Festival to celebrate Gumbaynggirr connections with Country
THE fourth annual “Buluunggal” festival led by Gumbaynggirr custodian Uncle Bud Marshall will take place at the V-Wall, Nambucca Heads on Saturday, 10 May from 10.30am to 3.30pm.
The festival celebrates the arrival of buluunggal, or mullet, in the Nambucca River.
“Everyone is invited to come join us again to celebrate the ongoing significance of the mullet run for Country,” said Uncle Bud.
“I want this to be another fun day for people to experience how strong this place is and to connect with Gumbaynggirr culture.
“The day is about connection and respect.
“That is the important thing and the main thing I want to share,” said Uncle Bud.
The festival will feature dance, music, and a free mullet BBQ.
This year’s event will also feature the launch of Uncle Bud’s new children’s book, “Yildaan: Our Dreaming Track”.
“With this book I want to tell people about this place and about my Elders,” Uncle Bud said.
“I want everyone who comes here to know where they are.
“I want them to follow in the footsteps of our ancestors and be part of Yildaan, our Dreaming track,” Uncle Bud explained.
The book, published by Allen & Unwin, has been illustrated by Gumbaynggirr artists, and Uncle Bud’s great nieces, Hannah Smith and Elaine Carmady.
“Featuring art and photographs from Gumbaynggirr Ngambaa Country, the book tells stories of Gumbaynggirr people, our living culture and our connection to Country,” Hannah said.
“Uncle Bud's story of being on Country mingles with ancestor's stories and shows how these two parts of life are inherently connected,” said Elaine.
q Uncle Bud Marshall with his new book.
Full steam ahead for upgrades to Bowraville Theatre
By Ned COWIE
UPGRADES to the historic Bowraville Theatre have moved ahead with a new disabled-access lift, lighting console and construction of a disabled access walkway well underway.
Last year in December, NOTA reported that the project to upgrade the theatre with the installation of dressing-rooms and disabled access, was in danger of being abandoned by Nambucca Valley Council.
Although a grant of $707,000 was received under
the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund (BLERF) in 2021, building costs had escalated and project managers allocated to the project had been unable to initiate works.
With the deadline for completion of the work, approved under the grant’s conditions, fast approaching, Council staff recommended cancelling the grant and suspending the project until further money could be found to make up the funding shortfall.
After a large show of community support and with
speakers from the Bowraville Theatre Committee using the council's public forum to voice their dissatisfaction, the recommendation was turned around and councillors voted to investigate options to keep the project alive.
The State Government’s Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) agreed that if measurable progress could be shown by 30 June 2025, funds would not need to be returned, however the creation of dressing rooms has been put on hold until more money can be found.
q Nathan Keen of Sable Engineering stands before a plan of the new ramp which will be installed over the next month at the theatre.
According to Nambucca Valley Mayor Gary Lee, as part of the upgrades, the theatre has received an electrical switchboard upgrade, a new lighting console and improved stage lighting, the back of the building has been enclosed to prevent unauthorised entry under the stage, a disabled access lift has been purchased and installed and an updated sound system is expected soon.
Outside works are well underway with the
underfloor of the theatre now enclosed in preparation for work to begin within the next fortnight on a fibreglass walkway creating a disabled access ramp stretching from the street to the side entrance of the theatre.
Nathan Keen of Sable Engineering, the local business which is creating the steel structure for the new walkway, told NOTA he expects installation of the ramp’s steel frame will take place in the next fortnight.
“We are thrilled that the improvements are finally moving forward,” Bowraville Arts Council Secretary Dale Hawkins told NOTA last week.
“Now on our fifth Project Manager - who is doing a great job, we are excited to see the theatre going from strength to strength.”
The group are still hopeful that additional funding can be found to build the much anticipated new dressing rooms at the back of the historic theatre.
q New lights and a disability access lift have been installed at Bowraville Theatre.
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Cycleway to be considered in future planning
By Ned COWIE
NAMBUCCA Valley councillors voted at Council’s 16 April meeting to “consider plans
for a bicycle and pedestrian connection” between Scotts Head and Macksville in a future Active Transport Strategy for the region.
The prospect of a walk/cycle way linking Scotts Head and Macksville was raised by members of the Scotts Head Community Group (SHCG) in July 2024, leading to an initial desktop feasibility study that estimated a price-tag of $35-$45 million to create the cycleway with an ongoing cost of $25,000 per annum to maintain.
In November 2024, councillors requested a second feasibility study to consider two cheaper options.
This time Council staff estimated costs of $10-11 million for a link between Warrell Waters Road to South Pacific Drive and $6-7 million for a connection between Gumma Reserve to South Pacific Drive, utilising an existing track through Gaagal Wanggaan (South Beach) National Park.
“While both of these routes are a lower cost and provide a link to Macksville they do not provide for a cycleway/walking path all the way Macksville with both routes linking to an on-road portion of the cycleway on
Gumma Road and effectively ending the walking path at this connection,” a report to Council stated.
This led to a 20-minute discussion by councillors at last month’s Council meeting, over wording which guaranteed the project would be considered in future planning for the region.
“Everyone knows that we do need it (the cycleway/walkway),” Mayor Lee said after a recent meeting with the SHCG.
“It’s going to take a lot of money through grants to get it, but we don’t want to see this ‘die’,” he said, urging other councillors to consider the plan in future strategies.
Councillor David Jones told the meeting, “Nobody in this room would knock back a footpath connecting our community but the thing we have on our mind is the costeffectiveness of this compared to other things.”
