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Cairns challenges mayor’s parliamentary reply on council governance

Full story page 2 The Brooms Head Foreshore has been a site for happy campers for decades, but no longer after Clarence Valley Council made changes to how the holiday park operates. Many believe the council made the changes prematurely before a new plan of management had been completed and ratified.

Cancer fundraiser receives high praise

Full story page 3

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KEVIN HOGAN MP Federal Member for Page

Locals supporting locals Authorised by K Hogan MP, National Party of Australia - NSW, 63 Molesworth Street, Lismore NSW 2480

Millie Trustum with parents Erika and Kevin and State MP Richie Williamson

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Cairns challenges mayor’s parliamentary reply on council governance By Tim Howard Clarence Valley councillor Lynne Cairns has criticised Mayor Ray Smith’s formal Right of Reply to the NSW Parliament, describing it as inaccurate and emblematic of deeper governance problems within the council. The mayor’s statement, published in Hansard on December 18, was lodged in response to criticisms made by Greens MLC and local government spokesperson Dr Amanda Cohn, who had raised concerns in Parliament about dysfunction, transparency and decision-making at Clarence Valley Council. Cr Cairns said she is preparing a detailed submission to the Office of Local Government (OLG) later this month but has outlined two examples from the mayor’s parliamentary reply which she believes illustrate why community confidence in council governance has eroded. The first relates to a long-running dispute over a Concerns Notice sent to community group Yamba Community Action Network (Yamba CAN) in July 2023, alleging defamation of the general manager. In his parliamentary reply, Mayor Smith reiterated the council’s position that the Concerns Notice was a private legal matter undertaken by the general manager in her personal capacity and said the issue had been settled by the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) in 2024. Cr Cairns disputes that characterisation. She said the original NCAT decision relied upon by the mayor was overturned by the NCAT Appeal Panel on August 5, 2025. Following that appeal, the council released the Concerns Notice in October this year after previously maintaining it did not hold a copy of the document. The released notice, prepared by council solicitors Sparke Helmore Lawyers, states: “We act for Clarence Valley

Cr Lynne Cairns has critiqued Mayor Ray Smith’s Right of Reply to Greens MLC Dr Amanda Cohn’s, who claims there is evidence of dysfunction in the way council operates.

Council (Council).” Cr Cairns said this wording makes it clear the notice was issued on behalf of the council, not as a private action by the general manager. “This matters because a Concerns Notice is the necessary preliminary step before defamation proceedings,” she said. “Yet the council continues to deny that it issued a Concerns Notice to a volunteer community group that was publicly criticising council processes.” She questioned why councillors at the time were not informed before the notice was sent and why. Despite the release of the concerns notice in October 2025, the council continues to maintain that it was not responsible for the action. Cr Cairns also took issue with claims made by the mayor in Parliament regarding the removal of 24 foreshore camping sites at Brooms Head Caravan Park. In his reply, Mayor Smith stated the sites were removed because they breached the park’s Plan of Management and were allegedly leaking raw effluent into the lagoon. Cr Cairns said those claims were incorrect. She said the removal of the sites was itself inconsistent with the 1995 adopted Plan of

Management, as Dr Cohn had stated in Parliament, and that there was no evidence of raw effluent entering the lagoon. According to Cr Cairns, council had provided greywater totes to campers without tanks and maintained six dump points within the park for hygienic disposal. “If there had been contamination of the lagoon, council would have been required to erect public health warning signs,” she said. “That did not occur.” Cr Cairns said the mayor’s parliamentary

statement had the potential to misinform both Parliament and the Clarence Valley community. “There is much more in the statement that does not pass the pub test,” she said. “I am calling on the mayor to apologise and issue a correction.” The dispute follows weeks of heightened scrutiny of Clarence Valley Council, including an extraordinary meeting in November, repeated public clashes between councillors, and confirmation from the Office of Local

Government that it is engaging with the council over governance concerns. Greens MLC Dr Amanda Cohn has continued to raise the council’s performance in Parliament, while community groups affected by caravan park evictions and legal disputes have also written to state ministers seeking intervention. Mayor Smith has previously defended council’s conduct, describing criticisms as unsubstantiated and saying the council remains focused on delivering outcomes for the Clarence Valley community. Cr Cairns’ forthcoming submission to the Office of Local Government is expected to add further detail to the issues now under state scrutiny. You can read Dr Cohn’s comments and the Mayors Right of Reply here: https://www. parliament.nsw.gov.au/tp/ files/192687/Report 105 - Citizen’s right of reply (Clarence Valley Council and general manager). pdf . And for verification of the wording in the Concerns Notice Craigh McNeill has presented it in this Facebook post: https://www. facebook.com/share/ p/1ALRSVuesX/

The Brooms Head Foreshore has been a site for happy campers for decades, but no longer after Clarence Valley Council made changes to how the holiday park operates. Many believe the council made the changes prematurely before a new plan of management had been completed and ratified.

January 08, 2026

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Cancer fundraiser receives high praise

Millie Trustum with her awards, presented by Clarence MP, Richie Williamson, surrounded by family, friends and her school teachers.

It was with curiosity that Millie Trustum and her family gathered at the Casino Drill Hall to meet with Member for Clarence, Richie Williamson, but all was revealed when he explained the reason for his gathering them there. “The NSW Premier’s Award is a rarity when it is handed out,” Mr Williamson said.

“(The Premier) considers a lot of applications and only a few make it to where he presents this award.” Mr Williamson explained that he had written to the Premier about Millie’s fundraising work for childhood cancer and was pleased to announce she was to be presented with the award. “The Premier sends his apologies that he can’t be here,” said Mr Williamson.

“So it is my honour to present to you on behalf of the NSW Premier with the NSW Premier’s Award for your fundraising.” Understandably overwhelmed, Millie reacted with a shy ‘thank you’ as she received the trophy and certificate. The Year 9 St Mary’s High School student is no stranger to the agonies of having cancer. Millie was diagnosed

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with T-cell Lymphoblastic Lymphoma when she was eight years old and after six years in remission, she has recently been diagnosed with a high grade glioma with no cure. Despite all this, Millie has worked non-stop to raise funds and awareness to combat childhood cancer with donations as high as $90,000 so far. A well-deserving recipient of Millie Trustum with parents Erika and Kevin and the NSW Premier’s Award. State MP Richie Williamson

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January 08, 2026

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New badges in town By Samantha Elley He’s gone from tending bars to wearing the blue uniform to protect and serve the Casino community. Probationary Constable Lewis Thain is the newest recruit to be walking the beat and is very keen to explore more of his adopted town. “I was getting sick of doing the same thing as I was a bar tender,” said the former Wagga Wagga resident. “I chatted with my family about what I could do. “One suggestion was that I join the police and that’s what I did.” PC Thain then attended the Goulburn Police Academy and has been stationed at Casino since just before Christmas last year. “It’s been good so far,” he said. “I’ve been a bit nervous and excited but I am keen to learn all I can.”

Richie with new Clarence Valley Probationary Constables, Mayor and Police Chaplain

Acting Inspector Leigh Hawdon said they were pleased to have PC Thain on their team. “He will be a probationary constable for one year and will be with

a training officer during that time,” she said. PC Thain is keen to get to know the members of the community and, on his days off, he wants to as go exploring the Northern

Rivers and all it has to offer as a place to live. Seven new probationary constables have been welcomed to the Richmond Local Area Command with three in

Lismore, three in Ballina and PC Thain in Casino. The Coffs/Clarence Local Area Command have received eight in total with three of them stationed at the Clarence

New badge in town By Samantha Elley He’s gone from tending bars to wearing the blue uniform to protect and serve the Casino community. Probationary Constable Lewis Thain is the newest recruit to be walking the beat and is very keen to explore more of his adopted town. “I was getting sick of doing the same thing as I was a bar tender,” said the former Wagga Wagga

resident. “I chatted with my family about what I could do. “One suggestion was that I join the police and that’s what I did.” PC Thain then attended the Goulburn Police Academy and has been stationed at Casino since just before Christmas last year. “It’s been good so far,” he said. “I’ve been a bit nervous and excited but I am keen

to learn all I can.” Acting Inspector Leigh Hawdon said they were pleased to have PC Thain on their team. “He will be a probationary constable for one year and will be with a training officer during that time,” she said. PC Thain is keen to get to know the members of the community and on his days off as well as go exploring the Northern Rivers and all it has to offer as a place to live.

Left to Right Probationary Constable Lewis Thain

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January 08, 2026

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Preparing for a career in politics By Samantha Elley It is no secret that Ruby Beckenham wants to go into politics. The Casino High School graduate recently finished her HSC and obtained early entry into her chosen course at the Australian National University in Canberra. Her interest was sparked when she recently attended the NSW Youth Parliament program. “I did the program this year in 2025 and it showed me the kind of career I want to have,” said Ruby. “I want to get into politics and advocating and making a difference for communities and it showed me the route that can be used, going through the systems already in place to make change.” Ruby hopes to study political science but hasn’t decided if she will pair it with law or business. “I got into a double degree but I am not sure (which way to go yet),”

she said. Ruby was keen to speak to Richie Williamson, Member for Clarence, about Youth Parliament for 2026. “I want to have a

little chat with Richie about promoting Youth Parliament to the Clarence electorate,” she said. “Recently I got an email from the program to say that no one in the Clarence

electorate had applied. “It’s a big program and I went into it not knowing what it was going to be like.” Ruby explained that there is a lot of role-

playing where the students join committees as members of the Youth Parliament. “I was the youth member for Clarence and had a little name tag and everything,” she said. “I was on the environmental committee with 10 other ‘members’. “We drafted a bill about environmental duty of care where bigger corporations had to do more than they do.” Of the 10 on the committee, Ruby explained there were five in government and five in opposition and they debated their bill. “It was really fun,” she said. Mr Williamson said he

It’s great to have regional kids go to the state parliament and continue to advocate for regional youth. was only too pleased to help Ruby promote the Youth Parliament for other young people to enter the program. “I’m very proud of Ruby,” he said. “She went to Sydney, being from the bush it’s not easy to go to the big smoke. The professional and student politicians then did a short video to promote the Youth Parliament program to encourage other youth to apply before January 3rd, 2026.

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January 08, 2026

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Clarence Valley Council’s annus horribilis Comment By Tim Howard Clarence Valley Council was not sorry to see the end of 2025. What unfolded over the previous 12 months was not a single scandal or failure, but a slow build up of conflict, mistrust and procedural decay — punctuated by moments of moral clarity that arrived too late, or only after fierce internal resistance. In the phrase once used by a Queen to describe her own troubled year, this has been an annus horribilis. The early warning signs were procedural rather than dramatic. An unusually high number of extraordinary meetings came to dominate the calendar — meetings intended for rare or urgent business becoming almost routine. Their frequency spoke to a deeper problem: a council struggling to resolve disagreement through ordinary processes. Tensions between councillors and senior management sharpened around questions of authority, legality and transparency. Councillors queried whether major decisions were being made at an operational level that properly belonged to elected representatives; management, in turn, warned councillors against overreach. The atmosphere hardened. Trust frayed. Caravan parks and the question of power Those tensions became acute with the staff’s decision to evict residents of 136 long-term casual

If any image could capture the year Clarence Valley Council has just had, it would be the infamous Wrecking Ball picture that accompanied a staff email calling for ideas for council’s Jacaranda Festival skit.

occupancy sites from the four council-owned holiday parks. Although framed as an operational matter, the scale and social impact of the decision — affecting dozens of residents, many vulnerable — immediately raised questions about governance. Appeals were lodged with the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal. Orders were issued halting removals. Yet residents reported continued pressure to leave, creating a troubling dissonance between tribunal directions and council behaviour. Internally, responsibility was contested. Externally, confidence ebbed. April was the cruellest month. During debate on the holiday park evictions, Cr Debrah Novak made remarks in the council chamber referring to Indigenous people as “boomerangs and flame throwers.” The comments were unambiguous. They were racist. And they detonated what remained of the council’s fragile

equilibrium. Community reaction was swift and justified. The remarks landed particularly heavily given the disproportionate impact of housing insecurity on Indigenous people and other residents in the region. Council referred the matter to a Code of Conduct investigation — but from that point on, process would rival substance as the source of damage. Codes of Conduct: safeguard or weapon Running alongside the public controversies was a quieter but deeply corrosive dispute over the use — and misuse — of the Code of Conduct framework itself. Codes exist to uphold standards and protect public trust. Used properly, they are an essential safeguard. Used selectively, they become instruments of power. Throughout the year, some councillors were subject to multiple Code of Conduct complaints, often arising from political disagreement or public commentary.

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Cr Debrah Novak’s racist comments made during an extraordinary meeting in April, hung over the council until December when they exploded again. A confidential session of the council meeting voted to censure her for the comments, but after the meeting Cr Allison Bryant revealed she had resigned from council, in some part due to the outcome of that part of the meeting.

The cumulative effect was not merely administrative; it was exhausting, demoralising and destabilising. At the same time, matters that appeared — to many observers — to warrant investigation were dismissed or minimised. Whether each individual complaint was technically valid mattered less than the pattern that emerged: inconsistency, opacity and selective intensity. The Code process also creates a peculiar dynamic. Councillors are prohibited from publicly discussing complaints, investigations, or even the possibility of invoking the Code. The intention is confidentiality and fairness. In practice, it creates a veil. It is as if the first rule of the Code is that you do not talk about the Code — a process that cannot be named. That secrecy, intended as protection, also provides perfect cover for weaponisation. Decisions about which complaints proceed, which

Cr Allison Bryant put an emphatic full stop to 2025, resigning from the council after a vote during a confidential session of the final council meeting of the year didn’t go the way she hoped.

stall, and which quietly disappear happen largely out of public view and are difficult to challenge. By mid-year, many councillors no longer saw the Code as a guideline. They saw it as a weapon. Was it an Act of Disorder? Another episode now cited by critics as emblematic of the council’s internal dysfunction occurred at the August 2025 meeting, when Mayor Ray Smith ruled — or was later recorded as having ruled — an Act of Disorder against Cr Lynne Cairns during debate on a rescission motion. The dispute arose during discussion of a motion seeking to revisit a mayoral minute intended to “draw a line” under the long-running controversy surrounding legal action taken against community group Yamba CAN. During the debate, Cr Karen Toms objected to Cr Cairns’ remarks as “accusatory” and called for an Act of Disorder to be declared, with another councillor urging the mayor to intervene. The official minutes state that the chair upheld an

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Clarence Valley Mayor Ray Smith has been under the pump more than most in a turbulent year of council business. He has come under criticism from the fellow councillors, the community and not least from State Parliament, where his council copped criticism.

Act of Disorder under the Code of Meeting Practice and enforced the relevant clause. However, the audio transcript of the meeting tells a more ambiguous story. While Mayor Smith read aloud the provisions of the Code, he did not clearly state that he ruled Cr Cairns to be disorderly. Instead, he pressed her to apologise. When Cr Cairns asked for time to consider the ruling, the meeting was adjourned briefly, after which debate resumed without the issue being resolved. That discrepancy between the transcript and the minutes has raised questions about whether the Act of Disorder was formally declared at all. Under the Code of Meeting Practice, only the chairperson may rule an Act of Disorder, and councillors may raise points of order but cannot direct such a ruling. Critics argue the minutes cannot accurately record a determination that was never expressly made. The timing of the objection has also drawn Continued on Page 7

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scrutiny. The wording objected to during the meeting had already appeared in the business paper prepared by council staff and authorised for debate. If it was considered improper, councillors note it could have been ruled out before the meeting rather than challenged middebate. Cr Cairns has indicated she may formally challenge the accuracy of the minutes, adding another unresolved procedural dispute to a year marked by extraordinary meetings, walkouts, ejections from the gallery and growing community unrest. To supporters of the councillor, the Act of Disorder episode goes beyond technical process. They argue it highlights a broader concern about how dissent is handled within the organisation — echoing earlier controversies involving legal action against community groups and disputes over access to information. For those watching from the outside, the issue is

less about parliamentary minutiae than confidence that council procedures are being applied fairly, consistently and transparently. The Wrecking Ball interlude If the year required a symbol, Clarence Valley Council found one — quite literally — in the so-called Wrecking Ball. What began as a public art installation intended to provoke reflection instead became a minor saga in itself, absorbing disproportionate attention from councillors, staff and the community at a time when the council was already struggling to manage far more serious matters. Debate over the artwork’s meaning, placement and appropriateness dragged on, at times edging into the surreal, as governance failures, housing disputes and cultural harm demanded urgent focus elsewhere. The episode came to feel emblematic of a council increasingly distracted by symbolism while grappling with substance. To some, the Wrecking Ball was an ironic commentary

Greens MLC and party spokesperson for local government Dr Amanda Cohn stirred up the council with criticism of council operations delivered from the floor of the NSW Parliament.

on destruction and renewal. To others, it was simply tone-deaf — a public relations misstep that underscored how disconnected council decision-making had become from community sentiment. In a year marked by extraordinary meetings, racial controversy, weaponised processes and the erosion of public trust, the Wrecking Ball debate was not the cause of the council’s troubles. But it captured their character: time and energy expended on the peripheral while core issues festered, and a governing body unable to read the room — or the moment — it found

Cr Lynne Cairns has been on council barely a year, but has been collecting Codes of Conduct regularly. The use of these Codes has become so common, it’s led to suspicions they have been weaponised.

itself in. State scrutiny and parliamentary rebuke As internal dysfunction persisted, external scrutiny intensified. The NSW Office of Local Government turned its attention to Clarence Valley Council, adding institutional pressure to an already strained system. The issue reached the floor of State Parliament when Dr Amanda Cohn publicly criticised the council’s conduct and culture. Such intervention is rare — and rarely accidental. By that point, Clarence Valley Council’s problems were no longer merely local.

December: the confidential reckoning The year’s most consequential moment came quietly, in a confidential session during the final council meeting of the year. Councillors went into closed session to consider the Code of Conduct investigator’s report into Cr Novak’s April remarks. Cr Novak declared a conflict of interest and left the chamber, leaving eight councillors to decide the outcome. Behind the scenes, you could assume councillors were presented with two options: impose a censure or refer the matter to a full Office of Local Government investigation. A majority voted for censure. But three councillors voted against it. Among those three was Cr Alison Bryant. Those present describe Bryant as visibly distressed. She was particularly upset that she could not persuade another councillor to vote against censure — an outcome that would almost certainly have triggered public outrage, deeply alienated the Indigenous community

and fatally damaged the council’s credibility. That it came so close to forcing Mayor Ray Smith to use his casting vote speaks volumes. And after the meeting ended Cr Bryant resigned. After a year marked by extraordinary meetings, procedural warfare, racist remarks in the chamber, and a mayor voting against censure for those remarks, Bryant’s resignation read less as a personal decision than a structural indictment. The letter that arrived before Christmas Almost concurrently with Bryant’s resignation, another development quietly underscored just how far relations between Clarence Valley Council, its staff and its community had deteriorated. On December 19, councillors, council staff and community members who had been interviewed by the Office of Local Government in mid-November received a letter from Deputy Secretary, Office of Local Government, Brett Whitworth. Continued on Page 10

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January 08, 2026

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First-Class Pump Track Officially Opens in Ballina Robert Heyward Ballina has cemented its place as a regional hub for cycling and outdoor recreation with the official opening of the new Ballina Pump Track at Ballina Shire Council’s Kingsford Smith Reserve. Built to national competition standards, the new facility delivers a dynamic, all-ages precinct featuring a competitionquality main track, a junior track, advanced alternate lines and modern amenities for riders and spectators. The southern end of the reserve has been transformed into a vibrant recreational space designed to attract both local riders and visitors from across the Northern Rivers and beyond. The project was supported by $733,345 in NSW Government funding, highlighting strong collaboration between state and local government to deliver high-quality regional infrastructure.

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NSW Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said the new pump track would further enhance Ballina’s reputation as a destination for outdoor activity. “It will be fantastic to see riders take to this national-standard pump track to showcase

and grow their skills,” Minister Moriarty said. “Located in the heart of Ballina and supported by a great climate, this facility is bound to be a drawcard for both residents and visitors.” Minister for the North Coast Janelle Saffin said the project demonstrated

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what could be achieved when governments work together to support regional communities. “Facilities like this help young riders build confidence, stay active and feel connected,” Ms Saffin said. “By backing regional projects such as this pump

track, we’re supporting grassroots participation and the growth of cycling and BMX at a competition level.” Ballina Shire Mayor Sharon Cadwallader said the new precinct had already generated strong community interest. “We are so pleased to officially open the Ballina Pump Track,” Cr Cadwallader said. “This is an incredible addition to our shire, offering a vibrant space for riders of all ages to come together, stay active and have fun.” She said the project reflected Council’s commitment to community wellbeing and healthy, active lifestyles. “It’s more than a track — it’s a community hub where people can ride, watch each other in action, and connect with friends and family,” she said. Built for competition and community The facility is built to national qualifier event standards and includes

the innovative Vorld Timing System, allowing riders to track lap times and performance using their smartphones. The technology positions Ballina as a future host for major pump track and BMX events. Council partnered with Boyds Bay Group and specialist builders Velo Solutions, with strong community input helping shape the final design. Features of the Ballina Pump Track precinct include: Competition-level pump track Junior pump track with advanced alternate line Trackside hardstand areas for spectators Shelters, seating, bike stands and drinking fountains Landscaped areas with shade trees and stormwater management Further upgrades are already planned, including a new dedicated carpark and improved site access, scheduled for completion later this financial year.

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Ballina Unveils New ‘Water Stories’ Signage and Soundtrail Along Richmond River Jeff Gibbs Ballina Shire Council has breathed new life into the Richmond River foreshore with the launch of Water Stories and the Soundtrail , a renewed interpretive experience blending contemporary signage with immersive storytelling. The project replaces the ageing Historic Ballina Waterfront signs and introduces a modern geo-located audio walk that celebrates culture, history and deep connection to Country. Twenty-three new signs now line the riverfront from the Marine Rescue Tower to Fawcett Park, each featuring updated historical, cultural and environmental information presented through a sleek

Continued from Page 7

Those interviews had taken place on November 13-14 at a government office block in Coffs Harbour, following growing concerns about council operations. The letter confirmed that the Office of Local Government had reviewed the information provided — and what it found was deeply troubling. The OLG identified “several recurring themes,” including strained relationships between councillors and staff, frequent Code of Conduct complaints, and reports of hostile or intimidating behaviour. It raised concerns about transparency and accountability, particularly around access to information and the disclosure of legal and financial matters. Most starkly, it pointed to community impacts: loss of public trust, allegations of inadequate consultation, and escalating disorder at council meetings. These were not isolated criticisms. They were systemic. The letter went further. Whitworth advised that he intended to address councillors in person early in the new year and that advice was being prepared for the Minister for Local Government. That advice could

contemporary design. The refreshed content acknowledges thousands of years of Nyangbal connection to the river, the lived experiences of early settlers, and the importance of caring for Country. Many of the signs are narrated by the late Uncle Ricky Cook, whose contribution stands as a lasting cultural legacy. The complementary Ballina’s Water Stories Soundtrail guides walkers from the Marine Rescue Tower to Pioneer Park in East Ballina, with stories triggered automatically via the Soundtrails app. The audio trail includes reflections, history and cultural knowledge from Nyangbal knowledge holders Marcus Ferguson,

Aunty Sandra Bolt, Uncle Graham Marlowe and the late Uncle Ricky Cook, along with contributions from local historian Kate Gahan and actors voicing early settler stories. Mayor Sharon

include serious statutory interventions under the Local Government Act 1993 — among them a formal investigation under Section 430, a Performance Improvement Order under Section 438A should systemic issues be confirmed, or ongoing monitoring of council operations. While framed as support, the message was unmistakable: the Office of Local Government considers Clarence Valley Council to be at risk of formal intervention. A year ending as it began Read alongside Bryant’s resignation, the letter felt less like coincidence than confirmation. A year that began with procedural conflict, extraordinary meetings and creeping mistrust ended with the resignation of a councillor, a mayor voting against censure for racist remarks, and the state government openly contemplating whether Clarence Valley Council can meet the standards expected of it. The Office of Local Government’s stated goal is to help the council operate effectively, transparently and in the best interests of the community. But the fact such assurances are now required — in writing, and with statutory powers explicitly invoked — is

itself an indictment. Clarence Valley Council does not enter the new year merely bruised. It enters under a cloud. Where that leaves the council Clarence Valley Council enters the new year diminished. Indigenous residents have watched elected representatives argue over whether racist speech warrants sanction. Vulnerable residents have navigated legal uncertainty while responsibility is disputed. Councillors have been worn down by a culture of complaint, counter-complaint and confidential process. The lesson of this annus horribilis is not merely that mistakes were made. It is that process without moral clarity becomes hollow, and secrecy without trust becomes corrosive. If the council is to recover, it will need more than new procedures or fewer extraordinary meetings. It will need to rebuild confidence that standards are applied consistently, that accountability is not selective, and that leadership does not retreat when principle demands resolve. Because after this year, the community will not be inclined to look away — or to accept that silence is the same as integrity.

Scan the QR code to listen to the Soundtrail

Bolt is pictured viewing one of the new Water Stories signs along the North Wall at East Ballina — a visual reflection of the cultural significance carried through each panel. Jali Local Aboriginal Land Council Chairperson Kylie Jacky said the project marks an important moment for cultural truthtelling. “This is the first time Ballina Shire will hear all the voices of our shared history. Importantly, we will hear truth telling from our Nyangbal cultural knowledge holders who are the voices of Country.” The project also supports regional tourism goals. Destination and Economy

Aunty Sandra Bolt, viewing Water Stories signs along North Wall, East Ballina

Cadwallader described the project as an important investment in local storytelling and community identity. “This project brings to life our riverfront and shares stories that help people understand more about Ballina’s history,” she said. “Whether they’re locals or visitors, the signage and Soundtrail invite people to learn more about the places they’re walking through.” In Image 1, Aunty Sandra

Coordinator Alanah Ward said visitors increasingly seek “authentic, placebased experiences,” and the Water Stories initiative delivers on that expectation through storytelling, landscape immersion and cultural insight. Historian Kate Gahan echoed this, noting the importance of presenting Nyangbal and settler histories side-by-side and allowing people to “hear, follow and reflect.” The project received full funding from the NSW Government’s Community Local Infrastructure Recovery Package – Arts and Cultural Assets Program, supporting the rebuild of arts and cultural infrastructure after the 2022 floods. Visitors can scan QR codes on the signs (shown in Image 2) to access the Soundtrail audio stories via the app. More information is available at discoverballina.com.au.

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Now open at Ballina Central, Wattlebee Baby is the Northern Rivers’ only independent boutique bringing everything for bump, baby and beyond together in one beautiful space.

tep inside and discover a beautiful boutique created for parents, babies and families across the Northern Rivers. Explore curated collections from maternity and postpartum care to nursery, feeding, travel, play and gifts, all chosen for their quality, comfort and practicality.

See and compare trusted brands including Britax, Maxi-Cosi, Uppababy and BabyBjörn,

with nursery furniture from Australian favourites Babyhood and BabyRest, and Danish-designed Leander all on display so you can touch, feel and find what suits your family best.

You’ll find beloved Australian-made and mum-founded favourites such as Bare Mum, B Free, Belly Bands, Mumilk, Bubka, New Beginnings, Milky Goodness, Snuggle Hunny,

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January 08, 2026

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Never Bin a Battery:

Keeping the Northern Rivers safe through responsible battery disposal

Across the region, waste facilities and collection services have experienced a significant rise in batteryrelated fires. Over the past 12 months, there have been an estimated 26 batteryrelated fires including hot (ignited) loads in waste trucks, and near misses caused by sparking from damaged batteries dropped off at council facilities. Even small batteries can spark and ignite when crushed, punctured, or exposed to the heat experienced inside bins and trucks - putting workers, facilities, our environment and

community at risk. The message is simple - batteries should never go into any household or commercial kerbside bin.

Safe battery disposal in the Northern Rivers Residents across the Northern Rivers have access to a range of convenient and free battery drop-off points.

B-cycle drop off Next time you’re out at a shopping centre or local hardware store, take

a moment to look around the front of the store for a battery recycling collection box. Conveniently located at participating retailers including supermarkets and hardware stores these drop-off points will accept loose handheld batteries (up to 5kgs each).

Community Recycling Centres (CRCs) In the Northern Rivers, we have eight council operated CRCs, where residents can drop off loose handheld batteries and car batteries(up to 20kgs or

Items with embedded (built in) batteries can be dropped off at select locations including the Ballina, Lismore and Kyogle Community Recycling Centre (CRC). Loose batteries can be taken to any CRC or Bcycle drop off point.

20L per visit) as well as other household problem waste for FREE. To find out where your closest CRC is located and what it accepts, visit http:// newaste.org.au/crc Embedded battery products: Items with built-in batteries, also called embedded battery products, need to be disposed of intact. Embedded batteries can be found in many electronic items like smart watches, bluetooth speakers, cordless vacuum cleaners, vapes and e-scooters. Thanks to a new FREE trial, residents of the Northern Rivers can now drop off products with embedded batteries at the

following three CRCs. Lismore Recycling & Recovery Centre 313 Wyrallah Road, East Lismore Mon–Fri: 7.30am–3.30pm | Sat–Sun: 9am–4pm (02) 6625 0500 Kyogle Landfill Facility Runnymede Road, Kyogle Mon–Fri: 7.30am–12pm | Sat–Sun: 9am–4pm (02) 6632 3002 Ballina Resource Recovery Centre 167 Southern Cross Drive, Ballina Mon–Sun: 8am–4pm (02) 6686 1287 This trial is open to all Northern Rivers residents. To find out more including what’s accepted, visit: https://www.epa.nsw.gov. au/Your-environment/

Recycling-and-reuse/ never-bin-a-battery

Protecting our region together As our homes fill with more gadgets, toys and devices, make sure you know how to correctly dispose of them when batteries need replacing. By keeping batteries out of kerbside bins and using the network of correct disposal options available, we can work together to prevent fires, reduce pollution and support safe battery recycling. This project is a NSW Environment Protection Authority Waste and Sustainable Materials Strategy initiative, funded from the waste levy

January 08, 2026

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Stay safe in 2026 Happy New Year! I wish everyone a safe and good new year ahead. Summer is a wonderful time in our region, but it also brings risks. Please prepare for bushfires, heatwaves and floods. You’ll find helpful resources at nsw.gov.au/ GetReadyNSW, and the Hazard Near Me app is a great way to stay informed. Our waterways, pools, and beaches are popular during holidays, so keep water safety in mind. On the roads, extra care is needed as visitors may be unfamiliar with country

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Northern Rivers Times

driving. Awareness saves lives. Over the past 12 months in my columns I’ve written about local events and statewide initiatives. The Minns State Government has continued to implement safe staffing levels in hospitals, to increase police numbers, has cut the number of teacher vacancies and properly fund TAFE as well as bringing in planning reforms for housing and the most significant rental reforms in a decade. This month I wanted

to highlight a couple of initiatives focused on the welfare of children that we introduced at the end of the year.

ADHD Care Reforms We’ve made ADHD diagnosis and treatment easier by allowing GPs to prescribe medication. Since September, 560 GPs statewide have completed training, and more than 100 GPs on the north coast have applied for the training. Thousands of GP prescriptions have already been issued, reducing

delays and costs for families.

Foster Care Support We’ve increased foster care allowances and launched a landmark recruitment campaign for more carers. Foster carers provide safe homes for children who cannot live with their families. The need is urgent, especially for sibling groups and children with disability. Currently, 37 sibling groups in NSW need carers. Foster carers can be single, partnered, renting or home owners, and there are a range of arrangements, from crisis and short term care to long term fostering. Find out more at fosteringnsw.

Janelle Saffin MP Housing Minister Rose Jackson MLC and Social Futures CEO Tony Davies turning the sod on a Lismore social housing project in December.

com.au. Let’s stay safe, look out

for each other, and make 2026 a great year.

