student Toby Batten has earned one of the highest honours in junior rugby league, being named as halfback in the 2025 Australian Schoolboys rugby league team.
The selection comes during another stellar season for Batten, who plies his trade in Group 2 with the Nambucca Roosters, playing U/18s and First Grade.
Batten has also had strong performances at the national school
championships, representing NSW Combined High Schools (CHS), where he was identified as a standout for his leadership and playmaking ability.
While the official international match program is still being finalised, it is likely the Australian Schoolboys team will travel to Papua New Guinea in October to compete against international opposition.
Batten described the moment he learned of his selection as “overwhelming”.
“At first I was in shock to hear I was named the halfback for the Aussie Schoolboys,” he told News Of The Area.
“But I’m also very
CONTINUED Page 3
(WEFF) for her deeply
and moving short
By Mick BIRTLES
“Unconditional Bond”. The documentary follows the journey of an Australian family navigating the challenges of international CONTINUED Page 2
Macksville filmmaker takes out festival win
q The Nambucca Valley’s Toby Batten has been named as the halfback for the 2025 Australian Schoolboys rugby league team. Photo: supplied.
Macksville filmmaker wins Audience Choice Award at West End Film Festival
FROM Page 1
adoption, focusing on Alexandra’s own family story involving the adoption of her and her brother from Colombia and Korea.
Now based in Brisbane, Alexandra studied at SAE Creative Media Institute, where she completed a Diploma of Film.
Unconditional Bond was created as part of her studies but has since resonated with audiences well beyond the classroom.
“I was shocked as I went into the festival not thinking I would win anything, just for fun, so you can imagine my excitement when I got the message and I had to do a double take,”
Alexandra told News Of The Area.
“My dad called straight away; he was so proud.
“I think he was almost in tears and that’s when it really hit me that I had won.”
While the subject matter is close to home, Alexandra said the film wasn’t initially planned.
“At first, this wasn’t the documentary I set out to make, but after a conversation with one of my lecturers about my birth mum, the idea began to form so I spoke with my parents,” Alexandra said.
“As they shared their experiences, and those of their friends who also adopted, I realised this story needed to be told.”
Alexandra’s father, David, told NOTA he was “thrilled and so proud” of his daughter’s achievement.
“It was her first attempt at sending her short documentary to a film festival,” he said.
“So just being accepted was awesome but then to be awarded the People's Choice was fabulous.
“It is such a great surprise to get that recognition and I can't wait to see what she produces next."
Transitioning from short films to documentary work was a learning curve for Alexandra.
“I’d never made a documentary before and I struggled at first but I learned that sometimes you just need to turn the camera on and let things unfold - no scripts, no cuts, just real conversations.
“That raw, unplanned style became something I grew to love.”
One of the biggest challenges Alexandra faced was the emotional weight of telling a story so personal.
“It was hard separating myself as the filmmaker from
myself as their daughter and some of the topics were tough to talk about,” she said.
“My mum was especially vulnerable on camera, and I’m so grateful to her for sharing her experience.”
Another challenge was condensing such a rich, multilayered story into a short format.
“This documentary is just a snippet and it could have easily been feature-length, especially with my brother’s experience included but that just means there’s room for more in future projects.”
Winning at a grassroots film festival like WEFF has left Alexandra feeling inspired to continue in documentary filmmaking.
“Everyone has a story, and I want to be the one to help tell them.
“I’ve got a few scripts in development, but my next project might be close to home again; a documentary about our beautiful little community radio station in the Nambucca Valley,” concluded Alexandra.
The West End Film Festival, established in 2009, celebrates grassroots filmmaking and community storytelling.
q This image of a much younger Alexandra Pirani, her brother Cayden Pirani and her father David Pirani, was used in the making of the film.
Nambucca's Toby Batten selected for Australian Schoolboys rugby league side
FROM Page 1
proud and honoured to be representing my country.”
Heading into the national championships, Batten said his focus was on performing for the team rather than personal selection.
“My main focus leading into the Australian
Championship was on my role for CHS, communicating and leading well on the field,” he said.
“I was definitely more focused on winning the championship with CHS than on earning an Australian jumper.”
Now preparing for the upcoming tour, Batten is
embracing both the challenge and the opportunity.
“I’m looking forward to the whole experience such as developing my game, training and playing with and against the best 18-year-olds in the world and having our games played in PNG definitely makes me excited too.”
With preparation already
underway, Batten is keeping things simple.
“I’m just trying to keep myself fit and healthy so I’m ready to train and play, but I’m also making sure I enjoy the time and the experience as it’s not something many people get to do.
“I won’t be taking it for granted.”
Parents Linda and Geoff Batten say they couldn’t be prouder, not only of their son’s selection, but of his commitment and character.
“We are immensely proud of Toby’s achievement, but even more proud of how he got there; the hours of training, the extras on his own and looking after himself.
Amanda and Grayson Cross honoured business award
By Mick BIRTLES
THE Rotary Club of the Nambucca Valley has bestowed an Excellence in Business Award upon Amanda and Grayson Cross, owners of Nourish Café and Grocer in Valla Beach.
Rotary Club President Kerry Dedman praised the couple for their commitment to excellence, innovation, and community spirit.
“Amanda and Grayson have created more than just a successful cafe, they have built a space that reflects their values of health, sustainability, and connection,” she said.
Amanda began working at Nourish in 2015 and, alongside Grayson, purchased
the business in 2023.
Since then, the couple has continued to grow the cafe and grocer into a welcoming hub for locals and visitors.
Grayson, a lifelong resident of the Nambucca Valley, and Amanda, who has lived in the area for over a decade, have a deep understanding of the local community and a clear vision for their business.
In reflecting on their success, the couple credits three key principles: people, listening and resilience.
“First and foremost, our success is rooted in our people,” Amanda said.
“Secondly, we listen, to our customers, to the market, and to each other, and finally,
we embrace resilience and learning and consider every setback has been a stepping stone.”
Nourish Café has earned a strong reputation for excellent coffee, quality food, and a calm, communityfocused atmosphere.
The Rotary Club’s Excellence in Business Award aims to celebrate and encourage businesspeople who demonstrate outstanding service, ethics, and commitment to the local area.
Rotary has reinstated the award after a pause during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Amanda and Grayson Cross are the first recipients since its reactivation.
NAMBUCCA’S Nancy
Brits will exhibit her diverse painting works at the Stringer Gallery in Nambucca Heads from 4 August to 13 September.
Having been interested in painting from a young age, the scenery and wildlife of Nambucca reignited her passion for the artform after her move six years ago.
She now loves creating with acrylic pouring mediums, cell creation, fluid art, experimenting and dabbling with various
“We’re extremely proud of the humble young man he is.”
Batten now joins an elite group of players to wear the Australian Schoolboys jersey, a proven pathway to higherlevel rugby league.
He has recently signed up to play in the Redcliffe Dolphins pathways system.
‘Unique’
paintings inspired by nature
techniques.
“Nature is my biggest inspiration,” she said, “so I try to pour these colour combinations, energy and beauty onto canvas.
“Pouring paint can be relatively unpredictable so sometimes I just have to follow the natural paint
flow and let the cells created reveal the image within and then define what is naturally present.
“Some techniques involve spinning the paintings on a turntable, using a heat gun or anything at the time to get the effects I want.
“My aim is to create something unique.”
Nancy’s exhibition will be officially opened on Tuesday 5 August with a morning tea from 10.00am at the Stringer Gallery, located in the Community and Arts Centre on Ridge Street, Nambucca.
q Rotary Club President Kerry Dedman (right) presents the Excellence in Business Award to Amanda and Grayson Cross, owners of Nourish Café and Grocer in Valla Beach. Photo: supplied.
q Nancy Brits.
‘Free For All’ for the flood affected
MACKSVILLE
Maureen
She
help set
up and pack down the event held on Sunday 19 and Monday 20 July.
Clothing, furniture, kitchen equipment, toys, DVDs and books were all on offer, with members of the community making donations.
“We had tools and a wheelbarrow donated and taken straight away,” Maureen told News Of The Area.
“We have had a steady stream of people and lots of books going out - very good quality too.”
Items that weren’t taken will be stored until the next car boot sale on 23 August at Macksville Showground.
Wanted:
By Jennifer DUDLEY-NICHOLSON, AAP
MORE than 10,000 Australian households and businesses will be asked to share ways they generate and use electricity for research to accelerate the net-zero transition.
10,000 households to plug in to energy research
The nation's science agency CSIRO on Thursday launched the National Energy Analysis Centre that will capture real-world energy use, which has been modelled on a similar body in the UK.
The centre will also team with universities, electricity retailers and others to model future demands on the national grid.
and small businesses as well, but also get a handle on what people like and don't like."
The centre aims to recruit 1000 participants in its first year and ultimately reach 10,000 households and businesses throughout Australia, he said, similar to the Living Lab in the UK.
The Australian centre would also develop energy system modelling, analysis and visualisation tools to assist research.
Along with analysing a wide range of households, Dr Craig said it would be important to assess the use of solar panels, electric vehicles and household batteries because they could take pressure off the national grid.
"There's more and more of the energy system in the hands of households," he said.
The announcement comes amid change in the Australian energy market, with household demand for solar panels and energy storage primed for growth by the recent launch of the $2.3 billion Cheaper Home Batteries Program.
Research into electricity and gas use has been "piecemeal" despite significant investment in the energy market and policy changes, the centre's director Stephen Craig said.
Individual research efforts such as Saul Griffith's Electrify 2515 pilot project have probed the market, he said, but Australia is yet to collect broad energy data on a national basis.
"What we haven't had is the consistent, enduring capability so you can follow trends over time, you can compare apples with apples if you're doing different types of research and trials," Dr Craig told AAP.
