Kalang set for racing action
THE 2025 Kalang River Classic will hit the water on Sunday, 23 February at Urunga, with entries still open.
The “Classic” is a 15 kilometre paddling race on the picturesque Kalang River, taking on a set course around Newry Island.
All types of non-powered watercraft feature including outriggers, dragon boats, kayaks, canoes, skulls and stand-up paddleboards (SUPs).
The full course takes about two hours to complete, while shorter races are offered for juniors, and racers on SUPs and kayaks.
The event has been run every two years by the Kalang River Dragon Boat Club since 2021.
“Urunga is our club’s home
CONTINUED Page 3
By Ned COWIE
Mick BIRTLES 0408 167 891 birtles@newsofthearea.com.au
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Ned COWIE 0401 431 460 nerida@newsofthearea.com.au
David WIGLEY wigley@newsofthearea.com.au
Mary KEILY 0476 603 944 mary@newsofthearea.com.au
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Childcare shortage impacting other sectors
A DIRE shortage of childcare places is causing children on the Mid North Coast to be excluded from early learning.
Industry experts say the shortage is spilling into other sectors as nurses, aged care workers, teachers and other essential workers are unable to return to work when their children are young.
As many as 50 children compete for a spot in some areas, with some of the worst access in the surrounds of Nambucca Heads, Bellingen and Valla.
A 2023 survey by Regional Development Australia found that 52 percent of local families are not able to secure childcare.
Jay Weatherill from the Minderoo Foundation’s Thrive by Five campaign said governments must act to ensure all children and families, regardless of their postcode, have access to childcare and early learning.
“Universally accessible early childhood education and care would not just support all children to thrive, but allow regional, rural and remote communities to flourish,” said Mr Weatherill.
“Without sufficient early education and care, thousands of parents – usually mothers – are left unable to work and support their families on their own terms.
“This leaves families financially worseoff, children more likely to start school
developmentally vulnerable and local businesses and essential workforces facing staffing constraints, as we’re seeing on the NSW Mid North Coast.”
n December the Federal Government announced they would spend $1 billion to build or expand more than 160 early learning centres in underserved areas of the country.
“We’re calling on all parties to commit to improving access to early education in Australia’s regions, so that every child and family can thrive,” said Maddy Butler, Campaign Director at advocacy group The Parenthood.
A 2024 study by Victoria University’s Mitchell Institute found that about 24 percent of Australia’s population live in areas classified as ‘childcare deserts’ – where there are more than three children per childcare place.
It also found about 700,000
q Jay Weatherill from the Minderoo Foundation.
Australians live in areas with virtually no access to childcare at all.
“We know that high-quality accessible childcare has huge benefits, for both workforce participation and helping young children to thrive,” said Mitchell Institute Director and
report lead author, Associate Professor Peter Hurley.
“Governments around the world are committing billions of dollars, pounds and euros to increase the supply of childcare, without much understanding of the best way to do it.”
Kalang River set for paddle racing action
FROM Page 1
base and we paddle weekly on the pristine Kalang River,” said organiser Beth Spriggs.
“It gives our club members pleasure to host such a
and
and enthusiasts from other areas.”
For more information go to https://kalangriverclassic. com.au or contact organisers on 0414 475 085.
Forestry ‘misstated’ native logging yields
By Andrew VIVIAN
ASSESSMENTS of the economic and employment impacts of the proposed Great Koala National Park (GKNP) have been based on grossly inflated claims, according to the North East Forest Alliance (NEFA).
It follows confirmation that Forestry Corporation NSW (FCNSW) has been overstating its native logging yields for the past three years.
The organisation blames a “data extraction error from its sales database” for the incorrect numbers in its annual biomaterial report, which is legally required to show the area of native forest logged and the volume of timber products obtained.
Environmentalist and NEFA co-founder Dalian Pugh, said he had reservations for some time about Forestry’s figures.
After comparing its data with satellite imagery, he found “something wasn’t right”.
NEFA complained
of gross errors and data inconsistencies, which led to FCNSW releasing a revised 2023 Report last October.
“I knew their figures were wrong but I didn’t know how wrong,” Mr Pugh told News Of The Area.
“[Over] the three years, they have reclassified 65,584m3 of premium large high quality logs as lower value small high quality logs, and reduced claimed yields of low quality logs by 616,384 tonnes.
“If the new data is to be believed, it means that all assessments of the Forestry Corporation’s performance have been based on inflated false information for years.
“There is no reliable data from FCNSW available to gauge what they’ve been up to all these years.”
Greens MP Sue Higginson is calling for the NSW Auditor General to investigate FCNSW for maladministration.
“For this data to be revised down by 28 percent, without any public announcement, calls into question the entire justification for continued native forest logging,” she said.
“The reported yield from native forest logging forms a critical part of so-called ecologically sustainable forest management.
“Despite oversight by the EPA and auditing by the
Auditor General, these gross errors would not have been identified or rectified except for our repeated questioning of errors and inconsistencies in the Forestry Corporation’s data.”
A spokesperson for FCNSW said the data extraction error related only to some product categories and was confined to the biomaterials report.
They added that while the volume of some product categories had been misstated, the database correctly and accurately records the volumes sold in every product category and the revenue received.
q Paddlers in action on the Kalang.
Changes to intensive horticulture rules knocked back by State Government
FROM Page 1
impacts - including water and air pollution - of intensive horticulture enterprises in the local government area.
The amendment would have meant that buffer and riparian zones, as well as water course management plans, were requirements for new blueberry farms.
Council resolved in November 2024 to proceed with the amendment to the LEP.
Councillors Vance, Angel, McWilliam and Mayor Gary Lee voted against submitting the amendment at that meeting on the grounds that more time and consultation was required.
More than a year since community unrest brought the issue to Council’s attention, a long process of applying for a gateway determination and gathering submissions culminated in an outright rejection of the amendments proposed by Council.
The State Government, in its refusal, argued Council did not include sufficient evidence
to support and justify the changes to the LEP.
The refusal now negates the need for changes to be made to another Council document, the Development Control Plan (DCP).
Council has been advised to consult with stakeholders and consider the submissions received, including economic outcomes for the industry, before beginning the process of lodgement again.
“A meeting will be arranged with the Department of Planning and Department of Primary Industries to discuss reasons for refusal, with a view to resubmit the planning proposal,” Council has stated in a report.
Councillor David Jones, who has been a strong advocate for increased regulation of blueberry farming, expressed his frustration with the rejection.
“I’m disappointed with the Department (Planning, Housing and Infrastructure) because we followed their best practice [guidelines] and now they seem to not be happy with their own best
practices,” he told News Of The Area this week.
“I have had farmers phone me in tears about this, because of what they have had to go through because of the practices of intensive horticulture next door.”
Cr Jones said he hoped Council would take the issue further and personally vowed to keep fighting for changes.
In the meantime, he fears the rejection will facilitate more farms and intensive horticulture enterprises being established.
Nambucca Valley Mayor Gary Lee said the State Government decision was “frustrating given the level of impact known to occur from inappropriately established horticulture farms”.
“Council’s proposal was just to ensure measures set by the State Government for horticulture farms were implemented as part of the farm establishment.
“The lack of support from the NSW Department of Planning means some intensive horticulture practices remain uncontrolled and pollution incidents will continue to occur.”
In a statement to NOTA,
Green thumbs unite in friendship
By Jen HETHERINGTON
MP
said he believed Council had consulted widely before submitting its planning proposal, but acknowledged the wide range of views on the issue.
THE first meeting for 2025 of the Stuarts Point and District Garden Club (SPaDGC) was held on Wednesday, 5 February, marked by summer weather and the warmth of friendship.
At 11.30am a troupe of flora-loving individuals gathered at the Stuarts Point Community Hall to set up trading and display tables featuring exhibits including blooms, potted plants, foliage, fruit, vegetables and
q A Council-proposed amendment to the rules pertaining to intensive horticulture operations has been knocked back by the State Government.
“Now we need to go forward, ensuring compliance with environmental and development guidelines are followed,” he said.
"We need to get out of the way of food production and put more funding into regulatory bodies like the EPA.” Council indicated on Wednesday that the amendment will be resubmitted.
herbs.
President Denise O’Connor was pleased to welcome visitors, including Nambucca Valley Garden Club (NVGC) Secretary Lizzie Wait and new members.
After the formalities of the meeting agenda were attended to, Denise elaborated on the club’s extensive 2025 program of events and outings, which was followed by a luncheon - an integral sharing element
of each meeting. To round out the day, a number of SPaDGC members took the short drive to the Scotts Head Community Garden to be welcomed by avid gardener George Driussi, who led the group on a tour, and delighted in explaining the purpose and practices of the garden.
With a “great schedule of events planned for 2025”, Denise is inviting new members and visitors to get involved in club activities, regardless of their gardening experience or expertise.
“Our next meeting here at the hall will be on Wednesday, 5 March 5 at 11.30am,” she said.
For more information about the Stuarts Point Garden Club, contact Denise O’Connor on 0434 372 707.
q Floral exhibits were adjudicated by Vice-President Garry Miles.
q George Driussi welcomed visitors to the Scotts Head Community Garden.
Oxley
Michael Kemp
Illegal camping infuriating locals
By Ned COWIE
FOLLOWING reports of raw sewage in the water at Bellwood Park, News Of The Area investigated to find what appeared to be toilet paper floating in otherwise clear water off several of the small beaches at the park.
According to one report, children swimming at the popular park found what they believed to be faeces in the water and on the sand last weekend.
“It’s disgusting that this (is) happening at a beautiful park and (what) was a beautiful clean waterway,” one contributor said in a post on a popular community Facebook page.
Nambucca Valley Council General Manager Bede Spannagle told NOTA that any sewage found in or around Bellwood Park last weekend was not the result of the Council-operated sewage treatment, but would have more likely been caused by visitors to the area.
“I am absolutely confident that any sewage found in the water there would be from illegal camping nearby,” he told NOTA.
A post on Facebook from last December snapped photos of used toilet paper on Stuart Island, Nambucca
Heads, just across the water from Bellwood beach.
Several regular walkers at Stuart Island confirmed to NOTA that the beaches are usually clean, but said the area is popular with free campers, especially during holiday periods and over weekends.