TAFE NSW Kingscliff Program Gives Teens a Hands-On Start in Construction Jeff Gibbs

and practical problem-solving A group of Year 9 — abilities that not and 10 students from only build capability across the Northern but also nurture Rivers have traded confidence in young the classroom for people who may be the workshop as seeking alternative part of an intensive learning pathways. eight-week program Vanessa Perrin, at TAFE NSW Head Teacher Kingscliff, designed Careers with to give young the Educational people real-world Pathways Program, experience in said the initiative the construction plays an important industry. role in addressing The initiative, skills shortages delivered through across the Northern the Department Rivers. of Education’s “This program Educational introduces young TAFE NSW Kingscliff gives Northern Pathways people to the Rivers teens hands-on construction skills Program – TAFE through an eight-week Start Your Future industries that keep NSW Start Your our region moving. vocational program. Future, has brought By teaching practical together students from Teacher Dan McPhie said skills in building and Murwillumbah High the hands-on experience construction, we inspire School, Wollumbin High is often transformative for the next generation to School and Mullumbimby school-aged students. pursue in-demand careers High School. The program “We know not all and strengthen the local aims to help teenagers students thrive in a workforce,” Ms Perrin explore vocational traditional classroom. By said. training, build practical giving them the chance She noted that skills and gain confidence to use tools, problemconnecting students with handling tools and solve and work with their vocational pathways materials — all while hands, we show them that is critical as the region offering a firsthand look at a rewarding trade career is continues to rebuild, careers the region urgently within reach,” Mr McPhie grow and meet increasing needs. said. demand for skilled trades With Jobs and Skills He added that the Start — from carpentry and Australia estimating Your Future program construction to allied that more than 90 per provides valuable building services. cent of jobs created in exposure to vocational The Start Your Future the next decade will education while helping program is specifically require post-secondary students consider future targeted at high school qualifications, educators study or apprenticeships. students considering say programs like this are Students in the program hands-on careers and vital in preparing the next learn foundational skills wanting a clearer generation. such as woodwork, safe understanding of what TAFE NSW tool handling, basic vocational education Construction Head construction techniques involves. It forms part of

the broader Educational Pathways Program (EPP) a Department of Education initiative delivered in partnership with TAFE NSW. With trades remaining

among the most soughtafter professions in regional NSW, educators say exposing students early to construction and practical learning can spark long-term

career ambitions, create employment opportunities and support local industry needs. For more information on TAFE NSW programs, visit tafensw.edu.au.

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Samantha’s Book

Australia’s Oldest Circus Family Brings World-Class Entertainment to Tweed Heads

The Big Top is rolling into Tweed Heads as Ashton’s The Great Australian Circus brings three unforgettable week of thrills, laughter, and jaw-dropping spectacle to town! From January 16, audiences will witness gravity-defying aerialists, heart-racing motorcycle stunts, dazzling knifethrowing acts, and classic comedy – all performed by internationally acclaimed artists inside the iconic redand-white tent. But Ashton’s is more than a show. It is a living, breathing piece of Australian history. The Ashton family presented their very first circus in 1850, led by James Henry Ashton. Since then, the family has continued to journey across Australia – entertaining gold rush settlers, farming communities, and city audiences alike for more than 173 years. While the Ashton name has

Australia’s Oldest Circus Family Brings World-Class Entertainment to Tweed Heads

expanded into several entertainment companies over time, the heart of their legacy remains the same: bringing spectacular live entertainment to towns across the country. Today, four generations – from the 5th to the 8th –

continue to carry the torch, sharing their family story under the Big Top with communities like Tweed Heads. One of those proudly leading the company is Chantel Ashton-Rodriguez – a sixth-generation

circus performer and the managing director of Ashton Entertainment. From mastering trapeze and aerial silks to running a national touring business while raising her young son on the road, Chantel balances life, family, and artistry in a way that can only be found in the circus world. She is available for interviews and behindthe-scenes insight into this remarkable way of life. With tickets starting at just $15, it remains one of Australia’s best-value family events – offering a rare chance to experience a show that is both thrilling and deeply rooted in national heritage. Ashton’s The Great Australian Circus Location: Tweed Heads – Jack Evans Boat Harbour Dates: January 16 – February 1, 2026 Book now: https:// ashtonentertainment.com. au/book-tickets

Northern Rivers Mustang Club Steps Up Once Again for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter A memoir for the ages Title: The Tales Comes to an End Author: John ‘Jack’ Alexander Price: $34.05 Distributor: Booktopia If you have been following my reviews on the life of Jack Alexander in his previous two books – A Lie in the Tale and The Tale Gets Longer – then you are going to love his third and final book outlining his life from Melbourne boy to Queensland outback jackaroo and beyond. Jack and Helen, newly married, head out to their new life as station managers, back to Queensland for him and a different life for her. They face temperamental ovens, disgruntled workers, dangerous weather from storms to floods, all while raising their two young children in an unforgiving land. It is the humour and matter-of-fact way Jack has of telling his life story that will have the reader so invested. From meeting snooty-

nosed Brits who raise race-horses to dealing with strange men who turn up on his flooded property, Jack can always see the lighter side of life. Not even a hijack situation in South America stops his unique view on life. That’s not to say that Jack is flippant about his own story. He also shares the difficulties and the heartaches as they struggle to have a go at running their own business and then finally having to face the mortality of his greatest love. Whatever situation Jack and Helen find themselves in, however, it is their unity and strength of love for each other that keeps them moving and sees them through. Guaranteed you will have lots of chuckles and shed many tears reading about Jack, Helen and their family in this final instalment. You can get your copy of The Tale Comes to an End at booktopia.com.au

Jeff Gibbs The Northern Rivers Mustang Club has shown its community spirit once again, proudly donating $500 to the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service at the South Lismore depot on Sunday, 14 December. This twice-yearly contribution—one made in July and the other in December—has become a cherished tradition for the club’s members, who remain committed to supporting the lifesaving service that so many locals rely on. The Westpac Rescue Helicopter has long been a beacon of hope across the region, responding to emergencies without cost to those in need. For the Mustang Club, helping keep the chopper in the air is a cause close to their hearts. Their fundraising efforts throughout the year draw on a loyal network of supporters who donate prizes and assistance for raffles. This generous circle includes the Charcoal Inn Hotel South Casino, Evans Head RSL Club, Mt Warning Hotel Uki, Lunatic Hotel Drake, Phil McLennan Earthmoving Grafton, Dog & Bull Hotel

Bonalbo, Yamba Bowling Club, Aston Motel Yamba, Olympic 1964 boxer Athol McQueen, and Richmond Valley Tyres Casino. Their continued contributions make each raffle a success and help boost the final donation tally. The Northern Rivers Times is also proud to be among the supporters, helping shine a light on the community groups and local champions who continually step up for regional services. Club members say the donation is their way of giving back to a service that has touched countless families across the Northern Rivers. Many have personal stories of the helicopter assisting friends, loved

ones, or fellow motorists on the region’s busy roads. The club believes that every dollar raised helps ensure the next person who needs urgent care gets it quickly. The club’s December donation is a timely reminder of the power of community. Mustang enthusiasts may gather for the love of their cars, but their hearts are firmly with the people of the Northern Rivers.

The Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service extended its gratitude to the club and its supporters, acknowledging that community donations remain vital to keeping the rotor blades turning. Once again, the Northern Rivers Mustang Club has proven that when locals rally together, they help safeguard the region—one donation, one raffle, one act of generosity at a time.

BOOK NOW COLOUR IN THIS PICTURE AND PRESENT IT AT OUR ONSITE BOX OFFICE 45MIN BEFORE SHOWTIME, TO RECEIVE YOUR

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JAN 16TH TO FEB 1ST

PUMPKIN FESTIVAL

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Kyogle Prepares for a Giant Weekend as Summerland Festival Returns Kyogle is set to come alive this January as the Summerland Giant Pumpkin and Watermelon Festival returns on Saturday, January 17, 2026, promising a vibrant celebration of giant produce, creativity, competition and community spirit. Now firmly established as one of Kyogle’s signature events, the festival brings together growers, artists, families and visitors from across the Northern Rivers and beyond for a full day of entertainment, hands-on activities and goodnatured rivalry — all centred around the region’s love of big vegetables and even bigger fun. At the heart of the festival are the giant pumpkins and watermelons, with the much-anticipated weigh-in once again drawing crowds keen to see just how large this year’s entries have grown. Visitors will also have the chance to

guess the weight of the giant pumpkin, with bragging rights and prizes on the line. Home gardeners are encouraged to bring along their best efforts for the Home Gardener Competition, which celebrates not just size, but also unusual and quirky produce. Extra-long, unusually shaped, heavy or downright weird vegetables are all welcome, highlighting the creativity and passion of local growers. Creativity will also be on full display through the festival’s 2D and 3D Art and Craft competitions, with this year’s theme titled “Grown from Seed.” Artists are invited to explore the theme using a wide range of mediums, including painting, sculpture, photography, knitting, crochet and pottery. Entries reflect the festival’s roots in growing, nurturing and creativity from the ground up. The official launch of the festival and the presentation of the Art and Craft awards will take place at the Roxy Gallery, Kyogle, on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at 6pm, giving the

community an early taste of what’s to come. For further details about art entries, participants are encouraged to contact Kate McGain at the Roxy Gallery. Competitive fun continues with the ever-popular Summerland Bank Watermelon Eating Competition, where speed, stamina and sticky fingers are guaranteed. Another crowd favourite, the River of Origin Golden Gumboot Toss, will see competitors from the Richmond Valley take on challengers from west of the range in the Clarence Valley — and potentially entrants from even further afield — in a light-hearted contest of strength and accuracy. Entertainment will keep the festival buzzing throughout the day, with rock and roll dancing and line dancing inviting people of all ages to get moving. Those who prefer to sit back and relax can enjoy live country music by Blue Dog, adding to the relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere. Children are a key part of the festivities, with young festivalgoers encouraged to dress up and compete for the

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January 08, 2026

Times

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PUMPKIN FESTIVAL

Northern Rivers Times Your Weekly Newspaper

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Young Tacker Costume Award. Free face painting, food vans and a wide variety of market stalls ensure there is plenty to keep families entertained from morning through to afternoon. Classic car and motorcycle enthusiasts will also find plenty to admire, with a display of beautifully restored vehicles on show. A special highlight will be the appearance of the 1938 Kyogle and District Dodge Ambulance, which will be located behind the museum and offers a unique glimpse into the region’s transport and emergency service history. Adding to the festival weekend experience, visitors can take a scenic journey aboard the vintage motor rail, travelling around the spectacular Border Loop to Glenapp in Queensland and back. Three trips per day will operate on Friday 16, Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 January 2026, providing a memorable experience for rail enthusiasts and families alike. Tickets will be available online through

123Tix. The Summerland Giant Pumpkin and Watermelon Festival has a proud history in Kyogle. First held in 2012, the event was created to encourage families to grow their own vegetables and to give farmers and backyard growers the opportunity to showcase their skills. The inaugural festival attracted more than 200 entries, with the heaviest pumpkin that year weighing 67 kilograms. Just four years later, Kyogle grower Dale Oliver produced a prize-winning pumpkin weighing an extraordinary 743 kilograms, setting an Australasian record and placing the festival firmly on the map. While the competition briefly moved to Lismore Showground in 2017 and 2018, it failed to attract the same level of community engagement and later returned home to Kyogle. In 2020, the festival gained new momentum through the amalgamation of the Pumpkin and Watermelon Committee

with Kyogle Tidy Towns, a partnership that has injected renewed energy and organisation into the event. While recent weather conditions have once again posed challenges for growers, organisers remain confident that there will be some impressive giants on display this year — and perhaps even one capable of challenging the Southern Hemisphere pumpkin record of 867.5kgs set in 2022. The Summerland Giant Pumpkin and Watermelon Festival is proudly presented by the Kyogle Progress Association, with organisers encouraging locals to spread the word and welcome friends and family from far and wide for a celebration that reflects the best of Kyogle’s community spirit.

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“Leemo has views on just about anything”

‘IT might look REAL..BUT?’ ‘Leemo Cat’ back with all good wishes for the New Year. I hope your start to 2026 was an upgrade on mine? OMG, it started on New Years Day. The shrieky old woman voice roused me from my afternoon cat-nap. ‘LEEMO, where did you push/hide our TV remote to this time.. find it RIGHT NOW or else!!! (“OR ELSE” means not one iota to me really, but the tone of voice indicated THREAT.) Hmmm! Let me elucidate why our TV remote is missing. I walked in to find ‘Mum Jane’ mesmerised watching stuff on our TV selling ‘FAKE PUPPIES’. I slithered under a chair & sneakily observed her ‘searching’ for something similar in the ‘FAKE KITTENS’ range and there they were on our TV screen: heaps of them, all revoltingly fluffy & adorable. OMG, she’s thinking of replacing me! Obviously, I hid our TV remote so she doesn’t get any more ideas, then called the Buddies. YEP, their humans had seen the same stuff. This is concerning. We met in our ‘safe tree’ to talk. ‘Treasure’ spoke with an assuring voice & said ‘don’t fret guys, even if your humans DO get one, just pretend it doesn’t exist as it tootles toward you: when it gets close enough, biff it hugely: when it falls down, open its tummy, remove & hide the batteries. It’s useless without em. Easy peasy!’ ‘Brutus’ spoke next: ‘I’ve got a better idea. (‘Treasure glared

January 08, 2026

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Northern Rivers Times

at him!) Do you all realise that these FAKE pets are delivered by someone who takes parcels & boxes all over the place. I have noted all our houses have shrubs around our front entrances. SO, I reckon we should all dress in camouflage & hide. When the delivery person arrives & calls out ‘Parcel Delivery’ we will immediately leap swiftly from the shrub & emit terrifyingly ferocious ‘fang & claw bearing’ yowls from hell. A report will be sent to the CEO of the delivery person stating “Unable to Deliver Parcel due to attack from unrestrained ‘unknown species’ wild beast’ in camouflage & face paint which leapt from shrub.” ‘Brutus’ was most pleased with himself & puffed out his chest until ‘Pasqualie’ biffed him so hard he fell out of the tree. CRIKEY! She yelled at him. ‘you’re pathetic. I can’t believe I once fancied you! HOW do any of you know what’s in ANY package? It could well be a gift for YOU! WELL?’ Murmurings of concern about missing gifts took place: ‘Pasqualie’ spoke again. ‘Right, all of you. ‘IF’ a fake pet arrives at your place, let me counsel you: Welcome the ‘thing’ & follow it around whilst purring. Your humans will conclude how clever they were to buy it & praise you. The new arrival will not eat your treats:not use your litter tray: won’t sleep in your bed:won’t get 3 brushes daily: will distract your humans from annoying YOU:can’t turn on ‘Bluey’ or frisk on grass:can’t climb into our safe tree. In other words Buddies, it’s a win-win scenario – gottit? Eeek! ‘Mum Jane’ wandered out to our tree & told us to come inside.‘OK guys, enuff. No fakey toy pet will EVER replace any of you & treats were served! Whoohoo!! Nitey, Leems & the Buddies.

Letters to the Editor Have your say in The Northern Rivers Times! We welcome your feedback, opinions, praise, concerns, and reflections on local issues, events, and stories. Send your letters to: Jeff Gibbs letters@heartlandmedia. com.au Deadline: Fridays at noon Please include your name, address, and phone number for verification purposes (not for publication). The Northern Rivers Times is committed to providing a platform for diverse community voices. The views expressed in letters are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher, editors, or staff. Letters may be edited for length or clarity. Offensive or defamatory content will not be published. Clarence Valley December Ordinary Council meeting As you may be aware, Cr Allison Bryant (Whaites) resigned following the December Ordinary Council meeting of Clarence Valley Council last Thursday. This is not only a tragic loss for our Council, but a significant loss for our community. Allison brought exceptional knowledge, passion and lived experience to her work, particularly across housing, health, veterans’ affairs, youth, domestic violence and small business. She was a tireless champion of the timber industry and can be immensely proud of the many projects she advocated for, including the Grafton Regional Aquatic Centre, the new Grafton Rowing Club, the Yamba Community Centre and the Maclean Cultural Precinct, to name just a few major infrastructure achievements. A small number of people have suggested that Allison resigned because she was unhappy with

the outcome of a Council decision, however nothing could be further from the truth. Allison did not walk away because of a decision she disagreed with. She walked away because she refused to compromise her values in the face of what she witnessed by behind closed doors, she had reached her tipping point. Anyone who has worked alongside Allison knows how deeply she valued representing this community and how strongly she believed in the role of local government as a force for good. She upheld her oath of office with integrity, professionalism and unwavering dedication, and was consistently a proud and effective ambassador for the Clarence Valley Council. In the five years I have known Allison she never once abandoned any of her core values in favour of any hidden agendas. Instead she always fought tooth and nail for the defence of our local democracy. Former Councillor Allison Bryant (Whaites) leaves with her principles intact, her contribution unquestionable, and her service worthy of the deepest respect. CR DEBRAH NOVAK Clarence Valley Council Dear Clarence Valley Community, I am extremely appreciative of all who supported me to serve on Clarence Valley Council, and proud of what I have been able to achieve in particular the new Aquatic Centre, Yamba Community Centre, and actively supporting local businesses, industry and workers, in particular being a voice for those in the Health & Forestry sector. I believe my time can now be better spend working with our community without limitations. Thank you again for showing me so much support as a councillor and since resigning last week. Ex-councillor Allison Bryant (aka Allison Whaites) “Ratepayers Deserve Better Than This Circus” The revelations about the GM’s alleged handling of the email saga are appalling. A senior public official

making accusations without evidence? And now we’re footing the legal bill? Ratepayers are not an ATM for council mismanagement. When legal expenses more than double in a single year, something is fundamentally broken in leadership. Enough spin — we want accountability. D. Markham, Grafton “The GM Review Process Stinks of Protectionism” The deputy mayor is absolutely right to call the GM review process “outrageous.” When councillors aren’t even allowed to see the previous review outcomes, how is that governance? It looks like a system designed to shield the GM instead of evaluate performance. Residents are sick of the secrecy and political manoeuvring. Fix the process or get out of the way. R. Sewell, Maclean “Stop Treating Flood Recovery Like a PR Event” The buyback auctions make for flashy headlines, but let’s tell the truth: these $7,000 and $25,000 homes hide the real cost — relocation, land purchase, reconnection, repairs. Many families still can’t afford to rebuild a life. Recovery isn’t about how many properties sell under a hammer — it’s whether people can actually live safely again. H. Carney, Lismore

Cooking Pages Are Comedy Gold The Christmas Pavlova and Cob Loaf pages were absolute theatre. I don’t know who writes these recipes, but they need their own variety show. I’ve never made a dish while laughing through tears before — and it STILL worked! Please never let this cook loosen their chaotic grip on the paper. S. Webb, Lennox Head “Homelessness Isn’t a Seasonal Photo Opportunity” I applaud the mayor for urging support for frontline homelessness services, but charity appeals cannot be the backbone of social policy. The Tweed ranks among the worst areas in NSW for homelessness — this is a structural failure, not a holiday inconvenience. Government must fund permanent solutions, not rely on community guilt. S. Dalton, Tweed Heads South “Bondi Proved We Are Not Prepared — Stop Pretending We Are” The Bondi attack shattered our illusions of safety. The opinion piece hit the mark: political leaders love comforting language, but Australians deserve honesty. Yes, it can happen again. Yes, migration policy and security screening need real scrutiny. Pretending everything is fine is the real danger. F. Hanson, Kingscliff

Governance & Transparency It’s refreshing to see real journalism digging into council matters again. Too often these issues are buried under PR spin, but your reporting actually gives residents something solid to work with. Clear quotes, clear facts, and no fear of naming the tensions. That’s exactly why papers like this must survive. M. Dalton, Grafton

Celebrating Local Tourism Wins The coverage of our tourism operators absolutely lifted my spirits. Seeing Better By Bike and several Byron Shire businesses recognised shows how much innovation and heart exists in our region’s visitor economy. It’s wonderful to read genuinely good news at year’s end. K. Morley, Brunswick Heads

Community Recovery & Housing The coverage of flood recovery and housing actually felt human. You didn’t sugar-coat the challenges, but you still highlighted progress and real solutions. For those of us still navigating the fallout, it’s validating to see the complexity acknowledged in print. Keep that balance – it matters. L. Chen, Lismore

Praise for Community Resilience What struck me most was the sense of determination across so many stories. Whether it was farmers pushing through Christmas workloads or families rediscovering nature through The Sanctuary’s programs, this edition felt full of hope. Thank you for highlighting the strength of our region. D. Partridge, South Grafton

January 08, 2026 “Leadership Vacuum at Clarence Valley Council” Another week, another scandal. Between defamation threats, bungled performance reviews, and skyrocketing legal costs, this council is burning community trust faster than it burns ratepayer funds. If privatesector executives behaved like this, they’d be out the door. Why should public officials be immune? E. Lamont, Yamba “The Community Deserves Transparency, Not Stonewalling” The GM, mayor, and council all declining to answer questions? That says enough. Silence is not leadership — it’s avoidance. If they can’t provide evidence, justification, or even basic communication, then they shouldn’t be governing a region still in the middle of long-term crisis recovery. T. Riddell, Iluka “National Security Requires Truth, Not Political Theatre” The Bondi attack should be a wake-up call. Instead, politicians are already using it to score points or downplay systemic issues. We need a serious national-security review — not a PR exercise, not a blame game, and not a fear campaign. Just honesty and competence. Brilliantly written. L. Fry, Ballina “Stop Telling Us Everything Is Under Control — It Isn’t” From terrorism to housing to council governance, Australians are constantly told not to worry. Meanwhile, people are unsafe, unhoused, and unheard. This edition made one thing painfully clear: the public sees what

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leaders refuse to admit. The cracks aren’t small — they’re structural. K. Willis, Lismore Heights Health Stories The Woodburn Health feature was exactly what Christmas journalism should feel like: hopeful, grounded and centred on real people doing good work. Reading about local staff receiving recognition reminded me why regional communities bounce back stronger than anyone expects. T. Farrow, Evans Head Leemo’s Wisdom for the Holidays Leemo may be dramatic, but beneath the fur he’s a philosopher. His panic about the missing Christmas tree somehow turned into a touching reflection on generosity and kindness. I adore how this column sneaks heart into the hilarity. J. Kearns, Grafton Council Drama Fatigue While the reporting was solid, I’ve got to admit I’m exhausted by constant council infighting. Ratepayers are desperate for actual outcomes, not more bureaucratic bickering. I appreciate that you’re covering it fairly, but I’d love to see leaders focus less on personal disputes and more on delivering basics for the people who pay their wages. R. Bennett, Casino Motoring Story Was Engaging The Tacoma feature was surprisingly insightful and very well explained. Even for someone who isn’t a ute enthusiast, it made sense and held my interest. Great motoring journalism. H. Whittaker, Kyogle

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Loving the Sanctuary Summer Programs The Sanctuary’s wildlife programs look incredible! What a fantastic way for young people to get outdoors and actually learn something meaningful about the world around them. It’s refreshing to see nature-based education celebrated instead of screens. S. Allan, Mullumbimby Nigel’s Writing Continues to Shine Nigel’s weekly reflections are such a grounding force. His writing always seems to arrive right when I need it — gentle, thoughtful, and beautifully expressed. Thank you for keeping his voice in the paper. V. Keenan, Pottsville Leemo’s Column Brings Pure Happiness Once again Leemo and the Buddies had me cackling. The Christmas saga was chaotic perfection. It’s rare to find writing that can be both ridiculous and heartwarming — yet somehow this column nails it every time. M. Foster, Evans Head Loved the Property Insights The Queensland property forecast was fascinating and easy to follow. It’s great to see clear, accessible reporting that helps ordinary readers understand market trends without jargon. C. Longhurst, Beaudesert Joy for Lismore’s Cinema Rebirth Hearing that our cinemas are reopening gave me a real sense of optimism. After everything Lismore has endured, seeing cultural spaces return is incredibly meaningful. It feels like a piece of normality and joy is

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coming back. R. Ellery, Clunes Christmas Edition Vibes Another Christmas edition, another reminder that regional life is equal parts chaos and charm. Between councils behaving badly and communities saving the day (as usual), I’m convinced this paper should come with popcorn. Thanks for the laughs, the grit, and the occasional raised eyebrow. K. Hollis, Ballina Strong Local Journalism It’s been a long time since we’ve had a regional paper that actually holds power to account the way yours does. Your reporting cuts through the noise and gives people the facts without dressing them up. That’s rare these days. Keep going strong into the new year – we need you. J. Carver, Yamba Community Spirit Shining What stood out most in this edition was the sense of community pride. Whether it was health workers, volunteers, or locals stepping up for each other, it reminded me why I stay in the Northern Rivers. Thank you for giving space to the stories that lift people up. E. Lockhart, Alstonville Housing Reality Check Your coverage really underscores how complicated the housing situation still is. It’s not just numbers; it’s lives. I appreciate that your reporters don’t shy away from the messy parts. It helps residents understand what’s happening beyond the headlines and makes decision-makers harder to ignore. B. Sutherland, Murwillumbah

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Looking forward... By Nigel Dawe ”A good soldier,” my late grandfather would often say, “never looks behind.” That was until I heard it once too often, and said: “So why does every car, military ones included, have rearview mirrors then?” Luckily for me that lovely old bloke was not a chest beater, but quite the opposite, we could often laugh at things until we cried, and the above exchange was no exception. For as long as human beings have sat around volleying ideas, we’ve been both puzzled and intrigued by the everswirling concept of the future, or more so what that very future might hold. Some of our most celebrated cultural figures have even gained their notoriety by being able to ‘tell the future’. Though I’m yet to find an example of someone being able to say (in advance): “A horse called Dilly-Dally will win the 2020 Melbourne Cup”. That level of prophesy has never occurred, and even the great Nostradamus uttered things like the following cryptic pearl: “It is the circuit of the great ruinous deed when the name of the seventh is that of the fifth; when the third, even greater.” One thing that is assured though, is that the future will most certainly arrive in whatever guise, shape and form it sees as being fit. Not that it sees anything at all – ‘fit’ or otherwise, it is only human beings that see, and think in such a way. As the Nobel Prize winning author J.M. Coetzee wove into his novel Elizabeth Costello:

“What is the future, after all, but a structure of hopes and expectations? Its residence is in the mind; it has no reality.” And yet it somehow shapes and moulds our notions of reality (directly and indirectly) more than anything else. It is the ultimate phantom that ever-remains an elusive goose step or two, out of view. Interestingly, one of my favourite thinkers (who has long drifted out of topicality and acclaim) is the Frenchman Henri Bergson, having once stated, “The idea of the future, pregnant with an infinity of possibilities, is thus more fruitful than the future itself, and this is why we find more charm in hope than in possession, in dreams than in reality.” Ever the optimist, what Bergson was suggesting is something that we seem to have greatly lost, and for quite some time. That the future needn’t be such a threatening or uncontrollable realm of doom and gloom; instead, it can be a balanced forum where sane dreams are realised, and good reigns supreme. And so, as we embark upon another ‘new year’, there is no reason why we can’t leap into it with the hope and strength that comes in knowing that we can make a difference in whichever way we choose. Or as Wilfred Peterson once enthused, “Walk with the dreamers, the believers, the courageous, the cheerful, the planners, the doers, the successful people with their heads in the clouds and their feet on the ground. Let their spirit ignite a fire within you to leave this world better than when you found it.”

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January 08, 2026

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From Canberra to Global Growth: Northern Rivers Marks 20 Years of Zambrero

Jeff Gibbs

From a single restaurant in Canberra to a global food franchise, Zambrero has marked 20 years of operation by surpassing a major humanitarian milestone — 100 million meals donated worldwide. Founded in 2005 by Dr Sam Prince, Zambrero began with a simple but ambitious idea: that a fast-casual food business could succeed commercially while delivering genuine social impact. At the time, the concept was met with scepticism in a highly competitive sector. Two decades on, that model has proven itself. Zambrero now operates across Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Ireland and the United States, with communities in the Northern Rivers and Southern Gold Coast playing a significant role

Zambrero Founder Dr Sam Prince in the very first Zambrero restaurant, opened 20 years ago on 31 December. Now it's a a global franchise business with over 300 restaurants which has donated more than 100 million meals to people in need.

in that success. Over the past 11 years alone, more than 1.29 million meals have been donated as a direct result of strong local support from customers across the region. “This milestone is less

about celebration and more about evidence,” Dr Prince said. “When Zambrero started in Canberra, very few people believed a purpose-led food business could scale. Reaching 100 million meals shows

the model works when it’s built properly and supported by customers and franchise partners.” Zambrero CEO Daryl McCormack said the brand’s longevity came down to discipline as much as purpose.

“Zambrero didn’t grow because it was idealistic,” he said. “It grew because the fundamentals stacked up — strong franchise economics, consistent execution and purpose embedded from day one.” To celebrate the milestone, Zambrero recently gave away 100,000 burritos globally, with each one triggering an additional meal donation through its Plate 4 Plate program. Community-powered impact At the heart of Zambrero’s success is Plate 4 Plate, which donates a meal to someone in need for every regular or big burrito, bowl, Kids Zam Box or retail item purchased. The initiative works with partners including Rise Against Hunger, Love Mercy Foundation and Foodbank. Local franchise partner Matt Nash, who owns

restaurants in Lismore, Ballina, Murwillumbah and Tugun, said the milestone carried special meaning for the region — particularly in floodaffected Lismore. “We rebuilt after the floods, and reopening quickly for the community and our staff was a priority,” he said. “Seeing people return and enjoy having a familiar local place back has been incredibly rewarding.” Mr Nash has also witnessed the program’s global impact firsthand during a vision trip to Kenya. “As a new parent, seeing the difference those meals make for families and children was incredibly heart-warming,” he said. Twenty years after opening its doors in Canberra, Zambrero’s journey continues to show how local community support in the Northern Rivers has helped fuel global impact.

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8 PAGE LIFT OUT

ENTERTAINMENT January 08, 2026

Song Sung Blue (2025) Jeff Gibbs There are musical films that aim for spectacle, and then there are those that quietly work their way into your heart. Song Sung Blue is firmly in the latter category—and it is all the better for it. Inspired by the music of Neil Diamond, this beautifully judged 2025 release delivers warmth, honesty and emotional resonance in a way few modern musicals manage. It earns its five-star rating through sincerity rather than showmanship. Rather than retelling the life of Neil Diamond, the film takes a more inspired path. It tells the story of ordinary people whose lives are reshaped by his songs. That creative decision proves crucial. By keeping the focus on relatable characters rather than celebrity mythology, Song Sung Blue becomes a story about all of us—missed chances, fading dreams and the unexpected ways joy can

return. At the centre of the film are standout performances from Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson. Jackman delivers one of his most grounded performances in years, playing a man quietly wrestling with disappointment and selfdoubt. There is no grand theatricality here—just a restrained, deeply human portrayal that feels authentic from start to finish. For Australian audiences, there is an added layer of pride in seeing Jackman bring such emotional maturity to the role. Kate Hudson is equally impressive, offering warmth, humour and vulnerability in equal measure. Her character’s journey— rediscovering confidence and purpose after years of compromise—feels earned and truthful. The chemistry between the two leads is natural and unforced, making their relationship the emotional anchor of the film.