"What we want to do is get an understanding of how energy is used today, how energy flows in the household
"We don't want to under-build because then we may not have a robust system but we don't want to overbuild either, so to have better data on how people are using energy and want to use energy is helpful."
Households that participate will share anonymous data from their electricity meter as well as temperature and humidity readings from inside their home, and could be invited to take part in specialty projects.
Hunter region participant Heath Raftery said he signed up to discover ways to reduce his family's energy bills, but also to ensure households like his were considered in future policies.
"I'm a renter so there's not much I can do infrastructure-wise but having input... will help governments and providers to consider the third of the population that is renting," he said.
The centre is already collaborating on projects with Endeavour Energy and the Race for 2030 cooperative research centre.
q The community came together to help donate, set up, and pack down the Free For All event at the Macksville Senior Citizens Centre. Photo: supplied.
q Clothing, furniture, kitchen equipment, toys, DVDs and books were all on offer. Photo: supplied.
Muriel celebrates a century
By Mick BIRTLES
NAMBUCCA Valley resident Muriel
Milton Fuller marked her 100th birthday last week, surrounded by family and friends at a special celebration held at the Nambucca Heads RSL Club.
The milestone celebration was not only a tribute to Muriel’s longevity, but also a reflection of a life filled with love, faith and generosity.
Muriel was born on 17 July 1925, the coldest day of the year in South Africa, to Scottish parents William and Charlotte Scott.
At the age of two, her family migrated to Australia, where she would grow up through the hardships of the Great Depression and World War II.
Despite those challenges, Muriel often recalls the joy and kindness that defined her early years.
Her daughter Jenny, who delivered a heartfelt speech and poem at the celebration, shared that her mother experienced more in her first few decades than many do in a lifetime.
As a child, Muriel sailed to Britain, spending a year at school in Scotland.
She returned again as a young woman to live with family, both trips undertaken by sea, long before international air travel was common.
Muriel married and had two sons before settling in Nambucca Heads in 1958, where the family purchased a local pharmacy.
Life was full and busy - raising children, managing the shop, and actively engaging in the community.
She joined the CWA and the Red Cross, played the organ at the Methodist Church, and contributed her mezzo-soprano singing voice to countless community events, never once accepting payment.
Recalling one particularly memorable performance, Jenny told News Of The Area, “Mum sang Mary’s Boy Child at the School of Arts and there weren’t many dry eyes in the audience that night.”
Muriel’s contributions have always extended well beyond her talents.
Known for her kindness and
generosity, she was the person who arrived with a casserole or apple pie when someone in the community was unwell or grieving.
Her family, too, has been the recipient of her practical care, with countless hand-sewn and knitted garments for children, grandchildren, and greatgrandchildren.
“She often says she hasn’t achieved anything great in her life, and yet she has given so much to so many, and continues to do so,” Jenny added.
In keeping with Muriel’s tradition of writing poems for others on special occasions, during the birthday celebration Jenny encapsulated her mother’s life with a poem of her own, paying tribute to a life of courage, compassion, and quiet strength.
Muriel Fuller’s 100th birthday was not just a celebration of years, but of the enduring impact one person can have through simple acts of love, faith, and community service.
As she begins her second century, Muriel continues to be an inspiration to all who know her.
Have Your Say
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q Muriel (front) with daughter Jenny and son-in-law Wayne Dayman.
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copies
to activist and journalist Margaret McCue
By Andrew VIVIAN
THE Coffs Coast environment movement is saddened by the passing of passionate environmentalist and campaigner Maggie (Margaret) McCue.
She was the driving force behind the Coffs Harbour Environment Centre, and was involved in the Emerald Beach Ocean Outfall campaign, the creation of Bongil Bongil National Park, and in numerous forest protests.
Maggie was an esteemed member of the committees of the Bellingen Environment Centre, North Coast Environment Council, and the North East Forest Alliance.
She was also an acclaimed international journalist for the New York Times and Sydney Morning Herald, and was well-known as a journalist in Hong Kong.
Maggie followed the Tao philosophy and walked proudly in
Gumbaynggirr country.
Catherine Jones, from the Bellingen Environment Centre, said, “We have lost a much-valued activist and storyteller who touched so many.
“With her gentle strength she will be sadly missed and always remembered.”
Ms Jones said one of her favourite recollections is of a trip to Canberra in early 2014 for a forum with Australia’s top climate scientists.
“I remember Maggie’s bright
and double spaced.
eager eyes and the face of experience taking notes from Professor Brendan Mackey, Professor David Lindenmayer, Bob Brown, and Ian Dunlop, among others.
“But it was the trip home that topped it off, with Maggie hopping on the train with all our luggage, and it went without me.
“I’m waving it down running beside it and Maggie’s screaming out from the train to stop; everyone [was] in hysterics and the train stopped.
“God only knows what Maggie
said to the inspector, but we were finally allowed on to everyone in the train cheering.
“We thought it was a sign the Government would stop and listen to activists.”
All who knew Maggie are welcome to join in sharing memories and celebrating her life and legacy at the Coffs Harbour Botanical Gardens on Sunday 27 July at 11am.
The event will be a relaxed, picnic-style gathering and guests are asked to BYO rug, food, and drinks. Tea and coffee will be available.
q Margaret McCue (far left) was an environmental activist and storyteller.
Photo: Bellingen Environment Centre.
Buoyant Albanese plots next phase of Labor dynasty
By Jacob SHTEYMAN, AAP
PRIME Minister Anthony Albanese has backed a greater role for the government in childcare as he prepares to push through legislation tightening up the sector following horrifying allegations of child abuse at Melbourne early learning centres.
Universal affordable childcare was identified by the prime minister during the recent federal election as the one reform he'd most want to be remembered for.
But the accusations levelled against Joshua Brown, whose 70 counts of alleged abuse, including child rape, have raised concerns that the rapid expansion of government subsidies into the sector has not been met with a commensurate increase in safety and scrutiny.
"Well, it reinforces why you need a stronger commonwealth role in childcare," Mr Albanese said when asked by AAP whether the case had changed his views on how his universal childcare ambition should be enacted.
Commentators have criticised the current model of handing subsidies to for-profit providers, arguing the incentive to cut costs and boost margins sacrifices
standards and oversight.
When asked whether he envisaged the sector being run more like public schools, Mr Albanese said "we'll see how that evolves".
"I think it makes sense to have co-location of childcare centres wherever possible in schools. It is just a practical thing to be done.
"If you're starting again you would completely have co-location of child care.
"I know as a parent, we had a public school in our street but we had to send our son to a different school that was driving distance - a short drive - but the next nearest school, because they had after school care.
"That's something that people across the board feel as well - that convenience - and that's part of the productivity agenda."
But first, Education Minister Jason Clare will introduce legislation giving his department powers to conduct spot checks and pull funding from childcare centres deemed to be consistently failing safety and quality standards.
It's one of four priorities Mr Albanese identified for his first sitting fortnight back in parliament since his swingeing election win.
From Tuesday, the government will also push forward legislation cutting student debt by 20 percent and enshrine penalty rates into law.
The fourth priority, Mr Albanese said, will be seeing Labor's 24 new members sworn in and ensuring they all participate fully towards the government's long term goals.
"I'm feeling very energised about parliament coming back and seeing the outcome of the election in real form," he said.
"What that represents... is it gives the confidence that we were correct last term to prioritise people's living standards and cost of living, dealing with those pressures, and that we're correct to continue to prioritise that.
"You need to deliver for people what they need in order to then have the legitimacy to push forward on longer term changes."
The prime minister was feeling buoyant as he flew back from a successful six-day tour of China, where he balanced tensions over Chinese military build-up and a mutual desire to strengthen economic ties.
Amid coalition criticism that he had failed to deliver enough tangible outcomes, Mr Albanese hit back that they didn't understand how
patiently nurturing the relationship would pay dividends in the longterm.
Opposition defence spokesman Angus Taylor's clumsy comments that Australia should be "prepared to act" alongside the US in conflict with China over Taiwan broke with the bipartisan "One China" policy in support of the status quo across the Taiwan Strait, Mr Albanese said.
His eye is on a Labor dynasty to carve out a positive future for Australia in a challenging region.
"One of the things we're very determined to do is to have longterm Labor government in Australia so that we can implement the longterm changes that Australia needs.
"The world is changing fast and you can either shape that change or it will shape you."
q ‘I'm feeling very energised about parliament coming back,’ Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says. Photo: Lukas Coch/AAP PHOTOS.
EXPLAINER: Harmful Algal Blooms
By Iain WATT, Marine Scientist
MARINE algal blooms are the result of a rapid increase of phytoplankton in the ocean.
While phytoplankton and algae are essential to marine ecosystems, forming the base of the marine food web, producing much of the world’s oxygen, and are a major sink for atmospheric carbon dioxide, their excessive growth can cause harmful effects on marine life, water quality, and human health.
The extensive and longlived bloom event recorded off South Australia in recent months is a timely reminder that when a coastal system is out of balance, catastrophic consequences can occur.
Algal blooms have been around a long time and in some cases are natural, and not all algal blooms are harmful.
Most algal blooms recorded to date in NSW have been harmless but there are about 200 species of microalgae with the potential to produce harmful biotoxins that can be detrimental to marine life and human health.
These are primarily species of cyanobacteria, certain dinoflagellates and some diatoms.
In low numbers these species are innocuous, but the rapid increase of any one or combination of these species
can cause Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs), which are generally the result of human activity, poor environmental management, pollution (overloading of nutrients) and climate change.
Algal blooms can often be identified by seafoam and what can look like a light oil spill or paint spilled in the water, but these are not always HABs.
River and land-based runoff containing high levels of nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus), from agriculture, sewage or industrial discharges, together with warm waters and sunlight provide favourable environmental conditions for accelerated phytoplankton growth, which may lead to algal blooms.
Shellfish can filter and accumulate the biotoxins produced by HABs leading to contaminated seafood.
