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FROM Page 1
for children were also donated by attendees.
The Wyz Wimmin actors presented seven monologue performances, bringing out a full array of emotions and highlighting pertinent issues with depth and sensitivity.
Attendee Ljubov Simson described the show as "fabulous".
“It is a true blessing to experience such a strong purple wave of support for domestic and family violence survivors from our community,” she said.
Coordinator of the event Carrolline Rhodes, an experienced producer and playwright, was bursting with pride after the show.
“It's hard to know what I am more proud of, the Wyz Wimmin & Friends actors or the
community response to 'The Sisterhood,” she said.
The show will now hit the road, said stage manager and Wyz Wimmin playwright Willa Hogarth.
“We are taking the program on the road under the title 'This is Me' and will be appearing in halls across the valley, taking to the stage at Warrell Creek Hall on Saturday 22 March, Argents Hill Hall on 23 March, Talarm Hall on 29 March and Bellingen Memorial Hall Small Studio Space on 30 March, with all shows scheduled for 2pm,” she said.
The Wyz Wimmin team thanked the Nambucca Heads RSL Club for the organisational expertise that made the event such a success.
Charges after police car allegedly rammed during pursuit
A MAN has been charged after he allegedly rammed a police car during a pursuit which culminated at Warrell Creek.
About 8am on Friday 14 March 2025, officers attached to Mid North Coast Highway patrol detected an allegedly stolen Toyota utility travelling northbound on the Pacific Highway, Kundabung, at excessive speed.
When the driver refused police directions to
stop, a pursuit was initiated before being terminated due to safety concerns.
A short time later, the vehicle was again observed travelling north on the Pacific Highway near Collombatti, where it entered the Mid North Coast railway corridor.
The allegedly stolen car then travelled north along the railway lines for approximately 5km until it turned onto Browns Crossing Road, then the Pacific Highway at Warrell Creek, where it
came to a stop after road spikes were successfully deployed.
During the incident an unmarked police vehicle was allegedly rammed before the stolen car was stopped.
No police were injured during the incident.
The driver, a 23-year-old man, was arrested and subjected to roadside tests which returned a negative result.
He was taken to Kempsey Police Station where he was charged with multiple offences.
q Carrolline Rhodes, producer and playwright. Photo: Adrian Oxbrow.
Bowraville’s Tony Fuller recognised for tireless volunteer efforts
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78-year-old has been wellknown for donating his time to worthy causes for more than 15 years.
Some of the many events he organised and supported were monthly men’s breakfast events and free Christmas lunches.
He also played a key role in founding the Bowra Food Hub.
Mr Fuller continues to be a board member of the Bowraville and District ExServices Club.
During the 2019 bushfires Mr Fuller helped many impacted community members, as Fire Disaster Coordinator on behalf of the Anglican Church.
As part of this pivotal role, he coordinated evacuation efforts, sourced supplies, and did what he could to keep the community safe.
His last ‘Bloke’s Brekkie’ as organiser and MC was held in December, when Oxley MP Michael Kemp and 57 other men gathered from 7am to chat, joke and enjoy a delicious meal.
“I’ve been told never to cook bacon again, but sausages, eggs, hash browns and all the rest I would help out with, as well as organise the involuntary workers,” he told NOTA with a laugh.
One such worker was his partner, Lesley, who lent invaluable assistance to many breakfasts and
luncheons.
NOTA asked the onetime State Rail employee, wooden bridge repairer and St James’ Anglican Church Hall caretaker if he missed the regular volunteering, particularly men’s breakfasts, which he had been organising until this year.
“I do miss it (men’s breakfasts),” he said.
“I enjoyed the satisfaction of seeing all the men getting on together, laughing and welcoming others, even strangers.
“I hope it keeps going and I’ll go along and have breakfast with them,” he said.
Mr Fuller is one of four major award winners
announced as part of the 2025 NSW Seniors Festival for Oxley.
Member for Oxley Michael Kemp presented the awards last week at his Kempsey office.
“Our local seniors go above and beyond for our community, and we've had some incredible nominations this year in Oxley,” Mr Kemp said.
"Their dedication, generosity, and willingness to step up and help others is what makes our region so special.
I thank them for all their hard work and I'm honoured to celebrate their contributions and achievements.”
Safer roads at level crossings
A NEW program will give regional NSW councils the chance to share in $1 million for projects to upgrade roads at public level crossings.
Applications opened on Monday for the NSW Government’s Level Crossing
Improvement ProgramRegional Council Minor Works.
The grants will be for works that make road approaches to level crossings safer by improving sighting distances and advanced
warning systems.
This could include vehicle-activated signage, line marking, upgrading or installing street lighting, traffic calming treatments (excluding speed limit reductions) and minor road realignments.
Transport for NSW Chief of the Centres for Road Safety and Maritime Safety, Bernard Carlon, said the new program will help councils carry out minor, low-cost engineering work and safety
improvements on road approaches to level crossings.
“There are over 1300 level crossings located on public roads across NSW and collisions between trains and vehicles are a major road and rail safety risk,” Mr Carlon
said.
“These grants will enhance safety for motorists and rail users - passenger and freight - and are a step towards the NSW Government's goal of zero road trauma by 2050.” Councils have until 2 May to apply for a share of $1 million in grants that are on offer for the 2025/26 financial year.
q Tony Fuller receiving his award from State MP Michael Kemp.
Community anger over rejections by seniors club
By Ned COWIE
THE vast majority of recent applications to join the Nambucca Senior Citizens Club have been denied, despite waning membership being cited as a reason for the impending sale of the group’s clubhouse.
As previously reported in NOTA, Nambucca Seniors has been struggling to pay its bills, leading to the club’s base and sole asset - Ivy Pacey House on Kent St, Nambucca Heads - being listed for sale last year.
In response, a public meeting in December 2024 led to around 80 applications for membership, of which only a handful have been accepted.
A number of the unsuccessful applicants have taken to social media to voice their displeasure.
“It's pretty clear that they don't actually want help or new members,” Roby Aiken wrote in a social media post.
“There are many in the community who want to keep this space going for all of us, but they are being denied.
“I wonder why they are so determined to sell and not just pass the reins to others.”
Other rejected applicants claim that their privacy has been violated, with their email addresses included at the bottom of a generic refusal email.
One frustrated applicant copied-in various public
officials as well as other unsuccessful applicants in his response to the club secretary.
“I am still waiting for a suitable reply from you as we all need an explanation as to why we were not considered as suitable applicants for the Seniors,” wrote Stephen Dwarte.
“Looking at the above email addresses there appears to be a pattern as to which applicants have been rejected - that being you have a personal animosity towards myself and the others,” he said in his email.
Jacqui Larsen contacted NOTA after what she claims was an aggressive interaction with club secretary Vera Nichols last month.
The 81-year-old woman was told her membership was refused when she asked
is up for sale.
several questions at the club’s Tuesday meet-up.
Her questions included when the next general meeting would be held, and whether the building was still for sale.
“Vera (Nichols) raised her
Coffs Con quintet delights Nambucca
By Ned COWIE
AROUND 40 people have attended a classical concert put on by five talented students from the Coffs Harbour-based Regional Youth Orchestra.
The students, Mercedes (cello), Koby (viola), Connor, Henrietta and Mia (violin and piano) are all studying at the Coffs Harbour
Conservatorium.
They range in age from 15-17 years.
Last Sunday’s performance at the Nambucca Community and Arts Centre was one of three the musicians are holding to raise funds towards a European tour.
After a selection of pieces ranging from the delicacy of Mozart’s Allegro to a Tango by Piazzolla and the dramatic
symphonies of the rebellious Shostakovich (who suffered through Soviet oppression), the audience was treated to a selection of home-made treats and a chance to mingle with the young performers.
It was clear to see that the teenagers had captivated hearts.
“They were amazing,” one audience member and Nambucca Heads local told
News Of The Area.
“I can’t believe they are all under 18 [years].”
Allan of Valla Beach praised the work of regional conservatoriums in delivering studies and performances of such quality across NSW.
Others came from Scotts Head, Bellingen and South Arm to enjoy the show.
“We are very lucky here in NSW as there are so many
voice, said I couldn’t join and told me to leave,” Ms Larsen said.
“My husband’s application was successful, so I went along as his guest the next week too, which they said was allowed.
“I intend to keep going because we need a centre like this and I don’t want to lose it,” she told NOTA. Ms Nichols has turned down multiple offers from News
The Area to provide comment on the situation.
regional conservatoriums (such as Coffs Harbour Conservatorium) offering the chance for regional kids to reach high standards and to travel the world [with an orchestra],” performer Mercedes told NOTA.