The music, of course, is the soul of Song Sung Blue. Diamond’s songs are not treated as jukebox interruptions, but as emotional punctuation marks woven seamlessly into the narrative. Tracks like Song Sung Blue , Sweet Caroline and I Am... I Said arrive at moments that deepen character rather than distract from them. Even viewers who know every lyric will find fresh meaning in how the songs are contextualised. Director Craig Brewer deserves enormous credit for his restraint. Brewer resists the temptation to oversell the material, instead allowing quiet moments to breathe. The film’s pacing is confident, trusting its audience to sit with emotion rather than rushing to the next musical cue. Visually, it is warm and unfussy, complementing the story without ever overshadowing it. What truly elevates Song Sung Blue is its

thematic depth. The film explores reinvention later in life, the quiet grief of unrealised dreams, and the healing power of shared experience. It speaks particularly strongly to mature audiences, but its message is universal: it is never too late to reconnect with what makes you feel alive. For Australian viewers, the film’s tone will feel familiar and comforting. It avoids Hollywood excess in favour of character, heart and storytelling— qualities that resonate strongly with local audiences who value authenticity over flash. In the end, Song Sung Blue is a rare musical drama that understands the power of simplicity. It doesn’t shout for attention; it earns it. By the time the final notes fade, the film leaves you with a quiet sense of uplift and a renewed appreciation for music’s ability to carry us through life’s hardest moments.

Rating: ««««« (5/5) A deeply moving, beautifully performed film that sings with honesty,

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TIME FOR TRIVIA

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WHICH WORDS

SOLUTIONS

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TIME FOR TRIVIA:

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A B C D E F G H I J K L M

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Which is the correct meaning for these words?

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6 In the TV series, Seinfeld, who describes themselves as “Lord of the Idiots”? (a) Cosmo Kramer (b) Elaine Benes (c) George Costanza (d) Jerry Seinfeld

3 19

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4 1

4 How many stars make up the asterism known as The Big Dipper? (a) Six (b) Twelve (c) Five (d) Seven

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BEST ON THE BOX MONDAY

THE 83RD ANNUAL GOLDEN GLOBES

TEN, 7.30pm

FRIDAY

MY ADVENTURES WITH SUPERMAN

ABC FAMILY, 8.30pm

Lois Lane and Clark Kent entertain a new generation of fans in this anime-influenced, family-friendly take on the iconic DC Comics superhero that’s worlds away from recent grim portrayals of the Man of Steel. The wholesome animation follows Clark (voice of Jack Quaid) as he works at The Daily Planet alongside star reporter Lois (Alice Lee) and photographer Jimmy Olsen (Ishmel Sahid) and builds his reputation as Superman while exploring his mysterious origins. In this instalment, when Lois wants to interview Superman, Clark must figure out a way to help her while keeping his hidden identity – and major crush on her – a secret.

Setting the stage for Hollywood’s award season, this glittering affair celebrates achievements in cinema, TV – and for the first time in 2026 – podcasting. Comedian Nikki Glaser, who won praise for her sharp wit and hilarious Adam Sandler impressions in 2025, returns to host this year’s event. The black comedy One Battle After Another leads the field with nine nominations, while Australian actor Jacob Elordi (pictured) has doubled his chances of winning with outstanding performances in both Frankenstein and The Narrow Road to the Deep North. Other Aussies in contention include Rose Byrne, Nick Cave, Joel Edgerton and two-time winner Sarah Snook.

THURSDAY

ROBSON GREEN: WORLD’S MOST AMAZING WALKS

SBS, 8.25pm

Amiable British actor Robson Green (pictured) has seemingly unlocked the secret to happiness. Whether he’s playing worldweary Detective Inspector Geordie Keating on Grantchester, embarking on a peaceful fishing trip or ambling about in this new eight-part series, the 61-year-old former popstar maintains an optimistic outlook on life. That joyful approach finds him in good stead as he wanders some of the world’s most spectacular walks, stumbling upon nature’s hidden wonders and taking the time to appreciate them. This week, Green is in Austria, hiking around 55km along the bountiful Wachau Valley Trail, following the incredible blue Danube River. It’s unbelievably 0901 tranquil viewing.

FRIDAY, January 9 ABC TV (2)

SBS (3)

SEVEN (6)

NBN (8, 80)

TEN (5)

6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 News. 10.00 The Exhibitionists. (Mns, R) 11.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 1.00 Muster Dogs: Where Are They Now. (R) 1.45 Goolagong. (Ma, R) 2.50 Would I Lie To You? (R) 3.20 Nigella At My Table. (R) 3.55 Grand Designs: The Streets. (R) 4.40 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.15 One For The Road. 10.05 Craig & Bruno’s Great British Road Trips. (PG, R) 11.05 Wild Beauty Of Germany’s Islands. 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 France 24. 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 Britain’s Most Expensive Houses. (R) 2.55 Going Places. (R) 3.35 The Cook Up. (R) 4.05 Jeopardy! 4.30 Letters And Numbers. (R) 5.00 Motor Racing. Dakar Rally. H’lights. Stage 5.

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show Summer Series. (PG) 12.00 MOVIE: Love Knots. (2021, PGa) 2.00 Bridge Of Lies: Celebrity Specials. 3.00 The Chase. (R) 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia.

6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra Summer. (PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 Space Invaders. (PG, R) 1.00 Jeopardy! Australia. 2.00 Pointless. (PG, R) 3.00 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 4.00 9News Afternoon. 5.00 Tipping Point Australia. (PG, R)

6am Morning Programs. 7.30 Farm To Fork. (R) 8.00 Bold. (PG, R) 8.30 Deal Or No Deal. (R) 9.00 Lingo. (R) 10.00 Location, Location, Location Australia. (PGl, R) 11.00 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly Australia. (PGa, R) 12.00 Farm To Fork. 12.30 Family Feud. (PG, R) 1.00 Taskmaster Australia. (PGls, R) 2.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R) 2.30 The Finish Line. 3.30 Lingo. (R) 4.30 Bold. (PG) 5.00 News.

6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R) Presented by Tom Gleeson. 7.00 ABC News. A look at the top stories of the day. 7.30 All Creatures Great And Small. It’s baby Jimmy’s Christening day. 8.15 Art Detectives. (Ma) The detectives look into the discovery of a gold Viking hoard stolen from a prehistoric burial chamber. 9.05 Hard Quiz. (PG, R) Presenter Tom Gleeson grills four self-declared experts in a comedic quiz show. 9.35 A Life In Ten Pictures: Freddie Mercury. (Mln, R) A look at Freddie Mercury’s life. 10.25 Silent Witness. (Malv, R) 12.10 Rage New Music. (MA15+adhlnsv) 5.00 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R) 6.30 SBS World News. 7.30 The Great House Revival: Post House. (Return) 9.30 Isle Of Wight: Jewel Of The South. (PGaw, R) Follows the residents of the Isle of Wight. 10.25 Great British Railway Journeys. (PGa, R) 11.00 Sisi. (Masv, R) 12.05 Babylon Berlin. (MA15+ansv, R) 1.55 Silent Road. (Ma, R) 3.55 Designing Paradise With Bill Bensley. (R) 4.25 My Unique B&B. (PG, R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 7News Local. 6.30 7News @ 6:30. 7.00 Better Homes And Gardens Summer. Johanna Griggs heads to the Hunter Valley. 8.30 MOVIE: The Green Mile. (1999, MA15+av, R) Death row guards at a penitentiary in the ’30s find themselves facing a moral dilemma when they discover one of their prisoners, a convicted murderer, apparently possesses miraculous powers. Tom Hanks, Michael Clarke Duncan, David Morse. 12.15 MOVIE: Student Seduction. (2022, Mav, R) A student joins an academic cheating ring. Cameron Cipolla. 2.30 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R) 5.00 NBC Today.

6.00 NBN News. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 Tennis. United Cup. Day 8. Quarterfinals. From Ken Rosewall Arena, Sydney. 11.30 Law & Order: Organized Crime. (MA15+av, R) DNA from an SVU rape investigation connects to an unsolved murder. 12.30 A Remarkable Place To Die. (Mlv, R) Anais investigates when a body is found locked in an abandoned gold-mining tunnel. 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R) Mark invites a girl out for a boat ride but things do not go to plan. 4.30 Global Shop. (R) Home shopping. 5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 5.30 Surfing Australia TV. (PGl, R) Showcases Surfing Australia’s programs.

6.00 10 News+. Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 6.30 Deal Or No Deal. (R) Hosted by Grant Denyer. 7.30 Selling Houses Australia. (R) Michelle and Garry wanted to invest in a property. 8.40 Love It Or List It Australia. (R) Belinda and Cameron’s first home together is in the desirable bayside Melbourne suburb of Brighton. 9.40 The Graham Norton Show. (Mls, R) Graham Norton is joined on the couch by Reese Witherspoon, Will Ferrell, Ariana Grande and Don Gilet. 10.50 10 News+. (R) 11.20 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 12.30 Home Shopping. (R)

CONSUMER ADVICE (P) Pre-school (C) Children (PG) Parental Guidance Recommended (M) Mature Audiences (MA15+) Mature Audiences Only (R) Repeat (CC) Closed Captions (a) Adult themes (d) Drug references (h) Horror (s) Sex references (l) Language (m) Medical procedures (n) Nudity (v) Violence.

ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Children’s Programs. 3.40pm Fizzy And Suds. 4.15 Andy’s Aquatic Adventures. 4.40 Vida The Vet. 5.40 Kangaroo Beach. 6.05 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.25 Paddington. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.05 Gardening Australia Junior. 7.40 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 8.05 Scooby-Doo And Guess Who? 8.30 My Adventures With Superman. 8.50 Robot Wars. 9.50 TKO: Total Knock Out. 10.30 Merlin. 11.15 Late Programs.

VICELAND (31) 6am Morning Programs. 11.30 Vegan Vigilantes. 11.45 DW The Day. 12.15pm Dark Side Of Comedy. 1.10 WWE Legends. 3.00 Bamay. 3.40 BBC News At Ten. 4.10 France 24. 4.40 PBS News. 5.40 If You Are The One. 6.40 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 A Very British Space Launch. 9.30 Sex Tape Germany. 10.25 The Handmaid’s Tale. 11.20 Shoresy. 11.50 Homeland. 12.50am WWE Legends. 2.25 NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera.

7TWO (62) 6am Home In WA. 6.30 Escape

To The Country. 7.30 Harry’s Practice. 8.00 Million Dollar Minute. 9.00 Medical Emergency. 9.30 NBC Today. Noon Better Homes. 1.00 Escape To The Country. 2.00 Home In WA. 2.30 Room For Improvement. 3.00 The Great Australian Doorstep. 3.30 Harry’s Practice. 4.00 Medical Emergency. 4.30 Better Homes. 5.30 Escape To The Country. 6.30 Bargain Hunt. 7.30 Wildlife ER. 8.30 Escape To The Country. 11.30 Late Programs.

9GEM (82) 6am Danger Man. 7.00 Creflo. 7.30 Thunderbirds. 8.00 TV Shop. 10.30 Iconic Australia. 11.30 Pointless. 12.30pm My Favorite Martian. 1.00 MOVIE: Dangerous Voyage. (1954, PG) 2.30 MOVIE: The House In Nightmare Park. (1973, PG) 4.30 Yorkshire Auction House. 5.30 Tennis. United Cup. Day 8. Quarter-finals. 7.30 New Tricks. 8.40 MOVIE: Swordfish. (2001, MA15+) 10.40 The Equalizer. 11.35 Customs. Midnight New Tricks. 1.00 Creflo. 1.30 Late Programs.

DRAMA (51) 6am Shopping. 8.00 Escape Fishing With ET. 9.00 The Living Room. 10.00 JAG. Noon Days Of Our Lives. 12.45 The Young And The Restless. 1.30 The Dog House. 2.30 JAG. 4.30 All 4 Adventure. 5.30 JAG. 7.30 NCIS. 10.20 Matlock. 11.15 The Real CSI: Miami. 12.15am Home Shopping.

ABC ENTERTAINS (23)

6am Morning Programs. 1.05pm Death In Paradise. 2.05 ER. 2.50 Heartbreak High. 3.35 A Bite To Eat. 4.05 Would I Lie To You? 4.40 MythBusters. 5.30 Car S.O.S. 6.15 Phil Spencer: Secret Agent Specials. 7.05 House Of Games. 7.35 QI. 8.05 Would I Lie To You? 8.35 MOVIE: The Island. (2005, M) 10.50 ER. 11.35 Not Going Out. 12.10am Rage Vault Guest Programmer. 1.10 QI. 1.40 Penn & Teller: Fool Us. 2.25 Phil Spencer: Secret Agent Specials. 3.15 Heartbreak High. 4.00 Late Programs.

SBS MOVIES (32) 6am Mia And The White Lion. (2018, PG) 6.40 Hajjan. (2023, PG, Arabic) 9.00 Spirited Away. (2001) 11.20 Only The Brave. (2017, M) 1.45pm Limelight. (1952, PG) 4.15 The Orator. (2011, PG, Samoan) 6.20 Howl’s Moving Castle. (2004) 8.30 Paint. (2023) 10.20 Man Up. (2015, M) 11.55 Howl’s Moving Castle. (2004) 2am May December. (2023, MA15+) 4.00 Priscilla. (2023, M)

7MATE (64) 6am Morning Programs. 7.30 Creek To Coast. 8.00 A Football Life. 9.00 America’s Game. 10.00 Aussie Adventure Bike Show. 10.30 American Resto. 11.00 Storage Wars. 11.30 American Pickers. 12.30pm Pawn Stars. 1.30 American Pickers. 2.30 Billy The Exterminator. 3.00 Timbersports. Australian Championship Pt 1. 3.30 Billy The Exterminator. 4.30 American Resto. 5.00 Storage Wars. 5.30 American Pickers. 6.30 Pawn Stars. 7.30 Road Wars. 8.30 MOVIE: The Patriot. (2000, MA15+) 11.45 Late Programs.

9GO! (83) 6am Children’s Programs. 8.00 Cards And Collectables Australia. 8.30 Nanny. 9.30 Addams Family. 10.00 Bewitched. 10.30 Jeannie. 11.00 The West Wing. Noon Tennis. Brisbane International. Day 6. Quarter-finals. 6.00 Tennis. Brisbane International. Night 6. Quarter-finals. 11.00 MOVIE: Safe Haven. (2013, M) 1.20am The Vampire Diaries. 3.05 Pretty Little Liars: The Perfectionists. 4.00 Barbie: Dreamhouse Adventures. 4.30 Hop. 4.50 Booba. 5.10 LEGO City Adventures. 5.30 Bubble’s Hotel.

COMEDY (52) 6am Morning Programs. 10.00 Family Feud. 10.30 Ridiculousness. 11.30 Deal Or No Deal. Noon Taskmaster Australia. 1.00 Ridiculousness. 2.00 Stephen Colbert. 3.00 Becker. 3.30 Frasier. 4.00 Farm To Fork. 4.30 Frasier. 5.00 Becker. 5.30 Frasier. 6.30 Friends. 7.30 MOVIE: War Of The Worlds. (2005, M) 9.50 Becker. 10.15 Frasier. 11.05 Ridiculousness. Midnight Shopping. 2.30 Bold. 3.30 Stephen Colbert. 4.30 Shopping. 5.30 Joseph Prince.

ABC NEWS (24) 6am Morning Programs. 1pm ABC News Day. 2.45 The Business. 3.00 News. 4.00 ABC News Summer. 6.00 ABC News Hour. 7.00 National News. 7.30 Back Roads. 8.00 News Tonight. 8.30 If You’re Listening. 9.00 The World. 9.30 Foreign Correspondent. 10.00 Nightly News. 10.30 The Business. 11.00 News. 11.30 Deep Time. Midnight News. 12.15 Four Corners. 1.00 DW News. 1.15 News. 1.30 If You’re Listening. 2.00 DW News. 2.15 The Business. 2.30 DW Focus On Europe. 3.00 DW News. 3.15 Late Programs.

SBS FOOD (33) 6am Morning Programs.

NITV (34) 6am Morning Programs. 8.40 The Magic Canoe. 9.10 Spartakus. 10.00 Wild, Smart And Deadly. 11.00 Going Places. Noon Electric Lady Studios: A Hendrix Vision. 1.40 Stompem Ground 2022: Karajarri Dancers. 2.00 Tradition On A Plate. 2.30 The Cook Up. 3.00 Spartakus. 3.25 Cities Of Gold. 4.35 Motown Magic. 5.00 Harlem Globetrotters. 5.30 Living Black. 6.00 Bamay. 6.40 Wild, Smart And Deadly. 7.30 MOVIE: Hook. (1991) 10.15 MOVIE: Friday. (1995, MA15+) 11.50 Late Programs.

9LIFE (84) 6am Morning Programs. 7.30 House Hunters Int. 8.00 The Block. 9.30 House Hunters Int. 10.00 Hello SA. 10.30 Derelict Rescue. 11.30 My Lottery Dream Home. 12.30pm Fixer Upper. 1.30 Restored By The Fords. 2.30 Garden Gurus Moments. 2.45 The Block. 4.00 Derelict Rescue. 5.00 Fixer Upper. 6.00 House Hunters Int. 6.30 House Hunters. 7.00 House Hunters: All Stars. 7.30 Barnwood Builders. 8.30 Maine Cabin Masters. 9.30 Renovation Wild. 10.30 Rock Solid Builds. 11.30 Late Programs.

SKY NEWS (53) 6am First Edition. 9.00

11.30 Food Heroes. 12.30pm Jeremy Pang’s Asian Kitchen. 1.30 Nordic Cookery. 2.00 My Greatest Dishes. 2.30 Kriol Kitchen. 3.00 Kitchen Glow Up. 3.30 Taste Of Aust. 4.00 Lidia’s Kitchen. 4.30 My Market Kitchen. 5.00 Paradise Kitchen Bali. 5.30 Everyday Gourmet. 6.00 Jamie At Home. 6.30 Taste Of Australia In Vietnam. 7.00 The Cook Up. 7.30 Beyond Bali. 8.30 Cake Dynasty. 9.30 Cook And The Chef. 10.00 Everyday Gourmet. 10.30 The Cook Up. 11.00 Late Programs.

Fox Sports News. 10.00 NewsDay. Noon Fox Sports News. 1.00 NewsDay. 2.00 Afternoon Agenda. 6.00 Credlin. 7.00 The Bolt Report. 8.00 The Late Debate. 9.00 Lefties Losing It. 10.00 NewsNight. Midnight News. Please Note: Programs are correct at the time of print and are subject to change by the Networks.

SATURDAY, January 10 ABC TV (2)

SBS (3)

SEVEN (6)

NBN (8, 80)

TEN (5)

6.00 Rage Charts. (MA15+adhlnsv) 7.00 Wknd Brekky. 9.00 Rage. (PG) 10.30 Rage Vault Guest Programmer. (MA15+adhlnsv) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 12.30 Call The Midwife. (PGa, R) 1.30 Art Detectives. (Ma, R) 2.15 All Creatures Great And Small. (R) 3.00 Extraordinary Escapes. (PG, R) 3.50 Human. (PG, R) 5.00 Dr Karl’s How Things Work. (R) 5.55 Back Roads. (R)

6.00 WorldWatch. 6.30 Al Jazeera. 7.00 BBC News At Six. 7.30 France 24 English News. 8.00 DD India News Hour. 9.15 Matched. (PG, R) 10.05 The Eco Show. (R) 11.05 Phase III Odyssey. (Mal, R) 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 France 24. 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 Figure Skating. ISU Grand Prix Final. Japan Part 2. H’lights. 4.00 Going Places. (PG, R) 5.00 Motor Racing. Dakar Rally. Weekly H’lights.

6.00 NBC Today. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 The Morning Show Summer Series. (PG) 12.00 Horse Racing. Magic Millions Gold, The Lakes Race Day and VRC Standish Handicap Race Day. 5.00 Seven News At 5. 5.30 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG, R)

6.00 Let’s Eat With George. (R) 6.30 A Current Affair. (R) 7.00 Weekend Today. 10.00 Our State On A Plate. (PG) 10.30 Tennis. United Cup. Day 9. Semi-finals. 4.30 Find My Beach House Australia. (R) 5.00 9News First At Five. 5.30 Find My Country House Australia. (R)

6am Morning Programs. 7.30 Escape Fishing. (R) 8.00 I Fish. (R) 8.30 On The Fly. (R) 9.00 4x4 Adventures. (R) 10.00 Airport 24/7. (PGad, R) 11.00 GCBC. (R) 11.30 Frugal Foodie. (R) 12.00 Surf Life Saving. Shaw And Partners Iron Series. Day 1. Specialist Round. 2.00 4x4 Adventures. (Final) 3.00 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly Australia. (PGal, R) 4.00 All 4 Adventure. (PGl) 5.00 News.

6.25 Hard Quiz. (PG, R) Presented by Tom Gleeson. 7.00 ABC News. A look at the top stories of the day. 7.30 Call The Midwife. (M) Trixie cares for an unmarried first-time mother. 8.30 Vera. (Ma, R) Vera investigates the apparent suicide of a well-known TV personality who has recently fallen from grace. 10.00 Goolagong. (Ma, R) Charts the story of Evonne Goolagong Cawley. 10.55 The Jetty. (Madl, R) A detective suspects a predator is targeting young girls. 11.55 Rage Vault Guest Programmer. (MA15+dhlnsv) 4.55 Rage. (MA15+dhlnsv)

6.00 Grand Tours Of Scotland’s Rivers. (R) 6.30 SBS World News. 7.30 Secrets Of Britain’s Historic Houses. (Return) 8.40 MOVIE: Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy. (2011, MA15+v, R) 11.00 Scottish Islands With Ben Fogle. (R) 12.05 Reframed: Marilyn Monroe. (Mans, R) 3.25 Bowled Over: Untold Australia. (Mal, R) 4.25 My Unique B&B. (R) 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Horse Racing. Magic Millions Twilight. 9.00 MOVIE: White House Down. (2013, Mlv, R) During a tour of the White House, a policeman springs into action to stop a group of paramilitary invaders. Channing Tatum, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Jamie Foxx. 11.45 Air Crash Investigations: Missed Opportunities. (PGa, R) 12.45 Dr Harry’s Animal Encounters. (PG, R) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 It’s Academic. (R) 5.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R)

6.00 NBN News. 7.00 Tennis. United Cup. Day 9. Semi-finals. From Ken Rosewall Arena, Sydney. 11.30 MOVIE: The Next Three Days. (2010, Mlv, R) A married couple’s lives are turned upside down when the wife is sent to jail for murder. Russell Crowe, Elizabeth Banks, Lennie James. 2.00 The Incredible Journey Presents. (PG) Religious program. 2.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 Global Shop. (R) Home shopping. 5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 5.30 Helping Hands Summer Series. (PG, R) A celebration of people and organisations.

6.30 The Dog House Australia. (PGa, R) Narrated by Mark Coles Smith. 7.30 Love It Or List It Australia. A couple contemplate leaving their home of 11 years. He loves it, but she feels the place is outdated. 8.40 Location, Location, Location Australia. (R) Property experts Mitch Edwards and Mark McKie search for properties in Melbourne and Canberra. 9.50 Ambulance UK. (Mad, R) Crews attend to patients with mental health issues. 11.05 NCIS. (Mv, R) A pilot’s body is found with unusual wounds. 1.00 Home Shopping. (R) 5.00 Hour Of Power.

ABC FAMILY (22)

6am Children’s Programs. 4.20pm Dino Dex. 4.45 Gardening Australia Junior. 5.10 Thomas. 5.30 Super Monsters. 6.05 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.25 Paddington. 6.50 Andy And The Band. 7.05 Piripenguins. 7.30 Hard Quiz Kids. 8.00 Chopped Jnr. 8.40 Shaun Tan’s Tales From Outer Suburbia. 9.25 Fresh Off The Boat. 10.10 Abbott Elementary. 10.30 Merlin. 11.15 Late Programs.

VICELAND (31) 6am Morning Programs. 2pm WorldWatch. 4.00 Cycling. Westbridge Funds Road Nationals C’ships. Men’s Under-23. Road Race. 7.30 Impossible Engineering. 8.25 Big Fat Quiz Of The Year 2025. 10.00 The Phoenix Lights Phenomenon. 10.50 Snowpiercer. 12.35am WWE Legends. 2.05 Dark Side Of The ‘90s. 3.00 NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera.

7TWO (62) 6am Morning Programs. 10.00 Better Homes. 11.00 Sean’s Kitchen. Noon Harry’s Practice. 12.30 This Rugged Coast. 1.30 Wildlife ER. 2.30 Better Homes And Gardens Summer. 4.00 Better Homes. 5.00 Horse Racing. Magic Millions Gold, The Lakes Race Day and VRC Standish Handicap Race Day. 6.00 Bondi Vet. 7.00 Dog Patrol. 7.30 The Yorkshire Vet. 8.30 Lewis. 10.30 Escape To The Country. 11.30 Late Programs.

9GEM (82) 6am Morning Programs. 10.00 Helping Hands Summer Series. 10.30 Avengers. 11.30 MOVIE: Up The Front. (1972, PG) 1.25pm MOVIE: Mr Forbush And The Penguins. (1971, PG) 3.30 MOVIE: The Count Of Monte-Cristo. (1975, PG) 5.30 Tennis. United Cup. Day 9. Semifinals. 7.00 M*A*S*H. 7.30 Death In Paradise. 8.40 MOVIE: Indiana Jones And The Temple Of Doom. (1984, M) 11.05 Late Programs.

DRAMA (51) 6am Shopping. 9.00 I Fish. 9.30 Dog House. 10.30 JAG. 4.30pm Soccer. A-League Men. Round 12. Melbourne Victory v Western Sydney Wanderers. 7.00 Football Tonight. 7.35 Soccer. A-League Men. Round 12. Macarthur FC v Sydney FC. 10.00 NCIS. 12.50am NCIS: Origins. 1.45 Home Shopping.

ABC ENTERTAINS (23)

6am Morning Programs. 2.10pm ER. 3.00 Heartbreak High. 3.45 Whose Line Is It Anyway? 4.05 Would I Lie To You? 4.40 MythBusters. 5.30 Car S.O.S. 6.15 Phil Spencer: Secret Agent Specials. 7.00 Spicks And Specks. 7.35 QI. 8.05 Would I Lie To You? 8.35 House Of Games. (Premiere) 9.05 Live At The Apollo. 9.50 Melbourne Comedy Festival: Allstars Supershow. 11.55 ER. 12.40am Late Programs.

SBS MOVIES (32) 6am The Movie Show. 6.35 The Secret World Of Arrietty. (2010) 8.20 Howl’s Moving Castle. (2004) 10.25 Priscilla. (2023, M) 12.30pm Other People’s Children. (2022, M, French) 2.25 The Movie Show. 3.00 Paint. (2023) 4.50 Boychoir. (2014, PG) 6.45 The Secret World Of Arrietty. (2010) 8.30 Anatomy Of A Fall. (2023, MA15+, French) 11.20 The Beautiful Summer. (2023, French) 1.25am Late Programs.

7MATE (64) 6am Morning Programs. 12.30pm Timbersports. Australian Championship Pt 1. Replay. 1.00 Blokesworld. 1.30 Cool Cars & Bikes. 2.00 Rides Down Under: Workshop Wars. 3.00 Motor Racing. NDRC Top Doorslammer. Replay. 4.00 Desert Collectors. 5.00 Counting Cars. 6.00 Pawn Stars. 7.00 Storage Wars. 7.30 MOVIE: Uncharted. (2022, M) 9.50 MOVIE: Striking Distance. (1993, M) Midnight Late Programs.

9GO! (83) 6am MOVIE: Barbie Skipper And The Big Babysitting Adventure. (2023) 7.15 Children’s Programs. 8.00 Big Rigs Of Oz. 8.30 Surfing Aust. 9.00 Motor Racing. IndyCar Series. Indianapolis 500. Qualifying. H’lights. 10.00 Soccer. English Premier League. Noon Tennis. Brisbane International. Semi-finals. 6.00 Golden Girls. 6.30 Nanny. 7.30 Tennis. Brisbane International. Night 7. Semi-finals. 11.30 Late Programs.

COMEDY (52) 6am GCBC. 7.00 Bold. 9.30 Deal Or No Deal. 10.00 Ridiculousness. 10.30 Inspired Unemployed (Impractical) Jokers. 11.00 Farm To Fork. 11.30 Deal Or No Deal. Noon Stephen Colbert. 2.00 Inspired Unemployed (Impractical) Jokers. 3.00 Frasier. 4.00 Friends. 6.30 The Big Bang Theory. 10.00 Frasier. 11.00 Ridiculousness. Midnight South Park. 1.00 Shopping. 1.30 South Park. 2.30 Shopping.

ABC NEWS (24) 6am Morning Programs. 1pm News. 1.30 The Art Of. 2.00 News. 2.30 If You’re Listening. 3.00 News. 3.30 Heywire. 4.00 News. 4.30 Boyer Lecture Series. 5.00 News. 5.30 Indonesia Down Under. 6.00 Evening News. 6.30 Culture By Design. 7.00 National News. 7.30 News. 8.00 News Tonight. 8.30 News. 9.00 Nightly News. 9.30 If You’re Listening. 10.00 Late News Weekend. 10.30 Late Programs.

SBS FOOD (33) 6am Morning Programs. 1pm Paradise Kitchen Bali. 1.30 Everyday Gourmet. 2.00 Jamie At Home. 2.30 Taste Of Australia In Vietnam. 3.00 The Cook Up. 3.30 Cake Dynasty. 4.30 Dubai Dishes. 5.30 Toast The Host. 6.00 Eat, Roam, Relish. 6.30 Hairy Bikers Go West. 7.35 Secret World Of Snacks. 8.30 Mediterranean Escapes. 9.40 A Cook’s Tour. 10.30 Wild Game Kitchen. 11.00 Late Programs.

NITV (34) 6am Morning Programs. 8.40 The Magic Canoe. 9.10 Spartakus. 10.00 MOVIE: Hook. (1991) 12.35pm MOVIE: Jester Till. (2003) 2.05 Wild, Smart And Deadly. 2.55 Living Black. 3.25 Soh Presents: Generations And Dynasties. 5.00 Unsettled. 6.00 The Barber. 6.40 The Other Side. 7.30 Alone Australia. 8.30 MOVIE: Beowulf. (2007, MA15+) 10.10 Australian Music Vault: Kate Ceberano. 11.30 Late Programs.

9LIFE (84) 6am Morning Programs. 11.30 Getaway. Noon House Hunters Int. 12.30 Fixer Upper. 1.30 Rock Solid Builds. 2.30 Barnwood Builders. 3.30 Find My Country House Canada. 4.30 Renovation Wild. 5.30 My Lottery Dream Home. 6.30 Britain’s Most Expensive Houses. 7.30 Farmhouse Fixer. 8.30 House Hunters. 9.30 House Hunters Int. 10.30 Lakefront Empire. 11.30 Late Programs.

SKY NEWS (53)

6am Weekend First Edition. 7.00 Gameday Live. 8.00 Weekend First Edition. 10.00 Santos: 70 Years Strong. 10.30 Real Energy: 70 Years of Woodside. 11.00 News. Noon Weekend Newsday. 1.00 News. 2.00 Catching The Claremont Killer. 3.00 Weekend Newsday. 4.00 News. 5.00 NewsNight. 6.00 News. 7.00 The Menzies Movies. 8.00 NewsNight. 9.00 Cheng Lei: My Story. 10.00 NewsNight. 11.00 News.

SUNDAY, January 11 ABC TV (2)

SBS (3)

SEVEN (6)

NBN (8, 80)

TEN (5)

6.00 Morning Programs. 10.00 Eat The Invaders. (Final, PG, R) 10.30 New Leash On Life. (R) 11.00 Compass. (R) 11.30 Praise. (R) 12.00 News. 12.30 Magda’s Big National Health Check. (Final, PG, R) 1.30 Gardening Aust. (R) 2.30 Muster Dogs: Where Are They Now. (R) 3.40 Extraordinary Escapes. (PG, R) 4.30 Amanda & Alan’s Italian Job. (PG, R) 5.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

6.00 WorldWatch. 7.00 APAC Weekly. 7.30 France 24 English News. 8.00 DD India News Hour. 9.25 Matched. (PG, R) 10.15 The Eco Show. (R) 11.15 Phase III Odyssey. (Mal, R) 12.00 APAC Weekly. 12.30 PBS Washington Week. 1.00 Going Places. (R) 1.30 Cycling. Westbridge Funds Road Nationals C’ships. Women’s Elite and Under-23 Road Race. 5.00 Motor Racing. Dakar Rally. Weekly H’lights.