The Council resolved to “Note the Second Desktop Feasibility Study and consider the Bike/Pedestrian Connection as part of the Active Transport Strategy and any other relevant strategy.”
q A possible route for Scotts Head bike/walking connection, from Warrell Waters Road to South Pacific Drive, finishing at the busy Gumma Road. Photo: NV Council.
q Potential route for the path linking Gumma Reserve to South Pacific Drive. Photo: NV Council.
Voting accessibility in the spotlight
By Ned COWIE
MAYOR Gary Lee, on behalf of Nambucca Valley Council’s Disability Access and Inclusion Committee, wrote to the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) to raise issues regarding access to polling booths for disabled voters in the days before Saturday’s Federal election.
Mayor Lee told NOTA he received a response just two days later, leaving him satisfied that all booths in the Nambucca Valley on Saturday included appropriate provisions for invalid and disabled voters.
“The right to vote is a fundamental aspect of democracy, and it is crucial that all Australians, regardless of their physical abilities, can participate fully in the electoral process,” Mayor Lee told Acting Electoral Commissioner Jeff Pope in an official letter.
“As such, I kindly request that the Australian Electoral Commission take immediate steps to ensure that all voting places are fully accessible for people with disabilities,
both in terms of the physical buildings and the ability to go inside and vote at a booth.”
A spokesperson for the AEC explained that when planning for elections several months prior to polling day, divisions review the allocation of materials to all polling places and can request additional products including accessible vote screens if required.
“For this federal election in the Nambucca Valley area, we secured council premises and local schools,” the spokesperson said.
“I can confirm that the early voting centre had fully accessible services, and on election day, there were three polling places with fully accessible services and six polling places with assisted services.”
All polling places (on the day and early voting) are supplied with two accessible voting screens.
In addition, each division has access to five additional screens in the out posted centre which can be allocated if they become aware of any extra requirements.
“Our supply chain management team also holds a contingent amount of cardboard including the accessible screens which we are able to rapidly deploy to locations if needed,” the spokesperson said.
Many other disabled and invalid voters choose to cast their vote by post in the weeks before election day.
Councillor Susan Jenvey said she had worked on voting booths in both State
and Federal elections for approximately ten years, and didn’t see disability access as a problem.
She explained that booth workers assess anyone with age, disability, mobility or illness issues and make arrangements for them to vote if required, even sometimes voting from a car on the road outside with an AEC official present.
“There is no shame in voting from cars,” she told
q On election day last weekend, Macksville’s main polling station included two low-height booths for wheelchair access.
Council’s recent meeting.
“I have brought many AEC officials out to cars.
“It is an absolute convenience; it only takes a couple of minutes.
“All the venues that I have worked at have wheelchair accessibility… (and) I think it’s a system that works,” she said.
Mayor Lee said the letter was just to advise the AEC that community concerns exist, and he would like to
Council votes to change proposed toilet block footprint
By Ned COWIE
COUNCILLORS voted at Nambucca Valley Council’s general meeting last month to move the proposed footprint for a new amenity block at the end of Princess Street and River Street to the parking lot on the western side of the existing structure.
In January of 2024, NOTA reported that Council had decided on a location and resolved to engage an architect for a new River Street/Princess Street amenities block for which a grant of $474,060 had been received from the Stronger Country Communities Fund. However, now it
appears that little has been accomplished since this decision and Council staff have instead brought to the attention of councillors that the proposed site for the new facility would result in the complete destruction of a memorial garden and mature tree planted in 2009 to commemorate Joan Beaney.
see voting offered to those with disabilities in a manner uniform to that offered to others.
“This came up because some people have contacted me about going to voting booths and they found that the boxes were too high,” he said.
“It’s basically to find out if they can be (treated) the same as abled people,” he said.
q Previously agreed-upon site for the new amenities block which would have resulted in the destruction of a memorial garden.
The new site is lower, liable to flooding and would result in the loss of several parking spaces for the Macksville CBD but the Joan Beaney Memorial Garden would be retained as is.
“The relocation of the River Street toilet block is a grant driven process, so we have tight deadlines,” explained acting General Manager Matthew Sykes.
According to a report
to council on the project delivered at this meeting, the funding has a deadline for finalisation of 31 December 2025.
Council resolved to adopt an alternate building footprint adjacent to the western side of the existing structure within the current car parking area which aligns with the intent of the adopted Macksville Foreshore Concept Master Plan.
It further resolved to proceed with detailed design activities to construct the footprint for a prefabricated amenities structure which complies with BCA requirements and to engage an architect to assist with prefabricated structure selection of the proposed new amenities and report preferences back to Council.
q New proposed location for the amenities block on River Street.
Meet your local councillors
By Ned COWIE
The morning tea event will be held on Monday 12 May from 11am at the
“Whilst this event is being called 'Meet the Mayor', it is actually an opportunity for members of the Bowra community to informally connect with as many as
possible of their locally elected representatives,” Chamber Secretary Phillida Hartley told NOTA.
“We are very fortunate that the Bowraville Sports
Hub have offered their facility and will provide tea and coffee,” Ms Hartley added.
The event will give locals a chance to ask questions, offer suggestions and share ideas about the future of the Valley in a relaxed and peaceful atmosphere.
Chamber of Commerce volunteers will provide light refreshments, and Ms Hartley said she hoped that this would be the first of many such events across the region.
Friendship flourishes with local garden clubs
By Jen HETHERINGTON
STUARTS Point and District Garden Club members enjoyed a “Friendship Day” with similar groups on the morning of Wednesday 30 April.
The local and regional clubs who attended are all associated with Garden Clubs of Australia Inc, the motto for which is ‘Friendship Through Gardening’.
To mark the “Friendship Day”, a luncheon was held at the highly-rated Hot Myrtle Kitchen restaurant at Grassy Head.