“It’s not just city kids,” she added.
The stringed quintet meets only three or four times per year for approximately a week each time, with practices spanning many hours daily.
“Some days we practice for nine hours,” performer Koby said.
“It was a fantastic opportunity for Nambucca Valley locals to enjoy classical music for a budget-friendly price so close to home,” Isabella from South Arm told NOTA.
For those who missed this performance, the second of three fundraising concerts will be at the Coffs Harbour Regional Conservatorium on 29 March from 3-4pm.
Expressions
www.nambucca.nsw.gov.au
Of
q Ivy Pacey House, the club’s base,
Photo: Inspiration Real Estate.
q Henrietta, Mia, Connor, Koby and Mercedes delighted with a classical music collection at Nambucca Community and Arts Centre last weekend.
Pathways connecting Urunga
By Andrea FERRARI
THE growing town of Urunga is benefitting from almost three kilometres of new shared pathways infrastructure thanks to Bellingen Shire Council securing funding of $3.36 million through the Australian Government’s Active Transport Fund.
The investment will support the design and construction of shared pathways and footpaths, connecting the South Urunga Urban Release Area to the Urunga Central Business District.
The project will
significantly enhance safety, accessibility, and connectivity for residents and visitors, including improvements along parts of Giinagay Way - a hightraffic road that previously formed part of the Pacific Highway.
The new pathway will enable more secure and convenient access to schools, key community services, recreational areas, and commercial hubs giving those with prams, pushchairs, mobility vehicles and cyclists safer movement around the town.
Bellingen Shire Mayor Steve Allan welcomed the funding announcement, highlighting the improved safety and accessibility this
project will deliver in the Shire.
“This is yet another fantastic funding announcement for our Shire,” he said.
“This new pathway will make it easier and safer for people to walk, cycle, and move around Urunga without relying on cars.
“It will also promote a
q The shared pathways will keep Urunga connected.
more active and connected community.
“This project aligns with the priorities identified in our recent Community Scorecard process, as well as key strategic plans such as the Pedestrian and Mobility Plan, the Urunga CBD Masterplan, and our Community Vision 2035.”
The pathway will link with existing infrastructure, including the Hungry Head cycleway, Urunga CBD footpaths, and the planned three-metre-wide boardwalk replacement, ensuring a seamless and
integrated active transport network for the region.
The Active Transport Fund supports the Australian Government’s commitment to improving safety outcomes for vulnerable road users under the National Road and Safety Strategy 20212030, while also helping to reduce emissions, and supporting active and liveable communities..
The design and development of the project will commence this year, with delivery to take place from 2026.
Nurturing talent a focus of new arts plan
By Andrea FERRARI
ARTS Mid North Coast
(AMNC) has unveiled its strategic plan for 2025–2028, which expands its capacity to meet the needs of the growing region while continuing to nurture local talent and cultural initiatives.
As the leading notfor-profit organisation representing the creative sector, AMNC is dedicated to building the Mid North Coast into a regional creative capital.
The organisation advocates for the arts, highlights the region’s creative potential, and provides opportunities for communities to engage with
culture, arts, and the creative industries.
The strategy is based on insights from AMNC’s 2024 Creative Futures research, which engaged over 350 local artists, creative professionals, and stakeholders.
It focuses on four primary areas:
• Amplifying the arts, by providing essential services to support and advocate for the region’s creative sector.
• Activating creative spaces, by ensuring the development and maintenance of affordable spaces for artistic and cultural activities.
• Promoting diversity and building capacity,
which includes supporting diverse artists, artforms and communities and expanding opportunities while strengthening the arts sector’s overall capacity and,
• Ensuring long term sustainability, through diversifying funding sources via partnerships, philanthropy, and feefor-service models.
“This represents a significant shift in direction for our organisation,” Arts
Mid North Coast Executive
Director Olivia Parker said.
“With this new strategic plan, we’re excited to create new opportunities for the
arts sector, fostering growth, collaboration, and success.”
Board Chair of Arts Mid North Coast Susan Jenvey, said the strategic plan will lay the foundation for a thriving and sustainable arts
ecosystem on the Mid North Coast.
“We are excited to further empower local artists, build new collaborations, and strengthen our advocacy for the arts at a regional level,” she said.
AMNC is calling out to local artists, creatives, and stakeholders, to get in touch to help turn the new vision into reality over the next four years.
q Arts Mid North Coast Executive Director Olivia Parker at the Creative Futures consultation event. Photo: Jay Black.
q The shared pathways and footpaths are set to connect the South Urunga Urban Release Area to the Urunga CBD.
Some
A
Offshore Fishing Club donates $1000 to Marine Rescue
By Mick BIRTLES
IN a generous display of community support, the Nambucca Heads Offshore Fishing Club has donated $1000 to Marine Rescue Nambucca to aid in their vital work of keeping local waterways safe.
The donation was presented on Friday night at the Nambucca Bowls Club, with Marine Rescue Nambucca’s Unit Commander Gary Nichols expressing deep appreciation for the contribution.
“This money will be instrumental in assisting us to replace key pieces of equipment we use in the conduct of our work,” Mr Nichols told News Of The Area.
Each holiday season, particularly during the Christmas break, the dedicated volunteers at Marine Rescue face an increase in demand due to the influx of visitors on the waterways.
“Many mishaps could be avoided if people heeded warnings, stopped overestimating their swimming ability and fitness, and didn’t underestimate the power of the sea,” Mr Nichols emphasised.
In encouraging offshore fishermen to take advantage of Marine Rescue’s safety measures, Mr Nichols added, “The best thing offshore fishermen could do for us is to log on via our online app or
register via radio so we know they are out there and we can be in a better position to assist if they get into trouble.”
Marine Rescue Nambucca also collaborates with the Police Marine Area Command when needed.
A recent example was their assistance during the crash of an aircraft into the water near Scotts Head.
The Nambucca Heads Offshore Fishing Club, led by President Bill Watts and Secretary/Treasurer Rhett Smyth, boasts approximately 80 members.
They are strong advocates for marine conservation, practicing catch and release with most of their catches and overtly promoting a clean river and sustainable fish habitats.
The club meets on the first Sunday of each month at Shelly Beach, Nambucca Heads, and hosts a weekly BBQ at midday each Wednesday at the same location.
The club is also committed to nurturing future generations of anglers, with 12 active junior members playing a crucial role in the club’s growth.
“Our juniors are particularly competitive and really love their fishing so, with them onboard, we see a long and bright future for our club,” President Bill Watts told NOTA.
“This donation demonstrates our commitment to ensuring a viable Marine Rescue unit and our long held belief that a strong, sustainable recreational fishing community relies on safe and wellmonitored waterways.”
q Marine Rescue Nambucca’s Col Cracknell and Gary Nichols were on hand at the Nambucca Bowls Club on Friday night to receive a donation of $1000 from Rhett Smyth and Bill Watts from the Nambucca Heads Offshore Fishing Club.
SPaDCO host spectacular seniors feast
By Jen HETHERINGTON
IN CELEBRATION of the NSW Seniors Festival (3-16 March), the Stuarts Point and District Community Organisation (SPaDCO) hosted a “sensational” seniors luncheon at the village’s Community Hall on Tuesday, 11 March.
By 1pm, approximately 70 local and visiting seniors were comfortably seated and enjoying table service offered by a band of dedicated volunteers, as the Yarrahapinni CWA supplied a
selection of fruit punch beverages.
The menu, supplied by the SPaDCO “Chefs”, included a main course of boeuf bourguignon with potato bake and minted peas, or a vegetarian option of frittata and roast Mediterranean tart.
Mains were followed by desserts of apple pie and apple crumble served with ice cream, then an option of tea and coffee.
Kempsey Shire Mayor Kinne Ring congratulated the SPaDCO team on executing “such a successful initiative”.
“Sandbags and weather induced cabin fever were kicked aside in Stuarts Point when I was lucky enough to join the fantastic volunteers from SPaDCO for their Seniors Feast lunch,” said Mayor Ring.
“It was so heartwarming to share a beautiful homecooked meal with locals who were chatting and making new connections.
"It was my pleasure to attend this wonderful event and see firsthand the strong community spirit that exists in Stuarts Point.
"Events like these are vital in keeping our seniors connected and engaged."
SPaDCO Chairperson Mary-Lou Lewis told NOTA the turnout was “simply extraordinary”.
“It was wonderful to see our community come together in such a meaningful way," she said.
for 90 percent of youth crime across regional NSW,” he said.
use real-time intelligence to identify social media trends.
Attendee Edith Chapman commented that the free meal was “absolutely delicious”.
