AUSTRALIAN Red Cross “Trauma Teddy” coordinators from Coffs Harbour, Woolgoolga and the Nambucca Valley answered the call for love, kindness and cuddles after ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred wreaked havoc in communities to the north.
“In times of disaster, in times of need, our teddies provide just that,” said Woolgoolga Emergency Services Team Leader and Zone Representative, Judy Jackson.
“One hundred and ten Trauma Teddies were sent off to find new homes across the Northern Rivers and Tweed Valley, transported by a teddy taxi driver.
“Our Red Cross teddies provide care in so many ways,” Ms Jackson said.
“Over one million children have cuddled a colourful, comforting ‘Trauma Teddy’ since volunteers first started hand-knitting them back in 1990.”
At last count, there were more than 600 volunteers and groups hand knitting the teddies in Australia, crafting around 50,000 a year.
“That’s a huge number of children and people who each year receive the care of a teddy bear in times of need."
THE Bellingen Environment Centre (BEC) and other community groups raised concerns when Transport for NSW (TfNSW) advertised that a parcel of land on the Kalang River was going to auction last Saturday.
The land is a designated Biodiversity Stewardship Site and BEC wants it to be considered for inclusion in the proposed Great Koala National Park (GKNP).
BEC spokesperson Ashley Love, said Transport NSW purchased 463 hectares along the Upper Kalang River as part of the process for establishing compensatory habitat provisions for the Coffs Harbour Bypass and it is covered by a Biodiversity Stewardship Agreement.
“The land forms part of the Kalang Headwaters and is located in the heart of the proposed Great Koala National Park,” he said.
The Biodiversity Stewardship Agreement area and an adjoining property of approximately equal size are surrounded by State Forests which form part of the proposed GKNP, and BEC says it is a valuable potential ‘inholding’.
The land also forms part of the linkages between existing
conservation reserves including the New England and Dorrigo National Parks, Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Areas, Bellinger River and Gumbaynggirr National Parks and Baalijin and Juugawaarri Nature Reserves.
The Biodiversity Stewardship Agreement includes biodiversity credits for the site for the koala and other animals and designated forest types.
“It should have been evident to all agencies that the Kalang River Biodiversity Stewardship site was
q A map shows the proposed auction area.
potentially an outstanding freehold addition to the proposed Great Koala National Park.”
Mr Love said that the Biodiversity Stewardship Agreement has been undermined by numerous tracks through the property allowing logging contractors to legally access adjoining Oakes and Roses Creek state forests.
Having a private ownership of an extensive proportion of the “place of arrival” for the proposed Great Koala National Park in the headwaters of the Kalang
River, would greatly restrict or remove opportunities for appropriate visitor facilities and management.
Catherine Jones, BEC’s secretary, said, “The proposed sale of the Kalang River Biodiversity Stewardship Site has not been discussed with local residents or community groups and has been poorly advertised."
When asked for comment, a TfNSW spokesperson said the proposed auction for 3566 Kalang Road, Kalang Biodiversity Stewardship Site, has been deferred.
Trauma Teddies in demand
FROM Page 1
Services Helen Mower, took on the much-valued role of Trauma Teddy taxi driver.
“When my call went out for anyone travelling north, Helen kindly offered to divert her course to Brisbane to collect our family of Teddies,” said a thankful Judy.
“We came together with a few calls to organise collection points and assist in providing our northern volunteers who were running out of stock after most areas had experienced a week in
evacuation centres.
“Teddy relocations are still taking place, facilitated by NSW Reconstruction Authority Recovery Assistance Centres.”
Red Cross Emergency Services volunteers stand on-call to provide cyclone and flood affected residents psychological first aid, which helps during and in the aftermath of an emergency, disaster, or traumatic event.
Anyone interested in becoming a Trauma Teddy knitter can visit www. redcross.org.au/teddy or email woopiredcross@gmail. com.
q A
Mathew to contest Cowper for Legalise Cannabis Australia
NAMBUCCA Heads resident Megan Mathew will contest the seat of Cowper for Legalise Cannabis Australia in the May Federal Election.
Ms Mathew’s working background includes experience at all levels of the hospitality industry, as well as qualifications in childcare, event management, horticulture and community services.
Her journey into advocacy began when she became a legally prescribed medicinal cannabis patient in
2019 to treat complex posttraumatic stress disorder.
Before this, she describes being reliant on a cocktail of pharmaceutical medications that left her “unable to function”.
After believing she had exhausted all other treatment options, Ms Mathew said she found “significant improvement in her condition with medicinal cannabis”, which led her on a journey to seek legislative reform.
Ms Mathew believes
improvements.
the hemp industry has the potential to “transform both the environment and the economy”.
Other key policy priorities ahead of the 3 May poll are housing affordability and homelessness.
She told NOTA she will push for increased federal investment in social and affordable housing and advocate for policies that “support renters and firsthome buyers rather than just property investors”.
Access to healthcare in
rural and regional areas is another key focus.
Ms Mathew supports increased Medicare funding, incentives to attract doctors to regional areas and “expanded mental health services to ensure that no one is left behind”.
She is also advocating for improved support for small businesses, and calling for tax reform, fairer banking policies and investment in regional infrastructure.
Speed reduction among changes for Valla Beach intersection
FROM Page 1
current temporary 80km/h limit and electronic message boards have been updated.
A permanent speed reduction to 60km/h is expected to be finalised in the coming weeks.
The 60km/h speed limit is supported with temporary electronic messaging signs on the approaches to the intersection to give motorists advance warning.
Signage and linemarking has been improved and traffic separators added to
provide clearer directions for motorists.
Traffic monitoring cameras will be re-installed on 11 April to capture additional footage to assess the effectiveness of these changes and inform the next phase of safety
These cameras will not be used for enforcement.
Transport for NSW North Region Director, Anna Zycki, said these measures were being implemented to address the spike in crashes at the intersection.
“In September and October last year we had traffic monitoring cameras installed at the intersection
to help us understand why the number of crashes might have increased,” Ms Zycki said.
“The vision captured from those cameras identified one recorded crash and a number of safety concerns as a result of driver behaviour and uncertainty.
“Issues included illegal U-turns, excessive speed when using the slip lane, and
driver confusion.
“The changes we have introduced are supported by NSW Police and the Nambucca Valley Council.” Investigations continue into other opportunities to improve safety at the intersection and Transport for NSW said it will continue to work closely with Nambucca Valley Council and NSW Police.
young boy in the Tweed Heads Recovery Centre is comforted by a Trauma Teddie knitted by a Nambucca Valley volunteer.
q Megan Mathew is the Legalise Cannabis Australia candidate for Cowper.
Peter Dutton reveals coalition plan to cut power prices
By Tess IKONOMOU, AAP
HOUSEHOLDS would be given a modest seven percent fall in their gas bills and three percent cut to their electricity bills, under a coalition's plan to pump the market with gas to drive down energy costs.
The coalition released the promised modelling into its national gas plan on Tuesday night, which would make companies keep a certain amount of gas in the Australian market.
Industrial customers are being promised a 15 percent reduction in retail gas bills, with a forecast eight percent decrease in wholesale electricity prices.
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton revealed his gas reservation policy in his budget
reply speech last month, and has repeatedly attacked Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for failing to achieve the promise that Labor would cut power bills by $275.
"Our policy will be a game changer because we can then see the cost and therefore price of electricity, construction, food prices and many other goods start to come down," he said.
"Gas is critical to our nation's energy future.
"By making the gas companies put more of our Aussie gas into our market instead of exporting it, we will get the price of gas down by 15 percent."
Frontier Economics managing director Danny Price, who prepared the modelling, said the plan would decouple the domestic price
from expensive international rates.
Federal ministers Annika Wells and Clare O'Neil on Wednesday played down the coalition plan, telling Nine's Today program that the best case scenario was a $1 a week reduction in household energy bills, "maybe", in two years, if the opposition won government.
The Frontier forecast was published during the first leaders' debate of the election campaign between Mr Albanese and Mr Dutton, ahead of the May 3 poll.
Mr Albanese was declared the winner of the clash by a group of 100 undecided voters, but one in five still could not make their minds up following the event.
Energy bills, healthcare and broader cost of living pressures were among the most pressing issues for the voters.
www.nambucca.nsw.gov.au
DEVELOPMENT PROPOSAL
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a development application has been received by Nambucca Valley Council.
The proposed development is defined as “Integrated Development” under Section 4.46 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 “as approval is required from the NSW Rural Fire Service under Section 100B of the Rural Fires Act”
The proposed development includes the part closure of Kookaburra Lane as shown on the submitted plans. It is proposed to close this part of Kookaburra Lane and incorporate it into the proposed lots. As such, if approval were to be granted to the proposed development; it would result in the closure of this part of Kookaburra Lane under the Roads Act 1993, classification of the section of closed road as operational land under the Local Government Act 1993, and the sale of the section of closed road to the owners of 44 Kookaburra Lane, Bowraville.
Public notice is being provided on the following:
• Development application DA2025/038 for a two lot subdivision.
• The proposal to close part of Kookaburra Lane, Bowraville under s38B of the Roads Act 1993 to facilitate the above mentioned development.
• A proposed resolution to classify the section of Kookaburra Lane proposed to be closed as operational land under s34 of the Local Government Act 1993.