Stuarts Point and District Garden Club President Denise O’Connor said the day celebrated “companionship and shared horticultural knowledge”.
Visiting clubs included South West Rocks, Talarm and Nambucca Valley, and all enjoyed the cuisine after a leisurely ramble through the on-site gardens nestled on the eastern side of Yarrahapinni Mountain.
Attendees took home an assortment of raffle prizes, most of which were sourced locally.
With the lunch and conversation concluded, all were invited to the property next door, which offered a luscious mix of formal and tropical plantings and stunning ocean views.
The day continued with the ever-popular ‘trading table’, a feature of each garden club event, another garden tour, and an impressive afternoon tea.
q The Stuarts Point and District Garden Club crew.
q Stunning views across to South West Rocks.
q The ‘trading table’ was loaded with a great variety of plants and produce.
q The restaurant was at near full capacity for the private event.
THE Bowraville Chamber of Commerce is hosting an opportunity for residents to meet their Nambucca Valley councillors.
Bowraville Recreation Club (Sports Hub).
q The Bowraville Rec Club has offered its facilities for a ‘Meet the Mayor’ event on Monday, 12 May.
Businesses unite to support GKNP
By Andrew VIVIAN
THE National Parks Association of NSW (NPA), World Wildlife Fund Australia (WWF) and the Australian Climate Biodiversity Foundation have cohosted an evening seminar at the Jetty Beach House to highlight local business support for the Great Koala National Park (GKNP).
The organisers said the GKNP will offer incredible benefits for businesses, communities, and the important koala populations in the park.
They said that tourists from all over the world will come to see koalas in their natural habitat of native forests and the GKNP will become a major attraction, rivaling destinations like the Blue Mountains and the Great Barrier Reef and creating a boon for regional employment and the local economy.
Local businesses have previously approached NSW parliamentarians about the GNPK, and the NPA now has almost 100 businesses supporting it.
Three independent state parliamentarians attended the evening.
Alex Greenwich, the Member for Sydney, told the audience that the trio want to hold the government to its commitment to create the GKNP.
“It’s the job of Independents to hold governments to account,” he said.
Jacqui Scruby, the Member for Pittwater, said people used to see koalas around their properties in the suburbs of Sydney, but no longer.
She said she was hearing from local businesses about how the GKNP will boost the local economy.
Michael Regan, the
Member for Wakehurst, said the park is analogous to skiing, and mountain bikers will be attracted to come from Sydney to visit it.
Ashley Love, who is credited with originally suggesting the park, said the work of the North East Forest Alliance in the 1990s led to 50 percent of Pine Creek State Forest becoming Bongil Bongil National Park.
By 2010, he said, it was obvious that koala numbers had declined.
Louis Riley from the Emerald Beach Store and Rattle Restaurant said, “We see visitor numbers increase year to year, especially out of season.”
He said foreign tourists want to see Australian wildlife in their
Tiga Cross, from the Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary, told the audience, “It is not just about a national park but about creating an educational space to learn about wildlife.”
“It’s about supporting the economy of Coffs Harbour and regional Australia.”
She said she doesn’t want Coffs to be another Byron Bay and that the focus should be on ecotourism.
The organisers said local businesses have united to support the creation of NPA NSW’s proposal for the full GKNP and now it’s time for the government to fulfil its promise before more koalas and habitat are lost.
Red Cross host emergency preparedness workshop
By Jen HETHERINGTON
STUARTS Point and District Community Organisation (SPaDCO) partnered with the Red Cross to deliver an Emergency Preparedness Workshop on Wednesday evening, 30 April, in lieu of their regularly scheduled community meeting.
SPaDCO Chairperson Mary-Lou Lewis welcomed the community and introduced Karen Maloney as the Red Cross host for the workshop.
“We are pleased to also welcome Dave Ormsby and local Rural Fire Service volunteers Darren Rogers, Rod Whalen and Neil Gerard,” Mary-Lou said.
The workshop was one of 42 carried out by Karen so far as part of the Help Nation collaboration between the NRMA and Australian Red Cross to better prepare communities for emergencies.
Several resources were handed out, including a clipon dry bag, a Wellbeing Toolkit
booklet and a ‘RediPlan’ booklet.
Karen outlined a number of major issues in her presentation.
“Emergencies are becoming more frequent, more intensive and more expansive,” she said.
“Critical thinking is often impaired in stressful situations and extreme heat is the number one weatherrelated killer.”
Karen and her support crew from Nambucca Heads Red Cross promoted proactive planning which includes being familiar with emergency phone apps, local logistics and support networks.
Also emphasised was the absolute essentials required in an emergency situation, such as medications and scripts, toiletries, important documents and contacts, and animal/pets transport plans - the list is extensive and variable depending on personal situations.
q A full house for the Emergency Preparedness
q Jacqui Scruby, Alex Greenwich and Michael Regan. Photo: NPA.
q Business leaders show their support for the GKNP.
natural habitat.
Batten and Laverty selected for NSW Country U18s
By Mick BIRTLES
TWO talented young rugby league players from the Nambucca Valley have been selected to represent NSW Country Under 18s, marking a significant milestone in their already impressive careers.
Toby Batten, from the Nambucca Roosters, and Rielly Laverty, of the Macksville Sea Eagles, have both been named in the prestigious side following years of development through the NSWRL pathways.
In 2023, Batten (halfback) and Laverty (five-eighth) formed a formidable halves pairing for the North Coast Bulldogs in the SLE Andrew Johns Cup, contributing strongly to the squad’s success.
They progressed together in 2024 to the Laurie Daley Cup, again as starting halves, where their leadership and game management stood out against the state’s best.
