AROUND 100 community preschool educators braved the rain in Coffs Harbour on Wednesday 6 May to join the statewide “Start Strong Pay Fair” Day of Action.
Dressed in a sea of pink, supporters from Crescent Head to Nana Glen marched to demand a fair funding increase.
The march began at Brelsford Park and moved through the CBD, with the chant “We teach, we care, we deserve to be paid fair!” echoing through the streets as passers-by honked and cheered in support.
The procession gathered outside the office of Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh, where protesters called on his support. CONTINUED Page 2
PARK PROGRESS
Penny Sharpe was in
By Andrew VIVIAN
q Valla preschool educators at the rally on Wednesday, 6 May. Photo: Lani Greenhalgh.
Email us the exact wording and we will email back a proof and price ads@newsofthearea.com.au
Phone
Coffs Coast preschool educators rally for equal pay
FROM Page 1
Organised by the Independent Education Union of Australia (IEU), the rally follows two years of failed negotiations with the NSW Government.
Educators are seeking pay parity with school teachers and to ensure the survival of the not-for-profit community preschool model.
Sarah Barcala, Director of Urunga Community Preschool, told News Of The Area, “Our rally will show that the community values their preschools and will place additional pressure on the NSW government to act.
“The pay disparities are resulting in difficulties in attracting and retaining committed and appropriately qualified staff.”
The impact of this inequity leaves educators feeling undervalued, which can be felt in the classroom.
Janice Hoffman, an Early Childhood Teacher and Educational Leader at Nambucca Heads Preschool Playcentre, warned that the lack of professional recognition is taking a toll.
“Staff feel like babysitters instead of educators,” Ms Hoffman said.
“For the children, this means losing the continuity of educators, which can undermine their feelings of safety and security.”
Janine Reibel, Director of the Nambucca Heads centre, added that the region faces a “devastating” ripple effect if the funding gap isn’t closed.
IEU data shows that community preschool educators earn up to 30 percent less annually than school teachers with equal qualifications, and approximately 15 percent less than their counterparts in long day care centres.
For example, a graduate teacher in a
primary school earns $90,177, while a preschool teacher with five years’ experience earns just $86,264.
The decision to take industrial action was not made lightly.
Sarah Earsman, acting director of Valla Beach Community Preschool, noted their management committee voted to close the preschool for industrial action for the first time in its 42-year history.
“We don’t want to sacrifice the high quality of education we provide, nor do we want to
pass the cost to parents who are already under financial strain,” Ms Earsman explained.
She said that parents have been supportive of the decision because they want to protect the high quality of education provided by the preschool.
The “Start Strong Pay Fair” campaign aligns with a recent Fair Work Commission recommendation that the NSW government review and increase funding needed to deliver long overdue pay rises to the sector.
The IEU and local preschool directors are urging the community to stand with them, and encourage supporters to write to their State MPs seeking their support for fair funding in the upcoming budget.
q The rally gathers outside Gurmesh Singh’s office in Coffs Harbour. Photo: Lani Greenhalgh.
Aboriginal rangers to play key role in GKNP
FROM Page 1
Coffs Harbour on Tuesday, 12 May to outline progress on the delivery of the Great Koala National Park (GKNP).
While the central focus of the visit was on consultation with local Aboriginal representatives, the Minister announced other aspects of ongoing planning.
These included boosting firefighting capacity with the NSW Rural Fire Service and Forestry Corporation NSW through more firefighters, new equipment and early detection technologies.
She also discussed refining park boundaries for the best conservation possibilities and working with local tourism, council and other partners to unlock new visitor and recreation opportunities.
“The Minns Labor Government has been working closely with the community to ensure planning delivers strong environmental protection, while driving nature-based and recreational tourism on the Mid North Coast,” said Ms Sharpe.
For the first time, the GKNP will appoint
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Aboriginal cultural heritage rangers, aiming to place Indigenous knowledge at the centre of park management.
The positions will be created through collaboration with Elders and Traditional Owners on the GKNP’s Aboriginal Advisory Panel.
Ms Sharpe acknowledged the area as a significant cultural landscape for the Gumbaynggirr and Dunghutti peoples, home to places of creation, ceremony and spirituality, traditional camps, resource gathering areas and pathways.
“The Great Koala National Park is a oncein-a-generation opportunity to protect one of Australia’s most important koala populations while recognising the deep cultural connection Traditional Owners have to this landscape,” she said.
Glenn Storrie, Principal Project Officer with NPWS, said, “It’s very clear that the community wants both conservation plus access and use.
“We aim to deliver an amazing national park and manage it for the conservation of
koalas but also for the fun and enjoyment of the community.”
for the North Coast
communities”.
Legislation to reserve the GKNP will be prepared later this year.
According to the NSW Government, the final creation of the park is dependent on the successful registration of a carbon project under the proposed Improved Native Forest Management method, which is progressing following public consultation in January.
The method is expected to be considered by the Commonwealth Government’s Independent Emissions Reduction Assurance Committee.
After the announcement Minister Sharpe met with the Aboriginal Advisory Panel in Coffs Harbour and toured a section of the proposed park.
Upgrade to bulk water filling stations
By Mick BIRTLES
NAMBUCCA Valley Council is rolling out significant upgrades to its bulk water filling stations, aiming to better support rural communities and improve access for registered water carters across the region.
A new bulk water filling station at South Macksville is now about one month away from opening, with construction nearing completion at the top of the Macksville Industrial Estate.
Council General Manager Bede Spannagle said the project represents an important investment in the region’s water infrastructure.
“Nambucca Valley is in a really good position to get through drought times due to the large water storage capacity at Bowraville Dam,” he said.
“However our bulk water filling stations, the access points to our town water supply, were in need of improvement, so this financial year, Council is delivering a new bulk water filling station adjacent
to Yarrawonga Street, at the top of the Macksville Industrial Estate.”
Mr Spannagle advised the site is about 80 percent completed and has been carefully laid out to make vehicle access easy for existing, registered water carters via a large concrete driveway.
The new facility will feature an Australian-made Abberfield water filling system, connected to a 200mm water main and capable of delivering approximately 1,000 litres per minute.
This means a standard 10,000-litre tanker could be filled in around 10 minutes, significantly improving efficiency for operators.
Council is also progressing upgrades in other parts of the Valley, with construction of an improved bulk water filling station at Valla, near Old Boggy Creek Road, set to begin from around 18 May as part of broader infrastructure works.
“Next financial year 2026/27, we are also constructing a new bulk water filling station in Bowraville, on Valla Road adjacent to the Bowraville Sawmill,” Mr Spannagle said.
While these larger facilities have been under construction, smaller operators
Street
Minister
Janelle
q Environment Minister Penny Sharpe with representatives of the National Parks and Wildlife Service.
q Glenn Storrie from the National Parks and Wildlife Service.
q Minister for the Environment Penny Sharpe announces next steps in the creation of the GKNP. Photo: DCCEEW.
Saffin described the GKNP as a landmark investment for the region, which will provide environmental protection while “driving new local jobs and economic opportunities for our
have continued to access water via Blue Fill Points located at Ken Howard Crescent in Nambucca Heads and Grassy Park on George
in Bowraville.
Council is also planning to install an additional unit in Dudley Street, Macksville, to further support smaller water carters in the future.
q Council Director Engineering Services David Moloney (left) and Water and Sewer Coordinator Derek Prowse at the site for a new bulk water filling station at the top of the Macksville Industrial Estate, adjacent to Yarrawonga Street. Photo: supplied.
CLASSIFIEDS
Email
BUSINESS ADVERTISING OUTLETS
Where 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.
A list is published towards the back of this newspaper. You can also find the outlets by going to www.newsofthearea.com.au
Major review of rural land strategy
By Mick BIRTLES
NAMBUCCA Valley Council is preparing to publicly exhibit its updated Rural Residential Land Release Strategy, marking the first major review of the document in 17 years.
At its 22 April meeting, Council resolved to include probable maximum flood mapping in the draft strategy before placing it on public exhibition, giving the community an opportunity to provide feedback.
The review has identified an additional 651.45 hectares of land with the potential to yield approximately 518 rural residential lots, opening the door for future housing opportunities across the Valley.
Council General Manager Bede Spannagle said the updated strategy is an important step in planning for the region’s growth.
“Councils are responsible for ensuring its local government area has enough land available to meet predicted population growth, balanced against the current infrastructure and environmental constraints,” he said.
“Our planning team undertook the review over the past 12 months and identified 651.45 hectares of additional land from outside the current land release strategy areas that could be rezoned for rural residential purposes.
“These areas are largely in Congarinni, Utungun and Newee Creek.
“While we are proposing
to release land in these areas to allow opportunities to be more evenly spread across the shire, we are also looking to remove some land at Warrell Creek and Utungun which have been identified as having agricultural significance and to minimise the potential of land use conflict.”
The draft strategy is intended to provide a clear framework for managing rural residential land across the Nambucca Valley, balancing growth with environmental and infrastructure considerations.
Once the flood mapping is finalised,
q
the document will be made available for public viewing both online and at Council’s Macksville administration building, as well as local libraries throughout the Valley.
Following the exhibition period, community submissions will be reviewed and reported back to Council, along with recommendations on how to proceed.
If adopted, the strategy will then be forwarded to the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure for endorsement, paving the way for future rezoning applications.
The community will get the chance to have its say on the draft strategy once it is publicly exhibited in the near future. Photo: supplied.
Business leaders tour Valley
By Mick BIRTLES
A DELEGATION of regional business leaders have toured the Nambucca Valley, gaining a firsthand look at the area’s expanding industrial capability, strong manufacturing sector and growing tourism appeal.
The visit, held on Friday 8 May, was coordinated by Business NSW Mid North Coast as part of its Regional Leaders Program, with the group touring the Valla Urban Growth Area (VUGA) Stage One, Macksville-based Swale Industries and the iconic Pub with no Beer.