The development application and road closure/land classification proposal may be inspected at Council’s Administration Centre, Princess Street, Macksville, during office hours being 8.30 am to 4.00 pm weekdays from 16 April 2025 until 29 May 2025. Documents relating to the proposal may also be viewed at www.nambucca.nsw.gov.au
Any person may make written submissions or objections in respect of the proposal which should be lodged with the undersigned no later than 29 May 2025. Submissions must be addressed to the General Manager, Nambucca Valley Council, PO Box 177, Macksville NSW 2447 or sent by email to council@nambucca.nsw.gov.au
It is requested that submissions in support or objection list reasons. The provision of a name, address and contact telephone number will enable Council to inform you about the progress and outcome of the matter. Please note that any submission may be incorporated in a Council business paper or otherwise publicly disclosed.
Note: Your attention is drawn to Section 10.4 of the Environmental Planning & Assessment Act 1979 which requires those making a submission to disclose all “reportable political donations and gifts”.
All submissions will be acknowledged following Council’s determination of the application. For further information regards this proposal, please contact Michael Coulter on 6568 0260.
PO BOX 177, MACKSVILLE NSW 2447, (02) 6568.2555, www.nambucca.nsw.gov.au
Independent senator Jacqui Lambie and her SA upper house candidate and former senator Rex Patrick have pledged if they are returned to parliament they will set up a "wide ranging" parliamentary inquiry into Australia's relationship with
the US.
This would include the ANZUS Treaty and the AUKUS partnership with the US and UK, under which Australia has been promised nuclearpowered submarines.
"We need to ask the hard questions about how to manage relations with a great power that's unpredictable, aggressively protectionist in
trade policy, and self-interested in security relationships," Senator Lambie said.
"The US is putting America first - it's time we put Australia first!"
Visit AAP FactCheck's website to read their assessment of claims made in the election campaign and debate.
www.nambucca.nsw.gov.au
WASTE MANAGEMENT FACILITY ANZAC DAY
Council advises that Nambucca Valley Council’s Waste Management Facility will be closed on Anzac Day: Friday 25 April 2025
The facility will re-open after the Public Holiday closure during normal business hours 8:00AM to 4:00PM.
There will be no change to waste collection days.
WASTE SERVICES COORDINATOR PO BOX 177 NAMBUCCA VALLEY COUNCIL MACKSVILLE NSW 2447 02-65680244
www.nambucca.nsw.gov.au
WASTE MANAGEMENT FACILITY EASTER
Council advises that the following changes will be in place at the Waste Management Facility during the Easter Public Holiday period
The facility will be closed on the following days Friday 18 April and Sunday 20 April 2025
The facility will be open on the following days Saturday 19 April and Monday 21 April 2025
The facility will re-open after the closures during normal business hours 8:00AM to 4:00PM.
There will be no change to waste collection days.
WASTE SERVICES COORDINATOR PO BOX 177
NAMBUCCA VALLEY COUNCIL MACKSVILLE NSW 2447 02-65680244
q Opposition Leader Peter Dutton (right) says his gas reservation policy will be a "game changer". Photo: Jason Edwards/AAP PHOTOS.
Next phase of coastal sewerage upgrade
CONSTRUCTION
is underway on the second stage of a $38 million project that will extend Bellingen Shire’s sewerage network into more communities.
The Sewering Coastal Villages Project is funded thanks to more than $11 million from the NSW Government’s Safe and Secure Program and over $27 million from Bellingen Shire Council against its long-term financial plan to deliver an upgraded
sewage treatment plant in Urunga and provide Mylestom and Raleigh with access to the central network.
NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) Executive Director Infrastructure Development
Lisa Hingerty said, “Many locals in these coastal villages are reliant on smelly and expensive private septic tanks for their wastewater disposal which is why getting them hooked up to the upgraded wastewater treatment plant will be a game changer.”
Ledonne Construction was engaged by Council through a competitive tender process for major river, rail and road crossings.
This work has now
commenced as part of Phase 2, including the underbore of the Bellinger River, in preparation for 226 connections in Mylestom and Raleigh to the Urunga Sewage Treatment Plant.
Bringing these villages onto the wastewater network will reduce the need for on-site septic tanks that pose a risk to the iconic Kalang and Bellinger Rivers that have experienced contamination incidents in the past.
Bellingen Shire Council
Mayor Steve Allan said, “Contamination in the Bellinger and Kalang Rivers can potentially impact public health, wetlands and local businesses which is why we’re transforming the wastewater system here to reduce that
q Bringing these villages onto the wastewater network will reduce the need for on-site septic tanks.
risk and keep these waterways beautiful.”
Work on upgrading the wastewater plant began last year to double its capacity to
cater for up to 10,000 people and increase the facility’s lifespan by 30 years, equipping it to handle future population growth.
Work on the plant is expected to be completed later this year while the rollout of the sewage network is on track to be finished by early 2026.
q Work on the plant is expected to be completed later this year while the rollout of the sewage network is on track to be finished by early 2026.
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to Find your Newspaper Available in newsstands & counters of over 70 businesses & locations throughout the Nambucca Valley.
Some include, supermarkets, newsagents, convenience stores, shopping centres, chemists, service stations, real estate agents, many general businesses throughout the area.
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Nambucca teen enters Cowper race as Independent
NAMBUCCA Heads teenager Zeke Daley has officially registered as an Independent candidate for Cowper in the 2025 Federal Election.
In a statement to media, Mr Daley said he brings a “fresh, community-driven voice” to the region’s political conversation.
Noting that he is not aligned to any political party or beholden to big donors, Mr Daley said he is standing for Cowper with a simple message: “It’s time for everyday locals to take the lead”.
“I’m taking a stand because I’ve seen how young people are left behind,” said Mr Daley, 18.
“The choices made today will directly impact the future that young people like me will have to live with.
“I’m not here to promise the world, but to represent the Cowper constituents - to bring their voices into the room where decisions are made.”
Born and raised in Nambucca Heads, Mr Daley told NOTA he has seen firsthand the challenges facing regional communities, from housing affordability and poor telephone and internet service to youth mental health and under-resourced local services.
He said his campaign is built on genuine engagement, grassroots action, and a strong commitment to listening and learning from the people of Cowper.
“I want politics to be something people feel they can trust again,” he said.
“It’s time to bring transparency and diversity to Canberra - not just lining the pockets of the big corporations and
forgetting about the everyday Australians.”
Mr Daley’s website currently hosts policy statements on education and youth crime.
“The current education system is outdated with its system rooted in a model from the industrial revolution in the 20th century with standardised testing and rote learning,” his
education policy reads.
“It does not meet the needs of the 21st century workplace nor the current cohort of students with many students becoming disengaged.
“There needs to be a shift in this area.
“The current public education system is also underfunded, particularly in regional areas where there is a lack of choice, leading to further issues.”
are bringing NSW Government services to you
Access services like:
• cost of living support, rebates and vouchers
• licence and registration renewals
• applications for birth, death and marriage certificates
• Driver Knowledge Tests and more. Call 13 77 88 or visit service.nsw.gov.au to check
q Independent candidate for Cowper Zeke Daley.
PM voted winner of first election campaign debate
By Tess IKONOMOU, AAP
ANTHONY Albanese and Peter Dutton have backed in their plans to tackle cost of living pressures as they made their case to voters during the first leaders' debate of the federal election campaign.
The prime minister won the contest on Tuesday evening, after a group of 100 undecided voters cast their ballot at a "people's forum" hosted by Sky News and The Daily Telegraph.
Forty-four percent of the group voted in favour of Mr Albanese, with 35 per cent for the opposition leader, and 21 percent still undecided.
Polling has shown the race to reach majority government is tight.
Both leaders were cautious in their responses and avoided any major gaffes at the event in western Sydney.
Education, rising healthcare costs, and energy bill relief were among the issues asked by the
voters.
About half the room of participants raised their hands when asked if they were struggling with cost of living, which is the defining issue of this election.
Mr Dutton was repeatedly asked about his rhetoric on migration, as audience members asked what he could do to avoid "demonising" them.
"We have to have a managed migration program and our argument is that you can reduce it from the record level of at the moment, down by 25 percent for two years, which will create about 100,000 homes and that will help young Australians get into housing," he said.
Answering a question about health, Mr Albanese pulled out a Medicare card - something he has done repeatedly during the campaign - as Labor places the issue at the forefront of its re-election bid.
"Labor created Medicare will strengthen Medicare, and will make sure that in the future we get those bulk billing rates back up to 90 percent," he said.
Mr Dutton vowed there would be no cuts to healthcare if the coalition is elected, and rebutted Labor's claims about his record.
Both leaders were asked how they would react to US President Donald Trump after he imposed tariffs on every country.
Nationals Senator Matt Canavan sent his "thoughts and prayers" to Mr Dutton, after the leader's father Bruce was rushed to hospital just hours before the debate started.
Western Sydney is a key battleground for the two major parties.
But Labor also faces new challenges from independent candidates from the city's Muslim communities who feel angry and let down by the position taken by the government on the Israel-Gaza war.
Both were asked about their response to the conflict during the debate.
Mr Dutton has pledged a 25 cents a litre cut to the price of petrol by halving the fuel excise for 12 months if the coalition is elected.
Asked why he wouldn't commit to the promised cuts to the fuel
excise, Mr Albanese said it would "disappear in a year like the last time it happened".
"This is from the Scott Morrison playbook," he said.
Modelling conducted by Frontier Economics has found the coalition's national gas plan will see a 23 per
CWA survey reveals top concerns
By Andrea FERRARI
THE Country Women's Association (CWA) of NSW has released the findings of its inaugural survey, which asked women about their greatest
concerns, particularly in remote, rural and regional communities. With 1670 responses to a range of questions from the state of healthcare and telecommunications, to education opportunities and
childcare options, the top concerns in the Annual Women’s Survey were health, women's personal safety and housing.