In 2025, both players returned to the Laurie Daley Cup with Batten captaining
the side.
Under his leadership, the Bulldogs finished the season undefeated in the Northern Pool, recording a 5-0 win-loss record and boasting a +94 point differential.
Beyond their regional commitments, both players also stepped up into elite competitions.
They represented the Sydney Bulldogs in the Harold Matthews Cup (Under 17s) in 2024 and in 2025, earned spots in the SG Ball Cup (Under 19s), one of the top junior competitions in the country and a crucial stepping stone to the NRL.
“At first I was a bit surprised about my Country selection but now I’m just keen to head into camp and play with the best 18-yearolds around the state,” Toby told NOTA.
“I’m grateful I’ve been given this opportunity.
“The biggest challenge so far has been the commitment to training three days a week and staying fit but it’s taught me a lot.”
For Rielly Laverty, the
selection was an emotional one.
“When I was told I made
Nambucca Golf Results
By Chris KNIGHT
IT WAS everything to play for as a 30-strong women's field took to the Nambucca Heads Island Golf Course.
The Wednesday, 30 April, event was a medley stableford, eclectic and Top 10 qualification round.
26-marker Lyn Grose bagged pars on 7, 12 and 18 to notch 35 points - the best score of the day - to take out Div 2.
That was five points clear of runner-up Judith Boyle (27
handicap).
In Div 1, Deidre Fletcher (15) carded 33 points to pip Dianne O'Leary (16) on countback.
Fletcher's steady eddy round included six pars while O'Leary birdied the 3rd.
Nearest the pins on the 8th went to the Kerries, Eichorn and Jackson. Boyle snaffled the 13th and Glenys Thompson the $32 Pro Pin on the last.
Fletcher's good form rolled into the following day as she took out Div 1 of the
Valla Beach Tavern medley stabled with 39 points.
That was one better than Graham Watson (7) who is enjoying a purple patch not seen since pop star Prince turned himself into a symbol.
Watson had a slick 74 off the stick, including 11 pars and nothing worse than a bogey.
Barry Hinton (24) also had a big day out with 38 points to salute in Div 2, one ahead of runner-up Dennis Ashton (22).
Colin 'Wormo' Wormleaton orchestrated a grandstand finish with an ace on the 18th, winning the $70 Pro Pin and a trophy, Debortoli wine and a box of balls for the hole-in-one.
Stuart Johnston collected the Ecomist longest putt prize on 1, while pins went to Heath Blain on 5, Andrew Donovan on 7, Bryce McCarroll on 8 and Kai Burkinshaw on 15.
The well-named for golf circles Peter Thompson scored the Pizza This Pizza That prize on 13.
On Saturday, May 3, rain scuds and a heavy track applied the brakes to the scoring in the Nambucca Liquor men's Monthly Medal stroke round.
Graham Weary (12) was full of his usual chirp as he terriered around in the best gross of the day, 80, for a stellar 68 nett to win A Grade.
Nathaniel Beverley (10) was next best with 70 nett
“It’s been a big building stage for me.
“I had a goal at the start of the Laurie Daley season to make Country, and doing this has been huge and it gives me exposure to a higher level of footy against the best players.”
Both players now set their sights on representing NSW Country with pride and continuing their journey towards elite-level rugby league
q Lyn Grose tees off on the 6th at the Nambucca Heads Island Golf Course on her way to victory.
while the gross prize was taken out by Graham Watson (6) with 82 off the stick.
John Morgan (16) had 79 nett to win B Grade on a countback from Peter Thompson with Phillip Frost (14) winning the gross with a dogged 95 off the bat.
C Grade also saw a dead heat - Bryce Pike (30) carded 69 nett to win on a countback from Ben Venner (27).
Christopher Lucas (21) nailed the gross with 91 shots.
Weary got the putt from afar on 1, and Watson the pins on 8 and 15. Scott Burley
was closest on 5, Peter Farrell on 7, and Garry Johnstone scored the pizza voucher on 13.
Michael Reid was all agrin after nabbing the $50 Pro Pin on the last.
The Mid North Coast men's pennant regular season came to a damp close on Sunday, 4 May.
The Last Rites were read for Nambucca's Div 2 side with the match called off at Kempsey, while the club's Div 3 side is also Mad Mondaybound, defeated 3-2 at The Island by South West Rocks. Garry Johnstone capped a
mighty first year in pennants with a win, while Dave Rosser and Allan O'Brien squared their matches.
Nambucca's Div 4 side went down 4-1 away at Frederickton after a string of tight scraps. Jai Wassens got the 'W' for The Island after phoenixing back from five down.
The young Div 4 side is through to the finals though and are the last men standing for the club in a rainhampered season. Catchya on The Island if the river doesn’t grab you first.
Country, my heart sang as I’ve worked so hard over the last couple months,” he said.
q Toby Batten from the Nambucca Roosters.
q Rielly Laverty of the Macksville Sea Eagles.
Photo: Macksville Sea Eagles RLFC.
q Colin Wormleaton scored a rare ace on the par three 18th at the Nambucca Heads Island Golf Course.
Panthers top of Group 2 ladder
By Aiden BURGESS
SAWTELL Panthers have gone to the top of the ladder with a dominant 46-14 win against the Macksville Sea Eagles, during Round 2 of the Group 2 Rugby League season.
The Panthers ran in eight tries during their dominant display in Macksville, with Mikaere Beattie scoring a hat trick, and Robert Brilley, Darcy Collins, Tyke Kemp, Kalani Morris, and Jayden O'Shannessy also among the try scorers.
The Woolgoolga
Seahorses opened their season with a 20-10 win at home against the Coffs Harbour Comets, after their opening round match was washed out.