6.00 NBC Today. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 The Morning Show Summer Series. (PG) 12.00 Border Security: International. (PG, R) 12.30 Air Crash Investigations: The Accident Files. (PGal, R) 1.30 Big Bash League Pre-Game. 2.00 Cricket. Big Bash League. Match 31. Sydney Sixers v Hobart Hurricanes. 5.30 Sydney Weekender.

6.00 Hello SA. (PG, R) 6.30 Find My Beach House Australia. (R) 7.00 Weekend Today. 10.00 Journey To Europe. (R) 11.00 Fishing Australia. 11.30 GolfBarons. (PG, R) 12.00 Great Getaways. (PG, R) 1.00 David Attenborough’s Dynasties II. (PGa, R) 2.00 Conquering Skin Cancer. (PGmn) 4.00 Take Me Home. (PG, R) 5.00 9News First At Five. 5.30 RBT. (PGdl)

6am Morning Programs. 9.30 Key Ingredient. (Final) 10.00 Farm To Fork. (R) 10.30 10 Minute Kitchen. (R) 11.00 Well Traveller. (PG, R) 11.30 Pooches At Play. (R) 12.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R) 12.30 Surf Life Saving. Shaw And Partners Iron Series. Day 2. Specialist Round. 2.30 Basketball. NBL. Round 16. Illawarra Hawks v New Zealand Breakers. 4.30 Deal Or No Deal. (R) 5.00 News.

6.00 Grand Designs Transformations. (PG, R) 7.00 ABC News. 7.30 Muster Dogs: Where Are They Now. (PG) 8.20 Goolagong. (M) 9.15 The Jetty. (MA15+l) 10.15 Call The Midwife. (M, R) 11.15 MOVIE: Sirens. (1994, MA15+an, R) 12.50 Rage Vault. (MA15+adhlnsv) 2.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 3.25 Dream Gardens. (R) 4.00 The Art Of. (PG, R) 4.30 A Bite To Eat With Alice. (R) 5.00 Pilgrimage: The Road Through North Wales. (PG, R)

6.00 Grand Tours Of Scotland’s Rivers. (R) 6.30 SBS World News. 7.30 Days That Shocked The World: Challenger. 8.25 Ken Burns’ The American Revolution. (Final, PG) 10.40 Secrets Of Modern Archaeology. (PGa, R) 11.45 Australian Fashion Past, Present, Future. (PGn, R) 1.15 Birdsville Or Bust: Untold Australia. (Ml, R) 2.20 24 Hours In A&E. (M) 3.15 The Eco Show. (R) 4.15 Designing Paradise With Bill Bensley. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 APAC Weekly.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Cricket. Big Bash League. Match 32. Adelaide Strikers v Perth Scorchers. 10.30 Big Bash League Post-Match. Post-match coverage of the game. 11.00 7NEWS Spotlight. Looks at the biggest crypto heist in history. 12.00 MacGruber. (MA15+lsv) The plan Queeth set into motion is still alive. 1.00 Dr Harry’s Animal Encounters. (PG, R) 2.30 Home Shopping. (R) 3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

6.00 NBN News. 7.00 Tennis. United Cup. Day 10. Final. 11.30 Wild Cards. (Mv, R) After an accountant set to testify against the mob is kidnapped, Ellis is asked to help get him back. 12.30 Tycoons Down Under: Hard Times. (PGa, R) Looks at some of Australia’s biggest tycoons. 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R) A group of water skiers is sabotaged. 4.30 The Garden Gurus. (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today. The latest in news and current affairs.

6.30 10 News+. Comprehensive coverage of the day’s top stories, investigative reports and stories that haven’t been heard. 7.00 Selling Houses Australia. (R) Princess and Inca struggle to sell. 8.00 MOVIE: Top Gun: Maverick. (2022, Mlv, R) An aviator trains a detachment of Top Gun graduates for a mission while confronting the ghosts of his past. Tom Cruise, Miles Teller, Jennifer Connelly. 10.35 10 News+. (R) Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 11.05 FBI. (Mv, R) A rogue terrorist group infiltrates the FBI. 12.00 Home Shopping. (R)

CONSUMER ADVICE (P) Pre-school (C) Children (PG) Parental Guidance Recommended (M) Mature Audiences (MA15+) Mature Audiences Only (AV15+) Extreme Adult Violence (R) Repeat (CC) Closed Captions (a) Adult themes (d) Drug references (h) Horror (s) Sex references (l) Language (m) Medical procedures (n) Nudity (v) Violence.

ABC FAMILY (22)

6am Children’s Programs. 3pm Play School: Down At The Beach. 3.25 Room On The Broom. 3.55 Odd Squad. 4.20 Dino Dex. 4.45 Gardening Australia Junior. 5.10 Tiddler. 5.35 Super Monsters. 6.05 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.50 Andy And The Band. 7.05 Piripenguins. 7.30 Shaun Tan’s Tales From Outer Suburbia. 7.50 TBA. 9.40 Fresh Off The Boat. 10.20 Merlin. 11.05 Late Programs.

VICELAND (31) 6am Morning Programs. Noon WWE Rivals. 12.55 Jeopardy! 3.00 Mastermind Aust. 4.00 The Story Of. 5.00 France 24. 5.30 PBS Washington Week. 6.00 Cycling. Westbridge Funds Road Nationals Championships. Elite Men’s. Road Race. 10.00 MOVIE: Food, Inc. 2. (2023, M) 11.45 History’s Greatest Of All-Time With Peyton Manning. 12.35am Django. 2.35 NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera.

7TWO (62) 6am Morning Programs. 10.00 The Amazing Homemakers. 11.00 Australia: The Story Of Us. Noon Escape To The Country. 1.00 Medical Emergency. 1.30 Sean’s Kitchen. 2.30 Harry’s Practice. 3.00 Better Homes. 4.00 The Amazing Homemakers. 5.00 Secrets Of Beautiful Gardens. 6.00 Escape To The Country. 7.00 Vicar Of Dibley. 8.30 Vera. 10.30 Murdoch Mysteries. 11.30 Late Programs.

9GEM (82) 6am Morning Programs. 7.30 In Touch. 8.00 Beyond Today. 8.30 The Incredible Journey. 9.00 Turning Point. 9.30 TV Shop. 10.00 My Favorite Martian. 10.30 Avengers. 11.30 MOVIE: For Better, For Worse. (1954) 1.15pm MOVIE: All Creatures Great And Small. (1975) 3.10 MOVIE: Silver Bears. (1978, PG) 5.30 Tennis. United Cup. Day 10. Final. 7.00 M*A*S*H. 8.30 MOVIE: Ronin. (1998, M) 11.00 Late Programs.

DRAMA (51) 6am Shopping. 8.00 Tough Tested. 9.00 What’s Up Down Under. 9.30 Camper Deals. 10.00 Pat Callinan’s 4x4 Adventures. 11.00 JAG. 4pm IFISH. 4.30 Basketball. NBL. Round 16. Sydney Kings v Melbourne United. 6.30 JAG. 7.30 NCIS. 10.20 Matlock. 12.15am Home Shopping.

ABC ENTERTAINS (23)

6am Morning Programs. 2.35pm ER. 3.20 Heartbreak High. 4.05 Would I Lie To You? 4.40 MythBusters. 5.30 Car S.O.S. 6.15 Portrait Artist Of The Year. (Return) 7.00 Spicks And Specks. 7.30 QI. 8.00 Would I Lie To You? 8.30 Bowie. 10.10 Muster Dogs: Where Are They Now. 10.55 ER. 11.40 Not Going Out. 12.05am Rage. 1.10 Casey Anthony: Where The Truth Lies. 2.20 Late Programs.

SBS MOVIES (32) 6am The Orator. Continued. (2011, PG, Samoan) 7.15 Boychoir. (2014, PG) 9.15 The Secret World Of Arrietty. (2010) 11.00 Man Up. (2015, M) 12.40pm Song To Song. (2017, M) 3.00 The Movie Show. 4.00 Discovering Film. 4.50 The Emperor’s Club. (2002, PG) 6.50 Porco Rosso. (1992, PG) 8.30 My Sailor, My Love. (2022, PG) 10.25 Ondine. (2009, M) 12.25am Late Programs.

7MATE (64) 6am Hook, Line And Sinker. 7.00 My Fishing Place. 7.30 Creek To Coast. 8.00 Sound FX: Best Of. 8.30 NFL. NFL Playoffs. Wild Card Round. Continued. Noon NFL. NFL Playoffs. Wild Card Round. 3.30 Storage Wars. 4.00 Deep Water Salvage. 5.00 Counting Cars. 6.00 Border Security: Int. 7.00 Border Security. 8.30 MOVIE: The Bourne Identity. (2002, M) 11.00 Late Programs.

9GO! (83) 6am MOVIE: Barbie And Stacie To The Rescue. (2024) 7.10 Children’s Programs. 7.40 Big Rigs Of Oz. 8.10 IndyCar Series. Indianapolis 500. H’lights. 9.20 IndyCar Series. Detroit Grand Prix. H’lights. 10.30 English Premier League. Manchester City v Chelsea. 12.30pm WNBL. Southside Melbourne Flyers v Townsville Fire. 2.30 Surfing Aust. 3.00 Brisbane International. Finals. 6.00 Tennis. Brisbane International. Finals.

COMEDY (52) 6am Deal Or No Deal. 8.00 Frasier. 10.00 The Neighborhood. 11.00 Stephen Colbert. 2pm The Neighborhood. 3.00 Frasier. 4.00 Friends. 6.30 The Big Bang Theory. 9.35 Frasier. 10.30 The Neighborhood. 11.30 South Park. 12.30am Home Shopping. 1.30 South Park. 2.30 Home Shopping.

ABC NEWS (24) 6am Morning Programs. 1pm News. 1.30 Project Wild. 2.00 News. 2.30 Culture By Design. 3.00 News. 3.30 Play On. 4.00 News. 4.30 Landline. 5.00 News. 5.30 Regional Roundup. 6.00 Evening News. 6.30 The Pacific. 7.00 National News. 7.30 News. 8.00 News Tonight. 8.30 News. 9.00 Nightly News. 9.25 Foreign Correspondent. 10.00 Late News Weekend. 10.30 Late Programs.

SBS FOOD (33) 6am Morning Programs. 1pm Eat, Roam, Relish. 1.30 Hairy Bikers Go West. 2.35 Secret World Of Snacks. 3.30 Mediterranean Escapes. 4.35 A New Zealand Food Story. 5.00 Food Trail: South Africa. 5.30 Cheese: A Taste Of Place. 6.30 Uncharted. 7.30 Tales From A Kitchen Garden. 8.00 The Streets With Dan Hong. 8.30 Cornwall. 9.30 A Cook’s Tour. 10.30 Wild Game Kitchen. 11.00 Late Programs.

NITV (34) 6am Morning Programs. 1.40pm Qld Murri Carnival. Women’s. Grand Final. CQ Murri Binda v Mungindi Panthers. Replay. 2.50 West Kimberley Football League. Women’s. Grand Final. Replay. 4.05 Bob Marley & The Wailers: The Capitol 73. 5.20 Australian Music Vault: Kate Ceberano. 6.50 Wild, Smart And Deadly. 7.40 Aerial Australia. 8.30 MOVIE: Luther: Never Too Much. (2024) 10.25 Late Programs.

9LIFE (84) 6am Morning Programs. 11.30 Barnwood Builders. 12.30pm Lakefront Empire. 1.30 Renovation Aloha. 2.30 Maine Cabin Masters. 3.30 Britain’s Most Expensive Houses. 4.30 Farmhouse Fixer. 5.30 House Hunters. 6.30 House Hunters Int. 7.30 Home Town. 8.30 Christina On The Coast. 9.30 Fixer To Fabulous. 10.30 Making It Home With Kortney And Kenny. 11.30 Late Programs.

SKY NEWS (53)

6am Morning Programs. 8.00 Weekend First Edition. 10.00 Our Town Travel Guide. 11.00 Weekend Newsday. Noon News. 1.00 Weekend Newsday. 2.00 Fair Game: The Fight For Women’s Sport. 2.30 Out Of Control: Victoria’s Crime Crisis. 3.00 Weekend Newsday. 4.00 News. 5.00 NewsNight. 7.00 The War Cabinet. 8.00 NewsNight. 9.00 MH370: Ten Years On. 10.00 NewsNight. 11.00 Late Programs.

MONDAY, January 12 ABC TV (2)

SBS (3)

SEVEN (6)

NBN (8, 80)

TEN (5)

6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 ABC News Mornings. 10.00 Vera. (Ma, R) 11.30 Back Roads. (PG, R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 1.00 The Kimberley. (Final, R) 2.00 Restoration Australia. (PG, R) 2.55 Would I Lie To You? (PG, R) 3.25 Nigella At My Table. (R) 3.55 Grand Designs: The Streets. (R) 4.45 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.10 Designing Paradise With Bill Bensley. (R) 9.40 One For The Road. 10.10 Craig & Bruno’s Great British Road Trips. (PGas, R) 11.10 Wild Vienna. (Premiere, PG) 12.10 WorldWatch. 2.00 Britain’s Most Expensive Houses. (R) 2.55 Going Places. (R) 3.35 The Cook Up. (R) 4.05 Jeopardy! 4.30 Letters And Numbers. (R) 5.00 Motor Racing. Dakar Rally. Stage 7. H’lights.

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show Summer Series. (PG) 12.00 MOVIE: MatchMaker Mysteries: A Fatal Romance. (2020, PGav) 2.00 Bridge Of Lies. 3.00 The Chase. (R) 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia.

6.00 Ent. Tonight. 6.30 Deal Or No Deal. (R) 7.00 Bold. (PG, R) 7.30 Farm To Fork. (R) 8.00 Lingo. (R) 9.00 The Finish Line. (R) 10.00 Ent. Tonight. 10.30 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly Australia. (PGa, R) 11.30 My Market Kitchen. (R) 12.00 Farm To Fork. 12.30 Family Feud. (PG, R) 1.00 News. 2.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R) 2.30 The Finish Line. 3.30 Lingo. (R) 4.30 Bold. (PG) 5.00 News.

6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R) 7.00 ABC News. 7.30 7.30. 8.00 The Great Art Fraud. (M) 9.00 Simon Schama: The Road To Auschwitz. (Premiere, MA15+a) Historian Simon Schama visits Auschwitz. 10.00 Dr Karl’s How Things Work. (R) 10.35 ABC Late News. 10.50 Dr Karl’s How Things Work. (R) 11.20 Grand Designs: The Streets. (R) 12.10 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 12.55 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 4.00 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.00 A Bite To Eat With Alice. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R) 6.30 SBS World News. 7.35 Wonders Of The Sun With Dara Ó Briain. (R) 9.20 Jimmy Carr’s I Literally Just Told You. (M) 10.20 Great British Railway Journeys. (R) 10.55 Like Water For Chocolate. (MA15+sv) 11.45 Clean Sweep. (MA15+s, R) 1.45 Pagan Peak. (Mav, R) 3.30 Designing Paradise With Bill Bensley. (PG, R) 4.00 My Unique B&B. (R) 4.35 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 7News Local. 6.30 7News @ 6:30. 7.00 Cricket. Big Bash League. Match 33. Sydney Thunder v Melbourne Renegades. 10.30 Big Bash League Post-Match. Post-match coverage of the game. 11.00 MOVIE: Miami Vice. (2006, MA15+v, R) Two detectives investigate multiple murders. Jamie Foxx, Colin Farrell. 1.40 Girlfriends’ Guide To Divorce. (MA15+s) 3.00 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 Travel Guides. (PGl, R) 9.00 MOVIE: Indiana Jones And The Kingdom Of The Crystal Skull. (2008, Mv, R) Harrison Ford. 11.25 Sight Unseen. (Mv) 12.10 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 1.05 Hello SA. (PG) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 2.30 Global Shop. (R) 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R) 4.30 A Current Affair. (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.

6.00 10 News+. Comprehensive coverage of the day’s top stories, investigative reports and stories that haven’t been heard. 6.30 Deal Or No Deal. (R) Contestants compete in a high-stakes game where they must beat The Banker to win a cash prize. 7.30 The 83rd Annual Golden Globes. (PGals) Coverage of the 83rd Golden Globe Awards. Hosted by Nikki Glaser. 10.30 10’s Late News. Coverage of news, sport and weather. 11.00 10 News+. (R) Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 11.30 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) Hosted by Stephen Colbert. 12.30 Home Shopping. (R)

ABC FAMILY (22)

6am Children’s Programs. 2.15pm Peter Rabbit. 2.45 The Makery. 3.05 Play School: Let The Games Begin. 3.40 Fizzy And Suds. 4.15 Andy’s Aquatic Adventures. 4.40 Vida The Vet. 5.40 Kangaroo Beach. 6.05 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.25 Paddington. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.35 Ninjago. 8.00 Deadly 60. 8.30 TKO: Total Knock Out. 9.10 The Crystal Maze. 10.00 Merlin. 10.40 Late Programs.

VICELAND (31) 6am Morning Programs. 3.05pm Mastermind Aust. 3.35 WorldWatch. 4.30 PBS News Weekend. 5.00 Al Jazeera. 5.30 Freddie Flintoff’s Field Of Dreams Tour. 6.40 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 Genius Game. 9.40 The UnXplained Mysteries. 10.30 The Handmaid’s Tale. 11.20 Question Team. 12.15am Django. 1.30 Everyone Else Burns. 2.30 NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera.

7TWO (62) 6am Morning Programs. 9.00 Medical Emergency. 9.30 NBC Today. 10.30 Better Homes And Gardens Summer. Noon Better Homes. 1.00 Australia: The Story Of Us. 2.00 Weekender. 2.30 This Rugged Coast. 3.30 Harry’s Practice. 4.00 Million Dollar Minute. 4.30 Better Homes. 5.30 Escape To The Country. 6.30 Bargain Hunt. 7.30 Doc Martin. 8.30 Endeavour. 10.30 Air Crash Inv: Accident Files. 11.30 Late Programs.

9GEM (82) 6am Danger Man. 7.00 Creflo Dollar Ministries. 7.30 Thunderbirds. 8.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. 9.30 Newstyle Direct. 10.00 Adventures In Rainbow Country. 10.30 Pointless. 11.30 Tennis. Adelaide International. Day 1. 6pm Tennis. Adelaide International. Night 1. 11.00 The Chelsea Detective. 1am Creflo. 1.30 Harry Wild. 2.30 Mrs Sidhu Investigates. 4.30 Danger Man. 5.30 Find My Country House Canada.

DRAMA (51) 6am Shopping. 8.00 Reel Action. 8.30 Everyday Gourmet. 9.00 Living Room. 10.00 JAG. Noon Days Of Our Lives. 12.45 The Young And The Restless. 1.30 The Dog House. 2.30 JAG. 4.30 The Living Room. 5.30 JAG. 7.30 NCIS. 8.30 FBI: Most Wanted. 10.20 Matlock. 12.15am Home Shopping.

ABC ENTERTAINS (23)

6am Morning Programs. 1.05pm The Piano UK: The Incredibly Talented Lucy. 2.05 ER. 2.50 Heartbreak High. 3.40 A Bite To Eat. 4.05 Would I Lie To You? 4.40 MythBusters. 5.30 Car S.O.S. 6.15 Portrait Artist Of The Year. 7.00 House Of Games. 7.30 QI. 8.00 Would I Lie To You? 8.30 Penn & Teller: Fool Us. 9.15 Whose Line Is It Anyway? 9.35 TBA. 10.25 ER. 11.10 Not Going Out. 11.35 Late Programs.

SBS MOVIES (32) 6am Nausicaä Of The Valley Of The Wind. Continued. (1984, PG) 8.15 Porco Rosso. (1992, PG) 10.00 20,000 Species Of Bees. (2023, M, Spanish) 12.20pm Moving. (1993, M, Japanese) 2.40 Boychoir. (2014, PG) 4.30 Finding Altamira. (2016, PG) 6.15 Nausicaä Of The Valley Of The Wind. (1984, PG) 8.30 Santosh. (2024, MA15+, Hindi) 10.50 Late Programs. 5.55am The Emperor’s Club. (2002, PG)

7MATE (64) 6am NFL. NFL Playoffs. Wild Card Round. 8.30 NFL. NFL Playoffs. Wild Card Round. Noon NFL. NFL Playoffs. Wild Card Round. 3.30 NFL Tailgate. 4.30 American Resto. 5.00 Storage Wars. 5.30 American Pickers. 6.30 Pawn Stars. 7.30 Outback Opal Hunters. 9.30 Aussie Salvage Squad. 10.30 The Mightiest. 11.30 Engineering Disasters. 12.30am Storage Wars. 1.00 Billy The Exterminator. 2.00 Late Programs.

9GO! (83) 6am Children’s Programs. 8.00 Golden Girls. 8.30 Nanny. 9.30 Addams Family. 10.00 Bewitched. 10.30 Jeannie. 11.00 The West Wing. Noon The Summit. 2.00 Golden Girls. 2.30 Nanny. 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family. 5.00 Bewitched. 5.30 Jeannie. 6.00 Golden Girls. 6.30 Nanny. 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30 MOVIE: The Hangover 2. (2011, MA15+) 10.35 Seinfeld. 11.35 Late Programs.

COMEDY (52) 6am Morning Programs. 11.30 Deal Or No Deal. Noon The Inspired Unemployed: The List. 1.00 Ridiculousness. 2.00 Stephen Colbert. 3.00 Becker. 3.30 Frasier. 4.00 Farm To Fork. 4.30 Frasier. 5.00 Becker. 5.30 Frasier. 6.30 Friends. 8.00 Big Bang. 10.00 Becker. 10.30 Frasier. 11.30 Ridiculousness. 12.30am Shopping. 2.30 Bold. 3.30 Stephen Colbert. 4.30 Shopping.

ABC NEWS (24) 6am Morning Programs. 1pm ABC News Day. 3.00 News. 4.00 ABC News Summer. 6.00 ABC News Hour. 7.00 National News. 7.30 7.30. 8.00 News Tonight. 8.25 Aust Story. 9.00 The World. 9.30 Foreign Correspondent. 10.00 Nightly News. 10.30 7.30. 11.00 News. 11.30 Culture By Design. Midnight News. 12.30 The World. 1.00 News. 1.15 7.30. 1.45 Tech Smart Agriculture. 2.00 Late Programs.

SBS FOOD (33) 6am Morning Programs. 2.00pm My Greatest Dishes. 2.30 Kriol Kitchen. 3.00 Kitchen Glow Up. 3.30 Taste Of Aust. 4.00 Lidia’s Kitchen. 4.30 My Market Kitchen. 5.00 Paradise Kitchen Bali. 5.30 Everyday Gourmet. 6.00 Jamie At Home. 6.30 Curry Kitchen. 7.00 The Cook Up. 7.30 Donal’s Family Kitchen. 8.00 Hot Dish With Franco. 8.30 Searching For Spain. (Final) 9.30 No Reservations. 10.25 Late Programs.

NITV (34) 6am Morning Programs. 2pm Strait To The Plate. 2.30 The Cook Up. 3.00 Spartakus. 3.25 Cities Of Gold. 4.35 Motown Magic. 5.00 Harlem Globetrotters. 5.30 The 77 Percent. 6.00 Bamay. 6.40 Wild, Smart And Deadly. (Final) 7.30 Who Do You Think You Are? 8.30 Living Black Conversations. 9.05 Sammy By Sammy: My Tale Of The 60s. 10.05 MOVIE: Purple Rain. (1984, M) Midnight Late Programs.

9LIFE (84) 6am Morning Programs. Noon Find My Country House Canada. 1.00 Renovation Wild. 2.00 Fixer To Fabulous. 3.00 The Block. 4.00 Derelict Rescue. 5.00 Christina On The Coast. 6.00 House Hunters Int. 6.30 House Hunters. 7.00 House Hunters: All Stars. 7.30 House Hunters Reno. 8.30 Scott’s Vacation House Rules. 9.30 Island Of Bryan. 10.30 Beachfront Bargain Hunt: Renovation. 11.30 Late Programs.

SKY NEWS (53)

6am First Edition. 9.00 Fox Sports News. 10.00 NewsDay. Noon Fox Sports News. 1.00 NewsDay. 2.00 Afternoon Agenda. 6.00 Credlin. 7.00 The Bolt Report. 8.00 The Late Debate. 9.00 Australia: A History. 10.00 NewsNight. Midnight News.

TUESDAY, January 13 ABC TV (2)

SBS (3)

SEVEN (6)

NBN (8, 80)

TEN (5)

6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 News. 10.00 The Great Art Fraud. (M, R) 11.00 The Penguin King With David Attenborough. (R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 1.00 Call The Midwife. (M, R) 1.55 Restoration Australia. (PG, R) 2.55 Would I Lie To You? (PG, R) 3.25 Nigella At My Table. (R) 3.55 Grand Designs: The Streets. (PG, R) 4.40 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

6.00 DW English News. 6.30 Al Jazeera News. 7.00 BBC News At Six. 7.30 France 24 English News. 8.00 DD India News Hour. 9.00 Rediscover Victoria. (R) 10.30 Tennis. Kooyong Classic. Day 1. 5.00 Motor Racing. Dakar Rally. Stage 8. Highlights.

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show Summer Series. (PG) 12.00 MOVIE: MatchMaker Mysteries: A Killer Engagement. (2019, PGav) 2.00 Bridge Of Lies. 3.00 The Chase. (R) 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia.

6.00 Ent. Tonight. (R) 6.30 Deal Or No Deal. (R) 7.00 Bold. (PG, R) 7.30 Farm To Fork. (R) 8.00 Lingo. (R) 9.00 The Finish Line. (R) 10.00 Ent. Tonight. 10.30 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly Australia. (PGas, R) 11.30 My Market Kitchen. (R) 12.00 Farm To Fork. 12.30 Family Feud. (PG, R) 1.00 News. 2.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R) 2.30 The Finish Line. 3.30 Lingo. (R) 4.30 Bold. (PG) 5.00 News.

6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R) 7.00 ABC News. 7.30 7.30. 8.00 Dr Karl’s How Things Work. 8.30 Human. (PG) 9.30 Grand Designs Transformations. (PG, R) 10.35 ABC Late News. 10.50 Australia’s Open. (Final, Ml, R) 11.45 Grand Designs: The Streets. (Ml, R) 12.30 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 1.20 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 2.25 Close To Me. (Mals, R) 4.00 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.00 A Bite To Eat With Alice. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R) 6.30 SBS World News. 7.30 Who Do You Think You Are? (Ml, R) 8.35 Air India Crash: What Went Wrong? (Ma, R) 9.30 Aerial Australia. (PGa, R) 10.25 Great British Railway Journeys. (R) 11.00 Exit. (MA15+adls) 11.55 Dopesick. (MA15+ad, R) 2.10 The Eco Show. (R) 3.15 Designing Paradise With Bill Bensley. (R) 4.15 My Unique B&B. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 7News Local. 6.30 7News @ 6:30. 7.00 Cricket. Big Bash League. Match 34. Melbourne Stars v Adelaide Strikers. From the MCG. 10.30 Big Bash League Post-Match. Post-match coverage of the game. 11.00 Lopez Vs. Lopez. (PGal) Rosie starts dating Quinten’s boss. 12.00 MOVIE: A Dangerous Defence. (2021, Mav, R) A lawyer investigates her father’s death. Anita Leeman Torres. 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. News and current affairs. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise. News, sport and weather.

6.00 NBN News. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 Taronga: Who’s Who In The Zoo. (PG) 8.30 MOVIE: Cool Runnings. (1993, G, R) John Candy. 10.30 Volare: Valentino Guseli. 11.40 The Equalizer. (Mav) 12.30 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 2.30 Destination WA. (PG, R) 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R) 4.30 A Current Affair. (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.

6.00 10 News+. 6.30 Deal Or No Deal. (R) 7.30 The Dog House Australia. (PGa, R) Narrated by Mark Coles Smith. 8.30 MOVIE: Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning. (2023, PGlv, R) Ethan Hunt and his IMF team must track down a new weapon that threatens all of humanity before it falls into the wrong hands. Tom Cruise, Hayley Atwell, Ving Rhames. 11.40 10’s Late News. 12.10 10 News+. (R) 12.40 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 1.30 Home Shopping. (R)

ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Children’s Programs. 2.15pm Peter Rabbit. 2.45 The Makery. 3.05 Play School: Let The Games Begin. 3.30 Wiggle And Learn. 4.15 Andy’s Aquatic Adventures. 4.40 Vida The Vet. 5.40 Kangaroo Beach. 6.05 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.25 Paddington. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.35 Ninjago. 8.00 Deadly 60. (Final) 8.30 Ice Age. 9.15 Planet Weird. 10.05 Merlin. 10.50 Late Programs.

VICELAND (31) 6am Morning Programs. 12.30pm Homicide. 2.30 Mastermind Aust. 3.30 BBC News At Ten. 4.00 France 24. 4.30 PBS News. 5.30 Freddie Flintoff’s Field Of Dreams Tour. 6.40 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 Genius Game. 9.30 The UnXplained Mysteries. 10.20 The Handmaid’s Tale. 11.10 Hoarders. 12.40am We Need To Talk About Cosby. 1.50 NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera.

7TWO (62) 6am Morning Programs. 7.30 Harry’s Practice. 8.00 Million Dollar Minute. 9.00 Medical Emergency. 9.30 NBC Today. Noon Better Homes. 1.00 Escape To The Country. 2.00 Creek To Coast. 2.30 Air Crash Inv: Accident Files. 3.30 Harry’s Practice. 4.00 Million Dollar Minute. 4.30 Better Homes. 5.30 Escape To The Country. 6.30 Bargain Hunt. 7.30 Call The Midwife. 8.45 Judge John Deed. 10.45 Late Programs.

9GEM (82) 6am Danger Man. 7.00 Creflo Dollar Ministries. 7.30 Thunderbirds. 8.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. 9.30 Newstyle Direct. 10.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. 10.30 Pointless. 11.30 Tennis. Adelaide International. Day 2. 6pm Tennis. Adelaide International. Night 2. 11.00 Agatha Christie’s Marple. 1am Creflo. 1.30 Harry Wild. 2.30 Mrs Sidhu Investigates. 4.30 Danger Man. 5.30 Find My Country House Canada.

DRAMA (51) 6am Shopping. 8.00 Escape Fishing With ET. 9.00 The Living Room. 10.00 JAG. Noon Days Of Our Lives. 12.45 The Young And The Restless. 1.30 The Dog House. 2.30 JAG. 4.30 The Living Room. 5.30 JAG. 7.30 NCIS. 10.20 Matlock. 12.15am Home Shopping.

ABC ENTERTAINS (23)

6am Morning Programs. 1pm TBA. 1.45 You Can’t Ask That. 2.05 ER. 2.50 Heartbreak High. 3.35 A Bite To Eat. 4.05 Would I Lie To You? 4.40 MythBusters. 5.30 Car S.O.S. 6.15 Portrait Artist Of The Year. 7.00 House Of Games. 7.30 QI. 8.00 Would I Lie To You? 8.30 Fisk. 9.25 TBA. 10.10 ER. 10.55 Not Going Out. 11.25 Rage. 12.25am Breeders. 1.15 MOVIE: A Perfect Murder. (1998, MA15+) 3.00 Late Programs.

SBS MOVIES (32) 6am The Emperor’s Club. Continued. (2002, PG) 7.55 Nausicaä Of The Valley Of The Wind. (1984, PG) 10.10 Ondine. (2009, M) 12.10pm Let The River Flow. (2023, M, Norwegian) 2.30 My Sailor, My Love. (2022, PG) 4.25 The Crow’s Egg. (2014, PG, Tamil) 6.10 Castle In The Sky. (1986) 8.30 Jules. (2023) 10.10 Princess Mononoke. (1997, PG, Japanese) 12.40am Late Programs.