Despite the Council increasing its ranger numbers last July from 1.5 to 2.5, there are a number of hotspots for the offence in the Nambucca Valley, Mr Spannagle claimed.
“Shelly Beach is one but our rangers act on advice,” he said, urging locals to inform Council about problem campers if they notice them.
“We have issued a number of fines in the past for illegal camping but haven’t got the budget to put rangers on patrol, looking for them,” he
said.
Stuart Island (opposite Bellwood Park) is also an offleash dog walking zone, so pollution found in the area could come from several potential sources.
Beverly Gibbs from Nambucca Riverwatch, a group which regularly tests water at Bellwood Park, told NOTA the area’s faecal coliform results ruled out an ongoing problem with sewage overflow.
“We don’t have any concerns there,” she said, explaining that monthly testing indicated very low numbers of faecal coliforms and high percentages of dissolved oxygen - making the water suitable for aquatic life.
“We have more concerns about (the Nambucca River
at) Park Street, Bowraville where we found extremely high levels of faecal coliforms (more than three times what is considered a safe limit) on our January testing.”
Waterwatch NSW’s webpage, where water testing carried out by the Nambucca Riverwatch volunteer group is logged, indicated the Park Street site also tested high for sewage in October 2024.
“It’s impossible to tell what exactly caused that,” Ms Gibbs explained.
“High faecal coliforms indicate the presence of faeces but could be from any mammal,” she said.
As for Bellwood Park, it seems that locals are tired of free-loading campers who leave the area less beautiful than they found it.
“If they are going to enjoy
our Valley, the least they can do is keep it clean and use the amenities provided,” one dog-walker to Stuart Island
q
What appeared to be toilet paper on the beaches and in the water at Bellwood Park.
q Visitors to Bellwood Park have recently been disappointed with pollution in the area.
q Campers at Stuart Island, Nambucca Heads have been implicated in pollution found in the area.
told NOTA.
“I mean, there is a toilet there, less than 100 metres away,” she said.
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Banks agree to no regional branch closures - until 2027
By Andrew BROWN, AAP
THE major banks will be banned from closing regional branches for the next two years to arrest the decline of face-to-face services outside major cities.
The federal government has imposed a moratorium on branch closures until the end of July, 2027.
Some 36 percent of bank branches in regional Australia have shut their doors since 2017.
Treasurer Jim Chalmers said the moratorium came after NAB accepted a new agreement to not close regional branches, with the Commonwealth Bank and Westpac extending their previous arrangements.
A moratorium was already in place at ANZ, following their takeover of Suncorp.
"If we want a strong national economy, then regional Australia needs to be a big part of the story, and that means making sure that banking services are available to the businesses and workers and people and communities of regional Australia," Dr Chalmers told reporters on Tuesday.
"We also want to make sure that there are still face-to-face services for people who need them in the bush and people for whom digital alternatives may not necessarily work."
The Labor government has also signed an agreement with the major banks to increase their commitment to services available at Australia Post outlets.
Commonwealth Bank, Westpac and NAB have all reached an agreement to provide banking services at post offices, also called
Bank@Post, with ANZ also agreeing to terms to join the scheme.
Macquarie Bank and HSBC have also started negotiations with Australia Post to sign on.
"This means that we can shore up the financial outlook for Bank@Post, but also, importantly, provide greater certainty and services and choice to customers in rural and regional areas," Dr Chalmers said.
"There is more work to do to secure the best version of banking services for people in regional Australia, but these two announcements are very big, very substantial, very important announcements in their own right."
Australian Banking Association chief executive Anna Bligh said the industry was committed to customers in regional areas.
"While Australians
continue to shift to digital banking and payment platforms, banks recognise some customers still prefer face-to-face services," she said.
"This is a major commitment to make sure regional customers can continue to visit a branch and access services if they wish to do so."
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q Australian Banking Association CEO Anna Bligh says the sector is committed to the regions. Photo: Mick Tsikas/AAP PHOTOS.
Facility upgrades and exciting line-ups
By Mick BIRTLES
THE iconic Bowraville Theatre has announced its entertainment program for the year will begin with a stellar lineup of performances that are already beginning to sell out.
Tickets for tonight's performance by Australian musical sensation Mama Kin Spender have already been exhausted. A similar rush for tickets is expected for next week's performance by Andrea Kirwin and Band, when they present their critically acclaimed Tracy Chapman Tribute Show on
Thursday 20 February.
“We are so excited that the Bowraville Theatre has been included on our east coast tour as we have not performed there before and so many of our colleagues in the music industry rave about the place,” Andrea Kirwin told News Of The Area.
The internationallyrenowned Ben Lee will appear at the theatre on Friday 21 February.
“This will be a unique occasion for fans to get up close to such a celebrated Australian music icon in the intimate setting of the Bowraville Theatre and I encourage people not to delay in purchasing their tickets and risk missing out,” Bowraville Arts Council’s Dale Hawkins
told NOTA.
In addition to live music, the theatre is also celebrating the Freedom Ride 60th Anniversary on Monday 24 February with a special event commemorating this significant moment in history.
In 1965 a group of courageous students from the University of Sydney, led by Charles Perkins, embarked on a journey through regional NSW to confront racial discrimination and advocate for Aboriginal rights.
Details about the event are still being finalised, but expect an inspiring program that reflects the spirit of the anniversary.
The Bowraville Theatre is also bringing back Sunday Afternoon Movies beginning
on 2 March with the political thriller ‘Conclave’ and continuing on 30 March with the Bob Dylan biopic ‘No Direction Home.’
The volunteer-managed and operated Bowraville Theatre will also have some significant upgrades through the year to enhance the theatre experience for visitors.
The first phase of improvements will include the addition of disabled access and a much-needed electrical upgrade.
These changes are just the beginning, as the theatre plans to significantly improve their sound and lighting systems, ensuring top-notch production quality for all performances and screenings in the future.
Forestry fire specialists deployed to Victoria
MID North Coast fire specialists from Forestry Corporation have deployed to Victorian firefronts as part of an interstate NSW firefighting contingency.
Victoria has experienced significant bushfire activity near Horsham with large fires burning in the Grampians and Little Desert National Parks.
NSW fire agencies have assisted through the deployment of firefighters and Incident Management
Team personnel.
Four Forestry Corporation staff members responded on Saturday, 1 February and a further five Forestry Corporation fire specialists deployed on Thursday, 6 February.
“While we have had fires in NSW and the threat especially in the south and the west is not over yet, it is important to share resources around the country when we can,” Forestry Corporation’s Senior Manager Fire and Natural Hazards Rebel Talbert said on Friday.
“Our firefighters are highly skilled and experienced in Australian bushland firefighting and are always ready to lend a hand in regional NSW or further afield.”
Group Leader Gary Miller from Wauchope deployed for seven days as an Operations Officer in the IMT at Ararat.
“We were there to give the local Victorian IMT personnel some time off as they have been fighting fires and overseeing the fire management since December with major efforts involved in the containment
of the fires in the Grampians," Gary said.
“It was great to assist our colleagues in Victoria, a great learning experience in training on the Victorian fire systems and a good opportunity to share fire knowledge across the multiagency IMT.”
Gary deployed to Victoria alongside firefighters Hannah Mangnall and Bronson Lovett from Wauchope and Daniel Macaree and James Martin from the Hunter.
A second firefighting field crew started their seven-day deployment on Friday. This deployment was made up of Aden Hitchcock from Dorrigo, David McLaughlin from Coffs Harbour, Paul Douglas from Wauchope and Daniel Carey from Taree.
Forestry Corporation’s nine personnel have deployed as part of the 200-strong NSW deployment alongside NSW Rural Fire Service, National Parks and Wildlife, Fire and Rescue NSW and State Emergency Services personnel.
q The internationally-renowned Ben Lee is set to perform at the Bowraville Theatre on Friday 21 February. Photo: supplied.
q Forestry Corporation fire specialists have been deployed. Photo: supplied.
q Victoria has experienced significant bushfire activity near Horsham with large fires burning in the Grampians and Little Desert National Parks. Photo: supplied.
The plight of our sea turtles
By Mick BIRTLES
VOLUNTEER wildlife
rescuers have been tending to an alarming number of sea turtles in distress along our coastline in recent months.
Increasing numbers of these gentle giants are being found suffering from fishing gear entanglements, boat strikes, and debilitating barnacle infestations, all of which pose serious threats to their survival.
One problem that is confounding wildlife rescuers is that people are mistakenly returning turtles they find washed up on the beach to the ocean.
“One of the most important things the public can do is never return a turtle
to the water if it is found on the sand or washed up onshore, as a beached turtle is not simply resting, it is unwell and requires urgent veterinary care,” a WIRES Mid North Coast (MNC) volunteer told News Of The Area.
“Pushing it back into the ocean only prolongs its suffering and reduces its chances of survival.”
Turtles covered in excessive barnacles are often weakened by illness or injury, making it difficult for them to swim and feed.
Likewise, injuries from fishing lines, nets, and boat propellers can leave turtles struggling to survive in their natural habitat, so immediate rescue and rehabilitation gives them the best chance of
recovery.
WIRES MNC, in collaboration with the experienced rehabilitation team at Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary, has committed to rescuing and caring for these turtles.
“During recent bad weather, three turtles from Scotts Head were rescued in one afternoon; two juveniles and one adult, over 100 years old, with a shell length of over one metre,” Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary Manager Tiga Cross told NOTA.
“This partnership, with dedicated volunteers on both sides, allowed us to respond quickly and provide the appropriate care for these incredible animals.
“It’s a perfect example
of how organisations working together can make a significant difference and shows the strength of community support."
Every rescued turtle undergoes thorough assessment and treatment before being returned to the wild, where they play a crucial role in maintaining healthy marine ecosystems.
WIRES MNC advises that if you should come across a stranded or injured turtle, call WIRES immediately on 1300 094 737.
If possible, stay with the turtle until a trained rescuer arrives.
Your quick action could mean the difference between life and death for these precious marine creatures.
Record month for marine rescuers
MARINE Rescue teams on the Mid North Coast experienced their busiest January on record, according to figures released earlier this week.
be saved. Photo: supplied.