To manage and safeguard consumers from potential risk the NSW biotoxin monitoring programme tests the shellfish flesh and the waters around shellfish growing areas.
Another major risk associated with algal blooms is eutrophication which occurs when excess nutrient loading (often Nitrogen and Phosphorus) surpasses the ability of the water body to naturally flush out the nutrients.
Excess nutrients can stimulate rapid overgrowth
of algae.
As the algal bloom dies back and sinks to the seabed the decomposition process consumes oxygen from the water column causing a dead zone in the water and the seabed.
This low oxygen zone suffocates fish and other marine life, particularly impacting species with limited home ranges, and strong site fidelity that lack the ability to escape the dead zone.
HABs can also cause direct physical impact on marine fauna: clogging and lacerating fish gills, destroying the waterproofing of seabird feathers, potentially causing mortalities in turtles, dolphins, whales and seals.
The reduced light penetration and smothering impacts seagrass and kelp beds, important fish habitat and causes extensive economic impacts.
Coastal communities that rely on fishing, aquaculture, recreation and tourism are
particularly vulnerable to impacts from algal blooms.
In Australia, there is a select, but growing, group of biotoxin-producing estuarine microalgal species that have been documented to cause seafood poisoning, and the deaths of fish or other marine life, and direct human impact including skin rashes and respiratory symptoms.
The recent HAB in South Australia has impacted important habitat and resulted in the death of thousands of fish, sharks, rays, and other marine life essentially suffocating, dying and being washed up onto the beaches, impacting the beaches as a tourism asset.
In NSW, blooms linked to fish kills are a regular phenomenon, with around 20 cases reported annually.
However, the mechanisms of toxicity in these cases ranges from well-known to poorly understood.
The free-swimming microalgae Heterosigma akashiwo has been recorded
q When a coastal system is out of balance, catastrophic consequences can occur.
q The recent HAB in South Australia has impacted important habitat and resulted in the death of thousands of fish, sharks, rays and other marine life.
in NSW waters.
It frequents brackish to full sea water and produces the biotoxin, Brevitoxin, which in sufficient abundance is strongly toxic to humans and marine fauna.
In California, this biotoxin was responsible for widespread seabird deaths by destroying the waterproofing of their feathers among other ecological and economic impacts on visual amenity, shellfish harvest, fish kills and fishing.
The solution for HABs?
Early mitigation is probably the best option, before it becomes the usual expensive catch-up blame game.
With clear warnings from events in South Australia and elsewhere, relevant authorities should be taking steps now to mitigate against
this possible future outcome.
Decreasing nutrient laden water entering the estuary and urgent action on climate change can help reduce the risk and severity of a HAB.
Implementing effective riparian management, riverbank stability etc. and better agricultural practices to reduce the sediment and nutrient runoff entering an estuary is a critical step in improving estuarine health and productivity.
Decreasing urban pollutants by improved urban planning and storm water management in urban areas and adopting climate mitigation strategies at a local council level by encouraging mitigation projects will help mitigate the worst of climate induced changes on an estuary.
Calls for childcare register to include work histories
By William TON and Rachael WARD, AAP
A NATIONAL childcare worker register should show the employment history of staff after revelations an accused child abuser was sacked from one facility but continued working unimpeded.
Joshua Dale Brown, 26, has been charged with more than 70 sex offences against eight alleged victims aged under two at a childcare centre in Melbourne.
Authorities have previously said there were no known complaints against him, however childcare giant Nido Early Learning has confirmed Brown was sacked while on probation after completing 18 shifts at a centre in Werribee, in Melbourne's west.
The incident happened
before he started working at the G8-owned Creative Garden centre at Point Cook in Melbourne's southwest, where he is accused of abusing children between April 2022 and January 2023.
A Nido Early Learning spokesperson said Brown was terminated over "unsatisfactory attention" given to an internal incident report related to one child's behaviour towards another child.
He was also subject to two misconduct investigations while he was working at G8, both of which found the non-sexual claims involving children were substantiated.
He was suspended and then resigned after the second investigation. Both incidents came after the alleged abuse for which he has been charged.
Federal and state
jurisdictions have promised to fast-track a national register for childcare workers, after it was discovered Brown had worked at 24 facilities since 2017.
New laws to strip dodgy childcare centres of federal funding and other changes will be introduced by the government when parliament resumes, however there are concerns that may not be enough to prevent abuse.
Early Childhood Australia chief executive Sam Page said the proposed register must provide more oversight on educators' employment histories, including where they have worked and their employment patterns.
"What we want to stop is educators demonstrating poor practice or harm towards children from jumping from one service to
the next and nobody can see the pattern or complaints," she told AAP.
Currently, the only information about educators childcare employers have access to when a worker applies for a job is their CV and referees.
Ms Page said the register's board must take firm action against misconduct that may not reach the criminal threshold.
"Children are such a vulnerable cohort. It often is difficult to reach that threshold of evidence ... so I do think we need to have better safeguards in place," she said.
The parents of about 2000 children who crossed paths with Brown have been told to get them tested for infectious diseases.
His work history was updated this week to include
five new centres.
Investigators have blamed delays on gathering information on his employment on a lack of centralised records, revealing they had to get search warrants to obtain handwritten records, shift rosters and other critical data.
Former royal commissioner Robert Fitzgerald, who sat on the inquiry into institutional responses to child sexual abuse, said it had been difficult to get Australia's governments to act on recommendations around record keeping and information sharing.
"Ten years on... the job has not yet been done and it has not been done because the nine governments of Australia have not committed the willpower to get it done
in a timely manner," Mr Fitzgerald said.
"These are all manageable. These are all achievable and my disappointment is that progress has been made, but the job should have been done."
The former commissioner said every gap left in safeguarding the sector meant children were put at risk.
Early childhood education expert Erin Harper said the proposed register should delineate between criminal activity and noncriminal conduct to protect workers who make one small mistake but still weed out more concerning patterns.
1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)
National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028.
EXPLAINER - The Eastern Blue Groper: A NSW coastal icon
By Iain WATT, Marine Scientist
THE eastern blue groper (Achoerodus viridis) is endemic and one of the most iconic fish species found in New South Wales coastal waters.
Recognised for its striking cobalt blue colouration and curious nature, this fish holds ecological, cultural, and conservation significance.
Its visibility and frequent non-aggressive interactions with snorkelers and divers have made it an icon of the NSW rocky reefs and was proclaimed the official fish emblem of NSW in 1998.
Their gentle and curious nature makes them the highlight of any underwater experience.
Although colloquially referred to as a “groper,” A. viridis is technically a large wrasse of the Labridae family, a group known for their vibrant colours, interesting biology and dynamic sexual phases.
It should not be confused with the tropical grouper (Epinephelus spp.).
Meet the Eastern Blue Groper
The eastern blue groper (Achoerodus viridis) can grow up to 1.2 m long and can weigh over 20 kg.
They have prominent fleshy lips and large peg-like teeth.
Eastern blue groper start life as plankton before settling into seagrass beds or other appropriate habitat where they develop into an all-female cohort, reaching sexual maturity between one and four years and breeding between July and September. They will all remain as females until around 18 years old or a length of 50 to 60 cm when
some but not all, change sex to males, reaching a maximum recorded age of 35 years in NSW, but could be longer.
This sex change is a result of an extraordinary biological process known as protogynous hermaphroditism.
If the large male is removed (by fishing or natural mortality) the next-ranking female changes her behaviour and physical appearance over weeks to become male and ensure a stable breeding population.
As juveniles, the eastern blue groper displays green/ brown hues and as adult females a reddish-brown coloration, with the signature cobalt blue colouring being the terminal phase when/ if they transition to become males.
Being slow growing and long lived (18 to 35 years before changing sex from female to male) makes the blue groper vulnerable to fishing pressure and environmental change.
The sudden removal of the dominant males through fishing can lower productivity causing social disruption and disrupted fertilisation rates.
Fishing pressure can also reduce the numbers of large female fish in the population.
A reduction in available large females able to change sex could reduce the number of available spawning males.
This situation may persist until a remaining female attains that critical size (DPINSW Stock Status Summary –Blue Groper 2024).
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List classifies Blue Groper as “Near Threatened”, due mainly to loss of key habitat and historical overfishing.
The NSW DPI stock status
summary noted that the stock structure is not well understood but considered the groper stock to be sustainable but subject to other potential risks such as climate change and warming seas.
Since the mid-1990s, this species has not featured highly in catch records so it may not be a heavily targeted species by recreational fishers.
Where do they live?
The blue groper ranges from Hervey Bay in Queensland to Wilson’s Promontory in Victoria, but they tend to be more common along the NSW coast.
They inhabit shallow rocky reefs, headlands, and kelp forests.
Blue groper generally live in harems with a few females, several juveniles and one male presiding over a small home range. Juveniles typically inhabit estuaries and shallow seagrass beds which provide food and shelter from predators.
As they mature, they migrate to deeper, more exposed rocky reef areas that provide both habitat and hunting grounds.
The blue groper displays high levels of site fidelity (remaining on the same site for all or most of their lives).
As a result, individuals become recognised and cherished by divers and snorkellers who often “adopt” and name local gropers.
The blue groper is primarily diurnal (hunts by day and sleeps at night) and known for its territorial behaviour.
Their diet primarily consists of hard-shelled invertebrates such as molluscs, crabs, echinoderms, prawns, and worms.
They use their peg-like teeth to dislodge prey and
their pharyngeal (crushing) plate in their throat to crush prey before swallowing and larger shell fragments are expelled through the gills.
The blue groper is a keystone species playing an important ecological role in maintaining the balance of biota on rocky reefs.
While the Blue Groper does eat sea urchins, according to recent studies at the University of Newcastle the groper has a limited role in controlling the long spined sea urchin (Centrostephanus rodgersii) considered by some to be responsible for destroying kelp beds and creating “urchin barrens”.
