunt and Liam Kelly close in on Nambucca’s Logan Jones.