Business NSW Mid North Coast Regional Director Rod Barnaby said the Valley stood out as a region with strong and diverse industries.
“We’re really lucky on the Mid North Coast to have leading business in so many industry sectors and several of these great manufacturing and advanced manufacturing businesses are right here in the Nambucca Valley, which is why we chose to have the May Regional Leaders Advisory Board meeting and tour here this month,” he said.
“Seeing the Valla Urban Growth Area was exciting.
“With its 13 large-size industrial lots, some with Pacific Motorway frontage, it clearly has the potential to supercharge industry and create a brand new industrial hub, half-way between Coffs Harbour and Port Macquarie, Brisbane and Sydney.”
During the visit, Nambucca Valley Council Director Engineering Services David Moloney outlined the scale of works already completed at VUGA.
“Here at VUGA, we’ve moved about 130,000 cubic metres of material, with two scrapers and three bulldozers to create the new industrial precinct,” he told the group.
“We’ve put in about 1.5 kilometres of
stormwater drainage here, all of the footpaths are installed, the road is asphalted and all of the industrial lots are fully serviced, with reticulated water, sewer and fibre to the premises NBN connection.”
Mr Moloney detailed that reaching this stage of construction completion on the western side of the Pacific Motorway, with just the sewer pump station and some pipe laying to go on the eastern side, means new industrial land is nearing its release in 2026.
The group then visited Swale Industries in Macksville, where owner Matthew Taylor
showcased the capabilities of his business.
“Here at Swale, our dedicated team can engineer complete mechanical, electrical and fabrication solutions, all in-house in our modern workshops,” he said.
“With our set up of CNC lathes and milling machines, laser cutting, bending equipment and professional welding facilities, we are able to design, manufacture or modify custom steel components to suit any business’ need.”
The tour concluded at the historic Pub with no Beer, where the group experienced the venue’s hospitality and local flavour.
New licensee Mel Train said she is focused on building the pub’s reputation as a destination for both locals and visitors.
Ms Train said she has enjoyed taking the reins of the pub and working with the new head chef to bring amazing food, live entertainment and country hospitality to the venue.
She added that she is keen to bring in more local and regional visitors and encouraged the regional leaders to return with their families and friends.
q Council Manager Economic Development and Tourism Jan Rooney outlining the upcoming opportunities for industries at Valla Urban Growth Area Stage One, during the Regional Leaders bus tour of the Valley last Friday. Photo: supplied.
Forest industry future under review
By John WATTS
THE forestry industry has been a contested space in NSW for many years, with some supporting the continuation of native hardwood logging and others strongly opposing it.
The issue was brought into sharper focus recently with the announcement by the NSW Government of its intention to create the Great Koala National Park (GKNP).
The establishment of the GKNP will result in areas which are presently state forest, where logging is permissible, being converted into national park, where logging is prohibited.
Clearly wishing to find a way forward, the NSW Government is developing a Forestry Industry Action Plan (FIAP), which it has indicated will address the following issues:
• The sustainability of current and future forestry operations in
NSW,
• The environmental and cultural values of forests, including threatened species,
• The community demand for timber products, particularly as relates to NSW housing, construction, mining, transport and retail,
• The future of softwood and hardwood plantations and the continuation of Private Native Forestry in helping meet timber supply needs,
• The role of State Forests in maximising the delivery of a range of environmental, economic and social outcomes,
• Opportunities to realise carbon and biodiversity benefits and support carbon and biodiversity markets, and mitigate and adapt to climate
change risks, and
• Greenhouse gas emission impacts of different uses of forests and assessment of climate change risks to forests.
As part of the development of its FIAP the government appointed a panel, titled The Independent Forestry Panel, to consult with various stakeholders and to then provide a report to the government about the various viewpoints.
In producing its report, the panel consulted with representatives from the timber industry, forest growers, environment groups, unions, Aboriginal communities, local government, business, related industries, tourism, scientific experts and the Commonwealth Government.
More than 1,700 submissions were received.
“Making this report available to the public is a key step toward modernising
forestry in a way that protects biodiversity,” said Penny Sharpe, the Minister for Climate Change, Energy, Heritage and Environment.
“Following the finalisation of the Stakeholder Report, the panel has been tasked to produce a Considerations Report.
“This report will… identify opportunities to ensure the ongoing sustainability of the NSW forestry industry and support jobs.”
This will be through:
• The NSW Government’s moratorium on logging in the proposed area for the Great Koala National Park,
• Changes to the Commonwealth’s Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.
• Opportunities the Australian Carbon Credit Unit Scheme could offer state forestry reform, including potential revenue for the NSW Government.
The Panel’s Stakeholder
Community ‘heartbroken’ by land sale
VALLA Beach community members say they are heartbroken by the sale of a heavily-wooded block of land on Langsford Way they hoped to save from residential development.
The 3.22-hectare block was sold at auction in Sydney on 22 April for $1.9 million.
Considering the land has been assessed by the NSW Government as suitable for 60 dwellings, locals believe the price point is well below market value.
Months of community action and protests preceded the sale.
Valla Beach community member Georgette Allen told News Of The Area, “Sadly, despite all the written communications to state government ministers, television and print media
coverage, community gatherings and protests, ecological studies, and even an emergency Council meeting and plea by the Nambucca Valley Council
Mayor to the Department of Education to halt the auction - everything was ignored.
“We have learned that this precious, valuable land sold for a measly $1.9 million.
“This is only a drop in the bucket for state government revenue, but to the community it is a heartbreaking loss of old growth trees, and
harmonious views from Nourish Cafe, Valla Tavern, Anderson Park playgrounds and homes on Max Graham Drive.
“Loss of this land will mean loss of shade, increased local traffic, increased noise pollution from highway traffic and unsustainable pressure on the infrastructure of Valla Beach.”
Valla Beach resident Judith Kirwood said the block’s canopy of large trees would be a huge loss for the community if they were to be removed for development.
“We now face the possibility of the land being carved into multiple lots,” she said.
“Goodbye trees and goodbye to the wildlife that call it home.”
Ms Kirwood also expressed concerns over run-off issues from future development.
“The wetland that cuts across the corner of this land drains to Oyster Creek.
“That section of the land will face threats to water quality and inevitable degradation from runoff, from the processes
Report is available online at nsw.gov.au by searching the “independent-forestry-panelstakeholder-report”.
involved in any future land development.”
Georgette and Judith say they will continue to monitor the yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo roost on site, and “plan the next move for what happens when a Development Application is submitted to Council”.
The block, formerly owned by the Department of Education, was identified as surplus to requirements during a 2024 government property audit.
Throughout the process, NSW Government officials have maintained that they will pull “every lever available” to address the housing crisis.
“The NSW Government expects the site to be able to deliver up to 60 homes, with the land zoned R1 General Residential under the Nambucca Local Environmental Plan 2010,” a spokesperson for the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure told NOTA last month.
“Any development activity is a matter for the new owner with appropriate oversight from the NSW planning system and Nambucca Valley Council’s Environment Plan.”
q Minister for the North Coast Janelle Saffin, Premier Chris Minns and Environment Minister Penny Sharpe at the Great Koala National Park announcement last year. Photo: Penny Sharpe MP.
q A large tree with habitat hollows on the site. Photo: Georgette Allen.
q The site is home to a host of large trees. Photo: Georgette Allen.
q The Langsford Way site’s tree canopy at sunset. Photo: Dr John Bennett.
By Mick BIRTLES
AN evocative new exhibition at Nambucca Valley Phoenix in Bowraville is inviting visitors to look beyond the surface and engage in a shared artistic journey.
Titled “Despite Appearances”, the exhibition by Woolgoolga-based artist Suse Wilson brings together around 20 works that explore resilience, faith and personal reflection through largely abstract forms.
Wilson said the title emerged organically during the creative process.
“It’s called Despite Appearances, a title that came to me after an interesting character emerged from the artwork and seemed to be saying ‘despite appearances, I am okay’,” she told News Of The Area.
The exhibition features predominantly greyscale works created using graphite, ink and charcoal, alongside a diverse mix of pieces including a transparency installation, interpretive coloured works, a self-portrait and smaller ink drawings framed in recycled materials.
Among the works is
Wilson shares deeply personal works in showcase Urunga LifeHouse Care expands
By
RobotSong, a 26-page coloured pencil installation currently in progress and intended for future presentation as a children’s book.
Wilson describes her artistic journey as one that began later in life after putting aside creative pursuits for many years.
“I started a more serious pursuit of art at a fairly advanced age, after putting vocational art-making on hold for a long time and for various reasons, though it remained a valued part time pastime,” she said.
She reflected on an early moment that shaped her path away from art as a young person.
“As a preteen I gave in to fear of suffering when, after viewing the movie on Michelangelo’s life titled ‘The Agony & the Ecstasy’ I thought to myself, ‘Well agony doesn’t sound like much fun’, and I headed in other directions.”
Her return to study later in life proved transformative.
“My return to TAFE studies in my sixties gave me momentum and some belief in my abilities as an art-maker and since then I believe I have
have been flourishing as a drawing student under the excellent tuition of the lively and dedicated teachers who initiated and now lead Bay Art School,” she said.
Faith plays a central role in Wilson’s creative expression.
“My motivation is to share the gospel of Christ in whatever way I can and this
overflows into my artistic practice, though my recent love of abstract art reinforces the truth that artists who leave it up to the viewer to ‘complete the story’ of the piece for themselves show respect to their audience.”
Now based in Woolgoolga, Wilson said her surroundings have supported her creative growth.
“I’m a Woolgoolga local now and for me life here is conducive to creative work,” she said.
Her work also reflects a deeply personal perspective on life and meaning.
“I’m finding great fulfilment in my life now after a bad start, and while I’m sure to have less years on earth ahead of me than behind
me, my worldview informs me that physical death is not the end of my life; I have an eternity with Christ Jesus to happily anticipate.”