A total of 145 people were safely returned to shore.
Of the units with the highest demand, Camden Haven, Coffs Harbour and Crowdy Harrington each carried out three search
There were 61 search and rescue missions, including 28 emergency responses, across the nine units stretching from Woolgoolga to Lord Howe Island and Forster-Tuncurry.
and rescues, Port Macquarie had ten while the Forster Tuncurry unit recorded 20one more than the other units combined.
The number of rescues was down in the service’s other five regions, including the Hunter Central Coast, Greater Sydney and the Illawarra.
This meant that even
THURSDAY,
SUNDAY,
MONDAY, 24TH
combined with the Mid North Coast figures, the statewide total of January rescues was the lowest in five years.
After a hectic December, Marine Rescue Commander Alex Barrell said boaters are clearly getting the message to “prep now and boat later”.
“They are making sure their vessel and safety equipment are in good
working order.”
This includes carrying enough clean fuel, monitoring the weather and water conditions and logging on to Marine Rescue NSW via its free app or VHF Channel 16.
There were 9000 logged on vessels in January, which saw the service’s radio operators keep watch over 35,083 people. They also managed 25,973 radio calls from across the state.
Tackling fairness in the rental market
THE NSW Government has established a rental taskforce to “hold landlords and real estate agents to account”, and address rental law violations.
With an $8.4 million investment, NSW Fair Trading’s Rental Taskforce will analyse activities and trends within the rental market and conduct compliance activities such as inspections, audits, and blitzes to prevent and act on breaches of the law.
The new taskforce is a multi-disciplinary team with new and existing resources drawn from across NSW Fair Trading, and led by a newly appointed Rental Taskforce Manager reporting to the NSW Rental Commissioner, Trina Jones.
The Rental Taskforce will focus on three key priorities:
• Ending solicited rent bidding
• Implementing renting reforms to prevent no grounds evictions
• Ensuring improved responses to repairs and maintenance in the rental market.
The NSW Government is also working to deliver cost of living relief to renters by delivering a Portable Rental Bond Scheme, which is due
to go live in the second half of this year.
Rental Commissioner Trina Jones said the Rental Taskforce would “protect the rights of renters and hold bad actors to account”.
“It’s critical to provide renters and property providers with assurance that bad actors will not be permitted to cause harm in the market.
“The Rental Taskforce is a dedicated and skilled team made up of new and existing roles focused on preventing and responding to breaches of rental laws.
“This will support a fair and safe marketplace for rented homes in NSW and contribute to improved confidence in the rental market.”
Leo Patterson Ross, CEO of the NSW Tenants Union, has supported the taskforce’s establishment.
"For too long, renters have been carrying the burden of dodgy behaviour.
“It is vital that such an important essential service as renting your home has an active and visible regulator to hold people to account for failing to deliver a fair renting experience.
“We and the Tenants'
Advice and Advocacy Services have long supported renters with services to support them in resolving issues, but without a responsive regulator there have often been limited options to truly hold dodgy operators to account.
“We welcome the investment and the impact it will have, and we look forward to seeing further investment as needed in both regulatory activities and support services for renters into the future.”
NSW Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading Anoulack Chanthivong said, “The Minns Labor Government understands that more people are renting, and they are renting for longer.
“That’s why we have established the Rental Taskforce to help create a more equitable market for the 2.3 million renters in this state.
“Our inspectors will be out in full force to ensure real estate agents and landlords are complying with new and existing rental laws to ease the stress placed on renters by things like no grounds evictions and rent bidding.”
q This sea turtle, estimated to be over 100 years old, washed up near Scotts Head entangled in fishing and could not
Attention bibliophiles
By Jen HETHERINGTON
AFTER more than 15 years of meetings, the Eungai Community Book Club (ECBC) is seeking more bibliophiles to get involved.
A small group who love reading all kinds of fiction, the Book Club meet in Eungai Creek every six weeks or so to discuss the latest tome they have collectively read.
“We read from all types of genres; typical literature, mystery, thriller, sci-fi/ fantasy, historical and so on,”
said ardent reader and group organiser Lisa Hall.
“Anyone can suggest a book for us all to read, but we all need to agree on it.”
Over the years the club has devoured more than 100 books.
The most recent being “James” by Percival Everett, a retelling of the Adventures of Huckleberry Finn from the point of view of Jim, the slave.
“We're pretty casual and relaxed, people are welcome to come along whether or not they finished the book, and
whether or not they liked it,” Lisa said.
“As well as chatting about the book, we enjoy nibblies and drinks.
“When we read, we can travel to places we may never be able to physically visit, hear from people both similar to and (hopefully) very different from us, learn about different cultures, countries and time periods, and have a break from things that might be difficult or just plain boring.”
For more information, call Lisa Hall on 0428 833 602.
Phoenix welcomes new leadership
q Fiona Walsh envisions Nambucca Valley Phoenix being on the map as a standout arts and tourist destination
By Kim SATCHELL
BOWRAVILLE local Fiona
Welsh has taken the managerial reins at the
Nambucca Valley Phoenix, hoping to put the facility firmly on the map as a standout regional arts and tourism destination.
Fiona brings to the role a
Threatened animals on show
By Andrea FERRARI
Nadia Waters is presenting an exhibition entitled “Here Today, Gone
Tomorrow” featuring drawings of threatened animals from the Bellingen and Armidale areas.
She will open the exhibition at Bellingen’s Nexus Gallery on Sunday 2 March, and it will run until 28 March.
The artworks are a reminder of the human impact on biodiversity.
“The fragile existence of these local animals facing habitat destruction
from urban development and extreme weather, is highlighted through tornedge cardboard,” Nadia said.
The repurposed cardboard used for the
q A selection of the many books the group has read.
wealth of experience in the community services sector.
Her love for Bowraville and passion for community engagement complement a career that includes experience in marketing and travel.
“My goal for inclusion comes out of a deep sense of the importance of celebrating unique individuals in their quest for participation and belonging - embracing a whole-of-community approach,” Ms Welsh told News Of The Area.
The social enterprise’s multi-faceted facilities, support staff, diverse client base, and the innovative programs on offer have the new manager brimming with enthusiasm and ideas.
“On the site tour the convivial atmosphere completely wooed me,” she said.
“I was struck with an epiphany: ‘These are my
people; I have found my tribe’.”
Looking forward, 2025 at the Phoenix will include the expansion of the site’s permaculture garden thanks to funding from ETC, providing employment, training and skill development opportunities.
Fiona is also working with Carla the café supervisor to refine and expand the menu, extend the operating hours, and support healthy food options.
Building on last year’s success, the Phoenix Ball has been scheduled for 6 September 2025.
This coincides with the coveted Phoenix Arts Prize, which kicks off the same day.
If you are interested in volunteering, participating in the programs or financially contributing through a donation, contact the Nambucca Valley Phoenix.
q Hopscotch, a Sphagnum Frog (Philoria sphagnicolus).
artworks demonstrates beauty in the ordinary and supports sustainability.
The raw softness and gentle quality of chalk and powder pastels emphasises the animals’ vulnerability.
“Sweet animals like the Koala, Eastern Pygmy Possum and Diamond Firetails are shown alongside the majestic Masked Owl, the grand Southern Greater Glider and a kind pair of Glossy Black
Cockatoos”.
Circular sheltering branches of banksia and eucalypt carefully hold the animals in their environment. Nadia chooses her subject to share her passion that native wildlife is beautiful, deserving of nurture and preservation.
“I hope people enjoy the exhibition, and that it inspires a sense of wonder in our natural world.”
q Patricia and Fiona taking care of business.
ARTIST
q Casuarina Care, a Glossy Black Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus lathami).
q Artworks by Nadia Waters include Moonlight Glide, a Southern Greater Glider (Petauroides volans).
Support for rural healthcare students
HEALTHCARE students and graduates living or seeking employment in rural, regional and remote NSW can now apply for nine types of scholarships designed to support their studies and boost the state’s regional health workforce.
Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park last week opened the first round of the NSW Government’s $5 million Rural and Regional Health Career Scholarships Program for 2025, which supports students of Nursing, Midwifery, Medicine, Dentistry and Allied Health.
Applications are now open for the Diploma of Nursing Rural Travel Support Incentive, which provides financial travel assistance for Diploma of Nursing students from a rural area (Modified
Monash Model locations 3 or above) and live more than 100km (one way) from the Registered Training Organisation.
Eligible students can apply for a travel incentive of $5,000 to go towards the cost of travel and accommodation related to their Diploma of Nursing studies.
Applications are also open for the New Graduate Nursing and Midwifery Rural Support Incentive, which provides a one-off payment of $1,000 to support relocation costs for non-local graduate registered nurses and midwives seeking employment in identified rural or remote LHD locations.
These scholarships are expected to support more than 1,100 healthcare workers.
The full list of scholarships include:
• Diploma of Nursing Rural Travel Support Incentive
• New Graduate Nursing and Midwifery Rural Support Incentive
• Allied Health Rural Generalist Program (Level 1) Scholarship
• Allied Health Rural Generalist Diploma Rural Practice (Level 2) Scholarship
• Rural Allied Health Assistant Scholarship
• Aboriginal Rural Allied Health University Student Scholarship
• Supporting Entry into University Medicine or Dentistry Scholarship (GAMSAT)
• Supporting Entry into University Medicine or Dentistry Scholarship (UCAT)
• Getting Started in Medicine Scholarship
for First Year Students
Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park said staffing regional, rural and remote healthcare facilities is a major challenge.
“This year the program is expected to support 150 nursing and midwifery students, 100 medical and dentistry and 35 allied health students from regional, rural and remote locations while they undertake their healthcare studies,” he said.
“This program is helping to strengthen our regional, rural and remote health workforce in NSW, which will result in improved experiences for patients living in these locations.”
For more information on the $5 million Rural and Regional Health Career Scholarships Program, including eligibility criteria and opening dates, visit the NSW Health website.
Community grants program now open
GRANTS of up to $15,000 are available for community projects that provide a positive social and environmental impact across regional, rural and remote NSW.
Singh: Small dispute costs to ‘skyrocket’
MEMBER for Coffs Harbour
Gurmesh Singh has decried the planned closure of Community Justice Centres in NSW by 30 June 2025, arguing that the “cost to resolve small disputes is about to skyrocket”.