7MATE (64) 6am Morning Programs. 9.00 America’s Game. 10.00 Aussie Adventure Bike Show. 10.30 American Pickers. 11.30 Sound FX: Best Of. Noon NFL. NFL Playoffs. Wild Card Round. 3.30 Billy The Exterminator. 4.30 American Resto. 5.00 Storage Wars. 5.30 American Pickers. 6.30 Pawn Stars. 7.30 Outback Truckers. 9.30 Railroad Australia. 10.30 Ice Road Truckers. 11.30 Late Programs.

9GO! (83) 6am Children’s Programs. 8.00 Formula E. Mexico City ePrix. H’lights. 9.05 Nanny. 9.35 Addams Family. 10.05 Bewitched. 10.35 Jeannie. 11.05 The West Wing. (Final) Noon The Summit. 1.30 Surfing Aust. 2.00 Golden Girls. 2.30 Nanny. 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family. 5.00 Bewitched. 5.30 Jeannie. 6.00 Golden Girls. 6.30 Nanny. 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30 MOVIE: Flight Of The Navigator. (1986) 10.30 Late Programs.

ABC NEWS (24) 6am Morning Programs. 1pm ABC News Day. 3.00 News. 4.00 ABC News Summer. 6.00 ABC News Hour. 7.00 National News. 7.30 7.30. 8.00 News Tonight. 8.30 Aust Story. 9.00 The World. 9.30 Foreign Correspondent. 10.00 Nightly News. 10.30 7.30. 11.00 News. 11.30 Play On. Midnight News. 12.30 The World. 1.00 News. 1.15 7.30. 1.45 Tech Smart Agriculture. 2.00 Late Programs.

SBS FOOD (33) 6am Morning Programs. 2.30pm Kriol Kitchen. 3.00 Kitchen Glow Up. 3.30 Taste Of Aust. 4.00 Lidia’s Kitchen. 4.30 My Market Kitchen. 5.00 Paradise Kitchen Bali. 5.30 Everyday Gourmet. 6.00 Jamie At Home. 6.30 Curry Kitchen. 7.00 The Cook Up. 7.30 Silvia’s Italian Masterclass. 8.00 The Big Irish Food Tour. 8.30 Hotel Chocolat: Unwrapped. (Premiere) 9.30 No Reservations. 10.25 Late Programs.

NITV (34) 6am Morning Programs. 1pm Benny And The Dreamers. 2.00 Strait To The Plate. 2.30 The Cook Up. 3.00 Spartakus. 3.25 Cities Of Gold. 4.35 Motown Magic. 5.00 Harlem Globetrotters. 5.30 Indian Country Today News. 6.00 Bamay. 6.40 Africa’s Hidden Kingdoms. 7.30 Big Backyard Quiz. 8.30 Unleash The Beast. 9.30 Hunting Aotearoa. 10.30 MOVIE: The Orator. (2011, PG) 12.30am Late Programs.

9LIFE (84) 6am Morning Programs. 1pm Island Of Bryan. 2.00 Beachfront Bargain Hunt: Renovation. 3.00 The Block. 4.00 Derelict Rescue. 5.00 Scott’s Vacation House Rules. 6.00 House Hunters Int. 6.30 House Hunters. 7.00 House Hunters: All Stars. 7.30 Help! We Bought A Village. 8.30 Chateau DIY. 9.30 Britain’s Most Expensive Houses. 10.30 Beyond The Farm: Men At Work. 11.30 Late Programs.

SKY NEWS (53)

WEDNESDAY, January 14 ABC TV (2)

SBS (3)

SEVEN (6)

NBN (8, 80)

TEN (5)

6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 News. 10.00 Australia’s Favourite Tree. (R) 11.10 All Creatures Great And Small. (R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 1.00 Miniseries: The Cry. (Mal, R) 1.55 Restoration Australia. (PG, R) 2.55 Would I Lie To You? (R) 3.25 Nigella At My Table. (R) 3.55 Grand Designs: The Streets. (R) 4.45 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

6.00 DW English News. 6.30 Al Jazeera News. 7.00 BBC News At Six. 7.30 France 24 English News. 8.00 DD India News Hour. 9.00 Rediscover Victoria. (PG, R) 10.30 Tennis. Kooyong Classic. Day 2. 5.00 Motor Racing. Dakar Rally. Stage 9. Highlights.

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show Summer Series. (PG) 12.00 MOVIE: Love, Romance And Chocolate. (2019, PGa) 2.00 Bridge Of Lies. 3.00 The Chase. (R) 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia.

6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra Summer. (PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 MOVIE: Learning To Love. (2023, G, R) 2.00 Pointless. (PG, R) 3.00 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 4.00 9News Afternoon. 5.00 Tipping Point Australia. (PG, R)

6.00 Ent. Tonight. (R) 6.30 Deal Or No Deal. (R) 7.00 Bold. (PG, R) 7.30 Farm To Fork. (R) 8.00 Lingo. (R) 9.00 The Finish Line. (R) 10.00 Ent. Tonight. 10.30 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly Australia. (PGa, R) 11.30 My Market Kitchen. (R) 12.00 Farm To Fork. 12.30 Family Feud. (PG, R) 1.00 News. 2.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R) 2.30 The Finish Line. 3.30 Lingo. (R) 4.30 Bold. (PG) 5.00 News.

6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R) 7.00 ABC News. 7.30 7.30. 8.00 Hard Quiz. (PG) 8.30 The Weekly With Charlie Pickering. (Return, Ml) 9.00 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R) 9.30 Changing Ends. (PG) 10.20 Classic Countdown Extras. (PG, R) 10.35 ABC Late News. 10.50 The Jetty. (MA15+, R) 11.50 Grand Designs: The Streets. (R) 12.40 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 1.25 Rage. (MA15+dhlnsv) 2.25 Close To Me. (Mals, R) 4.00 Gardening Aust. (R) 5.00 A Bite To Eat. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R) 6.30 SBS World News. 7.35 Michael Palin: Into Iraq. (PGa, R) 8.30 The Jury: Murder Trial UK. 9.25 Crime. (MA15+) 10.25 Great British Railway Journeys. (PG, R) 11.00 Face To Face. (Mals) 11.50 Darkness: Those Who Kill. (Malv) 1.35 The Eco Show. (R) 2.35 Designing Paradise With Bill Bensley. (PG, R) 4.05 My Unique B&B. (R) 4.40 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 7News Local. 6.30 7News @ 6:30. 7.00 Cricket. Big Bash League. Match 35. Hobart Hurricanes v Brisbane Heat. 10.30 Big Bash League Post-Match. Post-match coverage of the game between the Hobart Hurricanes and Brisbane Heat. 11.00 Air Crash Investigations: Power Play. (PGa, R) Documents the crash of PNG Flight 1600. 12.00 Wolfe. (Premiere, MA15+anv) A body is found at a meat processing plant. 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. News and current affairs. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

6.00 NBN News. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 Tennis. 1 Point Slam. 10.00 American Crime Story. (Madlsv) Johnnie Cochran and F. Lee Bailey search for the Mark Fuhrman tapes and Judge Ito decides if they are admissible. 12.15 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 1.05 Fishing Australia. (R) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 2.30 Global Shop. (R) 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R) 4.30 A Current Affair. (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.

6.00 10 News+. Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 6.30 Deal Or No Deal. (R) Hosted by Grant Denyer. 7.30 Gogglebox Australia. (PGals, R) Opinionated viewers discuss TV shows. 9.00 Elsbeth. (Mas, R) While investigating the death of a wealthy real estate developer, Elsbeth is led to the last person to see him alive. 10.00 10’s Late News. Coverage of news, sport and weather. 10.30 10 News+. (R) 11.00 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 12.00 Home Shopping. (R)

ABC FAMILY (22)

6am Children’s Programs. 3.40pm Fizzy And Suds. 4.15 Andy’s Aquatic Adventures. 4.40 Vida The Vet. 5.40 Kangaroo Beach. 6.05 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.25 Paddington. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.35 Ninjago. 8.00 Deadly 60. 8.50 Adv Time. 9.35 We Bare Bears. 9.50 Shaun Tan’s Tales From Outer Suburbia. 10.10 My Adventures With Superman. 10.35 Late Programs.

VICELAND (31) 6am Morning Programs. 1.30pm If You Are The One. 3.30 WorldWatch. 5.30 Freddie Flintoff’s Field Of Dreams Tour. 6.40 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 Genius Game. 9.40 The UnXplained Mysteries. 10.30 The Handmaid’s Tale. 11.30 MOVIE: Ninja Assassin. (2009, MA15+) 1.20am Tales From The Territories. 2.10 NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera.

7TWO (62) 6am Home In WA. 6.30 Escape To The Country. 7.30 Harry’s Practice. 8.00 Million Dollar Minute. 9.00 Medical Emergency. 9.30 NBC Today. Noon Better Homes. 1.00 Escape To The Country. 2.00 Weekender. 2.30 The Master. 3.30 Harry’s Practice. 4.00 Million Dollar Minute. 4.30 Better Homes. 5.30 Escape To The Country. 6.30 Bargain Hunt. 7.30 Heartbeat. 8.45 Inspector George Gently. 10.45 Late Programs.

9GEM (82) 6am Danger Man. 7.00 Creflo Dollar Ministries. 7.30 Thunderbirds. 8.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. 10.30 Pointless. 11.30 Tennis. Adelaide International. Day 3. 6pm Tennis. Adelaide International. Night 3. 11.00 Midsomer Murders. 1am Creflo. 1.30 Harry Wild. 2.30 Mrs Sidhu Investigates. 4.30 Danger Man. 5.30 Find My Country House Canada.

DRAMA (51) 6am Shopping. 8.00 Reel Action. 9.00 The Living Room. 10.00 JAG. Noon Days Of Our Lives. 12.45 The Young And The Restless. 1.30 The Dog House. 2.30 JAG. 4.30 The Living Room. 5.30 JAG. 7.30 NCIS. 10.20 Matlock. 12.15am Home Shopping.

ABC ENTERTAINS (23)

6am Morning Programs. 1pm TBA. 1.40 Whose Line Is It Anyway? 2.05 ER. 2.50 Heartbreak High. 3.35 A Bite To Eat. 4.05 Would I Lie To You? 4.40 MythBusters. 5.30 Car S.O.S. 6.15 Portrait Artist Of The Year. 7.00 House Of Games. 7.30 QI. 8.00 Would I Lie To You? 8.30 Death In Paradise. 9.30 TBA. 10.15 ER. 11.00 Not Going Out. 11.30 Rage Vault. 12.30am Late Programs.

SBS MOVIES (32) 6am The Crow’s Egg. Continued. (2014, PG, Tamil) 7.10 The Movie Show. 7.45 Castle In The Sky. (1986) 10.10 Princess Mononoke. (1997, PG, Japanese) 12.30pm The Exchange. (2021, M) 2.15 Finding Altamira. (2016, PG) 4.00 Discovering Film. 4.55 The Secret Garden. (2020, PG) 6.45 Mary And Max. (2009, PG) 8.30 Reality. (2023, M) 10.05 Haywire. (2011, M) 11.50 Late Programs.

7MATE (64) 6am Morning Programs. 10.30 American Resto. 11.00 Storage Wars. 11.30 American Pickers. 12.30pm Pawn Stars. 1.00 Outback Truckers. 3.00 Billy The Exterminator. 4.30 American Resto. 5.00 Storage Wars. 5.30 American Pickers. 6.30 Pawn Stars. 7.30 Highway Patrol. 8.30 The Force: BTL. 9.30 Caught On Dashcam. 10.30 World’s Wildest Police Videos. 11.30 Late Programs.

9GO! (83) 6am Children’s Programs. 8.00 Ready Vet Go: The Vet Paramedics. 8.30 Nanny. 9.30 Addams Family. 10.00 Bewitched. 10.30 Jeannie. 11.00 The Summit. 2pm Golden Girls. 2.30 Nanny. 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family. 5.00 Bewitched. 5.30 Jeannie. 6.00 Golden Girls. 6.30 Nanny. 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30 MOVIE: Doctor Dolittle. (1998, PG) 10.15 Seinfeld. 11.15 The 100. 12.10am Late Programs.

ABC NEWS (24) 6am Morning Programs. 1pm ABC News Day. 3.00 News. 4.00 ABC News Summer. 6.00 ABC News Hour. 7.00 National News. 7.30 7.30. 8.00 News Tonight. 8.25 Aust Story. 9.00 The World. 9.30 Foreign Correspondent. 10.00 Nightly News. 10.30 7.30. 11.00 News. 11.30 The Art Of. Midnight News. 12.30 The World. 1.00 News. 1.15 7.30. 1.45 Tech Smart Agriculture. 2.00 Late Programs.

SBS FOOD (33) 6am Morning Programs. 2.00 My Greatest Dishes. 2.30 Kriol Kitchen. 3.00 Kitchen Glow Up. 3.30 Taste Of Aust. 4.00 Lidia’s Kitchen. 4.30 My Market Kitchen. 5.00 Paradise Kitchen Bali. 5.30 Everyday Gourmet. 6.00 Jamie At Home. 6.30 Curry Kitchen. 7.00 The Cook Up. 7.30 Sara’s Istanbul Delights. 8.00 Global Soul Kitchen. 8.30 Two Greedy Italians. 9.40 No Reservations. 10.30 Late Programs.

NITV (34) 6am Morning Programs. 11.00 A Wing And A Prayer. Noon Piri’s Tiki Tour. 12.30 Unleash The Beast. 1.30 Off Country. 2.00 Strait To The Plate. 2.30 The Cook Up. 3.00 Spartakus. 3.25 Cities Of Gold. 4.35 Motown Magic. 5.00 Harlem Globetrotters. 5.30 News. 6.00 Bamay. 6.40 Africa’s Hidden Kingdoms. 7.30 Our Medicine. 8.40 Earth Oven. (Premiere) 9.25 MOVIE: Poetic Justice. (1993, MA15+) 11.20 Late Programs.

9LIFE (84) 6am Morning Programs. 10.00 House Hunters. 10.30 Derelict Rescue. 11.30 Beyond The Farm: Men At Work. 12.30pm Britain’s Most Expensive Houses. 1.30 Help! We Bought A Village. 2.30 The Block. 4.00 Derelict Rescue. 5.00 Chateau DIY. 6.00 House Hunters Int. 6.30 House Hunters. 7.00 House Hunters: All Stars. 7.30 Home Town. 8.30 Good Bones. 9.30 Windy City Rehab. 10.30 Rico To The Rescue. 11.30 Late Programs.

SKY NEWS (53)

THURSDAY, January 15 ABC TV (2)

SBS (3)

SEVEN (6)

NBN (8, 80)

TEN (5)

6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 News. 10.00 Hard Quiz. (PG, R) 10.30 The Weekly. (Ml, R) 11.10 Changing Ends. (PG, R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 1.00 Miss Austen. (R) 2.00 Restoration Australia. (PG, R) 2.55 Would I Lie To You? (PG, R) 3.25 Nigella At My Table. (R) 3.55 Grand Designs: The Streets. (R) 4.45 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

6.00 DW English News. 6.30 Al Jazeera News. 7.00 BBC News At Six. 7.30 France 24 English News. 8.00 DD India News Hour. 9.00 Rediscover Victoria. (R) 10.30 Tennis. Kooyong Classic. Day 3. 5.00 Motor Racing. Dakar Rally. Stage 10. Highlights.

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show Summer Series. (PG) 12.00 MOVIE: Sweet As Maple Syrup. (2022, PGa) 2.00 Bridge Of Lies. 3.00 The Chase. (R) 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia.

6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra Summer. (PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 MOVIE: Love’s Fast Lane. (2023, PGa, R) 2.00 Pointless. (PG, R) 3.00 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 4.00 9News Afternoon. 5.00 Tipping Point Australia. (PG, R)

6.00 Ent. Tonight. (R) 6.30 Deal Or No Deal. (R) 7.00 Bold. (PG, R) 7.30 Farm To Fork. (R) 8.00 Lingo. (R) 9.00 The Finish Line. (R) 10.00 Ent. Tonight. 10.30 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly Australia. (R) 11.30 My Market Kitchen. (R) 12.00 Farm To Fork. 12.30 Family Feud. (PG, R) 1.00 News. 2.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R) 2.30 The Finish Line. 3.30 Lingo. (R) 4.30 Bold. (PG) 5.00 News.

6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R) 7.00 ABC News. 7.30 7.30. 8.00 Grand Designs Transformations: Teneriffe Tree House and Dubbo Garden. 9.00 Amanda & Alan’s Italian Job. (PG) 9.30 Goolagong. (M, R) 10.40 ABC Late News. 10.55 Grand Designs: The Streets. (R) 11.40 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 12.30 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 2.25 Close To Me. (Madl, R) 4.00 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.00 A Bite To Eat With Alice. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R) 6.30 SBS World News. 7.35 Toronto Airport Uncovered. 8.25 Robson Green: World’s Most Amazing Walks. 9.20 In Flight. 10.15 Great British Railway Journeys. (PGa, R) 10.50 Before We Die. (Mlv, R) 11.45 Outlander. (MA15+av, R) 2.05 The Eco Show. (R) 3.00 Designing Paradise With Bill Bensley. (R) 3.55 My Unique B&B. (R) 4.30 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 7News Local. 6.30 7News @ 6:30. 7.00 Cricket. Big Bash League. Match 36. Melbourne Renegades v Perth Scorchers. 10.30 Seven’s Cricket: The Spin. An expert panel examines the latest in cricket. 11.15 Boyzone: Life, Death And Boybands: When The Going Gets Tough. (Mal, R) 12.15 MOVIE: A Criminal Affair. (2021, Mav, R) Savvy Shay. 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 Tennis. Australian Open. Exhibition match. Carlos Alcaraz v Alex De Minaur. 10.00 A+E After Dark. (Mlm, R) Police bring in an abusive male. 11.00 Chicago Med. (Ma) 12.00 First On Scene. (Mav, R) 12.30 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 2.30 Global Shop. (R) 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R) 4.30 A Current Affair. (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.

6.00 10 News+. Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 6.30 Deal Or No Deal. (R) Hosted by Grant Denyer. 7.30 Attenborough’s Parenthood. (PGa) 8.30 The Graham Norton Show. (PGs) Guests include Malala Yousafzai. 9.40 Law & Order: SVU. (Msv, R) The team investigates an attack on law students. 10.40 10’s Late News. 11.10 10 News+. (R) 11.40 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 12.30 Home Shopping. (R)

ABC FAMILY (22)

6am Children’s Programs. 3.40pm Fizzy And Suds. 4.15 Andy’s Aquatic Adventures. 4.40 Vida The Vet. 5.40 Kangaroo Beach. 6.05 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.25 Paddington. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.35 Ninjago. 8.00 Deadly 60. 8.30 Secrets Of The Zoo. 9.10 Secret Life Of The Tasmanian Devils. 10.00 The Wonderful World Of Puppies. 10.40 Late Programs.

VICELAND (31) 6am Morning Programs. 12.40pm Mastermind Aust. 1.40 Devoured. 2.30 Insight. 3.30 BBC News At Ten. 4.00 France 24. 4.30 PBS News. 5.30 Freddie Flintoff’s Field Of Dreams Tour. 6.40 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 Genius Game. 9.30 The UnXplained Mysteries. 10.20 The Handmaid’s Tale. 11.25 Homicide. 1.05am Threesome. 2.05 NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera.

7TWO (62) 6am Morning Programs. 9.00 Medical Emergency. 9.30 NBC Today. Noon Better Homes. 1.00 Escape To The Country. 2.00 Home In WA. 2.30 Young Elizabeth. 3.30 Harry’s Practice. 4.00 Million Dollar Minute. 4.30 Better Homes. 5.30 Escape To The Country. 6.30 Bargain Hunt. 7.30 Father Brown. 8.30 The Inspector Lynley Mysteries. 10.30 Murdoch Mysteries. 11.30 Late Programs.

9GEM (82) 6am Danger Man. 7.00 Creflo Dollar Ministries. 7.30 Thunderbirds. 8.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. 10.30 Pointless. 11.30 Tennis. Adelaide International. Day 4. 6pm Tennis. Adelaide International. Night 4. 11.00 Poirot. 1am Creflo. 1.30 Major Crimes. 2.30 Mrs Sidhu Investigates. 4.30 Danger Man. 5.30 Find My Country House Canada.

DRAMA (51) 6am Shopping. 8.00 Reel Action. 9.00 The Living Room. 10.00 JAG. Noon Days Of Our Lives. 12.45 The Young And The Restless. 1.30 The Dog Academy. 2.30 JAG. 4.30 The Living Room. 5.30 JAG. 7.30 NCIS. 10.20 Matlock. 12.15am Home Shopping.

ABC ENTERTAINS (23)

6am Morning Programs. 1pm TBA. 1.45 Documentary Now! 2.05 ER. 2.50 Heartbreak High. 3.35 A Bite To Eat. 4.05 Would I Lie To You? 4.40 MythBusters. 5.30 Car S.O.S. 6.15 Portrait Artist Of The Year. 7.00 House Of Games. 7.30 QI. 8.00 Would I Lie To You? 8.30 Hard Quiz. 9.00 Gruen. 9.40 The Weekly. 10.10 ER. 10.50 Not Going Out. 11.20 Rage Charts. 12.25am Mayfair Witches. 1.05 Late Programs.

SBS MOVIES (32) 6am The Secret Garden. Continued. (2020, PG) 7.40 The Movie Show. 8.15 Mary And Max. (2009, PG) 10.00 Jules. (2023) 11.35 Under The Stars Of Paris. (2020, M, French) 1.15pm The Crow’s Egg. (2014, PG, Tamil) 2.55 The Great Dictator. (1940, PG) 5.10 Vai. (2019, PG) 6.50 BMX Bandits. (1983, PG) 8.30 Moving On. (2022, M) 10.05 5 To 7. (2014, M) 11.55 Death Proof. (2007, MA15+) 2am Late Programs.

7MATE (64) 6am Morning Programs. 10.00 Blokesworld. 10.30 American Resto. 11.00 Storage Wars. 11.30 American Pickers. 12.30pm Caught On Dashcam. 1.30 Highway Patrol. 2.30 The Force: BTL. 3.30 Full Custom Garage. 4.30 American Resto. 5.00 Storage Wars. 5.30 American Pickers. 6.30 Pawn Stars. 7.30 American Pickers. 8.30 MOVIE: The Last Of The Mohicans. (1992, M) 10.55 Late Programs.

9GO! (83) 6am Children’s Programs. 8.00 Ready Vet Go: The Vet Paramedics. 8.30 Nanny. 9.30 Addams Family. 10.00 Bewitched. 10.30 Jeannie. 11.00 My Way. 11.15 The Summit. 2pm Golden Girls. 2.30 Nanny. 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family. 5.00 Bewitched. 6.00 Golden Girls. 6.30 Nanny. 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30 MOVIE: Doctor Dolittle 2. (2001, PG) 10.15 Seinfeld. 11.15 The 100. 12.10am Late Programs.

COMEDY (52) 6am Morning Programs. 11.30 Deal Or No Deal. Noon The Inspired Unemployed: The List. 1.00 Ridiculousness. 2.00 Stephen Colbert. 3.00 Becker. 3.30 Frasier. 4.00 Farm To Fork. 4.30 Frasier. 5.00 Becker. 5.30 Frasier. 6.30 Friends. 8.00 Big Bang. 9.30 Becker. 10.00 Frasier. 11.00 Ridiculousness. Midnight Shopping. 2.30 Bold. 3.30 Stephen Colbert. 4.30 Shopping.

ABC NEWS (24) 6am Morning Programs. 1pm ABC News Day. 3.00 News. 4.00 ABC News Summer. 6.00 ABC News Hour. 7.00 National News. 7.30 7.30. 8.00 News Tonight. 8.25 Aust Story. 9.00 The World. 9.30 Foreign Correspondent. 10.00 Nightly News. 10.30 If You’re Listening. 11.00 News. 11.30 7.30. Midnight News. 12.30 The World. 1.00 News. 1.15 7.30. 1.45 Tech Smart Agriculture. 2.00 Late Programs.

SBS FOOD (33) 6am Morning Programs. 1.30pm Nordic Cookery. 2.00 My Greatest Dishes. 2.30 Kriol Kitchen. 3.00 Kitchen Glow Up. 3.30 Taste Of Aust. 4.00 Lidia’s Kitchen. 4.30 My Market Kitchen. 5.00 Paradise Kitchen Bali. 5.30 Everyday Gourmet. 6.00 Jamie At Home. 6.30 Curry Kitchen. 7.00 The Cook Up. 7.30 Khanh Ong’s Wild Food. 8.30 Food Heroes. 9.30 No Reservations. 10.25 Late Programs.

NITV (34) 6am Morning Programs. 11.00 Our Medicine. 12.10pm Earth Oven. 1.00 The Coolbaroo Club. 2.00 Strait To The Plate. 2.30 The Cook Up. 3.00 Spartakus. 3.25 Cities Of Gold. 4.35 Motown Magic. 5.00 Harlem Globetrotters. 5.30 Going Places. 6.00 Bamay. 6.40 Africa’s Hidden Kingdoms. 7.30 Going Places. 8.30 Reservation Dogs. 9.50 MOVIE: Action Jackson. (1988, M) 11.30 Late Programs.

9LIFE (84) 6am Morning Programs. 10.00 House Hunters. 10.30 Derelict Rescue. 11.30 Good Bones. 12.30pm Rico To The Rescue. 1.30 Home Town. 2.30 Garden Gurus Moments. 2.45 The Block. 4.00 Derelict Rescue. 5.00 Windy City Rehab. 6.00 House Hunters Int. 6.30 House Hunters. 7.00 House Hunters: All Stars. 7.30 Fixer Upper. 9.30 My Lottery Dream Home. 10.30 Restored By The Fords. 11.00 Late Programs.

SKY NEWS (53)

6am First Edition. 9.00 Fox Sports News. 10.00 NewsDay. Noon Fox Sports News. 1.00 NewsDay. 2.00 Afternoon Agenda. 6.00 Credlin. 7.00 The Bolt Report. 8.00 The Late Debate. 9.00 The Dismissal: 50 Years On. 10.00 NewsNight. Midnight News.

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Today’s target: 18 words average 24 words good 30+ words excellent

ARIES (Mar 21 - Apr 19)

LEO (July 23 - Aug 22)

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 - Dec 21)

The People Restless, impatient Rams… are you being too The Sun,Feature Mercury, Venus and Mars are visiting Money is on your mind as five planets move Auspac Media slapdash? With the Sun, Mercury, Venus and Capricorn (in your work and wellbeing zones), through your financial zones. Beware of dubious Mars visiting Capricorn (in your career zone) so roll your sleeves up, put your head down and 5553 3200 PO B oisxon your 8 2 7mind. 1 But it won’t be rushed.Telephone: success complete an (07) ambitious project with fiery flourish! 800 652 284 in 2026, you B And u n itdcertainly a l l won’t Q l darrive without a lot of hardTollIf Free: you want to1 survive and thrive (07) 3201 A work, u s t dogged r a l i apersistence 4 2 1 7and patience on yourFax:need to keep one5553 step ahead of the professional part. So, avoid approaching people, projects and pack. It’s also a good week to start a healthy new Email: auspac@auspacmedia.com.au situations in a hasty and half-baked fashion. Slow diet, reboot your exercise program and introduce down, Aries! Do yourour homework make sure meditation, yoga or some other form of relaxation Visit site:and www.auspacmedia.com.au you are thoroughly prepared. into your daily routine. TAURUS (Apr 20 - May 20) VIRGO (Aug 23 - Sep 22) Stubborn Bulls prefer things to stay the same but Relationships are highlighted, as you link up with (with Uranus still in your sign) there’s no escaping a partner (of the romantic or business variety) change at the moment! A cherished goal or an from home or far away. You’re in the mood to help ambitious aspiration may seem to be lost in the a loved one through a rough patch or cheer up a distance (like a long-forgotten dream) but it is work colleague who is down in the dumps. Time for still within reach. Plough on with passion and diplomatic Virgos to listen closely, communicate purpose, desire and determination. Your motto clearly and consult often. If you’re holidaying with for the week is from music icon (and birthday family members or partying with friends, pace great) David Bowie: “Tomorrow belongs to those yourself. Otherwise, you’ll be exhausted by the who can hear it coming.” end of the week! GEMINI (May 21 - June 20) LIBRA (Sep 23 - Oct 22) This week the Sun, Mercury, Venus and Mars The Sun, Mercury, Venus and Mars are in your shine a bright spotlight on lust and loot, so an domestic zone, so it’s time to hone your multiintimate relationship could soar spectacularly or tasking skills as you cook, clean, craft, garden, crash and burn. The key to stability is trust. When decorate, renovate or entertain. Many Librans will it comes to money, the less you spend, the more combine work and family in creative ways in 2026. will come your way. But if you are rash with cash Some will join the family firm, while others start and careless with credit, then you’ll just waste a home-based business. Be inspired by birthday time worrying about your financial future. If you Duchess, Kate Middleton: “I’ve been working hard are disciplined and well-informed, then it will pay for the family business. I think everyone can see I off further down the track. am pulling my weight”. CANCER (June 21 - July 22) SCORPIO (Oct 23 - Nov 21) With the Sun, Mercury, Venus and Mars in your This week the Sun, Mercury, Venus and Mars are partnership zone, there’s no escaping relationships in your communication and education zones. So, at the moment! If you’re attached, avoid being a if you are teaching, studying, writing, podcasting clingy and co-dependent Crab. Strive to nurture or giving a speech during this period, make sure your spouse in positive, passionate and productive you slow down, revise, double-check and practice ways. If you’re swimming in the dating pool, give plenty of patience as you start to see things from a superficial suitors the flick. Pluto is transiting wider and more reflective perspective. Be inspired through your intimacy-and-trust zone, so set your by fellow Scorpio, painter Georgia O’Keeffe: “I sights on someone who is emotionally mature and decided to start anew, to strip away what I had ready to commit. been taught.”

WORD FIND

G E P A R E N T H E S E S A D I S A P P E A R E D P R E V Y X O C C G I A T E F W D P T K R O W P I H A L O S G J S S W O E Q U K D L K X T Z U R E V I D A A L W R O T E D H T E N S W O O D E N A T S A G Q M D F O C A N B E D L L T W I J H T M N N L E B A L L O U U C G L Y S Y A Q E Y Q R S E N I G N E G Y P T E L Z P L I M B S S R C Y

deals, shonky salespeople, spontaneous spending SOLUTION sprees, extravagant impulse buys and signing contracts for long-term services based on shortterm whims. Separating your wants from your needs is a must as smart Sagittarians get thrifty, cut excess consumption and adjust to getting by on less. Loving yourself – warts and all – is also a big lesson to learn in 2026. CAPRICORN (Dec 22 - Jan 19) This week the Sun, Mercury, Venus and Mars are all visiting your sign, which provides a welcome morale boost and increases your Capricorn drive and boosts your charisma. You’re feeling positive and proactive as you initiate a personal project, set long-term goals, update your physical appearance and/or travel, study, listen and learn. You could also receive some good news, or a lucky opportunity comes your way. So make the most of Lady Luck and enjoy! AQUARIUS (Jan 20 - Feb 18) It’s a good week to relax, meditate and contemplate. Four planets (the Sun, Mercury, Venus and Mars) are visiting your intrigue and solitude zones, so mystery abounds and you may not fully understand the complex undercurrents that are at play. Keep the conversation light and steer clear of controversial topics. Your motto is from birthday great, music icon David Bowie: “I don’t know where I’m going from here, but I promise it won’t be boring.” PISCES (Feb 19 - Mar 20) It’s all about friendships, group dynamics and networking this week. You’re keen to catch up Barbara Midgley with old mates, correspond with international contacts, or share special activities within your peer group. Make it a priority to surround yourself with positive people who encourage your dreams. But don’t be too hasty in your evaluation of a person, situation or future aspiration. There is more going on than meets the eye, so take the time to look closer and dig deeper.