More than 60 percent of respondents cited limited access to
primary and specialised healthcare providers as of most concern, and almost 70 percent said that on the housing issue, high costs and a shortage of housing stock were the most worrying aspects.
cent reduction in wholesale gas prices.
This would result in a seven percent reduction in retail gas bills for residential customers, and three percent reduction in residential electricity prices.
“This was our first survey, and we weren’t sure what kind of response we’d receive, so to have that level of involvement from NSW women was really pleasing," said CWA of NSW President Joy Beames.
“As the biggest women’s advocacy group in the state, we developed this survey so we could get a real sense of what NSW women were concerned about and ensure our representations to policy makers reflected [those] issues.”
The North Coast CWA Group covers a territory stretching from Iluka to Urunga and Dorrigo.
President Leonie Saunders told News Of The Area that, “80 percent of respondents came from rural and regional NSW and the majority were over the age of 45 years.”
“The survey highlights… health/ healthcare, personal safety, housing, telecommunications, education and childcare.
“All our branches in the North Coast Group are always trying to find ways we can help in these areas at our own locations.”
Ms Saunders said that as CWA of NSW continues to advocate to the government at all levels, it hopes they will “take notice and respond accordingly”.
q Anthony Albanese has been voted the winner of the first election debate against Peter Dutton. Photo: Jason Edwards/AAP PHOTOS.
q CWA of NSW North Coast members at The Big Banana. Photo: Ed Martin.
Hands on with Get Grubby
By Andrea FERRARI
THE Get Grubby Program, created to encourage children’s active participation in sustainability learning and fun, came to the Coffs Harbour, Nambucca Valley and Bellingen areas through March.
It brought interactive and educational events to almost 1000 preschoolers and Kindergarten to Year 2 students, from 22 different schools.
Featuring human “Scrapboy” from “Dirtgirlworld” and Get Grubby TV, these hands-on sessions included singing, dancing, seed planting, and the chance to meet and name their own earthworm.
Each session saw Scrapboy engage the audience with his playful songs and activities, sharing important information about recycling, worm farming, composting and living sustainably.
Ten schools received their own compost bins, thanks to the support of Midwaste, to help students turn their sustainability learning into real-world action.
OzGREEN partnered with Coffs Coast Waste Services, City of Coffs Harbour Council, Bellingen Shire Council and Nambucca Valley Council to
deliver the program on the Coffs Coast.
Kathleen Hannah, Event Manager OzGREEN said, “Scrapboy’s energy and enthusiasm made sustainability come to life for these young students.
“His engaging approach, through music, storytelling, and hands-on activities, captivated kids and sparked a real excitement for taking care of the planet.”
Jules Laurent from Coffs Coast Waste Services said, “it was a fun opportunity to meet and engage with Scrapboy
in person while learning about recycling, composting, appreciating nature, worms, seedlings and having fun.
“These free events were also the perfect way to kickstart environmental awareness in young people, making sustainability fun, hands-on, and accessible, while fostering friendships and collaboration for those joining the program for the first time.”
OzGREEN’s Event Coordinator Lily Kostka said that being part of the Get Grubby Program gave her
hope for the future.
“Seeing kids light up as they learned about sustainability - whether through song, composting, or naming their own worm - was so rewarding.
“It’s amazing to watch young people from all backgrounds connect with the environment with such playfulness, excitement, and curiosity."
For more details about the program, visit getgrubbyprogram.com/ families-program-details.
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q Students at the Get Grubby Coffs Harbour event, naming their own pet worm.
q Students from St Mary’s Primary School in Bellingen planting a seed.
q The Get Grubby program in action with Scrapboy.
Labor gains: polling shows majority government in sight
By AAP
MAJORITY government could be within reach for Anthony Albanese as Labor opens up its lead over the coalition after week one of the federal election campaign.
With just weeks until Australians take to the ballot boxes, Labor is leading the coalition 52 to 48 percent on a two-party-preferred basis, the latest Newspoll shows.
The result is a percentage point improvement for Labor since the previous Newspoll was published on 30 March.
The last time Labor led the coalition 52 percent to 48 in Newspoll on a two-party
preferred basis was May 2024.
The latest poll, published by The Australian on Sunday evening, was mostly conducted before US President Donald Trump's tariff announcement on Thursday.
Multiple polls show a surge in support for the government over the coalition as party leaders zip across the nation to court voters ahead of the May 3 election.
A Redbridge and Accent Research poll for News Corp, conducted from a sample of 1006 people from 28 March to 1 April, also showed Labor ahead 52 to 48 on a two-partypreferred basis.
The first YouGov poll of
the election campaign also had Labor ahead - 51 percent to 49 on a two-party preferred basis.
The YouGov poll of 1622 people was conducted between 28 March and 3 April, with a margin of error of 3.3 percent.
Newspoll showed Labor's primary vote remained unchanged at 33 percent since the previous poll, while the coalition's fell one point to 36 percent.
The Greens' primary vote was steady at 12 percent, One Nation was up one at seven percent and all others, including independents, were steady on 12 percent.
Calls for hemp reform
A SENATE hopeful is calling for cannabis reform to unlock Australia’s “hemp potential”
ahead of the 2025 Federal Election.
“Australia has the
is the co-founder of the drug harm minimisation charity, Unharm.
opportunity to become a world leader in industrial hemp production, but
The coalition has lost ground since January, when it polled 39 percent of the primary vote - an eight-point lead over Labor (31 percent).
outdated and inconsistent cannabis laws are holding the industry back,” said Senate candidate Miles Hunt of the Legalise Cannabis Party.
“Hemp is one of the most sustainable, versatile, and valuable crops on the planet.
“It has the potential to revolutionise Australian agriculture, create jobs, and drive economic growth - yet our outdated laws and excessive red tape are strangling the industry before it can even take off,” said Mr Hunt, a lawyer and author based on the Mid North Coast.
Hemp, which contains little to no THC, remains heavily restricted due to Australia’s broader cannabis laws.
Farmers are required to navigate complex and inconsistent licensing requirements across different
Mr Albanese (48 percent) dropped a point but retained his lead over Opposition Leader Peter Dutton (40 percent) as preferred prime
states, while strict THC limits mean entire crops can be destroyed due to natural environmental fluctuations.
“Hemp farmers are pioneering a billion-dollar industry that could support regional communities, boost exports, and provide eco-friendly alternatives to plastic, paper, textiles, and even construction materials,” Hunt said,
“Our government should support that.”
Mr Hunt said legalising cannabis would allow for a national approach to hemp regulation that will:
• Raise the legal THC threshold across all states and territories to align with international standards;
• Simplify and streamline licensing
March and Friday.
processes to make it easier for farmers to enter the industry;
• Educate banks and financial institutions to remove barriers to investment in hemp businesses;
• Actively promote Australian-grown hemp for food, textiles, and industrial use to reduce reliance on imports;
• Invest in processing plants to make it easier for hemp products to get from the farm to the consumer;
• Ensure the Federal Government actively supports hemp as a “super crop with the capacity to change the world”.
Health district appoints new Chief Executive
JILL Wong has been appointed to the position of Chief Executive of the Mid North Coast Local Health District (MNCLHD) after acting in the role since November.
Ms Wong has 17 years’ experience in legal, social work, and executive health leadership roles.
As the health district’s
Ms Wong will lead more than 5000 staff, manage a budget of more than $880 million and oversee seven hospitals, 13 community health centres, and a range of out of hospital services.
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Director of Integrated Care, Allied Health and Community Services for the past four years, she introduced key reforms, including strengthening partnerships with primary care and Aboriginal medical services, enhancing virtual care models and implementing accountability frameworks to drive service improvement.
“Ms Wong’s leadership has been instrumental in the District’s financial recovery efforts, strategic planning and strengthening governance structures to enhance stakeholder confidence,” Governing Board Chair Peter
Treseder said.
“She is deeply committed to equity, diversity and workforce empowerment, ensuring that the people and communities of the Mid North Coast receive high-quality, sustainable healthcare.”
Mr Treseder said the governing board was confident that under Ms Wong’s leadership, MNCLHD would continue to grow as a person-centred organisation delivering innovative and integrated healthcare solutions with a focus on the wellbeing of its staff, patients, carers and community.
q Peter Dutton's coalition is losing ground to Anthony Albanese's Labor government, polling shows. Photo: Richard Wainwright/AAP PHOTOS.
minister.
The Newspoll interviewed 1250 voters throughout Australia online between 31
q Senate candidate Miles Hunt
q Newly-appointed health district chief Jill Wong. Photo: supplied.
New intake of Elsa Dixon trainees
By Sue STEPHENSON
TWELVE more high school students are now working in various roles across the Mid North Coast Local Health District (MNCLHD) thanks to the legacy of Aboriginal activist Elsa Dixon.
Ms Dixon played a key role in improving social outcomes for Aboriginal communities, from the 1970s until her death in 1993.
In her honour, the Department of Education funds an Aboriginal Employment Grant, aimed at promoting workforce diversity and innovation.
Through the health district’s Aboriginal School Based Traineeship Program, the students will spend the next two years working with nursing teams across all sites, combining on-the-job training with Certificate IIIlevel studies at TAFE.
At the end of their traineeships, they will have a nationally recognised
qualification in their chosen field that will also contribute to their Higher School Certificate.
In addition to TAFE, the MNCLHD program works with local secondary schools and the State Training Services Office.