Wilson draws inspiration from both classical and contemporary artists.
Despite Appearances runs until 4 June at Nambucca Valley Phoenix in Bowraville.
After relocating from the nearby arcade last spring to a larger space inside its Urunga church building, the team introduced complementary
tea and coffee for customers.
“It went well, so we then introduced a morning tea every Thursday morning during Pantry opening hours between 10am and noon,” Community Pantry leader Kellie Small said.
“We have between 12 and 16 volunteers every Thursday morning, some of whom start very early picking up fruit and vegetables.”
Produce is donated by Fullers in Bellingen, Urunga Bakery and OzHarvest.
The atmosphere created is bustling and welcoming as more community members learn about the morning tea and join in: “especially more mature community members who could be feeling quite lonely and isolated as they get older.”
The team has recruited volunteers who play a social role at the informal café;
lending an ear, listening and chatting.
The space has also welcomed the Neighbourhood Centres of Bellingen Shire Inc’s supported playgroup, which meets every second week.
Facilitated by the Early Childhood and Family Wellbeing Service, and led by Honey Cairns and Julia Brown, the group is growing.
“It gives the mums a chance to talk to [others] at the same stage in life,” Ms Small said.
The outdoor area is about to be fenced, creating an additional safe place for the children’s activities.
“And we've got plans for a little outside garden down the track where we could grow some herbs.”
It is also an opportunity for the Neighbourhood Centre to provide the mums
with a wraparound service.
“If someone's having a challenging time with their child or might need an early childcare nurse or help through Centrelink, Honey can support them through those different processes or put them in touch with someone else who can help them out.”
Ms Small acknowledged a special donation by Foodbank NSW and ACT, who gifted around 50 Mother's Day bags containing feminine luxuries including perfume and moisturiser and skincare.
The beauty bags were distributed to mums in the area.
“Some of them told us they had never had such lovely items before; it was so rewarding to give them these treats.”
LifeHouse Care, founded in Coffs Harbour 30 years ago, provides crisis relief and assistance to locals experiencing hardship, The core ‘businesses’Community Care, Pantries, combined Op Shops and The Hub - work hand in hand to provide personalised and practical connection and empowerment that help facilitate positive change.
LifeHouse Care operates seven food pantries across the Coffs Coast region serving locals low-cost groceries and products.
q A solo exhibition by 2025 Phoenix Art Prize Winner Suse Wilson has begun at Nambucca Valley Phoenix in Bowraville and will run until 4 June. Photo: supplied.
q A sample of the works on display in the ‘Despite Appearances’ exhibition. Photo: supplied.
q LifeHouse Care’s Mike McCue, Kellie Small and volunteer Donna Ball.
q Morning tea on a Thursday morning.
q There’s always time for a chat at LifeHouse Care, Urunga.
Andrea FERRARI
LIFEHOUSE Care’s Urunga Pantry has been growing its offerings since moving into a new space within the village’s Lifehouse Church.
Inquiry: Road funding fix needed for rural councils
RURAL residents are crying out for reliable roads, the state’s peak farming body has told an inquiry into local government funding and fiscal sustainability.
Last week, the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Regional Development, Infrastructure and Transport held hearings with more than 20 councils in Wodonga, Wagga Wagga and Taree.
Also present were representatives from organisations such as Regional Capitals Australia, NSW Country Mayors and NSW Farmers.
NSW Farmers Business, Economics and Trade Committee chair John Lowe appeared during the hearings, urging urgent reform to secure reliable funding for rural councils and critical local infrastructure.
“Councils in rural, regional and remote areas have an enormous network of roads and they need greater certainty to maintain them, which supports farm businesses and community safety,” Mr Lowe said.
“Roads are the sole connection for many rural communities and farms, but too many councils are being
forced to ‘patch and pray’ with unreliable, projectbased funding.”
NSW Farmers called on the Australian Government to restore Financial Assistance Grants to a minimum of 1 percent of total Commonwealth tax revenue, providing a stable funding base for local government and a stronger foundation for local road maintenance.
At the same time, Mr Lowe said, there needed to be a pause on special variation rates (SVR) and greater scrutiny on these applications.
“Farm businesses cannot
keep absorbing sudden, steep and cumulative rate rises as councils scramble to fill funding gaps due to cost shifting from state and federal governments,” Mr Lowe said.
“They need a fairer, more sustainable model that enables councils to have funding sustainability and effectively deliver for communities in the regions, especially roads.
“It’s also critical that all landholders contribute equitably and fairly –increasing property acquisitions and land use changes from National Parks,
state forestry, biodiversity offsets by mining companies and electricity generation companies are reducing rateable land which can leave the burden to fall on others, including farmers.”
Last week’s hearings featured a broad crosssection of regional stakeholders, including MidCoast, Port MacquarieHastings, Dungog Shire and Maitland Shire councils.
Federal Member for Lyne Alison Penfold welcomed the inquiry’s visit to Taree.
“This is an important federal inquiry and comes at a time when our local councils
are weighed down by the replacement costs of flood ravaged infrastructure and community infrastructure such as roads and sporting fields that are coming to the end of life without the necessary fiscal autonomy to deliver,” she said.
“The problem with centralised decision-making in Canberra is that too often there is a disconnect between policy and the real outcomes that our regions actually need – it is critical that our voice is heard to help shape the Committee’s recommendations.”
Critical renewable energy projects to be fast-tracked
PROPOSED legislation
currently before the NSW Legislative Assembly would allow the Energy Minister to identify the highest-priority renewable energy projects in the planning pipeline and prioritise them for streamlining.
The NSW Government says it would result in more streamlined approvals for generation, storage and network projects that will power homes, industry and economic growth.
However, it also states the proposed law would not remove any environmental or community assessment requirements, with
developers still needing to meet all relevant planning, environmental and consultation obligations.
“Priority energy projects must demonstrate best practice in how they work with landholders and communities, particularly in regional NSW,” the NSW Government said in a statement.
“The Energy Legislation Amendment (Prioritising Renewable Energy) Bill 2026 will also support the effective and consistent implementation of the NSW Benefit-Sharing Guideline, ensuring councils and communities hosting
projects receive associated benefits.”
Minister for Climate Change and Energy Penny Sharpe said the government is committed to ensuring reliable, affordable energy for heavy industries like the Tomago aluminium smelter, and to power economic growth across the state.
“This new legislation will mean infrastructure projects that are critical for manufacturing jobs, economic growth and energy affordability don’t get stuck in the queue,” she said.
“No matter where you live in this state, you will benefit from us getting on
with the job and delivering quality renewable projects as fast as we can.”
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said, “With a growing pipeline of energy projects ahead of us, we need a planning system that can support achieving our ambitious energy targets.
“These reforms will also make sure critical projects are not being delayed by objections from people thousands of kilometres away who will never be impacted by them – NSW locals should and will have the loudest voice.”
The move has been
met with discontent from sections of the agriculture industry, with NSW Farmers warning that rushing approvals will deepen community distress, entrench an unfair power imbalance between large developers and landholders, and generate more objections and conflict.
NSW Farmers Energy Taskforce chair Reg Kidd described the government’s new approvals plan as “reckless”.
“Farmers have not been given realistic timeframes to understand proposals and participate meaningfully, or object where necessary,” Mr
Kidd said.
“We've been working hard with EnergyCo and the government to improve engagement and get better consultation and we don't want to derail that process –these issues can’t be rushed.
“Under current arrangements, communities are often expected to respond to highly technical Environmental Impact Statements (EIS) within weeks.
“If this is fast-tracked even more, additional pressure will be put on timepoor landholders already distressed and stretched.”
A cappella group celebrates milestone with flash mob
By Mick BIRTLES
A VIBRANT local singing group has celebrated its second anniversary in style, surprising patrons with a ‘flash mob’ performance at the Valla Beach Tavern.
The Valla Beach A cappella Good Vibes Singing Group, which has been building momentum across the Nambucca Valley, marked the milestone with a spontaneous performance of The Lion Sleeps Tonight and We Will Rock You.
The performance captured the spirit of fun and community at the heart of the group.
Founded by local musician Heather Rose, the group has grown to around 30 members, drawing participants from Woolgoolga, Bellingen, Nambucca Heads, Macksville, Urunga, Sawtell and Valla.
The group was originally created as a welcoming space for people to come together through music, regardless of vocal ability, with a strong focus on positivity, inclusion and enjoyment.
“It’s open to everyone, no matter what vocal ability, but nice people only who are willing to let go and let it happen,” Heather told News Of The Area.
Members describe the sessions as a safe and uplifting environment where people can relax, build confidence and rediscover the joy of singing.
“There’s laughter, fun and a bit of silliness, and people learn to trust the process,” Heather added.
Over the past two years, the group has also used its voice to support the community, including performing at a forest ecology
Premier League wrap
By Aiden BURGESS
NORTH Coast Football’s
Men’s Premier League season continued with Round 5 matches played across the Coffs Coast.
Northern Storm went to the top of the ladder after a 3-0 win against Bellingen FC at Korora Oval.
The Sawtell Scorpions moved into fourth spot on the ladder with a 1-0 win against the Coffs City United Lions at Toormina Oval.
The Yamba Breakers moved into third spot on the ladder with a 3-1 win at home against the Coffs Coast Tigers.
fundraiser and raising around $400 to assist a local family following the tragic loss of their teenage son at Valla Beach.
Creativity is another
key element, with members regularly contributing to original songs and enjoying the shared experience of making music together.
Heather said one of her
favourite aspects is seeing how quickly time passes during sessions.
“It’s the quickest hour they spend each week,” she said.
The group continues to receive strong community support and positive feedback, with many members discovering or rediscovering their voice along the way.
q The Valla Beach A cappella Good Vibes Singing Group delighted patrons at the Valla Beach Tavern on Friday night, with a ‘flash mob’ performing The Lion Sleeps Tonight and We Will Rock You.