Conservation and legal protection
Their large size and visibility made them an easy target for fishers but over time growing public appreciation for their beauty and ecological importance, and concerns over declining numbers led to calls for better protection.
All fishing of the groper was banned in NSW in 1969. Line fishing and commercial fishing, but not spearfishing, was reinstated in 1974 with recreational bag limits of
two fish per person, with a minimum size of 30 cm.
The commercial fishery was closed in 1980.
Fifty years later in February 2024, following spear fishing incidents in Sydney and Jervis Bay, the NSW Government announced a total fishing ban on groper by any method for 12 months except for Aboriginal cultural fishing.
In February 2025 the NSW Government announced that, following scientific advice and community feedback, the total ban would continue for a further three years starting in March 2025 allowing further research and monitoring of the impacts from the climate crisis, such as seawater warming and acidification on this species.
This aligns NSW with Victoria where blue groper is fully protected.
Any person contravening the regulations may face a $500 fine for a penalty infringement notice and/or a maximum court enforced fine of up to $22,000 and/ or six month imprisonment for a first offence and up to $44,000 and/or 12 month
Research looks to boost hempseed yields
A NEW Southern Cross University (SCU) research project is aiming to increase the seed yields of hemp plants by up to 50 percent.
The university describes the research as a potential “game-changer for the industry’s productivity and profitability”.
The project, looking at naturally occurring variations in the sex determination of hemp plants, has the backing of the Australian Research Council through a $561,251 Linkage grant, with Northern Rivers-based Kavasil Pty Ltd as the industry partner.
Researchers hope it will offer a significant and sustainable boost to the industry with better seed yields and less chemical intervention.
‘Swinging both ways – the genetic control of sex expression in hemp LP240200616’ will look at characterising the sex-
determining genetic factors in low-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) Cannabis genetics, with the aim of modifying male plants so they produce seed as well as pollen.
Hemp is an emerging highvalue crop in Australia that produces high-quality edible oils and plant-based protein from seeds.
Typically, hemp has separate male and female plants.
While male plants are important for pollination, they don’t produce seed, causing low and variable yields.
Low-THC Cannabis is also the natural source of the cannabinoid known as cannabidiol or CBD.
While agrochemicals, such as the plant growth regulator Ethephon can be used to induce female flowers on male plants, SCU researchers on Kavasil Pty Ltd projects have identified a genetic solution to favourably alter sex expression
in plants.
Lead investigator Professor Tobias Kretzschmar said he hopes that this technology could be developed to increase hempseed yields by up to 50 percent.
“If we can boost seed production, that in turn will boost profitability for farmers and ultimately lower the cost of hempseed products for consumers,” he said.
Industry partner Kavasil Pty Ltd focuses on high-value hempseed as a functional food.
Founder and Chief Executive Andrew Kavasilas said he was pleased to see the endorsement of hempseed research through the latest grant.
“Increasing yields and predictability will help further develop our capacity to supply the domestic markets and supply chain with high-quality Australian-grown hempseed and related products.
“It’s good to see
recognition of this work as a crucial research endeavour that will help the broader cannabis industries focused on superior nutritional value, industrial and medical uses.
“The benefits to farmers and consumers are clear,” he said.
The latest Linkage grant builds on a successful 2022 Linkage bid for a $530,543 grant to advance the University’s work on hempseed development with Mr Kavasilas, supporting research into hemp's nutritional and functional properties.
The University has decades of established expertise in hemp and medicinal cannabis science and is the research lead on the Australian Industrial Hemp Program of Research, a five-year initiative funded by AgriFutures Australia to assist with the growth of the industry.
Key research themes of the Australian Industrial Hemp
Program of Research include enhancing hemp germplasm, optimizing agronomic techniques, exploring value adding of hemp seed products, and assessing sustainability criteria of hemp cultivation.
The goal is to support the growth of the Australian hemp industry guided by
imprisonment for a second offence.
At the time, the NSW Minister for DPI stated that “these fish should be admired not targeted”. It should be noted that it is an offence to interfere with any protected species in any way.
The road ahead Since protective regulations were introduced, populations in many areas have shown signs of recovery.
Divers frequently encounter large individuals in marine reserves, a testament to the effectiveness of habitat protection.
However, conservation is an ongoing process.
Maintaining healthy populations of Achoerodus viridis (together with many other species) will require continued vigilance, adaptive management, and public support.
Strengthening marine protected areas, improving enforcement, and mitigating climate impacts are all critical steps in securing the future of this iconic species.
the Australian Industrial Hemp Strategic Research, Development and Extension Plan (2022–2027) and involves collaboration with various partners, including government departments, other universities, and private enterprises.
Collectively, these efforts aim to position hemp as a viable and environmentally beneficial crop in Australia.
q An Eastern Blue Groper posing. Photo: Malcolm Nobbs.
q Kavasil Pty Ltd Chief Executive Andrew Kavasilas and lead investigator Professor Tobias Kretzschmar. Photo: SCU.
Coffs club holds latest Khanacross round
By Aiden BURGESS
COFFS Harbour and District
Sporting Car Club have held their latest event, with the running of Round 2 of the Bonville Service Station and LPO Bush Khanacross Series at Raleigh Raceway.
A club spokesperson gave a recap of the big day of racing.
“It was another fun day in the forest at Raleigh Raceway on Sunday, 6 July, when Round 2 of the Bonville Service Station & LPO Bush Khanacross 2025 Series was run,” they said.
“Even though there were still a couple of damp sections on the forest roads that were still to dry out after all that rain before winter, a decision was made to run the event.
“This proved to be a popular decision as there were smiles all round by the end of the day for the 30 competitors who entered on the day.
“As usual for a grass roots motor sport event there was a good mix of skill levels.
“From the outright winner driving a fourwheel drive Subaru on the edge, to first timers making use of the club car, experiencing the sensation of learning car control in a safe environment, it seemed everyone had a fun day.
“Friendly competition is part of grass roots motorsport events, even if it is just comparing your own times to see what improvement you have made from your previous run.
“Dallan Beard in a naturally aspirated 2L Subaru Impreza was fastest on each run of the day to be first outright.
“Martin Smith in an old school 1989 Nissan Pulsar Q front wheel drive somehow managed to pedal his way to second outright ahead of some more fancied runners in four-wheel drive equipment.
“There were six juniors, ages 12 to 17 years, entered with Harvey Nicholson fastest in class followed by Kai Hancock, with Esther Summersell third.
“The ladies class also had
Nambucca Valley Bridge Club News
By Barbara MARANIK
RESULTS for Week
ending 20th July
2025
Monday 14th July 2025
North/South
1st Gary & Louise Walton 55%, 2nd Barbara Lott & Paul Petrusma 54%, Maureen Cowan & Libby Knight 53%
1st Barbara Lott & Linda Siford 59%, 2nd Susie & Peter Plunkett-Cole 54%, 3rd Scott Parker & Colleen Robertson 48%
East/West
1st Mike Siford & Pauly Griffin 60%, 2nd Pete Rundle & Libby Knight 56%, 3rd Robert Baker & Theda Faulwetter 50%
Saturday 19th July 2025
1st Judy Holliday & Vicki Walker 63%, 2nd Amber Fox & Carol McKee 56%, 3rd Mike & Linda Siford 55%
Nambucca Bowls
Report
By Charlie POTTER
WEDNESDAY Jul 16. The Selected Triples attracted 24 starters and a pairs game of Jye McAuliffe and Sean Gaffey took the major prize. Second went to Stan Flack, Peter Meehan and Psycho Carr and third to Marg and Neil Duffus. Lisa Barry won $15 as the lucky bowler but missed the Jackpot.
Fri Jul 18. The day's spoils went to Perry McNally, Mick Bryan and Mick Boyle. Hagop Aladadjian and Dale Scrivener were second and Mick Targett, Gary Tierney and Andrew
six competitors with Sharon Beard returning the best time of the day in the class.”
Coffs Harbour & District Sporting Car Club’s next
Power third. Drew Stephens, Glenn Brady and Stu Hughes were the Lucky Losers. Peter Hill was the lucky bowler but missed the $420 Jackpot.
Sunday Social: Only 12 players... with A Johnson, Jen Thorne and Peter Fredericks the winners and Chris Davis, Stuart Thorne and Pat Fletcher the lucky losers. The Jackpot was not won.
This Saturday 1pm is the Final of the Minor Singles between Buckie Ruane and Neil Duffus. Sure to be a good watch!
Sunday is Presentation Day with $26 for bowls then lunch and presentations or $16 if not playing bowls. Names on the sheet if attending please
event will be a Paddock Khanacross to be held on Sunday, 3 August, weather permitting.
Nambucca Heads Island Golf Club
By Chris KNIGHT
GEOFF Brooks enjoyed a rails run as he locomotioned to a stunning score to sweep the Nambucca Heads Island Golf Course in the first big field on a layout which is starting to resemble normal post-flood.
The retired railways worker was the sole player to better his handicap in the Pizza This Pizza That medley stableford on Saturday, 19 July.
Brooks (18 handicap) was on the bogey train through the first two but found light at the end of the tunnel with nine pars to follow on his merry way to 40 points and the 'W' in Div 2.
Runner-up was Andy MacKinnon (15) who swanned his way to 36 points, including a cheeky bird on 10.
Prize-botherer Deidre Fletcher (11) posted a smart 81 off the stick for 36 points to take Div 1, a point clear of Glenys Thompson (13) who had birds on 7 and 16.
Club Captain Ray Guiana (22) had a rocky 14 shots
over the first two holes before regathering his wits to post 34 points to win Div 3, pipping Andrew Bagust (21) by a point.