Chief Executive Jill
Wong said the District was committed to increasing the representation of Aboriginal employees.
“I’m excited to see these trainees excel and contribute to the future of healthcare, carrying forward Elsa Dixon’s legacy of compassion, service and dedication to community
wellbeing,” she said.
“The trainee program plays an important part in helping us to achieve this while also improving career pathways for Aboriginal youth on the Mid North Coast.
“It’s testament to the success of the program that many of our Elsa Dixon
graduates have gone on to study health-related TAFE or university programs and secured employment within our organisation or more broadly with NSW Health.”
The new intake joins the eight students entering their second year of the program.
Elsa Dixon believed that
DEAR BUSINESS OWNERS
education, training and employment were the key to overcoming social inequality and were the foundations of an informed and just society. In the 1940s, she also became the first Aboriginal woman to earn her pilot’s licence.
q The new intake of Elsa Dixon trainees, (L-R) Chloe-Jade McKinnon, Hayley Moran, Ariana Bartlett, Ava Phillips, Tegan Evans, Kimberley Heuston, Haylee Oliver, Zoe Kennedy, Arteia Yekrop, Shaylah Thompson,Inala Gibbs and Milla Swain with MNCLHD Aboriginal Workforce Development Coordinator Jodi Shaw and Chief Executive Jill Wong (centre).
Leap in identifying new frog species
By Andrea FERRARI
RESULTS from Australia’s biggest annual frog count, hosted by the Australian Museum last November, have helped inform the scientific description of at least eight new frog species.
FrogID coordinator Nadiah Roslan said, "FrogID acoustic data (audio recordings) were used alongside morphology and genetic data to describe these species as new to science."
With over 1.1 million scientific records of frogs gathered by people all over Australia, the citizen science event plays an important role in helping scientists to understand how frogs and their ecosystems are responding to a changing planet.
Frog call submissions from the Coffs Coast numbered 16,317 in total: with 27 unique species recorded by 554 unique participants.
The FrogID project relies on frog calls to identify species, as many are indistinguishable by appearance.
From croaks and barks, to whistles and bleats, every frog species makes a unique sound and anyone with a
smartphone can participate, by recording frog calls through the free FrogID app.
The latest event gathered recordings of 225 frog species, that’s about 88 percent of Australia’s known frog species.
It has informed the conservation status of two species under the EPBC Act, with the Sphagnum Frog (Philoria sphagnicola) and the Davies Tree Frog (Litoria davieasae) now both listed as “Vulnerable”.
So far, two new species of tree frogs have been confirmed.
Colloquially known as the “dunny frog”, the tree frog was
thought to be a single species (Litoria rubella).
Spanning 4.6 million square kilometres from the monsoon tropics to the desert, it had the largest distribution of any Australian frog.
“But researchers suspected that such a widespread species might actually be more than one,” said Australian Museum herpetologist, Dr Jodi Rowley.
“Using genetic data, body measurements, and mating call analysis, the team identified two new species; the western desert tree frog (Litoria larisonans) found in the Pilbara and central arid zones in WA, and the ruddy
NSW.” Australia has over 250 known species of frog, most are not found anywhere else in the world.
Some species are flourishing, like the Striped Marsh Frog, but others have declined dramatically since the 1980s, and at least four have become extinct. Frogs play a crucial role in maintaining healthy ecosystems.
As environmental indicators, they provide early warnings about changes in environmental health.
q A Littoria larisonans. Photo: Dane Trembath.
tree frog (Litoria pyrina), which lives in tropical coastal areas of Queensland and
q A Litoria rubella.
Photo: Alan Greer.
q A Litoria pyrina in the Herveys Range. Photo: Jodi Rowley.
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The major parties are failing us.
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or a political party.
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Nambucca Golf Report
By Chris KNIGHT
ASTUTE Graham Watson had a champagne week on the Nambucca Heads Island Golf Course, winning the A Grade monthly medal before backing up the next day to fire five birdies as he swept his pennant match at home against Kempsey.
With the tees way back and the ground squelchy, the course was set to full fang mode on Saturday 5 April for the Nambucca Liquor medal round.
A third of the field shot 100 or more.
Watson (7 handicap) shone while others swore, carding 73 off the bat for a nett 66 to take the top grade from Glen Crow (10) on 67.
Troy Herbert (3) teased the river on the first before going full dunk from the 2nd tee on his way to a triple bogey - but was only two over par for the remaining 16 holes for a 73 to take the gross.
Steve Doherty (17) had an excellent 67 nett to win B grade by a shot from visitor
Benjamin Kidd (14) from Shortland Waters, Newcastle. Adrienne Smith (13) from Bonville won the gross with a tidy 83.
In C Grade the fastimproving Harrison Lee (once was 21) smashed with an outrageous 61 nett - eight shots clear of runner-up Bryce Pike (30) on 69.
Christopher Lucas (21) scored 93 to grab the gross.
Norman Devereaux won the Ecomist longest putt on 1, while the pins went to Peter Thompson on 5, Andrew Maggs on 7 (29cm), Lee on 8, George Radmore on 15 and Peter Bush the $105 Pro Pin on 18.
Peter Scott hit it to 66cm to score the Pizza This Pizza That voucher on 13 and yes, he made the birdie putt. Boom.
Stephen McNeil (16) had a day out with 41 points to crush the W in Mid North Coast Vets medley stableford on Tuesday 1 April.
McNeil's round included a bird on the new 12th to keep him well clear of runner-up Nev Newman (9) who took
second place with 37 points on countback from Coffs Harbour's Dennis Hardgrove (16).
Coffs low-marker Wayne Cormick (2) had 71 off the stick for 36 points to place fourth.
Ken Klem won the pin on 5, John Ward on 8, Robert Peel on 13 and Ruth Hall on the last.
A medley fourball Island Sunday competition on 6 April was generously presented by Karl and Annette Hobday.
Graham Long and Maxine Townsend combined strongly with 40 points for the victory by one shot from Gary and Shayne Scott.
Sponsor Karl Hobday won the pin on 5 and Stephen Kimber saluted on 18.
The rain put paid to the club comps on 2-3 April.
The Island's men's pennant teams had an allsorts day in the Mid North Coast competition on Sunday 6 April.
The mostly young Div 4 side finally saw some action and it was worth the wait as
they trumped Frederickton 3-2 at home with team captain Dylan Mann, Jai Wassens and Stuart Hughes recording victories.
The Div 2 Island boys were also at home but a strong Kempsey side were too good, taking the result 3-2 with Graham Watson and Chris Knight securing wins for the hosts.
In Div 3, Nambucca were away at South West Rocks, and found the going tough, going down 4-1. Garry Johnstone kept his undefeated season intact, scoring the sole win for The Island while Steve Doherty and Joe Street took their matches to the 18th.
Fans of big-time world golf should pencil in 14 April at The Island for Masters Monday - watch the final holes at Augusta with breakfast by the river then head out for an 18-hole competition round.
And places are still available in the 36-hole Easter Bowl medley presented by Toyota Genuine Service on Saturday and Sunday, 19-20 April.
This will be followed by the second round of the NIV Golf series on ANZAC Day.
Junior cricket continues into winter
By Aiden BURGESS
JUST because it’s no longer summer, doesn't mean the cricket should stop. Coffs Harbour District
Cricket Association is hosting junior social indoor cricket games during May and June
at Sportz Central.
The eight rounds of games get underway on Monday, 5 May.
The games are being held each Monday afternoon, with one-hour games from either 4pm-5pm, or 5pm-6pm.
The social games are for boys and girls aged between 5 and 12 years old, and no helmets or pads are required.
Any junior interested in playing can register at https://www.playhq.com/
It is The Island's version of the free-for-all LIV Golf concept where the focus is on fun.
It's a two, three or four-person ambrose with $25,000 up for grabs if someone aces the 5th, which is the designated party hole (brace to be splashed with beer).
cricket-australia/register/ b31428
There were two Under 12s competitions this past Sixers Cricket league season, with the Macksville Bulls winning the first and Bellingen Green winning the second.
An Under 8s competition was also held this past summer.
Nana Glen Lizards won the Under 16s competition, and Sawtell Storm won the Under 14s competition.
Coffs Harbour District Association is hosting two
the course was playing super long. 'The Ox' also had a golf shoe malfunction on the second tee, forcing him to play the remaining 17 holes in his Crocs.
Players don't need to have an official handicap and winners of this three-round series will be treated to a massive day out at Bonville. Contact the club to book for the Easter Bowl and the NIV Golf Day.
Catchya on The Island if the river doesn’t grab you first.
school holiday programs in Coffs Harbour and Macksville.
An All-Girls Color Bash Cricket Program is being held on Saturday, 12 April at Reg Ryan Oval.
The program is for girls aged between 5 and 14, and is designed to introduce girls to cricket in a non-traditional way.
A school holiday cricket clinic is being held at Phillip Hughes Oval on Wednesday, 16 April, for boys and girls aged between 7 and 14.
Advertising within the News Of The Area reaches your local customers. Connect with them from next edition Print media has never been as affordable for your business. Call (02) 4981 8882 or email ads@newsofthearea.com.au
q With his signature Bintang bucket hat Nambucca Heads junior Maddox Herbert is hard to miss. He had a testing day at The Island in the monthly medal but it was a large club as
Regional Super League draw announced
By Aiden BURGESS
NORTH Coast Football (NCF) teams have discovered who they will play in the opening round of the inaugural Northern NSW Regional Super League (NNSW RSL).
