Coffs Coast News Of The Area 03 APRIL 2026

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COFFS COAST News Of The Area

Stars dance their way to record fundraiser

FROM Page 1

The Stars took to the stage carrying a deeply personal connection to cancer.

Taking home the Judges' Choice Award, Federal Member for Cowper Pat Conaghan danced Soul Disco, wowing the crowd with a series of impressive pushups midperformance.

Pat’s partner on-stage was his wife and dance teacher Ilona Conaghan, a former Moulin Rouge dancer who brought worldclass expertise and flair to the partnership.

Chris Grieve of Paradox Agency claimed both the People's Choice Award and the Highest Fundraiser title, raising $30,331 alongside dance teacher Meredith Ripley.

Community Spirit awards were presented to Tyler Budden of Aussie Coffs Harbour, recognised for her tireless support of her fellow Stars throughout the campaign, and dance teacher Carol Myers of Pacific Dancentre, who has participated in every Stars of Coffs Coast event since it started in 2011.

This year she took on four Stars.

Emm-cee Alicia Smith of The Social Flip and Stars Lounge Host Joanne Vines of One Agency Coffs Harbour, guided guests through the evening with warmth, energy and plenty of laughs.

Judges Carol Young of Woolgoolga Performing Arts Studio, George “Sarge” Sargent of Triple M Mid North Coast, and Sam Dawson of Married by Sam and Focus Magazine, brought expertise, passion and no shortage of entertainment to the judges' table.

Lauren Fraser, Cancer Council NSW Community Fundraising Specialist, said the night exceeded every expectation.

"Stars of Coffs Coast has always been about community, and this year that was on full display.

“The personal stories our Stars shared, the generosity of this region, and the energy in that room on Friday night reminded me exactly why this event matters so much.”

Stars of Coffs Coast began in 2011 and has grown into one of Cancer Council NSW's major fundraising campaigns.

Cancer Council NSW funds world-class research, delivers prevention programs and provides free practical and emotional support for people and families facing cancer.

Locally, Cancer Council NSW's Transport to Treatment volunteers drove more than 22,000km, ensuring patients from as far as Arrawarra, Stuarts Point and Dorrigo could access the care they needed.

Anyone can call the free and confidential support line 13 11 20 at any time.

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Fundraiser

EPA monitors pesticides in local creeks

By Sis HIGGINS

THE NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has ramped up water quality monitoring across the Mid North Coast to better understand pesticide levels in local waterways.

The program focused on key catchments in the Nambucca Valley and Coffs Harbour,

combining scientific testing with on-ground compliance activity to address community concerns.

NSW EPA Director Operations John Forcier said the work responded directly to public interest in pesticide use across the region.

“We know pesticide use on the Mid North Coast is a concern for the community and we are maintaining a strong regulatory presence there,” he said.

“We have recently commenced systematic water quality monitoring programs in the Nambucca Valley and Coffs Harbour regions to better understand the presence of pesticides in the region’s waterways.

“These projects have been designed and implemented by local EPA operations staff with good knowledge of local catchments, scientific qualifications and expertise in water quality, investigations and catchment management.”

Mr Forcier told News Of The Area that results so far have returned some pesticide detections in the Coffs Harbour catchment, which was “consistent with monitoring conducted over the last few years”.

He said there were “limited detections in Nambucca”.

Sampling across both regions included recording environmental conditions and testing water for more than 150 pesticides and dissolved trace metals.

According to the EPA, strict quality control procedures ensured samples were collected, handled and transported to laboratories with data accuracy maintained.

In Nambucca, testing at two sites identified a single trace-level detection of the insecticide “imidacloprid” across sampling rounds in July and October 2025.

In Coffs Harbour, pesticides were detected at 14 of 21 sites during initial testing in May 2025, following heavy rainfall that increased runoff into waterways.

Further monitoring in September found detections at three sites, including Dundoo Creek, Willis Creek and Double Crossing Creek.

The EPA will continue monitoring water quality and inspecting horticulture operations, with further data needed to confirm long-term trends across the region.

FACILITY FEEDBACK

FROM Page 1

The battery system is expected to deliver 240 MW of storage capacity, enough to power around 375,000 homes for up to four hours, supporting state and federal net-zero emissions targets by 2050.

The proposed development on Casuarina Lane is located 200 metres from the Orara River and will include up to 280 batteries, each the size of five metre squared shipping containers.

As part of the approval process, community information sessions were held on Tuesday 24 March in Coffs Harbour and Karangi, where residents raised concerns about project safety, visual impacts, biodiversity, water resources, and transparency.

However, no verbal feedback was recorded.

Blaize Jenkinson, whose property will overlook the proposed development, said he first heard about the project two months ago.

“Nobody I spoke with at the session could guarantee these batteries won’t leak or catch on fire,” he said.

Linda Bunt, whose child goes to Karangi Public School, also raised concerns about the site’s proximity to the Orara River.

“This facility will sit 200 metres from the river, where families swim, fish and kayak,” she said.

Neighbouring landowner Sharon Few expressed concern for local farmers.

“Bore water depends on the Orara River as it’s used daily by livestock, crops, and residents,” she said.

The site has been selected due to its proximity to the water treatment facility and Transgrid substation, into which it will connect.

Since entering the market in 2023, Avenis Energy has been actively acquiring land on the East Coast, with six other battery storage projects in development in Warrenheip, Sunshine Estate, Winton, Moree, Grahamvale, and Deniliquin.

The developments are all considered state significant and require scoping reports to guide full environmental impact statements, with approval then being determined by the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure.

Site property owner Tim Cheers said he had been approached by multiple developers over the past five years and ultimately agreed to work with Avenis, noting that “everything eventually has its price point.”

Although the battery manufacturer has not yet been determined, lithium-ion batteries are widely used in grid-scale energy storage due to their 10–15-year lifespan, but they require careful handling as their temperature must be controlled, they can overheat or catch fire, and are considered toxic waste,

posing significant disposal hazards.

In the event of a fire, toxic chemicals like hydrogen fluoride and carbon monoxide are released, often triggered by thermal runaway, where a single failing cell sparks a chain reaction.

This was the case with the 2021 Victoria Big Battery fire, which burned for several days.

Coffs Harbour Mayor Nikki Williams said while Council does not have an approval role, its “priority is making sure the process is transparent, communication is clear, and people have access to the facts they need to make informed submissions,” adding that the level of early engagement had been “disappointing.”

Once approved, Avenis estimates the $200 million

project will take 18 months to build, create up to 180 temporary construction jobs and three full-time roles over its 35-year lifespan.

Resident says rail service ‘broken’

By Mike HELY

A COFFS Harbour woman whose elderly sister was hospitalised while travelling by coach between Brisbane and Coffs Harbour, believes the NSW regional rail service is fragmented, unreliable and “a disgrace”.

Julianne McKeon said her 84-year-old sister and 90-year-old brother-in-law relied on public transport because driving long distances was no longer safe.

“What should have

been a straightforward rail journey became a maze of coach substitutions, excessive delays, and late-night arrivals,” Mrs McKeon said.

“On the return journey, my sister fell while attempting to access an onboard toilet during an extended coach diversion and was admitted overnight to Byron Bay Hospital.

“This is not an isolated inconvenience - it is a systemic failure.

“I see it as an equity issue.

“The current service is

unsafe for older passengers, people with disabilities, people who cannot afford to fly, those who are more vulnerable and anyone who cannot drive.

“In regional NSW, rail is not a luxury - it is essential infrastructure.”

She said train departure times of approximately 5am southbound from Brisbane and midnight northbound from Coffs Harbour effectively exclude elderly passengers from using rail.

“Frequent and unexplained substitutions with long-distance coaches mean passengers are denied basic amenities such as access to food, toilets, and safe boarding,” Mrs McKeon said.

“In a country that prides itself on fairness and regional access, this standard of transport is unacceptable.

“No one should risk injury simply to visit family.”

She has written to Coffs Harbour MP Gurmesh Singh and NSW Minister for Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison, seeking an urgent review of the Coffs HarbourBrisbane service, improved timetable reliability, reduced coach substitutions, and assurances of safe, accessible travel for vulnerable passengers.

Mr Singh said he was waiting for a response from Minister Aitchison after making representations on Mrs McKeon’s behalf.

He said in an ideal world he would welcome additional services and more flexible time scheduling, “but given that we’re in the middle of that route between Sydney and Brisbane, often it’s us who are the most inconvenienced”.

A Transport for NSW spokesperson said, “Over the past 12 months, approximately two percent of services between Brisbane and Coffs Harbour were fully replaced by coach transport, while 14 percent were partially replaced for sections of the journey.

“Planned disruptions and unplanned disruptions may at times cause train services to be replaced by coaches. “These include scheduled trackwork and weather impacts.”

He said the $40.3 million XPT Life Extension Project –the reason behind the switch to coaches locally on 28 April last year – was to “ensure the current fleet continues to provide passengers with a reliable and comfortable service until the next generation regional rail fleet is ready to be introduced into passenger service".

“For a 12-month period

during the XPT Life Extension Project, premium coaches are replacing XPTs on the Grafton route,” the spokesperson said.

“These coaches are wheelchair accessible, maintaining our commitment to inclusive travel for all passengers. Trains are

scheduled to resume on the Grafton service in the first half of this year.

“Throughout this period, Coffs Harbour has continued to be serviced by four other daily rail options - on the Brisbane and Casino XPT services.”

New draft plan for Jetty Foreshores

By Andrew VIVIAN

A NEW draft plan of management for the Jetty Foreshores, which prioritises community benefit, has been developed by the City of Coffs Harbour.

The plan covers three Crown Reserves – the largely open green space Foreshores

(including the Community Building), the Jetty pier and the Yacht Club/former Deep Sea Fishing Club sites.

It also takes in the landside assets at the boat ramp.

Mayor Nikki Williams said, “The current Plan of Management is 18-years-old and no longer fit for purpose.

“The new draft plan still dictates that the lands are managed and developed for public open space and recreational purposes.

“This can include compatible commercial activities like food kiosks and amenity blocks.

“There is also an emphasis on protecting and enhancing

the natural environment.”

The draft plan was adopted by Council at its 19 March meeting and will now be sent to the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure for review.

If approved unchanged, it will be put on public exhibition for 42 days for feedback before returning to Council for determination.

City Business Services Director Steve Bayliss said, “The Jetty Foreshores is seen as a key area of Coffs Harbour as it is significant on a number of fronts - tourism, cultural, historical and environmental.

“This draft plan covers public Crown Land at the Foreshores and not land owned by Property NSW which is subject to a current redevelopment proposal.”

Mr Bayliss said plans of management speak generally to the type of uses and activities that might be accommodated - in keeping with the reasons for the

gazettal of Crown Lands.

“For instance [they] do not specify that a shared path, amenity block or kiosk should go in ‘x’ spot.”

Where reserve land is categorised General Community Use, the draft plan would broadly allow for development including new buildings and infrastructure alterations to existing buildings, where the work provides improved facilities for recreational, educational, cultural, leisure, health or social activities.

This might include alterations to internal roads and carpark layouts to improve access and parking associated with future use and development, sculptures, artwork or signage of a natural, social or cultural quality, and water saving initiatives such as rain gardens, and energy saving moves such as solar lights and solar panels.

Improvements to reserve land categorised as “Park”

Artificial reef set to deployed

AN artificial reef will be deployed off Coffs Harbour within weeks, following the recent installation of a new reef off the Ballina coast.

Costing $1.35 million each, the reefs are being delivered with funding from the NSW Government’s Recreational Fishing Trust and the Marine Estate Management Strategy.

The reefs imitate the environment of natural reefs and encourage a wide diversity of marine growth for fish to flourish in.

Fish typically start to colonise the structures in large numbers within about a year, with the Ballina reef

expected to attract key species including Mackerel, Snapper, Mulloway and various baitfish.

The Ballina reef consists of two steel structures developed by naval architects, coastal engineers and biologists to create a high-quality marine habitat while resisting sliding and overturning forces during a one-in-100-year storm event.

Each structure has a footprint of 15.6 x 15.6 m, a height of 12 metres and weighs 50 tonnes.

They have been placed approximately 100 metres apart in around 32 metres of water.

The Coffs Harbour reef will have a similar design.

The two new reefs join 11 others already installed along the NSW coast including at Forster and Terrigal deployed in late

2023.

The new reefs have been built, transported and installed by NSW-based marine infrastructure

company, SMC Marine, and constructed in Queensland, with the Ballina reef towed 350 km over three days and sunk 3.5 km off Patchs

Beach.

Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said, “The new Offshore Artificial

could include play and exercise equipment, bike racks, half-court basketball and bocce courts, picnic tables, barbecues, sheltered seating areas, storage sheds, community gardens and commercial development supporting the park’s use (e.g. recreation equipment hire).

Councillor Tony Judge said the draft plan is largely an administrative update.

“Rather than establishing new principles, it references the history of the area, sets out the applicable zoning areas and specifies permissible usage.

“Nothing in the document either encourages or discourages the State Government’s plans for the area.”

Cr Williams said, “The draft plan authorises the existing wide variety of land uses of the three reserves at the Foreshores.

“It also gives Council some flexibility to modify the use, management or development of the reserves if public needs and expectations evolve.”

Reefs at Ballina and Coffs Harbour are set to become a major drawcard, providing fantastic fishing opportunities for locals and visitors eager to catch a variety of fish species.

"The reef will quickly become a thriving ecosystem, first attracting baitfish, followed by an exciting range of sportfish like Mackerel, Snapper and Mulloway in the coming months.

"Recreational fishing contributes $3.4 billion to the NSW economy each year and these reefs will only further that economic impact.

“These new reefs take the total number of offshore artificial reefs in NSW to 13, an excellent example of how recreational fishing licence fees are being put to good use, with additional financial support from the Marine Estate Management Strategy.”

Fast DA assessment pays off

CITY of Coffs Harbour’s quick assessment of development applications has opened the door for a million-dollar boost for the growing Moonee Beach community.

The NSW Government’s Faster Assessment Incentive Program aims to encourage councils to shorten development assessment timeframes – an area where Coffs has been excelling.

The upshot of that high performance means the City is eligible to apply for $1 million in program funding for an infrastructure project.

At its meeting on 19 March, Council determined to put forward the Moonee Community Hub as its project.

“There are a number of capital works projects in the 2025-’29 Delivery Program which are unfunded, and staff have identified the Hub – which may comprise a community centre and a park on the corner of Moonee Beach and Sullivans roads – as the best fit for the funding,” Mayor Nikki Williams said.

“The Hub project is currently in the planning and design stage and is estimated to come in at around $3 million all up.

“$1m from the State will complement the near $2.2m already collected from developers through the Moonee-Sapphire Contributions Plan.”

The hub design will be informed by the community of Moonee and surrounds, and typically it would include a multi-purpose gathering space and amenities.

Planning and Communities Director Ian Fitzgibbon said the City has been making year-on-year improvements in development assessment timeframes.

February), the City is averaging 76 days – 13 better than the benchmark.

“We are performing strongly in an area that has become a statewide focus given the challenges in the housing supply market,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.

“By strengthening our systems, streamlining processes, improving communication and delivering a more responsive customer service, we’ve been able to make solid progress to the point where we are now significantly ahead of the average assessment timeframe by NSW councils.”

Funding through the Faster Assessment Incentive Program run by the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure includes a stipulation that a nominated project must be completed by 30 June 2029.

Relief for struggling motorists as fuel tax slashed

By Zac DE SILVA and Grace CRIVELLARO, AAP

THE government has caved to pressure to slash taxes on petrol and diesel to help motorists facing skyrocketing fuel prices due to the war in the Middle East.

months, costing an additional $53 million in foregone revenue.

Earlier, Energy Minister Chris Bowen introduced emergency legislation to parliament to boost fuel stocks, stating the crisis served as a reminder that Australia was not immune from the impacts of war.

"The risk premium for purchasing discretionary cargoes is rising," he told parliament.

"Work to scope deals and secure additional fuel is already under way."

In 2024-'25, the City’s average DA assessment time stood at 90 days – four days better than the Minister’s expectation.

In the current financial year (to 28

The fuel excise will be halved for three months as a temporary cost-of-living measure, taking 26.3 cents a litre off the price at the pump, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced after a meeting of national cabinet on Monday.