One-shot wonder prizes were well shared. Dylan Mann took the Ecomist longest putt on 1, Ashton Herbert snaffled the pin on 5, Geoff McCann on 7 (133cm), Graham Weary on 8 and Norman Devereaux on 15. Troy Herbert will get a night off the pans after scoring the pizza voucher on 13 and Peter Bush popped the cap on 18 to pocket the $80 Pro Pin.
Paul Ryan (11) rolled back the years with a tidy 38 points to win Div 1 of the Pizza This Pizza That medley stableford on Thursday, 17 July. Ryan carded 78 off the stick, with 10 pars to boot.
Martin Turner (18) was runner-up with 37 points in a chaotic four hours which included a triple bogey start, four doubles and a bird on the par 5 fourth.
Kurri Golf Club members brought the heat to take out Div 2. Karl Mittman (30)
q Nambucca junior Ashton Herbert is now hitting it 300 metres plus on the Daley. Seen here coiled on the 9th tee where his drive came up only about 40m out - charged the downhill birdie putt, walked off with bogey.
had 34 points for the win on countback from Julie Mittman.
Caring was sharing on the pins: Stephen Doherty on 7, Barry Hinton on 8, Troy Herbert on 13 (second pizza for the week, needed as he has hungry boys), Don Lavery on 15 and Peter Scott prised open the 18th for the $65 Pro Pin. Ross Morpuss won the putt from afar on 1.
Excellent scores marked the women's fourball best ball comp on Wednesday, 16 July.
Jenny Thorne and Linda Piccin raged with 47 points to beat home Deidre Fletcher and Glenys Thompson on 45.
Sue Brooks and Denise Paluch completed the podium on 42.
Dianne O'Leary won the pin on 5, Ann Antcliff on 13, Lyndee Thomas on 18 ($35 Pro Pin) and the par three 8th saw Glenys Thompson, Thea Kimber and Joy Green salute.
Warwick Lean (26) carded 39 points to win the Pizza This Pizza That
stableford in the first Tuesday comp since the river rose to dastard strength. Hot on his heels were David McElwain (31) on 38 and Geoff McCann (17) and Scott Burley (18) on 37.
Lean took the pins on 15 and 18, Andrew Donovan on 5, Troy Herbert on 7 and Keith Elphick hit mini gold with the $19 Pro Pin on the last.
$3,000 in prizes are for grabs in the Island Classic on 30-31 August in a 36hole tournament sponsored by Mid Coast Trucks, BCIB insurance brokers and Sunny Corner Pastures.
Locals can secure their spot in the field through the members' portal or email Paul at the Pro Shop (proshop@namgolf.com).
Catchya on The Island, where we're bouncing back to normality - golf with laughs, beers on the deck by the river, and a restaurant with a special of Beef and Bug (porterhouse steak and seafood) at a very sharp price.
q Dallan Beard was outright winner in the Subaru Impreza.
q Harvey Nicholson being congratulated for his win in Juniors.
q Mia Pell about to start a run in her VW Bug.
q Martin Smith took second outright in a Nissan Pulsar Q.
q Urpo Ylinen showing great extension through the ball on the 9th at Nambucca.
Father and son produce Strikers magic
By Adam GILL
THE Nambucca Strikers men’s side took on an understrength Macksville Redbacks outfit on a wintry 10 July, with a father-son partnership inspiring the Strikers to victory.
Always a memorable match when the cross-town rivals meet, Macksville won the last encounter 3-0.
This time under the lights on a Thursday night at Coronation Park, the Strikers hoped to turn the tables.
Down on numbers, Macksville played a compressed backline, with only the one striker up front in Niall Barry-Murphy.
Nambucca had the majority of the early possession with the first goal coming in the 23rd minute to Archie Urquhart, one of the under 16s players assisting the men’s squad this year.
Macksville equalised shortly afterwards through a penalty from Barry-Murphy, who edged the ball
past the diving goalkeeper.
Sustained pressure from Nambucca again brought success, with a goal to Stuart Dyer just before half time giving them a 2-1 lead as they went to the break.
While Macksville was playing a few players down, their defence seemed to be everywhere, and the game was very much up for grabs.
Scott Standley then headed a corner into the back of the net for Macksville early in the second half, bringing the score to 2-2.
Enter talismanic club president, men’s team coach and long time Nambucca Strikers hero Clay Urquhart.
In his first match back after more than a year off with injury, the veteran Clay made an immediate impact, dashing down the left side of the field as the game began to shift in the favour of the Strikers.
In a moment which will be long remembered at Coronation Park, Clay and his son Archie then combined in a magic moment to slot home the winning goal, sending the small but passionate crowd into raptures.
Macksville Country Club Golf
By Max TURNER
DESPITE the wintery conditions
a good field of 57 played the Macksville Smash Repairs sponsored Stableford.
While Allan Clarke had the best score on the day with a two over
Raiders looking for players for Koori Knockout
By Aiden BURGESS
THE GUMBAYNGGIRR Coffs Coast Raiders are putting out the call for young female players to take part in the biggest annual Indigenous rugby league carnival.
The Raiders are on the lookout for players to join their Under 17s
girls team that will play in this year's Koori Knockout held over the October long weekend in Tamworth.
The Raiders are also looking for any sponsors to help get their three teams to the Knockout.
The Raiders are aiming to have women’s, Under 17s Boys, and Under 17s Girls teams compete at
the prestigious carnival.
If you know any young women of Aboriginal descent, aged 17 and under, who’d love to play footy, or if you’d like help sponsor the Raiders in their Korri Knockout quest, please contact the club at coffscoastraiders@gmail.com.
Raiders teams have previously played in the East Coast Tribal League, with the women’s side winning the title in 2023.
Breakers and Saints all square in local derby
By Aiden BURGESS
THE COFFS Harbour Breakers and Sawtell/Toormina Saints have ended up all square, sharing the points in a 13.9 (87) to 13.9 (87) draw in their local derby at Fitzroy Oval.
The Breakers led by 11 points at half-time, before the Saints outscored the home side by 12 points in the premiership quarter to take a one-point lead into the final stanza, setting up the grand stand finish.
The Saints won the season series against the Breakers having won the previous two encounters with their cross-town rivals.
Port Macquarie Magpies won by forfeit against the Macleay Valley Eagles, during Round 11 of the AFL North Coast season.
Reserves
par 34 off a 1 handicap, Stablefords reward the best net scores.
As a result Barry Veness from Division 2 with a net 41 won the day with Jake Fuller Div 1 runner up and winner of that section.
Runners up were Phil Bambury Div 1 and Josh Bartlett Div 2.
The ladies played a mixed Ambrose - winners were Rhonda McAuliffe with playing partner
Have Your Say
Allan Clarke and runners up were Jo Montague and Graham Everett.
Having a run of good form Phil Bambury was the winner of the Mid Week Competition with Mid Week specialist Greg Hogan finishing runner up.
The Chook run saw Dave Poole back among the winners with Tom Hodgson runner up. Peter O'Neill and Max Graham were the straight shooters with nearest the pins.
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
The Coffs Harbour Breakers had an 11.7 (73) to 1.4 (10) win against the Sawtell/Toormina Saints at Fitzroy Oval.
Women’s Ladder leaders the Coffs Harbour Breakers had a 5.8 (38) to 1.2 (8) win against the Sawtell/ Toormina Saints at Fitzroy Oval.
Under 18s
Coffs Harbour Breakers had a 6.3 (39) to 5.6 (36) win in their local derby against the Sawtell/Toormina Saints at Fitzroy Oval.
Round 12
The AFL North Coast season continues with Round 12 matches this weekend.
The Port Macquarie Magpies host the Coffs Harbour Breakers in their top of the ladder encounter, with the Breakers having won both matches against the Magpies this season.
The Macleay Valley Eagles host the Grafton Tigers in South Kempsey, with the Eagles having won their only meeting this season by six points.
Sawtell/Toormina Saints and Northern Beaches Blues reserves, women’s and Under 18s sides play off at Richardson Park.
The Saints seniors side have the bye.
Seniors ladder
1. Port Macquarie Magpies. 20 points. 5 wins. 2 losses. Match ratio: 71.42. 232.53%
q Father and son Clay and Archie Urquhart hit the field together for the Nambucca Strikers
q The Gumbaynggirr Coffs Coast Raiders are playing in this year’s Koori Knockout.
q Dave Poole, Noel Austin, Peter O'Neill and Rod Curtis on the first tee.
By Manny WOOD
Family feud over finances
ALAN appoints his three children, Jim, Robert and Mary as his attorneys under a validly executed enduring power of attorney.
Alan’s children are appointed “jointly and severally”, so that either one of them can use their power as Alan’s attorney without the consent of the others.
Several years later, at 90 years of age, Alan is admitted into a nursing home.
Mary’s relationship with her long-term husband breaks down and needing funds to purchase her husband’s share of the matrimonial home, she sells two large parcels of shares in Alan’s portfolio and withdraws $700,000 to fund the property settlement.
Mary makes small weekly cash payments into Alan’s bank account in partial repayment of the funds.
When Alan passes away, his executors, Jim and Robert, allege that Mary misused her role under the power of attorney.
Mary ultimately repays the whole of the funds, including interest, calculated three percent per annum. The repayment is primarily made by offsetting her entitlement in Alan’s estate.
The executors claim damages of over $400,000, including the loss of dividends and the loss of the capital increase in the value of the shares.
In her defence, Mary states that Alan consented to the transactions, that the executors were aware of the transactions and otherwise disputes the quantum of damages claimed.
The matter proceeds to the Supreme Court and evidence demonstrates that at the time of the transactions, Alan was suffering from cognitive decline.
However, evidence also indicates that Jim and Robert agreed to the “loan” and specifically the three percent interest rate.
The Court ultimately rules that Alan, whilst suffering from some degree of cognitive decline, did in fact have capacity to consent to the loan, and did so.
Furthermore, because Jim and Robert were aware of the transaction, they were “estopped” from now making a claim against Mary and given the nature of the loan, Mary did not breach her obligations to Alan.