Panthers win local derby
By Aiden BURGESS
SAWTELL Panthers have earned early season bragging rights with a 26-22 win against the Coffs Harbour Comets in their local derby, during Round 4 of the Group 2 Rugby League season.
Kalani Morris scored a double for the Panthers, with Mikaere Beattie, Damion Dumas, and Jayden
O'Shannessy also among the try scorers.
Jett McCarthy scored a double for the Comets, with Sunia Tamale and Max Sheard also scoring.
The Panthers remain undefeated at the top of the Group 2 Rugby League ladder.
The Woolgoolga Seahorses also remain undefeated after triumphing 14-0 against the Grafton
Ghosts in Woolgoolga.
The South Grafton Rebels snapped a two-match losing streak with a 36-32 win at home against the Macksville Sea Eagles.
THE NUMBER 37 reputedly is magical - and it was for four goers at the Nambucca Heads Island Golf Course.
Paddy Byrne, Graham Weary, Rod Ford and Martin Turner had just that score to reign supreme in the Nambucca Valley Property medley stableford on Saturday.
All four came rattling home for a number said by King David in Psalm 37 that the meek shall inherit the earth. They may not have been bequeathed a planet but surely there was no forgive me, father, for I have shanked, as they rose to the podium.
19-marker Byrne added $40 to his account after a miraculous 38 around the back to win Div 1 from Weary (10 handicap) who birdied the last and had 78 off the stick.
In Div 2 it was Ford (23)
to the fore on countback from Turner (24). Both parred the 18th.
Stephen Doherty paintrolled a long one on the 1st to collect the Ecomist prize pack and the pins went to Peter Klem-Goode on 5, Craig Haworth on 5, Tom Wattison on 8 and Tristram Edwards on 15. John Nebauer smacked it close on 13 for the Pizza
This Pizza meal and Weary capped a spiffing day with the $70 Pro Pin on the last.
Narelle Delaney (33) didn't card 37 points but did have five sevens in her round to win the women's single stableford on Wednesday, 6 May.
Bogeys on three of the final four holes saw her head home on countback Jenny Thorne (26), Sue Brooks (13) and Dianne O'Leary (16).
Flagstick huggers were Lillian Lukins on 5, Henny Oldenhove on 13 and Bulahdelah's Thora-Lou
Smith jagged the $17 Pro Pin on 18.
Nambucca's Daniel Phelps (once was 23) had the best score of the week with 43 points and 85 off the bat to scorch the Nambucca Valley Property medley stableford on Thursday 7 May.
Five pars and a birdie finish saw Phelps win Div 2 though only one clear of William Mann (23) who matched with five pars and a two on the 18th.
Ken Marriott (19) carded a stellar 39 points for the W in Div 1, one clear of Daryl Wall (10).
Marriott birdied the long par five 11th and had 39 round the back while Wall hit anything but his surname in finishing birdie-bogey-birdie.
Peter Miller sunk the putt from afar on 1 and stickclingers were Ken Klem on 5, Stephen McNeil on 8 and Darrell Flanders on 15. Coffs Harbour's Adam Woods will
The Sawtell Panthers remained undefeated with a 48-6 thumping of the Coffs Harbour Comets.
The win was their fourth in a row to start the season.
The Woolgoolga Seahorses consolidated their top four spot with a 26-18 win against the Grafton Ghosts,
The South Grafton Rebels recorded their first win of the season, downing the Macksville Sea Eagles 20-16.
Women’s
The Sawtell Panthers earnt bragging rights with a 28-10 win against the Coffs Harbour Comets in their local derby.
The Grafton Ghosts remained undefeated this season after a 30-4 win against the Woolgoolga Seahorses.
Under 18s
The Sawtell Panthers had a 38-16 win against the Coffs Harbour Comets.
The Woolgoolga Seahorses defeated the Grafton Ghosts by 22-8.
The Group 2 Rugby League season has this weekend off with the first bye round of the season.
discover the best pizza on the coast can be found at Steve Ward's restaurant in High Street after hitting it close on 13 and Dan Phelps banked the $60 Pro Pin on the potentially nasty last.
Nambucca Valley Property again stepped up to the plate to sponsor the medley stableford on Tuesday 5 May when Hans Jansen (23) carded 37 points for the victory.
Urunga youth star realises her footy dream
By Aiden BURGESS
AMAIA Wain has been drafted into the best female Aussie Rules league in the country.
The former Bellingen Bulldogs and Sawtell/ Toormina Saints player was selected at pick number four
by the Western Bulldogs in the inaugural AFLW preseason draft.
The 18-year-old was selected by the Bulldogs after a breakout season playing for the University of NSWEastern Suburbs Bulldogs in the AFL Sydney Women's Premier Division.
This included being named amongst her side’s best players in 12 of her 14 games.
The ruck has also been a part of the Sydney Swans Academy in recent years.
The Western Bulldogs described her as “a ruck with unique attributes and an impressive vertical leap”.
“Her endurance and
Macksville Country Club Golf
By Max TURNER
SATURDAY Stableford
sponsored by KC’s Fishing Charters saw a good field play with the top 10 finish with a net par 36 or better.
Division 1 (handicaps under 17) winner Luke Laverty had a solid net three under par 39 to finish two strokes ahead of runner up Dane Luffman. Danes round included an eagle 2 on the par 4 fourteenth.
Relatively newcomer Chris Townsend was the Division 2 winner one stroke ahead of runner up Eric
versatility means she can also cover the wing, forward, or even half-back where she can use her leap to intercept.”
Wain brings impressive athleticism and a great vertical leap to the Bulldogs, having made the state finals of the high jump as a junior.
Playing locally for both the Bellingen Bulldogs and Sawtell/Toormina Saints in 2024, she became the first player to win both the AFL North Coast's Youth Girls 17s and Senior Women's Best & Fairest awards in the same year.
The Urunga resident has also been a key member of North Coast Force junior representative teams.
Six pars were more than enough to have Jansen five clear of the nearest chaser, Don Wills (33).
Glenys Thompson was the star of the Nambucca gang who travelled to the Palm Meadows course for the National Handiskins finals.
Thompson made the final four in the Peter Lehman Golf Challenge, collecting three skins in the shootout.
Club champion Graham
Watson was cheered on by his fellow dolphins in the chipping final but came up short of driving away in a brand spanker golf cart. Probably just as well as it would have taken him weeks to get back home on the M1. Catchya on The Island where the course is going bangers after a drink and you could too along with a great feed at the friendly clubhouse perched on the river.
Nambucca Valley Bridge Club News
By Barbara MARANIK
RESULTS for week ending 10thApril 2026
Monday 4th May 2025
1st Susie Keur & Pamela Rongen 60.7%, 2nd Lynne & John Slade 60.1%, 3rd Judith Sonter & Bev Oldfield 55%
Tuesday 5th May 2025
1st Jane & Greg Wood 66%, 2nd Amber Fox & Carol McKee 57%, 3rd Maureen Cowan & Barb Maranik 53%
Thursday 7th May 2025
North /South 1st Maureen Cowan & Carol McKee 59%, 2nd Barbara
Lott & Linda Siford 52%, 3rd Scott Parker & Paul Coe 48% East /West
1st Mike Siford & Colin Tolley 61%, 2nd Pete Rundle & Libby Knight 56%, 3rd Jane Wood & Vicki Walker 52%
Saturday 9th May 2025 North /South 1st Rob Marshall & Maureen Cowan 56%, 2nd Judy Holliday & Vicki Walker 55%, 3rd Lynne & John Slade 52% East /West
Dane Luffman maintained his consistency by winning the popular Chook Run event from Mike Simpson. Max Graham collected the nearest the pin.
Graham who had a net 40. With the ladies playing their monthly Stroke event Jo Richardson held her game together to hold off runner up Rhonda McAuliffe. Cathy Cresswell was the only straight shooter with a nearest the pin on the 3rd hole.
ON SATURDAY, 9th May, the local croquet club held a round robin competition between its members.
Each team member played two games with the winners of these games going through to the final. The other players played until we had the winners going through to play with the original winners. That left eight players who then played until there were four. These players played a very tight game which ended up as a tie breaker. The outcome
q U3A Nambucca Valley Croquet Club members.
was that Colin and Les won with the runners up being Marie and Lindsay. During the final game there was lots of clapping and cheering from the other members from the sideline.
There was plenty of food including grazing boxes from IGA which were delicious.
A special thank you from Nambucca Plaza Butchers for their very generous donation.
q Nambucca Heads was well represented at the 2026 National Handiskins at Palm Meadows on the Gold Coast on the weekend.
q Amaia Wain in action for the Bellingen Bulldogs.
Photo: AFL North Coast.
q Steve Hunt, Ross Donnelly, Karl Cooper and Paul Donges on the 7th green.
BUSINESS SHOWCASE
FOR many in our community, hard work in industries like timber, dairying, power generation, construction and mining have been a way of life.
But for some, that work has come at a hidden cost.
But for some, that work has come at a hidden cost.
Diseases caused by asbestos and silica dust often take decades to appear.
By the time symptoms develop, the connection to past employment may not be immediately obvious.
Yet under New South Wales law, people diagnosed with dust diseases may be entitled to significant compensation - even if exposure occurred many years ago. Carter Hawkins Lawyers is a specialist firm dedicated to helping individuals and families affected by dust disease.
With a strong focus on client care, the firm assists with claims through the Dust Diseases
Tribunal and the Dust Board (iCare), guiding clients through what can often be a complex and emotional process.
Importantly, exposure is not limited to a single workplace.
Many cases arise from years spent working across local power stations, coal mines, construction sites, and industrial employers throughout regional New South Wales.
Even brief or secondary exposure can be enough to cause serious illness.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a dust-related condition, it is worth seeking advice.
Early guidance can make a meaningful difference - not just financially, but in securing support and peace of mind for the future.
Carter Hawkins offer a free inhome consultation to discuss your entitlements.