“There was no consultation or explanation for the closure of these Community Justice Centres, nor have any public announcements been made,” Mr Singh said.
“The closure of Community Justice Centres in Coffs Harbour, across the North Coast and throughout NSW is causing angst in our community.
“Community Justice Centres have been successfully assisting NSW residents settle their disputes for over 40 years.
intervention.”
In November 2024 the NSW Government offered the following response to questioning from Greens MLC Sue Higginson in parliament regarding the planned closure.
“The NSW Government remains committed to ensuring that the NSW community has access to information and services that help them resolve their disputes quickly and informally,” the statement read.
“The Department of Communities and Justice will establish an in-house mediation service for legislatively mandated referrals.
“The details of the new service, including the role of mediators, are currently being determined.
The Essential Grants program helps support communities to build a sustainable future through programs, projects and events that align with initiatives supporting the environment, education, resilience, or the energy transition.
assisting with solar and battery installations on community buildings, implementing a waste reduction program, or funding workshops that help communities improve energy efficiency and electrification in homes and businesses.
Examples could include creating community gardens,
Essential Energy Chief Corporate Affairs Officer Annie Pearson says the program aims to spark change
Season sets sail at Urunga
A NEW sailing season starts this weekend at the Urunga Sail Training Club, with beginners learning the ropes on the beautiful waters of the Bellinger and Kalang Rivers.
Australian Sailing National Small Boat Start 1 and 2 courses are offered for beginners and anyone wanting to brush up on their sailing skills.
“We see the positive
impact of sailing, particularly in young people,” said Derek Ridgley, Principal of the Urunga Sail Training Club.
“It engages them mentally and physically, with learning many life skills like leadership, teamwork and communication, and resilience.
“Plus, it is a fun way to learn, and is adaptable to people‘s abilities and interests.
“All kids and adults should have a chance to sail, plus it’s a wonderful way to explore our beautiful waterways.”
The Urunga Sail Training Club is a volunteer organisation which has been teaching sailing on the Mid North Coast for 14 years.
Last year the club ran a “Women on Water” program, with some students going on to become assistant
by supporting communities to make a difference and provide a positive social impact.
“Our goal is to provide meaningful investment into communities and surrounding areas.
“It only takes one idea to create something truly incredible that has a longlasting impact in your community,” Annie said.
instructors.
The course teaches how to confidently skipper and crew a sailing dinghy, basic sailing maneuvers, boat parts and rigging, safe boat launching and retrieval, capsize recovery drills, reading the tides and weather conditions, understanding the 'Rules of the Road', who has right of way on the water, and more.
For more information email urungasailtraining@ gmail.com or phone Derek on 0427 115 892.
When nothing but the best is only to suppress OPINION
DEAR News Of The Area,
READING through the Coalition’s 2025 election campaign plan
‘Priorities of a Dutton Government’ released online last month, one would expect that in consideration of the recent Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide there would have been a committed objective detailing what intentions the Dutton government have regarding veterans’ issues.
However, in the 44-page document there were only two statements directly relating to veterans, with one of the statements making a pledge of ‘Delivering nothing
but the best for our veterans whose service to the nation deserves nothing less’.
I queried what this bold undertaking meant in real terms regarding policy and engagement, but after weeks of no response from several Coalition representatives I was disappointed but not surprised to find that the online document has now recently been edited, and the above statement has quietly been removed in its entirety as if it never existed.
Unfortunately, this reflects the broader contemptuous behaviour of politicians in relation to veterans including the systematic failure of our
government in its handling of criminal allegations against our Afghanistan veterans and the concerning level of suicide rates and homelessness experienced by ex-service men and women.
The question that must now be asked is does the Coalition not intend to deliver the best for our veterans, or does it believe that it does not have the ability to do so?
To provide the answer would be simply to release the related policy so that the public can make an informed decision.
But here lies the bigger question, does the Coalition have a policy for veterans?
The only other reference directly relating to veterans remains in the current
edited online version of the Coalition’s plan, which states: ‘Veterans should be recognised for their incredible sacrifices, with their specific health and employment challenges prioritised and addressed’.
This statement falls far short of any commitment as defined by the word ‘should’ and stands out as the usual rhetorical platitudes pushed by politicians regarding veterans’ issues.
At a critical time when the Defence Force is facing a recruitment challenge, when veterans and their families are experiencing homelessness, and when the suicide rate amongst exservice personnel is far higher than the national average, it
“Without them, costs will be higher, our courts will be under more pressure and there will be more demand for police
Essential Grants are open to not-for-profit organisations delivering benefits to local communities in the Essential Energy network area.
This includes community groups and service providers, registered charities, and other not-for-profit organisations.
“The new service will be operational from 1 July 2025.”
Applications open on 3 February 2025 and close on 31 March 2025.
For more information and to apply, visit the Essential Grants page.
beggars belief that rather than stand by their convictions the Coalition would instead suppress a declaration and uncourageously step back from a commitment that our
country so desperately needs. Regards, Adam FULLER, Former peacekeeper and veterans advocate.
ADVERTISING
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
Nambucca Heads Island Golf Club
By Chris KNIGHT
BALL-POUNDER Kai
Burkinshaw shot a smart even par 69 at the Nambucca Heads Island Golf Course - but needed a withering back nine to edge the victory.
The two-marker rattled home in one under 33 to amass 38 points to win Div 1 of the Nambucca News medley stableford on Thursday, 6 February, on countback from the resurgent Glen Crow (11 handicap).
Warwick Lean (26) had the best round of the day with a thumping 41 points to take Div 3 from the chirpy Trevor Peck (25) on 39 points.
Mark Luttrell (20) recovered from a stumble on the 15th and 16th where he went double-triple, to finish with 85 off the bat and 40 points to claim Div 2 from
John Hopkins (23) on 38.
Troy Herbert banged one in from a distance on the first to jag the Ecomist voucher, while pins went to John Crosby on 5, Michael Tarleton on 7, Greg Jager on 8 and Heather Gray has dinner sorted after seizing the Pizza This Pizza That on the 13th.
Crow capped a mighty day away from the office in a field that nudged 100, collecting the $90 Pro Pin on the last.
Susan Barnett (25) carded 34 points to win Div 1 of the women's single stableford on Wednesday, 5 February, from runner-up Deidre Fletcher (13) on 33.
Rhonda Rowe (29) was rock steady in returning a dalmation round of 101 gross, to salute in Div 2 with 34 points ahead of Joy Green (37) who parred the last on 33.
Gray won the Pro Pin $30 on the 18th and the pin on 8, while Denise Paluch was nearest on 5 and Sue Brooks on 13.
More than 120 golfers eyed the river and fronted the starter in the Nambucca News fourball medley stableford on Saturday, 8 February.
Ever-present threats who want only for consistency, 15-markers Steve Frost and Murray Ingram, landed a right-left combination on their way to a spanking 49 points for the victory.
That was just enough to deal with 27-handicappers
Mark Luttrell and Heath McKenna on 48, while Stephen Kimber (15) tried to get a return on his sponsorship, pairing with Daryl Wall (15) for 46 points.
Club Captain Ray Guiana got the putt from afar on the
1st, and Stormin' Norman Devereaux the $120 Pro Pin on the 18th. Deidre Fletcher won the pin on 5, Robert Reid on 7, Sue Brooks on 8, Maurie Tate on 15 and Kerrie Eichorn the pizza on 13.
The Mid North Coast Vets saw players from far and farrer tackle the championship 18-hole layout at The Island on Tuesday, 7 February.
Coffs Harbour's David Nicholls (9) scorched with 77 off the stick including an eagle on the 9th to card 37 points and win Div 1. Murray Ingram was runnerup with 36 from Ken Klem (9) on 35.
In Div 2, Port Macquarie's Barry Ellis (22) recovered from a chaotic moose (10 antlers) on the 11th, with a birdie on 15 to salute with 40 points. That was enough to get the countback from Sawtell's Steven Robinson (20) and John Buganey (22) on 37.
Bowraville's Ken Graham took Div 3 with 38 points, from Craig Riddington (29) on 37 and Urunga's Alan Guthrie (27) on 36.
q It's said many men spend more time planning their golf attire than for a date night. Always a picture of elegance is new
The opening qualifying round of the Nambucca Skins will be held on Saturday 22 February which is open to local members, male and female, with a $5 entry fee payable at the Pro Shop prior to play.
Junior cricket seasons resumes
By Aiden BURGESS
CRICKETERS returned to the field from their school holiday break last weekend as the Sixers Cricket League’s junior season resumed.
The Under 16s season resumed with Round 10 matches.
Nana Glen Lizards maintained top spot on the ladder with a 42-run win against the Coffs Colts Cricket Club at Reg Ryan Oval.
The Colts won the toss and elected to bowl, with the Lizards finishing at 5/119 from 20 overs.
Leo Tarlinton retired on 50 not out off 34 balls.
The Lizards restricted the
Colts to 6/77 from 20 overs, Charlie Cameron taking 2-5 from two overs.
Sawtell Sloggers maintained second spot on the ladder after a 32-run win against the Macksville Bulls at Toormina Oval.
Sawtell won the toss and elected to bat, finishing at 9/97 from 20 overs.
Busby Hibberd top scored with 37 off 20 balls.
Asher Flakelar took 2-3 from two overs for the Bulls, Aston Ramunno took 2-11 from two overs, and Chris Woods took 2-13 from two overs.
Chasing 98 to win, the Bulls were bowled out for 65 in the 19th over.
Zachary Perin took 2-6 from two overs for Sawtell, and Oakley Baylis took 2-8 from 1.3 overs.
Woolgoolga Cricket Club Rebels were also winners in Round 10, beating Bellingen/ Dorrigo by six wickets at Urunga.
The Rebels won the toss and elected to bowl, as Bellingen/Dorrigo finished at 6/83 from 20 overs.
Anthony Dyson finished on 41 not out, and William Jamieson took 2-10 from three overs for the Rebels.
The Rebels chased down the target in the 16th over, Sahibjit Singh top scoring with 25.