"The longer this war goes on, the worse the impacts will be," he said.

"I and the government understand that people are really worried but we have a plan to get through this."

Commonwealth, state and territory leaders adopted a new framework for responding to fuel shortages, which has four levels of action.

"That's why today's bill is so urgent. This bill creates a strategic reserve to secure the supply of strategic materials that are vital for Australia's economy."

The laws were expected to pass the lower house with bipartisan support on Monday and be debated in the Senate on Tuesday.

They are: plan and prepare, keeping Australia moving, taking targeted action and protecting critical services for all Australians.

The second level - keeping Australia moving - was currently in force, Mr Albanese said.

Along with cutting the fuel excise, the government will also cut the road-user charge, which affects heavy vehicles.

The two measures would work in tandem to provide cost-of-living relief, Treasurer Jim Chalmers said.

Together, the reduced tax and levy incomes would cost the budget $2.55 billion over the three-month period.

A scheduled increase to the heavy vehicle road user charge will also be delayed by six

Australia's fuel stocks remain at normal levels, but fears of future shortages and price spikes caused by the ongoing blockage of the Strait of Hormuz have spurred users to bulkbuy petrol and diesel, leading to localised shortfalls.

Coffs set to join Regional Capitals Australia

CITY of Coffs Harbour Council resolved at its meeting on 19 March to apply for membership to Regional Capitals Australia (RCA).

RCA was formed in 2012 to bring Australia’s regional centres “together as one unified voice” to lobby the Federal Government.

“I’m a firm believer that people and organisations are stronger when working together,” Coffs Harbour Mayor Nikki Williams said.

“That’s why I was so keen to build on our relationships with neighbouring Councils by joining the Mid North Coast Joint Organisation.

“Ditto with our membership of Regional Cities NSW, which advocates for appropriate State Government funding so that we can continue to thrive.

“Regional Capitals Australia provides a platform for Coffs to be at the centre of national policy and funding decisions.”

Coffs Harbour was an RCA member from 2015 to 2022, and in November the lobby

group wrote to Mayor Williams inviting the City to re-join.

“RCA membership will help open doors for us with Federal Ministers, MPs and senior bureaucrats,” Mayor Williams said.

“It gives us a springboard to spell out the priorities for Coffs Harbour in the Federal policy sphere which is increasingly determining state and local funding outcomes.”

RCA membership costs $11,000 per annum and Council has resolved to apply for membership for the 2025-26 financial year.

Dubbo Regional Council Mayor and Regional Capitals Australia Chair Josh Black said he looks forward to an application by Coffs to join RCA.

“As current Chair, I constantly see the crucial value that Regional Capitals Australia brings to its member councils,” Mr Black said.

“Our alliance gives us a strong advocacy platform and helps ensure that the regions

Support the key for Sienna

By Andrea FERRARI

WORLD Autism Month is highlighting the voices of autistic people, families, and advocates.

Coffs local Sienna*, 19, who lives with autism and anxiety, says professional support boosted her confidence enough to secure her first job.

She had applied for more than 10 positions without success; from hospitality roles to "random little jobs here and there".

"I was looking on Seek and I was trying hard to get a job, handing in my resume in lots of places.”

Feeling stuck, she connected with Social Futures Coffs Harbour and the Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA) program which supports people with disability, injury or health conditions to overcome barriers to work.

Sienna was paired with IEA Participant Engagement Consultant Ngun*, supported by Team Leader Lace*, and Employment and Partnership Consultant Todd*.

"They helped by connecting me to the right people," Sienna said.

The team reviewed Sienna’s resume, identified suitable roles and helped her to prepare for interviews.

The biggest barrier was not a lack of capability, it was the anxiety of walking into a workplace and speaking to employers faceto-face.

Sienna said with coaching and support from Ngun and Lace, she found the courage to take that step.

Her newfound bravery paid off and she was offered a position at a local takeaway shop.

"It's super good… it's super chill," Sienna says of her new role, located close to home.

Lace has seen Sienna in action and is impressed by her growth over a short time.

“Sienna is wonderful in a service role, she is friendly and comfortable chatting to customers, it is great to see her in her element.”

Since starting work, Sienna's life has turned around, and boredom has been replaced with structure, social interaction,

and financial independence.

“I have more routine.

“I'm not bored at home doing nothing, and I’m meeting a lot of new people as well, and I’m getting paid.”

The income has allowed her to buy new clothes, but beyond the material benefits, the job has given her a sense of capability.

Next on the agenda is supporting Sienna to get her driver’s license, another milestone in building her independence.

q Social Futures Coffs Harbour Employment and Partnership Consultant, Todd; IEA participant, Sienna; and Participant Engagement Consultant, Ngun.

we represent are able to reach their full social and economic potentials, greatly contributing to the lives and livelihoods of all our communities.”

RCA members commonly identify as liveable, productive and fast-growing regional cities that are significant to surrounding towns and rural areas.

Current members include Albury City Council, Armidale Regional Council, Ballarat City Council, Dubbo Regional Council, Fraser Coast Regional Council, Latrobe City Council, City of Port Lincoln Council and Tweed Shire Council.

Member Councils of RCA are represented by the Mayor and the Chief Executive Officer/ General Manager.

RCA regional policy priorities in 2025 included those on population, infrastructure, roads, airports and aviation, housing, water security and arts and culture.

PUBLICATION ORDER WILD CATTLE CREEK

Forestry Corporation NSW (FCNSW) has been convicted in the Land and Environment Court for four offences under the Forestry Act 2012 for breaching conditions of the Coastal Integrated Forestry Operations Approval (CIFOA) during forestry operations in Wild Cattle Creek State Forest between June and July 2020.

FCNSW breached the CIFOA by failing to identify, map and record six giant trees and three hollow-bearing trees during broad area habitat searches conducted prior to forestry operations in Wild Cattle Creek State Forest. As a result, these nine trees were unlawfully felled by FCNSW’s logging contractors, so causing harm to the environment.

Surfboards from $50!

The prosecution was brought by the NSW Environment Protection Authority (the EPA) and FCNSW pleaded guilty to the offences. On 13 March 2026 the Court convicted FCNSW of each offence and determined that FCNSW should pay a monetary penalty totalling $450,000. The Court ordered FCNSW to pay the amount of the monetary penalty in lieu of a fine to undertake restorative justice activities and bio-cultural repair of the affected locations. The Court also ordered FCNSW undertake an audit of its internal procedures, instruction and training relating to the identification and retention of giant trees and hollow-bearing trees and implement the recommendations of the audit. FCNSW was ordered to pay the EPA’s legal costs as agreed or assessed and publish this notice in State-wide, local and industry publications.

LT1029

Report shows a ‘runaway train of AI slop’

By Andrew VIVIAN

THE Senate Select Committee on Information Integrity on Climate Change and Energy recently released its report about the causes and effects of climate change disinformation.

The report was welcomed by the Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF), which warns that lies are already harming communities.

The ACF wants tougher action to stop falsehoods derailing climate progress.

ACF Director of Engagement Jane Gardner, who wrote a submission and appeared before the inquiry, said Australians are grappling with a “runaway train” of AI slop and malicious lies, designed to delay progress.

“Disinformation has serious real-world impacts,” she said.

“We’re seeing it turn neighbour against neighbour in renewable energy regions,

create confusion during emergencies, and erode trust in the information people rely on.”

The Committee was chaired by Greens Senator Peter Whish-Wilson and Nationals Leader Matt Canavan with input from Senators Malcolm Roberts and Ralph Babet.

Senators Canavan, Roberts and Babet released dissenting reports.

ACF’s submission called for a national inquiry into the full impacts of disinformation on communities and democracy, stronger accountability for social media platforms, truth in political advertising laws, and an investigation into coordinated disinformation networks and their funding.

The report contained 20 recommendations, which included improving support for regional and independent media outlets, social sciences research relating to threats to climate and energy information integrity,

and relevant regulators to combat and expose corporate “greenwashing”.

It also recommended greater transparency of election campaign activities, and broadening the Australian Curriculum to strengthen media literacy.

Jonathan Cassell, Greens councillor for the City of Coffs Harbour, agrees that disinformation about climate change is a regional issue.

"In my experience, regional voters tend to be more conservative," he said.

“They are likely to accept disinformation if it suits their beliefs of how things used to be or should be.

“Unfortunately, climate change is moving faster than people can cope with and so disinformation and denial reinforce each other."

Ms Gardner said social media companies must be held accountable for their role in amplifying false information.

“Social media giants profit from outrage and amplifying falsehoods. Self regulation is failing."

The report can be found on the Senate website, via www.aph.gov.au

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Pacific Highway the ‘most dangerous’

By Andrew VIVIAN

NEW data reveals that the most dangerous drivers in Australia can be found on the Pacific Highway.

The study by LHD Lawyers analysed speed camera activity and government road incident data to identify the NSW roads with the worst “total danger-driver index score”.

From texting while driving, to running a red light, the study pinpoints Australia’s worst roads.

Overall, NSW highways are rated just behind the Kwinana and Mitchell

freeways in Western Australia, and the Bruce Highway in Queensland.

The Pacific Highway ranks highest for dangerous driving, followed by the Princes, Hume and Great Western Highways.

Of the 168 incidents in the Coffs Harbour area, 56 (33%) were on the Pacific Highway, and 16 of those (10%) involved serious injury.

The other 66 percent were spread across other roads.

In the study period, there were two fatalities in the Local Government Area, neither on the Pacific Highway.

Disturbingly, more than 80 percent of incidents occurred in fine weather.

Ten percent were in rainy conditions, 62 percent were on straight roads while 55 percent of incidents happened on sealed roads in dry weather.

“Our hope is that by identifying these high-risk roads, drivers will approach them with greater awareness and caution,” lawyer Marko Eric said.

The study can be found at opendata.transport.nsw.gov. au/dataset/nsw-crash-data.

New surveys probe childcare gaps

By John WATTS

IN March 2023, a Regional Development Australia Mid North Coast (RDAMNC) survey found that only 65 percent of childcare demand on the Mid North Coast was being met, a shortfall said to be costing local families an estimated $384 million in lost wages each year.

The survey focused on the region covered by the MidCoast, Port MacquarieHastings, Kempsey, Nambucca, Bellingen and Coffs Harbour local government areas.

Since that survey, both the Federal and NSW governments have introduced reforms to the

early childhood education and care sector.

But RDAMNC wonders whether anything has actually changed for families and providers on the Mid North Coast and has launched two short surveys, both of which will be anonymous and will not require disclosure of names or contact details.

One of the surveys is for parents and families, while the other is for childcare service providers.

“If you have tried to access childcare on the Mid North Coast, whether you found a place or could not, your experience is exactly what we need to hear,” explains a statement from RDAMNC.

RDAMNC is a not-forprofit organisation which supports the economic development of the region.

“RDAMNC’s role is to gather credible regional evidence and put it in front of decision-makers,” said CEO Madeleine Lawler.

“Community voices from parents who can’t find childcare to providers under workforce pressure are what make that advocacy count.

“This survey is how those voices are heard.”

The surveys can be accessed at https://rdamnc. org.au/category/updates/

Anyone with questions can contact Dianne Wall, Chief Operations Officer, at operations@rdamnc.org.au.

Pokies shutdown begins

By Andrew VIVIAN

GREENS MP and gambling harm minimisation spokesperson Cate Faehrmann, says that recently-released NSW gaming data shows a staggering $9.3 billion was lost to pokies in 2025 - the highest ever.

“[This] is not just a statistic, it’s a full-blown social and economic crisis unfolding in plain sight.

“The harm is being concentrated in the same communities over and over again: Western Sydney and regional areas already under huge financial pressures.”

According to the report, the Coffs Harbour Local Government Area (LGA) is towards the middle ranking of profits per machine and

person in NSW.

Twelve premises collectively made a profit of more than $10.5m from 571 gaming machines.

This equates to approximately $18,500 profit per machine at a cost of $134 for every adult and child in the LGA.

Bellingen, in comparison, has four premises operating 114 machines, making an overall profit of $1.1m, equating to $9,783 per machine at a cost of $84 for each person in the Shire.

As of 31 March, more than 650 venues are required to shut down all gaming machines between 4am to 10am.

A review conducted by Liquor and Gaming NSW in 2024 found that a minimum

six-hour shutdown period was effective at minimising gambling harm.

Additionally, Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris has announced that 649 exemptions have been revoked by Liquor and Gaming NSW under delegation from the Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority.

“Following months of review, it was clear these variations enabling about 20 percent of clubs and pubs with gaming machines to operate outside of the mandated hours, some of which were more than 20-years-old, were no longer fit for purpose.”

Ms Faehrmann said, “This is a win, and it’s proof that pressure works.

“But let’s be clear: most

gambling harm doesn’t start at 4am.

“It’s bad after midnight and even worse after 2am.

“Families are being devastated while clubs and pubs rake in billions.”

Mr Harris said the move continues a suite of gaming reforms that the Minns Government has implemented, including reducing the cash input limit from $5,000 to $500 for all new gaming machines, banning political donations from clubs with electronic gaming machines, banning external gamingrelated signage and internal gaming-related signage that can be seen from outside the venue, and banning gambling advertising on public transport and ferries and terminals.

Digging for vinyl gold

By Kate PYE

MUSIC lovers and collectors poured over rows of crates, hunting for rare records, hidden gems, and the thrill of the find during the Coffs Harbour Record Fair.

Held 28–29 March at the showgrounds, the fair was organised by Jon Ordon from Bilpin and Matt Bowden from Byron Bay.

Matt has been collecting records for over 40 years and DJing for more than 20.

Growing up in Melbourne when discovering music, meant spotting a track on Countdown and rushing to

the store to grab it.

“Back then, it was all about the thrill,” he said.

“You’d hear a song and race out to find it, not knowing if you’d get it, that’s what made it exciting.”

Selling records at local markets turned into a fulltime career, and now Matt travels to about 20 fairs a year, hauling up to two tonnes of vinyl to share with collectors and music fans.

Much of his vinyl is sourced second-hand from across Australia and overseas, particularly Japan, where collectors are known for keeping records in excellent

condition.

“They’re really into Western music - funk, soul, jazz, blues - and they look after their records, sleeves on, stacked properly.

Jon’s love of vinyl began at 14 when he was introduced to the warm, rich sound of a Marantz amplifier.

After three years in chartered accounting, he returned full-time to music and collecting.

The two men met around 20 years ago at record fairs.

Jon became a regular at Matt’s Erskineville shop, Revolve Records, and their shared passion soon became a partnership, culminating in events like the Coffs Harbour fair.

“Although we each keep

Ministerial visit highlights headspace services

By Andrea FERRARI

HEADSPACE Coffs Harbour (hCH) recently welcomed a visit from Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Emma McBride, along with Healthy North Coast’s CEO Monika Wheeler, and Director of Integrated Community Wellbeing Aimee McNeill.

The visit focused on the headspace Demand Management and Enhancement Program, which has recently supported the refurbishment of the waiting area so that it is more welcoming, calming and youth-friendly.

During the visit, Assistant Minister McBride met staff, toured the centre, and discussed how targeted funding at other headspace centres is helping services respond to growing demand for timely, accessible mental health support for young people aged 12 to 25.

“The visit was really positive and supportive,” Centre Manager, headspace Coffs Harbour Sharna Waugh

told News Of The Area.

“The atmosphere was warm and conversational, and it was clear the Minister was genuinely interested in hearing directly from staff about the realities of delivering youth mental health services in a regional community.

“The Minister asked thoughtful questions about demand at the centre, how long young people are waiting for support, and how improvements to the physical space can help young people feel calmer and more comfortable when they arrive.

“It was encouraging to be able to show how targeted funding can make a very real difference to young people’s experience of accessing care.”

The refurbishment of the headspace Coffs Harbour reception and waiting area was supported by Australian Government funding received under the Demand Management and Enhancement Program, which is delivered locally via Healthy North Coast Primary

some records for ourselves,” Jon said, “we’re stronger when we work together.”

This year’s fair was a hit, with Sunday buzzing as collectors hunted rare pressings and newcomers enjoyed the lively atmosphere.

Asked how they keep stock, they said they keep their collection organised by genre.