Dane O'Hehir scored a double for the Seahorses, with Sione Fangupo and Shayde Perham also scoring for Woolgoolga.
Jett McCarthy and Max Cutmore scored for the Comets.
Nambucca Roosters kicked off their premiership defence with a 24-10 win against the Grafton Ghosts in Grafton.
Woolgoolga Seahorses reserves started their season on a winning note, beating defending premiers the Coffs Harbour Comets 26-4.
Macksville Sea Eagles reserves won their second straight match to start the season, accounting for the Sawtell Panthers 20-12.
Grafton Ghosts reserves were also winners in Round 2, beating the Nambucca Roosters 34-18.
After an opening round defeat, the Sawtell Panthers women bounced back in dominant style, smashing the Macksville Sea Eagles 60-0.
Grafton Ghosts women won their second straight game to start the season, beating the Nambucca Roosters 16-0 at home.
Macksville Sea Eagles Under 18s won their second match in a row to start the season, having a 38-22 win at home against the Sawtell Panthers.
The Grafton Ghosts Under 18s also won their second straight match to start the season, winning 28-24 at home against the Nambucca Roosters.
Woolgoolga Seahorses Under 18s also won at home
Rain holds off for third annual Rotary River Run
By Mick BIRTLES
THE skies cleared just in time on Sunday morning for the third annual Rotary River Run.
Already a community favourite on the district's sporting calendar, the event brings locals together for fun, fitness, and fundraising along the beautiful Nambucca River.
Participants took the five kilometre route from Florence Wilmot Drive to the Boatshed Café and Tackle Shop, making the most of the welcome break in the rain.
The standout performance of the day came from 15 yearold Wilton Townsend, who blitzed the course in just 17.05 minutes, claiming victory in
the Junior Boys’ Division and finishing as the fastest runner overall.
Winners in each division received $100 worth of prizes and a perpetual trophy, which will be displayed at the Boatshed Tackle Shop until the next event in May 2026.
Other standout winners included:
Men' s Division: Riley Nowland - 20.53
Women’s Division: Olivia Weimer -19.16
Family Division: Jarrott
Family
Junior Boys’ Division: Wilton Townsend -17.05
Junior Girls’ Division: Clara Watt - 28.29
Team Division: Brendan
Goswell, Adam Snart, Chris Barnes, Andras Lahr.
Organisers extended a heartfelt thank you to the many local businesses and schools who supported the event, including: Nambucca Heads Island Golf Club, Macksville Country Club, Macksville Ex-Services Club, Nambucca Heads RSL, Nambucca Boatshed Café and Tackle Shop, Nambucca Heads High School, Macksville High School, and the Nambucca Christian Life Centre.
All proceeds from the River Run go toward supporting local youth through the Rotary Club’s community programs, helping young people access opportunities for growth,
edging out the Coffs Harbour Comets 12-10.
The Group 2 Rugby League season continues this weekend with Round 3 games in Nambucca Heads, South Grafton, and Woolgoolga.
Early season ladder leaders the Sawtell Panthers travel to take on the defending premiers Nambucca Roosters, in the match of the round.
Woolgoolga Seahorses host the Macksville Sea Eagles, and the South Grafton Rebels host the Grafton Ghosts in their first local derby of the season.
1st Barbara Lott & Linda Siford 60%, 2nd Barb Maranik & Maureen Cowan 53%, 3rd Gary & Louise Walton 46% East/West
1st Carol McKee & Amber Fox 63%, 2nd
Neil & Ali Tupper 50%, 3rd Vicky Walker & Judy Holliday 48%
By Charles POTTER
W/e MAY 3
Black armband day! Our 7's lost their round 10 pennants game 0-10, needing just one rink to win the section and go to the sectional playoffs. Bad luck everyone, but well done on a great effort through the season, only to trip at the final hurdle.
Wed Apr 30 Winners in a day that only drew 2- starters were Marg
Duffus and Brucey Ruane with Stu Thorn, Trevor Hannaford and Mitch McGill second. The Lucky Losers were Tony Stokes, Nerida Blackford and Peter Fredericks. Trevor H also won Lucky Bowler but failed to grab the $270 Jackpot.
Fri May 2. Torrential rain flooded the greens and made for a late start but the final winners were Mitch, Golden Arm and Hoggy. Tony Stokes, Terry Snowden and Fred Pope drew second and Mick Boyle, Bill Mann
and Col Crawford third. Matt Harvey, Trevor Hannaford and Terry Harvey were the Lucky Losers. Mr. Cosgrave missed the Jackpot and it will be $180 this Friday. Thanks, Al.
Thursday Night Barefoot Bowls is still on if it ever stops raining. 6pm start with 5.30 entry.
Consistency Singles Entry Sheet is on the board which closes May 14 with the first two rounds carded for May 17 and 18.
q A large field of competitors entered this year's Rotary River Run. Photo: supplied.
q Wilton Townsend was fastest overall and winner of the Junior Boys’ Division. Photo: supplied.
q Olivia Weimer won the Women’s Division, Photo: supplied.
q Riley Nowland won the Men's Division. Photo: supplied.
q The Jarrott family won the Family Division in this year's Rotary River Run. Photo: supplied.
Notice of a non-claimant application for determination of native title in New South Wales
Notification day: 21 May 2025
A ‘non-claimant’ application has been made to the Federal Court of Australia (Federal Court) seeking a determination that native title does not exist in the area described below. The Applicant has a non-native title interest in the area, which is set out in their application and summarised below.