“We would like to thank all those beautiful people that made the luncheon such a success,” she said
"The hampers and gift vouchers which included local produce demonstrated once again how our community supports its own.”
Police launch crackdown on youth crime
NSW Police have launched rapid response units to tackle youth crime on the Mid North Coast.
Operation Soteria is a highprofile strategy involving around 60 officers.
Deputy Commissioner Paul Pisanos said that over the next three months, police will target offenders aged between 11 to 16 years of age and specifically focus on aggravated break, enter and steal offences, stealing motor vehicles and “post and boast” offences shared on social media.
“The operational arm of this operation will consist of highvisibility policing, targeting a defined cohort of hundreds of repeat offenders believed to be responsible
The new unit will target hotspots including Taree, Kempsey and Coffs Harbour.
An extra 20 officers will supplement the unit in the form of surge operations each week, to bolster operational numbers to 80.
Polair and roaming response units will complement high visibility operations.
Police Commissioner Karen Webb said the fear of crime is having a significant impact in rural communities.
"Nobody deserves to be frightened in their own home and in regional NSW that has been the case, it has to stop,” she said.
Under Soteria, which is also underway in the state’s western region, command hubs will be established and investigators will
As part of the prevention arm of the operation, police will aim to identify and refer young offenders into programs such as YAMS (Youth Action Meetings) - a multi-agency forum designed to help at-risk young people from re-offending.
Other youth programs through the NSW Police Crime Prevention and Youth Command (CPYC) will be used.
"Part of this mission is to lock up the ring leaders and divert others away from a life of crime,” Deputy Commissioner Pisanos said.
Soteria will oversee Operation Regional Mongoose, which was established in September 2023 and has been arresting, on average, 13 young offenders every week.
Crisis meetings with social media platforms, and the E-Safety
Commissioner will also be called to shut down the novelty of posting criminal activity.
"To be clear, posting and boasting criminal activity will not give young offenders notoriety; it will land them in custody.”
Since new “post and boast” legislation came into effect 12 months ago, 53 people have been charged - 27 of those were under the age of 16.
Operation Soteria will also work with community leaders to provide regular updates on progress to engage with victims of crime in impacted areas.
Member for Oxley Michael Kemp, called the operation “a hard-fought win for Kempsey and regional NSW communities that have been crying out for action on juvenile crime.
“This is the result of relentless advocacy from our community who
said ‘enough is enough’,” he said.
“For the last 12 months, I’ve been fighting for stronger bail and sentencing laws, real accountability in diversionary programs, and shutting down the social media pages that glorify crime.
"I’ve held community meetings… and we brought the Regional Crime Inquiry to Kempsey, where the committee finally heard stories from victims.
“And just last month, 700 locals stood together in Kempsey for a major crime rally, demanding action.
“We need to make sure this operation delivers real results. The government must strengthen bail laws.
“If you reoffend while on bail, you shouldn’t get bail a second time.
"No more slaps on the wrist.” Mr Kemp is hoping it will be a permanent police response.
q Kempsey Shire Mayor Kinne Ring was delighted with the event and her floral gift.
q A hall-full of diners enjoyed feasting and conversation.
Alfred triggers further calls for climate action
By Andrew VIVIAN
WITH the recent brush with ExTropical Cyclone Alfred still on everyone’s minds, climate action groups are voicing concerns about the consequences of ineffective action to combat climate change.
In a joint statement, 38 former Australian fire and emergency service chiefs said they are “deeply concerned about the trend of worsening extreme weather disasters, fuelled by climate change”.
“Many Australians are increasingly being impacted by consecutive, compounding climate disasters including heatwaves, drought, fires, storms and floods, leaving little time for recovery,” they said.
Former Commissioner of Fire and Rescue NSW and founder of Emergency Leaders for Climate Action, Greg Mullins said, “In my decades of service in NSW I never had to deal with a tropical cyclone
reaching so far south. “This is deeply disturbing and something climate scientists had warned us about.
“As we head to a federal election it reinforces why Australians simply can’t afford to go backwards on climate action.”
Few Australians will be untouched by Alfred.
The Federal Treasurer Dr Jim Chalmers, has warned that the cyclone will affect the Federal Budget by $1.2 billion, and that inflation will be affected by damage to food producing areas.
Other effects may not be as evident.
David Crosbie, CEO of the independent charity Community Council for Australia, said one of the remarkable things about Alfred was the slow-motion unfolding of havoc and the prolonged rekindling of trauma from not-so-long-ago disasters.
“There was a sense of ‘we are all in this together’, there was a
collective goal to see each other through, to keep people safe, and to restore lives and communities,” he said.
“And, there was urgency.”
Mr Crosbie said the same sense of urgency is not being attached to investing in the community’s capacity to prepare, respond, recover and adapt to future disasters and climate change.
“A lot of what we do seems to involve wishful thinking about communities coming together.
“Why aren't we investing more in supporting community-building infrastructure?
“When we are focused on the experience of people and community, we begin talking less about the science, the forecasts and the responses in big amorphous terms, and more about what they mean for our everyday lives and our local community.
“It’s no accident that those who seek to undermine climate action by
dividing communities are very good at this. “They talk about local jobs, power lines, your power bill and the intrusion of windfarms on the local countryside.
“They divide communities by working from the ground up.”
Mr Crosbie said that until people discuss the impacts of climate change and the opportunities for energy transition in the same conversations they have about their communities and children, there will be a disconnect.
President of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) Dr Michael Wright, is urging leaders to fully fund the implementation of the National Health and Climate Strategy.
“Cyclone Alfred has severely impacted Queensland and NSW communities, and my heart is with everyone affected, including all our GPs caring for patients after the storm,” he said.
“The RACGP recognises climate
change as a global public health emergency.”
Dr Wright said GPs have been seeing the social, emotional and physical impacts experienced by those in the path of extreme weather for some time.
“Year after year Australian communities have been subjected to the damaging and traumatic effects of fires, floods, droughts and storms, which are becoming more frequent and severe due to climate change.”
RACGP Climate and Environmental Medicine Specific Interests Chair Dr Catherine Pendrey said, “The World Health Organisation (WHO) has called climate change the greatest threat to public health in the 21st century.
“Extreme weather events like Cyclone Alfred cause more injuries, diseases and deaths.
“We can and must stop emitting fossil fuel pollution to safeguard the health of our future generations in the face of the worsening climate crisis.”
Politicians inspect road damage
BELLINGEN Shire Council representatives met with Regional Transport and Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison and Member for Oxley Michael Kemp last week to discuss the widespread damage to the road network following recent heavy rainfall.
Council’s Acting General Manager Todd Williams and Deputy General Manager Operations Ashley Greenwood, highlighted the severe impacts on both state and local roads, including significant landslips in Deer Vale and extensive damage in Kalang and Darkwood.
The visit included a site inspection of the landslip at Newell Falls, with Transport for NSW and Council crews currently working hard to restore access to this major thoroughfare as quickly as possible.
Crews have cleared some fallen trees, but large rocks and unstable trees remain on the upslope, posing ongoing risks.
Bellingen Shire Mayor Steve Allan passed on his concern for affected communities, particularly
in Dorrigo, which recorded some of the highest rainfall in the state during this event.
“When Waterfall Way is cut off, it presents significant challenges including the isolation of Dorrigo and surrounding communities,” Mayor Allan said.
“Residents are unable to use this route for work, education, and essential supplies, and most critically, emergency services face major challenges reaching those in
need.
“This most recent event is another example of why we need to have reliable alternative routes available when Waterfall Way is impacted and a strengthened more resilient network to withstand increasing weather events.”
Mr Williams, Council’s acting GM, said the scale across the Shire is significant, with multiple roads affected.
“We know these disruptions are
frustrating for residents, and we are pushing for urgent repairs and clear timelines for reopening key routes, however safety of both the workers on site and our community is paramount,” he said.
Council will share further updates as they become available.
Residents are encouraged to monitor Live Traffic NSW, Transport for NSW and Bellingen Shire Council channels for the latest information.
q Transport for NSW staff escort Regional Transport and Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison and Oxley MP Michael Kemp to the slip on Newell Falls, accompanied by Bellingen Shire Council's Acting General Manager Todd Williams and Deputy General Manager of Operations Ashley Greenwood.
q Oxley MP Michael Kemp shows areas of concern to Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison.
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Tackling the impact of housing crisis on local hospitals
By Leigh WATSON
OVER 100 residents gathered last week for the launch of a new initiative to tackle the impact of the region’s affordable housing shortage on health services delivery in Bellingen and Dorrigo.