The inaugural NNSW RSL will kick off on Saturday, 10 May with the pilot competition featuring men’s and women’s leagues made up of eight teams, featuring two pools of four teams.
The competition, which runs separately to the normal NCF season, will pit Coffs Coast teams against clubs from the Football Mid North Coast and
NNSWF – Northern Inland associations.
Last season’s NCF Premier League champions Northern Storm hit the road to take on Port Saints FC in the opening round.
Last season’s runners up Woolgoolga United will also hit the road for their opening round match, as they travel to take on Inverell FC.
Urunga Raiders play host to the Macleay Valley Rangers in the opening round.
Round 1 also sees Armidale City Westside FC hosting Port United FC.
The NNSW RSL women’s competition also kicks off on
U3A Fishing for Fun
Saturday, 10 May.
Last season’s Premier League champions Urunga Raiders are at home against Lake Cathie.
Last season’s preliminary finalists the Coffs City United Lionesses travel to take on the Macleay Valley Rangers.
Armidale City Westside FC host local rivals Oxley Vale Attunga FC, and Tamworth FC host Port United FC
NNSWF General Manager Liam Bentley said the new competition was an exciting step forward for football in the region.
“The establishment of the Northern NSW Regional Super League is an exciting step forward for football across regional northern NSW,” he said.
By Bruce REDMAN
“The competition will extend the pathways for regional players and clubs as well as create a platform for talented regional players to showcase their talent.”
THERE is no better end to the working week than a sunny Friday morning on the banks of the Nambucca River. There was one drawback, and it was of course the wet weather beforehand, which resulted in the river water being dirty.
At the same time the lines were catching weed and being washed back onto the rocks resulting in snags.
Let's see what the day
Cricket NSW calls for infrastructure support
WITH the Federal election looming, Cricket NSW has called on candidates in Cowper to commit to supporting community sport infrastructure projects in Coffs Harbour and Macksville.
Cricket NSW and Cricket Australia have identified 23 priority infrastructure projects they are seeking support for across the state.
One is the C.ex International Stadium
Regional Indoor Sports Centre project, which would see the construction of a new fourto-six lane indoor training facility for visiting teams at an estimated cost of $2 million.
It is proposed the project would benefit almost 2000 people currently involved in the Coffs Harbour District Cricket Association and inspire more children to get involved in sport locally.
A further project at Phillip Hughes Oval in Macksville would see the installation of field lighting, at an estimated
cost of $500,000.
It is proposed the project would benefit those currently involved in the Nambucca Valley Cricket Association and allow for extended use of the facilities.
“The cricket community in Cowper have identified the enormous benefits that these projects would bring to the people of the Coffs Coast and Nambucca Valley,” said Cricket NSW CEO Lee Germon.
“There are close to 2000 registered cricket players in these regions and those
Nambucca Bowls Report
By Lorelle MCGEE
2024-5 PAIRS Final: Sunday saw the final - at last - of the Men's Pairs decided with the Championship going to Steve 'Psycho' Carr and Tony Urquhart, with a 2621 victory over Paul Ward and Rhys Riddell. Steve and Tony led 9-0 after the first three ends and they held a comfortable lead through to the finish, both playing great bowls. A special clap for Psycho in his first serious hitout with a bowling arm.
Saturday the 5th; 2024-5 Mixed Pairs Final. Wardy was white hot throughout and partnered Gloria Richardson to a 23-13 win over Teresa and Peter Meehan. The Meehans dropped a 6 on the second end but made up the deficit to lead 9-7 on 9 ends. However, giving away a 5 on the 10th and then the next 4 ends saw them 20-8 in arrears and the gap proved too much. Both sides played excellent bowls and the Meehans were left ruing their 11 shots dropped in two ends
which proved the difference. More mundane results... Friday April 4. As the prior Friday was rained out, this became a Laverty's sponsored day with double winners and places. Winners were Todd Ryan, Michael Thomas and Paul Ward and Peter McRitchie, Mitch McGill and Hoggy. Second to Dave Ogilvy, Angry Lawrence and Paddy Byrne and Stan Flack, Ray Hunt and Danny Curran. Third to Mike James, Barry Redman and Duffo and Greg Hynes, Andrew Shearer and
people deserve access to quality, modern facilities.
“The health and well being benefits from sport, whether that be cricket or at multi-purpose facilities, are undeniable and we call on the candidates in Cowper to commit their support ahead of the election on May 3.
“We’d like to thank those who have already shown interest in these projects and look forward to assisting our communities to make this a reality.”
Col Crawford. The Lucky Losers were Jye McAuliffe, Tony Stokes and Chris the Wizz and Dallas Nancarrow, Biff Ruane and Owen Smith. Graham Hunt was the Lucky Bowler but not fortunate enough to draw his rink so next week's Jackpot is a tidy $600.
Sunday April 6 Social Bowls had 12 players and Marie Johnson, Michelle Fredericks and Pat Fletcher won the day. Peter Frame, Ben Ford and Wayne Dargan were the Lucky Losers. The Jackpot was not won and is $135 this Sunday.
Send Us Your Sports Results
CALLING all Nambucca Valley sporting and recreation clubs! Send News Of The Area your sports club’s results each week by Tuesday evening for publication on a Friday. Bowls, golf, tennis, kayaking, cycling, cross country, athletics, fishing etc - you name it, we can publish it in our dedicated weekly Sports Results section. Email your results, relevant photos and captions to media@newsofthearea.com.au.
brings.
Initially all those factors proved to be a problem combined with a run out tide that resulted in the fish showing no interest in the baits being offered up.
By mid-morning the tide turned, and ocean water started moving upstream.
The bites started and fish were being caught. Mostly the fish were bream, Gary of course came up with exotic
species of the day with a puffer fish.
It seems like the same people catch all the fish. Maybe they know what they are doing.
Of course, our Coordinator Greg takes all the credit for the training.
If you want to take advantage of Greg's knowledge and are a member of U3A then give Greg a ring on 0427 689 400.
Bowra Bowls Report
By BUNCHA
A TREMENDOUS rollup for social bowls last Thursday 3rd April, when 28 players with quite a few visitors from other clubs coming along due to the continuous rain and to experience the synthetic green under the roof for the first time and all had a wonderful time. Winners were Brendan Ruane, Neil Duffus and Bruce Mason (from Nambucca) and the runners up prize money going to Mary Dal Santo, Mike Oldham and Warren Gallop.
The Lucky Bowler was Len
Grace. Round 2 of the Club Fours championship is this week-end with the teams and times on the notice board.
THE TIGERS grade 5 pennants will be hosting South West Rocks tomorrow Saturday 12th for their final game in their section of the pennants. They will be out for a big win as they are running second and only 2 points behind Hat Head who will be having their final match against Crescent Head on Saturday May 3rd.
Nambucca Valley Bridge Club News
By Barbara MARANIK
RESULTS for 6thApril 2025
Monday 17th March 2025
North/South 1st Colleen Robertson & Pat Bride 66%, 2nd Paul Coe & Maureen Cowan 51%, 3rd Les Sinclair & Maureen Cowan
East /West
1st Carol McKee & Theda Faulwetter 62%, 2nd Lynne & John Slade 51%, 3rd Linda & Mike Siford 50%
Tuesday 1st April 2025 1st Amber Fox &
Carol McKee 62%, Equal 2nd Greg & Jane Wood, Michael Finucane & Margaret Sullivan 50%
Thursday 3rd April 2025
1st Ross Aitken & Barbara Johns 60%, 2nd Linda Siford & Barbara Lott 57%, 3rd Theda Faulwetter & Louise Walton 55%
Saturday 5th April 2025
1st Barb Maranik & Maureen Cowan 62%, 2nd Linda & Mike Siford 54%, 3rd Lynne & John Slade 52%
q Felicity with the catch of the day. Bernadette with a bream. Morelle's bream.
q Urunga Raiders play host to the Macleay Valley Rangers from Kempsey in the opening round. Pictured is Rangers player Reece Coleman.
By Manny WOOD
Vigilance key to tackling elder abuse
THIS column takes a break from the usual “Hypothetical” formula to address the important issue of elder abuse.
Elder abuse is an action or lack of action by someone in a relationship of trust that causes harm to an older person.
Older persons are particularly vulnerable to abuse due to frequent declines in their physical health and cognition.
Elder abuse can include neglect, financial abuse and domestic violence.
Unfortunately, reported instances of elder abuse are increasing.
The most common abusers are family members, friends and neighbours.
Adult children, who are often in their 50s and 60s, are the group most likely to engage in elder abuse.
The housing affordability crisis, the increase in property prices and increases in relationship breakdowns are causing many adult children to move back home.
These cases can also involve mental health issues, drug and alcohol abuse and unemployment.
More specific examples include instances where the older person is isolated from friends and family and support services.
The abuser may restrict access to services and limit living expenses to preserve their future inheritance. Sometimes abuse can take the form of the misuse of a power of attorney or other forms of theft.
Granny flat arrangements can also pose risks to older people.
Situations arise where an older parent pays a child a substantial sum of money to reside at the child’s property only to find that their accommodation is not appropriate or that their relationship with the child or the child’s partner deteriorates.
If the child’s relationship with their partner breaks-down, the elder can be forced to become involved in family law proceedings.
The number of older Australians is increasing as are instances of elder abuse.
A recent study found that 15 percent of over 65s had reported experiences of elder abuse.
Elder abuse is often hard to identify and elders are often reluctant to report abuse, so it is important for the community to be vigilant in this regard and critical that our elders obtain legal advice from experienced solicitors, particularly in relation to granny flat agreements, property transfers and estate planning.