Under the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth), there can be only one determination of native title for an area. Unless there is a relevant native title claim, as defined in section 24FE, over the area described below on or before 20 August 2025, the area may be subject to protection under section 24FA and acts may be done which extinguish or otherwise affect native title.
A person who claims to hold native title rights and interests in this area may wish to file a native title claimant application or become a party to this non-claimant application. These may be the only opportunities to have those rights and interests taken into account in the Federal Court’s determination. Any other person may also wish to become a party.
If you want to become a party to this application, you must file a Form 5 (Notice of Intention to become a Party) with the Federal Court, on or before 20 August 2025. Further information regarding how to file a Form 5 is available from www. fedcourt.gov.au After 20 August 2025, you will need to seek leave from the Federal Court to become a party.
Applicant’s name: INA Operations Pty Limited Federal Court File No: NSD338/2025
Non-native title interest: The applicant holds a short-term licence under section 2.20 of the Crown Land Management Act 2016 (NSW) from the Nambucca Valley Council (as Crown Land Manager) for the purpose of holiday accommodation and site investigations.
Orders sought by Applicant: (1) Protection under section 24FA of the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth) be granted in respect of the land described in Schedule A [of the application]. (2) Such further or other orders as the Court deems necessary.
Description of area: The application area covers a combined area of about 0.36 ha and is located within Lot 7016 on DP1056524 in the town of Nambucca Heads.
Relevant LGA: Nambucca Valley Council
For assistance and any further information about this application, including the description of the area, call Jake Ellis on (07) 3052 4189 or visit www.nntt.gov.au
Public Notices
Notice of Praecipe
For the record Lena Margareta Engstrom(c) of Bowraville, New South Wales, is permanently domiciled on the Land and Soil of Terra Australis. I am not a voluntary transactor in commerce and am the paramount security interest holder of all estates, property, assets and collateral, both registered and unregistered, and all associated copyright protected trade names. My lawful reconveyance to the Land and Soil jurisdiction of Terra Australis was recorded with Public Recording Number RPP44 63900 05100 32797 53606 on Proclamation Date 11 December 2024. All usufruct subjugation ties have been severed with the occupying corporate government of Australia. The corporate Australian kakistocracy and its affiliates are instructed to immediately cease and desist misaddressing Lena Margareta Engstrom(c) in fraudulent debased Dog-Latin, GLOSSA and to cease and desist infringing upon my estate, property, assets, collateral and copyright protected trades names.
Employment Opportunities
Lifetime Connect is seeking Expressions of Interest (EOI) from suitably experienced contractors to deliver the following services to our aged care clients: Lawns, gardens, trimming, pressure cleaning, window & gutter cleaning, and minor house maintenance. For more information, please visit www. lifetimeconnect.org.au/careers or contact Lloyd: 6568 2522. EOI’s close 23 May 2025.
SAT 17 May 8am12pm, 39 Rogers Dr Valla Beach. Moving overseas, hundreds of items to sell & lots of freebies. All proceeds to charity. Garage Sale
Items for Sale
HOUSE FURNITURE for Sale in Nambucca, due to international move. Excellent condition, nearly new. All offers considered. Full contents of Dining/ Family/lounge room. Full contents of 2 bedrooms. Some kitchen items, fridge, dual wash machine/ dryer combo. Text Mary and I will return your call. 0432 130 457
SATURDAY, May 10
6.10 Father Brown. (PGa) A novelist is attacked at a writers’ festival.
7.00 ABC News. A look at the top stories of the day.
7.30 Call The Midwife. (Return, Ma) Sister Julienne cares for a woman with cerebral palsy.
9.30 Bergerac. (Mlv, R) When a member of one of Jersey’s wealthiest families is murdered, the police turn to ex-cop, Jim Bergerac.
10.20 Hard Quiz: Battle Of The Has Beens. (PG, R) Hosted by Tom Gleeson.
10.55 The Split: Barcelona. (Ml, R) Explosive secrets come to light.
11.55 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 The Wonders Of Europe: The Tower Of London. (PGav, R) A historical chronicle of the Tower of London.
9.30 Stanley Tucci: Searching For Italy: Sicily. (PG, R) Stanley Tucci explores Sicily. 10.20 Great Coastal Railway Journeys. (PGa, R)
11.20 Homicide: Life On The Street. (Ma, R)
3.55 Barkley Manor. (PG, R) 4.25 Bamay. (R) 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 The Americas: The Gulf Coast. (PG) Takes a look at the Gulf Coast.
8.00 MOVIE: Armageddon. (1998, Mv, R)
A veteran oil driller and his team must save humanity after an asteroid is discovered on a collision course with Earth. Bruce Willis, Billy Bob Thornton, Liv Tyler. 11.05 MOVIE: The Rock. (1996, MA15+lv, R)
An FBI agent and a convict break into Alcatraz. Sean Connery, Nicolas Cage. 2.00 Motor Racing. Supercars Championship. Super 440. Day 1. Highlights.
3.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 It’s Academic. (R)
5.00 House Of Wellness. (PG, R)
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Holiday Home Makeover With Rachel & Ryan. (Premiere, PG) 8.30 MOVIE: Casino Royale. (2006, Mv, R) 11.20 MOVIE: The Disappointments Room. (2016, MA15+alv, R)
1.00 World’s Greatest Natural Icons. (R)
2.00 The Incredible Journey Presents. (PG)
2.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.30 Global Shop. (R)
5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
5.30 Helping Hands. (PG, R)
6.30 The Dog House Australia. (PGa, R) Narrated by Mark Coles Smith. 7.30 Love It Or List It Australia. Belinda and Cameron’s first home together is in the desirable bayside Melbourne suburb of Brighton. 8.40 Ambulance Australia. (Ma, R) Paramedics race to the scene of a nasty motorbike and sidecar crash. A call comes in for a woman who has fallen
6am Children Of Heaven. Continued. (1997, PG, Farsi) 7.00 Meditation Park. (2017, PG) 8.50 Every Day. (2018, PG) 10.40 Priscilla Queen Of The Desert. (1994, M) 12.35pm Beyond The Summit. (2022, M, Spanish) 2.10 Kung Fu Yoga. (2017, PG) 4.10 Phar Lap. (1983, PG) 6.20 Agatha Christie’s Crooked House. (2017, PG) 8.30 The Firm. (1993, MA15+) 11.20 Late Programs.