Faced with recent medical service closures, Bellingen Shire Council has partnered with the Bellinger Health Action Group (BHAG) and the Housing Matters Action Group (HMAG) to form the Homes for Health initiative.
Bellingen Mayor Steve Allan opened the forum, highlighting that up to 16 hospital beds across Bellingen and Dorrigo remain closed, and that Hartley House - a medical ward at Bellingen Hospital - has been shut for over a year.
He noted that local health providers had identified the lack of affordable housing as a key barrier to recruiting and retaining nursing staff.
The Homes for Health initiative aims to tackle this issue by “activating the latent capacity” for accommodation within the shire by utilising spare bedrooms, secondary dwellings, granny flats, and short-term holiday rentals to house healthcare workers.
Viola Morris of BHAG, said the group decided to collaborate on the housing initiative after speaking with hospital staff who identified
q
The Mid North Coast Local Health District indicated that the beds cannot be opened because they have not been able to recruit and retain enough nurses – a problem that stretches across the district.
housing shortages as a major obstacle to attracting nurses to the town.
This challenge, she added, is further compounded by lower pay rates for NSW nurses compared to other states.
“The concern shared by many at the forum was that the long-term viability of the hospital is at risk, with a quarter of the beds already closed,” Ms Morris said.
“Those closures mean more patients are being sent to hospitals in Coffs Harbour or Macksville, making it harder for family and friends to visit, especially for residents who avoid highway travel at night.
“Now that we’re in flood and cut off, we can really see the value of having a hospital close to town.”
Welcome Experience coordinator Penny Davidson, emphasised the difficulty in finding affordable accommodation for early career and student nurses.
Based at the Boambee East Community Centre, the service supports essential workers relocating to Bellingen and Coffs Harbour.
“We are presently supporting four Registered
Nurses who are due to start work next week in Bellingen or Coffs hospitals but have yet to secure affordable accommodation,” Ms Davidson said.
“We are doing everything we can to assist them, including exploring suitable options with locals who expressed early interest in providing accommodation as part of the new Homes for Health initiative.”
Buoyed by the strong community support, Homes for Health is now launching its first program; a billeting initiative that matches healthcare workers and students with residents willing to offer spare rooms or self-contained accommodation.
An afternoon of uplifting music
BELLINGEN’S AkaBella community choir and Coffs Harbour’s Nota Bene ensemble will come together for a fundraising concert in
support of asylum seekers and refugees.
“The Bellingen and Nambucca Rural Australians for Refugees (RAR) group
is delighted to welcome the Bellingen AkaBella community choir and the Coffs-based Nota Bene ensemble to perform in the
Macksville Country Club Golf
By Max TURNER
SATURDAY’S golf, sponsored by Midway Trailers and Storage, was a four ball best ball where you play in pairs and the best score on each hole is counted towards the result.
Main Hall of the Nambucca Community and Arts Centre on Sunday 30 March at 2.00pm,” said group coordinator Mike Griffin from Valla Beach.
“The concert aims to bring joy to our community and at the same time raise vital funds for the Asylum Seekers Centre in Newtown.”
The local RAR group has raised $57,000 for the Asylum Seekers Centre over the past three years, in support of their work helping asylum seekers living in Sydney.
The AkaBella Choir, under the talented leadership of Louise Gore, will entertain the audience with beautiful harmonies embracing everything from soul-stirring gospel and toe-tapping jazz to vibrant world favourites.
“Our immediate focus is on solving the nursing shortage and reopening hospital beds,” said Mayor Allan.
“I’m pleased to say we already have over 40 expressions of interest from locals willing to help.” His advice to other councils facing similar challenges is, “Never underestimate the passion of a community to protect essential services.
“Bring them together, and local solutions to difficult problems can be found.”
For more information, contact Rose West at info@ housingmatters.org.au or on 0494 331 821.
The Nota Bene ensemble will play pieces by Mozart and Haydn, music from India and Scandinavia, and much more.
Tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for students.
Visit the Humantix website and search “RAR” for tickets, or contact Mike Griffin on 6569 5419 to reserve a seat. You can also purchase tickets at the door.
Playing as a team is paramount which is evident when twenty seven teams finished on net 36 or better.
Welsh (Div 1) and Rod Curtis (Div 2).
Jake Fuller and Beau Lavender led the big field home winning on a countback from the consistent Rod Edwards and Steve Ash.
Straight shooters with nearest the pins were Cohen
Jon Zirkler was winner of the Mid Week Competition with Desma Hughes finishing runner up.
One of the biggest Chook Run fields resulted in Jeff Gore winning with Geoff O'Grady finishing runner up.
q Panel speakers (L-R) Mayor Steve Allan, HMAG chair Kerry Pearse, BHAG member Viola Morris, Welcome Experience coordinator Penny Davidson, and Michael Kemp MP.
Among local residents supporting the event were HMAG volunteer Ute Schulenberg and BHAG president Pauline Murphy.
q Coffs Harbour’s Nota Bene ensemble.
q The Bellingen AkaBella community choir.
Honouring service and sacrifice
THE annual SGT Matthew Locke MG charity football event will be held at Bellingen Park on Saturday 22 March.
The match honours the memory and sacrifice of Bellingen’s Matthew Locke, who joined the Army at the age of 17 and deployed to Timor, Iraq and Afghanistan.
Locke was awarded the Medal for Gallantry in displaying courage of the highest order during action in hazardous circumstances.
He was fatally wounded by Taliban insurgents in 2007 while serving with the Special Air Service Regiment in Uruzgan Province, southern Afghanistan.
Money raised through the annual charity football event is used to advocate for veterans on the Mid North Coast as well as providing schools and education to disadvantaged children in remote Timor Leste.
This year’s match-ups see
the Australian Army Thunder take on the Sawtell Panthers at Bellingen Park, while the Bellingen Magpies face off against the Brisbane Jackals.
The Jackals, a young veterans’ team from Queensland, recently returned from the United States after competing in the Vegas 9s Rugby League Festival.
The Australian Army Band Newcastle will perform at the matches and again the next day at C.ex Club Coffs Harbour.
The main games will start after lunch with several preliminary matches scheduled earlier.
Gates will open around 11am.
The Bowraville Tigers Rugby League club will have Under 6 sides playing for preseason fun before lunch along with a number of other junior clubs.
Nambucca Heads Island Golf Club
By Chris KNIGHT
WITH Coffs Harbour Golf Course hosting the Australian Women's Classic professional tournament at the weekend many members of that club headed south at the weekend seeking competition rounds at Nambucca Heads and Macksville.
And they didn't leave empty-handed.
Shaun Rayner and Darby Pearce combined for an excellent 49 points to sweep the Marcel Towers fourball best ball medley stableford on Saturday, 15 March.
Flying the flag for the locals at The Island were the inseparable high-stakes pairing of Stuart Johnson and Peter Bush, runners-up with 47 points.
That was enough on a countback to relegate new members Kye Garzoli and
Dom Lambie to the first in the ball run, which went down to 42 points with Trevor Peck and Drew Glasson the last to collect.
Junior champion Ashton Herbert had a checkered round but bagged the nearest the pins on 8 and 15. Aaron Ruhle got the Ecomist long putt on the 1st, while the remaining pins were snaffled by Daryl Wall on 5 and Russell Boyns on 7.
Dianne O'Leary has dinner sorted after claiming the Pizza This Pizza That on 13 and Karl Hobday saluted on 18 for the $95 Pro Pin.
On a heavy track - thanks
Alfred though we did need the rain - Neil Duffus (22 handicap) blitzed with 40 points to win the Marcel Towers medley stableford on Thursday, 13 March.
That was enough to cover Troy Herbert (4) whose
round of 38 points included birdies on 9, 12 and 18.
Craig Riddington binned the putt from afar on the 1st, and the pins went to Dennis Ashton on 5, Coffs Harbour's Edward Potter on 7, Paddy Byrne on 8, Duffus on 13 for the pizza, and Coffs' Alistair Freeman on 15.
Rock steady Greg McCoy claimed the $40 Pro Pin on the last.
With the start of the Mid North Coast men's pennant competition just the other side of a paperbark tree that is 80 per cent air, The Island's Div 2, 3 and 4 squads enjoyed trial matches on Sunday, 16 March.
Club President Geoff Harris and Golf Director Henny Oldenhove were on hand for the rep shirts' presentation and some feisty games followed where friendships were forged and
Nambucca Bowls Report
By Charlie POTTER
MONDAY Mar 10 Monday
saw the well-attended funeral of ex-Chairman and Life Member John Hunt. Two of our members, no doubt leaning on their vast experience in queuing for Taylor Swift and Wiggles concerts, decided to turn up early and guarantee good seats. But 9.30am for a 2pm service? Well done Chris D'Elboux and Wayne Flynn.