The claim is dismissed and Jim and Robert are ordered to pay Mary’s Court costs.
This fictional column is not legal advice.
Bowra Golf Results
By Julee TOWNSEND
19-7-25
A SINGLE Stableford was held. Winner:
August. Book a table for the festivities on 6564 7349.
Dorin’s Draws By Paul DORIN On theCouch
The great racer-free mirage
DEAR News Of The Area,
I WRITE today not to question the existence of common sense, but to mourn its absence - particularly in the curious case of the police car parked within the dragons’ teeth of our local high school zone, on Boundary Street.
Commonly an out of 'school time' raceway for bikes and cars.
We’ve got flashing lights. We’ve got signage.
We’ve got road markings so bold they could guide a goose through fog.
And now, we’ve got a police car sitting visibly in the zone like a cheese cube in a rat trap - except the flap’s missing, and the rat’s already sprinted past.
Let’s be honest: the goal isn’t awareness.
That’s already sold by the signage.
The goal is catching the racer - the one who ignores the 40km/h limit and treats the school zone like a drag strip.
But with the police car parked in plain sight, the racer simply doesn’t
race.
So what are we catching? Applause?
Wouldn’t it be more effective to deploy an unmarked car, tucked quietly where the racers actually run?
Or better yet, install a speeding camera - one that works 24/7/365, catching every offender while freeing officers for duties that don’t involve sitting in a flashing box of deterrence theatre.
If the goal is safety, let’s be strategic.
If the goal is optics, let’s admit it.
But if the goal is catching racers, then the current setup is like baiting a trap with a neon sign that says “TRAP HERE.”
I propose a community surveydoor to door or via this very paper - to identify speeding hotspots.
Let’s use stealth, not spectacle. Logic, not theatre.
And maybe, just maybe, we’ll catch the rat instead of waving at it.
Yours in laminated disbelief, Miles FORTESQUE, Macksville.
DEAR Jasminda,
There has been so much hype around the gotcha moment when Astronomer CEO Andy Byron was caught in an embrace with his chief people officer at a Coldplay concert.
Why is there so much interest?
Jerry P.
Dear
Jerry,
Coldplay songs cover the gamut of emotions. It's one thing to drive a loved one to the airport, but making that trip accompanied by a Coldplay playlist is another experience altogether.
Chris Martin is an incredible songwriter.
He expresses the depth of human emotion from love to regret to redemption (and that's just in The Scientist).
He's incredibly astute, and that was pretty evident when he said, straight after the concert gotcha moment, that the deer in headlights couple were either having an affair or just very shy.
The wide-eyed look of shock followed by a quick turnabout and hasty duck seemed to indicate
that Martin was on the money with his first observation.
No longer swaying, the CEO and his people person were thrust into the limelight in a way that was never going to be good for Astronomer.
How, for example, was the chief people officer going to talk about ethical work practices at the next staff meeting?
How was the CEO going to address the organisation's reputational management when his own reputation had just gone down the gurgler?
Perhaps the only way for Andy's wife to deal with the fallout will be in true Coldplay style. When her husband arrives home with his tail between his legs, she could simply play lyrics that have suddenly taken on a whole new level of meaning.
He will no doubt be greeted with 'Nobody said it was easy, it's such a shame for us to part' blaring out the bedroom window at which point she could throw down his clothes, his shoes, and his vintage album collection featuring a signed copy of A Rush of Blood to the Head.
I very much doubt this is going to be a conscious uncoupling.
Carpe diem, Jasminda.
Increase in NSW adults getting sunburnt
ALMOST one million adults across the state were sunburnt at least once over a four-week period, according to a new report from the Cancer Institute NSW.
The “Sun Protection Behaviours Report”, released last week, shows 15 percent of people surveyed reported being sunburnt, up from 12 percent in the previous report.
The research analyses data from the 2022 NSW Health Population Health Survey, which asked about 13,000 people to report on their sun exposure, episodes of sunburn, adoption of the five sun protection behaviours and the ease of finding shade at public parks.
The report found young people were more likely to be exposed to the sun and experience sunburn, with one in four 18-24 year olds reporting a sunburn in a four-week period.
Young adults were also less likely to adopt sun protection behaviours such as wearing a hat and sunglasses.
The report found more than 80 percent of respondents used at least one form of sun protection, though only 35 percent always or often used three or more.
It also found exposure to the sun for more than 15 minutes when UV is at its highest reduced among NSW adults overall from 46 to 41 percent.
Ninety-five per cent of melanoma and 99 percent of non-melanoma skin cancers are caused by overexposure to UV radiation from the sun and can be prevented with proper sun protection.
q The report found more than 80 percent of respondents used at least one form of sun protection.
NSW Chief Cancer Officer Professor Tracey O’Brien AM, who serves as the Chief Executive of Cancer Institute NSW, said two out of three Australians will be treated for skin cancer in their lifetime.
“Skin cancer is the most common cancer affecting young Australians, so it is worrying to see that an estimated one in four young people report getting sunburnt,” she said.
“I urge everyone to do the simple things like seeking shade when outdoors, wearing sunscreen, putting on a hat, sunglasses and protective clothing
to safeguard themselves from the sun’s harmful UV radiation.
“In NSW, UV radiation levels are high 10 months of the year, so even in winter, adopting sun protection behaviours is essential, particularly at high altitudes and on reflective surfaces such as snow or ice.”
The general rule is to protect your skin from the sun when the UV index is at three or above, which in NSW is most of the year including in winter.
The most effective defence against overexposure to UV radiation is to follow these five key steps:
1. Slip on protective clothing
2. Slop on SPF50+ sunscreen. Sunscreen should always be applied 20 minutes before heading outdoors and re-applied every two hours.
3. Slap on a wide brimmed hat
4. Seek shade
5. Slide on sunglasses.
Eliza McNally, F9: M Wilson B9: T Noble N/P 2nd E McNally, 9th J Summerville. L/Putt: D Banks. Next Week: A 4 Ball Aggregate. The Sport Hub is having its official Grand Opening on the 23rd & 24th
Death Notice
Lynette Marion Lyneham “Lyn”
Passed away 16th July, 2025
Aged 83 years
Beloved wife of Edward (Ted). Loving mother and mother in law of Kathryn & Gavin and Megan.
Much loved sister of Rodney. Deeply loved and missed by her family and friends.
The family wish to advise a private cremation will be held.
Bernard Laverty Funerals Tel: 6568 1555
Caravans
Zen is a
Please visit Council’s website to view the full list of animals lost or available for adoption. For any adoption enquiries, please complete the Adoption Enquiry Form on Council’s website.
BEST ON THE BOX
FRIDAY THE GOOD SHIP MURDER
SBS, 7.30pm
It’s quite an odd time of year to be rolling out a Christmas special – but Christmas in July is a thing now, so why not? The Good Ship Murder is docking in Dubrovnik at this most wonderful time of the year, and Jack (Shayne Ward, pictured) and Kate (Catherine Tyldesley) are on the hunt for a replacement Santa after the ship’s usual one falls ill so that Christmas on board isn’t ruined. But when their pick, local comedian Buddy (Cliff Parisi), turns up dead (what else did you expect on a ship with a name like that?) it’s looking like Christmas might have to be cancelled after all.
FRIDAY, July 25
6.00
TUESDAY
FBI: MOST WANTED
TEN, 9.40pm
There’s both good news and bad for fans of this high-stakes police procedural: while US network CBS cancelled both Most Wanted and its fellow FBI spin-off, International, earlier this year; the silver lining for Aussie fans is that we’ve still got a full season of new episodes to catch up on before Supervisory Special Agent Remy Scott (Dylan McDermott, pictured) and the squad tackle their final case. Tonight, in “Radio Silence”, the task force must act quickly when two NYPD officers are gunned down during a robbery, and another pair are targeted while responding to a call. With precincts across the city on edge, the team works against the clock to track down the killer and end the bloodshed.
THURSDAY
GREAT AUSTRALIAN ROAD TRIPS
A travelogue that’s as much about the journey as the destination, this entertaining new
comedian
Nazeem Hussain, foodie Melissa Leong, writer and performer Steph Tisdell and Aussie acting royalty Claudia Karvan head off on six epic road trips that celebrate Australia’s natural beauty. Tonight, Leong introduces Hussain (both pictured) to the magic of the Red Centre on one of her favourite drives: cruising the almost 500km between Alice Springs and Watarrka National Park. There’s camel rides, bush tucker, a desert song festival and outback footy along the way, before the pair catch the sunset in Kings Canyon, surrounded by iconic rock formations made famous by Priscilla, Queen of the Desert
6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 Gardening Australia. Jane escapes to a tropical conservatory.
8.30 Patience. (Ma) A best-selling crime writer is found dead.
9.20 Hard Quiz. (PG, R) Presented by Tom Gleeson.
9.50 Guy Montgomery’s Guy Mont Spelling Bee. (PG, R) Presented by Guy Montgomery.
10.35 Spicks And Specks. (PGs, R)
11.05 ABC Late News.
11.25 Silent Witness. (Ma, R)
12.25 Rage New Music. (MA15+adhlnsv)
5.00 Rage. (PG)
Monsters. 6.20 Bluey. 6.30 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Isadora Moon. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Gardening Australia Junior. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Good Game Spawn Point. 7.50 MOVIE: Looney Tunes: Back In Action. (2003, PG) 9.20 BTN Newsbreak. 9.25 Robot Wars. 10.25 Merlin. 11.10 Late Programs.
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 The Good Ship Murder. (Return, Mv) A comedian is murdered on the ship.
8.25 The Royals: A History Of Scandals: Sex. Suzannah Lipscomb investigates royal sex scandals.
9.20 Cycling. Tour de France. Stage 19.
2.00 World’s Most Secret Homes. (R)
3.45 Blue Water Safari. (PG, R)
4.40 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 20. GWS Giants v Sydney.