Vinyl’s value can range from 50 cents to $5,000, with the most expensive sold over the weekend $200. The pair are off to Ewingsdale Hall in the Northern Rivers over Easter, where the cancelled Bluesfest was set to take place, determined to keep the music alive.

q Glen James (Health Voyage Board Chairperson), Cecilia and Basia (hCH), Monika Wheeler, Cathie (Health Voyage), Emma McBride, Sharna (hCH Centre Manager), Dean, Cindy and (front) Sharleen (hCH).

Health Network (PHN).

It is part of the broader Australian Government

Setting up for Living Well Expo

Izzy dolls donation

By Andrea FERRARI

GLENREAGH Creative Group members have donated over 40 Izzy dolls to the Coffs Harbour station of NSW Ambulance.

The presentation on Thursday 26 March included the two voluntary Community First Responder (CFR) Units within the Orara Valley, Glenreagh and Nana Glen. President of the Glenreagh Creative Group

Elizabeth Shipman said the Izzy Dolls started life as an activity in knitting for the residents of the local Masonic Aged Care home.

“They were very plain little fellows, and were set aside, unfinished.

“Margaret Preshaw from the Creative Group brought them home to finish them.

“Another member Moira Gibbons helped give life to another load of unfinished Izzy dolls.”

The creative ladies are

very proud of how their Izzy doll story has unfolded.

“Today these sweet little teddies bring joy, hope and comfort to the children who are experiencing a traumatic time in their life and require an ambulance.”

Julie Whitton, PParamedic and Coffs Harbour Station Manager, thanked the ladies on behalf of NSW Ambulance and said the little “cool dudes” would play an important role in calming and comforting paediatric patients.

By Andrea FERRARI

ORGANISATIONS and businesses supporting older adults and people living with disability on the Mid North Coast, are gearing up for the free Coffs Harbour Living Well Expo.

Returning on Wednesday 13 May, it will bring together community members, service providers, and other organisations, with a shared goal of helping people connect with their communities and “live well”.

Held at the Coffs Harbour Showground from 10am to 2pm, the one-day Expo will allow people to understand the services available within their location.

In previous years, the event has welcomed over 1,000 attendees - providing a valuable opportunity for providers to showcase their services to people actively seeking support and information.

More than 70 stallholders

attended last year.

“Stallholders have the opportunity to share their support and services with the community and collaborate with others in the industry to make connections and build relationships,” said Claudia Rigg, Blue Sky Community Services Manager for Aged Care Assessments.

The Expo features a diverse program of practical activities, demonstrations and interactive sessions designed to inform, engage and entertain visitors throughout the day.

A well-established event on the Coffs Harbour calendar since 2015, the Living Well Expo is coordinated by a dedicated team of volunteers from Blue Sky Community Services, Carer Gateway, NSW Health, The Shoreline and Beatties Furniture.

With free entry, accessible public transport, and on-site parking, the event attracts visitors from across the Mid North Coast.

For more information, visit bluesky.org.au/services/ the-living-well-expo/.

Crown land bill to undergo further consultation

THE NSW Government’s Crown Land Management Amendment (Statutory Review) Bill 2026 has been deferred, to allow for more consultation on proposed changes.

The bill, introduced to parliament on 17 March, faced fierce criticism from legal experts and Indigenous land rights advocates.

Critics argued the bill would limit the ability of Aboriginal land councils to claim unused Crown land.

The NSW Aboriginal Land Council warned it could hollow out Aboriginal land rights, while the NSW Greens said it “attacks Aboriginal land claims by stealth”.

The Law Society of NSW (LSNSW) said the bill should be withdrawn immediately before it resulted in “further potential injustice” to NSW Aboriginal communities.

LSNSW President Ronan MacSweeney said one provision in the proposed bill could significantly affect land rights claims under the Aboriginal Land Rights Act

(ALRA) 1983 (NSW).

“This legislation fundamentally alters what has been long understood to be land claimable under the ALRA,” he said.

According to LSNSW, the proposed new section s 5.20B(4) of the Crown Land Management Amendment would deem the granting of a lease under that Act as “lawful use for the purposes of another Act”.

They say this could enable the Government to “bank” any Crown land simply by granting a lease and then “sit” on that land without using it.

Mr MacSweeney said that this subsection was included in the Bill among a number of provisions which responded to a recent statutory review of the CLMA.

“The Law Society is concerned that this proposed section, which has the potential to thwart otherwise valid claims by Aboriginal communities to disused Crown land, was not a recommendation of

the statutory review,” Mr MacSweeney said.

“It was not subject to consultation before being introduced without notice.

“The lack of consultation with affected stakeholders on this provision is exacerbated by the publication of the statutory review two days after the amending legislation was introduced.

“The Law Society is concerned that proposed s 5.20B has been inserted into this Bill, rather than via direct amendment to the ALRA itself, to avoid scrutiny of a measure which would undermine the purpose and operation of the ALRA.

“The Law Society calls on the NSW Government to withdraw the provision and refer the remainder of the amending legislation to a parliamentary inquiry,” Mr MacSweeney said.

The Chairperson of the NSW Aboriginal Land Council, Dr Raymond Kelly, described the bill as an “attack in stealth to erode land rights in NSW”.

“For more than 40 years, Aboriginal land rights has been a driving force for justice, empowerment and self-determination for our communities,” Dr Kelly said.

“We have secured land, defended Country, built housing, created jobs, and grown an economic base for our people. This benefits everyone in this State.”

Greens MP Sue Higginson labelled the process to date as “highly flawed”.

“This bill has sparked major opposition because people can see exactly what it is, an attempt to make serious changes to Crown lands law, including changes that impact Aboriginal land claims, through a process designed to avoid proper scrutiny.

“The High Court made it clear that the State cannot defeat an Aboriginal land claim by pointing to a lease on paper where the land was not actually being used when the claim was made.

“This bill is designed to get around that decision by letting the Minister

retrospectively change the use of Crown land after the fact, to defeat a claim that was valid when it was lodged.

“This is an injustice in the making and an attempt to avoid the return of Crown lands subject to Aboriginal land claims.”

The proposed amendments will now be the subject of further consultation before the bill is considered again.

A spokesperson for the Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper told NOTA, “While a range of stakeholders were engaged as part of the statutory review of the act last year, the NSW Government will take the time to engage with stakeholders including Local Aboriginal Land Councils prior to the Bill being debated in the upper house.”

The spokesperson said the land claims system has “arguably never properly worked since its introduction” in 1983.

“We have more than 43,000 historical claims,

some dating as far back as 1984,” they said.

“We want a system that works for everyone.

“One that can protect vital community assets like well-used sporting fields, fire stations, surf clubs and community centres, but that can at the same time activate unused land for Local Aboriginal Land Councils.

“That’s why we invested $1.5 million in a business case to try and find a way to address the historic backlog in cases.”

Mr Kamper’s spokesperson said the NSW Government stands by the principle that unused Crown Land sitting should be claimable and provided to Local Aboriginal Land Councils.

“The proposed changes we have put forward are there to address edge cases that became claimable due to technical non-compliance, such as an invalid sub-lease.

“These sites are well utilised by the local community.

“They were never intended to be claimable in the spirit of the Act.”

New CT scanner for Macksville Hospital

By Mick BIRTLES

ACCESS to advanced medical imaging has taken a significant step forward in the Nambucca Valley, with a new state-of-the-art CT scanner now installed at Macksville District Hospital.

The addition of the new equipment means local patients, particularly those undergoing cancer treatment, can now receive important scans closer to home, avoiding the need to travel to Coffs Harbour for radiotherapy simulation imaging.

Previously, patients were required to travel more than 75 kilometres each way to access these services.

The new 4D imaging technology will support cancer monitoring, as well as routine outpatient and emergency imaging, and has the capability to deliver both high-quality diagnostic imaging and radiotherapy planning.

The installation was made possible through a $4.7 million investment from the Commonwealth Government under the Fighting Cancer Regional Treatment Centres for Radiation Therapy program.

This funding will also support the refurbishment and fit-out of spaces for radiotherapy consultations, telehealth and education at Kempsey District Hospital and Port Macquarie Base Hospital.

Mid North Coast Local Health District Chief Executive Jill Wong said the new service was a longawaited outcome for the community.

“A cancer diagnosis is a stressful time for patients and their families, so having a service based in the Nambucca Valley will mean one less thing to worry about when accessing treatment,”

Ms Wong told NOTA. “Macksville District Hospital plays a vital role in delivering essential healthcare services to the

Nambucca Valley region, ensuring our community can access quality care close to home.”

The new CT scanner

will enhance imaging and diagnostic capabilities at the hospital, enabling diagnostic and follow up scans for cancer and other diagnoses.

Coffs City Probus celebrates 50 years

By Andrew VIVIAN

THE Probus Club of Coffs City Inc. recently held its AGM and changeover dinner, with John Williams re-elected President.

Life Membership was awarded to Myra Capps for her tireless work for the club.

Myra and her husband Ken have been members for 20 years.

Myra has held various responsibilities - including for activities, welfare, arranging guest speakers, and being club secretary several times.

This year is the 50th year since Probus commenced in Australia and Coffs City Inc. is in its 40th year.

There is also a second Probus club in Coffs Harbour.

Coffs City Inc. has 57 members, with one member aged 101 and another about

“I would like to thank all our staff who have been involved in preparations for operational readiness,” Ms Wong said.

to turn 100.

The Club meets on the fourth Wednesday each month at Sawtell RSL and also arranges two activities each month, such as lunches, picnics and mini golf.

Twenty to 30 people usually attend and the club supports local venues from Urunga to Woolgoolga.

It is currently planning “Christmas in July” at Dorrigo.

There is also an unofficial morning tea at C.ex club.

Mr Williams said, “It’s a chance for people to see if Probus is for them. Just come along and say ‘hello’.

“Probus is purely social, and is for retired people to meet and chat.

“It’s great for everyone’s mental health to get out and socialise.

"People look out for each other.”

Interested people can find out more by calling 0414 442187

Rainbow Pride Walk returns

By Jessica MILLER

RAINBOW Coffs Harbour (RCH) have announced their popular Rainbow Pride Walk event is going ahead this year, with another local organisation stepping in to host them.

Robyn Dever, Director and one of the original cofounders of RCH, spoke with News Of The Area about the updates.

“As an unincorporated community group, we lack the resources to cover all the legal requirements of holding a large outdoor event such as the Rainbow Pride Walk,” she said.

“As it has grown, so too has the need to obtain permits and insurance to allow it to go ahead in a public area.

“We are delighted that Live Theatre Inc. approached us and confirmed they are willing to host the event so the Walk can go ahead.”

In its third year, the Walk is one of the main events on the RCH calendar.

Participants grew from

around 90 people in the first year to 120 in the second year and Robyn’s dream for the event is that it will continue to grow in attendee numbers, and awareness and reach.

Describing her motivation for co-founding RCH in 2014 she said: “When we first moved to the area we looked into the LGBTQIA+ scene and what was happening.

“There were a bunch of small groups doing things but there wasn’t really a central organiser or group bringing everyone together.”

So, she joined forces with three others to get a regional group off the ground.

“In a regional area, visibility really matters.

“RCH is about showing people they’re not alone, building community, and creating a space where everyone feels safe and accepted.

“We started off by having some dinners and then lost some momentum during COVID, and three of the founding members left, but now it’s picking back up

again.”

While she is proud of how far things have come, she knows there is still a lot of work ahead to keep a regional LGBTQIA+ community group strong, supported, and visible.

This includes getting the group incorporated so they can host their own events and apply for grant funding.

For Robyn, it’s also about the legacy of acting now to help future generations.

“There are still some staggering mental health stats in regional areas. If we can make that a little easier for the next generation, I want to do that.”

This year they are planning to get the word out to people from across the Coffs, Bellingen and Nambucca regions, and further north.

“We want it to be a big regional event that people are drawn to, akin to our very own Mardi Gras Parade.”

Emma Watson, President of the not-for-profit production company Live Theatre, attended the first

“The first walk, being the inaugural year, you did have that feeling of being part of a change,” she said.

“The second walk was bigger, and we saw so many new faces as it had expanded to attract people from further afield.

“It really is a unique event.”

Ms Watson has only recently finalised her own organisation’s incorporation and understands the amount of work that goes into the administration of community

More women taking up trades

By Andrea FERRARI

WOMEN in Construction

Week in March revealed the number of women enrolling in construction trades courses in NSW more than doubled in the five years to 2025.

One local example is 20-year-old Coffs Harbour apprentice plumber Casey Cowgill, a self-described “accidental plumber”.

The daughter of a bricklayer, Casey is a proud Dunghutti woman who chose studying a trade at TAFE after deciding office life wasn’t for her.

She is now a second-year apprentice with Emerald Beach Plumbing.

“I just knew I couldn’t sit

in an office for the rest of my life and I’m so glad I made the decision to enter plumbing,” she said.

It was a tough start

financially but thanks to the support of the Bert Evans Apprentice Scholarships, as a first year apprentice facing hardship, she received

support.

The Scholarships provide funds up to $5,000 per year for three years.

“The Bert Evans

Turning bottles and cans into habitat support

By Mick BIRTLES

A GRASSROOTS recycling initiative has turned everyday waste into meaningful support for koala habitat restoration, with $1500 raised and donated to Bangalow Koalas.

Valla Beach man Darren Squibb recently presented the funds to Linda Sparrow of Bangalow Koalas in Bangalow, the result of his community-driven ‘Cans for Koalas, Bottles for Boobooks’ campaign.

The funds were collected over the summer through

the support of local residents and businesses, including Nourish Cafe, Footprints Eungai and the Macksville Rotary Club.

In addition to donated recyclables, Darren also collected cans and bottles while picking up rubbish along the M1 and Giinagay Way.

The donation will contribute to the ongoing work of Bangalow Koalas, who have planted around 70,000 native feed trees across the region between Byron Bay and Lismore.

These plantings support

not only koalas, but also glossy black cockatoos, possums and a wide range of native wildlife.

Linda Sparrow and the Bangalow Koalas team are now working towards their next goal which is raising $20,000 to establish a vital wildlife feed corridor between Byron Bay High School and Cape Byron.

“Community members who would like to support the initiative can contribute by dropping off refundable cans and bottles to my place at 74 Seaforth Drive, Valla Beach, which will help to turn recyclables into habitat for native species,” Darren told News Of The Area.

groups and the hosting of large events.

“I am just lucky to be in a position where we can help out.

“Robyn works so hard and does an amazing job of staying true to the purpose of diversity and inclusion, which is something we should all be doing.”

The event will be held at the Jetty Foreshore on Saturday 27 June from 11am, with the exact location currently being finalised.

Apprentice Scholarships money has been a massive help and gone towards tools, the costs of TAFE and everyday life expenses.

“It was a hard decision to start an apprenticeship because of the wages, but I know in the long run that it is an investment in my future.”

Working as a woman in a non-traditional trade, Casey is the only female in her TAFE class and says the scholarship has also made it easier for her to stay in the field.

“My TAFE NSW teachers are so experienced and supportive, and I really would encourage any other young women considering a plumbing career to go for it.”

TAFE NSW Executive Director of Teaching and Learning in Construction and Energy, Jennifer Perkins, a qualified electrician by trade, said increasing

People are encouraged to dress up in rainbow colours, or simply wear whatever they feel comfortable in.

“Everyone is welcome to walk with us, including friends, family, allies and the general public,” said Robyn.

Anyone interested in being kept up to date on the Rainbow Pride Walk and other RCH events can join their Facebook group Rainbow Coffs Harbour or email rainbowcoffsharbour@ yahoo.com.

A picnic will be held after the walk for those wishing to socialise and enjoy the atmosphere.

female participation was strengthening both the culture and capability of worksites.

“TAFE NSW is training the majority of women entering construction-based trades in the Mid-North Coast region, and increasing female participation isn’t just important, it’s essential to meeting industry demand and growing the workforce,” Ms Perkins said.

“More women on worksites strengthens teams, boosts productivity and supports the long-term future of the industry.”

According to Economy ID, more than 4,100 people in the Coffs Harbour area are employed in the construction industry, making it the second largest local industry by employment, behind healthcare and social assistance.

A celebration of the natural world

THE Coffs Coast's extraordinary natural landscape is taking centre stage in April when the National Parks Association NSW Coffs Coast Branch hosts a free community evening celebrating the region's unique position as NSW's first certified ECO Destination.