RIP John Hunt 1931-2025.
Wed. Mar 12 As only 18 bowlers arrived there were no prizes or Lucky Loser, etc.
Fri Mar 14 In what can only be described as a piece of Trumpism, Pres Ray Hunt awarded first prize to brothers Rod, Graham, himself and Bruce Mason. Second went to Tas Fribbens, Dallas Nancarrow and
Brewster Ruane and third to Perry McNally, Bill Mann and Frank Ronan. Lucky Losers... Ben Ford, Wayne Dargan and a visitor A, Hicks. Eric Kyle was the lucky bowler but not fortunate enough to draw his rink for the Jackpot which is now $480 this week.
Mixed Pairs Semi Finals:
Gloria Richardson and Paul Ward accounted for Nerida and Mark Blackford 20-8 whilst Teresa and Peter Meehan needed an extra end to defeat Manor and Owen Smith 25-23. The final is on Sunday week, March 30 at 9am as Pennants are played this weekend both days.
Sat Mar 15 Pennants: Our 3's were defeated 9-1 by Sawtell at Park Beach to lie third in the table. Our 5's were successful against Park Beach away, winning 9-1 to lead by 19½ over
Woolgoolga. The 6's had a bye and sit in third place but 19½pts behind runaway leaders North Beach. 7's won 9-1 against Urunga at home and lead Woolgoolga by 7 points but have a bye this Saturday where they earn no points which will allow Woopi the opportunity to overtake them. After this Sunday's matches they may have to beat Woopi at home in the last round to clinch the section.
This weekend's pennants: 3's complete their season with both days at Sawtell... Sat v Park Beach Blue, Sun v Park Beach Red. 5's are at home v Urunga and have a bye Sunday. 6's home to North Beach and away to Sawtell Sunday. 7's have a bye Saturday then are at home to North Beach Sunday.
Bowra Bowls Report
By BUNCHA
THURSDAY 13th Social Bowls results saw once again new bowler Wayne Brown (having only his fourth game) playing in the winning team, this time with John Cowie and Geoff MacKay. Uncanny or what? The lucky bowler to win the money prize was Chris D’Elboux. The first round of the Club Fours will be played on Saturday 29th March.
The Tigers hosted Hat Head in round 5 of the Grade 5 pennants last Saturday 15th. And OH what a game it was, with the Tigers leading for most of the game right up until the 50th end. The visitors fought back strongly to hold a 7 shot lead with 3 ends to play. Neil Pollard’s team picked up 5 shots on their last end to reduce the
Toyota Genuine Service will be played on Saturday and Sunday, 19-20 April.
no egos overly bruised. Nambucca Heads is meanwhile preparing to host a monster week of golf in April.
The 36-hole Easter Bowl medley presented by
That will be followed in short shrift by the second round of the NIV Golf series on ANZAC Day.
This is The Island's version of the free-for-all LIV Golf concept where the onus is on fun.
It's a two, three or four-person ambrose with
margin and Hat Head held a three shot lead with one end to play. It was a very tense finish with the end being “killed” on 3 occasions before the Tigers ended up picking up only one shot to miss on the master board 59-61. Hat Head won 8-2 to go to the outright lead in the section. There is not much between these two clubs with Hat Head also winning in round 2 on their home turf 8-2, with the master board reading 63-59.
Double header on this weekend with the Bowra Tigers travelling to Crescent Head on Saturday and backing up on Sunday and heading off to Stuarts Point to contest last week's washed out event. Teams and travel arrangements are on the notice board.
$25,000 up for grabs if someone aces the 5th, which is the designated party hole so be prepared to be frothed with amber liquid.
Players don't need to have an official handicap and winners of this three-round series will be treated to a big day out at Bonville. Catchya on The Island if the river doesn’t grab you first.
Bowra Golf Results
By Julee TOWNSEND
15-3-25
THE greens are looking great thanks to the volunteers and Gillo. A stableford competition was held on Saturday. Winner: P Cotton F/9: Leanne Porter B/9: Maz McNally N/P: 9th Leanne
Porter L/Putt :R Graham. Next week is a Stoke event. Visit Bowra Sport Hub where kids are welcomed. Enquires 6564 7349
Macksville Country Club
By Gladys GREEN
THE final of the Championship singles was played late last year. A very close game between Ruth Flarrety d Kaye Wood. The final score running out 25-21.
The year concluded with our annual Christmas luncheon.
Social - 22.1 25. Loz, Thelma, Heather, Carol d Loz, Mel, Kaye Judy.
29.1 Kaye, Carol d Loz, Judy. Heather Mel, Shannon (visitor) d Heather, Elwyn, Barb.
5.2 Mel, Loz, Heather, Judy d Barb, Kaye, Thema, Carol.
12.2 Heather, Kaye d Carol, Ruth. Elwyn, Barb, Thelma d Elwyn, Sheryl, Judy.
26.2 Mel, Kath, Kaye, Barb d Mel, Sheryl, Ruth ,Thema. The final of the Pairs Championship was also played
today. Lorraine Edmondson and Judy Walker d Heather Edwards and Carol Turner (21-11) with some great bowls played. The Gala Day which was to held on 12th March is now postponed to March 26 th.
Ladies Social Bowls is played Wednesday mornings 8.30 for 9am. All are welcome to join us. Enq. 65681400
q SGT Matthew Locke MG.
q Chillaxing on the deck after a pennants trial at the Nambucca Heads Island Golf Course are (from left) Steve Doherty, Kem Klem, Dylan Mann, Ray Guiana and Troy and Ashton Herbert.
HYPOTHETICAL
By Manny WOOD
Pre-nup challenged amid allegation of duress
HARRY meets Mary online and they are soon engaged.
When Mary comes to Australia, Harry asks her to sign a pre-nuptial agreement.
The effect of the agreement is that if their relationship ended, Mary would receive nothing.
Mary receives independent legal advice to the effect that the agreement was “entirely unfair” and she should not sign it.
Nonetheless, Mary signs the agreement and the wedding proceeds just 10 days later.
Unfortunately, four years later, Harry and Mary separate and a dispute arises in relation to the validity of the pre-nuptial agreement, with Mary seeking a lump sum of $1 million.
The Court states that pre-nuptial agreements (also known as binding financial agreements) were introduced to “encourage people to agree about the distribution of their matrimonial property and give them greater control over their own affairs, in the event of marital breakdown”.
In order to be binding, each party must be “provided with independent legal advice concerning the effect of the agreement on the party's rights and the advantages and disadvantages of making the agreement”.
Agreements of this nature can be set-aside if “a party to the agreement engaged in conduct that was, in all the circumstances, unconscionable” and the validity of an agreement can be determined “according to the principles of law and equity that are applicable in determining the validity, enforceability and effect of a contract”.
Mary’s legal team argues that she was the victim of duress, undue influence, and unconscionable conduct.
Harry’s team argues that the agreement was “fair and reasonable” because Mary was told at the outset of their relationship that Harry’s wealth was intended for his children and relied on the fact that Mary received independent legal advice before signing the agreement.
Ultimately, in ruling the pre-nup invalid, the Court rules that Mary was labouring under a “special disadvantage” and in the circumstances surrounding the haste of the marriage, Harry took advantage of her vulnerability.
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.
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
Dorin’s Draws By Paul DORIN On theCouch
Great koala conservation
DEAR News Of The Area,
I WAS amused that Noel Atkins' antiGreat Koala National Park letter was, no doubt by happenstance, printed in proximity to Bob Harris' letter about misinformation and disinformation (Opinion and Letters, NOTA 14 March).
Mr Atkins refers to studies instigated by the timber industry, that variety of investigation where the results are often predetermined, to justify his refutation of the NSW Koala Parliamentary Inquiry's finding that koalas are on the path to extinction if the current land clearing and deforestation regimens continue.
Is denying the validity of a Government Inquiry, where all political sides are represented, justified or anarchistic or an act of hubris?
I was also amused by the fact that, though koalas have been declared endangered, Mr Atkins declares them to be "thriving".
Perhaps he doesn't understand what a koala hub is.
They are the population and habitat hotspots that Forestry Corporation is mercilessly devastating in its frenzy to
eviscerate our potential National Park before ethics and sanity prevail.
Clear-felling large tracts of forest with gigantic machines that crush everything cannot be classed as discriminating, sustainable practice.
Industrial logging dries out the landscape, making it more fire prone.
It is disingenuous to compare such modern wholesale slaughter to past practices that managed the forest with a less destructive approach and an aim to nurture forest health for the future.