You can then decide whether to proceed with a claim from there.
q Dust disease lawyer
Isabella Nati and principal dust disease lawyer Jacqueline Hughes.
Urunga Raiders shine in Female Football Week
By David WIGLEY
REIGNING Women’s Premier League champions Urunga celebrated Female Football Week in style, overpowering Woolgoolga Wildcats 4-0 on a chilly Friday night away from home.
Kate Fry struck twice inside the opening half hour as the Raiders made the perfect start in Woolgoolga.
The Wildcats refused to go quietly however, launching a series of attacking raids that forced Urunga goalkeeper Jess Snow into a string of outstanding saves.
Any hopes of a Woolgoolga comeback were extinguished just before the break when Bre Martin produced a clever toe-poke finish to hand the Raiders a commanding 3-0 half-time advantage.
The contest opened up in the second half with play flowing endto-end, but Urunga’s defence stood firm before Juniper Doye capped the performance with a close-range tapin after an excellent point-blank save from the Wildcats goalkeeper.
Urunga coach Trevor Martin reflected on the match.
“Woolgoolga had taken points from Coffs in an earlier round and so we expected a competitive matchup,” he said.
“It took a while to settle in.
“Woopi seemed to be focused on a compact defensive block and counter attack philosophy, and it was by way of a penalty that Urungas Kate Fry opened the scoring.
“She bagged a second 10 minutes later and Bre Martin got a third before half time.
Groms claim back-to-back titles
NORTH Shelley Boardriders’ Alanni Morris, Palm Beach's Max Goold and Byron Bay Boardriders' Hugo Spierings claimed back-to-back wins at the Surf Reflections Junior Series
at Hungry Head over the weekend.
Former World Surf League competitor Trent Munro and Newcastle pro surfer Jacko Baker were on hand at Hungry Head beach
“Woopi were dangerous on the counter though, their number 9 getting through on a few occasions to set up one-on-one opportunities against our keeper Jess Snow, but despite hitting the post she couldn't find the back of the net.
“Urunga's Juniper Doye, helping Kate Fry’s far post shot into the back of the net, nabbed the fourth goal midway through the second half.
“It was a solid performance from us, controlling the game for the most part.
“Defensively we were up to the pace of their counters and although we were probably not at our potential I was very happy with the game we put together.”
The victory leaves the Raiders on top of the table with a perfect 12 points from four rounds.
to mentor the 82 young competitors from NSW, Queensland, Victoria and Western Australia.
The 2026 Surf Reflections Junior Series is a 5500-rated event on Surfing Australia’s National Series calendar and is held by Reflections Holidays.
The 2026 Series opened in February at Bonny Hills, where Alanni Morris and Max Goold claimed wins in their Under 14s category.
Morris and Goold backed up their wins in the same category at Hungry Head, with Lilli Pilli’s Pearl Eaton claiming the Under 16 girls category and Byron Bay Boardriders' Hugo Spiering winning the Under 16 boys again after triumphing in Bonny Hills in February.
The Surf Reflections Junior Series (Urunga) category winners are:
Elsewhere, Coffs City United Lionesses defeated Northern Storm 4-1 to move level with Woolgoolga in joint second on six points.
For round 6, the Wildcats host
U14s boys: Max Goold (1), Bede Cant (2), Mack Ringis (3), Beau Hall (4)
U16s girls: Pearl Eaton (1) Ella Campbell (2), Lily Sein (3), Isla Schomberg (4), U16s boys: Hugo Spierings (1), Jonny Tooth (2), Zeke Woolam (3), Sandon Vowels (4)
Alanni Morris said it was “so good” to back up from her Bonny Hills win and claim her Under 14s category.
“It was a little bit hard getting a wave at times, but you just had to get on the right one,” she said.
Surfest director Warren Smith said the young competitors were treated to near perfect conditions with a mix of swell and light winds across all three days of competition.
“The Urunga community has welcomed us with open arms and we’re excited to build on the success we’ve had here on the North Coast in future years,” Mr Smith said.
Mr Smith said the Surf
Reflections Junior Series was critical in nurturing surfing talent in Australia, giving young surfers a chance to compete at their home breaks and have access to mentoring from former and present pro surfers Callum Robson, Matt Banting, Jarvis Earle, Jacko Baker and Trent Munro.
“Our partnership with Reflections and the support from local councils has ensured the growth of this Series and this weekend it’s been fantastic to watch the growth in the level of surfing of the next generation of competitors,” Mr Smith said.
Reflections CEO Nick Baker said the Series was supporting the rising careers of young surfers and regional tourism, as well as providing the opportunity for communities to engage in event activities including the Eats and Beats zone.
Each winner will receive a $2500 accommodation voucher from Reflections.
A homecoming to remember as Nambucca Roosters Juniors return to Coronation Park
FROM Page 20
Smithtown and Woolgoolga, with Nambucca fielding sides across a wide range of age groups including under 6, 7, 8, 10 and 12 mixed teams, as well as under 14 boys and the under 15 and 17 girls squads.
Nambucca Roosters Junior Rugby League President Jeff Cork said the return to Coronation Park was a proud and emotional moment for the club.
“To have our kids back playing on home soil after two years away is incredibly special,” Mr Cork told News Of The Area.
“This weekend was about more than just results, it was about community and seeing the next
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
participation across all age groups was a positive sign for the future of the club.
“There’s a real energy building again around junior footy in the
Nambucca Valley, and seeing so many teams, volunteers and supporters come together shows just how important this club is to our community,” he said.
Nambucca Bowls Report
By Charles POTTER
WEDNESDAY May 6. 24 players turned up for the Selected Triples and the day's honours went to Jinx, The Welder and Psycho, or, for the pedantic, Neil Campbell, Bill Coughlan and Stephen Carr. Runners Up were Ron Hill, Bill Mann and Neil Duffus with Jenny Legend, Paul Stoi and Chris D'Elboux third. The Lucky Losers were Maurie Herbert, Pipi Bevan and Brian Phillis. The $270 Jackpot was left untouched by Lucky Bowler Drew Stephens so it has to
go off this week at $300. Fri May 8. No numbers recorded but at a guess, 66. Winners were Grant Lawrence, Bob Sutton and Paddy Byrne. Second place to Mike Thomas, Dallas Cumnarrow and Paul Red Dog Ward. A fours game was third... Peter (Mott? - no surnames recorded), Matt Harvey, Trevor Hannaford and Buster Ruane. The Lucky Losers went to Joe Frank, Tas Fribbins and Bruce Mason. Peter Meehan saw the Jackpot was $600 so drew his rink to claim it, shared with 5 others but names also not
recorded.
Sun May 10. Social Bowls attracted 19 bowlers with Jane Pattinson, Chris Davis and Brian Phillis the winners. Lucky Losers to Chrissy Gillett and Brian Bevan. This weekend is the two opening rounds of Men's Pennants. Our Grade 2 side plays at Sawtell against Kempsey on Saturday, 9am and Park Beach at 1pm.
The Dave Ogilvy/Family of League Bowls day is on this Sunday and there are still spots available. Wear your teams colours if you have the courage. Cost is $40 which includes lunch.
q Under 12 rugby league action. Photo: supplied.
q Under 6 footy at its best as junior league returned to Coronation Park. Photo: supplied.
Northern Storm while Urunga travels to Boambee on Friday 15 May as the Women’s Premier League continues after a successful Female Football Week
q The Urunga Raiders defeated Woolgoolga 4-0 in the Women’s Premier League.
q Alanni Morris is carried by fellow competitors after winning the Under 14s category in the Surf Reflections Junior Series at Hungry Head Beach.
OPINION & LETTERS
Dorin's Drawings
By Manny WOOD
Party poopers
AFTER moving into a new home and undertaking a range of renovations and landscaping work, Gary decides to celebrate by throwing a garden party.
Invitations are sent out a month before the event via a Facebook event post. Gary invites 40 guests.
The invitation advises that the party would be on Gary’s property, both indoors and outside, and that there would be entertainment, food and alcohol provided. Importantly, the invitation also states that Gary’s pet dog would be present.
One of the guests asks Gary if he can bring his pet dog along. Gary, a self-confessed animal lover, agrees and the event proceeds with 37 attendees and a guest dog.
The party commences around 2PM and Gary’s guests are having a good time, until at around 5PM, the two dogs start chasing each other around the garden and unfortunately knock over a female guest, Helen.
Gary believes the fall was “gentle” and observes that “she landed on her bottom, without even spilling her wine”.
Sadly, Helen is subsequently taken to hospital by her husband and it is discovered that she suffered a fracture to her lower leg.
Gary attempts to check in on Helen’s welfare during the following couple of weeks, but is met with single sentence texts, and ultimately silence.
Helen seeks legal advice and is informed that she can make a claim for compensation with respect to pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of earning capacity.
When Gary receives a letter from Helen’s lawyers, claiming over $500,000, he immediately engages his home insurance provider.
Witness statements are exchanged, indicating Helen had appeared “unwell” before the incident, and despite recognition of her condition, she attended the party and was observed drinking wine in the sun where the incident occurred.
Three years later, the claim is settled and Gary’s insurer pays Helen $120,000.
Beware, property owners and occupiers: Check the provisions of your insurance policies.
This fictional column is not legal advice.
By Paul DORIN
NOTA seeks sales superstar
NEWS Of The Area (NOTA) is seeking an experienced advertising sales representative to strengthen the impact of its print and digital publications in the Coffs Coast and Nambucca Valley regions.
This key role - available either full-time or part-time for the right person - is suited to an experienced sales professional looking to be part of an exciting independent media project.
The essence of the position is around building strong connections with the Coffs Coast and Nambucca Valley business sectors.
“We are looking for someone who is passionate about sales, passionate about their community and who wants to play a vital role in a growing media company,” said General Manager Rochelle Wright.