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SOLUTIONS All the words listed below can be found in the grid.

Ally Angles Bags Ball Cold Deadly Disappeared Diver Dust Eat Egypt Engines Followed Fort Inch

Limbs Nature Nest Pad Parentheses Peg Rag Ripe Speak Tea Thud Top Wooden Work Wrote

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Puzzles and pagination supplied by Auspac Media

ACROSS 1 Cause 5 Queue 6 False god 7 Domestic animals

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Fit the numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 into the hexagons so that where the hexagons touch, the numbers will be the same. No number is repeated in any hexagon.

QUICK WORKOUT

19 21

TARGET TIME the numbers 1-6 once Fit G E P A R E N T H E S E S 5 AFTERNOON,5 anent, anon, into every hexagon so 1 A D I S A P P E A R E D P ante, atone, 1 atoner, earn, that where the hexagons touch, the numbers are the R E V Y X O C C G I A T E enroot, etna, fane, fanner, 2 fanon, fern, font, freon, same. No number is 3 repeated in any single 5 nanto,4natron, near, F W D P T K R O W P I H A front, hexagon. neat, neon, none, nonet, L O S G J S S W O E Q U K 1 4 noon, note, noter, oaten, 5 D L K X T Z U R E V I D A 4often,3onto, ornate, rant, A L W R O T E D H T E N S5 ratoon, rent,2roan, tanner, tarn, tenon, tenor, tern, 3 6 W O O D E N A T S A G Q M tone, toner, tonne, toon, 1 4 trona. D F O C A N B E D L L T W torn, © bmpuzzles Distributed by Knight Features TINY CROSS I J H T M N N L E B A L L ACROSS: 1 Sake, 5 Line, O U U C G L Y S Y A Q E Y 6 Idol, 7 Pets. Q R S E N I G N E G Y P T DOWN: 1 Slip, 2 Aide, SOLUTION E L Z P L I M B S S R C Y 3 Knot, 4 Eels.

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ASTROLOGY with Joanne Madeline Moore

Find words of four letters or more. Every word must include the centre letter and each letter is used once only. Find at least one nine-letter word. No colloquial or foreign words, capitalised nouns, apostrophes, hyphens. No verbs or plural words ending in ‘s’. Solution list is not exhaustive. Ref: Macquarie Dictionary

TINY CROSS

Barbara Midgley

T R O F N E O N A

TARGET TIME

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ENTERTAINMENT

January 08, 2026

Times

Northern Rivers Times Your Weekly Newspaper

Northern Rivers Community Gallery Opens 2026 With Four Major Exhibitions Jeff Gibbs The Northern Rivers Community Gallery has opened its 2026 exhibition program with four compelling exhibitions that explore landscape, memory, magic and inner worlds through painting, photography and digital animation. Opening on Thursday 8 January, the January exhibitions bring together leading Australian artists alongside emerging regional voices, offering audiences a diverse and immersive cultural experience at the Ballinabased gallery. Gallery Coordinator Imbi Davidson said the new season reflects the Gallery’s commitment to showcasing thoughtful, contemporary practice while remaining grounded in place. “NRCG is excited to launch its 2026 exhibition program, which showcases leading Australian artists alongside emerging talent from across the region,” Ms Davidson said. “Our first series of exhibitions offers a powerful opportunity to engage with artworks that explore nature, magic, landscape and the spaces beyond.”

Forests, Rituals and Inner Landscapes Into the Forest by Karyn Fendley presents a deeply contemplative series of landscape paintings drawn from the lakes, estuaries and

Image Credit: Dane Scotcher, Therapy (video still), 2025

forests of coastal national parks in northern New South Wales. Grounded in two decades of practice, Fendley’s work reflects an enduring respect for the natural world and invites viewers into quiet, layered environments shaped by time and observation. In Temporal Collapse, artist Linsey Gosper explores the intersection of art and magic through analogue photography and darkroom processes. Central to the exhibition is the altar — a symbolic site of ritual, devotion and offering — with imagery drawn from personal magical practice, myth and esoteric tradition.

Responding to Place and Experience

Eliza Adam responds directly to surrounding environments and histories of place. Through careful observation of the natural landscape, Adam’s work becomes a meditation on materiality and humanity’s relationship with the world. Meanwhile, Boundary Rider, a collaborative exhibition by Jacqueline and Dane Scotcher, combines abstract painting with slow digital animation. The duo explores internal, often intangible terrains, reflecting on how connection with natural rhythms can offer deeper inner knowing in an increasingly noisy external world.

Image Credit: Linsey Gosper, Pegasus, 2025

Exhibition Details

A Light Hold by multidisciplinary artist

All four exhibitions run until Sunday 1

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March 2026, with the official exhibition launch held 5.30pm–7.30pm, Thursday 8 January. The Northern Rivers Community Gallery

is located at 44 Cherry Street, Ballina, and is open Wednesday to Friday from 9am to 3pm , and weekends from 9.30am to 1pm.

The January exhibition program signals a strong start to 2026 for regional arts, reinforcing Ballina’s role as a cultural hub for the Northern Rivers.

January 08, 2026

The

Times

Northern Rivers Times Your Weekly Newspaper

BUSINESS NEWS

Australian Unemployment and Under-employment Remain Above 3 Million for 12th Straight Month Jeff Gibbs Australia’s labour market showed little improvement in November 2025, with combined unemployment and under-employment remaining above 3 million for the 12th consecutive month. Roy Morgan’s latest estimates reveal that “real” unemployment was virtually steady at 1.63 million people, representing 10.2% of the workforce. However, under-employment increased by 63,000 to 1.71 million, lifting the overall rate to 20.9% of the workforce. The national workforce grew by 110,000 in November to reach 15.97 million, equivalent to 68.8% of Australians aged 14 and over. This rise was led by an increase in employment, which climbed 119,000 to 14.34 million. Encouragingly, full-

time employment jumped by 210,000 to 9.2 million, while part-time employment fell by 91,000 to 5.14 million, signalling a shift toward more secure work. Unemployment remained broadly unchanged, down slightly by 9,000 from October. Fewer Australians were seeking full-time work (a decrease of 89,000 to 599,000), though this was largely offset by an 80,000 rise in people looking for part-time roles, lifting that cohort to 1.03 million. Despite signs of resilience, the number of Australians either unemployed or underemployed reached 3.34 million in November, highlighting persistent labour market fragility. Roy Morgan CEO

Michele Levine said the figures reflect an economy struggling to generate new employment opportunities. “Unemployment and under-employment have now remained above 3 million for a full year,” Ms Levine said. “Employment is down by 91,000 compared to a year ago, and the economy has not created net jobs over

that period. Both full-time and part-time employment have declined year-onyear, signalling ongoing stagnation.” Compared with November 2022— early in the Albanese Government’s term—the workforce has expanded by more than 1 million people, driven by strong population growth. The population aged 14+ has

grown by 1.8 million in three years, more than double the pre-pandemic average. Employment has grown by 759,000 over the same period, though unemployment has also risen by 290,000, reflecting pressure on labour demand. Ms Levine said rising inflation and low productivity remain key concerns. The ABS

Consumer Price Index reached 3.8% in October, the highest level in over a year. She argued that increased government spending is contributing to inflationary pressures, inhibiting the Reserve Bank of Australia’s ability to lower interest rates—unlike the United States and New Zealand, where recent cuts have been delivered. “As long as public spending continues to rise, the economy will remain sluggish and millions of Australians will stay unemployed or under-employed,” she said. The figures are based on Roy Morgan’s ongoing national survey program, incorporating more than 7,000 interviews during November.

Strata bankruptcies remain low, but funding shortfalls and buyer awareness remain critical issues Jeff Gibbs Strata bankruptcies remain rare across Australia, but funding gaps and buyer awareness continue to pose growing risks for apartment owners and strata communities, according to Strata Community Association Australasia (SCA). Recent media coverage has raised concerns about bankruptcy in strata-titled properties. However, new figures from the Financial Counsellors Association (FCA) show that insolvency within strata communities remains extremely low when viewed in a national context. The FCA data indicates there are 699 bankruptcy cases across Australia’s estimated 2.9 million strata lots, which collectively house more than four million owners and residents. This equates to just 0.022 per cent of the broader population. SCA Australasia Chief Executive Officer Alisha

Fisher said the figures confirm that bankruptcy is not widespread in strata communities, but they do highlight deeper structural pressures that can arise when buildings are not adequately funded for long-term maintenance and capital works. “While the data shows bankruptcy is rare, it also points to the consequences of underfunded buildings, where financial strain can build over time and eventually impact owners,” Ms Fisher said. She said SCA supports hardship provisions in place across several states and territories, including payment-in-arrears arrangements for owners experiencing genuine financial difficulty. At the same time, she said there must be stronger national progress on transparency and accountability in strata finances. “Governments of all political persuasions are clear that strata communities must be properly funded and structured to support

long-term capital works planning for repairs and maintenance,” Ms Fisher said. Underfunded capital works funds, she warned, can shift financial pressure onto other owners and expose both existing and incoming owners to significant risk. The Bankruptcy Act 1966 allows owners corporations to pursue bankruptcy as a lawful mechanism to recover unpaid levies. However, Ms Fisher said this often reflects broader funding failures rather than individual misconduct. “When levies go unpaid or buildings are left underfunded, other owners are effectively picking up the tab,” she said. “That can lead to sudden levy hikes, deferred maintenance and unexpected financial stress.” She also warned that buyers, particularly in newer buildings facing defect rectification, may not always fully understand a building’s

financial position before purchasing. “Buying into strata is not just about the apartment or townhouse itself,” Ms Fisher said. “It’s about the collective financial health of the building, including capital works funds, forecast maintenance costs and any known defects.” SCA Australasia continues to work with the FCA and governments on reforms aimed at

Servicing the Northern Rivers

“Your Sales & Property Management Specialists”

balancing fairness for owners in hardship with the long-term sustainability of strata communities. Ms Fisher said no one in strata wants to see neighbours lose their homes. She also backed calls to review the current $10,000 bankruptcy threshold, which SCA believes is outdated. “In today’s economic environment, SCA believes this figure

should be doubled to ensure greater fairness and clarity for owners experiencing hardship, while still protecting the long-term stability of strata communities,” she said. SCA said ongoing education, transparent financial reporting and realistic capital works planning remain essential to building resilient, well-managed strata communities nationwide.

“If you are thinking of selling, please give Barb Joblin a call”

Lyn Youngberry - Principal

0411 507 209

lyn.youngberry@smileelite.com lynyoungberryproperty.com.au

0438 866 264

MAH

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ARA

118.6

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MOTORING

The

January 08, 2026

Times

Northern Rivers Times Your Weekly Newspaper

New MG7 Sedan Set to Shake Up Australia’s Mid-Size Car Market Jeff Gibbs Australian car buyers will soon have a new mid-size contender to consider, with MG confirming pricing and key specifications for its upcoming MG7 sedan. Positioned as an affordable but featurepacked alternative to long-established models like the Toyota Camry, the MG7 aims to re-energise a segment that has thinned out in recent years. Arriving as a single, highly equipped variant priced from $44,990 before on-road costs, the MG7 brings a sharp focus on premium styling, strong performance and value for money. With Australian families increasingly seeking a practical and comfortable vehicle that still delivers modern features, the MG7 enters the market at a time of renewed interest in alternatives to SUVs. Strong Performance and Modern Powertrain The MG7 will be powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged fourcylinder petrol engine, producing 170 kW and 380 Nm. Power is delivered to the front wheels through a nine-speed automatic transmission. While no hybrid model has been confirmed for the initial Australian release, MG has indicated that electrified options are under consideration for future updates. Even without hybrid assistance, the MG7’s outputs place it well above

2026 MG7 several of its competitors in this price range, particularly for buyers who prioritise smooth performance for highway driving, commuting or long regional trips. For Northern Rivers motorists regularly travelling between towns or making extended trips along the Pacific Highway, the MG7’s strong midrange torque may prove appealing. Premium Features at a Competitive Price MG has positioned the MG7 as a “fully loaded” offering, avoiding the common tiered-trim approach seen in the midsize segment. Standard features include: = 19-inch alloy wheels = Electronic limited-slip differential = Adaptive suspension = Panoramic glass sunroof = Frameless doors

Quad exhaust outlets with an active rear spoiler = 12.3-inch touchscreen multimedia system = Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto = Satellite navigation = A 14-speaker Bose audio system = Head-up display = Dual-zone climate control = Power-adjustable driver’s seat This extensive list places the MG7 closer, in terms of equipment, to premium European sedans rather than its mid-sized Japanese rivals. Dimensionally, the MG7 measures 4,884 mm long, 1,889 mm wide and 1,447 mm high, with a 2,778 mm wheelbase— making it slightly larger than the current Toyota Camry. That extra space is expected to translate into =

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Lic.No MD1912 Lic.No MVRL39 Ph: 02 Ph: 6632 02Ph: 6632 0333 02Ph: 6632 0333 kyogle.admin@brownandhurley.com.au 02 Ph:6632 0333 02 kyogle.admin@brownandhurley.com.au 6632 0333 kyogle.admin@brownandhurley.com.au 0333 kyogle.admin@brownandhurley.com.au kyogle.admin@brownandhurley.com.au Lic.No MD1912 Lic.No MVRL39 Mon Mon - Fri 8am Mon - Fri 8am --Mon 5pm Fri Mon -8am -5pm /Fri Sat --8am Fri 5pm /8am Sat 8am - 8am 5pm /- 11:30am Sat - 5pm -8am / 11:30am Sat/ -8am Sat 11:30am 8am - 11:30am - 11:30am

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2026 MG7 Interior improved rear passenger room and greater overall cabin comfort. A Shift in the Mid-Size Market The MG7 arrives at a time when Australian motoring tastes have changed dramatically. Over the past decade, a

Feature / Specification

2026 MG7

2024–25 Toyota Camry Hybrid

Price (before on-road)

$44,990 2.0L turbo petrol 170 kW 380 Nm 9-speed automatic Petrol FWD 12.3” touchscreen, Bose audio Standard Feature-rich value sedan

$39,990–$53,990

Engine Power Torque Transmission

Fuel Type Drive Type Screens / Tech

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Sunroof CONGRATULATIONS TO 40 YEARS OF THE KYOGLE TURKEYS

long list of mid-size sedans—including the Holden Commodore, Ford Mondeo, Mazda6 diesel, Subaru Liberty and Hyundai Sonata— have either disappeared or become low-volume offerings. The Toyota Camry

remains the dominant name in the segment, but its hybrid technology and expanding price structure have pushed it higher in cost. The MG7 seeks to fill the gap for buyers wanting the convenience and space of a traditional sedan without the premium price tag. For Northern Rivers residents, where rising living costs and distance driving are everyday realities, the MG7’s blend of affordability and highlevel specification may offer a strong drawcard. How the MG7 Compares: A SnapshotWhat Happens Next? MG dealerships across Australia are preparing for the MG7’s rollout, with interest expected from both private buyers and fleet operators. The company is yet to announce delivery dates, but advance enquiries have already been strong. Whether the MG7 can challenge the Camry’s long-standing dominance remains to be seen. But with powerful performance, premium features and a competitive price point, MG’s new sedan enters the market with a level of confidence that suggests it is aiming to disrupt—not merely participate in—the midsize category. For Northern Rivers drivers seeking a stylish, modern sedan that blends value with high specification, the MG7 may be one of the most intriguing new arrivals of 2026.

Positioning

2.5L petrol-electric hybrid ~160–170 kW combined 221 Nm engine + electric assist e-CVT Hybrid FWD Toyota multimedia suite Optional, trim-dependent Efficient family hybrid

Jake’s Tyres is excited to announce that we are now the new owners of Halls tyres and with that we are moving to a new location...

10 Mayfield Street South Murwillumbah

Services: Tyres and Rims | Puncture repairs Wheel alignments and Wheel Balance Tractor tyres and Truck Tyres | Call out services

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WHILE THE LOCATION MAY BE BIG AND NEW, YOU CAN STILL COUNT ON US TO PROVIDE THE SAME GREAT SERVICE AND GREAT SERVICE AND COMPETITIVE PRICES FROM OUR TRUSTED TEAM.

We thank you all for the continued support and can’t wait to see you over in our new home.

The

HEALTH

Times

January 08, 2026

Northern Rivers Times Your Weekly Newspaper

Palliative Care Investment Key to Easing Hospital Bed Block, Sector Says Jeff Gibbs Palliative Care Australia (PCA) says strategic investment in end-of-life care could play a major role in relieving pressure on overcrowded public hospitals, urging the Federal Government to use the 2026 Budget to strengthen communitybased support and reduce unnecessary admissions. In its latest Budget Submission, PCA argues that thousands of Australians end up occupying hospital beds not because they require acute medical care, but because they have not received timely palliative support or have been unable to remain safely at home. PCA CEO Camilla Rowland said improved access to palliative care is both compassionate and practical, with significant potential to reduce so-called hospital “bed block”. “Hospital spending is much higher for people in their last year of life. While

many people do need hospital care, others end up there because they haven’t had the right care early enough, or because their wishes weren’t respected,” Ms Rowland said. “On average, people first see a specialist palliative

care service just 15 days before they die. That is far too late. We can, and must, do better.” PCA’s proposals urge the Commonwealth to shift the focus from late-stage intervention to early, coordinated support

delivered at home or in aged care—settings most Australians prefer. The submission outlines several key reforms designed to reduce avoidable hospital stays and speed up safe discharge, including:

A redesigned health system that clearly outlines palliative care responsibilities across hospitals, general practice and aged care. l Proper funding for GPs to undertake home visits and essential palliative l

care activities currently not recognised under Medicare. l Aged care funding based on palliative need, instead of lifeexpectancy predictions that even experienced doctors struggle to make. l Foundational Supports for people under 65 with a terminal illness, enabling them to stay at home safely rather than occupy a hospital bed due to lack of assistance. Ms Rowland said these targeted reforms would address chronic pressure on hospitals while dramatically improving the quality of care for people nearing end of life. “These are realistic, evidence-based changes that will reduce unnecessary admissions, ease bed block, and give Australians much better care,” she said. “Palliative Care Australia is ready to partner with government and health systems nationwide to make these reforms a reality for patients, families and the health system.”

Call for Stronger Protections for Children Experiencing Domestic and Family Violence Jeff Gibbs Barnardos Australia has welcomed the NSW Government’s new strategy recognising children as victimsurvivors of domestic and family violence (DFV), while urging further action to ensure young people receive the protection and support they need. The government this week released Building Better Responses: NSW Strategy to Respond to the Use of Domestic and Family Violence 2026–2030, a major reform acknowledging that children exposed to DFV often suffer longterm impacts including poor health, disrupted learning, behavioural challenges, and mental health difficulties. The strategy is supported by significant funding commitments, including

$484.3 million to increase access to crisis and safe accommodation and specialist support for almost 3,000 women and children escaping violence. A further $48 million has been committed to expand specialist programs aimed at breaking the cycle of DFV. Barnardos Australia said the strategy represents important progress but warned that formal recognition alone will not guarantee children the help they need to recover and thrive. The organisation is calling for these reforms to be strengthened through legislation. Barnardos frontline worker Eliza Gibbs said children must be recognised not just as bystanders but as victimsurvivors in their own right.

“For the first time this strategy acknowledges the obvious: children are not just witnesses to domestic violence, they are victimsurvivors. The recognition matters,” she said. “But children need more than acknowledgement. Along with their nonoffending parent, usually their mother, they need age-appropriate, traumainformed counselling and specialist support so they can recover, build strong relationships and enjoy the childhood they deserve.” Ms Gibbs said the current legislative framework treats children as extensions of a parent’s needs rather than individuals affected by DFV. As a result, many children remain “silent and hidden”, despite experiencing profound impacts from violence in the home. Barnardos workers

support children every day who are living with DFV-related trauma. Without sustained support, many face disrupted education, social isolation, mental health struggles and disadvantage that can persist into adulthood. “A child should be focusing on learning,

friendships, playing and feeling safe — not living in fear,” Ms Gibbs said. “If we are serious about breaking the cycle of violence, we must invest in children’s whole lives, not just in crisis responses when things reach breaking point. The state government has taken a

step in the right direction, but we now need to see more action.” Barnardos is also calling for national recognition and federal investment, saying a coordinated approach is essential to ensure children grow up safe, supported and free from violence

Your RURAL NEWS

January 08, 2026

A CENTURY ON THE FRONT LINE FOR QUEENSLAND’S CANE GROWERS Full story page 36 by Ian Rogers

HARVESTING 1970s Denny Gravener with tramway wagon HARVESTING 1970s Denny Gravener with tramway wagon.

UPCOMING SALE DATES Thursday 22nd JANUARY Prime Cattle Sale - 8am Tuesday 27th JANUARY Prime Cattle Sale - 8am Tuesday 10th FEBRUARY Prime Cattle Sale - 8am

FIRST CATTLE SALE OF YEAR TUESDAY 13TH JANUARY 2026 PRIME CATTLE SALE (Combined Agent)

Commencing 8am - Grafton Saleyards www.farrellmccrohon.com.au | office@farrellmccrohon.com.au

9 Coldstream Street, Ulmarra NSW 2462 | Office 02 6642 5200 | David Farrell 0437 448 455 | Lachlan Gay 0477 123 770

January 08, 2026 Times A Century on the Front Line for Queensland’s Cane Growers RURAL NEWS

Ian Rogers Queensland’s sugarcane industry will enter 2026 marking a major milestone, with CANEGROWERS celebrating 100 years of advocacy for canefarming families. Founded in 1926, CANEGROWERS has spent a century representing growers and steering the industry through enormous change. Over that time, the organisation has helped guide cane farming from the early days of backbreaking manual labour and hand-cut harvesting, through mechanisation and modernisation, and into an era shaped by deregulation, global competition and complex international trade policy. CANEGROWERS Chairman Owen Menkens said sugarcane had played

The

Northern Rivers Times Your Weekly Newspaper

a defining role in shaping Queensland’s economy, identity and regional landscape. “The sugar industry helped build this state,” Mr Menkens said. “It was so central to Queensland’s development that sugarcane features on the Queensland Coat of Arms. “Entire towns and cities grew up around mills and cane farms, and today tens of thousands of Queenslanders still rely on the industry for their livelihoods.” Mr Menkens said the industry’s strength had been built by generations of migrant families who brought skills, resilience and a strong work ethic to cane-growing regions across the state. “Families of Italian, Maltese, Greek, Indian, German, English and many

other backgrounds helped build the industry we have today,” he said. “They cleared land, cut cane, established farms and businesses, and built communities that remain at the heart of regional Queensland.” CANEGROWERS Chief Executive Officer Dan Galligan said the organisation’s role had evolved alongside the industry it represents. “Our organisation has had

to change as the industry has changed,” Mr Galligan said. “That has meant helping guide growers through mechanisation, structural reform and deregulation, while continuing to fight for fair returns and strong regional economies. “At its core, our role has always been about ensuring growers have a seat at the table on decisions that affect them, and that their voices are heard,

understood and respected.” Mr Galligan said sugar remained a critical export industry for Australia, supporting regional jobs, underpinning local communities and contributing significantly to the national economy. “The advocacy challenge now is ensuring the industry remains vibrant in the face of rising costs, climate risk and global trade pressures,” he said. He said effective advocacy took many forms. “Sometimes it means being a strong public voice — a megaphone for farming families when it’s needed. “At other times, it’s about quiet diplomacy, building relationships and influencing outcomes behind the scenes. Both are essential, and both have been part of

CANEGROWERS’ story for a century.” The centenary year will be marked throughout 2026 with a statewide program of events, storytelling, education initiatives and public activities across Queensland’s 13 cane-growing regions , celebrating both the industry’s legacy and its future. “This year is about recognising the contribution sugarcane has made to Queensland and Australia, while reinforcing the importance of strong, effective advocacy to carry the industry through its next chapter,” Mr Galligan said. Further details on centenary activities will be announced during the year. See the full story at https://www. canegrowers.com.au/caneto-coast/100

considering a raft of reforms, and the NFF will engage constructively. It is essential that governments right across the country engage with the NFF and our Members to ensure reforms enhance public safety while

preserving legitimate firearm access for primary producers. We will continue to advocate respectfully, responsibly and firmly for farmers, while recognising the gravity of this moment for our nation.

Statement on firearms reforms Comments attributable to National Farmers’ Federation President Hamish McIntyre (Pictured) The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) is urging calm and considered firearms reform following the horrific attack at Bondi. There is no place in Australia for this kind of violence, and like every Australian, farmers place community safety above all else. This tragedy demands

a serious response, and we understand the need for governments to act decisively to ensure something like this never happens again. However, any reforms must provide the best outcomes for the whole community, recognising that community safety also includes food safety and protection from biosecurity risks. Firearms have a legitimate and essential role on farms. They are used for animal welfare and protecting the land from feral animals

and pests that create biosecurity and food safety risks and cause immense damage to Australia’s precious ecosystem. Their use is highly regulated, and farmers take their responsibilities seriously. We support sensible reforms that strengthen community safety, but those reforms must be developed carefully and with proper consultation to ensure they don’t undermine farm safety, animal welfare and environmental management. Concerns are already

emerging in New South Wales, where proposed reforms have progressed with limited engagement with the farm sector, despite acknowledgment that agriculture requires firearms. Quite simply, firearms are an essential tool of trade for farmers and those who assist them. While firearms regulation is a state-by-state matter, every jurisdiction will be watching NSW closely. Decisions made there will set the tone nationally. At a national level, the Government is also

CONTACT US – The Northern Rivers Times Rural Edition 1300 679 787 SALES 02 6662 6222 sales@heartlandmedia.com.au | www.thenorthernriverstimes.com.au Albury – 02 6080 9520, Casino – 02 6662 6222, Dubbo – 02 5858 4078, Grafton – 02 5632 3041, Moree – 02 6794 3889, Tamworth – 02 5719 1656, Wagga Wagga – 02 5940 8516 Directors, co-owners and co-founders: Jeffrey Gibbs and Sharon Bateman ISSN: 2652-7928 a Genesis Media company ABN: 84 134 238 181 All rights reserved © 2025. Distribution Coffs Harbour north to Southport and west to Tenterfield weekly.

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January 08, 2026

The

Times

RURAL NEWS

Northern Rivers Times Your Weekly Newspaper

NSW Government commits $9.5 million to strengthen beekeepers and crop pollination Ian Rogers The NSW Government has committed $9.5 million in new funding to support beekeepers and strengthen crop pollination, as part of an expanded NSW Varroa Mite Management Program set to begin in January 2026. Announced by Tara Moriarty, the funding package will deliver new compliance officers, targeted education and training, and a major research and development program aimed at helping the honey bee industry manage the ongoing threat of Varroa mite. The program will run until June 2027 and builds on more than $58.4 million already invested by the NSW Government to combat Varroa mite since its detection. European honey bees play a critical role in pollinating crops across

NSW, underpinning industries such as apples, berries and almonds. However, Varroa mite remains one of the most significant biosecurity threats facing Australian agriculture, with international experience showing pollination-reliant industries becoming increasingly dependent on paid pollination services.

beekeeper-specific chemical user training, a new traineeship program, and short courses on honeybee nutrition and seasonal management. l $4.4 million for research and development focused on breeding Varroa-resistant bees, monitoring chemical resistance, assessing pollinator activity, and identifying best-practice hive placement to maximise pollination success. The research outcomes will be integrated into education programs, while one-on-one support from Bee Biosecurity Officers will continue to help beekeepers apply best-practice Varroa management techniques.

What the funding will deliver Under the NSW Varroa Mite Management Program, funding will be allocated across four key areas: l $1.6 million to enhance honey bee compliance, including the appointment of four new Honey Bee Compliance Surveillance Officers to ensure beekeepers meet obligations under the Australian Honey Bee Industry Biosecurity Code of Practice.

$2.4 million for an expanded biosecurity extension program, continuing the work of three Bee Biosecurity Officers to provide

hands-on support and surveillance across NSW. l $1.1 million for education and training delivered through Tocal College, including

Supporting industry resilience Minister Moriarty said the funding demonstrated the government’s

commitment to ensuring NSW beekeepers remain well equipped to manage the mite. “The NSW Government is determined to ensure the great work achieved nationally can continue at a state level,” she said. “This program will help build industry resilience while supporting NSW honey bee industries to be future ready. “Proactive control measures are essential to safeguard crop production and maintain the stability of agricultural supply chains across the state.” The initiative complements the National Varroa Mite Management Program , led by NSW DPIRD, which has delivered more than 120 beekeeper education workshops nationwide, including 45 in NSW, and reached thousands more through national webinars.

Coffs Harbour compliance blitz finds no evidence of banned pesticide use Ian Rogers A targeted compliance blitz across intensive horticulture farms in the Coffs Harbour and Nambucca regions has found no evidence of banned or off-label pesticide use, following inspections by the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA). The unannounced inspections were carried out in early November, with EPA officers visiting 19 blueberry, raspberry and blackberry farms across Coffs Harbour and Nambucca. Officers

checked pesticide storage, record-keeping, staff training and application practices, and collected berry samples from five properties for independent laboratory testing. EPA Director of Operations John Forcier said testing showed strong compliance with pesticide application rules. “Blueberry and blackberry samples were analysed for a suite of more than 200 pesticides, including the banned chemical thiometon,” Mr Forcier said. “Pleasingly, we found

no evidence of banned chemical use or off-label pesticide use.” While the results were positive, Mr Forcier said the blitz also highlighted areas where improvements could still be made. “Overall, we found on-farm compliance has improved on previous years, but there is still some room for improvement,” he said. “As a result of this latest compliance blitz, we have commenced additional investigations into some operations, which will be finalised in 2026.” Mr Forcier emphasised

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that compliance extended beyond what chemicals were applied to crops. “Compliance isn’t just about what’s being sprayed,” he said. “It’s also about safe storage of pesticides, accurate record-keeping and proper training, and we are continuing to work with pesticide users on those requirements.” The EPA regulates pesticide use in NSW for environmental protection purposes. It does not monitor or regulate food safety, which is overseen by other agencies.

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COOKING

The

January 08, 2026

Times

Northern Rivers Times Your Weekly Newspaper

WHATS ON THE MENU TONIGHT? Cook

Serves

40m

Roast Chicken, Brie & Aspara

hristmas is over and if you see ham again, you’ll scream. Congratulations — you’ve survived Christmas. You’ve wrapped, unwrapped, carved, poured, refereed arguments, quietly removed tinsel from the dog, and eaten your body weight in carbs shaped like festive things. Now it’s the aftermath. The fridge is full, the bins are overflowing, and the only thing holding the family together is that leftover pav in the back corner. Enter: Roast Chicken, Brie & Asparagus Tart — a recipe so good it will make your 2026 self whisper, “I am a domestic god/goddess,” even though you’re still in last night’s pyjamas and questioning the meaning of time. This tart takes your leftover roast chicken, that halfwedge of brie someone hacked at like a gremlin, and the asparagus you swore you’d cook for Christmas lunch but forgot because Aunty Rhonda needed help finding the TV remote. Add some puff pastry and suddenly you’ve created a miracle the wise men would travel for. Let’s resurrect that Christmas spirit — gently, with cheese.

Ingredients •1 sheet puff pastry, thawed (about 25cm square) •1 tbsp olive oil •1 brown onion, thinly sliced •1 garlic clove, crushed •250g leftover roast chicken, shredded •150g leftover brie, sliced (wonky cutting encouraged) •1 bunch asparagus, trimmed •2 eggs •150ml thickened cream •1/2 tsp Dijon mustard •Salt & pepper

Method • Heat oven to 200°C, or “Boxing Day sauna level.” • Place your puff pastry on a tray. Fold the edges over to make a border — it’s basically pastry with anxiety and needs boundaries.