The Under 14s season
Macksville Country Club Golf
By Max TURNER
GOOD weather and a big field played Amber Notley's Conveyancing Wise sponsored Stableford which was won by division 2 handicapped player Peter Smith with a net 40 points and runner up Jessica Lambert had a net 38. Division 1 winner (handicap below 17) was Phil Bambury with Ross Donnelly runner up on net 38 and 37 respectively.
After a long layoff the ladies came back with a Stableford event won by Nikki Laird with Jessica Lambert finishing runner up for the second time in
the week.
Kobi Evans had a great round , which included a holein-one on the par 3 fifth, to win
the Mid Week Competition. Elwyn Branford and Kobi's grandpop Phil were best of the ball winners.
q Michael Trisley putting for a point on the second with playing partners Eddie Booth, Neil Cunneen and Noel Austin all smiles in anticipation - he missed.
Nambucca Bowls Report
By Charles POTTER
FEBRUARY 9 by Charles
Potter
Wed Feb 5 Men's Selected Triples: A field of 20 resulted in a win for Peter Dawe and Chris D'Elboux. Second went to Ken Brown, Wayne Bolton and Bubba Ruane with Deb Mann and The Welder Coughlin third. The Welder
was also the Lucky Bowler but the diary doesn't mention whether he won it or not. He didn't buy me a drink so I guess not.
Friday Men's Triples and a good field of 62 with Newcastle's Winchesters back in town yet again. The day's winners were Hoggy, Mitch McGill and Ray Hunt. Owen Smith Dallas Nancarrow and
Bubba Ruane ran second and Todd Ryan, Red Dog Ward and Michael Thomas grabbed third place. The Lucky Bowler was Paddy Byrne but missed drawing his rink leaving the jackpot to next week at $480 of $540... not sure which as the diary has no info.
A special mention has to go to Bob Sutton for turning up at the club on Sunday arvo
also returned to action last week.
Sawtell Storm maintained top spot on the ladder with an eight wicket win against the Woolgoolga Cricket Club Rebels at the Wiigulga Sports Complex.
The Rebels won the toss and elected to bat, with the home side scoring 6/74 from 20 overs.
Jaybien Johnson took 2-5 from his three overs for Sawtell, Denzel WynnePrimus took 2-2 from two overs.
Sawtell chased down the target in the 12th over.
Diggers Cricket Club moved into the top four with a 13-run win against Bellingen/Dorrigo Green at Valla Beach.
Diggers won the toss and elected to bat, finishing at 0/128 from their 20 overs.
Darcy Franks top scored on 43 not out off 27 balls; Dustin Parry was next best with 32.
Diggers defended their total with Bellingen/Dorrigo finishing at 6/115 after 20 overs.
Anthony Dyson top scored retiring on 43 not out, Tate Bailey was next best finishing on 29 not out.
Sam Champion took 2-19 from three overs for Diggers.
The Second Under 12s season of the summer also got underway last week, with the new season divided into two competitions.
Diggers Cricket Club Red had a 19-run win against the
and bought a schooner for himself and me, only to be told that he was a day early! Sat Pennants Round 1: Nambucca started the season off with 3 wins and a draw. The 3's drew 60-60 at Sawtell but lost two if their 3 rinks and sit 3rd in a field of 4. The 5's beat Sawtell away on all three rinks 6450, sitting top of the table of 5. The 6's were away also, at Urunga, winning 57-51 and 8½ pts to 1½pts, and are 2nd
The following day, the club will host the Golf NSW Mid North Coast Men's Championship which will see guns from across the region descend on the short, luxe and strategic layout.
Sawtell Sixers at Jetty Oval.
Diggers scored 6/96 after opening the batting, Jennifer Martin finishing on 50 not out.
Jasmine Macpherson took 2-14 from three overs for Sawtell.
The Sixers finished at 5/77 after 16 overs, Hunter Lynch top scored with 32, and Hamish Loy took 3-19 for Diggers.
Bellingen Green had a 30run win against Dorrigo in Urunga.
Bellingen scored 6/115 from 20 overs after opening the batting, Harrison Kelly top scoring with 30.
Bellingen restricted Dorrigo to 6/85 from 20 overs, Finlay Moffatt top scored with 28 and Mia Gilbert finished on 25 not out.
Gabriel Hunton took 2-13 from three overs for Bellingen.
Macksville Bulls Blue had an 18-run win against Woolgoolga Cricket Club Rebels Blue at Macksville.
The Bulls were 1/105 from 20 overs after opening the batting, and defended their total with the Rebels finishing at 7/87 from 20 overs, Cooper Heinz taking 2-16 from three overs.
Sawtell Sloggers had a five wicket win against Macksville Bulls White at Toormina Oval.
The Bulls were 5/46 from 20 overs after opening the batting, Percy Martin took 2-4 from two overs for Sawtell.
Sawtell chased down the target in the 13th over, Hugo Lonergan took 2-10 from one over for the Bulls.
Urunga Cricket Club had
in a table of 5. The 7s were at home to Park Beach and had a comfortable win on all three rinks, 72-38, taking all 10pts and are top of the table of 5.
As an interesting aside, it was overheard that Hoggy is the best 7 since Steve Mortimer.
Sunday Feb 9 Mixed Pairs Round 1. 8 games played. L Barry/A Shearer 21 d M Legend/C Crawford 10: C Davis/T Urquhart 17 d B and D Mann 14: N and M Blackford 29 d G and K Porter
a nine-wicket win against the Nana Glen Lizards at Nana Glen.
Urunga won the toss and elected to bowl, as the Lizards scored 5/51 from 20 overs.
Urunga chased down the target in the 18th over.
The Under 16s ladder is:
1. Nana Glen Lizards. 30 points. 7 wins. 1 loss. 1 no result.
2. Sawtell Sloggers. 28 points. 7 wins. 2 losses.
3. Macksville Bulls. 24 points. 6 wins. 3 losses.
4. Coffs Colts Cricket Club. 14 points. 3 wins. 5 losses. 1 no result.
5. Woolgoolga Cricket Club Rebels. 12 points. 3 wins. 6 losses.
6. Bellingen/Dorrigo. 0 points. 0 wins. 9 losses. The Under 14s ladder is:
1. Sawtell Storm. 3.56 points average. 32 points. 8 wins. 1 loss.
2. Macksville Bulls. 3.40 points average. 34 points. 8 wins. 0 losses. 1 no result.
3. Woolgoolga Cricket Club Rebels. 2.25 points average. 18 points. 4 wins. 3 losses. 1 no result.
4. Diggers Cricket Club. 2.22 points average. 20 points. 5 wins. 4 losses.
5. Bellingen/Dorrigo Blue. 2.22 points average. 20 points. 5 wins. 2 losses.
6. Bellingen/Dorrigo Green. 1.11 points average. 10 points. 2 wins. 6 losses. 1 no result.
7. Nana Glen Lizards. 1.00 points average. 8 points. 2 wins. 5 losses.
8. Coffs Colts Cricket Club. 0.20 points average. 2 points. 0 wins. 6 losses. 1 no result.
14: D Curran/E Fleming 22 d S Coxon, T Webber 11:A Duffus/A Cosgrave 37 d R Hill/L Deacon 14: M and N Duffus 22 d M Flagg/J Kay 13: G Richardson/P Ward 41 d M Dwarte/G Hodge 9: And I'm not sure what this is all about but S Hughes and J Hughes 1 def E and M McGill 0. Mitch has not been well so that may be the answer. Round 2 is this Sunday 9am.
Nambucca Heads Island Golf Club member Kye Garzoli.
HYPOTHETICAL
By Manny WOOD
High Court hears of broken promise
SAMANTHA owns a farm upon which the cultivation of a variety of vegetables is conducted.
Robert works on the farm, but only receives an irregular and low income as compensation for his efforts.
After her husband’s death, Samantha tells Robert that if he continues to work on the farm, he will inherit the property when she passes-away.
Over the years, Samantha makes several Wills to this effect.
Nonetheless, the arrangement between Samantha and Robert is never put in writing and there are no witnesses to the agreement.
Robert works on the farm for another 20 years.
Four years before her death, Samantha makes a new Will, leaving Robert just $300,000 and leaving the $1.5m farm to her daughter.
When Samantha passes-away and Robert finds-out about the contents of her last will, he obtains specialist legal advice. He decides to commence action against Samantha’s executor to enforce Samantha’s promise.
The matter starts in the Supreme Court, a retrial is conducted in the Court of Appeal and finally, the matter proceeds to the High Court of Australia.
The High Court finds that if the promise was not made, Robert would have obtained employment elsewhere, at a higher level of income and would not have endured the hardship of working on the farm. Instead, the Court finds that Robert reasonably relied upon the promise.
More specifically, the Court found that there was a “clear and unequivocal” promise, that there was “encouragement”, “reliance” and ultimately, “detriment”.
In establishing these four elements of “proprietary estoppel”, Robert’s claim is successful and the Court orders the transfer of the property to him on the basis that it would be “unjust” to order otherwise.
This case demonstrates that verbal promises made decades ago can be enforced and is a reminder that even the solemn act of duly executing a Will and having it properly witnessed can be frustrated by oral statements that may be made “off the cuff” or in emotional circumstances.
Email Manny Wood, Principal Solicitor and Accredited Specialist in Wills and Estates at TB Law at manny@tblaw.net. au or call him on (02) 66 487 487.
This fictional column is not legal advice.
Dorin’s Draws By Paul DORIN On theCouch
Let’s build a better mousetrap
DEAR News Of The Area,
I READ with interest Wayne Graham’s recent letter “Driver Responsibility” in NOTA.
I agree with him in that driver behaviour plays a very important role in maintaining road safety.
However, I believe that there are other factors at play that potentially undermine the best efforts of drivers to safely negotiate the dangers of the Valla Beach Road and Giinagay Road intersection.
To illustrate this let’s look at two intersections.
The first of these is the Valla Beach Road intersection, and the second is the Link Road and Giinagay Road intersection at Nambucca Heads.
Let’s look first at the similarities between the two.
They are in the same Council area, are very similar in layout, signage and line marking, and have the same drivers using them on a regular basis.
Speed limits are set by Transport for NSW (TfNSW).
Now for the differences.