10.30 Shaking Down The Thunder. (PGl, R) Follows the 2005 Sydney Swans.
11.45 GetOn Extra. A look at the weekend’s best racing.
12.15 The Disappearance. (Madv, R) Charles and Susan continue their investigation.
1.15 Travel Oz. (PG, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R)
5.00 NBC Today.
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Rugby League. NRL. Round 21. Brisbane Broncos v Parramatta Eels.
9.55 Golden Point. A wrap-up of the Brisbane Broncos versus Parramatta Eels match, with news and analysis.
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)
ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Children’s Programs. 8.00 Nanny. 9.00 Jeopardy! Australia. 10.00 Bewitched. 10.30 Jeannie. 11.00 The West Wing. Noon Talking Honey. 12.10 MOVIE: Christmas At The Chalet. (2023, PG) 2.00 Golden Girls. 2.30 Nanny. 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams
6am Morning Programs. 8.15 Dancing At Lughnasa. (1998, PG) 10.00 Ali And Ava. (2021, M) 11.45 Eiffel. (2021, M, French) 1.45pm The Movie Show. 2.20 Whisky Galore. (2016, PG) 4.10 Walk With Me. (2017, PG) 5.55 Where The Money Is. (2000,
6.00 10 News+.
7.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R) Hosted by Grant Denyer. 7.30 House Hunters Australia. (PG, R) A couple search for a spacious home. 8.30 Have You Been Paying Attention? (Malns, R) Celebrity panellists compete to see who can remember the most about events of the week. 9.30 The Graham Norton Show. (Ms, R) Guests include Michael Fassbender. 10.30 10’s Late News. 10.55 10 News+. (R)
Late Programs.
LoggerHeads Malibu Classic returns to Scotts Head for
FROM Page 20
The Classic will feature 15 divisions, starting from Under 18 Junior Ladies and Men, through to Over 70s Men’s and Over 50s Ladies.
All competitors will be riding 9 foot-plus longboards, with specific divisions such as the Old Mal, for pre-1965 boards, and Open Log, judged on traditional old school smooth and stylish manoeuvres.
making it a standout winter venue for competitors to showcase their skills.
Over 35s, and Alofa Sands Surf Club Cafe the Over 50s Ladies.
Scotts Head is known for its long, sand-bottom point breaks, ideal for longboarding and wellprotected from southerly winds,
In recent years, the Classic has seen growing participation among women, prompting organisers to expand the ladies divisions.
Club Scotts is sponsoring the Open Ladies, Short Street Café the
Returning competitors include Heather DeLabertauche from Noosa (last year’s 35s winner), and contenders such as Laura Piggott (Freshwater), Lyn Adlawan, Manda Godfrey (Woolgoolga), Hannah Etchells, and Judy Kensington (Noosa).
Other defending champions include Sarah Buls (Club Scotts Open Ladies), Josh Dunn (Old Mal), Alan Sheldon (Over 70s), and Paul Scholton (Open 9ft).
Local competitors to watch include Ross Davis, Garry Farrell, Joel Parkhouse, Lilly Lawson,
SATURDAY, July 26
6.00 Australian Story: Making A Scene – Claudia Karvan. (R)
6.30 Back Roads: North East Tasmania. (PG, R)
7.00 ABC News. A look at the top stories of the day.
7.30 Grantchester. (Ma) Alphy and Geordie step in to help Leonard.
8.20 Midsomer Murders. (Mv, R) Barnaby and Winter investigate after a body is found covered in live rabbits at the Belville Small Pet Show.
9.50 Bay Of Fires. (Mal, R) A date night turns into graveyard duty for Stella. 10.40 Little Disasters. (Final, Mal, R) 11.25 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
6am Children’s Programs. 5.35pm Peter Rabbit. 6.00 Octonauts. 6.10 Super Monsters. 6.20 Bluey. 6.30 The Adventures Of Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Isadora Moon. 7.05 Andy And The Band. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Teenage Boss: Next Level. (Return) 8.00 Kids Baking Championship. 8.40 Chopped Junior. 9.20 Fresh Off The Boat. 10.05 Speechless. 10.45 Late Programs.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Great British Cities With Susan Calman: Newcastle. Susan Calman explores Newcastle. 8.25 Cycling. Tour de France. Stage 20. Nantua to Pontarlier. 184.2km hilly stage. From France.
12.50 Guillaume’s Paris. (R) 1.20 Cycling. Tour de France Femmes. Stage 1.
3.50 Blue Water Safari. (PG, R) 4.45 Destination Flavour: Singapore Bitesize. (R) 5.15 France 24 Feature.
5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
VICELAND (31)
Australia. Noon
12.55 We’re
6am The Movie Show. 6.15 Where The Money Is. (2000,
(2013,
(1995,
SUNDAY, July 27
Gardening Australia. (R) 2.30 Griff’s Great American South. (R) 3.15 Nigella Bites. (R) 3.40 Martin Clunes: Islands Of Australia. (PG, R) 4.40 Hippo Watch. (PG, R)
6.30 Compass: The GovernorGeneral – One Year On. (PG)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 Austin. (Return, PG) Austin grapples with sudden literary fame.
8.00 Bay Of Fires. (Malv) Stella must deal with another dead body.
8.50 Miss Austen. (Premiere) Charts the lives of Jane and Cassandra Austen.
9.45 MOVIE: Gayby Baby. (2015, PG, R) Follows four children of gay parents. Gus. 11.10 Take 5 With Zan Rowe. (PG, R) 11.40 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
1.40 Under The Vines. (PG, R)
4.00 Gardening Australia. (R)
5.00 Insiders. (R)
6am Children’s Programs. 5.35pm Peter Rabbit. 6.00 Octonauts. 6.10 Super Monsters. 6.20 Bluey. 6.30 The Adventures Of Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Isadora Moon. 7.05 Andy And The Band. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 The Mysterious Benedict Society. (Premiere) 8.25 Fresh Off The Boat. 9.10 Abbott Elementary. 9.50 Speechless. 10.15
3.00
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 The Great Outdoors. (PG) The team visits Tasmania’s world heritage wilderness.
7.30 Mysteries Of The Pyramids. (Premiere, PG) Presented by Dara Ó Briain.
8.30 MOVIE: The Da Vinci Code. (2006, Mav, R) An academic uncovers a conspiracy while helping investigate a murder inside the Louvre. Tom Hanks, Audrey Tautou, Ian McKellen.
11.30 Autopsy USA. (Mad, R)
12.30 The Disappearance. (Mav, R)
1.30 Travel Oz. (PG, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 It’s Academic. (R)
5.00 My Greek Odyssey. (Final, PG, R)
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6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Rugby Union. British & Irish Lions Tour. Game 2. Australia v British & Irish Lions.
10.00 Test Rugby: Australia v British & Irish Lions Post-Match.
10.15 MOVIE: Creed. (2015, Malv, R) 12.45 My Life As A Rolling Stone. (Madl, 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 Dr Chris Brown. 7.30 Love It Or List It Australia. A project manager hunts for a new home.
8.40 Ambulance Australia. (Ma, R) NSW Ambulance delivers a baby and saves a four-year-old with a critical heart condition. 9.45 House Hunters Australia. (R) A couple search for a home in Sydney’s Northern Beaches for their growing family. 10.45 Elsbeth. (Mv, R) Elsbeth visits a historic funeral home. 11.45 Ambulance UK. (Ma, R) 1.00 Home Shopping. (R) 5.00
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 The Lost World Of The Hanging Gardens.
8.35 The Secrets Of Mount Olympus. (R) Takes a look at Mount Olympus, considered the residence of the gods in Greek mythology.
9.30 Cycling. Tour de France Femmes. Stage 2.
11.30 Guillaume’s French Atlantic. (R) 12.00 Cycling. Tour de France. Stage 21. 4.25 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.15 France 24 Feature.
5.30 APAC Weekly.
VICELAND (31)
Gonna Die (Even Jay Baruchel) 1.25 SBS50. 1.30 Over The Black Dot. 2.00 Cycling. Tour de France. H’lights. 3.00 Cycling. Tour de France. H’lights. 4.00 News. 4.05 WorldWatch. 6.05 Mastermind Australia. 6.35 The Frontier. 7.30 Impossible Engineering. 8.30 James May: Our Man In Italy. 10.30 Late Programs. 6am Morning Programs. 1pm Cycling. Tour de France Femmes. H’lights. 2.00 Cycling. Tour de France. H’lights. 4.00 WorldWatch. 4.25 PBS Washington Week. 4.50 Cycling. Tour de France Femmes. H’lights. 5.50 Lost Gold Of The Aztecs. 6.40 Engineering Reborn. 7.35 Abandoned Engineering. 8.30 The Legend Of Bigfoot. 9.25 The Phoenix Lights Phenomenon. 10.15 Late Programs. 6am Home Shopping. 8.30 Better Homes And Gardens. 11.00 Harry’s Practice. 11.30 GetOn Extra. Noon Room For
Son. (2019, PG) 4.45 Dancing At Lughnasa. (1998, PG) 6.30 The Four Musketeers: Revenge Of Milady. (1974, PG) 8.30 Jackie Brown. (1997, MA15+) 11.20 Late Programs. 6am Morning
MOVIES (32)
PG) 3.55 What Do We See When We Look At The Sky? (2021, Georgian) 6.40 Anton Chekhov’s The Duel. (2010, PG) 8.30 What’s Eating Gilbert Grape. (1993, PG) 10.40 Late Programs.
39th annual event
Jamie Lawson, Troy Martin, Kristy Quirk, and Robyn Wren.