To add weight to his assertion that the GKNP is a "con", he uses figures that suggest the entire timber industry will be shut down if it goes ahead.
If this is a billion dollar industry, why are the people of NSW being ripped off by tens of million to subsidise it?
Our taxes are being used to rob us of an irreplaceable natural asset to fatten corporations.
A glance at the REEF Foundation's website will reveal its political leanings, despite disclaimers.
On the other side of the discussion, those in favour of the park simply want to preserve something precious that cannot be replicated, that once gone is lost forever.
Can we not work together and find a way to have a timber industry
Do they represent us?
DEAR News Of The Area,
IN the USA during the nomination hearings for roles in the Trump administration, Bernie Sanders asked one of the nominees the following.
‘Would you support an increase in the $7.25 minimum wage?’.
After many stumbles, and gasps, the answer was a no.
The next question was ‘Will you support an increase in taxes
DEAR Jasminda,
There was so much stress in the build-up to Cyclone Alfred. How did the experts get it so wrong?
Marcia P.
Dear Marcia,
Now the meteorologists will give you all sorts of reasons for Alfred's change of heart, like the tropical cyclone looping back on itself which changed its expected trajectory, and the lighter winds caused by its intersection with a high pressure ridge, but in my unprofessional opinion, it came down to the name.
Tropical Cyclone Alfred?
There is nothing menacing or destructive about an Alfred.
Just look at the history books.
that is truly sustainable, that preserves our natural heritage?
No one wants to see people lose their jobs, but Mr Atkins exaggerates employment numbers.
As most of our timber needs are met by plantations, there will still be plenty of jobs in that sector, in forest restoration (see letter, Lindy Davis, NOTA 9 March) and in tourism (Newcastle University study).
Mature, healthy forests are wonders of nature that regulate climate, store carbon and improve soil and water quality.
Nature is our life-support
on the wealthy?’. The person being questioned ducked and weaved and spluttered but it appeared clear it was a no.
In Australia, when the Liberal National Party (LNP) were asked to support a $1.00 an hour increase in the minimum wage for hard working Australians, the LNP voted no.
The LNP have voted against all workplace law changes, which would lift wages above inflation and give additional rights to workers.
Honesty around funding
DEAR News Of The Area,
OVER the last quite a few months, I have been absolutely gobsmacked by how much advertising Caz
Heise, the so-called "Independent", has been subjecting us to.
Caz has run daily radio and TV advertising, has massive roadside billboards from Coffs Harbour to Port Macquarie, corflutes in yards and electronic adverts at local shopping centres.
This must be costing hundreds of thousands of dollars.
No "Independent" would be able to afford this kind of campaign.
I'm sure not even Labor or the Nationals could afford so much advertising in Cowper.
There is someone with very deep pockets funding her and my guess would be Climate 200 and Simon Holmes à Court.
The same sponsors who funded her campaign at the last election.
Alfred Nobel donated his wealth to establish the Nobel Prize.
Alfred Tennyson was a poet laureate.
Alfred North Whitehead was a mathematician and philosopher.
The etymology doesn't help.
Alfred means Elf Ruler. Elf Ruler?
Does that sound like a formidable being to you?
Alfred may have had dreams of being a tropical cyclone, but instead he did more meandering and backtracking and looping back than a politician.
And for that we should be grateful.
Many people and businesses still suffered due to flooding, power outages, erosion, and closures.
Incidentally, did you know that the tropical cyclone was supposed to be called Anthony, but the Bureau of Meteorology made a change to avoid confusion as it matched our current Prime Minister?
system. The Great Koala National Park will foster biodiversity and help protect our beloved, iconic koala and many other special and unique species and ecosystems. In the 1930s, parliamentarians walked from Point Lookout to Thora, to witness for themselves the beauty of our magnificent forests. They cared and we should care.
Regards, Mary FORBES, Eungai Creek.
When the LNP wanted to stop rorting they introduced Robo Debt which targeted average Australians going through hard times.
The scheme was found to be illegal and the premise that there was major rorting was incorrect.
Two of the biggest donors to the LNP are Gina Rinehart and Rupert Murdoch and both are fans and supporters of Trump.
In early February when
Simon Holmes à Court was on the National Press Club last week and intimated that Climate 200 was backing the "Independent" in Cowper.
Caz claims the Coalition is funded by big business, but I would put it to her that she is also being funded by a big business billionaire with his own agendas. I don't believe her campaign is being funded by small donors - a claim I have seen on social media.
Trump outlined his vision for Gaza, Dutton commented that Trump is a big thinker and deal maker and at another time said Trump is shrewd and reasonable. More recently Dutton has been backpeddling and now appears to have a different view of Trump, so who is the real Dutton?
Regards,
Caz needs to come clean with Cowper and answer two questions.
1. Who is funding her campaign and what is their agenda;
2. If she wins and there is a hung parliament, who will she back? Labor/Greens or the Coalition?
We need to know. Regards, Janet OLNEY, Boambee.
Carpe diem, Jasminda.
Colin HUTTON, Thora.
Mackay/Mckay Association meeting Saturday 22 March 10am 10 Princess St Macksville Legacy Office RSVP: 0410 024 648 Public Notices
CARAVAN $49,900
Caravans
To place a classified ad, call 4981 8882 between 9am - 2pm Mon, Tues, Wed or Fri. The classified deadline is 12pm Wednesdays.
List an item for sale for $100 or less for free.
STORAGE
LTR Water Tanks Picnic Table
2 - 160W Solar Panels
External Entertainment Unit
2 - 9KG Gas bottles
Privacy Screens Fiamma Bike Rack
20 LTR Jerry Can Holder
Slide out Kitchen New Awning with LED lighting. INTERNAL
Double Bed with Reading Lights both sides 2 Deep Cycle Batteries
2007 Holden Epica, auto 148,000 klms, rego June 2025, AHP05R, $2,000 ono. 0402 869 057 Re260925
LANDROVER 19712A LWB, never been on beach, alloy tray back alloy bullbar, engine runs well, $950 ono 0427 565 388. e210325
Pajero GLS
3.2L
exc cond, one lady owner, $11,990 ono CD68GF. 6651 9790RUS050925
Please visit Councils website to view the full list of animals available for adoption or lost. For any adoption enquiries please complete the Adoption Enquiry Form on Councils website.
FRIDAY
GARDENING AUSTRALIA JUNIOR
ABC FAMILY, 7.05pm
Propagating a love of plants and nature in the next generation, Australia’s favourite green thumbs get their hands dirty with all manner of family-friendly activities in this spirited spin-off. Tonight, Costa Georgiadis (above, right) tracks down some peace and quiet with junior hosts Romeo Angelkovski and Yeshi Jehru (above, left). The trio take time out in a local reserve, drawing inspiration from the tranquil waters and tall timbers before bringing what they’ve learnt home to create a mindful garden of their own. It’s a perfect wind-down before the kids’ bedtime.
8.30 Under The Vines. (PG) Daisy and Louis must spend the night together. 9.20 The Weekly With Charlie Pickering. (PG, R)
9.50 Hard Quiz. (PG, R) 10.15 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R)
Guy Montgomery’s Guy Mont Spelling Bee (NZ) (Final, PG, R)
Grand Designs. (R)
Long Lost Family. (PG, R)
1.25 Rage New Music. (MA15+adhlnsv) 5.00 Rage. (PG)
Supertato. 7.05 Gardening Australia Junior. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 7.50 Teen Titans Go! 8.00 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.
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
SUNDAY
SKIN IN THE GAME
SBS, 8.30pm
Marlee Silva (pictured) is a proud Gamilaroi-Dunghutti woman, sports commentator and NRL tragic. Here, she examines how we can use the power of sport – in particular rugby league – to drive social change. Marlee is the daughter of league great Rod “Rocket” Silva and has grown up living and breathing all things NRL. She looks at how rugby league can transform lives – and how it highlights some ugly truths of modern society, especially when it comes to violence against women. Marlee talks to some of the game’s biggest names – including master coach Phil Gould, superstar Nicho Hynes, NRL Chairman Peter V’landys and NRLW player Lavinia Gould – to work out what the sport can do to be part of the solution.
MONDAY 9-1-1: LONE
This Rob Lowe (pictured) vehicle follows the action-packed lives of emergency service members in Texas. Its fifth and final season is set a year after the dramatic conclusion to series four and sees Carlos (Rafael Silva) and TK (Ronen Rubenstein) approaching their first wedding anniversary as Carlos settles into his new role as a Texas Ranger, while other comings and goings lead to movements at the station. Tonight’s episode, “Trainwrecks”, sees the team race into action when a train derailment causes multiple injuries. Meanwhile, Tommy (Gina Torres) makes a bold move in her relationship with Trevor (D.B. Woodside).