The Link Road intersection has reasonable visibility in all directions, with longer feed-in and turning lanes than those at the Valla Beach Road intersection.
The Link Road intersection has
a higher traffic volume, with a speed limit of 60 km/hr.
The Valla Beach Road intersection has poor visibility of and for southbound traffic.
The speed limit is 90 km/hr.
Regarding number of accidents and their severity, the Valla Beach Road intersection is the clear leader. Really, is improving the safety for drivers at the Valla Beach Road intersection all that hard?
Visibility and speed are the obvious issues.
TfNSW and Nambucca Valley Council have a responsibility to do all in their power to make the Valla Beach Road intersection just as safe as the Link Road intersection.
I understand why TfNSW relies on their NSW Speed Zoning Standard, but in this instance it really doesn’t seem fit for purpose.
All I can say is that if you build a mousetrap that catches no mice, you don’t attempt to re-engineer the mice, you redesign the mousetrap.
The crest in the road between East West Road and Valla Beach Road causes a visibility problem of and for southbound traffic.
This is not an easy or inexpensive fix.
However, as a first step in improving our mousetrap I would like to see the imposition of a 60 km/ hr speed limit for northbound traffic starting 200 metres before Valla Beach
DEAR Jasminda,
FOR a couple of years I've been encouraging the kids to use our local Return and Earn facility, but lately they can't be bothered, so now I recycle the cans and bottles and cash in the vouchers.
It doesn't really seem worth it for all the effort.
I thought they'd appreciate the extra pocket money.
Should I just put them in the recycle bin?
Wendy L.
Wendy, putting your kids in the recycle bin seems a bit harsh, but I see your point.
No, I know, I know, you meant the bottles and cans.
From what you've described, though, your kids are possibly overindulged and indolent silver spooners who've had it too good for too long.
Please feel free to use any of those descriptors next time they can't be bothered doing something that gives back to the environment, the community and themselves.
I remember the absolute joy we used to get as kids taking our crushed cans to the local can cage (you had
Road, reverting to 90 km/hr 200 metres after East West Road.
For southbound traffic implement a 60 km/hr speed limit 200 metres before East West Road, reverting to 100 km/hr 200 metres after Valla Beach Road.
The cost of this would be small, and it would be very
to crush them then, not simply toss them down a chute).
We didn't think about the recycling benefits then, but we knew a good gig when we had one.
Crushed cans equated to paddle pops.
I sense you aren't going to be able to convince your kids for altruistic reasons (if you recycle 1000 cans you save 5,874.16 litres of water) maybe you could appeal to their capitalist sensibilities.
Where else can you earn 10 cents every couple of seconds? It works out, if you hit a cracking pace, to be about $180 per hour. Not bad.
Particularly if you're the one supplying cans and bottles to your offspring and driving them to the facility. Wendy, you seem like a decent sort of a person. Don't worry about indulging your kids.
Continue taking the cans and bottles yourself and then donate the money to a much more worthy cause than your children's piggy bank.
You can donate it to Foodbank, for example, an organisation that provides help to the one in three households in NSW that face hunger and food insecurity.
Food for thought.
Carpe diem, Jasminda.
easy to implement. Keep the cameras at the intersection and give it a sixmonth trial. Hopefully we’ll catch more mice.
Regards, Paul COE, Valla.
Reconciling the conflict between law and justice
DEAR News Of The Area,
WRITER John Ball, in his letter of 31 January 2025, raises some important points regarding “what is right”.
When is it justifiable to break the law?
How do we reconcile the conflict between law and justice?
Is it unfair for protesters to influence members of the parliament
How long do we wait for a safe intersection?
DEAR News Of The Area,
HOW much longer do we have to wait until our intersection at Valla Beach turn-off is made safe?
On Thursday I was a passenger and was almost hit by a van not stopping at the give way sign. Today there was another serious accident! (Wednesday 5 February).
Do we have to wait until there is another fatality? How much red tape does it take for the speed limit to be reduced to 60 km/per hour with a warning sign for traffic approaching from the north?
A simple solution surely. From a concerned local, Lyn WALSH, Nambucca Valley.
via the media.
The law and justice are not the same thing and sometimes laws are unjust.
When this is the case people start with the usual peaceful means of changing the law.
The early Suffragettes petitioned the Parliament, made speeches in public squares, and printed leaflets.
For this they were blacklisted from work, their children were taken from them, they were imprisoned, and humiliated.
What does one do when peaceful campaigning is met with violence?
It is worth reflecting upon the fact that the people who hid Anne Frank were breaking the law, while those who turned her in were complying with it.
When I was growing up homosexuality was illegal as were abortions.
We now have gay marriage and legal access to terminations (if not actual access in regional areas).
What these societal changes reflect is that the law is often wrong and can take decades to change.
But they didn’t change because people complied with the law. They changed because the
pressure within society forced changes.
Does our democracy operate on a level playing field?
Does a billionaire like Gina Rhinehart or Clive Palmer exert the same influence on our politicians as myself or John Ball?
One would be naive to think so.
Wealth and privilege carry clout and have access to power and media in a way that a bunch of knitting nannas can only dream.
Protest is a legitimate, and inevitable, response to injustice.
Making protest illegal, and onerously expensive, without addressing the issue of injustice often leads to violence. Shutting down protests with state violence increases the risk of more violence.
It erodes democracy by not addressing people's legitimate concerns.
It erodes trust in our institutions if the law and the
government is seen to always be favouring the rich and powerful.
I am not condoning violence.
I certainly do not condone the violence of the State against peaceful protest. But it is not my observation alone that stifling the right to peaceful protest increases the risk of violence.
In Australia we have no Bill of Rights and I believe we should.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is a good start.
We should explicitly have the right to protest, especially the right to protest unjust laws.
We should listen to the protesters and resolve issues peacefully with the shared goal of making a better life for us all, not just the rich and powerful.
Regards, Peter SOBEY, Valla.
Do you need help to navigate the MY AGED
Nola Turnbull, coordinator with Compassionate Care Group and in partnership with Trilogy Care, will be out the front of the Bowraville Pharmacy on Friday the 21st of February from 9:30am until 2pm (or until the afternoon sun gets too fierce!).
Nola will be happy to talk to anyone who needs information regarding how to access aged care services, what services are available, and how to switch providers if you are unhappy. Appointments for ‘Face to Face’ meetings are available if you are unable to get to the location on the day. This is a voluntary service, so no out of pocket expenses!
Please phone Nola on 0455
Find Jacob Partridge
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BEST ON THE BOX
SATURDAY MOVIE: AIR
NBN, 10.30pm, M (2023)
Ben Affleck’s steady directing hand guides this basketball biopic, telling the story of how Nike pursued rookie Michael Jordan in the 1980s, eventually creating a partnership that revolutionised the world of sports branding. Focusing on the courtship (no pun intended) of the soon-to-be superstar, several sports apparel companies attempted to lure Jordan (Damian Delano Young), with Phil Knight (Affleck, pictured) and Sonny Vaccaro (Matt Damon) at the forefront of the acquisition for Nike. It’s a slam dunk.
FRIDAY, February 14
6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R) 7.00 ABC News. A look at the top stories of the day. 7.30 Monty Don’s Spanish Gardens. Monty Don heads to the south of Spain.
8.30 Silent Witness. (Malv) The team investigates the death of a Burmese man on a deserted beach.
10.15 Optics. (Ml, R)
Hard Quiz. (PG, R)
ABC Late News.
Guy Montgomery’s Guy Mont Spelling Bee (NZ) (PG, R)
Grand Designs. (R)
Rage New Music. (MA15+adhlnsv)
5.00 Rage. (PG)
TUESDAY MADAM
NBN, 9pm
If Oscar-nominated actress and national treasure Rachel Griffiths (pictured) playing a pimp on network television wasn’t on your 2025 “bingo card”, you’re not alone. But if you haven’t tuned into this quirky Kiwi comedy, you’re missing out on a real treat. Griffiths plays Mack, a woman whose philandering husband (Martin Henderson) inspires her to open an ethical brothel in her small New Zealand town. Note: he’s not thrilled with the development. In tonight’s instalment, an article in the local paper makes trouble for the Sweethearts when a group of local protesters set up outside the hotel. Mack’s newfound infamy also causes chaos at home, as son Noam (Angus Stevens) lashes out in response.
WEDNESDAY LORD LUCAN
A mystery series 50 years in the making, this British true-crime odyssey studies the mystery of Richard Bingham, the seventh Earl of Lucan (pictured, with wife Veronica), who vanished in November 1974 after allegedly murdering Sandra Rivett, his children’s nanny. It’s led by Rivett’s biological son, Neil Berriman, who refuses to accept the official line (Lucan has twice been declared legally dead), as no body has been found. Aided by investigative reporter Glen Campbell in this three-part documentary, Berriman unravels claims that the missing aristocrat fled England and created a new life for himself. Wednesday’s second instalment takes them to Western Australia, where Lucan is rumoured to have joined a network of Buddhist devotees.
(Final,
And
(R)
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
(R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.35 Costa Concordia: Why She Sank. (Final, Mal, R)
8.30 Tony Robinson’s Marvellous Machines. (PG, R) 9.25 Mysteries Of The Ancient Dead. (Premiere) 10.20 SBS World News Late. 10.50 Bonn. (Mav) 11.45 Sisi. (MA15+as, R)
2.45 Barkley Manor. (PG, R) 3.15 Living With The Boss. (R) 4.05 Peer To Peer. (PG, R) 4.35 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. (Return) The team celebrates Valentine’s Day. 8.30 MOVIE: Pretty Woman. (1990, Mls, R) A businessman, in need of an escort for the evening, gives a sex worker a first-hand look at the lives of the mega-rich. Richard Gere, Julia Roberts, Hector Elizondo. 11.05 GetOn Extra. 11.35 Australian Idol. (PGal, R) 1.20 Travel Oz. (PG, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R)
5.00 NBC Today.
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 David Attenborough’s Mammals: Dark. (Premiere, PG)
8.40 MOVIE: Valentine’s Day. (2010, Ms, R) Couples find and lose love in its many forms. Ashton Kutcher, Jennifer Garner.