“Whispers of Wilderness: Voices for Our Coast” will be held at the Jetty Theatre on Monday 13 April from 6:00pm, bringing together local leaders in ecotourism, economic development, conservation and wellbeing for an evening of film, conversation and connection.

The event builds on the success of the Whispers of Wilderness short film, which premiered to a packed Jetty Theatre in April 2025.

Made by local filmmakers Bathtime Productions and funded through the City of Coffs Harbour's Environmental Levy Grant Program, the film is a love letter to the Coffs Coast, bringing together Traditional Owners, marine scientists, conservationists and local business people around the extraordinary natural world on our doorstep.

Grahame Douglas, Branch President of NPA Coffs Coast Branch and co-MC for the evening, said the film had opened an important conversation for the region.

"Whispers of Wilderness captured something very real about this place: the beauty of it, the significance of it, and why it matters so deeply to the people who live here.

“This evening takes that conversation into the business and tourism sector, exploring what our natural environment means for our regional economy and our community's future."

The evening features presentations from Ashley Gray, Industry Engagement Manager at Destination North Coast; Nicole McLennan, Section Leader Economic

Development and Tourism at the City of Coffs Harbour; Phil Dawson, Business Coach; a Great Koala National Park expert, and Caitlin Jeremy, Clinical Psychologist.

Together they will explore nature-based tourism opportunities, the significance of the region's ECO Destination certification, the proposed Great Koala National Park, business development pathways and the compelling evidence connecting time in nature with mental health and wellbeing.

The presentations will be followed by a screening of the Whispers of Wilderness film and an open conversation with speakers.

The evening also marks the public launch of the new Whispers of Wilderness website and a suite of natureinspired wellbeing and inclusive resources, including a colouring book, jigsaw puzzle, postcards and bookmarks, all featuring original artwork inspired by the natural landscapes of the Coffs Coast.

These resources will be freely distributed through libraries, schools, hospitals, aged care facilities, visitor information centres and community groups across the LGA.

Liz Jeremy, President of the National Parks Association of NSW and co-MC for the evening, said the 13 April event was the first in a series of community events planned through to June, each exploring a different dimension of the Coffs Coast's natural environment.

"The Coffs Coast sits at an extraordinary ecological intersection - the MacleayMcPherson Overlap, where tropical and temperate species meet in a way found nowhere else in Australia.

“Over the coming months we will be bringing our community together around the themes that matter most to this place, biodiversity, Indigenous culture and

Country, the Solitary Islands Marine Park and the proposed Great Koala National Park.

“Full details of all events will be available on the new Whispers of Wilderness website."

The event is free, with light refreshments. Numbers are limited and registration is essential.

Whispers of Wilderness: Voices for Our Coast will be held on Monday 13 April from 6:00–8:00pm at the Jetty Theatre.

Visit http://www. npanswcoffscoast.org for more information.

The event is funded by the City of Coffs Harbour Environmental Levy Grant Program.

SCHOOL HOLIDAY FUN

Become an animal carer for a day

IF you're looking for a school holiday activity that’s equal parts fun, eye-opening, and unforgettable, the Animal Carer Experience at Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary is hard to beat.

Designed for curious kids and teens aged 8–16, this hands-on program gives participants a real glimpse into the world of marine wildlife care - from feeding and observing the animals in our care to learning the science behind rescue and rehabilitation.

Sessions run throughout January, and it’s a day packed with discovery.

Participants step behind the scenes, join the team in their daily routines, and see first-hand what goes into supporting injured turtles, caring for marine mammals, and understanding the unique needs of each species.

It’s fun, it’s inspiring, and it’s grounded in genuine conservation work.

“The Animal Carer Experience gives young people a rare opportunity to understand what wildlife care really involves,” said Tiga Cross, Managing

Director at the Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary.

“It builds empathy, encourages curiosity, and helps them see the impact they can have. It’s one of the most meaningful programs we run.”

For many kids, it becomes a highlight of their holidays - and sometimes a spark for a lifelong passion.

Past participant Emma MacPherson said, “It’s such a great day - you get to get up close with the animals,

and I learned so much about them.

“I really enjoyed the opportunity to learn more about what the animal carers do here at the Sanctuary, and lunch was great too.”

If your young adventurer is ready to roll up their sleeves, learn new skills, and experience the Sanctuary in a completely new way, bookings are now open.

Book online: www. coffscoastwildlifesanctuary. com.au

SCHOOL HOLIDAY FUN

Autumn school holidays at Yarrila

VISIT Yarrila Arts and Museum (YAM) this school holidays and experience RELICS: A New World Rises, an immersive exhibition combining vintage objects with intricate LEGO® worlds, along with portrait painting by Coffs Coast artist

Seabastion Toast. The program is packed with free and low-cost activities including a special Youth Week tour of RELICS. YAM is open every day of the school holidays except Good Friday.

Created by LEGO® Masters winners Jackson Harvey and Alex Towler, RELICS invites visitors into a future world where discarded everyday objects have been transformed into intricate LEGO® civilisations, offering wonder for all ages.

Collect your scavenger hunt then start exploring! RELICS is a special ticketed exhibition – book online or on arrival.

For a free creative holiday activity, pick up a children’s trail to learn about the history of the

Coffs Coast as you explore the interactive social history exhibition Yaamanga (around here).

Visit the RELICS Play Space and build your own creation, or test your skills in drop-in RELICS family challenges.

YAM also has low-cost art making workshops including a STEAM Challenge, expressive painting with artist Kelly Joy, and RELICS inspired tote bag printing.

Visit the website for more details and bookings.

Visit Yarrila Arts and Museum (YAM) this school holidays and experience RELICS: The Exhibition, then extend your visit with free drop-in activities and challenges, or book a low-cost artmaking or STEAM workshop.

Created by LEGO Masters winners, Jackson Harvey and Alex Towler, RELICS is an immersive exhibition that imagines a future world where humans have abandoned planet Earth after exhausting its natural resources and a series of discarded vintage objects are blossoming with LEGO brick civilisations built by minifigures. ® ®

RELICS is a ticketed exhibition - book online or purchase on arrival. Visit the RELICS Play Space to design, build and display your own creation - open during gallery hours and is free for all visitors.

For more information about RELICS, to book tickets, or to see our full school holiday program visit our website

OPINION & LETTERS

On the Couch Hypothetical, Legal Eye

By Manny WOOD

Carrot patch chaos

FOLLOWING an honourable career as the Easter Bunny, Sir Eggward Cottontail decided it was time to hang up his tail and retire to the quaint town of Cadbury Cove.

Eggward purchased a lovely cottage in Carrot Meadows Estate.

An easement over a garden on his neighbour, Mrs Henrietta Hopsworth’s property, grants Eggward the right to use half the garden for “garden use”. Mrs Hopsworth, a notoriously particular resident, is well known for her award-winning heirloom carrots.

Eggward, eager to make friends, decided to host a housewarming on Easter Sunday, inviting the residents of Cadbury Cove. He planned an elaborate garden party along with an easter egg hunt, carrot canapés and a game of pin the tail on the bunny.

Mrs Hopsworth took grave exception to the festivities and refused to attend.

Upon seeing a flurry of residents in “outrageous” costumes trampling through her prized carrot patch in pursuit of chocolate eggs, Mrs Hopsworth donned her carrot hat and furiously made her way to Eggward’s, proclaiming the easement over the garden permitted “garden use” only, not a full-scale invasion of her carrot patch and demanded the festivities cease.

Eggward argued that an easter egg hunt constituted “garden use” as it involved the placement and retrieval of items from the garden, although conceded he should not have placed eggs on her side.

The dispute escalated and Mrs Hopsworth commenced proceedings in the Supreme Court seeking an order that the easement be ruled invalid because it interfered with her owner’s rights.

Judge Hatchington held that the easement was valid and while the s88B instrument permitted “garden use” allowing the dominant tenement the right to use half the garden for “gardening”, it did not extend to “general recreational use” and certainly didn’t include large unruly gatherings.

His Honour also observed that Eggward’s party was excessive and unreasonably interfered with Mrs Hopsworth’s

Dorin's Drawings

By Paul DORIN

Verse of the week

What

By Lynne MILES

By JASMINDA

DEAR Jasminda,

How do we cope when there is so much chaos in the world? It feels as though every new day brings a worse news story than the day before.

Georgia D.

Dear Georgia,

There is no point denying that the world feels as though it is in a massive state of flux at the moment.

chaos and uncertainty are often a precursor to a new state of being.

After flux comes renewal (or so the theory goes).

There will be a time when the events of today will form part of history, and that is when we can analyse what went wrong (and how) so future leaders can learn from the mistakes of current ones.

In the meantime, be as kind as you can to yourself and others.

Sometimes one gentle, understanding act can have a ripple effect.

Maybe it's as simple as saying hello to a stranger at a bus stop, or carrying a person's groceries to their car, or throwing a ball to your dog, or making your partner a cup of tea.

Don't underestimate the value of small steps, Georgia.

tripping over your own feet.

if we had no Moon?

By Dave RENEKE

IMAGINE a world where the Moon never showed up for its nightly shift.

No silver spotlight draped across oceans, no quiet companion hanging above latenight thinkers.

Just a blazing Sun clocking out each evening and leaving us with… a blackout.

Romantic? Not exactly.

Mysterious? Maybe - but mostly inconvenient.

Let’s start at the beach.

Without the Moon’s gravitational pull, tides would shrink into polite little ripples, like the ocean forgot how to be dramatic.

Gone are the surging waves that crash with flair; instead, we’d get something closer to a lazy shoreline shrug.

Sure, the Sun would still tug at the oceans, but it’s like comparing a symphony to someone tapping a spoon on a mug. Predictable, mild, and a bit dull.

“Oh look, it’s high tide again… how thrilling.”

And then there’s the night sky - or what’s left of it.

Without the Moon’s glow, stargazing might actually improve (hello, galaxies!), but stepping outside would feel like walking into a pitch-black room and hoping for the best.

Midnight strolls would turn into obstacle courses.

Romance would take a hit too. It’s hard to whisper sweet nothings when you’re busy

Culturally, we’d be in trouble.

No “moonlight” anything.

No iconic songs crooning about lunar longing.

Replace “Fly Me to the Moon” with “Fly Me Toward That General Direction of Space” and suddenly it’s not quite the same vibe.

Poets would scramble for metaphors.

“Your eyes shine like… distant traffic lights?” Not great.

The real chaos, though, comes from Earth itself.

The Moon doesn’t just sit there looking pretty - it stabilizes our planet’s tilt.

Without it, Earth could wobble like a spinning top running out of patience.

That means seasons going rogue.

Imagine one year of scorching heat followed by decades of deep freeze. Weather forecasts would become wild guesses.

“Tomorrow: possibly summer, possibly ice age. Dress accordingly.”

Wildlife wouldn’t escape unscathed either.

Many animals rely on

It is hard to navigate each day when news stories alert us to escalating conflicts, rising fuel prices, and confoundedly, in the midst of it all, reports of a stoush between Kyle and Jacquie O (which is somehow up there as a headline with the war (I mean... excursion?!?) in Iran.

Georgia, you are not alone in the way you are feeling.

Many people are rubbing their collective heads so much that toupee sales are rising at the same rate as fuel.

The positive (yes, let's look for a positive) is that times of immense

moonlight for navigation, hunting, and reproduction.

Sea turtles, for example, use the glow of the horizon - often influenced by the Moon - to find their way.

Without it, their journeys could become confused and chaotic.

Predators and prey alike would have to rewrite their survival playbooks in a darker, less predictable world.

And then there’s the folklore we’d lose.

No werewolves dramatically howling at the full Moon - just regular wolves, howling at… vibes, I guess.

No “man in the Moon” to spark imagination. Bedtime stories would feel emptier, stripped of that glowing, watchful presence.

The sky would be vast, yes - but also strangely blank, like a

The world is full of decent people and sometimes it can be hard to see that when some current decision-makers seem hell-bent on destroying what we could have (namely a peaceful and sustainable world).

I'm not trying to get all John Lennon on you (imagine!) but at some point, for the sake of future generations, there will need to be a reckoning for those who get richer and more powerful by peddling the politics of division and hatred. This earth only has so much to give.

Carpe diem, Jasminda.

story missing its main character.

Even human behaviour might shift.

While the science is debated, there’s long been a belief that full moons stir something in us - restlessness, energy, maybe a dash of mischief.

See that rhythmic brightening of the night, our connection to natural cycles could feel a little less magical, a little more mechanical.

In the end, a moonless world wouldn’t just be darker - it would be quieter, flatter, less poetic.

The Moon doesn’t just light our nights; it shapes our planet, our stories, and our sense of wonder.

Take it away, and we’re left with a sky that works… but doesn’t quite sing.

Dave’s website: www. davidreneke.com.

‘Vehement’ opposition to housing proposal

DEAR News Of The Area,

THE proposed gifting of Lot 1 Ferry Street, Urunga to the Waterfall Way Community Land Trust, ("Community invited to have a say on Urunga's affordable housing proposal," 27/3), if approved, would enable one of the most illconceived and destructive housing developments ever undertaken in Bellingen Shire.

No mention was made in your article of the vehement opposition to this proposal by local residents, ratepayers, and many others in Urunga.

The community feedback survey will ensure a big vote in

favour of this project, as it is a Shire-wide survey, meaning that the community affected - the Urunga community - will be swamped by voters who know nothing of the multiple negative impacts of the scheme, and will vote for the popular cause of affordable housing.

The site-scenarios proposed by WWCLT would crowd six families into a multiple-occupancy communal grouping of prefabricated cabin-style dwellings, with outside car-parking, hardup against the railway line, and susceptible to dangerous flooding in heavy rain.

Lot 1 is a landmark site on one of Urunga's main entrances, boasting

dozens of healthy trees including a group of magnificent, towering 80 year-old blackbutts, which together form a little park-like eco-system of naturalised local plants and animals, easily accessible from the footpath and unique in Urunga.

Despite denials from the developers, all the big trees and most of the others will have to go, with the consequent loss of the many environmental, social, and visual values this irreplaceable little asset provides for Urunga, now and into the future.

Bellingen Council is also well aware of the development of a 14room boarding house immediately next door to Lot 1, and that the two

developments combined would mean an influx of multiple dozens of people into a currently quiet area of settled family homes and narrow street and laneways, never designed for such a high density of population.

All the resulting human congestion would be funnelled into Ferry Street, a short already-busy street constrained by a dangerous hump and blind corners at each end.

No other proposals to address affordable housing in Bellingen other than the Land Trust option appear to have been investigated by Bellingen Council, and we see this as a blatant lack of ethical due-

What we could have at the foreshore

DEAR News Of The Area,

AS Property and Development NSW struggles with the functional and commercial viability of its much hyped foreshore development, it is working on an ever-changing proposal out of sight of Coffs’ residents.

We are entitled to know what we will actually end up with and what the alternative could be.

Foreshore For All believes

the 2008 Plan of Management for the precinct under which the present foreshore reserve, zoned for recreation, has evolved from an industrial wasteland is still relevant.

This zoning (RE1) is specifically designed to allow for all amenities associated with public recreation - cafes, restaurants, playgrounds ,information centres, cultural and exhibition facilities, sculpture parks etc.

FFA believes this zoning, maintained where we have it and extended to the fenced off “Special Purposes Infrastructure” land around the railway station still provides an appropriate planning mechanism for creating over time an enhanced, world class coastal park with all the associated amenities that this entails.

In 2008 the State Government entered into a memorandum of understanding with the City

confirming this as their vision: an extension of the recreational reserve on public land as the City grew, as opposed to the present government’s “vision” of burying this land forever under dense urban development.

None of this is reinventing the wheel.

Many regional cities have an extensive central park evolved under the above arrangements.

Leases and concessions

Let our elected representatives know

DEAR News Of The Area,

I’M sure most would agree that the Jetty Foreshore area is one of the most iconic in all of Coffs Harbour.

Most would have spent time there as children and then seen their own children enjoy the beaches and open spaces.

This area is now under threat of being transformed into a dense

housing area for wealthy investors and lost forever to the families past, present and future.

Despite the overwhelming majority of the community opposing the construction of residential homes in the area, the government, supported by the Coffs Harbour Council continues to ignore the people in favour of unelected bureaucrats and powerful lobby groups who are

more interested in profits than supporting the people they are supposed to be representing.

Many who oppose this government plan live in areas where they don’t frequent the jetty, but I’m sure there are special places in their local areas that they would not want to see destroyed by government decisions that favour developers.