This fictional column is not legal advice.
What koalas are we saving?
DEAR News Of The Area,
THIS morning we went past the usual crowd of tree huggers on Old Coast Road.
They were holding signs saying “Save the Koalas”.
I have lived here for eight years and am yet to see one so I don’t know how you can save something when they aren’t here to save.
What was really annoying, they had driven their cars all over the wet grass, leaving tyre marks and making an unholy mess of the whole area.
Regards, Wendy BIDEN, Nambucca Heads.
Dorin’s Draws By Paul DORIN On theCouch
Carbon credits can’t cut it in timber
DEAR News Of The Area,
TURNING native hardwood timber forests used for selective harvesting into carbon storage credits is a dangerous attempt to close a viable industry.
This latest proposition is a ludicrous attack on the highly regulated Australian native hardwood timber sector, essential to sourcing hardwood timber for the country’s growing housing, construction, mining, railways and infrastructure needs.
Native hardwood timber is the only renewable sustainable resource that already captures and stores carbon. Taking a lock up and leave approach to forests is
extremely dangerous.
Unmanaged forests cause catastrophic bush fires, causing death to people and animals and destroys property. Setting aside the forests for carbon credits under a yet to be proven method of measurement sounds good, but it is a hair brained idea set to raise a paltry $100 million per annum.
The native hardwood industry in NSW currently generates more than $2.9 billion each year and provides 8900 full time jobs (Ernst and Young Report 2023) and up to 22,000 indirect jobs in the NSW regions.
Australia already imports $5 billion worth of hardwood timber, often from developing countries that don’t have the strict regulatory framework.
The vast quantity of timber in
Electric car batteries
DEAR News Of The Area,
I HAVE been holding off buying another car because I wanted to see how the new electric cars progressed, so I looked forward to watching the Spotlight report on the car batteries. I was absolutely shocked and gobsmacked by this report and then I became extremely angry at our government for ‘’allowing’’ this to happen.
I felt so strongly about this that I was going to change my vote in the upcoming election. Then I thought more about the situation and realised that our government probably can’t do anything about it.
They can’t stop other countries from doing things.
However, they could refuse to give Indonesia all the financial assistance that we give them as an incentive to stop polluting the planet unnecessarily
DEAR Jasminda,
Why, on the face of so much evidence, do people refuse to see the importance of the environment?
What do they think is left when we destroy it?
Gina P.
Dear Gina P,
This sounds like one of the existential questions I ponder at 3am, so I'm grateful that you are asking it at a far more reasonable hour.
The short answer is that people's views are largely shaped by their upbringing, their exposure to different experiences and influences, their education, and their personal qualities.
People who are paid millions (or billions)
National parks could be used for carbon credits.
in ventures where environmental protection is an inconvenience will act in a vastly different way to those who understand that the environment isn't purely transactional.
There is something incredibly short-sighted and naive about not respecting the finite nature of earth's resources.
I'm never sure whether the attitude is based on pure greed or supreme confidence in an afterlife up in the clouds somewhere where preserving what's left of earth doesn't matter.
Gina, I think the only way to cope with this situation is to do what you can.
Support people with policies that respect the environment; participate in petitions and actions on environmental issues that concern you; make choices in your day-to-day life that help promote sustainability, and join groups with likeminded people.
Less than one percent of the public forest estate is harvested each year, supervised by the NSW Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) complying with the Integrated Forest Operations Agreement (IFOA).
and to protect their workers (too late for those who have already died as a result of these unsafe practices). They could also work with ethical car companies and get them to agree to use only nickel that has been obtained from Australian mines that are currently not operating due to Chinese and Indonesian‘’dirty nickel’’ mining, which is done with great damage to the environment and human beings, but is cheaper!
Regards, Noel ATKINS, Director, REEF Research Foundation.
I say China and Indonesia you should be ashamed of yourselves. This is outrageous! We should all refuse to buy any cars that use dirty nickel to make the batteries. The people worldwide need to speak up.
Regards, Jeanette TONG, Nambucca Heads.
Scams and card fraud on the rise
responding to scams has also been on the rise.
OVER two million Australians experienced card fraud and 675,000 responded to a scam in 2023-24, according to new results from the Personal Fraud Survey (PFS) released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).
William Milne, ABS head of crime statistics, said, “We found that 9.9 percent of Australians aged 15 years and over were victims of card fraud in 2023-24.
“This is up from 8.7 percent in the previous year.”
The survey collects details about the most recent incident of card fraud.
“We found 72 percent of card fraud victims were fully reimbursed by their card issuer,” Mr Milne said.
“Collectively, the net loss to all victims after any reimbursements were paid out was $477 million.”
The number of Australians
“We found that 3.1 percent of people were victims of scams in 202324, up from 2.5 percent in the previous year.
“Buying or selling scams, which includes things like false billing and online shopping scams, were the most common, experienced by about 308,000 Australians.
“This was up from the 200,000 victims in the previous financial year,”
said Mr Milne.
The survey found 71 percent of scam victims notified (or were notified by) an authority about the incident, most commonly a bank or financial institution (54 percent).
There was also a rise to 14 percent in the reporting of scams to a social media or selling site, up from 9.7 percent in 2022-23.
The Personal Fraud Survey covers experiences of card fraud, identity theft, online impersonation and selected scam types.
It includes prevalence rates and socio-demographic characteristics of victims.
It also includes details about the most recent incident of card fraud and identity theft, and the most serious incident of scams.
Have Your Say
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.
Janet Margaret O’Reilly
‘Jan’
Passed away 5th April, 2025 Aged 83 years.
Late of Wilson Road, Congarinni North and Autumn Lodge Nursing Home for the last 2 years. Beloved wife of Jim (dec). Dearly loved mother of Peter, Terry, Margie, Trish, Susan, Chris, Annie, Mick, Bernie, Gerard (dec) and their loving partners. Much loved Gran to all the grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Family and friends are respectfully invited to attend Jan’s Requiem Mass at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, Bowraville, on Friday 11th April, 2025 at 1:00pm, followed by private cremation.
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.
Public Notices
South Arm Hall AGM Sunday 4th May 10.00am All welcome
JAYCO Westport, 6 months rego, 18ft long aerial, shower/toilet, 2 single beds, new fridge 12V-240V, GC. $14,000 ono. X14213. Call Brian 0403 503 698
Position Vacant
BOWRAVILLE LOCAL
ABORIGINAL LAND COUNCIL
PO BOX 90 BOWRAVILLE NSW 2449
PH: (02) 6564 7812
EMAIL: bowralc@bigpond.net.au ABN 88 460 410 263
Chief Executive Officer
Bowraville Local Aboriginal Land Council
Salary range $85k - $95k plus superannuation
Job Description
STESSCO 3.75 tinnie 15HP Johnson motor canopy, paddle, auxiliary outboard bracket & anchor. $4,000 ono S47582. Call Brian 0403 503 698
0437 415 487
KIA Seltos 2022
$34,500 ono. 37,000 km. GT Line SUV AWD sunroof, heated-leather seats, press-button start, apple car play Bose sound system Pearl white. 054LA3 August Like new, 3 yrs old. Roadworthy cert Serviced regularly. Ph Skye - 0429 611 988
BLALC is seeking a CEO who practices purpose-led leadership to achieve the social, cultural, economic and environmental aspirations of the BLALC Aboriginal Community. The CEO is responsible for ensuring the statutory functions of the NSW Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983 (ALRA) are met, reporting to the Board, managing the day-to-day operations and administration of BLALC, achieving outcomes through the BLALC Community Land and Business Plan, and applying best practice principles to the functions of BLALC. The CEO will develop and maintain strong, respectful relationships with current and emerging partners to ensure the continuation of current BLALC programs, and identify and deliver new opportunities. Salary packaging and salary sacrifice options are available to the successful applicant. Motor vehicle, mobile phone, tablet and laptop provided for work related use.
This position is a targeted position open to Aboriginal applicants only. Applications from Non-Aboriginal applicants will not progress to the next stage of recruitment. In accordance with Sections 14 and 21 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 and under Clause 26 of the Government Sector Employment (General) Rules 2014. To obtain a recruitment package including the selection criteria and position description, please email your request to trent@ leavie.com.au using the subject line: Chief Executive Officer –Bowraville LALC or call 0400 563 018.
MITSUBISHI Pajero GLS 4WD 3.2L diesel 2003. Mechanically sound, in great condition New tyres, well serviced & garaged 370,500km. Rego to 8 Jun ‘25 YZY538 $7,000 ono 0474 311 763 e020525
Bernard Laverty Funerals Tel: 6568 1555 NISSAN Maxima TI MY 12/03 V6, 262km APK36X. $1,970. Ph 0427 709 798
EASTER & ANZAC DAY 2023
EASTER 2021
Due to Easter Public Holidays we will have early deadlines for the below editions:
Due to Easter & ANZAC Day Public Holidays we will have early deadlines for the below editions:
EASTER & ANZAC DAY 2025 EARLY DEADLINE NOTIFICATION
Friday 7th April 2023 will be printed and distributed Thursday 6th April 2023 (Booking/Copy/Final approvals will change)
Due to the Easter & Anzac Day Public Holidays, we have early deadlines for the below editions: Friday 18th April 2025
Friday 2nd April 2021 will be printed and distributed Thursday 1st April 2021 (Booking/Copy/Final approvals will change)
Friday 14th April 2023
Friday 25th April 2025
(Booking/Copy/Final approvals will change)
Friday 9th April 2021 (Booking/Copy/Final approvals will change)
Nambucca Valley NOTA will hit the stands 24 hours early being delivered on Thursday 17th April & Thursday 24th April.