Spectators are encouraged to attend, with excellent vantage points along the beach and plenty of daily surfing action. The weekend also includes social events at Club Scotts, particularly the Saturday night party, featuring live music from local band Raven. Beyond the competition, the Logger Heads Malibu Classic also raises funds for important causes, including the Westpac Rescue Helicopter, Nambucca Valley Cancer Support Group, and Support Group For Everlasting
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Dancing With The Stars. (PGa)
8.20 7NEWS Spotlight.
9.20 Crime Investigation Australia: Most Infamous: Mystery Of The Homestead Murders. (MA15+av, R) Takes a look at the 1978 murders of Mick and Sue Lewis, whose bodies were found in their homestead.
10.40 The Crow Girl. (MA15+av)
12.50 Jamestown. (MA15+av, R)
2.30 Home Shopping. (R)
3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R)
NBC Today.
Sunrise Early News.
Sunrise.
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6.00 NBN News. 7.00 The Block. (Return, PGl) 8.55 60 Minutes. Current affairs program, investigating issues affecting all Australians. 10.00 World Aquatics Championships. Singapore 2025. Day 1. Finals.
11.00 9News Late.
The First 48. (Mav)
Embarrassing Bodies. (MA15+dms, R) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa) 4.30 Fishing Australia. (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.
Carers. In 2024, the event raised $3,000 for charity.
This year, raffle prizes include a 9’ Catalyst Surfboard, a Dolphin Splashing painting by Dave Sullivan, and a Surf 'N Raks set. Tickets are available at Club Scotts. For more information or to get involved, contact Barry Jagoe at loggerheadsmc@ bigpond.com or on 0403 640 572.
CALLING all Nambucca Valley sporting and recreation clubs! Send News Of The Area your sports club’s results each week by Monday evening for publication on a Friday. Bowls, golf, tennis, kayaking, cycling, cross country, athletics, fishing etc - you name it, we can publish it in our dedicated weekly Sports Results section. Email your results, relevant photos and captions to media@newsofthearea.com.au.
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SBS World News.
7.30 Portugal With Michael Portillo.
8.20 Abandoned Railways From Above. (PG, R)
9.15 Britain’s Most Beautiful Road. (PGaw, R) 10.10 SBS World News Late.
10.40 The Andes Tragedy:
50 Years Later. (PGa, R)
11.35 Cycling. Tour de France Femmes. Stage 3. 2.05 Blackport. (MA15+s, R) 3.00 Weeks Of War. (PGav, R) 3.55 Blue Water Safari. (PGal, R) 4.55 Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6am Children’s Programs. 6pm Octonauts. 6.10 Super Monsters. 6.20 Bluey. 6.30 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Isadora Moon. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Piripenguins. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Do Not Watch This Show. 7.40 The Inbestigators. 7.55 Junior Vets. 8.20 BTN
SBS MOVIES (32)
6am What Do
We See When We Look At The Sky? Continued. (2021, Georgian) 8.20 What’s Eating Gilbert Grape. (1993, PG) 10.30 All The King’s Men. (2006, M) 12.55pm All Quiet On The Western Front. (1979, PG) 3.45 The Four Musketeers: Revenge Of Milady. (1974, PG) 5.45 Lara. (2019, PG, German) 7.35 Ondine. (2009, M) 9.30 First Snow Of Summer. (2023, M, German) 11.25 Late Programs.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PG)
7.30 Dancing With The Stars. (PG) Shaun Micallef, Kyle Shilling, Felicity Ward and Mia Fevola hit the dance floor in the semi-finals.
8.50 9-1-1. (Masv) The 118 is called to a research lab that has been set on fire and becomes a biohazard.
10.50 The Agenda Setters. An expert panel tackles the biggest AFL topics.
12.00 Gone. (MA15+v, 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 The Block. (PGl) 8.40 100% Footy. (M) 9.40 World Aquatics Championships. Singapore 2025. Day 2. Finals. 10.45 9News Late. 11.15 Aussie Road Train Truckers. (Ml) 12.15 Footy Classified. (Ml)
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Great Continental Railway Journeys.
8.30 Insight.
9.30 Dateline.
10.00 SBS World News Late.
10.30 Making Sense Of Cancer With Hannah Fry. (Mal, R) 11.35 Cycling. Tour de France Femmes. Stage 4. 2.05 Lady Jane Grey: Murder Of A Child Queen. (PG, R) 3.10 Weeks Of War. (PGavw, R) 4.05 Blue Water Safari. (PGal, R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
11.40
10.00
11.30
12.10pm Homicide. 2.00 Cycling.
de France. H’lights. 3.00 Cycling.
de France Femmes. H’lights. 4.00 Fashionista. 4.10
6.15
4.15
7.05
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGa)
7.30 The 1% Club. (PGls, R) Jim Jefferies hosts a game show where contestants must answer increasingly obscure questions.
8.30 Stranded On Honeymoon Island. (Mns) The 10 remaining castaways come to the end of their adventure and return to reality.
11.20 The Agenda Setters. An expert panel tackles the biggest AFL topics.
12.20 Fairly Legal. (Mav, R)
2.30 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News.
5.30 Sunrise.
7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 Alone. 9.40 Hoarders. 11.20 Pitino: Red Storm Rising. 12.15am Late Programs. 6am Morning Programs. 9.00 The Zoo. 9.30 NBC Today. 10.30
SBS MOVIES (32)
6am The Movie Show. 6.10 Lara. (2019, PG, German) 8.00 Anton Chekhov’s The Duel. (2010, PG) 9.45 The Movie Show. 10.15 The Humbling. (2014, M) 12.15pm Into The Darkness. (2020, M, Danish) 3.00 8 1/2. (1963, PG, Italian) 5.35 The Loss Of A Teardrop Diamond. (2008, PG) 7.30 I Love You Too. (2010, M) 9.30 One Fine Morning. (2022, MA15+, French) 11.35 Late Programs.
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WEDNESDAY, July 30
6am Children’s Programs. 6pm Octonauts. 6.10 Super Monsters. 6.20 Bluey. 6.30 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Isadora Moon. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Piripenguins. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Do Not Watch This Show. 7.40 The Inbestigators. 7.55 Junior Vets. 8.20 BTN Newsbreak. 8.25 Abbott Elementary. 9.10 The Mysterious Benedict Society. 10.00 Merlin. 10.45 Late Programs.
Lady Jane Grey: Murder Of A Child Queen. (PGv, R)
Weeks Of War. (PG, R)
Blue Water Safari. (PGan, R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PG) 7.30 The 1% Club UK. (PG, R) 8.30 The Front Bar. (Ml) Takes a lighter look at all things AFL. 9.30 Unfiltered. (PGa) Hosted by Hamish McLachlan.
10.00 Ashley Cain: Into The Danger Zone. (MA15+a)
11.20 Stags. (MA15+av)
12.20 Imposters. (Madlv, R)
1.20 Touching Evil. (MA15+av)
2.30 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
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SBS MOVIES (32)
6am The Loss Of A Teardrop Diamond. Continued. (2008, PG) 7.40 8 1/2. (1963, PG, Italian) 10.15 First Snow Of Summer. (2023, M, German) 12.10pm Ondine. (2009, M) 2.05 Lara. (2019, PG, German) 3.55 Manganinnie. (1980, PG) 5.35 The Company. (2003, PG) 7.40 The Heartbreak Kid. (1993, M) 9.30 Book Of Love. (2022) 11.30 My Salinger Year. (2020, M) 1.25am Late Programs.
THURSDAY, July 31
6am Children’s Programs. 6pm Octonauts. 6.10 Super Monsters. 6.20 Bluey. 6.30 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Isadora Moon. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Piripenguins. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Do Not Watch This Show. 7.40 The Inbestigators. 7.55 Junior Vets. 8.20 BTN Newsbreak. 8.25
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R) 6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Great Australian Road Trips. (Premiere)
8.25 Into The Amazon With Robson Green. (PGa, R)
9.20 Snowpiercer. 10.15 SBS World News Late.
10.45 Who Do You Think You Are? (PG, R) 11.35 Cycling. Tour de France Femmes. Stage 6. 2.05 Lady Jane Grey: Murder Of A Child Queen. (PGv, R) 3.10 Weeks Of War. (PG, R)
4.05 Blue Water Safari. (PGn, R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
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6.00 NBN News. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 The Block. (PGl) Bathroom week brings some teams undone. 8.40 World Aquatics Championships. Singapore 2025. Day 4. Finals.
6am The Company. Continued. (2003, PG) 7.35 Arthur And The Revenge Of Maltazard. (2009, PG) 9.20 Manganinnie. (1980, PG) 10.55 Falling. (2020, M) 1pm I Love You Too. (2010, M) 3.00 The Movie Show. 3.30 The Loss Of A Teardrop Diamond. (2008, PG) 5.20 Fried Green Tomatoes. (1991, PG) 7.40 Charlie And Boots. (2009, M) 9.35 Some Kind Of Beautiful. (2014, M) 11.30 Late Programs.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGa) Cohen’s world is turned upside down.
7.30 Football. AFL. Round 21. Western Bulldogs v GWS Giants. 10.30 AFL Post-Game Show. Post-game discussion and interviews. 11.00 Kick Ons.
11.30 Code Blue: One Punch Killers. (Madv, R)
12.30 Life. (Madv, R) 1.30 Travel Oz. (PG, R) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
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q Nearly 200 surfers will compete from Friday 25 to Sunday 27 July in the
By Mick BIRTLES
SURFERS from across Australia and beyond will converge on Scotts Head from Friday 25 to Sunday 27 July for the 39th Logger Heads Malibu Classic, a longboard surf competition with a long local history. This year’s event has attracted nearly 200 competitors, both male and female, ranging in age from nine to 76-years-old, with entries received from as far as Noosa, Merimbula, and even New Zealand.
Families are again well represented, with several contesting for a spot on the event’s Family Achievement Honour Board, a feature that celebrates multi-generational participation in the sport.