The only way these areas can

Second bicycle revolution

DEAR News Of The Area,

PEOPLE of Coffs Harbour, we are now in the midst of the second bicycle revolution (e-bikes and e-scooters) of modern times.

These new products can increase the range and speed of travel, but early data point to increased risks of death and serious injury.

Even now our Australian

governments are working on new rules to minimise these disasters. But it is up to all of us to take care on our wonderful walkways/ cycleways/roads, to prevent these accidents from taking place.

be saved is by the community working together to let the government and their minions know that we are in control of our local areas.

If we work together as a community we can be the most powerful lobby group, because we vote.

It only takes a few minutes to write an email to your local representative and the relevant

The first bicycle revolution of modern times occurred in the 1980s and 1990s, when helmetwearing was made compulsory.

This revolution saw women take up cycling in considerable numbers, and middle-aged men join in with their striking new lycra outfits!

Shock at the petrol pump sparks electric vehicle surge

By Jennifer DUDLEYNICHOLSON, AAP

DEMAND for second-hand electric vehicles is rising with the price of petrol, attracting more than double the number of enquiries since the fuel crisis began.

But automotive experts say the record interest also extends to new vehicles and could cause delays as motorists buy electric cars still en route to Australia.

Pickles released details of the trend on Wednesday, revealing searches for electric vehicles on its site had risen by 111 percent in the three weeks to March 21.

The growth follows widespread fuel shortages, and price rises that have seen some regional service stations charge more than $4 a litre for diesel.

Interest in battery-powered vehicles spiked in the second week of March, Pickles automotive solutions general manager Brendon Green said, with 98 per cent more customers adding an electric car to their wish list.

"Interest has been steadily growing but this has certainly been more of a hockey-stick acceleration in EV interest overall," he told AAP.

"We didn't see it coming, that's for sure."

Whether the rise signalled a permanent change may depend on fuel prices, Mr Green said, although sales had been climbing over time.

"There seems to be a direct line between the petrol spike and people looking into EVs but I think this is going to accelerate their interest," he said.

Rising interest in electric vehicles comes one month after they set a new record to represent 11.8 per cent of new car sales.

But the full impact their rising popularity may not be known for months, Australian Electric Vehicle Association national

process.

The imposition of this experimental, untried housing project on a community who passionately rejects it, is a heavyhanded, dictatorial act by Bellingen councillors.

We are asking Council to pause proceedings until a proper and comprehensive overview of all the various options available to Council for alleviating housing stress is obtained, ones that do not cause such division and destruction.

Yours sincerely, Peter DINGLE, For the Friends of Ferry Street group.

granted by council in the interests of the community enliven these spaces and provide community income.

These parks are inevitably major tourist attractions and provide a “village green” for the community.

FFA believes the Jetty Foreshore can provide this space for Coffs Harbour and is worth fighting for.

Regards, Frank SCAHILL, Coffs Harbour.

government minister and tell them that you don’t agree.

That’s really all you have to say.

Let’s work together as a community and let our elected representatives know that we are not happy and they need to support us and not the developers and others who benefit financially by their decisions at our expense.

Kind regards, George CHRISTINSON, Coffs Harbour.

Bicyclists and fellowtravellers: stay injury-free and out of our local ED (Emergency Department).

Regards, Andrew BEATTIE, Retired GP, Coffs Harbour.

president James Pickering said, as some manufacturers had begun to accept pre-orders.

"We're hearing a lot of dealers are not just running down stock in the country but some of them are running down stock in transit," he said.

"The true (representation) of what's going on now will not just be in the March sales figures but

also the April figures."

Mr Pickering said increased demand for EVs could also free up fuel for other sectors that were harder to decarbonise.

"EVs are critical for energy security," he said.

"What we are seeing right now is a response to the energy security concerns that Australia has had for quite some time."

Embrace character and endless possibility

Address: 44 Forest Close,

Price: $1,100,000

Beds: 4, Bath: 2, Car: 2

Land size: 3,008 sqm

NESTLED in the picturesque heart of the Boambee Valley, 44 Forest Close offers a rare opportunity to secure a classic settlers cottage-style home set on a sprawling quarter acre of tranquil land.

This character-filled fourbedroom residence embodies warmth and potential, inviting you to create your dream lifestyle in a coveted

rural enclave-all at an entrylevel price point for the area.

A timeless bull nose veranda sweeps gracefully across the front of the property, immediately setting the tone for the charm and authenticity within.

Step inside to discover a formal lounge room, crowned by a pitched timber ceiling and high-set clerestory windows that flood the space with natural light.

On chilly evenings, a slow combustion heater

transforms the lounge into a cosy haven, perfect for family gatherings or a quiet evening with a book.

A timber staircase leads to a delightful loft area, offering a versatile living space and an additional bedroom-ideal for guests, teenagers, or a creative retreat.

Back on the main level, the home's original kitchen is a nostalgic nod to the past while boasting a combination of gas and electric cooking to suit every home chef.

• 4 km West of Ebor, 55 km west of Dorrigo and 75 km east of Armidale

• Soils mainly red volcanic basalt, all pasture improved, 50 acres* of natural timbered pasture country

• Well watered by 3 permanent creeks (Rigney, Snowy and Kangaroo) with spring fed dams

• Renowned cattle grazing area with 1625mm of rainfall

• An ongoing pasture improvement program and pastures include rye, cocksfoot, phalaris, plantain and red and white clovers

• A park like appearance currently with a big body of feed.

The original bathroom retains its period appeal and is thoughtfully complemented by a separate toilet for family convenience.

The open plan living and dining area is the heart of the home, seamlessly integrating two generously sized bedrooms, both complete with built-in robes.

At the end of the residence, the master bedroom enjoys privacy and practicality, featuring an original ensuite and a walkin robe.

For those who cherish

indoor-outdoor living, all main living areas and the master suite spill out onto the welcoming bull nose veranda, offering a peaceful outlook over the lush grounds.

Outside, a substantial separate garage/shed stands ready to accommodate vehicles, tools, or hobbies, with the convenience of two roller doors.

The property, while brimming with original features, presents a wonderful canvas for those with vision-some cosmetic

renovation will transform this home into a showpiece, unlocking its full potential.

Whether you're a first home buyer, an investor, or a family yearning for space and character, 44 Forest Close represents a rare chance to enter the Boambee Valley market.

Don't miss your opportunity to secure this charming slice of rural paradise-inspect today and imagine the possibilities.

Agents: Chris Hines (0439 667 719) and Kim McGinty (0432 953 796).

Labor backs above-inflation wage bump for low-paid

By Jacob SHTEYMAN, AAP

LABOR has thrown its weight behind an above-inflation wage rise for low-paid workers, but business groups warn the move could worsen price pressures and fuel further interest rate rises.

The federal government repeated its 2025 call for a pay bump above the inflation rate in its submission to the Fair Work Commission's annual wage review.

Such an increase should be "consistent with underlying inflation returning to the Reserve Bank of Australia's (two to three percent) target band in 2026/27", Treasurer Jim Chalmers and Employment Minister Amanda Rishworth

said on Thursday. Each year, the industrial umpire determines how much extra the more than 2.6 million Australians on minimum and award wages will get paid.

The commission decided in 2025, as inflation was on the way down, that workers deserved an above-inflation 3.5 percent pay bump to help "catch up" with the fall in real incomes during the postCOVID-19 pandemic price spike.

But the return of inflationary pressures and war in the Middle East has complicated the commission's decision for 2026.

Unions argue low-paid workers are still behind from the previous inflation spike and will fall even further

behind as fuel costs surge and flow through to prices across the economy.

The Australian Council of Trade Unions has called for a five per cent increase, which would raise the hourly minimum wage to $26.19.

Business groups warn a pay rise above inflation, which came in at 3.7 percent in the 12 months to February, would exacerbate price increases fuelled by soaring oil costs.

That, in turn, could force the Reserve Bank to raise interest rates further.

Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive Andrew McKellar called for a 3.5 per cent increase, arguing low productivity growth had reduced the rate at which

wages could grow without lifting consumer prices.

"Any cost increase pushing above existing inflation at the moment, if it's not fully offset by productivity gains, is going to be unhelpful," he told AAP.

"If we continue to chase our tail with ever-higher wage claims, ever-higher cost pressures, it's only going to add fuel to the inflation fire."

The government does not nominate a specific wage increase figure, but its recommendation for a real wage rise points to a lift above inflation, which is tipped to climb as high as five per cent in the second quarter.

"Workers are doing it tough right now and that's why we think they should get a sustainable real wage increase," Dr Chalmers said.

Ms Rishworth pushed back at the suggestion a real wage rise would add to inflation, claiming wages

were not a key driver of recent inflation pressures.

Lower-paid workers were more exposed to unexpected financial shocks and experienced greater financial hardship, she said.

Treasury has modelled two scenarios for the impact of the Middle East war on Australia's economy, including a pessimistic scenario that forecasts inflation to peak at five per

cent in 2026.

Ms Rishworth would not say whether the government would support a wage increase above that figure if Treasury's modelling came to pass.

The Fair Work Commission will conduct hearings in May before handing down its annual wage review decision in June. The pay rise will kick in from July 1.

'Poorly designed' minor drug diversion scheme panned

By Alex MITCHELL, AAP

LESS than a quarter of people eligible for a diversion program for minor drug possession incidents are having their matters dealt with outside of court.

Crime statistics analysis from NSW, the last Australian jurisdiction to introduce a drug diversion program, shows nine per cent of nearly 12,000 relevant drug events between February 2024 and March 2025 resulted in a person being diverted from court.

Only about a quarter of that group were eligible for the diversion program, and

only 22 percent of those eligible people received the diversion.

Critics said the Early Drug Diversion Initiative was poorly designed and police discretion was undermining the intent of the program and exacerbating disadvantage.

The data showed 10 out of every 11 eligible Aboriginal people were sent to court instead of getting a criminal infringement notice (CIN), compared to two out of every three non-Aboriginal people.

A CIN requires a person to complete a telehealth intervention or pay a $400 fine.

Service said the data showed systemic discrimination within the police force, adding the program was failing First Nations people.

Sharif Deen said.

Almost all people caught with MDMA and/or at a music festival were diverted, along with half caught with cocaine.

But only 8.5 percent of ice users were diverted for treatment.

Introducing the scheme, NSW Health Minister Ryan Park said it responded directly to expert evidence and recommendations from the state's ice inquiry.

Uniting's NSW/ACT advocacy head Alice Salomon was similarly scathing, saying the force was policing based on postcode and drug type.

"The scheme's poor design, along with police culture, is undermining the intent behind diversion," she said.

"With non-diverted cases flowing into the courts, the report identified significant potential savings for the taxpayers of NSW if the scheme was better utilised."

BUILDERS say they are under pressure from a ‘triple threat’ caused by spiking fuel prices.

Matthew Pollock, Executive Director of Master Builders NSW, said builders are increasingly feeling pressure from fuel price rises from a triple pain point perspective.

1. The cost of keeping diesel-fuelled commercial vehicles and equipment operating and getting to site.

2. Rising transport costs causing cost rises from getting products and services to sites.

3. Building products cost increases and supply chain uncertainty.

Master Builders NSW has strongly backed the NSW Government’s move to step up monitoring and coordination across the fuel

The Aboriginal Legal supply chain in response to spiking costs and localised shortages.

"Even when police have the option to divert an Aboriginal person away from court, they are choosing to charge them and force them to face criminal punishment," ALS acting chief executive

"Whenever police have the power to decide who can access alternatives to court and avoid criminal charges, we see worse outcomes for our people."

Wealthy people received the lion's share of CINs (46 percent) despite making up only a quarter of eligible participants.

"Drug use and dependence are very much health issues and ones that are far better addressed through health support outside the courts and criminal justice systems," he said in October 2023.

Mr Deen said the data showed the government had done little to confront police use of discretion concerning Indigenous people.

Builders facing ‘triple threat’ from fuel spikes

“The Premier’s announcement of a Liquid Fuel Emergency Operations Centre to monitor fuel availability and shortages and to work with industry to coordinate fuel availability will give some comfort to builders that the government has its eye on what could be a worsening situation,” Mr Pollock said.

“The Premier has recognised the importance of the construction sector in announcing that the new fuel monitoring centre will identify supply chain pressure points and supply needs for our industry.

“Construction is an essential industry which is vital to keeping the economy going strong.

“We can’t afford to have the $100 billion in construction activity that’s under way in NSW grind to a halt due to fuel shortages,” he said.

Mr Pollock said major pain points are already emerging.

“Building firms are the canary down the coalmine of inflationary pressures like fuel price spikes.

“Builders are hit by input cost increases earlier and feel the effects for longer than most other industries.

“Right now, suppliers are putting fuel levies on the back of quotes to transport materials to and from sites.

“Examples include heavy materials, skip bins and demolition - they all come and go on the back of a diesel truck.”

Noting that a scarcity of diesel is a “big risk” for the industry, Mr Pollock said builders would be looking for further government intervention if prolonged shortages were seen.

“It’s hard to point to a building material or a construction site that isn’t somehow exposed to diesel prices.

“The Minns Government will want to avoid delays in the construction of essential community infrastructure projects including the more than 100 healthcare and medical facilities being built in cities, towns and regional centres across NSW.”

Last week the NSW Government announced two measures to strengthen coordination of the fuel supply chain.

Firstly, Energy Minister

Penny Sharpe will compel major fuel companies to provide information on their plans for supplying additional fuel, particularly to regional communities.

A Liquid Fuel Emergency Operations Centre in Parramatta has also been established.

The centre will be led by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water and will track fuel availability and shortages; identify pressure points and forecast future supply needs including for the agriculture, freight, construction and mining sectors; and support coordination with industry to redirect fuel where it is needed most.

The NSW Government stated it is particularly

People eligible for diversion must have a small amount of non-cannabis drugs and have no prior convictions for serious drug offending, among other criteria.

Drug checking at music festivals was introduced into NSW in 2025.

focused on ensuring regional communities, industries and independent service stations have access to supply.

Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said, “What we’re seeing right now is not a shortage of fuel coming into the countryit’s a challenge in how that fuel is being distributed across the state.

“Fuel is still moving through the system, but it’s uneven. Some stations are running short while others are being restocked.

“We’re taking practical steps today to get a clearer picture of what’s happening on the ground and make sure fuel is getting to where it’s needed most.

“This is about getting ahead of the problem, particularly if global conditions worsen, and making sure NSW is prepared for any scenario.”

LOCALSPORT

Coffs cricket season review

By Aiden BURGESS

SIXERS Cricket League Coffs Harbour’s 2025/26 season is in the books.

Here is how each club fared this past summer.

Nana Glen Lizards: Successfully defended their first-grade premiership.

Were also semi-finalists in the second-grade, thirdgrade, and under 12s competitions.

Sawtell Cricket Club: Finished runners-up in firstgrade in a near undefeated season.

Were also runners-up in the second and fourth-grade competitions.

Strong in the juniors finishing runners up in the Under 16s, and making the

semi-finals of all three junior competitions.

Woolgoolga Cricket Club Rebels: The most successful club winning three premierships.

The Rebels first-grade side were one win from a grand final bowing out at the Preliminary Final stage, while the second-grade side defended their premiership.

Were strong in the juniors winning both the Under 16s and Under 14s premierships.

Also finished runnersup in the third-grade competition.

Bellingen District Cricket Club: Their firstgrade side were knocked out in the first week of finals.

Finished runners-up in

Coffs to host Festival of Rugby

By Aiden BURGESS

THE COFFS Coast is set to become a mecca for rugby lovers next week.

The Coffs Coast Festival of Rugby will be held over a week-long celebration of the game they play in heaven, culminating in international teams playing off at the C.ex Coffs International Stadium.

The Australian Under 20s and Japan Under 23s teams face off while the Fiji Under 20s side takes on the Australian Stockman, in a huge day of international rugby on Saturday, 11 April at the C.ex Coffs

International Stadium.

The international teams will also face off in Grafton and Kempsey prior to meeting in Coffs Harbour.

The Coffs Coast Festival of Rugby will also feature the Coffs Coast Rugby Challenge, bringing junior teams from across the state together in a festival-style format.