“We need someone who can engage well with the business community, find and build strong client relationships, and provide top quality service to our advertisers.”
This work-from-home role offers an attractive base remuneration, a car allowance, and a great bonus structure.
A driver’s licence and car is required.
Applications can be made by emailing your resume, together with a letter of application outlining why you would be the best person for this role, to office@ newsofthearea.com.au.
What our ad reps say Hunter-based NOTA advertising sales representative Tracey Bennett says her role is an opportunity to build connection to the community.
“Every day I get the opportunity to work with local businesses, hear their stories, build relationships, and help them grow,” she said.
“It’s rewarding seeing businesses attract new customers and become more recognised in the community through advertising and promotion with NOTA.
“I also love being part of a locally owned and operated newspaper that supports local businesses, local events, and helps keep our regional communities connected.”
Tracey says one of the best things about the role is that no two days are the same.
“One day I might be helping launch a new business, the next creating advertising campaigns, organising Business Showcases, or promoting community events and initiatives,” she said.
Camden Haven-based ad rep Chan Ansell said working for a family-owned business like NOTA is “rewarding in so many ways”.
“There’s nothing better than
q Hunter-based NOTA ad rep Tracey Bennett.
On the Couch
By JASMINDA
DEAR Jasminda,
I find there are times during my working day when I lack energy or wonder at the futility of an office job. How do I keep my momentum going for the next 45 years?
Melissa W.
Dear Melissa,
I had some general ideas for you and was about to start composing my response when I came to the number at the end of your conundrum. If any of us looked at the sum total of our time doing anything we would be stressed.
There is a wonderful short story by David Eagleman called 'Sum', a fictitious account of the afterlife where everything in a lifetime is grouped.
In the story, the narrator describes how the average person would spend thirty years asleep, experience 27 hours of intense pain in one hit, and 15 months looking for lost items, amongst other things.
The point I am making with this reference is that you cannot envisage the next 45 years of your working life in an office in isolation and remain sane.
You need to break your working
getting out and about, meeting new people, seeing familiar faces and watching local businesses grow through advertising.
“I love building relationships, supporting locals and helping our customers get their name out into the community.”
About NOTA News Of The Area is a familyowned and independent media
life down into achievable chunks, for example: If you can get through the next two hours, Marie from sales and marketing will bring in a vanilla slice after her weekly bakery run. The sugar hit that releases will give you about 30 minutes of adrenaline and positivity. If you can extend that to 45 minutes by adding a double-shot coffee, you will probably make it to the 2pm staff meeting where Julie from accounts will drone on about profit and loss stats for about half an hour.
If you can stretch the meeting to 3pm, there is every probability you will make it to knock-off time.
There is also absolutely no guarantee you will be in an office job for the next 45 years. In fact it is extremely unlikely.
Many people have up to seven career changes.
For all you know, in a decade from now you may have retrained to be a dietician or a paramedic or a spin class instructor.
In that final example, you will be so full of exercise-induced dopamine that you'll be positively bursting with energy and enthusiasm.
So, Melissa, try to find the positives in your workday, when you leave work focus on enjoyable life activities that have nothing to do with being in the office, and, if you really do find your current job futile, I'd recommend looking at alternatives. You sound young enough to be in a position to do further education and training. It would be a real shame if you looked back on your working life with regret.
Carpe diem, Jasminda.
company which has been servicing regional communities for the past decade.
Off the back of two independent publications in the Hunter region, the Coffs Coast NOTA newspaper was launched in 2020, followed by a Nambucca Valley edition in 2021. NOTA now produces free, weekly newspapers and websites for eight different regions across northern NSW.
q NOTA advertising representatives Chan Ansell and Tracey Bennett.
SUDOKU
Sudoku is an 81 square number grid with nine blocks each containing nine cells. To solve the puzzle, all the blank cells must be filled in using numbers from 1 to 9. Each number can only appear once in each row, column and in the nine 3x3 blocks.
Have Your Say News Of The
would
Keep
Please
from your submission to
around available
Publication will be determined by the
relevance and appropriateness. Email us media@newsofthearea.com.au
Public Notices
NAMBUCCA HEADS
LOCAL ABORIGINAL
LAND COUNCIL (NHLALC) NOTICE OF EXTRA ORDINARY MEMBERS MEETING
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING
Date: Monday, 25th May 2026
Time: 4.00pm
Notice is hereby given of the 2023/2024 Annual Meeting of the NHLALC.
Location: Nambucca Heads Community & Arts Centre
21 Ridge Street, Nambucca Heads
DATE: Friday 28th March 2025
TIME: 10am
Agenda:
1. Welcome & Apologies
LOCATION: Muurraby Language Centre Bellwood Rd, Nambucca Heads
AGENDA:
2. Casual Board Member vacancy elections
In relation to the election for Board Members
1. Welcomes/Apologies;
2. Receipt of the Annual Report and CLBP Implementation report 2023/2024;
3. Receipt of the Audited financial statements and management letter 2023/2024;
A voting member of the NHLALC is not entitled to vote, nominate, accept a nomination or be elected to office in elections for the Board members if the voting member has not attended at least 2 meetings of the NHLALC in the preceding 12 months as a voting member.
4. Casual Vacancy Election;
5. Other Business.
All enquiries should be directed to the LALC during office hours.
In relation to the election for Board members:
A voting member of NHLALC is not entitled to vote, nominate, accept a nomination or be elected to office in elections for Board Members if the voting member has not attended at least 2 meetings of the NHLALC in the preceding 12 months as a voting member.
Positions Vacant
Any queries in relation to this meeting can be directed to the NHLALC CEO during business hours.
News Of The Area newspapers is looking for an Advertising Sales Representative to work for the Coffs Coast and Nambucca Valley News Of The Area publications.
The fantastic local role is available full-time or part-time, to ensure we appoint the right person for the position.
AUTHORISED BY: Alana Greenup, Chairperson - Nambucca Heads LALC
Whilst you are part of a great team, bringing out the local newspaper each week, you would be working from home, so a suitable home-office setup is required.
The right person would be a proven sales professional. You might not have newspaper or media experience, however a track record within a sales environment is essential.
Your daily role is focused on finding and presenting-to businesses who may use our newspapers to reach their customers.
You would require a driver’s licence, car and computer with reliable internet service.
An attractive base remuneration is offered, along with car allowance, internet allowance and great bonus structure. You will be provided with a business smart phone.
Applications can be made by emailing your resume, together with a Letter of Application, which should outline why you would be the best person for this role.
Email: office@newsofthearea.com.au
Applications close: 5pm, 1st June 2026.
SEEKING the retired boat builder from Urunga Met Sunday at markets Ring 0415 981 605
BEST ON THE BOX
FRIDAY EUROVISION SONG CONTEST
SBS, 5am (live) and 7.30pm (access all areas) Music fans turn their attention to Vienna this weekend as the Austrian capital hosts the 70th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest. While die-hard devotees will likely catch the 5am (AEST) semi-final broadcasts live on Wednesday and Friday morning ahead of Sunday’s grand final, casual viewers are best advised to tune in for this access-all-areas pass. Aussie commentators Courtney Act and Danny Estrin present all of the action from the first semi-final tonight, while Saturday’s primetime broadcast includes a dazzling performance from pop powerhouse Delta Goodrem (pictured). Her entry, “Eclipse”, is a quintessential power ballad with an epic key change that’s tailor-made to take on the competition.
MONDAY
THE FLOOR
NBN, 7.30pm
FRIDAY, May 15
This say-what-you-see trivia game could be the easiest money on Australian TV. There’s no need to tough it out in the jungles of Samoa , spend months renovating a high-end home for or create fine-dining
MasterChef; simply perform well in a few 90-second quiz battles and a $200,000 prize could be yours. Even host Rodger Corser (pictured) appears to be on easy street – a computer screen handles the questions for him. In Monday’s secondseason finale, just eight contestants remain standing on the giant illuminated board. As they face off in both their own specialist subjects and those they’ve inherited from fallen rivals, all bets are off. It’s winner takes all.
6.00 Morning Programs. 10.30 Stuff The British Stole. (PG, R) 11.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 12.00 News. 1.00 The Assembly. (PGa, R) 1.45 Bad Company. (M, R) 2.10 Guy Mont Spelling Bee. (PG, R) 2.55 Grand Designs Australia. (PG, R) 3.55 Murdoch Mysteries. (PG, R) 4.40 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 6.00 Eurovision Song Contest. 7.30 Cycling. Giro d’Italia. H’lights. 8.30 WorldWatch. 10.00 Legacy List. (R) 11.00 Finding Your Roots. (PG, R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 1.00 PBS NewsHour. 2.05 Cotswolds And Beyond. (PG, R) 3.35 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw. (R) 4.05 Jeopardy! 4.30 Letters And Numbers. (R) 5.00 Cycling. Giro d’Italia. H’lights. 6.00
6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 Gardening Australia. Clarence Slockee explores diverse foliage plants.
8.30 Patience. (Final, Mv) Patience and Frankie are held hostage.
9.20 Gruen. (PG, R) Presented by Wil Anderson.
9.55 Urzila. (Mls, R)
10.20 ABC Late News.
10.40 Guy Montgomery’s Guy Mont Spelling Bee. (PG, R)
11.25 Murdoch Mysteries. (Mav, R)
12.15 Love Me. (MA15+, R)
1.05 Rage New Music. (MA15+adhlnsv)
5.00 Rage. (PG)
6.00 Mastermind Australia.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Eurovision Song Contest. Hosted by Courtney Act and Danny Estrin.
10.00 Rock Legends: Chicago. (PGa, R)
10.30 SBS World News Late.
11.00 The King. (MA15+s)
11.55 Babylon Berlin. (MA15+asv, R)
1.50 Syndrome E. (Malv, R)
3.55 Great Coastal Railway Journeys. (R) 4.30 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. Hosted by Johanna Griggs.