Friday 28th April 2023
(Booking/Copy/Final approvals will change)
For more information, please contact Gaye gaye@newsofthearea.com.au
The classifieds deadline has also been brought forward 24 hours, that means notices must be in by Tuesday at 12pm for the two above editions.
We wish you all a Happy & Safe Easter from the team at Coffs Coast News Of The Area
For more information, please contact Gaye gaye@newsofthearea.com.au
BEST ON THE BOX
SATURDAY
JUDI LOVE’S CULINARY
CRUISE
SBS FOOD, 7.30pm
A self-confessed foodie, British comedian Judi Love (pictured) was named champion of Celebrity MasterChef UK in 2020, where she easily won over viewers with her candid and cheeky style. Now, she’s setting sail on her own taste adventure, travelling to five Mediterranean destinations on a luxury yacht and whipping up dishes for her fellow passengers, using local produce along the way. Her first stop is Kotor, Montenegro, a town famed for its seafood. Love explores the historic old town and heads to some oyster and mussel farms to collect ingredients.
FRIDAY, April 11
MONDAY
TIPPING POINT: TRAVEL GUIDES
NBN, 7.30pm
Before the Travel Guides cast embark on their eighth season of adventures, some of TV’s most seasoned travellers try their luck against the Point machine in this fun-filled special. Victorian retirees Kevin and Janetta, Melbourne friends Kev, Teng and Dorian, and Newcastle couple Matt and Brett go head-tohead in Todd Woodbridge’s (pictured) game of wits, with a potential $40,000 prize for their chosen charities on the line. The jet-setting crew are known for their frank appraisals of tourist destinations and stepping outside their comfort zones, so you know there’ll be plenty of laughs along the way as the teams risk it all, trying to reach the jackpot round and claim victory.
TUESDAY
SWINGERS: HOW TO WIN AN ELECTION
Letters And Numbers. (R) 6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 Seven’s National News At Noon. 1.00 MOVIE: Nikki And Nora: Sister Sleuths. (2022, PGav) 3.00 The
6.00 Mastermind Australia.
SBS World News.
The Mystery Of The Nazca Lines. (PG, R) 8.40 Bettany Hughes’ Lost Worlds: Nabataeans. (PG) 9.40 Scotland’s Scenic Railways. (R) 10.35 SBS World News Late. 11.05 A Body That Works. (Mls)
4.40 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
ABC FAMILY (22)
VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 6.35pm Hey Duggee. 6.40 Ben And Holly. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Gardening Australia Junior. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 7.50 Teen Titans Go! 8.00 Be Cool, Scooby-Doo! 8.25 BTN Newsbreak. 8.30 MythBusters “There’s Your Problem!”. 8.55 Robot Wars. 9.55 Harry Potter: Hogwarts Tournament Of Houses. 10.40 Late Programs.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. Hosted by Johanna Griggs.
7.30 Football. AFL. Round 5. Collingwood v Sydney.
10.30 AFL Post-Game Show. Post-game discussion and interviews.
11.15 GetOn Extra. A look at the weekend’s best racing.
11.45 9-1-1: Lone Star. (Mav, R) An armoured truck heist is carried out.
12.45 The Black Donnellys. (Premiere, Mdsv)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R)
5.00 NBC Today.
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The date is set, bulk bread and sausage orders are in, and tiny pencils are being sharpened: it’s time for a federal election. But before Australians head to the polls on May 3, ABC analyst Casey Briggs (pictured) is here to chart the lay of the land, taking a particularly close look at the people who will decide the result of the election: swing voters. Australians have less party loyalty than ever before, which means that these voters, along with their “soft” counterparts (those who have an idea of where their vote will go but aren’t firmly decided), hold the power. In this new, cheekily titled series, Briggs travels the country to find out who our nation’s “swingers” are, and what they make of the 2025 campaigns.
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Rugby League. NRL. Round 6. Brisbane Broncos v Sydney Roosters.
9.55 Golden Point. A wrap-up of the Brisbane Broncos versus Sydney Roosters match, with NRL news and analysis.
10.45 MOVIE: War. (2007, MA15+lsv, R)
An FBI agent pursues an assassin. Jet Li, Jason Statham.
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)
6.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R) Hosted by Grant Denyer.
6.30 The Project. A look at the day’s news. 7.30 Airborne: Nature In Our Skies: In Flight Meals. (PGa) Takes a look at the quest for food. 8.40 The Graham Norton Show. (Ml, R) Graham Norton is joined on the couch by Demi Moore, Lady Gaga, Colin Farrell, Richard Ayoade, Jack Savoretti and Miles Kane. 11.00 10’s Late News. 11.25 The Project. (R) 12.30 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 1.30 Home Shopping. (R)
6am Morning Programs. Noon MOVIE: Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed. (2004, PG) 1.50 Innovation Nation. 2.00 The Golden Girls. 2.30 The Nanny. 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 The Addams Family. 5.00 Bewitched. 5.30 I Dream Of Jeannie. 6.00 The Golden Girls. 6.30 The Nanny. 7.30 MOVIE: Journey 2: The Mysterious Island. (2012,
SATURDAY, April 12
6.10 Father Brown. (PGav) Brenda is embroiled in a deadly local dispute.
Federal Election Announcement. (R) An election announcement by the Greens.
ABC News. A look at the top stories of the
10.05 Unforgotten. (Mal, R) The team finds suspects further afield.
8.30 Snowdon & Margaret: A Scandalous Affair. (PGa, R)
9.25 Stanley Tucci: Searching For Italy. (PG, R) 10.15 Great Coastal Railway Journeys. (PGa, R) 11.15 Paris Paris. (Ms, R) 3.10 Bamay. (R) 4.05 Peer To Peer. (PG, R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG, R) Narrated by Grant Bowler.
7.30 MOVIE: The Day After Tomorrow. (2004, Ma, R) A sudden ice age engulfs Earth. Dennis Quaid, Jake Gyllenhaal.
9.55 MOVIE: The Book Of Eli. (2010, MA15+v, R) A man fights to protect a sacred book. Denzel Washington.
12.20 Motor Racing. Supercars Championship. Taupo Super400. Day 1. Highlights.
1.20 The Black Donnellys. (Mdsv)
2.30 To Be Advised.
4.00 It’s Academic. (R) 5.00 My Greek Odyssey. (PGln, R)
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Space Invaders. (PG)
8.30 MOVIE: Mrs Doubtfire. (1993, PGal, R) A man poses as a female housekeeper. Robin Williams, Sally Field.
11.00 MOVIE: The Birdcage. (1996, Ml, R) Robin Williams.
1.15 Let’s Eat With George. (R)
1.45 Talking Honey. (PG, 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. A couple have a five-bed Donvale home. 8.30 Gogglebox Australia. (R) TV fanatics open up their living rooms to reveal their reactions to popular and topical TV shows. 9.30 Ambulance Australia. (Mdlm, R) A specialist critical care paramedic responds to a head-on collision that has left a driver trapped in their car. 10.30 Elsbeth. (Ma, R) 11.30 FBI. (Mv, R) 12.30 Home Shopping. (R) 5.00 Hour Of Power.
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SUNDAY, April 13
6.25 Federal Election Announcement. (R)
6.30 Compass. (PG)
6.55 Federal Election Announcement. (R)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 Darby And Joan. (Mad)
8.15 Unforgotten. (Mal)
9.05 Boat Story. (MA15+v) Janet and Samuel plot their next move.
10.05 MOVIE: Windrider. (1986, Mdls, R)
11.35 You Can’t Ask That. (Mal, R)
12.05 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
3.00 Ask The Doctor. (PG, R)
3.30 Gardening Australia. (R)
4.30 Insiders. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Ancient Empires. (Mav)
9.30 Clash Of The Crown Princes.
10.30 What They Found. (MA15+aw)
11.20 Mayhem: Secret Lives Of Georgian Kings. (PGav, R)
12.15 Rebel With A Cause: Neville Bonner. (PGal, R)
1.15 Empires Of New York. (MA15+ad, R)
3.45 Britain’s Great Outdoors. (R)
4.15 Bamay. (R)
4.45 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R)
4.50 Destination Flavour. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 Al Jazeera.
6am A River Runs Through It. (1992, PG) 8.15 Dancing At Lughnasa. (1998, PG) 10.00 The Big Chill. (1983, M) Noon The Devil Has A Name. (2019, M) 1.50 Goal! 2: Living The Dream. (2007, PG) 4.00 The World’s Fastest Indian. (2005, PG) 6.20 Roman Holiday. (1953, PG) 8.30 And So It Goes. (2014, M) 10.15 House Of Pleasures. (2011, MA15+, French) 12.40am Late Programs. 6am The World’s Fastest Indian. Continued. (2005,
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(1992,
4.25 Sometimes Always Never. (2018, PG) 6.05 Fried Green Tomatoes. (1991, PG) 8.30 The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button. (2008, M) 11.30 Late Programs.
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 The 1% Club UK. (PG, R) 8.00 Highway Patrol. (PG, R) Officers hunt for a fleeing driver.
8.30 MOVIE: The Equalizer 3. (2023, MA15+av) Robert McCall battles the Italian Mafia. Denzel Washington, Dakota Fanning.
11.00 MOVIE: Firestarter. (2022, MA15+av)
1.00 Motor Racing. Supercars Championship. Taupo Super400. Day 2. Highlights. 2.00 Home Shopping.
3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News.