SUNDAY, May 11
6.30 Compass. (PG)
7.00 ABC News. A look at the top stories of the day.
7.30 The Piano. (PG)
8.30 Bergerac. (Mlv) Bergerac searches for kidnapped baby Lily.
9.15 The Split: Barcelona. (Ml, R) Explosive secrets come to light.
10.20 MOVIE: Hearts And Bones. (2019, Mals, R)
12.05 Take 5 With Zan Rowe. (PG, R)
12.35 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
3.00 Ask The Doctor. (PG, R)
3.30 Outback Ringer. (PG, R)
4.00 Gardening Australia. (R)
5.00 Insiders. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Mystery Of The Desert Kites.
8.30 Genghis Khan’s Mongolia. (Mv, R) Explores the rise of Genghis Khan.
10.10 Incas: The New Story. (Mad, R) 11.50 House Of Maxwell. (Ml, R)
3.15 Barkley Manor. (PG, R)
3.45 J Schwanke’s Life In Bloom. (PGa, R)
4.15 Bamay. (R)
4.50 Destination Flavour: Japan Bitesize. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.15 France 24 Feature.
5.30 Al Jazeera News.
Morning Programs. 1pm Blokesworld. 1.30 Australia ReDiscovered. 2.00
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 The 1% Club. (PGls)
8.00 Cold Chisel: The Big 5-0. (Ml) Takes a look at the band Cold Chisel. 10.00 Menendez & Menudo: Boys Betrayed: Key Witness. (MA15+av) Roy continues to strengthen his case. 11.15 Autopsy USA. (MA15+a)
12.15 Motor Racing. Supercars Championship. Super 440. Day 2. Highlights. 1.15 Shades Of Blue. (MA15+adsv, R)
2.30 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 Travel Guides. (PG) 8.10 60 Minutes. 9.10 The Killer Interview With Piers Morgan. (Mdv) 10.10 9News Late. 10.40 See No Evil. (Ma) 11.40 The
6am Children’s Programs. 6.20pm Bluey. 6.30 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Ben And Holly. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Dino Dex. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 7.50 The Inbestigators. 8.05 Operation Ouch! 8.35 BTN Newsbreak. 8.40 The Crystal Maze. 9.30 MythBusters “There’s Your Problem!”. 9.55 Merlin. 10.40 Late Programs.
6.00 Mastermind Australia. 6.30 SBS World News.
7.35 Prague With Michael Portillo. (PG)
8.25 Bettany Hughes: The Silk Road Treasures. (R)
9.20 Sri Lanka With Alexander Armstrong. (PGaw, R)
10.15 SBS World News Late.
10.45 Classified. (Msv)
11.35 Don’t Leave Me. (MA15+a, R)
1.45 Surviving An American Concentration Camp. (Ma, R) 2.50 Barkley Manor. (PGa, R) 4.20 J Schwanke’s Life In Bloom. (R) 4.50 Destination Flavour. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PG) Cash plans a surprise for Eden.
7.30 Farmer Wants A Wife. (PGal) Hosted by Natalie Gruzlewski.
9.00 9-1-1: Lone Star. (Ma) Owen questions Judd’s sobriety when he walks into the line of fire.
10.00 Suits L.A. (M) Erica and Ted disagree over a potential client.
11.00 The Agenda Setters.
12.00 Treadstone. (MA15+av)
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.
The Floor. (PG)
100% Footy. (M)
9News Late.
Aussie Road Train Truckers. (Premiere, Ml) 11.15 Gypsy Rose: Life After Lockup. (Premiere, Ml) 12.05 Tipping Point. (PG, R)
6am Children’s Programs. 6.20pm Bluey. 6.30 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Ben And Holly. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Dino Dex. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The
6am Phar
Lap. Continued. (1983, PG) 7.35 The Lake House. (2006, PG) 9.25 Agatha Christie’s Crooked House. (2017, PG) 11.30 Juniper. (2021, M) 1.20pm Grand Piano. (2013, M) 3.00 Walk With Me. (2017, PG) 4.40 Skating To New York. (2013, PG) 6.20 Petite Maman. (2021, PG, French) 7.40 Say It Loud. (2020, M, Italian) 9.30 Song To Song. (2017, M) 11.50 Late Programs.
6.00 Mastermind Australia.
6.30 SBS World News.
8.30 Insight.
9.30 Dateline.
7.30 Who Do You Think You Are? (Return, Ma)
10.05 SBS World News Late.
11.05 Snow. (Ma)
10.35 Living Black. (R)
12.05 The Lesson. (Mal, R)
2.25 The Story Of Coffee. (PGas, R)
2.50 Incredible Homes. (PGn, R)
3.50 J Schwanke’s Life In Bloom. (R)
4.50 Destination Flavour: Japan Bitesize. (R)
VICELAND (31) VICELAND (31)
SBS MOVIES (32) SBS MOVIES (32)
5.00 Eurovision. (PG)
6am Petite
Maman. Continued. (2021, PG, French) 7.05 Skating To New York. (2013, PG) 8.45 Walk With Me. (2017, PG) 10.25 My Own Private Idaho. (1991, M) 12.20pm Mother Couch. (2023, M) 2.10 The Lake House. (2006, PG) 4.00 Sometimes Always Never. (2018, PG) 5.40 The Importance Of Being Earnest. (1952) 7.30 The Eagle Has Landed. (1976, M) 10.00 Viva Las Vegas. (1964, PG) 11.35 Late Programs.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PG) Mali puts his foot in it.