7.30 Football. AFL. Round 10. Sydney v Collingwood. From the SCG.
10.30 AFL Post-Game Show. Post-game discussion and interviews taking a look back at all the action from the match.
11.15 GetOn Extra. A look at the weekend’s best racing.
11.45 My Reno Rules. (PGl, R) Hosted by Dr Chris Brown.
1.20 Quacks. (Mads)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R)
5.00 NBC Today.
TUESDAY SHAUN MICALLEF’S GOING FOR BROKE
ABC TV, 8pm
In his 2020 docuseries
On the Sauce, teetotal comedian Shaun Micallef (pictured) tapped into Australia’s drinking culture, getting hands on with booze for the first time in 30 years. In this new three-parter, Micallef applies a similar approach to another national pastime: gambling. Its appeal is not something the comic has ever understood – he’s never even played the pokies – but with his young sons and their friends bombarded by gambling ads, he decides to take a closer look. Tuesday’s premiere begins with an afternoon of sports betting, before a game of two-up on Anzac Day and discovering how poker machines are programmed to cast a spell on players. For support, call Gambler’s Help (1800 858 858).
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Rugby League. NRL. Round 11. South Sydney Rabbitohs v Dolphins.
9.55 NRL Friday Night Footy Post-Match. Post-match coverage of the NRL game.
10.45 MOVIE: Rambo: First Blood. (1982, Mlv, R) A Vietnam War veteran is pushed to the brink. Sylvester Stallone.
12.40 Tipping Point. (PG, R)
1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)
4.30 Global Shop. (R)
5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
5.30 Postcards. (PG, R)
6.05 Spidey And His Amazing Friends. 6.25 The Adventures Of Paddington. 6.45 Ben And Holly’s Little Kingdom. 7.05 Gardening Australia Junior. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 8.00 Be Cool, Scooby-Doo! 8.55 BattleBots. 9.40 Gladiators UK. 10.40 Merlin. 11.20 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Morning Programs. 3.30pm Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family. 5.30 Bewitched. 6.30 Nanny. 7.30 MOVIE: King Arthur: Legend Of The Sword. (2017, M) 10.00 MOVIE: Wrath Of The Titans. (2012, M) Midnight Seinfeld. 12.30 Love Island UK: All Stars. 1.30 The Real Housewives Of Durban.
2.20 Vai. (2019, PG) 4.00 Grandpas. (2019, PG, Spanish) 5.50 Thunderbirds Are GO. (1966, PG) 7.35 Groundhog Day. (1993, PG) 9.30 The Full Monty. (1997, M) 11.15 Late Programs.
Bowra Bowls Report
By BUNCHA
SOCIAL Bowls Thursday 7th saw a good number of bowlers turn out for a wonderful afternoon played in beautiful sunshine on the outside synthetic. Two new bowlers Leslie and Ces Rose wanted to try their hand at the sport and reported after the game that they will be back. Winners were Tracy Arms and Wayne Dargan and the second cash prize was won by Glenn Gillon and Jim Harter. Two lucky bowler cash prizes were given out, and wait for it, and the money went to Ces Rose and
Leslie Rose. Saturday winners were Julie Townsend, Wayne Brown and Buncha.
The Final Club Championship games will start on Sunday May 28th. Nominations are open for the Major and Minor Singles. The sheet is on the notice board and noms. will close on May 21st.
6.00 10 News+.
6.30 Deal Or No Deal. (R)
7.00 Millionaire Hot Seat. (PG, R) Hosted by Rebecca Gibney. 7.30 Love It Or List It Australia. (R) A couple’s house is too small. 8.40 Have You Been Paying Attention? (Malns, R) Celebrity panellists compete to see who can remember the most about events of the week. 9.40 10’s Late News. Coverage of news, sport and weather. 10.40 10 News+.
SATURDAY, May 16
6.00 Kath & Kim. (PGals, R) Sharon takes a shine to Kel’s best friend.
6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R) Hosted by Tom Gleeson.
7.00 ABC News. A look at the top stories of the day.
7.30 Death In Paradise. (PG) The team investigates the death of a business owner.
8.30 Silent Witness. (MA15+) Nikki conducts an unusual post-mortem. DNA evidence forces the team to seek advice from an unexpected quarter.
(PG) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Sailing. Sail Grand Prix. H’lights. 3.00 Stories From The Cities. 3.30 U-96, The True Story Of Das Boot. (PGaln, R) 4.30 Cycling. UCI World
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Eurovision Song Contest. Hosted by Courtney Act and Danny Estrin.
10.00 The Wonders Of Europe: Schonbrunn Palace. (PG, R) Looks at Vienna’s Schonbrunn Palace. 11.00 Snowpiercer. (MA15+v, R) Layton and Wilford vie for the upper hand. 1.40 The Kingdom. (Ma, R) Marc Fennell investigates Hillsong. 3.00 Great Coastal Railway Journeys. (R)
4.10 Bamay: Murrumbidgee River – Ngunnawal, Wiradjuri And Ngarigo Country. (R) 5.00 Eurovision Song Contest.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. Hosted by Johanna Griggs.
8.00 Ooops! I Bought A Pub. Shane Jacobson buys a rundown country pub sight unseen and attempts to bring it back to life.
8.30 MOVIE: The Day After Tomorrow. (2004, Ma, R) A climatologist tries to save his family after the planet is plunged into a sudden ice age. Dennis Quaid, Jake Gyllenhaal, Emmy Rossum.
11.00 SAS: AUS v ENG. (Madlv, R) 12.00 Devils. (MA15+av)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 It’s Academic. (R) 5.00 House Of Wellness. (PG, R)
6.00 NBN News. 7.00 Rugby League. NRL. Round 11. Parramatta Eels v Melbourne Storm.
9.40 NRL Saturday Night Footy Post-Match.
10.00 MOVIE: City Of Lies. (2018, MA15+lv, R)
12.05 Law & Order: Organized Crime. (MA15+av, R)
1.00 Tasman Trails. (R)
2.00 The Incredible Journey Presents. (PGa) 2.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
Global Shop. (R)
TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 5.30 Helping Hands. (PG, R)
6.30 The Dog House. (PGa, R) A bulldog has lost its spark.
7.30 Love It Or List It Australia. A couple must decide whether to move or not.
8.30 Building The Dream. Architectural designer Charlie Luxton helps first-time builders design budget-friendly homes that suit their lifestyles.
9.30 Ambulance Australia. (Mms, R) Paramedics respond to a child’s call about a five-year-old stuck in mud, but all is not as it seems. 11.30 Elsbeth. (PGlsv, R) 12.30 Home Shopping. (R) 5.00 Hour Of Power.
MOVIES (32)
6.10am
Grandpas. (2019, PG, Spanish) 8.00 Vai. (2019, PG) 9.40 Oink. (2022, PG, Dutch) 11.05 Delfin. (2019, PG, Spanish) 12.50pm Cat Call. (2023, M, Hungarian) 2.30 A Great Friend. (2023, PG, French) 4.20 The Orator. (2011, PG, Samoan) 6.20 The Way Ahead. (1944, PG) 8.30 Crossing Over. (2009, MA15+) 10.35 The Sex Of The Angels. (2012, MA15+, Spanish) 12.35am Late Programs.
8.15 Bad Company. (PGn) Margie decides to become social media famous.
8.40 Bergerac. (Mal) Bergerac’s pursuit of Monica has severe consequences.
9.30 Death In Paradise. (PG, R) The team investigates the death of a business owner.
10.30 Silent Witness. (MA15+, R)
12.15 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
3.00 Gardening Australia. (R)
4.00 Dream Gardens. (R)
4.30 A Bite To Eat With Alice. (R)
5.00 Insiders. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Eurovision Song Contest. (PG) Hosted by Courtney Act and Danny Estrin.
12.00 MOVIE: Hallelujah: Leonard Cohen, A Journey, A Song. (2021, Ml, R)
2.05 Matched. (PG, R)
2.55 A Certain Mother. (PGan, R)
4.15 Great Coastal Railway Journeys. (PGa, R)
4.50 Destination Flavour: Singapore Bitesize. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.15 Euronews.
5.30 PBS News Horizons.
6am Morning Programs. 11.30 Life Off Road. Noon Aussie Adventure Bike Show. 12.30 Timbersports. 1.00 Blokesworld. 1.30 Garage 41. 2.00 Rides Down Under: Aussie Truckers. 3.00 Motor Racing. Night Thunder. Sprintcar Series. Grand Final. 4.00 Frozen Gold. 5.00 Counting Cars. 6.00 Pawn Stars. 7.00 Storage Wars. 7.30 MOVIE: Taken.
Battle Of The Smithsonian. (2009, PG) 9.40 MOVIE: Yes Man. (2008, M) 11.45 Seinfeld. 12.15am Prodigal Son. 2.00 MOVIE: Blaze. (2022, MA15+) 4.00 Big Rigs Of Oz. 4.30
SBS MOVIES (32)
6am The Orator. Continued. (2011, PG, Samoan) 7.10 Howl’s Moving Castle. (2004, PG) 9.20 Vai. (2019, PG) 11.00 Oskars Kleid. (2022, M, German) 12.55pm Close. (2022, M, Dutch) 2.50 Thunderbirds Are GO. (1966, PG) 4.30 Delfin. (2019, PG, Spanish) 6.10 Sabrina. (1995, PG) 8.30 Past Lives. (2023, Korean) 10.30 The Talented Mr Ripley. (1999, M) 1am Piece Of My Heart. (2022, MA15+, Dutch) 3.00 Late Programs.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 The 1% Club. (PGls) 8.00 7NEWS Spotlight. 9.00 Child Snatchers: A Day At The Fair. (MA15+a) Looks at the disappearance of seven-year-old Mark Tildesley.
10.50 24 Hours In Police Custody. (Malv, R)
12.00 A Friend Of The Family. (MA15+a, R)
1.15 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.