The Northern NSW Champions Challenge will also feature in a showcase of the region’s senior clubs, while the Inter-Zone WXV Gala XV-a-side competition will provide a vital development opportunity

for women’s rugby.

A Golden Oldies competition will also see past players return to the field in a true social celebration of rugby.

The Coffs Coast Festival of Rugby gets underway on Easter Monday with a welcome event for the Australian and Japanese teams at Brelsford Park, with a free community BBQ from 10am.

A Corporate Golf Day is being held on Thursday, 9 April at Bonville Golf Resort, with a Rugby Legends Lunch being held on Friday, 10 April at C.ex Coffs.

the Under 14s competition. Diggers Cricket Club: Tough season for the firstgrade side not making the finals series.

Won the third-grade premiership, and finished runners up in the Under 12s competition.

Coffs Colts Cricket Club: Finished with the wooden spoon in first-grade, and were semi-finalists in thirdgrade.

Macksville Bulls: Strong in the junior ranks winning the Under 12s premiership, and made the semi-finals of all three junior competitions. Also won the fourthgrade premiership.

Urunga Cricket Club: Semi-finalists in both the second and fourth-grade competitions.

Dorrigo Buzzards: Played in both the third-grade and Under 12s competitions.

Sandon qualifies for State Titles

By Jen HETHERINGTON

YARRAHAPINNI

surfer Sandon Vowels has qualified for the NSW State Titles, following a strong showing at a North Coast qualifier held on Sunday, 22 March at Emerald Beach.

A Surfing NSW Junior Regional Series event, the tournament was hosted by the Woolgoolga Boardriders Club and was open to athletes from Red Rock to Crescent Head.

Sandon was one of eight surfers competing in the under 16s boys division.

“I won my first heat with a score of 6.50 and 7.40, totalling at 13.90,” he told NOTA.

“I got second in the final with a 7.00 and an 8.23, a combination of 15.23.

“There was only a 0.40 points difference between me and first place, that was Hamish Harrigan.

“As I came second, I have now qualified for state titles.”

Several members of the Scotts Head Boardriders Club, of which Sandon is an active member, also competed, including his sister Avalon Vowels, Tarro Boxsell from Scotts Head and Myla and Jaggar March from Valla.

Tarro Boxsell finished fourth in the final, Myla March finished third, and Jaggar March finished eighth.

Avalon Vowels topped the under 18s girls division.

Sandon’s mum Crystal said the family was “stoked” with his results.

“It gains him qualification to the State Titles to be held in Coffs Harbour in May, which is the entry way to the Australian Titles later in the year.”

Karate champ eyes World Cup gold

A DEDICATED local martial artist is preparing to represent Australia on the international stage, with his sights firmly set on gold at the upcoming World Shoto Cup in Mexico in 2026.

Sensei Andrew Hall secured his place on the Australian team after a strong 2024–25 competition circuit across Australia.

His recent international success included a silver and bronze medal performance at the 2024 Shoto World Cup in London, demonstrating his continued excellence in high-level competition.

Hall runs a not-forprofit Traditional Shotokan karate club alongside fellow instructor Sensei Alec Shaw.

While the club focuses primarily on traditional training rather than sport karate, its instructors and students regularly step onto the competitive circuit to test the skills and lessons developed in the dojo.

Hall’s karate journey began more than 40 years ago when he first stepped onto the dojo floor at the KUA Dojo in Sandy Beach, training under the late and respected Sensei Rob Walker.

Reflecting on his career, Hall said being able to pass

By Aiden BURGESS

COFFS Coast basketball teams booked their grand final spots with victories in the semi-finals of Coffs Harbour Basketball

on the lessons learned over four decades of training to current students has become one of his greatest lifetime achievements.

“The martial arts community in this region, regardless of style, has evolved and flourished thanks to the many outstanding instructors who have taught here over the years,” he said.

“It’s something we should all be very proud of.”

In preparation for the 2026 tournament, Hall continues to train with the support of a dedicated local team and ongoing coaching from internationally recognised instructors Sensei Adam and Tracey Pearce.

He also acknowledges the encouragement and guidance from both local and national instructors who continue to support his journey.

With strong community backing and years of experience behind him, Hall hopes to return from Mexico with gold, while showcasing not only his skills but also the strength of the region’s martial arts community and the beauty of the Coffs Coast on the global stage.

against Walsh’s Plumbing.

Easter kart racing titles in Coffs Basketballers make grand finals

Association’s senior summer season.

Men’s

Men’s A-Grade minor premiers We Can’t Dunk booked a grand final spot with a 45-42 win against

The Chihuahuas.

Angus Glendinning and Jonny Orange were joint top scorers with 15 points.

Narwhals Stingers progressed to the grand final with a 40-31 win

against White Chocolate. Kaleb Bruckard had a game high 22 points.

Narwhals Net Ninjas earnt a spot in the men’s social competition grand final after a 50-45 win

Zavier Martin had a game high 26 points.

Women’s Women’s social competition minor premiers Mantas Mermaids earnt a grand final berth with a 4516 win against Dunkin’

Disorderly.

Lisa Austin top scored with 18 points.

Ring Ins booked their place in the grand final with a 44-27 win against Mantas Mystics.

Alana Burton top scored for the winners with 16 points.

By Aiden BURGESS

KART drivers from across the North Coast will be putting their pedals to the metal this Saturday when Coffs Harbour Kart Racing Club hosts the 2026 East Coast Easter Titles.

Held at the C.ex Raceway on Phil Hawthorn Drive, the titles have been revised to a single day format in response to a lower than expected

number of entries.

Practice sessions will be held on Friday with the full day of racing on 4 April to include qualifying, four race heats and then the final.

The Coffs Harbour Kart Racing Club is fresh off hosting the opening round of the Australian Kart Championship earlier this month. It was also recently

announced that the winner of the KA3 Masters at this July’s Australian Kart Masters in Coffs Harbour, will officially be crowned the National Masters Champion and take home the coveted Green Plate.

The raceway also hosts the third round of its club championship on Sunday, 10 May.

What’s on this week

Saturday, 4 April

Fiji Under 20s at Hay Street Rugby Union Fields, Grafton. 3pm.

Sunday, 5 April

Motorsport East Coast Easter Titles at Coffs Harbour Kart Racing Club.

Tuesday, 7 April

Golf Sawtell Golf Club’s Medley 2 Ball Multiplier Stableford. Wednesday, 8 April

Golf Sawtell Golf Club’s visit to GraftonIndividual Stableford.

Rugby Union Coffs Coast Festival of Rugby. Verge Street Oval, Kempsey.

Japan Under 23s vs Australian Stockman. 3pm.

Fiji Under 20s vs Australia Under 20s. 5pm.

Park Beach Women's Bowls

By Anne ORR

SOCIAL Bowls Wednesday

25.3.26. M England, D Futcher, R DeMeio def L Clancy, S Wilson, G Gillenburger; M Webb, D Hargraves, J Farrell, J Woodford def M Shaw A M Taylor, M Watt, M Monck; J Stirton, L Mitchell, M Gudgeon def T Sullivan, F Gaunt, R Crestani; J Rodwell, C

Sawtell Bowls Results

By Todd BROWN

By Geoff HAMPSON

MONDAY Twilight Bowls 23/3/26

D Squires, B Kennedy DEF S Fleming, S Rogan

R Avery, N Elford, J Donald DEF B Humphries, P Barlow, J Fleming

B Tremayne, P Londrum, L Mitchell DEF D Squires, J Cherne, C Christian S Kennedy, D Napier, C Hill

Sawtell Golf

By Janet O'DOWD

24/3 Medley Stableford A: Max Neal 41, Lochie Smith 38. B: Shane Burns 43, Bill Hobbs 39c/b. C: Michael Muldoon 38, Brian McKellar 34c/b. Balls to 33. NTP

7 A: Lochie Smith, B: Paul Quinn, C: David Hilton. NTP 11 A: John Veness, B: Brian Holman, C: Brian McKellar

25/3 4Ball Stableford Narelle

Foy & & Jackie Chapman 40c/b, Bronwyn Nicholson & Carole

Mid North Coast Veterans Golfers Association

By Collin CUTT

TUESDAY, 24th March, 2026, Park Beach Mens Bowling

By Todd BROWN

Open Triples Tuesday 24 March 2026

Macca, D Wilson, Nicko d D Catling, R Wisley, M Star

J Barker, R Jupp, J Phillips d P Moore, T Brown, S Jones

DEF C Napier, J Chapman, M Hammond

E Kochma, L Kratz, R Morrison

DEF C Korr, G Davidson, K Taylor

TUESDAY Ladies Social Bowls

24/3/26

L Wheeler, R Cook, J Wheeler

N Foy DEF C Veerhuis, B Connors, J Townsend

L Read, T Goninan, DEF L Kratz, L Savage

M McDonald, C Irvine, L North DEF H Muir, J Fleming E Tindall

WEDNESDAY Men’s Social Bowls 25/3/26

Davis 39c/b, Chris Constable & Elaine Everitt 39c/b. NTP 3 1: Paula Sercombe. NTP 11 1: Joy

Lawrence

26/3 Play 9 Peter Rode 22, Kelvin Wilton 19. Balls to 17c/b 28/3 Stableford A: Stephen Osborne 39, Hamish Day 38c/b.

B: Daniel Pritchard 38, Richard Johnson 37c/b. C: Jarrod Maloney 41, Andrew White 39c/b. Balls to 35c/b. Eagle on 12 Kelvin Wilton. NTP 7 A: Bradley Waterhouse, B: Michael Wales, C: Brian McKellar. NTP 11 A: Warren Johnstone , B: Mitchell Napier, C: Keith Rhoades

21 MNC Veteran golfers competed in a single stableford at Bowraville Golf Course.

Winner - David Harvey 36, runner-up Terry Noble 35.

C Williamson, G Stanford, R Lane d M Pitt, P Booth, R Alford

S Kindred, J Long, B Johns d J

Burgess, V Valentine, D Valentine

A Stone, A Orr, K Read d K

Bienefelt, P Lawrence, H Major

C McLeod, P Wroe, D Hull d W Grimshaw, J Robinson, M Flint

S Crawford, M Bannen, G Power d G Williams, R Beaumont, A Campbell

Surfers rip in

STORY STARTS on BACK COVER, Page 36

Families and spectators cheered on young surfers from Under 12 right through to Under 18 divisions, both male and female.

North Coast Regional Director for Surfing NSW, Dan Heather, praised the high standard of surfing and the professionalism of the event.

“The talent on display this year was outstanding, and every year seems to keep progressing,” he said.

“Having qualified judges overseen by former World Surf League Head Judge Richie Porta really elevates the competition.

“It ensures every wave is scored fairly and encourages the kids to push their performance to the next level.”

SPORT RESULTS

Treharne, E Kidd def E Blanton, A McConnachy P Garner; M Crawford, C Domjahn, D Walsh def T Thorn, K Blow, J PearceKennedy; D Doyle, N Barker, A Worboys, L McLeod def D Doyle, S Betts, J Clarke, C Sheridan; C

A Vivian, D Anderson, A Berry DEF W Bujeya, M McGuire, M Gibbons

N McLelland, J Urge, M Pollard DEF R McLellan, N Stahlhut, S Wilkinson

T Lavelle, A Baker, A Sorbello

DEF G Travis, R McGuinness, G Purcell

G Peel, T Mitchell, L Preston DEF N Kotrozos, J Oates, J Tainsh

A Isaacs, R Wardrop, B Martin DEF N Wong W Vaughn, J Townsend

W Prosser, W Gavenlock, P

Ladies Stableford Hermie Mcguire 35

Freeforall Texas Scramble Lyn Lightfoot & Robyn Thompson 29,

Sawtell RSL Snooker Club

By Ken MASON

TUESDAY 17th March 2026

Main Draw Winners:Richie Hoskins - R/U - Dave Laneyrie

Consolation Winners: -

NTP’s: 6/15 Mary Ann Perry, 9/18 Ross Donnelly. Longest putt – Lyn Neaves.

Ball run to 32 pts

Also, on Tuesday, 24/03/2026, 27 MNC Veteran golfers competed in a single

L Clancy, G Gillingberger, S Willis d H Schipp, R Coffey, C Domjahn

S Ward, J Thorn, D Condon d B Worboys, T Lainchbury, M Berube

P Elliott, K Elliott, P Lilly d GJ Meyer, C Lloyd, I Trengove

Triples Thursday 26 March 2026

B Garner, B Trotman, D Catling d G Williams, R Beaumont, A

with a commanding 17 points, built from two excellent 8.5-point rides.

Keogh, T Welsh, C Garrett def B Bodel, K Elliott, S Willis. Friday

27.3.26 S Bailey, D Walsh def G Duffey, D Lindner; K Elliott, J Farrell def M Webb, T Sullivan; R Oakley, V Slater def R Coffey, A Orr; D Francis, R Finch def P

Cook DEF G Fisher, D Frost, N Sillar

I Muller, L Zecchinati, A Wagstaff DEF G Campbell, J Rice, R Williams

M Flint, B Clugston, B Fitzpatrick DEF T Brooks, R Cridge, G Dennis

I Maderic, R Petterson, G Walsh DEF C Christian, D Wheeler, M Aujard

FRIDAY Mixed Social Bowls

27/3/26

R Avery, T Lavell, B Blight DEF H Muir, R Cridge, A Baker

Karen Wilson & Lee Stewart 26, Trish Bailey & Joy Lawrence 25. NTP Jackie Chapman. Saturday Sam Linda Graff. Saturday Sal Lee

Norm Monaghan - R/U

- Darrell Wallbridge Tuesday 24th March 2026

Main Draw Winners: - Dan Clark - R/U - Norm Monaghan

Consolation Winners:

- Keith Mellalieu - R/UDave Lewis

stableford at Sawtell Golf Course, which was in good condition considering the recent heavy rain.

Winner - Corey de Silva 33 c/b, 1st runner-up Nick Jenkins 33 c/b, 2nd

Campbell

W Grimshaw, J Robinson, E Nicolou d P Elliott, P Lilly, L Goodacre

B Walmsley, G Campbell, R Kelly d R Aitken, D Powell, L Morris

M Miller, T Wisley, S Jones d T Cooper, G Stanford, S Bailey

T Lainchbury, M Baker, R Harris d G Kindred, J Kindred, S Kindred

Elliott, T Brown; A Stone, K Read def T Aarts, J Barker; J Rodwell, M Starr def D Futcher, R Lane; F Gaunt, B Edwards def Marg, S Crawford; T Thorn, C Treharne def M Shaw, J Millar; A Campbell def C Velver.

J Rice, R Williams, L Preston DEF D Hyde, G Flynn, J Flynn

M Flint, C Christian, A Berry DEF B Hamilton, F Sharpe, J Oates J Richardson, J Urge, G Dennis DEF P Paunovic, K Stirling, G Walsh

W Vaughn, S Fleming, D Anderson DEF J Brown, J Smithers, R Morris

L Read, J Fleming, L North DEF Kev Taylor, M Muller, I Muller G Hampson, D Ryan, Ken Taylor DEF E Tindall, D Frost, M Sharpe

Farrell.

29/3 2BBB Medley Stableford Joshua Ryan & Michael Sully 50. Brian & Karen Wilson 42.

Sawtell Veterans Golf

By Ian REYNOLDS

RESULTS for 30th March 2026

9 Hole Stroke Net 22 Starters

Ladies: Lynda Wood 32 w/c/b, Carole Pye, 32

Men: Gary Reynolds 31, Dave Knudsen 32, Bryan Symes 32

runner-up Bernie Axford

33.

NTP’s: 7 – Nick Jenkins, 15 – Robert Peel (no-one on 3rd & 11th greens).

Ball run to 32 pts, C McLeod, P Newman, D Hull d P Moore, M Tobin, K Morrison R Feltam, B Worboys, I Trengove d D Burridge, W Moore, N McCabe

J Lowndes, M Flint, D Wilson d P North, P Booth, M Berube H Schipp, R Martin, G Powell d C Brian, C Lloyd, K Crooks G Brewis, J Swan, K Katon d G Cunningham, R Host, J Bishop

Heather also acknowledged the vital role played by the local community.

“A huge thanks goes to Woolgoolga Boardriders, who helped coordinate the event alongside Surfing NSW, their support keeps grassroots surfing thriving in our region.”

The finals across all divisions delivered standout performances.