11.10 MOVIE: The Sun Is Also A Star. (2019, Ml)
1.00 Let’s Eat With George. (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)
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 Scooby-Doo And Guess Who? 8.25 BTN Newsbreak. 8.30 Mythbusters “There’s Your Problem!”. 8.55 Robot Wars. 9.55 Merlin. 10.40 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Children’s Programs. Noon Gossip Girl. 2.00 The Golden Girls. 2.30 The
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(1977, PG) 8.15 Oka! (2012, PG) 10.15 Speed Kills. (2018, M) 12.10pm Yesterday, Today And Tomorrow. (1963, M, Italian) 2.20 Finding Graceland. (1998, PG) 4.10 Thunderbirds Are GO. (1966, PG) 5.55 Race. (2016, PG) 8.30 Death Proof. (2007, MA15+) 10.35 How To Blow Up A Pipeline. (2022, M) 12.30am After Blue. (2021, MA15+, French) 3.00 Late Programs.
Bowraville Bowls Report
RESULTS of Social Bowls for Thursday 6 February, where 27 keen bowlers turned up for a fun afternoon in lovely cool conditions under the roof. The Winners cheques went to Paul O’Neill, Tracey Armes and Bob MacKay. Runners up were a pairs team of Showbags and Bruce Spear. Usually a Golfer, Spearsy was over the moon and he will be back. Saturday 8th February the
Bowra Tigers hosted Stuarts Point in round 1 of the Grade 5 Pennants and thanks again for the roof on a hot and steamy day. The Tigers started slowly but came from behind half way through the match to end up
victors 9 ½ - ½ . The master board ended up 53 – 44.
A big mention to the team of Roey, Doot, Paul O’Neill and Dave Johnson who were down 4-14 after 12 ends. They finally found their rhythm and length to pick up 12 shots to 2 in the final 9 ends to
6.00 Deal Or No Deal. Hosted by Grant Denyer. 6.30 The Project. A look at the day’s news. 7.30 Wheel Of Fortune UK. (Premiere) Game show.
8.30 The Graham Norton Show. (Mls, R) Graham Norton is joined by Succession star Sarah Snook, who is returning to the West End, pop legend Boy George talking about his autobiography Karma and actor Miriam Margolyes. 10.50 10’s Late News. 11.15 The Project. (R) 12.10 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 1.00 Home Shopping. (R)
draw 16 all. Well done guys. Round 2 this Saturday, the Tigers travel to Hat Head with round 3 on Sunday they host Crescent Head at home at 10am. Teams and travel arrangements are on the Board.
6.00
SATURDAY, February 15
6.30 Back Roads: Outback Way, NT Pt 2. (PG, R) Presented by Lisa Millar. 7.00 ABC News. A look at the top stories of the day.
7.30 Death In Paradise. (Return, Mv) Selwyn is shot at the yacht club.
8.30 Vera. (Ma, R) Vera is called to a remote lighthouse where a body has been discovered lashed to a sailboat. Delving into the victim’s final days, she and the team discover that his life was not all plain sailing.
10.00 The Newsreader. (Ml, R) News of an Alaskan oil spill breaks.
10.55 Unforgotten. (Mal, R) The body in the chimney flue is identified. 11.40 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
ABC FAMILY (22)
6am Children’s Programs. 5.55pm Paddington. 6.05 Kiya And The Kimoja Heroes. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Octonauts: Above And Beyond. 6.35 Kiri And Lou. 6.45 Ben And Holly’s Little Kingdom. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Riley Rocket. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Kids BBQ Championship. 8.15 Chopped Junior. 9.00 Fresh Off The Boat. 9.40 Speechless. 10.05 Officially Amazing. 10.30 Dragon Ball Super. 10.55 Late Programs.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Sandi Toksvig’s Woodland Restoration. (Ml)
8.25 Scotland The New Wild. (PG)
9.25 Great Australian Walks With Julia Zemiro. (R) 10.25 Beautiful Lakes Of Northern Italy. (Final, R) 11.15 Home Jacking. (Mlv) 12.40 The Man Who Died. (Mas, R) 2.25 Love Your Garden. (R) 3.20 Living With The Boss. (PG, R)
4.10 Peer To Peer. (R)
4.40 Bamay. (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)
7.30 MOVIE: The Bourne Supremacy. (2004, Mlv, R) A former CIA agent tries to clear his name. Matt Damon.
9.45 MOVIE: Taken 2. (2012, Mv, R)
A retired spy and his wife are abducted. Liam Neeson, Famke Janssen.
11.45 Border Patrol. (PGa)
12.15 Dr Harry’s Animal Encounters. (PG, R)
1.15 Travel Oz. (PG, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 It’s Academic. (R)
5.00 My Greek Odyssey. (PG, R)
6am Morning Programs. 10.00 My Greek Odyssey. 11.00
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Rugby League. NRL. Men’s All Stars. Round 1. Indigenous All Stars v Maori All Stars.
10.00 NRL: Indigenous All Stars V Maori All Stars Post-Match.
10.30 MOVIE: Air. (2023, Mal)
12.40 My Life As A Rolling Stone. (MA15+adl, R)
2.00 The Incredible Journey Presents. (PG)
TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
Global Shop. (R)
TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
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. Hosted by Neale Whitaker and Andrew Winter. 8.30 The Dog House Australia. (PGa, R) A husky cross could be the right fit for a family. Partners get the chance to tame a stress-ball of a canine. 9.45 Ambulance Australia. (Mlm, R) Sydney Call Centre is receiving a higher than average number of unusual calls. 10.45 Ambulance UK. (Mlm, R) Paramedics respond to a man lying on a road. 1.00 Home Shopping. (R)
6am Race.
Continued. (2016, PG) 8.10 Lara. (2019, PG, German) 10.00 Fireworks Wednesday. (2006, M, Farsi) 11.55 I’m Not There. (2007, M) 2.25pm Capricorn One. (1977, PG) 4.40 Oka! (2012, PG) 6.40 Dancing Ninja. (2010, PG) 8.30 The Hateful Eight. (2015, MA15+) 11.35 Bare. (2015, MA15+) 1.15am Baby Done. (2020, M) 2.55 Death Proof. (2007, MA15+) 5.00 Oka! (2012, PG)
SUNDAY, February 16
6.00 Morning Programs. 10.00 Offsiders. 10.30 World This Week. (R) 11.00 Compass. (R) 11.30 Praise. (R) 12.00
12.30 Landline. (Return) 1.30 Gardening Aust. (R) 2.30 Monty Don’s Spanish Gardens. (R) 3.30 Sue Perkins’ Big Adventure. (Mn, R) 4.15 Extraordinary Escapes. (PG, R) 5.05 Maggie Beer’s Big Mission. (Final,
6.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 Muster Dogs: Collies And Kelpies. (PG)
8.30 The Newsreader. (Ml) Dale hosts a lavish birthday party.
9.25 Love Me. (Mls) Glen finally meets the man in Anita’s life. Peter and Clara struggle to start a family.
10.20 MOVIE: Love And Other Catastrophes. (1996, Mdls, R)
11.35 You Can’t Ask That. (Mal, R) 12.05 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
3.05 Australia Remastered. (R)
4.00 Gardening Australia. (R)
5.00 Insiders. (R)
ABC FAMILY (22)
6am Children’s Programs. 5.55pm Paddington. 6.05 Kiya And The Kimoja Heroes. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Octonauts: Above And Beyond. 6.35 Kiri And Lou. 6.45 Ben And Holly’s Little Kingdom. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Riley Rocket. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Moominvalley. 8.00 Horrible Histories. 8.30 Fresh Off The Boat. 9.10 Speechless. 9.55 Merlin. 10.40 Late Programs.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Mysteries Of Sink Holes. (PGa)
9.20 Legends Of The Pharaohs. (PGsv, R)
10.20 Great British Landmark Fixers. (R) 11.15 The Art Of Dissent.
1.10 Photos That Changed The World. (Mavw)
2.45 Love Your Garden. (PGa, R)
3.40 Living With The Boss. (PG, R)
4.30 Peer To Peer. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 Al Jazeera News.
6am Morning Programs. 9.00 America’s Game. 10.00 The 4WD Adventure Show. 10.30 Pawn Stars. 11.00
6am Children’s Programs.
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Australian Idol. (PGl) Hosted by Ricki-Lee and Scott Tweedie.
9.00 An Evening With Dua Lipa. (PG) A concert special featuring Dua Lipa’s performance at the Royal Albert Hall in London.
10.30 Live At The Chapel: Amy Shark.
11.30 Autopsy USA. (Mad, R)
12.30 Friday Night Lights. (Madsv, R)
1.30 Harry’s Practice. (R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R)
4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
The UnXplained With William Shatner. 10.10 WWE Legends. 11.45 Hoarders. 12.30am The X-Files. 4.10 NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera.
MOVIES (32)
6am Oka! Continued. (2012, PG) 7.00 Dancing Ninja. (2010, PG) 8.50 Thunderbirds Are GO. (1966, PG) 10.30 How To Blow Up A Pipeline. (2022, M) 12.30pm The Program. (2015, M) 2.25 Race. (2016, PG) 5.00 Meditation Park. (2017, PG) 6.50 Poms. (2019, PG) 8.30 The Goldfinch. (2019, M) 11.15 A Good Man. (2020, MA15+, French) 1.10am Late Programs.
Nambucca Valley Bridge Club News
By Barbara MARANIK
UPCOMING events: Nola Pearce Teams of three is on 6th March. Reminder AGM is on 22nd March @ 12 noon – Nominations are currently being sought for positions within the executive team. Results for week ending 2nd February 2025 Monday 3rd February 2025 North /South 1st John & Lynne Slade 74%, 2nd Libby Knight & Maureen Cowan 58%, Equal 3rd Les
6.00 NBN News. 7.00 Married At
12.30pm MOVIE: Ruby’s Choice. (2022, PG) 3.00 Ben Fogle: Starting Up Starting Over. 4.00 Young Sheldon. 5.00 MOVIE: Stargate. (1994, PG) 7.30 MOVIE: Deep Blue Sea. (1999, M) 9.40 MOVIE: 21 Jump Street. (2012, MA15+) 11.50 Young Sheldon. 12.45am The Originals. 2.35 Ben Fogle: Starting Up Starting Over. 3.30 Beyblade X. 4.00 Transformers: Prime. 4.30 Pokémon: XYZ. 4.50 Late Programs. 6am Children’s Programs. 12.30pm Basketball. WNBL. Adelaide v Geelong United. 2.30 Young Sheldon. 3.30 Children’s Programs. 3.40 MOVIE: Sing. (2016) 5.50 MOVIE: Sherlock Gnomes. (2018) 7.30 MOVIE: Sherlock Holmes 2: A Game Of Shadows. (2011, M) 10.10 MOVIE: 2 Fast 2 Furious. (2003, M) 12.20am Gotham. 1.15 Arrow. 3.05 Young Sheldon. 3.30 Beyblade X. 4.00 Bakugan. 4.30 Late Programs.