6.00 NBN News.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Better Homes And Gardens.
7.30 James May: Our Man In Italy. (Ml)
8.30 Tony Robinson’s Marvellous Machines. (PG, R)
9.20 Mysteries Of The Ancient Dead. (PG)
10.15 SBS World News Late.
10.45 A Body That Works. (Mals)
11.45 Sisi. (Masv, R)
1.35 Earth’s Natural Wonders. (MA15+a, R)
4.45 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
8.30 MOVIE: Notting Hill. (1999, Mls, R) The life of a bookshop owner changes after a Hollywood celebrity enters his shop in Notting Hill while promoting her latest movie. The unlikely duo soon face all manner of obstacles to make their romance work. Hugh Grant, Julia Roberts, Rhys Ifans.
11.05 Suits L.A. (Ma, R)
12.00 We Interrupt This Broadcast. (PGa, R)
1.05 Travel Oz. (PG, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R)
5.00 NBC Today.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Rugby League. NRL. Round 3. Brisbane Broncos v North Queensland Cowboys.
9.55 Golden Point. Post-match NRL wrap-up.
10.45 MOVIE: American Assassin. (2017, MA15+lv, R) A man investigates terrorist attacks. Dylan O’Brien.
12.45 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)
ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Children’s Programs. Noon Pretty Little Liars. 3.00 The Golden Girls. 3.30 The Nanny. 4.30 The Addams Family. 5.00 Bewitched. 5.30 I Dream Of Jeannie. 6.00 The Golden Girls. 6.30 The Nanny. 7.30 MOVIE: The DUFF. (2015, M) 9.30
6.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R) Hosted by Grant Denyer. 6.30 The Project. A look at the day’s news. 7.30 Sam Pang Tonight. (Mals, R) Presented by Sam Pang. 8.30 The Graham Norton Show. (Mdlsv, R) Celebrity guests include Dakota Johnson, Sterling K Brown, Domhnall Gleeson and Colman Domingo. 10.50 10’s Late News. Coverage of news, sport and weather.
11.15 The Project. (R) A look at the day’s news. 12.10 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 1.00 Home Shopping. (R)
SATURDAY, March 22
6.00 Landline. (R) Hosted by Pip Courtney. 6.30 Back Roads: Bibbulmun Track, WA. (PG, R) Rae Johnston explores WA’s Bibbulmun Track.
7.00 ABC News. A look at the top stories of the day.
7.30 Death In Paradise. (Ma) Marlon investigates the murder of his old boss.
8.30 Vera. (Ma, R) Vera investigates the apparent suicide of a well-known TV personality who has recently fallen from grace.
10.00 Unforgotten. (Madl, R) A new case begins for Jess and Sunny’s team.
10.50 Boat Story. (MA15+alv, R) Two strangers discover cocaine on a boat. 11.50 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
ABC FAMILY (22)
6am Children’s Programs. 5.45pm Tish Tash. 5.50 Paddington. 6.05 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.15 Bluey. 6.25 Octonauts. 6.35 Hey Duggee. 6.40 Ben And Holly’s Little Kingdom. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Riley Rocket. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Harry Potter: Wizards Of Baking. (Premiere) 8.50 Fresh Off The Boat. 9.30 Speechless. 9.55 Officially Amazing Goes Bunkers. 10.25 Dragon Ball Super. 10.45 Late Programs.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 The Wonders Of Europe: The Mont Saint-Michel. (PG)
8.30 Blenheim: The People Behind The Palace. Head shepherd Shaun has to intervene in a difficult birth.
9.25 Ray Martin: The Last Goodbye. (PGa, R) Ray Martin continues to plan his own funeral.
10.25 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Milan-San Remo.
3.30 Earth’s Natural Wonders. (PG, R)
4.35 Bamay. (R) 5.15 France 24 Feature.
5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
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6am The Man Who Brought Down The White House. Continued. (2017, PG) 6.55 Bright Star. (2009, PG) 9.05 The Falcons. (2018, PG, Icelandic) 11.00 Mystic Pizza. (1988, M) 1pm Benjamin. (2018, M) 2.35 Diana. (2013, PG) 4.40 The Young Victoria. (2009, PG) 6.40 Nights In Rodanthe. (2008, PG) 8.30 Silver Linings Playbook. (2012, M) 10.45 Sleeping Beauty. (2011, MA15+) 12.40am Late Programs.
SUNDAY, March 23
6.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 Darby And Joan. (PGa)
8.15 Unforgotten. (Mals) The team investigates Gerry Cooper.
9.05 Boat Story. (MA15+av) Janet and Samuel try to find a buyer for the drugs.
10.05 MOVIE: Irresistible. (2006, Malsv, R) Susan Sarandon.
11.45 You Can’t Ask That. (Mal, R)
12.15 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
2.55 Rage Closer. (R)
3.00 Ask The Doctor. (PG, R)
3.30 Outback Ringer. (PG, R)
4.00 Gardening Australia. (R)
5.00 Insiders. (R)
ABC FAMILY (22)
6am Children’s Programs. 5.45pm Tish Tash. 5.50 Paddington. 6.05 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.15 Bluey. 6.25 Octonauts. 6.35 Hey Duggee. 6.40 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 Abbott Elementary. 9.55 Speechless. 10.20 Merlin. 11.05 Late Programs.
6.00 Grand Tours Of Scotland’s Rivers. (PG)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.35 Ancient Greece By Train.
8.30 Skin In The Game. (Ma)
9.40 King Tut: Allies And Enemies. (PGa, R)
10.40 Franklin. (MA15+l, R)
12.25 The Burnt Half. (Mal, R)
1.50 Britain’s Great Outdoors. (R)
2.20 How To Get Fit Fast. (R) 4.10 Bamay. (R)
4.50 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (PGaw, R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 Al Jazeera.
VICELAND (31)
6am The Falcons. (2018, PG, Icelandic) 7.55 Romeo And Juliet. (2013, PG) 10.05 Argo. (2012, M) 12.30pm Emily. (2022, M) 2.50 The Man Who Brought Down The White House. (2017, PG) 4.45 Bright Star. (2009, PG) 6.55 Malcolm. (1986, PG) 8.30 The Big Short. (2015, M) 10.55 Ordinary Justice. (2020, M, Italian) 12.30am The Daughter. (2021, MA15+, Spanish) 2.45 Late Programs.
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG, R) A passenger’s suitcase has an unusual lining.
7.30 MOVIE: Gladiator. (2000, Mav, R) A Roman general seeks revenge. Russell Crowe.
10.40 MOVIE: The Pope’s Exorcist. (2023, MA15+hv) The Pope’s chief exorcist investigates a possession. Russell Crowe, Daniel Zovatto.
12.55 We Interrupt This Broadcast. (PGalv, R)
2.00 To Be Advised.
4.00 It’s Academic. (R) 5.00 My Greek Odyssey. (PG, R)
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Space Invaders. (PG)
8.30 MOVIE: Muriel’s Wedding. (1994, Mls, R) A woman leaves her small town to find romance. Toni Collette.
10.40 MOVIE: Red Dog: True Blue. (2016, PGals, R)
12.20 Bondi Vet. (PGm, R)
1.10 Pointless. (PG, R)
2.00 The Incredible Journey Presents. (PG)
2.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.30 Global Shop. (R) 5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 5.30 Helping Hands. (PG, R)
6.30 The Dog House Australia. (PGa, R) Narrated by Mark Coles Smith. 7.30 Love It Or List It Australia. A couple’s house is too small. 8.30 Gogglebox Australia. (R) TV fanatics open up their living rooms to reveal their reactions to popular and topical TV shows. 9.30 Matlock. (PGad, R) An important class-action lawsuit leads the team to investigate a sorority. Matty brings Alfie with her to work. 10.30 Elsbeth. (Mav, R) 11.30 FBI. (Masv, R) 12.30 Home Shopping. (R) 5.00 Hour Of Power.
6am
6am MOVIE: Barbie And Stacie To The Rescue. (2024) 7.10 Children’s Programs. 1.15pm The Nanny. 2.15 MOVIE: Nanny McPhee And The Big Bang. (2010) 4.20 Young Sheldon. 5.45 MOVIE: Alvin And The Chipmunks: Chipwrecked. (2011) 7.30 MOVIE: Night At The Museum: Secret Of The Tomb. (2014, PG) 9.30 MOVIE: Six Days, Seven Nights. (1998, M) 11.30 Late Programs.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Australian Idol. (PG) 8.40 7NEWS Spotlight. (Return) A profile of the 17-year-old Aussie sprinter Gout Gout, who is on track to become the fastest man alive.