Avalon Vowels, winner of the Under 18 Female division, posted the highest heat total of the finals

Her powerful, precise rail surfing set a benchmark that impressed both judges and onlookers.

In the Under 14 Boys final, Koa Fenix Quandt Messer earned the highest single-wave score, an impressive 8.67, thanks to a fast, critical opening section and a well‑executed finish that brought the beach to its feet.

Other champions across the divisions included a mix of rising stars and familiar names, all of whom

will now move on to represent the North Coast at state level: 2026 North Coast Junior Regional Titles – Division Winners

U/18

Female: Avalon Vowels

U/18

U/16

U/16

U/14

Male: Rio Luther Barr

Female: Lyla Freudenstein

Male: Hamish Harrigan

Female: Matilda Harrigan

U/14

Male: Koa Fenix Quandt Messer

U/12

Female: Hazel Ralston

U/12

Male: Jimmy McGuiggan

As the swell mellowed into the

afternoon and the final trophies were handed out, families and supporters celebrated another successful event that not only highlighted emerging talent but also reinforced the strength of the North Coast’s surfing culture.

With state qualification now secured for the top performers, all eyes will turn to the NSW State Titles which will run in Coffs Harbour in May, where many of these young surfers will aim to continue their momentum and chase future professional dreams.

Urunga

Lindsay’s Oysters

Bellingen

Bellingen Diggers Swimming Club

26.3.26: We had eleven swimmers tonight.

RACE 1 $ 25m Breaststroke

HEAT 1

Jo Brotherton had her froggy legs on coming first, in second Colin Redman and in third was Peter Allison.

HEAT 2

Amanda Vockler came first only by a fingernail, closely followed by in second was Jill Williams and in third was Mike Navin.

HEAT 3

Jane Powell ripped her lane

Coffs CEX Social Golf

By Steve ROBINSON

29 MARCH 2026

Coffs CEX Social Golf Club played on Sunday 29 March 2026 at Sawtell, 4BBB Stableford.

Coffs Harbour District Darts

By Ray BEASLEY

SAWTEL RSL Club

Summer Comp Monday 23 March

Bad Habits def Who Darted 8-1

Bull Finish def Thunderstruck 8-1

Fluke Shots def Warriors

Coffs Harbour Ladies Golf

By Leanne ATKINS

Tuesday 24th March 2026 –Ladies 9H V Par

Overall winners

1. Cheryl Brooke +4

2. Gayle Johnson +1C/B

3. Kerry Plummer +1

Coffs Harbour Rifle Club

By Geoffrey HART

MARCH 25 Howard St Rimfire

Range. The 30m Field Class match was conducted with 32 participants.

Master Grade: Jake Buckley 98.13, Daniel Finlay 95.2, Stuart D 79.4, A

Monday Vets

By Vicki SILVER

COFFS Harbour Golf Club

Monday Vets Results Monday 30th March 2026

46 members and visitors played a 9 hole single stableford

Monday Woopi Vets Golf

Monday March 30 2026

27 Starters Winner Roger Castley 21

SSAA Benchrest results from Dairyville range

By By Rod MADELEY

RIMFIRE 50m IRB: Bill Buchanan

494.20. In Thompson 247.11. Keiran Grabham 244.8. Greg Sutherland 237.9. Rimfire 50m

Group: Greg Sutherland .5548, sg .157. Keiran Grabham .5880,

apart coming first, in second was Amanda Lockman and in third was Paul Sheridan.

FINAL

Jane Powell showed them how it was done coming first, in second was Jo Brotherton and in third was Colin Redman.

RACE 2 50m Freestyle

There were two busts in this race, Jo Brotherton taking one second off her time and Amanda Lockman taking two seconds off her time.

HEAT 1

Jim Baird swam like a bat out of hell coming first, in second was Jill Williams and in third was Colin Redman.

Sponsor Jose Caravante & Taste of India.

Results were as follows:

Winner’s: Mark Heelis & Peter Hill (45 pts)

Runner Up: Steve & Cath

Robinson (43 pts)

Ball Winners: Jose & Izzy

5-4

DILLIGAF def Is It In 8-1

100s

Brittany (2)

Karen H (1)

Kate (1)

Asttan (3)

Brayden (1)

Christian B (2)

Craig C (1)

Craig S (1)

Dave H (4)

Dean (5)

NTP

22nd hole Cheryl Brooke 0cm, Kerry Plummer 105cm

26th hole Yvonne Avery 77cm, Julie Larkey 79cm

Wednesday 25th March 2026 – Ladies Single Stableford

Overall winners

1. Judy Westwood 38C/B

2. Judy Everitt 38C/B

3. Helen Wright 38

Grade: Johan Greyling 93.6, Andrew Ryan 93.5, Matt Walsh 88.8, Jeffrey Pfeiffer 85.5, Alan Newey 82.2, Craig Tredinnick 75.2, Phillip Payne 72.1, Geoff Slattery 72.1, B Grade: Carl P 90.5, Member-440 90.3, Col Green 84.5, Matt Miller 82.5, Sarah Jones 82.2, Member-677 78.4, Danny W 78.1, Gary McKinnon 73.2, Mal

event with the following results:

Gents:

Geoff Clerke 19

Chris Oddy 17c/b

Tony Parsons 17

Mark Cooney 16 c/b

Ball Comp: Grazzi Toscan, John

R/U Roy Spencer 22

2nd R/U Geoff Thompson 26

NTP 4th Cole Wade (ITH)

Janelle Coleman

7th Cole Wade (ITH) Dianne

sg .247. Ian Thompson .5948, sg .187. Robert Ramsey .7188, sg .260. Peter Fleming 1.0464, sg .227. Hunting rifle: Brett Ewington 1.1228, sg .400. Silhouettes: Lauren Walsh 48. Rod Sinclair 48. Kyle Porter 48. Matt Walsh 45. Bob Duggan 43. Sarah Jones 42. Steve Dines 42. Aaron Buckman 37. David Buckman 27. Brad Irvine 24. Tierran Porter 24. Interclub

HEAT 2

Amanda Vockler came first by the skin of her teeth, closely followed by in second was Mike Navin and in third was Elizabeth Casey.

HEAT 3

Paul Sheridan swam like the wind coming first and in second was Jane Powell.

RACE 3 100m Freestyle

HEAT 1

Jo Brotherton came in like a wrecking ball coming first, in second was Peter Allison and in third was Mike Navin.

HEAT 2

Paul Sheridan came from behind coming first, in second

Caravante (41), Peter Woods & Amrik Thandi (40), Mike Watkin & Chris Oddy (40), Troy Henderson (37), Michael Delemo & Natalie Heckenberg (36).

NTP’s: Peter Hill (3rd), Jose Caravante (7th), Mark Heelis

Edward (1)

Harley (1)

Kevin T (1)

Kurt (8)

Kyle (4)

Paul (1)

Ricky (2)

Rob (3)

Steve (3)

Tim (2) Will (1)

High pegs

Craig C (76)

NTP 3rd hole Greer Galloway

490cm, Heather Watkins 8cm 6th Leah Ray 103cm

22nd hole Trish Nance 1002cm, Kerry Farmer 688cm, Christine Tessari 95cm

26th hole Trish Mackay 493cm, Sue Morgan 111cm

Saturday 28th March 2026 –Ladies Single Stableford

Pfeiffer 63.0, C Grade: Amritpal Singh 81.4, Andrew G 79.3, Mitch Upton 66.2, Member-854 62.0, Leah Gallo 61.0, Michael F 59.0, Terry W 58.2, Wendi H 51.2, Daniel Rees 33.0, Ashley Glendinning 9.0, Visitors: Todd McLean 59.0, Josh Kennedy-Swilks 55.0

The 50m F-Class match was

Miles, John Ericsson 16 points

Ladies:

Frances Gaunt 20

Vicki Silver 18 c/b

Betty Snow 18 c/b

Chris Tessari 18 c/b

Ball Comp: Anne King-Scott 18

Richards 9th Tony Withers Dianne

Richards

Putting Ray Willing 13 NAGA Bob Fairclough 43

held at Port Macquarie: Kurt Strassmeier 747.54. Andrew Dunn 747.44. David Jenkins 747.44. Ian Thompson (local shooter) 746.33. Nic Ward 745.47. Colin Nunn 745.41. Trent Robinson 745.37. Bill Buchanan (local Shooter) 744.36. Rob Walter 741.43. Rob Robertson 741.32. Jason Robbs 735.39. Tom Kennedy 735.35. Kris Leck 731.28. John Vos 726.27. Peter Robinson

was Jane Powell and in third was Amanda Vockler.

RACE 4 Brace Relay

HEAT 1

Jim Baird and Peter Allison swam like lightening coming first, in second was Colin Redman and Jill Williams and in third was Mike Navin and Jo Brotherton.

HEAT 2

Jane Powell and Amanda Lockman made their race coming first, in second was Paul Sheridan and Elizabeth Casey and in third was Mike Navin and Amanda Vockler.

A great night had by all. LOIS.

(11th), Peter Woods (15th) & Jose Caravante (9th 2nd Shot)

Chip In’s: Jon Nicholls & Steve Robinson

Next Game is at Nambucca Heads on Sunday 12 April 2026, 7.00 am Tee Time. All Welcome.

Dave C (55)

Dave H (60)

Ricky (89)

Steve (101)

Leader Board

DILLIGAF 57 Bull Finish 42 Bad Habits 40 Warriors 37 Is It In 37 Fluke Shots 36 Thunderstruck 26 Who Darted 13

Overall winners 1. Gloria Hickey 39 2. Judy Everitt 36 3. Kerri Neef 35

NTP

12th hole Karen Brown 270cm

15th hole Greer Galloway 573cm

22nd Trish Mackay 166cm 26th Kerri Neef 108cm

conducted with 12 participants. Daniel Finlay 197.8, Jake Buckley 191.9, Carl P 190.4, Leah Gallo 188.4, Johan Greyling 188.4, Daniel Rees 187.4, Matt Miller 180.1, Danny W 179.1, Mitch Upton 170.3, Member-677 148.2, Ashley Glendinning 14.0, Visitors: Josh Kennedy-Swilks 57.1

Trish Mackay 17 Deb Sollart 16 c/b Nearest the Pin: 22nd Trish Mackay & Ken Barber

26th Chris Tessari & Geoff Clerke.

Next week is an Irish 4-Ball.

Frog Robyn Skinner 24 Cole Wade had two birdies. There will be no golf next Monday April 6 2026 public holiday.

715.20. Robbie Cole 713.17. Ladies: Lauren Frost 742.34. Elaine Kennedy 741.31. Kaylene Bleasdale 738.41. Jillian Felton 732.29. Danae Jenkins 731.31. Lea Davidson 240726.22. Junior: Payten Ward 743.45. Cooper Ward 736.27. Hunting rifle: Colin Nunn 731.26. Rob Walter 714.17. Kris Leck 712.21. Kurt Strassmeier 711.21. Robbie Cole 665.8.

BEACHAM

Marcia June

Passed away peacefully at Bellinger River District Hospital. Late of North Boambee. Cherished mother of Vicki & Darryl. Adored nanny of Mark.

Aged 95 Years “Just In Case”

A private Graveside Funeral Service was held for Marcia at Coffs Harbour Lawn Cemetery, Karangi.

KEITH LOGUE & SONS

EDWARDS (née GLYDE)

Lesley Catherine

29th March 2026, passed away peacefully at Bellinger River District Hospital. Late of Mylestom. Loving wife of Neil (dec’d). Loved sister and sisterin-law of David & Jill, Stephen & Kathy and Robin & Wayne. Loving aunty of Andrew, Alan, Louise, Donald, Peter, Garth, Catherine and great-aunt of their families. Cherished stepmother of John (dec’d) & Carol and their family.

Aged 73 Years

GODDARD

Fredrick Raymond ‘Fred’

29th March 2026, passed peacefully at Bellinger River District Hospital. Late of Coffs Harbour, formerly of Sydney. Dearly beloved husband of Cynthia. Loving father and father-in-law of Troy and Adrian & Karyn. ‘Pa’ of Jessica. Fond brother of Kevin (dec’d), Colleen (dec’d) and John.

Aged 83 Years

Fredrick was privately cremated at Hogbin Drive Crematorium & Memorial Gardens, Stadium Drive, Coffs Harbour.

KEITH LOGUE & SONS

FUNERAL DIRECTORS

Coffs Harbour 6652 1999

In Perfect Peace With The Lord Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Lesley’s Funeral Service to be held in St. Margaret’s Anglican Church, Bellingen on Thursday 9th April 2026 commencing at 10.30 am, thence for private cremation at Hogbin Drive Crematorium & Memorial Gardens, Stadium Drive, Coffs Harbour.

Please find livestream details on Keith Logue & Sons website.

KEITH LOGUE & SONS

FUNERAL DIRECTORS Coffs Harbour 6652 1999

phone consult. Based on all issues. Ph 0427 569 339

BROMELIADS for sale in small or medium pots. $5 or $10. Proceeds to charity Emerald Beach. Private home. 0419 632 117.e240426

coffee machine, big TV, small and large cupboards, kitchenware small fan, SodaStream electric single bed. e030426

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1930s vintage cane commode chair w/ genuine fowler ware porcelain chamber pot $95. Photo can be supplied. 0490 161 119 F050925

2.0.2 CH 120W Dolby ATMOS sound bar only 12 months old with 2 built in subwoofers. Price $100. 0412 081 950

ACOUSTIC guitar amplifier $90 ph 0493 079 313 F051225

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AMPLIFIER, for guitar Magnum, with tuner & lead. $25. 0493 079 313 newsofthearea.com.au

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STEERING Wheel

Lock "Armored Bar" New - Key Locking $50 Fits most vehicles Ph 5633 6352 F241025

STOOL seats. Variety size, type and colour. $30 6652 3791

Boats

3.4m Savage with trailer rego, 6HP and electric swivel seats, cover safety gear, lots of extras ACF724N. L26949 $2,000. 0427 528 084 Re300525 Caravans

TV 80cm (32”) + DVD player $100 0491 035 704 F180725

TWO macrame wall hangers hand made $50 both 0412 254 563

TWO single bed frames round heads & foot rail black. $50 both 0412 254 563

VICTOR special and utility, 2 each also Sheerline and many other mower parts. $150 6558 9242

VINTAGE solid timber quilt - towel rail $95 ph 0490 161 119. Photos can be supplied

2012 Billabong Caravan 16ft, single axle, full annex, toilet/shower, air cond, QB, lots of storage $32,000. Rego X91945 0431 736 481

ELECTRIC kettle, new $15. 6653 8337

ELECTRIC frying pan, large, new still in box. $100. Ph 0417 283 380. To place a classified ad 02 4981 8882

ELECTRIC mop, $20 6652 8815

FOLDABLE support rail for seniors brand new in box $65 Photos can be supplied 0490 161 119

FISH tank w/ food & loads of accesories. 33” L x 16” W x 18” H. $30 0481 966 840 F101025

FR800 honda rotary hoe

GC $1,800 ono Ph 0422 288 169

FURRY hood jacket

Ladies size 10, toggle front $25 0407 654 879

GARAGE door opener remote control. Merlin Suitae panel door only Less than 5yr old. $100. 0412 776 409

HIGH back orthopedic chair. Designed for the elderly as used in hospitals. $100 Photos can be supplied. 0490 161 119

HISENSE chest freezer H80cm x W52cm x L73cm. $50. 0481 966 840 F211125

HONDA compressor 5.5hp $300. Ph 02 6649 1056

HYDRAULIC Bucket

1.2m width, lift and tilt control for small tractor $600 ph. 02 6649 1056

LOUNGE suite green fabric, dbl couch + 2 reclining chairs $100 0412 254 563

newsofthearea. com.au

METAL framed oval mirror. New. 75cm x 50cm $65. Photos can be supplied. Ph 0490 161 119

MID century traymobile with bottle holders $95. 0490 161 119 Photos can be sent.