5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 NBN News. 7.00 60 Minutes. 8.00 RBT. (Ml) 8.30 The People V Michael Jackson. (MA15+a) A look at the People versus Michael Jackson trial.
9News Late.
See No Evil. (Mav)
The First 48. (Mav)
Oz Off Road TV. (PG, R)
TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa)
Drive TV: Drive Car Of The Year. (R)
AFL North Coast season gets underway
FROM Page 24
women begin their premiership defence at home, when they play host to the Port Macquarie Magpies at Richardson Park. Sawtell/Toormina Saints Under 18s start their tilt for three straight
premierships by taking on the Port Macquarie Magpies at Richardson Park.
Northern Beaches Blues and Coffs Harbour Breakers Under 18s and women’s teams both play off at the Wiigulga Sports Complex in the opening round.
The reserves season begins in Round 2 on Saturday, 26 April,
with the Coffs Harbour Breakers beginning their premiership defence against the Sawtell/Toormina Saints at Richardson Park.
Port Macquarie Reserves take on the Nambucca Valley Lions Reserves at Wayne Richards Park.
This season will see the top three teams on the ladder playing finals, with the minor premiers straight through to the grand final, and preliminary finals to start the finals series.
6.00 The Sunday Project. A look at the day’s news. 7.00 Australian Survivor. (PGl) Presented by Jonathan LaPaglia.
6.00 Mastermind Australia.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.35 Milan With Michael Portillo. (PGa)
8.30 Pompeii: The New Dig. (Final, PGan, R) 9.35 24 Hours In Emergency. (M)
10.30 SBS World News Late.
11.00 Syndrome E. (Malv)
12.00 Infiniti. (MA15+av, R)
2.00 Son Of. (Madlv, R)
3.45 Inside The Modelling Agency. (PG, R)
4.40 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6am Children’s Programs. 6.25pm Octonauts: Above And Beyond. 6.35 Hey Duggee. 6.40 Kiri And Lou. 6.45 Ben And Holly.
SBS MOVIES (32)
6am Dancing At Lughnasa. Continued. (1998, PG) 7.05 Fried Green Tomatoes. (1991, PG) 9.30 Roman Holiday. (1953, PG) 11.40 And So It Goes. (2014, M) 1.20pm The Cover. (2021, M, Spanish) 3.00 The Movie Show. 3.35 It All Began When Met You. (2013, PG, Japanese) 5.35 Murder Party. (2022, PG, French) 7.30 My Old Lady. (2014, M) 9.30 The Longest Week. (2014, M) 11.05 Late Programs.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGa)
7.30 Highway Patrol. (PGa)
A hit-and-run driver is found at home.
8.30 9-1-1: Lone Star. (Mad) The 126 races into action when a horse barrels into a brewery and a bus full of tourists all experience seizures.
9.30 Suits L.A. (M)
10.30 The Agenda Setters. 11.30 St. Denis Medical. (PGal) 12.00 Treadstone. (MA15+av)
2.00 Home Shopping.
4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 NBN News. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 Tipping Point: Travel Guides. 9.00 100% Footy. (M) 10.00 9News Late. 10.30 The Prison Confessions Of Gypsy-Rose Blanchard. (Malv) 11.20 Police After Dark. (Mlv, R) 12.10 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 1.05 Hello SA. (PG)
TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 2.30 Global Shop. (R)
6.00
10.30 The ABC Of... (PG, R) 11.00 News. 11.15 The Business. (R) 11.30 Four Corners. (R) 12.15 Media Watch. (PG, R) 12.35 Q+A. (R) 1.35 Grand Designs NZ. (R) 2.20 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 3.05 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.45 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)
6.00 Mastermind Australia. 6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Great Coastal Railway Journeys. (R) 8.30 Insight.
5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 James May: Our Man In... Japan. 10.30 Duelling Daredevils. 11.20 Taskmaster. 12.15am Late Programs.
SBS MOVIES (32)
6am Morning Programs. 6.55 Sometimes Always Never. (2018, PG) 8.35 Little Nicholas’ Treasure. (2021, PG, French) 10.30 The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button. (2008, M) 1.30pm Fried Green Tomatoes. (1991, PG) 3.55 Mary And The Witch’s Flower. (2017, PG) 5.50 All Roads Lead To Rome. (2015, PG) 7.30 The Promise. (2016, M) 9.55 The Handmaid’s Tale. (1990, MA15+) 11.55 Late Programs.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGa)
7.30 The Americas: The Amazon. (PG) Takes a look at the Amazon. 8.30 9-1-1: Lone Star. (Ma) Owen finally faces his brother’s death.
9.30 The Irrational. (Mav) An astronaut is trapped in space.
10.30 The Agenda Setters.
11.30 St. Denis Medical. (PGal)
12.00 The Act. (MA15+ans, R)
1.10 Travel Oz. (PG, R)
2.00 Home Shopping.
4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
(64) 7MATE (64)
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WEDNESDAY, April 16
6.00 Mastermind Australia. 6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Alone Australia. (M)
The survivalists’ race to catch a wallaby.
8.40 The Handmaid’s Tale. (MA15+) June struggles to save her loved ones.
10.40 SBS World News Late.
11.10 My Brilliant Friend. (Mlsv, R)
3.30 Inside The Modelling Agency. (PGl, R)
4.25 Bamay. (R)
4.55 Poh & Co. Bitesize. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6am Children’s Programs. 6.25pm Octonauts: Above And Beyond. 6.35 Hey Duggee. 6.40 Kiri And Lou. 6.45 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
SBS MOVIES (32)
6am All Roads
Lead To Rome. (2015, PG) 7.45 Mary And The Witch’s Flower. (2017, PG) 9.40 The Glassworker. (2024, PG, Urdu) 11.30 The Promise. (2016, M) 1.55pm Murder Party. (2022, PG, French) 3.50 The Last Wave. (1977, PG) 5.50 Sun Children. (2020, PG, Farsi) 7.40 6 Days. (2017, M) 9.30 The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo. (2009, MA15+, Swedish) 12.15am Late Programs.
THURSDAY, April 17
West Australia. (PG, R)
10.45 ABC Late News.
11.00 The Business. (R) 11.20 Darby And Joan. (Mad, R) 12.05 Grand Designs NZ. (R) 12.50 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 1.35 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.15 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)
6.00 Mastermind Australia.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 The Secret DNA Of Us. (Premiere, PG)
8.35 Sydney’s Super Tunnel. (PG)
9.35 Virdee. (MA15+)
10.45 SBS World News Late.
11.15 Breaking Point. (MA15+a)
12.05 Blinded. (MA15+ds, R)
1.50 Desperate Measures. (Malv, R)
3.30 Could Hitler Have Been Stopped? (PGa, R)
4.20 Bamay. (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)
7.30 The 1% Club UK. (PG, R)
8.30 The Front Bar. (Ml) Takes a lighter look at all things AFL. 9.30 Unfiltered. (PGa) Hosted by Hamish McLachlan.
10.00 The Stevenson Experience: Stranger Twins. (MA15+ls) A standup comedy show by The Stevenson Experience. 11.30 Autopsy USA. (Ma, R)
12.30 Midnight Texas. (MA15+hv)
2.30 Home Shopping.
4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 NBN News. 7.00 A Current Affair.
The Hundred With Andy Lee. (PGs)
The Grand Tour. (Ml, R)
Freddy And The Eighth. (Ml)
9News Late. 11.20 The Equalizer. (MA15+v, R)
SBS MOVIES (32)
6am Little Nicholas’ Treasure. (2021, PG, French) 7.55 Sun Children. (2020, PG, Farsi) 9.45 RBG. (2018, PG) 11.35 Mass. (2021, M) 1.40pm All Roads Lead To Rome. (2015, PG) 3.25 Arthur And The Revenge Of Maltazard. (2009, PG) 5.10 Ride On. (2023, PG, Mandarin) 7.30 Gold. (2016, M) 9.45 The Girl Who Played With Fire. (2009, MA15+, Swedish) 12.10am Late Programs.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PG) 7.30 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly. (PG) Graeme Hall meets a noisy maltipoo. 8.30 Britain’s Got Talent. (PG) Auditions begin as weird, wacky and wonderful acts compete in front of celebrity judges.
10.00 The Amazing Race. (PG) Racers skydive over the city of Dubai. 11.30 The Chernobyl Disaster. (Ma, R)
12.30 Emergency Call. (Ma, R)
1.30 Travel Oz. (PG, R) 2.00 Home Shopping. 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
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By Aiden BURGESS
AUSSIE Rules is set for its return to the region with the AFL North Coast season getting underway this weekend.
Sawtell/Toormina Saints host the Macleay Valley Eagles to begin their season, as they take on an Eagles team who will no doubt be fired up and on an emotional high. It will be the Eagles first seniors’ game in 10 years, as they make their return to the AFL North Coast competition. The Saints were knocked out at the Preliminary Final stage last season, as they look to win their first premiership since 2018.
Port Macquarie Magpies begin their premiership defence in Grafton, as they travel to take on the Grafton Tigers who were knocked out in the first week of the finals last season.
AFL Preview
Last season’s runners-up, the Coffs Harbour Breakers, have the opening round bye. The Breakers play their first game of the season in Round 2 against the Sawtell/ CONTINUED Page 21
q The Nambucca Valley Lions will begin their season on 26 April in Port Macquarie.