Fishing Australia. (R)
9GO! (83) 9GO! (83)
6.00
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (PG, R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.35 Madrid With Michael Portillo. (Final, PG)
8.25 Wilderness With Simon Reeve. (PGa)
9.35 Inside Sydney Airport. (PGa, R)
10.30 SBS World News Late.
11.00 Wisting. (Malv)
12.45 A French Case. (Mal, R)
2.45 Barkley Manor. (PG, R)
3.15 Living With The Boss. (PG, R)
4.05 Peer To Peer. (PG, R)
4.35 Bamay. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Home And Away. (PG) Levi makes inroads into closing a chapter.
7.30 Australian Idol. (PG) Hosted by Ricki-Lee and Scott Tweedie.
9.10 St. Denis Medical. (PGals) Ron and Bruce butt heads over a candy bar. Alex is forced to fire an incompetent employee.
10.10 First Dates UK. (Mls) Singles experience the thrills of dating.
11.15 Lopez Vs. Lopez. (PGals)
12.15 Friday Night Lights. (Madsv, R)
2.30 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News.
5.30 Sunrise.
Australian Crime Stories: The Investigators. (Mv)
Forensics: Murder Scene. (MA15+a)
Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.40 Parkinson In Australia. (PGa, R) 4.30 Gardening Aust. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)
6am Children’s Programs. 5.55pm Paddington. 6.05 Kiya And The Kimoja Heroes. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Octonauts: Above And Beyond. 6.35 Kiri And Lou. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.00 The Deep. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 7.50 The Inbestigators. 8.05 Dr Karl’s How Things Work. 8.30 BTN Newsbreak. 8.40 The Crystal Maze. 9.25 Street Science. 9.50 Merlin. 10.35 Late Programs. 6am Children’s Programs.
SBS MOVIES (32)
6am Poms.
Continued. (2019, PG) 7.35 Without A Clue. (1988, PG) 9.35 Meditation Park. (2017, PG) 11.25 Baby Done. (2020, M) 1.05pm A Son. (2019, M, Arabic) 3.00 The Movie Show. 3.35 Dancing Ninja. (2010, PG) 5.25 After The Storm. (2016, PG, Japanese) 7.35 My Zoe. (2019, M) 9.30 Private Desert. (2021, MA15+, Portuguese) 11.45 Sexual Drive. (2021, MA15+, Japanese) 1.05am Late Programs.
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Who Do You Think You Are? (PGas, R)
8.35 Pretty Baby: Brooke Shields. (Final, Malv)
9.50 The Artist’s View: Guns ‘N’ Roses. (Mdl, R)
10.20 SBS World News Late.
10.50 Prisoner. (Premiere, MA15+alv)
11.55 Fargo. (MA15+v, R) 1.40 Barkley Manor. (PG, R) 2.10 Living With The Boss. (PG, R) 3.50 Peer To Peer. (R) 4.25 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
SBS MOVIES (32)
6am Krull.
Continued. (1983, PG) 7.50 After The Storm. (2016, PG, Japanese) 10.00 The Goldfinch. (2019, M) 12.40pm Jump, Darling. (2020, M) 2.20 Poms. (2019, PG) 4.00 Without A Clue. (1988, PG) 6.00 Fantastic Mr. Fox. (2009, PG) 7.35 Linoleum. (2022, M) 9.30 Punch. (2022, MA15+) 11.20 Cop Secret. (2021, MA15+) 1.15am Hive. (2021, M, Albanian) 2.45 Late Programs.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PG) Harper feels lonely.
7.30 Australian Idol. (PG) The top 30 contestants undertake the group challenge, before three contestants are sent home.
9.20 The Hunting Party. (M) In rural Montana, Bex and the team hunt down a serial killer obsessed with wolves.
10.20 The Irrational. (Mav) Simon’s mother asks Alec for help. 12.20 Friday Night Lights. (Madsv, R) 2.30 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News.
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WEDNESDAY, February 19
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (PG, R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.35 Lord Lucan. (Malv)
8.30 Wonders Of The Sun With Dara Ó Briain. (Final, PG)
9.25 Miniseries: Playing Nice. (Final, Malv)
10.25 SBS World News Late. 10.55 Pagan Peak. (MA15+av) 11.45 Rogue Heroes. (Final, Malv, R) 12.50 Agent Hamilton. (MA15+v, R) 2.35 Barkley Manor. (Final, R) 3.05 Living With The Boss. (PG, R) 3.55 Employable Me (USA) (Ma, R) 4.45 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (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. (PGd) Hosted by Lee Mack.
8.30 Ludwig. (Mav) A body falls from a construction site.
9.45 Breathtaking. (Mal) The team takes on the COVID-19 pandemic. 10.50 The Suspects: True Australian Thrillers. (Ma, R)
11.50 Autopsy USA. (Ma, R)
12.50 Covert Affairs. (Msv, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 NBN News. 7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Married At First Sight. (Mls) 9.00 Big Miracles. (Mam)
10.00 9News Late.
Casualty 24/7. (Mm, R)
The Equalizer. (MA15+v, R)
Tipping Point. (PG, R)
Your Next Cruise. (R)
TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
Global Shop. (R)
TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa)
A Current Affair. (R)
Today Early
SBS MOVIES (32)
6am Without A
Clue. Continued. (1988, PG) 7.00 Minari. (2020, PG, Korean) 9.10 3 Days In Quiberon. (2018, PG, French) 11.20 My Zoe. (2019, M) 1.15pm After The Storm. (2016, PG, Japanese) 3.25 Krull. (1983, PG) 5.40 Princess Caraboo. (1994, PG) 7.30 The Big Chill. (1983, M) 9.30 Oskars Kleid. (2022, M, German) 11.25 Swan Song. (2021, M) 1.25am From The Vine. (2019, M) 3.10 Late Programs.
THURSDAY, February 20
Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.30 Gardening Aust. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Finding Your Roots. (PG)
8.30 Scotland’s Poshest Train: Alan Cumming. (PG)
9.30 MOVIE: Boiling Point. (2021, MA15+dl, R) 11.15 SBS World News Late. 11.45 Golden Boy. (Mdln)
12.35 The Allegation. (MA15+av, R) 2.30 Earth’s Natural Wonders. (PGa, R) 3.25 Employable Me (USA) (Ma, R) 4.15 Peer To Peer. (PG, R) 4.45 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (PGa, R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
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SBS MOVIES (32)
6am Morning Programs. 6.35 The Extraordinary Journey Of The Fakir. (2018, PG) 8.25 Fantastic Mr. Fox. (2009, PG) 10.00 Linoleum. (2022, M) 11.55 Arab Blues. (2019, M, Arabic) 1.30pm 3 Days In Quiberon. (2018, PG, French) 3.40 Minari. (2020, PG, Korean) 5.50 Bride And Prejudice. (2004, PG) 7.55 But I’m A Cheerleader. (1999, M) 9.30 Blue Jean. (2022, M) 11.20 Late Programs.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGa) Dana nurses fresh heartbreak. 8.30 MOVIE: Mamma Mia! (2008, PGls, R) A young woman invites three of her mother’s former boyfriends to her upcoming wedding on a Greek island. Amanda Seyfried, Meryl Streep, Colin Firth.
10.50 To Be Advised.
12.30 Damnation. (MA15+asv) Creeley divides the farmers.
1.30 Travel Oz. (PG, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
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Lions look forward
AFTER distinguished themselves as the only AFL North Coast club to field teams in every junior grade in 2024, the Nambucca Valley Lions are gearing up for another successful season.
Last year’s highlights included winning the Under 13 and 15 girls premierships, while the Under 17 girls, Under 16 boys, and Under 14 Mixed teams competed in the semi-finals.
The Under 12 Mixed team, after a sluggish start, secured sixth place out of 11 teams, and the Under 10 Mixed team participated in a non-final competition.
Significant growth was observed in the AUSKICK program, which caters to players aged five to twelve. This initiative introduces young athletes to the skills and rules of Australian Rules Football.
The league will host an AUSKICK introduction program at EJ Biffin Playing Fields, Nambucca Heads on Wednesday afternoons throughout March.
In 2025, the Lions juniors aim to replicate the success achieved in recent seasons.
Training commences on Wednesday, 26 February from 4:30pm to 5:30pm at EJ Biffin.
Under 13, 15 and 17 girls will train on Thursdays from 6 March.
This year the seniors will field a reserve grade team and are looking to establish a Ladies team and an Under 18 boys' team.
golden sands tavern
Seniors practice sessions have commenced on Wednesdays from 5:30pm to 6:30pm at EJ Biffin.
Under 16 boys and Under 17 girls are encouraged to train with the seniors.
entree
Garlic Bread VEGO
Cheesy Garlic Bread
MAIN
250gm Porterhouse GF Cooked to your liking,
Spaghetti Bolognese
Creamy
LOCALS DRAW @ 7PM RAFFLES FROM 6PM
salads
Caeser Salad
Cos lettuce, bacon, croutons, parmesan anchovy & Caesar dressing topped with poached egg and cripsy prosciutto
Moroccan Spiced Pumpkin & Feta GF, V Quinoa, salad leaves, roasted pumpkin, feta, cranberries, red onion & toasted walnuts tossed in a zesty vinaigrette & balsamic glaze (VGO No feta)
Add Chicken 6
Add Prawns (3) 8
Add Halloumi 6
q The Under 13 Lions girls celebrate their premiership win.