7.30 Farmer Wants A Wife. (PGal) Hosted by Natalie Gruzlewski. 9.00 Doc. (Ma) Amy must confront who she has become after the tragedy that struck her family seven years ago.
10.00 Accused. (Mav)
11.00 The Agenda Setters.
12.00 The Act. (MA15+ans, R) 1.15 Travel Oz. (PG, R) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
(64) 7MATE (64)
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ABC FAMILY (22)
WEDNESDAY, May 14
6.00 Mastermind Australia.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Alone Australia. (M)
8.40 Mysteries Of Sink Holes. (PGa, R)
9.35 The Handmaid’s Tale. (MA15+)
10.35 SBS World News Late.
11.05 My Brilliant Friend. (Mal)
12.00 The Wall: Cover Your Tracks. (Malsv, R)
3.20 The Story Of Coffee. (R)
4.20 J Schwanke’s Life In Bloom. (R)
4.50 Japan Bitesize. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
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6am Children’s Programs. 6pm Octonauts.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PG)
7.30 Clarkson’s Who Wants To Be A Millionaire UK. (PG)
8.30 The Front Bar. (Ml)
9.30 Unfiltered. (PGa)
10.00 Unbelievable Moments Caught On Camera. (PGa, R)
11.00 St. Denis Medical. (Ma)
11.30 Born To Kill? (MA15+av, R)
12.30 Midnight Texas. (MA15+hv)
1.30 Harry’s Practice. (R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 Deal Or
6.00 NBN News. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 The Hundred With Andy Lee. (PGs) 8.30 The Grand Tour. (MA15+l) 10.00 Freddy And The Eighth. (Ml)
11.00 9News Late.
11.30 The Equalizer. (Mv, R)
12.15 Young Sheldon. (PGadlsv, R) 12.40 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 2.30 Global Shop. (R) 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa) 4.30 A Current Affair. (R) 5.00 Today Early
Sheep. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 7.50 The Inbestigators. 8.05 Operation Ouch! 8.35 BTN Newsbreak. 8.40 Abbott Elementary. 9.25 Doctor Who. 11.10 Late Programs. 6am Children’s Programs. 6pm
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6am The Movie
Show. 6.30 The Importance Of Being Earnest. (1952) 8.20 Sometimes Always Never. (2018, PG) 10.00 Say It Loud. (2020, M, Italian) 11.50 Song To Song. (2017, M) 2.05pm Petite Maman. (2021, PG, French) 3.25 The Final Countdown. (1980, PG) 5.20 Bright Star. (2009, PG) 7.30 Winter’s Tale. (2014, M) 9.40 La La Land. (2016, M) 12.05am Juliet, Naked. (2018, M) 1.55 Late Programs.
THURSDAY, May 15
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Grand Designs: The Streets. (PG, R)
Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. (PG, R) 12.40 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.25 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)
6.00 Mastermind Australia.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.35 History’s Greatest Mysteries: The Hindenburg Disaster. (Maw, R)
8.20 Liberation: D-Day To Berlin: Hitler Strikes Back. (M) Hitler launches a surprise attack.
9.15 Sherlock & Daughter. (Mv) Sherlock assigns Amelia her first task.
10.10 SBS World News Late.
10.40 Carmen Curlers. (Masv, R)
12.50 Pagan Peak. (Mas, R)
2.35 Incredible Homes. (R)
3.35 J Schwanke’s Life In Bloom. (R)
4.35 Bamay. (R)
5.00 Eurovision. (PG)
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SBS MOVIES (32)
6am The Final Countdown. (1980, PG) 7.55 Viva Las Vegas. (1964, PG) 9.30 Lara. (2019, PG, German) 11.20 The Eagle Has Landed. (1976, M) 1.50pm The Importance Of Being Earnest. (1952) 3.40 The Glassworker. (2024, PG, Urdu) 5.30 The Emperor’s Club. (2002, PG) 7.30 Indecent Proposal. (1993, M) 9.40 Purple Rain. (1984, M) 11.45 Late Programs.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGa) Gage puts a sinister plan in motion. 7.30 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly. (PGa) Hosted by Graeme Hall. 8.30 Britain’s Got Talent. (PG) The second set of semi-finalists set out to impress the judges and viewers at home. 10.30 The Amazing Race. (PG) 12.00 Raines. (Mahv) 1.00 Travel Oz. (PG) 1.30 Harry’s Practice. (R) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
NBC Today.
Sunrise Early News.
Sunrise.
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ABC FAMILY (22)
Season lift-off
By Mick BIRTLES
THE Nambucca Roosters
First Grade side began their march to the finals on Sunday with a hard fought win over the Grafton Ghosts at Frank McGuren Field, Grafton, winning the game 24-10.
Nambucca sat out round one with a bye while Grafton went down to Sawtell in a close game and came into Round 2 hungry for a win.
During the early stages of the match both sides were strong in defence with possession going slightly in favour of the home side, who picked up great field position thanks to some early penalties in their favour. However they were unable to turn this into points. When the tide turned in favour of the Roosters some handling errors under pressure cost them the ball just when they seemed set to score tries.
It was 29 minutes of hard slog from both teams until the scoreboard finally lit up,