• Cook onion in olive oil until soft, sweet, and capable of masking yesterday’s champagne decisions. Add garlic. • Spread onion mix over pastry. Scatter your leftover chicken on top like culinary confetti. • Lay your brie slices across the tart. If they’re uneven, call it “rustic” and move on. • Arrange asparagus like you’re a fancy chef on TV... except you haven’t washed your hair in two days. • Whisk eggs, cream, mustard, salt and pepper. Pour over tart and bake for 25–30 minutes, until golden, puffed, and giving strong “I did not stress-eat mince pies for breakfast” vibes.

Ultimate Berry Crumble U

ltimate Berry Crumble (Because You’ve Survived Christmas) Christmas is over, the fridge is a war zone, and you’re one passive-aggressive comment away from moving into a treehouse. The cure? A Berry Crumble so good it should come with a warning label: may cause family members to suddenly become polite again. This recipe is perfect for those leftover frozen berries you panic-bought “just in case” and the oats you only use when pretending you live a balanced life.

Ingredients •700g mixed berries (fresh or frozen) •100g sugar •1 tbsp lemon juice •180g plain flour •100g rolled oats •150g brown sugar

Tips for Success • Swap asparagus for leftover broccolini if you’re in a “use it or lose it” era. • Brie too soft? Perfect. Brie too hard? Still perfect. Brie is Switzerland — it stays neutral. •Serve warm, cold, or straight from the tray while avoiding eye contact with anyone suggesting a family board game.

Prep

Cook

Serves

15m

40m

•1 tsp cinnamon •150g cold butter, diced

Method • Heat oven to 190°C, or “just warm enough that you won’t burst into flames opening the door.” • Toss berries with sugar and lemon juice, then throw them into a baking dish like you’re reclaiming control of your life. • In a bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar and cinnamon. Rub butter through until crumbly — like your emotional state, but sweeter. • Sprinkle crumble over berries. Make it thick. Christmas may be over, but the snacking continues. • Bake 40 minutes, until golden and bubbling like festive leftovers trying to escape the fridge. Serve with ice cream, custard, or straight out of the dish with a spoon while avoiding eye contact with anyone reminding you of your New Year’s diet resolutions.

January 08, 2026

Times

The

GARDENING

Northern Rivers Times Your Weekly Newspaper

Growing Succulents in the Northern Rivers Jeff Gibbs Growing succulents in the Northern Rivers is popular with gardeners seeking hardy, architectural plants that cope well with the region’s warm conditions. Growing succulents Northern Rivers gardeners enjoy a climate that suits many drought-tolerant species, although humidity can make choosing the right varieties essential. When selected and positioned carefully, succulents bring sculptural form, colour, and longlasting beauty to local gardens. Succulents thrive in free-draining soils, plenty of sunlight, and minimal watering. Because the Northern Rivers experiences high humidity, drainage becomes even more important. Adding coarse sand, gravel, or cactus mix to garden beds prevents rot. Watering should be deep but infrequent, allowing the soil to dry completely between drinks. Positioning plants where they receive morning sun and afternoon shade reduces heat stress while

Aloe

helping them maintain vibrant colours. Several succulent species perform exceptionally well in this region. Aloe varieties such as Aloe vera and Aloe arborescens are reliable, hardy choices that handle humidity better than many others. Echeverias offer stunning rosettes in blues, pinks, and greens and are ideal for pots or rockeries with excellent drainage. Sedums, including Sedum rubrotinctum and Sedum mexicanum, grow easily and spread gently through garden beds. Crassula varieties, like the popular Jade Plant, thrive in containers and sunny

spots. Kalanchoes, with their colourful flowers and interesting leaf shapes, are also well suited to the Northern Rivers climate. While many succulents do well locally, some are best avoided. Agave americana can become invasive and dangerous due to its large size and sharp spines. It often outgrows small gardens and can spread aggressively. Mother-ofmillions (Bryophyllum spp.) is another problem plant. It spreads rapidly, is toxic to pets and livestock, and is considered an invasive weed in NSW. Prickly pear (Opuntia spp.) should also never

be planted, as most varieties are declared noxious weeds across the state. These species pose environmental risks and are difficult to remove once established. Succulents look superb in rockeries, where heat-storing stones and excellent drainage create near-perfect growing conditions. They also shine in container gardens, allowing gardeners to rotate displays, control moisture, and prevent invasive spreading. Vertical gardens, hanging pots, and raised beds are all excellent options that reduce the risk of rot in humid weather. Pairing succulents with gravel mulch enhances airflow and gives a clean, modern finish. With sensible plant selection, good drainage, and gentle watering, succulents can thrive across the Northern Rivers. By choosing proven performers and avoiding invasive species, gardeners can enjoy durable, low-maintenance landscapes filled with colour, texture, and character.

Crassula

Kalanchoes

Prickly pear

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FUNERALS & MEMORIALS

The

Times

January 08, 2026

Northern Rivers Times Your Weekly Newspaper

Funeral Directors & Services

Remember your loved ones in Print & Online Call 1300 679 787 or email jeff@heartlandmedia.com.au

Prepaying your funeral is a simple, thoughtful way to protect your family and secure today’s prices. Our caring team at Parkview Funeral Home will guide you through the process with respect and understanding.

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Funeral Directors & Services

This page is dedicated to all those that have passed

Sacred Earth Funerals Bespoke - Personal - Professional

Funerals with Heart 1300 585 778

Funeral Directors & Services Warwick Binney

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January 08, 2026

The

Times

CLASSIFIEDS & TRADE

Northern Rivers Times Your Weekly Newspaper

Public Notice

Alstonville Health Massage

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Murwillumbah Saleyards Saturday, 10th January 2026 9:00AM DST Comprising: 100 Euro X Weaners - Mixed Sex 50 Angus X Weaners - Mixed Sex

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Batteries Shop 1 - 94 Main St, Alstonville Open 7 Days - 9am to 8pm - 0452 196 722

Casino Health Massage

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Call Sharon on 1300 679 787 for your Advertising covering all of the northern rivers

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Roofing Services Licensed Auctioneers, Stock & Station & Real Estate Agents

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SM A

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Clearing Sale

CLEARING SALE

A/C ROBERT STAVRO - JIGGI

FARM MACHINERY, FullOnPayment Day C C TRACTORS, E TPOS LOTS OF FARMING GEAR & HOUSEHOLD ITEMS

10:00AM (DST) Thursday, 22 January 2026 is in

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For More Information Contact

Dick Osborne 0 1 66 CASINO

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Lismore Health Massage

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MURWILLUMBAH

WARWICK

Concrete Products

THE TRUSTED NAME FOR CONCRETE PRODUCTS • Septic Tanks • Reed Beds • Aerated Wastewater • Water Troughs • Cattle Grids Treatment System

4-8 Craig Street, Kyogle. 6632 2978 www.grahamsprecast.com.au

Engineering

STANTHORPE

Hey You “Still yelling out “Oi, anyone need a tradie?” across the Bunnings car park? Respect. But there is an easier way to get jobs than hollering at strangers pushing trolleys full of RapidSet. Advertise in The Northern Rivers Times Tradies Section and let customers come to you— no shouting, yelling, waving or awkward windshield-flyerdrop required. Our readers are looking for sparkies, plumbers, chippies, gardeners, mechanics, roofers, pest controllers and anyone handy with a toolbelt. Chuck your ad in here and watch your phone light up faster than a dodgy powerboard.”

Rooftech Roofing Services For Everything Roofing • New & replacement metal roofs • Painting of tile and metal roofs • Roof repairs: tile and metal • Guttering: whirly birds: mesh • Emergency/insurance repairs Phone office on 66811793 enquiries@rooftechroofing.com.au 2/32 Southern Cross Drive, Ballina Lic 303299C www.rooftechroofing.com.au INSURANCE - COMMERCIAL STRATA - RESIDENTIAL

Septic 75 Union St, South Lismore Open 7 Days - 9am to 7pm - 0452 196 722

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Tree Services

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Times

EXPERIENCED, FULLY INSURED, ALL SIZE JOBS Lopping •Lopping Lopping EXPERIENCED, FULLY INSURED, ALL SIZE JOBS a free quote and ForFor a free quote & advice

a free quote & advice Wood Chipping Foradvice •Wood Felling contact NOEL Lopping Chipping For a free quote & advice Felling •Felling Removal Wood Chipping Stump Chipping Grinding •Stump Wood Felling Grinding M 0427 886 136 Removal •Removal Cherry Picker M 0427 886 136 Stump Grinding • Stump Grinding M 0427 886 136 Removal Email: northernriverstreeservice@gmail.com Email: northernriverstreeservice@gmail.com The Channon covering all areas of the North Coast Email: northernriverstreeservice@gmail.com The Channon covering all areas of the North Coast

P 6688 6688 6136 P P 6688 6136 6136

The Channon covering all areas of the North Coast

Tree Services

contact our President Lyn on 0412 758 697

CRAWFORD HOUSE MUSEUM

Ballina Meals on Wheels

Last year Alstonville Public School celebrated 150 years of education on the Plateau, and Alstonville Plateau Historical Society is presenting a small and eclectic exhibition about the school at Crawford House Museum, running until 25/1/26. The museum is an original farmhouse where you can see many interesting household objects which reflect family life from the beginning of the 20th century to the 1960s. There are also research facilities for information about Ballina Shire, as well as books about local history and other great merch. for sale. If you’re a support worker and you bring a client to the museum, your admission is free. The museum is at 10 Wardell Road Alstonville and is open on Fridays 10am-4pm and Sundays 1pm-4pm or at other times by appointment for groups.

Knitting and Crochet for Charity Group run by Ballina Meals on Wheels. Group held Monday mornings in Ballina and open to people who are 65years and older. $5 includes morning tea. Call Kristen on Ph: 0419 679719 for more information.

Alstonville RSL

We are a diverse group of Artists and Crafters that participate in wonderful group exhibitions. Over 50 members are from all over the Northern Rivers. Meetings are usually on the 1st Tuesday of every month at the Cherry Street Sports Club. Social gathering at 5, for a 5.30 start. Ph: Rosie 0438401716

Alstonville RSL sub-Branch meets on the second Saturday of the month, with morning tea at 10am followed by the meeting, then a light luncheon from 1200. All ex-service persons and families are welcome to attend the lunch.

We are called Plateau Quilters Alstonville we meet the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of the Month at the RSL Hall Alstonville from 1pm until 4pm New members would be most welcome. Bonner 66298267 ALSTONVILLE PROBUS CLUB Alstonville Probus Club meets on the last Thursday of each month at Plateau Sports Club at 10.00 am. This commences with a cupper and chat, with the formal meeting commencing at 10.30 which includes an interesting guest speaker. All visitors are welcome.

Dingo mini digger & stump grinder goes anywhere

CASINO/KYOGLE BONALBO CORAKI WOODBURN EVANS HEAD • Tree & Palms Removed • 17m Cherry Picker • Larger Chipper • Stump Grinder • Qualified Arborist • Tree Detailing • Climbers • Rubbish Removed FULLY INSURED

OUR EQUIPMENT IS IDEAL FOR SITES WITH LIMITED ACCESS

PH: 0408 620 829 or 6662 2025

COMMUNITY NOTICES must be emailed to community@ heartlandmedia.com.au before

3PM FRIDAYS

Phone numbers only, no email addresses. Get the word out about your Club, Membership, Events, etc

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A NEW HOBBY??? COME AND JOIN THE HEADLINERS CHORUS We are an all-female group of all ages who love to sing “Acappella” in 4-part Barbershop harmony. We are well known in the Northern Rivers community and would love you to join us. Come along to a rehearsal on Monday nights from 7pm and for more information see our website or enquire to Tracey Ezzy on 0438 446 809 BALLINA ARTS & CRAFTS CENTRE INC. (BACCI)

BALLINA BRIDGE CLUB Social play every Monday 9am to 11:30am.”. Sessions for all levels of players on Mon, Wed, Sat from 1pm to about 5pm. Be seated at 12:45. Restricted session (under 300 Masterpoints) Thu 1pm – about 5pm. Friday mornings, Help with Play on Fri am times 9am - 11:30. Open to anyone who would like some help with their game from teachers on duty. 9am to about 11:15pm Sessions are $5 for members and $7 for visitors at 13 North Ck Rd, Ballina Call Judy Forsyth: 0407664337. Ballina Coastal Quilters

A local women’s service club that meets on the 1st Tuesday of the month at the Plateau Sports Club. Quota is committed to supporting and improving the physical and mental wellbeing of the disadvantaged in our community through local projects.

We meet at the North Lakes Community Hall in Whiting Way, Ballinaon a Wednesday twice a month from 9 am to 2 pm. The group gives opportunities for friendship, support, and socialisation. and to celebrate our creative achievements in the area of quilting and related stitchery. We encourage our members to seek and share knowledge of their skills. New members would be most welcome. The cost is $5 per session Georgia 66876834

EMBROIDERERS GROUP

BALLINA EVENING VIEW CLUB

Meetings are 9.30am-1.30pm, 1st and 3rd Wednesdays and 2nd Saturday of each month. Our venue is the Resource Centre at the rear of Crawford House Museum, Alstonville. We welcome embroiderers of all ability levels to meet, share and learn. THE RETURNED AND SERVICES LEAGUE OF AUSTRALIA NSW Branch

Meets on the second Wednesday of each month at the Ballina RSL Club at 6.30 for dinner at 7pm Guests are always welcome. Our members support the education of disadvantaged children in Australia by fundraising activities and social events in our local community for The Smith Family - by sponsoring 5 Learning for Life students. Ph: Julie Stephan 0434988770.

ALSTONVILLE SUB-BRANCH

BALLINA FREE COMMUNITY HOT BRUNCH

Alstonville RSL sub-Branch will now hold their monthly meetings on the second Wednesday of the month at 11am at the RSL Hall, 13 Bugden Ave (next door to the Alstonville Medical Centre). All ex-Service persons are welcome to attend, and we have a convivial morning tea on completion of the meeting. Alston suppliers and ranch have a ‘Lower Deck Luncheon’ at 1200 each Friday, everyone is welcome, we sit out the back of the Hall, order lunch from local suppliers, and have great conversations with good mates. There is always plenty of support & advice on any issue!

Ballina Free Community Hot Brunch, First Saturday of each month.

BALLINA

A Day Club for elderly and isolated people in our community, held every Thursday at the Richmond Room Ballina. Enjoy morning tea and a mental stimulation exercise like Tai Chi, followed by lunch and afternoon musical entertainment. Every Thursday 10am to 2pm cost $10 Richmond Room, Regatta Avenue Ballina RSVP Lorraine Fox 66874350, 0439301249

ALSTONVILLE QUOTA CLUB

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Low rates, rates, friendly friendly service Low service Low rates, friendly service EXPERIENCED, FULLY INSURED, ALL SIZE JOBS

January 08, 2026

Northern Rivers Times

CWA Ballina Craft every Wednesday from 9.00am to 12.00 noon in the CWA rooms, next to RSL. Monthly meeting every 3rd Monday of the month from 9. 00am.Wanting to learn to knit, crochet or sew? Come and join us. Morning tea $3. All are welcome. Contact Gai Mason, Handicraft officer on 0433129339. President Barbara Driscoll 0428116668 Ballina Photography Club meets on the first Thursday of the month at Northlakes Community Centre, 1 Mulloway Place, Ballina from 6pm to 9pm.We are currently looking for new members and visitors are always welcome. We are a group of enthusiastic photographers who live in and around Ballina. Members share a common interest in photography and have monthly outings to take photos and share images at meetings. Please

Everyone is invited to come and enjoy a hot brunch of sausages, rissoles bacon & eggs, cereal, tea and coffee. Or just come for a chat. Frozen take away meals available. Held at the Ballina Presbyterian Hall Corner of Cherry & Crane St Ballina 10AM TO 12PM Carol: 0438812235 BALLINA LIGHTHOUSE RSL DAY CLUB

How about trying something different? If you would like to improve your communication and leadership skills or simply make new friends and have fun, you are warmly invited to attend the In Focus Toastmasters Club. We meet the 3rd Wednesday evening of each month. You may attend either from the comfort of your own home via zoom or join us in person at the Cherry Street Sports Club, Ballina. BRUNSWICK HEADS BRUNSWICK VALLEY VIEW CLUB Brunswick Valley VIEW Club’s monthly luncheons are held at Brunswick Heads Bowling Club on the 2nd Thursday of each month at 10.30am for 11am. Apologies to Wenda on 0449 563 580 no later than the Monday before. VIEW stands for Voice, Interests and Education of Women. The club supports seven disadvantaged students in The Smith Family’s Learning for Life program. 1800 805 366 CASINO CASINO CHARITY CASH BINGO if you would like to come along and join us each at Casino RSM Club each Thursday mornings 10.00an or Thursday evenings 7.00pm, you are most welcome! Great cash prizes! For any enquiries please don’t hesitate to contact Jan Danaher on 0414625680 Line dance Line dance classes in Casino at St Marks Hall beginners welcome 5pm every Monday first 2 classes free. Info call or sms Lorraine 0418264489 ARE YOU INTERESTED IN LEARNING to KNIT, SEW or CROCHET We are looking for interested people who would like to join a class to learn Through the School Holidays both Adults and Children are welcome Starting 6th Jan 2025 Classes will be organised once we have enough interested people Call Margaret 0488 245 029 or Jacqui 0419 404 216 to express your interest and get more information Casino Meals are desperately needing Volunteers, to contact the office on 66621217. Volunteering once a month for 1hour or so CASINO MEALS ON WHEELS Volunteers needed Our delivery runs are Mon-Fri CASINO COMMUNITY MEN’S SHED Mon, Tues, Wed, attendance limited to 50 members, 8am-1.30pm. Contact 66626423 CASINO & DISTRICT FAMILY HISTORY GROUP INCW are open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10am to 2pm, Wednesdays from 12pm to 4pm and every third Saturday from 9 am to 11.30 am. We are in Room 5, Upstairs in the School of Arts building in Walker Street, Casino. Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month at 10 am. For a small fee we can do research for you as well. Call 6664 1118 Cassino Gallery Inc. 148 Barker St. Casino. Open Thursday to Saturday 10am to 3pm during exhibitions. Regular exhibitions, workshops, classes, and some markets during the year. Contacts Ralph 0418 485 770, Laszlo 6662 1943, Meg 0435 111 463. Artists, professional/amateur welcome to enquire about exhibiting their work at the Gallery. CASINO LADIES AND FRIEND CRAFT GROUP Meets 1st & 3rd Tuesday of each month. Bring your own morning tea. Names to be in by lunch time Monday. Phone Vivian on 66621838 or Jan on 66626424.

BALLINA SENIOR CITIZENS BRIDGE CLUB

Casino & District Orchid Society

Social Bridge Play in Seniors Hall. Swift Street Ballina on Wednesday & Saturdays @ 12.05 pm Enquiries Phone: 0493425002 for details.

Meet the 4th Thursday each month. At St Marks Anglican Hall @ 6:30pm

BALLINA TOY LIBRARY Welcomes families from Ballina Shire. 9 Regatta Avenue, Ballina. Open Tuesdays 1pm - 3pm, and Saturdays 10am - 1pm. Ph. 0411719074. IN FOCUS TOASTMASTERS CLUB

CASINO MINI RAIL Every Sunday we are now open from 9.00am to 2.30pm every Sunday (weather permitting). West Street Casino. Phone 0455673722. CASINO MIXED PROBUS CLUB

January 08, 2026

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Northern Rivers Times Your Weekly Newspaper

Our Meeting is on fourth Thursday of each month at Casino RSM Club at 10:00am. Contact Kathleen Griffins, President phone 0427622470 or Daphne Boyd, Secretary phone 0400070085

remembrance room. New members warmly welcomed. Cont. Sue 0438853921

CASINO UNITING CHURCH

meets every third Tuesday for lunch at noon new member’s welcome. info 0419 753 579

CAFÉ PRAISE…. Every Wednesday @ 10-11am. All Welcome 10am Morning Tea Fellowship. Welcome and Chat 10.30am Praise and Worship CASINO VIEW CLUB Monthly luncheon meeting at Casino RSM Club at 11am, second Thurs of every month. Contact Jan on 0418715374 CASINO AA MEETING – ID MEETING is held every Tuesday 12:00-1:30pm At the Casino Baptist Church, corner of West & Canterbury Streets Casino. Newcomers welcome. Contact George 0427 133 372. CASINO AA WOMEN’S MEETINGS Held every 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month, 12 –1.30pm at the Casino Baptist Church House, 137 Canterbury St, Casino. Contact Liz 0427133370. LION’S CLUB CASINO Lion’s Club meeting is held on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday each month at Casino RSM Club from 6.30pm for a 7.00pm start. Denise Green 0448014682 LISMORE CASINO NAVAL ASSOCIATION Meets bi-monthly at Casino RSM, new members welcome. Ph: Chris 66293269 or Jim 0427400625. THE PLATYPUS RSL DAY CLUB operates every Tuesday at the Community Centre from 10am to 2pm. The day consists of gentle exercises, mental stimulation, games, and entertainment. Members are asked to pay $7 for their morning tea and lunch. Transport can be provided within the town limits. If you are feeling socially isolated or just need a day out, please contact Robyn on 66623871. New members are welcome. Eltham ELTHAM MASONIC LODGE - The Eltham Masonic Lodge welcomes all masons, to attend their monthly meetings, which are held on the fourth Tuesday, each month at the Eltham Masonic Centre. The meetings commence at 7.30 pm. If you are not a mason and are interested in joining Freemasonry, for more information please visit our website or phone 0416530456 EVANS HEAD Evans Head Parkinson’s Support Group will meet at Thyme Evans Head Over 50s Village Community Hall at 10 am on January 22nd, at 74 Currajong St, Evans Head. This will be a vital opportunity to have your say about topics that are important to you for the rest of the year .Let us aim to make symptom management and slowing progression of this illness our focus for 2026.There will be an opportunity to share ideas and strategies that have improved symptom management in a supportive, encouraging, non-judgemental environment where we recognise that we are “All in this together All members of the Parkinson’s community, caregivers and family are most welcome to attend Tea or coffee is available for a gold coin donation. For information phone Di on 0423941119 EVANS HEAD SEAGULLS CRAFT & QUILTERS GROUP Meet every Tuesday 9am-12noonin the Recreation Hall (opposite the Kiosk). We invite you to join us for a relaxing morning of crafting, friendship and sharing ideas. Beginners are very welcome. Finishing UFO’s, Embroidery, Gold Work, Hexagons, & Group Projects are just some of the crafts done. The Rotary Club of Evans Head Markets held on the Last Saturday of the month held at Cribb Reserve opposite Illawong Hotel at 8am 1pm. A vast variety of stores from clothes, candle, Honey Photographs, books, and Organic Vegetables along with Rotary Bacon & Egg Rolls Rotary Evans Head holds meeting the 1st and 3rd Monday of the month 5.30pm at Evans Head RSL downstairs in

EVANS HEAD CWA BRANCH

EVANS RIVER RSL DAY CLUB The Evans River RSL Day Club meets each Monday in the Remembrance Room at Club Evans RSL Evans Head from 10am until 2pm Cost $10 includes Morning Tea and Lunch. We have several vacancies for volunteers and members, anyone who is feeling in need of some company are welcome to attend. Come along and join in the fun. Contact Merilyn 0401493316. GOONELLABAH TABLE TENNIS AT GOONELLABAH

the comfort of your own home via zoom or join us in person at the Joan Muir Community Centre: 194 Turf Street, Grafton. GRAFTON SENIORS BE FIT EXERCISE CLASSES Every Friday at the Uniting Church, Prince Street. Join us for gentle exercises designed for Seniors. We meet at 10.30a.m. for a cuppa and a chat with the exercises commencing at 11. All equipment is provided and there is no cost to the participants. Further information can be obtained from Chris 0400490691 or Dot on 66423248 or 0477213017 Grafton VIEW Club Grafton VIEW Club meets on the 4th Tuesday each month at Grafton District Services Club, Mary Street, commencing at 10.30am. Please come along & enjoy yourself with a tasty meal, motivated guest speaker & at the same time you will help disadvantaged children.

Tuesday and Thursday mornings social playing: 9am-12noon; Monday and Wednesday nights social playing: 7-9pm; Training Monday mornings: 9am12noon; Junior coaching after school Wednesday 3.30pm-4.45pm, $6 a session. Everybody is welcome – all levels. Phone centre on 66251602. Mon-Thurs 9.00am-1.00pm

Please phone Helen at 6642 3867 for catering purposes no later than the Friday before the meeting. As well, a social outing is held each month. You are warmly invited to come along, have some fun & you will be helping others as well. See you there!

THE PROBUS CLUB of Goonellabah meets on the 3rd Thursday of each month at the Workers Sports Club in Oliver Ave. All welcome. Goonellabah Probus is solely a social club. We have a guest speaker each month and go for outings throughout the year. Meetings on Thursday commence at 10am and finish at midday. For further information, Liz 0451 020 241

Clarence River Historical Society- Schaeffer House Museum. 190 Fitzroy Street Grafton. 2460. Phone 0266425212.We are welcoming many visitors through the museum, often from interstate and on bus trips, not only to see our wonderful collection of artefacts gathered over 90 years but also to research family history and/or places of interest in the Valley. Research Room hours are from 9 to 3 Tuesday to Thursday and Museum hours are from1 to 4 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. Other times can be arranged. Admission is $6 for adults and $3 for children. If you would like to become a member of our Society and receive our interesting newsletters contact the Secretary, Robyn. Membership fees are $27 yearly.

GRAFTON Grafton Branch of CWA General meetings will recommence on the second Friday of February 2026 at the Grafton District Services Club at 9.30am. Handicraft meetings will on the second and fourth Monday each month and restart in February 2026 at the Salvation Army Hall, 91 Oliver Street 9.30-11.30am..Look forward to Grafton CWA celebrating their 100th Centenary in 2026. There will be many celebrations and activities with a Grafton CWA Cookbook launch in May and a celebration dinner in October. GRAFTON AL-ANON FAMILY GROUP Our meetings are held weekly on Tuesdays at 12md 1.30pm at the Salvation Army Hall, 91-93 Oliver Street, Grafton. Meetings are always confidential. The AlAnon Family Groups are a fellowship of relatives and friends of Alcoholics who share their experience, strength, and hope in order to solve their common problems. We believe alcoholism is a family illness and that changed attitudes can aid recovery. Al-Anon is not allied with any sect, denomination, political entity, organization, or institution; does not engage in any controversy neither endorses nor opposes any cause. There are no dues for membership. Al-Anon is self-supporting through its own voluntary contributions. Al-Anon has but one purpose: to help families of alcoholics. We do this by practicing the Twelve Steps, by welcoming and giving comfort to families and friends of alcoholics and by giving understanding and encouragement to the alcoholic further information see our website or to talk to a member in confidence call 1300 252 666 An Amazing Event is coming to Grafton Gallery! Our River, Our Stories, Our Song. Clarence River Guardians and the Grafton Regional Gallery present Water Talks Gathering a celebration of our river on World Rivers Day. Enjoy River Stories, hear about cutting edge river research, and be moved by the Youth Dance Mob’s Performance of Big River Song. When: Sunday 28th September, 11am - 2pm Where: Grafton Regional Gallery Includes: Finger food, tea and coffee. Come and Celebrate Our River! Proudly supported by Southern Cross University and The Lions Club of Clarence - Environmental GRAFTON’S MIGHTY CLARENCE TOASTMASTERS CLUB Perhaps it’s time to find out what it’s all about! If you would like to improve your communication and leadership skills. Make new friends and have fun, you are warmly invited to attend the Mighty Clarence Toastmasters Club. We meet on the 1st & 3rd Wednesday evening of each month. You may attend either from

COMMUNITY NOTICE

CLARENCE RIVER HISTORICAL SOCIETY

HASTINGS POINT HASTINGS POINT COMMUNITY CHOIR Do you enjoy singing. Our repertoire covers a variety of music styles – both unison and part singing We would love you to join us. New members needed. You will be made most welcome When: Tuesday Evenings from 7pm – 8.30pm Where: Tricare Residential Village Community Room Tweed Coast Road, next to Shell Petrol Station. For more information, contact Jean Berry 0414794380 PROBUS CLUB OF HASTINGS POINT - The Probus Club of Hastings Point Tweed Coast meets at Hastings Point Tricare resident’s lounge, on 3rd Tuesday each month, commencing with a guest speaker at 10am. Retirees and seniors are welcome to join this happy social group. Phone the Probus president Di Mills 044 732 5387 for more information. KINGSCLIFF KINGSCLIFF 500 CARD CLUB Kingscliff 500 Card Club. Monday and Wednesday afternoons 1pm to 4pm Cudgen Surf Club New players WELCOME Contact: GARY 0499869992 Kingscliff Probus Club First Wednesday of the month, 10am to 12 noon in the function room of Kingscliff Bowls Club. We have an interesting guest speaker each month plus bus trips to various points on the map each third Wednesday of the month. Retirees and seniors are most welcome to join us in this happy social group. Ph Marlene 0428323736 KYOGLE BORDER RANGES RSL DAY CLUB

of each month and we welcome newcomers. We meet at the Roxy Lane back. entrance to the Kyogle Memorial Institute (Supper Room). Our aim is to provide support and encouragement for those new to writing, as well as more experienced writers. We practice many genres of writing poetry, memoir, and journaling to name a few. Morning tea at 9.30am is followed by our meeting from 10.00am till 12.00 pm. Throughout the year we have planned some wonderful writing workshops facilitated by local authors. For further information contact Vince on 0459 574179 or Susan on 0414 958245. KYOGLE TIDY TOWNS FARMERS MARKET Held every Saturday morning in Stratheden Street from 8am -12. Come along grab some local fruit & veggies, experience all Kyogle has to offer. New Stall Holders welcome. Ph: Anne 66321851 LION’S CLUB OF KYOGLE Meeting is held on the 1st & 3rd Tuesday each month at the Kyogle Lion’s shed from 6.30–7pm.Contact Neville Moon on 0448222334. RICHMOND RIVER BEEF PRODUCER’S ASSOCIATION Meet on the 2nd Wednesday of every month at Kyogle Showgrounds in the luncheon room at 7pm. Ph: Jan on 0427293455. KYOGLE BAZAAR Fourth Saturday of every month. See Kyogle Bazaar on social media for all the details or call 0459512249. LENNOX HEAD LENNOX HEAD EVENING VIEW CLUB Meets on the second Tuesday of each month upstairs at the Lennox Hotel at 6.30pm for dinner at 7pm. Guests are welcome. “VIEW members support the education of disadvantaged Australian children by raising much needed funds for The Smith Family. Through fundraising activities and social events in local communities, members raise money that goes directly to The Smith Family’s learning and mentoring programs for disadvantaged. Students.” Lennox Head Evening VIEW Club currently sponsors two Learning for Life students’: Sue Brennan 0409728814. LENNOX HEAD LIONS CLUB New members welcome to join our close-knit club where the emphasis is on community service in a fun environment. Meetings are on the first and Third Wednesday of each month at Club Lennox starting at 6.30pm. Members do what they can, when they can to facilitate the needs of our club. PROBUS CLUB OF LENNOX HEAD Meets 9.30 for 10 at Club Lennox, 10 Stewart Street, on the first Thursday of each month. Visitors are welcome, also retired, or semi-retired people wishing to join our non-service club to hear interesting guest speakers and to join in trips and outings are invited along. Ph: June Zentveld on 66871004 LISMORE Lismore Garden Club meets on the 2nd Thursday of each month at the East Lismore Bowling Club, commencing at 1pm. The Club has guest speakers, visits to members’ gardens and enjoy a morning tea and friendship whilst taking in the beautiful gardens. Day trips away are also on the agenda from time to time. There is the opportunity to display something special such as a particular flower or produce each month. New members are most welcome. For further information, contact the Secretary, phone 0416 281 365. AA MEETINGS

The Kyogle Border Ranges RSL Day Club meets each Monday in the Kyogle Seniors Centre, 3 Bloore St, Kyogle, from 10am to 2pm.Cost $10, includes Morning Tea and Lunch. We welcome Volunteers and Members, if you are in need of some Company, you are welcome to attend. Come along and have some fun. Contact Oriel 0427245324.