9.40 The Hunters: Mr Cruel. (Mav, R) Notorious cold cases are re-opened.
11.10 Autopsy USA: Dean Martin. (Mal)
12.10 The Bay. (Mal, R)
1.10 Travel Oz. (PG, R)
2.00 To Be Advised. 3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R)
NBC Today.
Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 NBN News. 7.00 Married At First Sight. (PGls) 8.40 60 Minutes. Current affairs program. 9.40 9News Late.
10.10
6am Children’s Programs. 1pm Innovation Nation. 1.05 MOVIE: The Man In The Moon. (1991, PG) 3.05 Motorway Cops: Catching Britain’s Speeders. 4.05 Young Sheldon. 5.30 MOVIE: Goosebumps. (2015, PG) 7.30 MOVIE: Aquaman. (2018, M) 10.20 MOVIE: Fast & Furious 6. (2013, M) 12.50am Gotham. 1.45 Arrow. 2.35 Young Sheldon. 3.00 Beyblade X. 4.00 Bakugan. 4.30 Cry Babies Magic Tears. 4.50 Late Programs.
The
(PGl) Presented by Jonathan
Matlock.
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9GO! (83)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.35 Lisbon With Michael Portillo. (PG)
8.25 Dan Snow’s Greatest Discoveries.
9.20 24 Hours In Emergency. (Ma)
10.15 SBS World News Late.
10.45 Syndrome E. (Malv) 11.50 The Night Manager. (Mals, R) 2.05 Earth’s Natural Wonders. (PG, R) 3.10 How To Get Fit Fast. (PGn, R) 4.05 Bamay. (R) 4.40 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
10.30 The Agenda Setters. 11.30 St. Denis Medical. (PGal) 12.00 We Interrupt This Broadcast. (PGas, R)
1.00 Harry’s Practice. (R)
1.30 Travel Oz. (PG, R)
2.00 To Be Advised.
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. (Ml)
9.00 100% Footy. (M)
10.00 9News Late.
10.30 The Prison Confessions Of Gypsy-Rose Blanchard. (Premiere, MA15+av) 11.30 First On Scene. (Ma) 12.00 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 1.00 Hello SA. (PG) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 2.30 Global Shop. (R) 3.00 TV Shop: Home
SBS MOVIES (32)
6am Morning Programs. 8.45 Nights In Rodanthe. (2008, PG) 10.35 Partly Cloudy With Sunny Spells. (2015, M, Italian) 12.25pm Silver Linings Playbook. (2012, M) 2.40 The Movie Show. 3.15 Romeo And Juliet. (2013, PG) 5.30 Remi Nobody’s Boy. (2018, PG, French) 7.30 20,000 Species Of Bees. (2023, M, Spanish) 9.50 Let The River Flow. (2023, M, Norwegian) 12.10am Late Programs.
6.00 Mastermind Australia. 6.30 SBS World News. 7.30 Great Coastal Railway Journeys. (R) 8.30 Insight. 9.30 Dateline. 10.00 SBS World News Late. 10.30 Guillaume’s Paris. (PGl, R) 11.00 Prisoner. (MA15+av) 12.10 Illegals. (MA15+v, R) 2.15 Earth’s Natural Wonders. (PG, R)
3.20 How To Get Fit Fast. (PG, R)
4.15 Bamay. (R)
4.50 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
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SBS MOVIES (32)
6am Love And Friendship. (2016, PG) 7.40 Malcolm. (1986, PG) 9.15 Hacker. (2019, PG, Danish) 11.00 Ordinary Justice. (2020, M, Italian) 12.35pm The Big Short. (2015, M) 3.00 The Movie Show. 3.35 Four Souls Of Coyote. (2023, PG) 5.35 Darling Companion. (2012, PG) 7.30 Mermaids. (1990, PG) 9.35 Vampire Seeking Consenting Person. (2023, M, French) 11.15 Late Programs.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PG)
7.30 The Americas: The Atlantic Coast. (Premiere, PG) A look at the natural beauty of the Americas. 8.30 The Hunting Party. (M) A serial killer adopts another’s style of killing. 9.30 The Irrational. (Mav) 10.30 The Agenda Setters. 11.30 St. Denis Medical. (PGals) 12.00 MOVIE: Cruel Instruction. (2022, MA15+adsv, R) 2.00 To Be Advised.
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
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WEDNESDAY, March 26
6.00 Mastermind Australia. Presented by Marc Fennell.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Alone Australia. (Return, Ml) Ten survivalists take on the wilderness.
9.40 Rogue Heroes. (MA15+) The SAS receives a visit from two senior generals.
10.50 SBS World News Late.
11.20 Blackwater. (MA15+ans)
12.30 My Brilliant Friend. (Malv, R) Lila continues to hold a grudge. 3.55 Earth’s Natural Wonders. (PG, R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
SBS MOVIES (32)
6am Vanity Fair.
Continued. (2004, PG) 8.15 Remi Nobody’s Boy. (2018, PG, French) 10.15 Let The River Flow. (2023, M, Norwegian) 12.30pm 20,000 Species Of Bees. (2023, M, Spanish) 2.50 Petite Maman. (2021, PG, French) 4.10 Love And Friendship. (2016, PG) 5.50 Rabbit-Proof Fence. (2002, PG) 7.30 My Salinger Year. (2020, M) 9.25 Girls Will Be Girls. (2024, M, Hindi) 11.35 Late Programs.
THURSDAY, March 27
6.00 Mastermind Australia.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Finding Your Roots. (PGa)
8.30 Celine Dion: A Star Is Born.
9.35 Virdee. (Premiere)
10.40 SBS World News Late.
11.10 Breaking Point. (Masv)
12.00 Blinded. (MA15+a, R)
1.45 Elizabeth. (PGa, R)
3.25 Hugh’s Wild West. (R)
4.20 Bamay. (R)
4.50 China Bitesize. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
SBS MOVIES (32)
6am RabbitProof Fence. Continued. (2002, PG) 7.10 Darling Companion. (2012, PG) 9.05 Mermaids. (1990, PG) 11.10 Iron Sky. (2012, M) 12.50pm Dating Amber. (2020, M) 2.30 The Movie Show. 3.05 Vanity Fair. (2004, PG) 5.40 Every Day. (2018, PG) 7.30 Stand By Me. (1986, M) 9.10 How To Have Sex. (2023, MA15+) 10.50 Shiva Baby. (2020, M) 12.20am Late Programs.
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Home And Away. (PG)
7.30 The 1% Club UK. (PGl) Hosted by Lee Mack.
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. (PGal) Hosted by Hamish McLachlan.
10.00 Arj Barker: Comes Clean. (Mls, R)
11.10 Autopsy USA. (Ma)
12.10 Covert Affairs. (Mv, R)
2.30 To Be Advised.
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. (Ml) 9.00 Scrublands. (Final, MA15+lv) 10.00 Freddy And The Eighth. (Ml) 11.00 9News Late. 11.30 The Equalizer. (Madv, R) 12.15 Tipping Point. (PG, R)
TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa)
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PG)
7.30 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly. (Return, PG)
8.30 Britain’s Got Talent. (PGa) Auditions begin as weird, wacky and wonderful acts compete in front of celebrity judges.
10.00 The Amazing Race. (PG)
11.30 The Disappearance Of Gabby Petito. (Malv, R)
12.45 Damnation. (MA15+asv)
2.00 To Be Advised.
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
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7MATE (64)
9GO! (83) 9GO! (83)
Trial time
By Mick BIRTLES
THE Nambucca Roosters will hit the field for the first time in 2025 this Saturday, 22 March.
The women’s tackle team will take on the Sawtell Panthers and the senior men will do battle with Laurieton, in trial games to prepare the squads for the upcoming Group 2 season.
Although the Roosters are a few players down due to injuries from representative duties, Nambucca fans will have a chance to see how their team is shaping up to defend their title as Group 2 Premiers.
WHATS ON golden sands tavern
The Roosters women's tackle side will be looking to put an edge on the form that led them to a strong finish in the 2024 season.
“They have trained extremely well over the past few weeks and are very keen to have a game and bond as a team on Saturday,” women's tackle coach Garren Stig told News Of The Area.
“We will also use the game as an opportunity for our new girls to show us what they can do under match conditions.”
All of the action will be at Coronation Park, Nambucca Heads.
The women’s game will kick off at 2:00pm and the men's game at 3:15pm.
Entry will be by gold coin donation.
Canteen and bar facilities will be available.
q Nambucca Roosters fans will have an opportunity to see their team in action in a trial match against the Laurieton Stingrays at Coronation Park this weekend.