6.00 NBN News. 7.00 The Floor. (PG)
60 Minutes. Current affairs program, investigating, analysing and uncovering the issues affecting all Australians. 9.15 To Be Advised. 10.15 9News Late.
The First 48: Old Flame/ Bad Behaviour. (Mav, R)
American Ripper. (Mav)
Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)
The Garden Gurus. (R)
6.30 10 News+. Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace.
7.00
(64)
5.35
2: Monsters
(2004,
7.30
Speed. (1994, M) 9.55 MOVIE: Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure. (1989, PG) 11.50 Gotham. 12.45am Arrow. 2.25 Soccer. English Premier League. Manchester City v Brentford. Replay. 4.25 Lego Dreamzzz. 5.10 Bubble’s Hotel. 5.30 Beyblade Burst QuadStrike.
Sports Results
ABC FAMILY (22)
MONDAY, May
6.00
ABC FAMILY (22)
6am Children’s Programs. 4.40pm Ariel. 5.30 Talking Tom Heroes. 6.05 Spidey And His Amazing Friends. 6.25 The Adventures Of Paddington. 6.45 Ben And Holly’s Little Kingdom. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00 Young Sheldon. 8.25 Young Sheldon. 8.45 Expedition With Steve Backshall. 9.35 Chopped Junior. 10.15 Kids Baking Championship. 11.00 Late Programs.
6.00 Mastermind Australia.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Robson Green’s Weekend Escapes. (PG)
8.40 Ancient Greece By Train. (R)
9.35 Never Mind The Buzzcocks. (M)
10.20 SBS World News Late. 10.50 Sambre: Anatomy Of A Crime. (Mav)
11.50 Gomorrah. (MA15+v, R)
2.45 Off The Beaten Track With Kate Humble. (PGn, R)
3.55 Great Coastal Railway Journeys. (R)
4.30 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
(31)
SBS MOVIES (32)
6am My
Neighbour Totoro. Continued. (1988, PG) 6.25
Castle In The Sky. (1986, PG) 8.40 Delfin. (2019, PG, Spanish) 10.20 The Talented Mr Ripley. (1999, M) 12.55pm Hounds. (2023, M, Berber) 2.35 The Movie Show. 3.10 The Way Ahead. (1944, PG) 5.20 What’s Eating Gilbert Grape. (1993, PG) 7.30 Goodbye Julia. (2023, M, Sudanese Arabic) 9.40 Sweet As. (2022, M) 11.20 Late Programs.
TUESDAY, May 19
(PG, R) 2.25 Brush With Fame. (PG, R) 2.55 Grand Designs Australia. (R) 3.55 Murdoch Mysteries. (PG, R) 4.40 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)
Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 1.45 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 4.00 Gardening Australia. (R)
ABC FAMILY (22)
6am Children’s Programs. 6.05pm Spidey And His Amazing Friends. 6.25 The Adventures Of Paddington. 6.45 Ben And Holly’s Little Kingdom. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00 Young Sheldon. 8.25 Young Sheldon. 8.45 The Slow Mo Guys’ Big Adventures. (Final) 9.05 MythBusters “There’s Your Problem!”. 9.30 BattleBots. 10.20 Merlin. 11.05 Late Programs.
6.00 Mastermind Australia.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Who Do You Think You Are? (PG)
8.30 Insight.
9.30 Dateline. 10.00 SBS World News Late.
10.30 Living Black. (R) 11.05 The Negotiator. (Premiere, Mal)
12.00 World On Fire. (Mav, R)
3.15 Off The Beaten Track With Kate Humble. (PG, R)
4.25 Great Coastal Railway Journeys. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News.
5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
(31)
SBS MOVIES (32)
6am Nausicaä Of The Valley Of The Wind. Continued. (1984, PG) 7.10 Porco Rosso. (1992, PG) 8.55 Francis: Pray For Me. (2015, PG, Spanish) 10.55 UnIndian. (2015, M) 1pm Past Lives. (2023, Korean) 3.00 Hotel Salvation. (2016, PG, Hindi) 4.50 The Bridge On The River Kwai. (1957, PG) 7.45 Shadow Island. (2023, M, Norwegian) 9.30 Ama Gloria. (2023, PG, French) 11.05 Late Programs.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGl)
7.30 Glenn And Mick’s Celebrity Intervention. (Ms) 8.40 9-1-1. (Mav) 9.40 The Agenda Setters: Rugby League. (R) 10.40 The Agenda Setters. 11.40 Happy’s Place. (PGal) 12.10 New Amsterdam. (MA15+a, R) 1.10 The Outdoor Room With Jamie Durie. (R) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
SBS World News. 7.35 Alexander Armstrong In India. (PG)
The Trial Of Michael Jackson. (M)
The Audacity. (M)
SBS World News Late.
Rise Of The Raven. (MA15+asv)
12.05 Golden Boy. (MA15+ds, R) 1.55 Classified. (Malv, R) 3.35 Great Coastal Railway Journeys. (R) 4.40 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
VICELAND (31)
6am Children’s Programs. 4.05pm Andy’s Prehistoric Adv. 4.40 Ariel. 5.30 Talking Tom Heroes. 6.05 Spidey And His Amazing Friends. 6.25 The Adventures Of Paddington. 6.45 Ben And Holly’s Little Kingdom. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00 Young Sheldon. 8.25 Young Sheldon. 9.05 Adventure Time. 9.50 Pokémon: Diamond And Pearl. 11.00 Late Programs.
6am Hotel
Salvation. Continued. (2016, PG, Hindi) 6.50 Ama
Gloria. (2023, PG, French) 8.25 Open The Wall. (2014, PG, German) 10.10 Discovering Film. 11.05 Goodbye Julia. (2023, M, Sudanese Arabic) 1.20pm Sweet As. (2022, M) 2.55 The Movie Show. 3.30 Gulmohar. (2023, PG, Hindi) 6.00 The 39 Steps. (1935, PG) 7.40 The Tracker. (2002, M) 9.30 Monster. (2023, M) 11.50 Late Programs.
THURSDAY,
May 21
6am Children’s Programs. 2.45pm The Makery. 3.00 Play School. 4.05 Andy’s Prehistoric Adv. 4.40 Ariel. 5.30 Talking Tom Heroes. 6.05 Spidey And His Amazing Friends. 6.25 The Adventures Of Paddington. 6.45 Ben And Holly’s Little Kingdom. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00 Young Sheldon. 8.25 Young Sheldon. 8.45 Ultimate Vets. 9.05 Animal Park. 10.35 Merlin.
6.00 Mastermind Australia.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Rick Stein’s Australia. (PGa)
8.40 American Prince: JFK Jr. (Ml, R)
9.30 A Gentleman In Moscow. (M)
10.30 SBS World News Late.
11.00 Under The Bridge. (Madl) 11.55 DNA. (Ma, R)
2.30 Off The Beaten Track With Kate Humble. (PG, R)
3.40 Great Coastal Railway Journeys. (PGa, R)
4.15 Bamay. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News.
5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
VICELAND (31)
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Home And Away. (PGa)
7.30 SAS: AUS v ENG. (Madlv) A punishment proves too much.
8.30 The Front Bar. (Ml) Hosts Sam Pang, Mick Molloy and Andy Maher take a lighter look at all things AFL.
9.30 Unfiltered. (M) Hosted by Hamish McLachlan.
10.00 The Agenda Setters.
11.00 Ultimate Crash Test. (PGal, R)
1.00 Kochie’s Business Builders. (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 Events That Changed Australia. (Ml) 8.30 NRL Origin Stories. (Premiere, PGl) 9.40 9News Late.
Freddy And The Eighth. (Ml)
A Killer Makes A Call. (MA15+av, R)
First On Scene. (Mav, R)
Tipping Point. (PG, R)
TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 2.30 Global Shop. (R) 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R) 4.30 A Current Affair.
SBS MOVIES (32)
6am Morning Programs. 8.50 Hotel Salvation. (2016, PG, Hindi) 10.40 Shadow Island. (2023, M, Norwegian) 12.25pm Four’s A Crowd. (2022, M, Spanish) 2.15 Open The Wall. (2014, PG, German) 4.00 Ama Gloria. (2023, PG, French) 5.30 The Man Who Knew Infinity. (2015, PG) 7.30 The Unlikely Pilgrimage Of Harold Fry. (2023, M) 9.30 Eighth Grade. (2018, M) 11.15 Late Programs.
(64)
(64) SBS MOVIES (32)
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGl) 7.30 Highway Patrol. (PGl, R) 8.00 Motorway Patrol. (PGl) A car is found overloaded with bicycles. 8.30 Britain’s Got Talent. Hosted by Ant and Dec.
10.30 Unbelievable Moments Caught On Camera. (PGa, R) 11.30 To Be Advised.
12.30 New Amsterdam. (MA15+a, R) 1.30 Harry’s Practice. (R)
Home Shopping. (R)
NBC Today.
Sunrise Early News.
ABC FAMILY (22)
Juniors return
By Mick BIRTLES
AFTER a two-year absence, junior rugby league has made a triumphant return to Coronation Park, with the Nambucca Roosters Juniors hosting their first home games in what was a milestone weekend for the club and community.
Nine Nambucca teams took to the field across Friday night and Saturday, marking a significant moment for local sport and signalling a strong revival of junior rugby league in Nambucca Heads. The weekend kicked off under lights on Friday night, with the under 15 girls delivering a dominant 48–0 victory over Woolgoolga, while the under 17 girls fought hard in a close contest, narrowly going down 10–6. A strong crowd turned out to support the opening night, creating an electric atmosphere as the Roosters returned to their home ground.
Saturday’s matches saw visiting teams from Kempsey, CONTINUED Page 11
GOLDEN SANDS TAVERN
live in the goldies lounge from 8pm until l ate on saturday 16 of may th
q Nambucca Roosters Junior League returned to Coronation park on the weekend after a two year absence. Photo: supplied.