Lismore RED DOVE AA Meetings, Every Monday, Wednesday & Friday 12 Noon and Sundays 10.30am. Upstairs in The Uniting Church, cnr of Keen St & Woodlark St Lismore. Disability lifts available. Newcomers welcome.

KYOGLE WRITERS GROUP

Library Afterschool

Kyogle Writers Group meets on the last Saturday

Lismore Children’s Library is launching a new

LISMORE LIBRARY

The

COMMUNITY NOTICE

program of after-school activities called Library Afterschool. This term, we invite local children to get involved in PAPERCRAFT and LEGO activities. All sessions will be fun, free, low-key and inclusive, facilitated by your friendly Lismore Children’s Library staff. PAPERCRAFT 3.30pm-5pm at Lismore Children’s Library, first and third Tuesday of the month. Papercraft will include learning to draw, making origami and scissor-and-glue crafts. LEGO 3.30pm5pm at Lismore Children’s Library, second and fourth Friday of the month Explore our excellent LEGO collection. Alternating themed and free-play sessions. The Northern Rivers Lodge No. 77 meets on the 2nd Wednesday of each month (except in January) at the Lismore Masonic Centre, 111 Magellan Street Lismore. We welcome all Masons to an enjoyable and entertaining evening. Inquiries 0412665674 LISMORE CRAFTS & QUILTERS You are invited to join, LISMORE CRAFTS & QUILTERS. We meet on Mondays at the Lismore Uniting Church, Red Dove, Hall 9.30am - 12.30pm. We do Patchwork, Quilting & all Crafts. We also have night group, who meet at McLean Ridges Hall, Monday evenings, 5.30pm - 9pm. Cost is $30 for the year & $5 each Monday. Looking forward to seeing you. Enquiries to Margaret Boxsell 0427141425 LISMORE LIONS CLUB Please save your used stamps to raise funds for The Australian Lions Children’s Mobility Foundation. Stamps are collected & forwarded on to be sorted & sold at Auction, to raise money for Children’s Mobility contact Margaret Boxsell on 0427141425 Lismore City Bowling Lismore City Bowling and Recreation Club Community BINGO every Monday morning 10 am to 12 noon. Morning tea and Progressive Jackpot. All welcome. Phone 66 21 5991. LISMORE CITY CONCERT BAND Rehearsals are held during school terms on Mondays, 6.15-7.45pm at Southern Cross University. If you can play a concert band instrument: brass, woodwind, or percussion, please come and join us! All ages welcome. We have some instruments available for loan. Ph: 0432575911 LISMORE MEN & COMMUNITY SHED President: Mr Bob Greig 0404860504 publicity officer Don Abrahams 0437576837 Opening Hours: Tuesday & Thursday 9.00am – 3.00pm We are a community based non-profit organisation. Everybody is welcome: men, women & people with a disability of all ages. We encourage social inclusion. Our aim is to promote the mental, physical & emotional well-being of people in our community. Shed Activities Members work on their own projects, Mentoring is available, General woodworking, Welding & light engineering, Repair & restoration of items for the public Constructing projects, of items for the public Constructing projects for preschools, hospitals & other organisations Assembling flatpack, Minor maintenance work for the elderly & disabled, working with the disabled, talking with other members or simply having company. Memberships: $40-year Attendance Fee: $3 tea/ coffee 15 Industry Drive East Lismore LISMORE ORCHID SOCIETY INC. City of Lismore Orchid Society Inc. Meetings are now at the Lismore Show Ground, In Norms Kitchen under the Members Grandstand. Alexandra Parade, North Lismore. NSW 2480 Meeting Date; the first Saturday of the month Meeting Time: 9:30am display plants set up, 10:00am meeting starts with a cuppa after. Contact President Mr. Steven Muldoon 0427789773 Orchid meeting involves the sharing of information, knowledge and friendship. All welcome. Lismore City Bowling and Recreation Club Community BINGO every Monday Morning 10am to 12 noon. Morning tea and Progressive Jackpot. All welcome. Ph 6621 5991 LISMORE SENIOR CITIZENS Meet at the Goonellabah Community Centre every second Thursday starting at 9am where we have morning tea followed by games bingo how etc we play cards Monday and Friday and play bowls

Times

January 08, 2026

Northern Rivers Times Your Weekly Newspaper

Tuesdays and craft every second Tuesday afternoons come and join our friendly group you will be very welcome. LISMORE SPINNERS & WEAVERS Please join us Weaving, Spinning, Felting, Dyeing, Knitting, Crochet, Workshops, Chat…. Sharing Craft & Ideas. From 10am, on the 1st, 3rd and 5th Fridays of each month. (Formal business meeting is 10.30-11.30 every 1st Friday) McLeans Ridges Hall Cnr Cowlong and McLeans Ridges Rds. (off Bruxner Hwy) Morning Tea provided. Bring your lunch (and a mug) Contac: Kim: 0423935060, Linda: 0419489987 LISMORE TARGET RIFLE CLUB for .22 calibre rifles, meets Wed nights from 6.00pm (setup time) & the 1st & 3rd Sat of each month from 12.30pm (setup time). Air rifle shooting for .22 & 177 air rifles will also be available at the Saturday shoots. For more information, please phone Derek on 66282082 (ah). CO-DEPENDANTS ANONYMOUS (CoDA) Co-Dependants Anonymous is a Twelve Step Fellowship of people whose common purpose is to develop healthy relationships. The only requirement for membership is a desire for healthy relationships. The CoDA meeting in the Lismore area meets on Mondays from 6.30pm to 7.30pm at Riverland’s Drug and Alcohol Centre. 75 Hunter Street, Lismore. For further information call 0456178826 or 0408336143

second Sunday of each month at the clubrooms: 412 Richmond Hill Road, Richmond Hill at 1pm. Visitors are welcome. The clubrooms are usually open on Sunday afternoons from about 1pm onwards. We are primarily amateur radio enthusiasts and welcome persons interested in radio, electronics, astronomy, and similar subjects. SUMMERLAND BONSAI SOCIETY INC. Come and learn an addictive hobby with us. We provide personal support from experienced teachers as well as demonstrations and Bonsai information. Club days are held on the second Saturday of every month at 1pm in the Red Dove at Lismore Be inspired about the art of creating little trees. Ph: 0438103601 ZEN and INSIGHT MEDITATION - Lismore Heights INSIGHT (VIPASSANA) MEDITATION and practice:This mindfulness-based meditation group sits on Wednesdays from 7:00-8:30pm. The evening includes meditation instructions, sitting and walking meditation, Dharma talks and discussion. For further details, please contact Rosie - 0402 682 925. Beginners and experienced meditations are warmly welcomed. ZEN MEDITATION and practice The Zen meditation group sits on Mondays from 6:30pm-8:15pm. If you wish to attend MACLEAN

EAST LISMORE BOWLING CLUB

MACLEAN VIEW CLUB

Community Bingo Tuesday night 7.30pm start. 20 games of bingo + progressive jackpot Neilson Street East Lismore. Everyone Welcome

Monthly meetings the 3rd Thursdays of each month at 11am. Contact Ruth Toyer on 0409844212 by Mondays, no later than 7pm. Numbers are required for catering purposes.

EAST LISMORE SOCIAL TENNIS Social Tennis is played at East Lismore Tennis Club, Cnr Neilson St & Oakley Avenue every Tuesday from 8am. We invite social players of all abilities to join us, we are a mixed group who enjoy a morning’s tennis without the commitment of competition. Ph: Fay Ross 0412910487. Everyone welcome. MAINLY MUSIC Fun, interactive, music sessions for young children [birth to school age] and their parents/caregivers in a relaxed setting on Tuesdays starting at 9:30am during School Terms. Children will be introduced to music, creativity and more. They will develop gross motor skills, as well as socialise with others in a loving, shared family environment. Morning tea with snacks included. Mainly Music at Lismore Anglican Parish Centre, 10 Zadoc Street, LISMORE. T: 0266213200 PROBUS CLUB OF LISMORE HEIGHTS Our mixed group meets on the 1st Tuesday of each month at the Lismore Heights Bowling Club in High St. Our brief meeting is followed by morning tea and a guest speaker. Senior’s lunch for $15 at noon is optional. Guests and visitors are welcome. Ring/ text Roslyn on 0437606674 for details of our other monthly social gatherings and outings. ROTARY CLUB OF LISMORE NETWORKING Want to be part of an innovative, interesting, and inclusive networking group who meet fortnightly to share ideas, meet other professionals and work together to make a difference in your community? Then Rotary Club of Lismore Networking could be the answer for you! Meets on the 2nd & 4th Wednesday of each month at 5.30pm at The Civic Hotel (210 Molesworth Street Lismore). Ph: Rita on 0413300578 or Gae 0412742095.

MCLEANS RIDGES MCLEANS RIDGES CRAFT GROUP meet at the McLeans Ridges Hall, Cowlong Road, McLeans Ridges on the 2nd Saturday of each month from 9.30am to 3.30pm. Scrapbooking, card making, paper craft, knitting whatever takes your fancy. Come along for an enjoyable day. Bring your own morning tea and lunch. Coffee, tea, milk provided. A small fee to cover hall hire. Ph 0401 047 513.

as in Voice, Interests, Education of Women (Not many people are aware of what ‘VIEW’ club stands for!) AND NOT ONLY IN NAME: We are a group of ladies who care what will become of our youth! Our heritage – Their heritage – It is sad but true that many of our young people have no direction in their lives. Every morning, we wake to the news that violence has occurred overnight in what was once considered a safe neighbourhood. How do these offending children/ youth feel the next morning knowing they have caused so much heartache - is this why we also hear of youth harming themselves so they can spread the pain? So, this is where VIEW Clubs and other similar clubs are starting from the bottom of the ladder by providing much needed funds to educate our youngsters so they will WANT to become the very best person they can not only in education but in their community and being proud of themselves and giving their parents hope for their child’s future. We at TWIN TOWNS DAY VIEW CLUB PROVIDE THE NECESSARY FUNDS to educate just 7 of these children. We know not where they come from, but someone in their community has contacted THE SMITH FAMILY and they in turn contact VIEW CLUBS OF AUSTRALIA who anonymously contact a VIEW Club who in turn take over the responsibility for these worthy children’s fees and so year after year their tertiary fees are paid. These fees are raised by VIEW Club members who attend meetings, listen to interesting guest speakers, and regularly have days out at each other’s homes – so FUN and a tremendous satisfaction of knowing we are helping our future generation. More information can be gleaned by contacting our President Kathie on 0407709629. YAMBA YAMBA LIONS CLUB

MURWILLUMBAH COMMUNITY PRINTMAKERS MURWILLUMBAH

ALL NORTHERN RIVERS

Fine art printmakers. Meet at studio space 224 Stokers Rd, Stokers Siding. Prints, gallery, workshops and more! Ph: Peter 0498399640 or Sue 0408493253.

NORTHERN RIVES MUSTANGS

MURWILLUMBAH COMMUNITY GARDEN Members and visitors are invited to join the group for activities and gardening tips most Sundays. Time 3-5pm, street parking, BYO, covered footwear, comfy clothing, hat, and water. Children ok with strict supervision. Covid plan operating. Ph: Bob Johnson (02)66225792. POTTSVILLE Alcoholics Anonymous: Is drinking costing you more than money? AA works and is very active in Pottsville. We meet every Thursday 7pm at St Marks 15A Coronation Ave Pottsville and local contact 1800 423 431 or 04019 45671 POTTSVILLE FUN CROQUET CLUB Meets at Black Rocks Sports Fields on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8.30am. New members are welcome to come and join us for a hit and a bit of fun. For any further enquires please call Jean on 0431606375. TWEED HEADS

East Lismore Bowling Club each Thursday at 6pm. New members would be made most welcome. Further information available on 0428151934.

Poets and writers on the Tweed meet every Tuesday at the South Tweed Sports Club 1.30-3.30pm. Beginners welcome. Phone 0755248035.

ROTARY CLUB OF SUMMERLAND SUNRISE

TWEED HEADS PROBUS CLUB

Interested in contributing to community? Local and international? The Rotary Club of Summerland Sunrise meets every Friday at 7.05am for Breakfast at Red Dove Café 80 Keen st Lismore. Join us please. Ph: 0435990919

Probus Club, Coolangatta/Tweed Heads. Be at Club Tweed at 10-00am on the first Wednesday of the Month. Visitors and new members are very welcome.

Meetings of the club are normally held on the

TWIN TOWNS DAY VIEW CLUB VIEW

Yamba Lions Club’s meetings are held 2nd & 4th Thursdays of month at Yamba Bowling Club, commencing at 7pm for 7.30pm. For further information, please contact the Secretary Peter 0417546097. Social outings also held at various time and visitors and new members’ welcome.

ROTARY CLUB OF LISMORE WEST INC

SUMMERLAND AMATEUR RADIO CLUB

Heffron Street Tweed Heads south all beginners welcome phone Moira on 0418686643. A friendly group of people with common interest in seeing, quilting and related craft.

TWEED PATCHWORK GROUP Meet the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month at South Tweed Community Centre from 9-1pm at 18

If you own a Ford Mustang and would like to do monthly drives with other members for more information, contact John 0404 884 192 NRCF WOMEN’S GIVING CIRCLE The Northern Rivers Community Foundation (NRFC) is inviting Northern Rivers women to play an active role in empowering vulnerable women and girls in our region. The newly formed NRFC’s Women’s Giving Circle brings Northern Rivers women together to achieve equality and human rights for women and girls in our region and enable them to realise their full potential. Ph: 0499862886 The NORTHERN RIVERS HASH HOUSE HARRIERS is a non-profit community group that is part of a worldwide organisation. The Hash House Harriers meet every Monday at 6pm for a run/walk from various locations around Lismore, Alstonville, and Ballina. The run/walk lasts for approximately an hour, followed by friendship, banter and grub. We are very friendly and welcome new members. NORTHERN RIVERS NAVAL & MARINERS ASSOCIATION This association was formed to attract veterans for companionship, wellbeing and to supply advocacy to veterans. We hold an informal gathering every Friday, 2.30pm at Ballina Angling Club (families are welcome). Ph: Allan Watt: 0402 749 582 ALL AREAS ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS If you’re looking for help to stop drinking, you can reach out to Alcoholics Anonymous 24 hours a day. Our phone line is always answered by someone who’s been where you are – an alcoholic in recovery. We understand the challengers, and we know we’re the right people to help you. You can call AA anytime on 1300 22 22 22.

Tweed Heads

WEATHER www.bom.gov.au

Wed Thu

Murwillambah

Fri

Sat Sun

19 29

19 31

19 32 Mullumbimby

UV ALERT

Lismore

Fri

Sat Sun

17 28

16 29

17 30

16 28

Sat Sun

14 27

13 28

13 31

January 7, 2026

13 31 Fri

Sat Sun

19 31

17 32

19 34

Yamba

Wed Thu 19 32

22 29

21 28

22 30

19 34

Wed Thu

Sunny

Mostly sunny

Partly cloudy

Cloudy

Chance shower

Shower or two

Showers

Light rain (drizzle)

Rain

Storm

Showers storm

Windy

Dust

Fog

Sat Sun 21 28

Wed Thu

Fri

Sat Sun

20 28

19 28

20 29

Wed Thu

Fri

Sat Sun

19 29

21 27

Fri 21 27

18 31

Evans Head

Fri

Grafton

Tenterfield

Wed Thu

Issued January 5, 2026 for

21 29

Ballina

8:30am - 5:00pm

13 27

21 29

21 27

Kyogle

13 (extreme)

Sat Sun

Kingcliff

BYRON BAY

MAX UV Index

Fri

Byron Bay

Warnings: Latest info at www.bom.gov.au/australia/warnings Warnings 1300 659 210 State Service 1300 934 034 Coastal Waters 1300 978 023

Wed Thu

19 29

19 30

19 31

20 31 1m

20 31

Wed Thu

Fri

Sat Sun

21 28

19 28

20 29

20 28

22 29

21 29

FORECAST Warnings See www.bom.gov.au/australia/warnings Northern Rivers District: Partly cloudy. The chance of morning fog in the south. Slight chance of a shower, most likely in the morning and afternoon. Light winds becoming easterly 15 to 20 km/h during the day then becoming light during the evening. Thursday. Partly cloudy. The chance of morning fog inland. Slight chance of a shower in the north in the morning. Light winds becoming easterly 15 to 20 km/h during the afternoon then becoming light during the evening. Northern Tablelands District: Mostly sunny. The chance of morning fog on and east of the ranges. Slight chance of a shower in the north. Light winds becoming easterly 15 to 20 km/h during the day.

Thursday. Sunny. The chance of morning fog on and east of the ranges. Winds east to northeasterly 15 to 20 km/h becoming light during the morning then becoming easterly 15 to 20 km/h during the afternoon. New South Wales: Isolated showers in the northeast. Isolated showers or storms possible in the southeast. Dry and sunny elsewhere. Hot with daytime temperatures well above average over the southern half of the state, tending near average in the far northeast. Northerly winds, turning easterly over the northern half, and west to northwesterly across the southern inland and ranges during the afternoon. Fresh afternoon seabreezes along the coast. Thursday. Hot to very hot with daytime temperatures well above average over most of the state, tending near average in the far northeast. Isolated showers in the northeast and far southeast.

Gusty afternoon storms possible across the southeast quarter. Northerly winds, turning east to northeasterly over the northern half during the afternoon. Fresh afternoon seabreezes along the coast. Byron Coast: Winds: East to southeasterly about 10 knots increasing to 10 to 15 knots during the morning. Seas: Below 1 metre. Swell: Easterly below 1 metre. Weather: Partly cloudy. Coffs Coast: Winds: East to northeasterly about 10 knots. Seas: Below 1 metre. Swell: Easterly below 1 metre. Weather: Mostly sunny. Gold Coast Waters: Winds: Southeasterly 10 to 15 knots turning easterly 15 to 20 knots during the evening. Seas: Around 1 metre, increasing to 1 to 1.5 metres offshore north of Point Lookout during the morning. Swell: Easterly below 1 metre. Weather: Partly cloudy.

TIDES, SUN & MOON Ballina 2.0 1.8 1.6 1.4 1.2 1.0 0.8 0.6 0.4 0.2 0.0

Wed

Low: 5:24am High: 12:10pm Low: 6:46pm

0.3m 1.7m 0.3m

Rise Sun 5:55am Moon 10:43pm

Set 7:49pm 9:36am

Thu

High: 12:40am Low: 6:13am High: 12:47pm Low: 7:24pm

1.1m 0.4m 1.6m 0.4m

Rise Set Sun 5:56am 7:49pm Moon 11:12pm 10:36am

TODAY

High: Low: High: Low:

Fri

1:29am 7:04am 1:24pm 8:00pm

1.2m 0.5m 1.4m 0.4m

Rise Set Sun 5:57am 7:49pm Moon 11:40pm 11:33am

High: Low: High: Low:

1.2m 0.6m 1.3m 0.5m

Rise Set Sun 5:58am 7:49pm Moon Nil 12:28pm

TODAY 10AM

DARWIN 33

Sat

2:24am 8:04am 2:02pm 8:37pm

30 CAIRNS

ALICE SPRINGS 41

1007 1007

1008 1008

PERTH 31 ADELAIDE 41

High: 4:36am Low: 10:42am High: 3:49pm Low: 10:09pm

1.3m 0.7m 1.0m 0.5m

Rise Sun 5:59am Moon 12:08am

Set 7:49pm 1:23pm

Rise Sun 5:59am Moon 12:38am

Set 7:49pm 2:18pm

FRIDAY 10AM

Forecast Rain 24 hrs to 9am

1016

1002

1005 1008

1004

1003

BRISBANE 30

Mon

1.2m 0.7m 1.1m 0.5m

1008

1007

1008

Sun

3:29am 9:15am 2:48pm 9:19pm

TOMORROW 10AM

1008

BROOME 35

High: Low: High: Low:

016

1016

1008

1006

1016

1024 hectoPascal (hPa) 1016

trough

31 SYDNEY 36 CANBERRA

cold front

1020

MELBOURNE 41

102

1017

27 HOBART

1016

1016 1008

1016

1008

1022 1016

1016 1024

warm front

The

SPORT NEWS

Times

January 08, 2026

Northern Rivers Times Your Weekly Newspaper

Rugby legend lands in Grafton

By Gary Nichols

Not many players can claim they lined up against Wallaby great David Campese in a Rugby Test, and only a few can boast they marked the goosestepping winger in a Rugby World Cup game. But for former All Black and Samoan legend, Timo Tagaloa, that’s exactly what panned out in the 1991 World Cup hosted by England. “I represented Samoa in 1991, and it was an amazing experience playing in a World Cup,” Tagaloa recalled. “It was special being in that environment. We had Australia in our pool, so playing against the world champions was extraspecial. “We had an opportunity to beat them, but unfortunately our goalkicker did not have his boots on that day and we lost 9-3. “The Wallabies were a very good side, and we were more than competitive. “After the game I offered to swap my jersey with ‘Campo’, but he ran

straight off to the change rooms, so I ended up swapping with their second half-back Peter Slattery.” Born in Auckland after his parents migrated from Samoa, Tagaloa admits at times it was a struggle living in poverty in West Auckland with his six brothers and two sisters. Timo Tagaloa features on a rugby “We all pitched card distributed during his glory days in doing chores during the late 1980s and early 1990s. around the house and had to carry and we went to school a lot of responsibility, but together. We played looking back we were alongside each other at content,” he said. Henderson High where “I have six brothers he was captain,” Tagaloa and two sisters and I said. remember playing in the “He is a deeply backyard or in the street religious man and was with the neighbour’s kids an exceptional rugby from dusk till dawn...we player.” just enjoyed our sport.” Apart from playing in Tagaloa added one of the World Cup for Samoa those neighbours and best and Sevens for New mate, was arguably one Zealand, Tagaloa made of New Zealand’s greatest the All Black’s squad, and players of all time, flanker went within a whisker of Michael Jones. playing his first Test. “I grew up not far away “It was 1992 and South from Michael’s house Africa were re-admitted

Redmen first grade coach Gary Powell, left, and former player and life member Steve Hackett, right, welcome Samoa and New Zealand rugby legend Timo Tagaloa to the Grafton rugby fields.

to international rugby after apartheid was abolished,” he recalled. “The same year New Zealand were celebrating a centenary year of New Zealand rugby and I was rooming with Eric Rush. “It was late at night and we were both asleep. The coach opened the door, walked in and tapped me on the shoulder. “He said, ‘get your stuff ready there has been an injury and you’re heading over to South Africa’...I could not believe it. “He then turned on

the light and said, not you... Eric... sorry, wrong shoulder.” Married with two children and now a grandparent, Tagaloa was invited over to Australia for Christmas by his son and daughter in-law Chelsea, who is the daughter of former Grafton Redmen premiership winning captain Glenn Pilgrim. During his visit he caught up with Grafton first grade coach Gary Powell and former Redmen player and life

member Steve Hackett to check out Grafton’s updated facilities at the Hay Street Rugby Fields and talk all things rugby. For the Moata’a rugby legend life is good, however he admits he has become a bit disillusioned with the current game. “I still watch a bit of rugby, but I am a little disappointed with the playing rules,” he said. “There’s no rucking, a lot of kicking and a flat line of defence, I just wish they would run the ball more.”

SPORTS RESULTS Cherry Street Croquet Ends 2025 with Fireworks The lawns at Cherry Street Croquet Club were buzzing as players wrapped up 2025 with a cracking round of Association, Ricochet and Twilight Golf Croquet, delivering close finishes, big wins and plenty of competitive spirit.

Association Croquet: Hume Sets the Pace S. Hume stamped authority on Association

Croquet, recording two commanding victories, including a powerful 23– 16 win over B. Hardy and P. Hume, followed by another emphatic 23–11 result against G. Drew and B. Hardy. Elsewhere, G. Porter edged L. Turner in a nail-biting 16–15 thriller before going down 12–11 to P. Waters in another tight contest. G. Drew and Brenton Bill also combined well for a solid 9–5 win over Bev Bill.

Ricochet Croquet: Tight Battles All Round

Ricochet Croquet delivered edge-of-theseat action, with J. Hannigan holding firm to defeat R. Chapman 16–14. N. Watts and H. Young combined smoothly for an 11–9 win over J. Doust and P. Scott, while M. Field and M. Russell scraped home by the narrowest of margins, 12–11, against C. Edlund and Brenton Bill.

Twilight Golf Croquet: Fast, Fun and Fiercely Fought Twilight Golf Croquet wrapped up the year in

style, with J. Hannigan and M. Rennie starting strongly with a 5–1 win over R. Offley and B. Nelson. J. Saunders and W. Gilmore followed with a sharp 5–3 victory against J. Hamilton and Bev Bill. G. Porter impressed with a 9–4 singles win over C. Edlund, while W. Gilmore shut out M. Rennie 3–0. Doubles action continued with B. Nelson and G. Porter defeating C. Edlund and Brenton Bill 5–2, before J. Saunders and J. Hannigan closed proceedings with a confident 4–1 win over Bev Bill and R. Offley.

A terrific way to farewell the year — Happy New Year 2026 to all players and supporters!

Coraki Veterans Finish 2025 on a High A fantastic turnout greeted the final Veterans event of the year at Coraki Veterans Golf, with players making the most of perfect conditions and good company on Wednesday, December 31. L. Clarke capped off the year in style, claiming victory ahead of J. Kelly in second

and B. Collyer in third. G. O’Connor picked up the free game, while the chicken and ball winners included M. Buggy, G. Grimley, T. Perkins, J. Larkin, B. Ross, R. Webber, B. Fox, W. Britton and S. Reddell. Nearest-the-pin honours went to L. Clarke on the 3rd and 12th, with R. Webber sharp on the 6th and 15th. Attention now turns to the January Monthly Medal, to be played Thursday 8 January, with an 8.00am shotgun start. Till then — good golfing! Max

January 08, 2026

The

Times

SPORT NEWS

Northern Rivers Times Your Weekly Newspaper

Cricketers time to get serious By Tim Howard The Valley’s cricketers get the chance to dust off their whites after the Christmas break and head into the serious end of the season. Fittingly for such an important period, they will turn to the two-day format for the run into the semi-finals, leaving behind the “hit and giggle” of the one-dayers. But there is a match to catch up on before attention turns to Saturday’s games. Just prior to Christmas there was a finale to the one-day competition, a finals match between the two top-placed teams, Harwood and Lawrence. As competition top dog, Harwood hosted the final at Harwood Oval, won the toss and batted first. The Lawrence attack made early inroads and had Harwood in a touch of bother at 3-33. But there is a reason Harwood has maintained an unbeaten record over three seasons: batting depth. Opener Kallen Lawrence (36) dug in and shared a valuable partnership with Ben McMahon, who top-scored with 54. Harwood were not finished

Harwood’s all rounder Ben McMahon, pictured here in a file photo, pulled out all the stops with bat and ball during the one-day final against Lawrence held at Harwood Oval before Christmas.

there, with Colby Vallette stroking a fluent 41 not out as wickets tumbled around him, lifting Harwood’s total to 7-182 from 40 overs. Spinner Doug Harris copped some stick but finished with figures of 2-45, while Nathan Williams, Jordan

Gallagher and Ben Shaw each took a wicket. Lawrence could not have started in worse fashion. Veteran opener Mark Ensbey was out first ball and first drop Hamish Pearce departed soon after, leaving the visitors reeling at 2-1. Opener Darby Rouse (29)

and Nathan Ensbey (22) halted the rot, but they fell well behind the required run rate. That put too much pressure on the lower order, particularly when the normally aggressive Harris fell to legspinner Jacob McMahon for a three-ball duck. The lower order battled

hard but could not get close to the run rate as wickets continued to fall. Bizarrely, No. 11 Jack Cheney was the last man out on the second-last ball of the day, dismissed for a 24-ball duck with 58 runs still required for victory. It will take a serious reversal of form for Harwood to miss out on a semi-final berth. They have already opened up a clear gap on Lawrence in second place, with seven wins so far. On Saturday their opponents are Maclean United at Barry Watts Oval, Maclean, and it would take a brave person to bet against Harwood. Maclean can be a danger team but do not appear to have the artillery to threaten the visitors over two days. Second-placed Lawrence make the trip to Grafton and Ellem Oval to take on Tucabia Copmanhurst. Again, this is a game Lawrence would expect to win, but Tucabia could cause an upset if it can get its best team on the park. In the third game of the round, GDSC Easts would be surprised if they could not bring home the points from their clash with Iluka

at the Iluka Sportsground. Clarence cricketers may have the prospect of even more cricket on the horizon, with the Ballina Bears Cricket Club hosting an Indigenous-based cricket carnival on January 26. Christened Survival Day Cricket, the event will be played across two fields with up to four teams, and is being organised with the aim of bringing community together through sport. Proceedings will begin at 9am with a Smoking Ceremony, Welcome to Country and cultural dances, followed by team introductions and a full day of cricket. Stumps are expected to be pulled around 5pm. A canteen will supply refreshments, both soft and hard, and a barbecue will be available throughout the day. Teams will be made up mostly of First Nations players, with non-Indigenous players welcome to show solidarity and inclusiveness. Clarence cricketers have been invited to enter. For more information, contact Stewart Kapeen on 0499 842 112.

Surfing Australia Announces 2026 National Titles Calendar Jeff Gibbs

Surfing Australia has unveiled its 2026 National Events Calendar, confirming a full year of competition across Australia’s most iconic surf locations and covering every major surfing discipline. The 2026 calendar delivers a comprehensive national program spanning online and in-person events across Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and Western Australia. Disciplines include junior and interschool surfing, para surfing, longboarding, bodyboarding, SUP and shortboard competition, providing clear pathways from grassroots participation through to elite performance. National Titles will be staged at some of the country’s most recognised surfing destinations, including the Gold Coast, Byron Bay, Kingscliff, the Tweed Coast, Wollongong,

2025 Australian Junior Championships. Credit: Andrew Shield / Surfing Australia

Newcastle, Phillip Island and Margaret River. These locations have been selected for their wave quality, community support and long-standing connection to Australian surf culture. Surfing Australia Chief of Sport – Events & Partnerships Luke Madden said the 2026 calendar reflects the depth and

diversity of Australian surfing. “The 2026 National Calendar showcases the best of Australian surfing – iconic locations, stand-alone national championships for each discipline, and clear pathways from grassroots through to international representation,” Mr Madden said.

“Each event has been purposefully placed to suit the discipline, the athletes and the community, while continuing to strengthen partnerships with host regions across the country.” A key feature of the 2026 season is the opportunity for select division winners to earn selection on the Australian Irukandjis Team, representing Australia at ISA World Championships. Athletes from the Para Surfing, Longboard, Shortboard, SUP and Junior Surfing Titles will be eligible for international selection. The year begins online in January with the Australian Junior Online Surf Championships, allowing emerging surfers nationwide to compete regardless of location. The national tour then moves through a packed schedule of on-location events, including the Australian Indigenous Surfing Titles at Bells Beach and the

Australian Longboard Titles on the Tweed Coast. The calendar concludes in Western Australia with the Australian Junior Surfing Titles in Margaret River, bringing together the nation’s top young surfers at one of Australia’s premier high-performance surfing regions.

Surfing Australia said the 2026 calendar reinforces its commitment to inclusion, participation and highperformance outcomes, while supporting local communities and strengthening Australia’s reputation as a world leader in competitive surfing.

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By Gary Nichols

Rebels centre Nick McGrady crashes over for his second try of the game, which briefly put the Rebels in front.

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