MILK frother $15. Never used. 6653 8337 or 0419 166 688 F101025

MINIATURE figurines x 6, porcelain, 1960s - 80s photos available $15 - $80 0407 654 879

KARCHER, Electric Mop. $25. 0466 525 814 F060226

KAYAK 2.4m long with paddle. $80. Ph 0409 552 482

KAYAKS x 3, 1.7m long with paddles, hardly used. $60 each. Ph 0409 552 482

MIRROR, swivel, on stand $100. 0411 361 205

OVERNIGHT bag with make up purse, many compartments, very clean, handy size. $30. Ph 0418 865 537F130326

PORCELAIN biscuit jar (8in high) with cream and jam pots, tea strainer and small flat teaspoon holder. $35 0400 641 561 F210225

PUPPY crate, large. 75cm x 50cm x 60cm H. Only used for 2 months. $45. Photo can be supplied. 0490 161 119

READER'S Digest "Hear Them Again" 10LP Vinyl box set. 122 popular songs 1910s -1950s. Limited edition #6311. $75 Photos can be supplied. Ph 0490 161 119

RED overcoat size 10 Jigsaw brand fabric made in Italy 80% wool Never used. Pic ava. $95 0439 682 267

RENAI Gas Heater, GC $100 ono. 0466 040 154

SIMPSONS - large box of character dolls, items & pieces from show. Ex gift for collector $100. 6652 3791

SINGLE bed, GC

$100. 0466 040 154

VINTAGE steward steamer trunk. Likely dated from mid 20th century. 74cm x 40cm x 30cm. $85. Photos can be supplied. Ph 0490 161 119 F030426

VINTAGE timber mini bar. $60. 6652 8815

WALNUT wardrobe c 1920, bevilled mirror $500. 0403 425 913 e030426

WHEELCHAIR Karma 5- Ergo (KM-S125) Model KM15203. Only used for 3 weeks Selfpropelled 20" light weight aluminim folding 24" removable wheels with solid tyres includes seatbelt seat width 20" seat depth 17". $500 Ph 0475 597 730. e030426

WOODEN chest for Linen, $100. 0411 361 205.

GOLDSTREAM OffRoad Camper Trailer sleeps up to five, neat & tidy with many extras Sadly selling due to ill health. Rego December 2026. Q29955. Reduced from $13,000 to $10,000 Ph 0437 499 513

JAYCO Penguin campervan, wind up 12ft 6, 3 berth Registered to Nov '26 - R73306. 2 gas bottles, awning, 3 way fridge, new tyres and bearings, battery pack Very good condition $11,700. Ph 0415 196 766. e170426

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2020 Jayco Lark Bushpack camper trailer Sleeps 6, March 27 rego TR78ZR. Excellent condition added extras electric jockey, solar blankets, tinted windows etc. $20,000. Coffs Harbour 0422 422 866 Re240426 Camper Trailer Motor Vehicles

BMW R1100GS. 114K Exc. cond. Registered to July or can be put on club plates. Purchased new Dec '95. Staintune exhaust-top box and panniers-tank bra and tank bag. New tires Never been off road. Is ready for quick run to Perth or Darwin. At 87 I am finding to be a bit big for me now. Looking for something smaller. $7000 firm. Ph 0417 360 383

newsofthearea.com.au

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ONTHEBOX

BEST ON THE BOX

FRIDAY

GARDENING AUSTRALIA

ABC TV, 7.30pm

Autumn is synonymous with fallen foliage at the end of its life cycle, but leave it to optimistic Gardening Australia host Costa Georgiadis to find a fresh perspective to the season. In this episode, he focuses on fiery shrubs that can bring vibrant colour to any garden – without the epic clean-up. Meanwhile, Millie Ross focuses on seasonal produce, spending time with a Victorian family who operate a heritage quince orchard to learn more about the ancient, aromatic fruit. Plus, Sophie Thomson sets up wicking beds for vegie success.

FRIDAY, April 3

6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)

7.00 ABC National News.

7.30 Gardening Australia.

8.30 Patience. (Mv) A music student is found dead. 9.20 Tonight At The Museum. (PGs, R) 9.50 The Weekly With Charlie Pickering. (Ms, R) 10.20 Shaun Micallef’s Eve Of Destruction. (PG, R)

10.55 Melbourne Comedy Festival: Allstars Supershow. (R)

12.20 Shaun Micallef’s Eve Of Destruction. (PG, R)

12.55 Rage New Music. (MA15+adhlnsv) 5.00 Rage. (PG)

MONDAY

MASTERMIND AUSTRALIA

SBS, 6pm

Despite best efforts from rival networks, the hottest seat on Australian TV remains black chair. The only thing that could make facing host Marc Fennell’s (pictured) intense questioning more difficult is a touch of sibling rivalry – enter Family Week. The hardest quiz show on the box returns for its eighth season with a quartet of families eager to test not just their own knowledge, but their bonds. The Coutinho clan kicks things off in Monday’s premiere, when West Coast Eagles tragic Josh, Good Luck Charlie fan Aerin, Thirsty Merc enthusiast Tiarne and their vintage Chrysler Valiant-loving dad Kemal go head to head in their chosen categories and a gruelling general knowledge round.

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R) 6.30 SBS World News. 7.30 Going Places With Ernie Dingo. (PG) 8.30 Secrets Of The Conclave. 9.40 Lost Secrets Of Jesus. 10.40 Haigh’s Chocolates: From Bean To Bar. (R) 11.10 Sisi. (Mav) 12.15 Babylon Berlin. (MA15+av, R) 2.05 Nordland 99. (Mals, R) 3.05 Designing Paradise With Bill Bensley. (R)

4.00 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

WEDNESDAY TONIGHT AT THE MUSEUM

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. 8.00 MOVIE: My Best Friend’s Wedding. (1997, Ml, R) After a woman’s friend announces his engagement, she realises she loves him and sets out to prevent the wedding. Julia Roberts, Cameron Diaz.

10.15 MOVIE: The Bounty Hunter. (2010, Mlsv, R) A bounty hunter is assigned to find his ex-wife. Gerard Butler.

12.35 GetOn Extra.

1.05 Damnation. (MA15+asv, R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R)

5.00 NBC Today.

Superman. 8.45 BattleBots. 9.35 Gladiators UK. 10.30 Late Programs.

host Alex Lee invites Becky Lucas, Takashi Wakasugi, Bron Lewis and Dilruk Jayasinha (all pictured) to unleash their creativity and showcase their knowledge of Australian history, animal facts, priceless artworks and prehistoric creatures. Perhaps most impressive: even though TMAG holds the world’s most significant collection of Tasmanian tiger specimens, it took episodes for a thylacine to become the topic of discussion. The winner will place a personal treasure on display – will visitors be treated to Lucas’s broken phone, Wakasugi’s dog statue, Lewis’s lock of hair or Jayasinha’s first plane ticket to Australia?

6.00 NBN News. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 Rugby League. NRL. Round 5. Penrith Panthers v Melbourne Storm.

9.55 NRL Friday Night Footy Post-Match. Post-match coverage of the NRL game.

10.45 MOVIE: The Foreigner. (2017, MA15+alv, R) A restaurateur seeks justice. Jackie Chan.

1.00 Explore TV: Antarctica. (R)

1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R) 4.30 Global Shop. (R) 5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 5.30 Postcards. (PG, R)

ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Children’s Programs. 8.30 Nanny. 9.30 Addams Family. 10.30 Bewitched. 11.30 Rugby Heaven.

6.30 Deal Or No Deal. (PGa, R)

7.00 Millionaire

ONTHEBOX

SATURDAY, April 4

6.00

6.00 Kath & Kim. (PGals, R)

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 Blue Murder Motel. (M) Vinny and Cole investigate a fun-run attack.

8.15 Top End Bub. (PGs) Ned, Taya and Trevor help Leroy put on a great show for the local footy fundraiser.

8.45 Death In Paradise. (Ma, R) Marlon receives a mysterious phone call from his fatally-wounded former boss.

9.45 Frauds. (Mlv, R) Trouble from home catches up with Bilal. 10.30 Rage. (MA15+dhlnsv)

ABC FAMILY (22)

6am Children’s Programs. 6.10pm Knee High Spies. 6.20 Bluey. 6.30 The Adventures Of Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Supertato. 6.55 Piripenguins. 7.05 Let’s Go Bananas! 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Kids Baking Championship. 8.10 Harry Potter: Wizards Of Baking. 8.50 Chopped Junior. 9.35 Mr Bean: The Animated Series. 9.55 Fresh Off The Boat. 10.40 Abbott Elementary. 11.00 Late Programs.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Edward Vs George: The Windsors At War. (Premiere)

8.25 Magical Train Journeys In Switzerland. (PGa, R)

9.25 Jersey And Guernsey. (R)

10.15 Highclere: The Real Downton Abbey. (R)

11.15 Snowpiercer. (MA15+s, R)

1.00 Going Places With Ernie Dingo. (PG, R)

3.00 Matched. (PG, R)

3.50 Bamay. (R)

4.50 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R) 5.00 Bamay. 5.15 Euronews. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

VICELAND (31)

SBS MOVIES (32)

SUNDAY, April 5

6.00 Rage. (PG) 7.00 Wknd Brekky. 9.00

Leo’s

(R) 12.00

11.30

12.30

1.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 2.30

Of

(PG, R) 3.30 Inside The Sydney Opera House. (R) 4.30 Creative Types With Virginia Trioli. (PG, R) 5.00 Back Roads. (R) 5.30 Fake Or Fortune? 6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 The Point: Road To Referendum History Bites. (R) 9.10 Paul O’Grady For The Love Of Animals. (PGa, R) 10.05 Vintage Voltage. (PGl, R) 11.00 Going Places. (R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 1.00 Motor Racing. Bathurst 6 Hour. Day 1. Qualifying. 5.00 Stories From The Cities. (PG) 5.30 Plat Du Tour. (R) 5.35 Orphans Of WW2. (PGa)

6.30 Compass. (PG)

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 The Piano. (PG)

8.20 Can You Keep A Secret? (Ms) Neha and Debbie team up.

8.50 Frauds. (Mal) An unforeseen disaster derails the gang’s plans.

9.40 Blue Murder Motel. (Ml, R) Vinny and Cole investigate a fun-run attack.

10.25 Top End Bub. (PGs, R)

10.50 MOVIE: Ten Canoes. (2006, M, R)

12.25 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

1.45 Unforgotten. (Mal, R)

3.00 Gardening Australia. (R)

4.55 Dream Gardens. (R)

5.30 A Bite To Eat With Alice. (R)

6am Children’s Programs. 5.10pm MOVIE: Tummy Tom 2: A New Friend For Tummy Tom. (2024) 6.10 Knee High Spies. 6.20 Bluey. 6.30 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Supertato. 6.55 Piripenguins. 7.05 Let’s Go Bananas! 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 The Inbestigators. 8.00 Foxes: Their Secret World. 8.45 Amazing Animal Friends. 9.35 Fresh Off The Boat. 10.15 Merlin. 11.00 Late Programs.

6am The Boy And The Heron. Continued. (2023, PG) 8.10 Without A Clue. (1988, PG) 10.15 Something’s Gotta Give. (2003, M) 12.40pm What We Do In The Shadows. (2014, M) 2.15 Nausicaä Of The Valley Of The Wind. (1984, PG) 4.25 Castle In The Sky. (1986, PG) 6.50 The Secret World Of Arrietty. (2010) 8.30 John Wick. (2014) 10.25 Sanctuary. (2022) 12.15am Late Programs.

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 The Point: Road To Referendum History Bites. (R) 9.05 Paul O’Grady For The Love Of Animals. (PGa, R) 10.00 PBS News Compass Points. 10.30 WorldWatch. 10.55 The Point: Road To Referendum History Bites. (R) 11.00 Motor Racing. Bathurst 6 Hour. Day 2. Race day. 5.30 Going Places. (R)

6.00 Grand Tours Of Scotland’s Rivers. (PG, R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Unwrapping King Tut: Secrets Of The Mummy.

8.25 Akhenaten, The Secrets Of The Forgotten Pharaoh. (R)

9.25 Leonardo Da Vinci. (PGadn, R)

10.25 Lost Treasures Of Egypt. (PGa, R)

11.20 Bronze Age Apocalypse. (R) 12.55 Me And My Tourette’s. (Mals, R)

2.00 Matched. (PG, R)

2.50 Mastermind Australia. (R)

3.55 Mountain Vets. (Ma, R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 Euronews. 5.30 PBS News Horizons.

VICELAND (31)

1.20 Jeopardy! 3.25 WorldWatch. 4.25 PBS News Compass Points. 4.55 Fashionista. 5.05 The Architecture The Railways Built. 5.55 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Tour of Flanders. Men’s race. 1.15am Cycling. UCI World Tour. Tour of Flanders. Women’s race. 2.30 NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera.

SBS MOVIES (32)

6am Nausicaä Of The Valley Of The Wind. Continued. (1984, PG) 8.00 Howl’s Moving Castle. (2004, PG) 10.15 What’s Love Got To Do With It? (2022) 12.20pm Princess Mononoke. (1997, M, Japanese) 2.50 Mosley. (2019, PG) 4.35 My Neighbour Totoro. (1988, PG) 6.15 Spirited Away. (2001, PG) 8.30 The Miracle Club. (2023) 10.10 Io Capitano. (2023, MA15+, French) 12.20am Late Programs.

6.00 NBC Today. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 The Morning Show: Wknd. (PG) 12.00 Horse Racing. Day On The Trot At Royal Randwick and Caulfield Easter Cup. 5.00 Seven News At 5. 5.30 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG, R)

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. Hosted by Johanna Griggs.

8.00 MOVIE: Snow White And The Huntsman. (2012, Mhv, R) A sorceress orders for her former husband’s daughter to be killed after learning she will be defeated by her. Kristen Stewart, Chris Hemsworth, Charlize Theron.

10.45 MOVIE: Mercury Rising. (1998, Mlv, R) An autistic boy cracks a government code. Bruce Willis. 1.00 Devils. (MA15+av, R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Tales Of Aluna. (R)

5.00 House Of Wellness. (PG, R)

7TWO (62)

Morning Programs. 11.00 ICU. 11.30 GetOn Extra. Noon Australia’s Big Backyards.

6.00 Morning Programs. 10.00 Today Extra: Saturday. (PG) 12.00 Open For Inspection. 12.30 Drive TV: What Drives Us. (Final) 1.00 Explore TV Viking. (R) 1.30 My Way. (R)

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Space Invaders. (PG)

8.30 MOVIE: Wonka. (2023, PGav)

10.50 MOVIE: The Legend Of Tarzan. (2016, Mav, R)

12.50 Taronga: Who’s Who In The Zoo. (PGam, R)

1.50 My Way.

2.00 The Incredible Journey Presents. (PGa)

2.15 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

2.30 Epic Builds. (R)

3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

4.30 Global Shop. (R) 5.00 TV Shop. (R) 5.30 Helping Hands. (PG, R)

6.30 The Dog House. (R) A couple dream of different dogs.

7.30 Love It Or List It Australia. Andrew Winter tempts an Aussie larrikin to move. Neale Whitaker tries to convince Michelle to give up on her dream.

9.30 Gogglebox Australia. (R) TV fanatics open up their living rooms to reveal their reactions to popular and topical TV shows.

10.30 Ambulance Australia. (Mdlm, R) Follows dispatchers and paramedics. 12.30 Elsbeth. (Mlv, R)

1.00 NCIS: Origins. (Mav, R) 1.30 Home Shopping. (R) 5.00 Hour Of Power.

Thunder. Krikke Boys Shootout. 4.00 Frozen Gold. 5.00 Counting Cars. 6.00 Pawn Stars. 7.00 Storage Wars. 7.30 American Pickers. 8.30 Football. AFL. Round 4. West Coast v Sydney. 11.30 Late Programs.

6.00 NBC Today. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 The Morning Show: Weekend. (PG)

Sydney Weekender.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 The 1% Club UK. (PG) Hosted by Lee Mack. 8.00 Working Class Man. (Madl, R) Looks at rocker Jimmy Barnes’s hit book Working Class Man and the next chapter in his life.

10.30 INXS: Live At Wembley. (Ml, R) A look at INXS performing at Wembley.

12.30 A Friend Of The Family. (MA15+a, R)

1.30 Travel Oz. (PG, R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R)

4.00 NBC Today.

5.00 Sunrise Early News.

5.30 Sunrise.

7TWO (62)

6am Children’s Programs. 8.00 MOVIE: Blueback. (2022, PG) 10.00 Ice Hockey. NHL. New York Islanders v Philadelphia Flyers. 12.40pm Soccer. English Premier League. Newcastle v Sunderland. 2.40 Innovation Nation. 2.50 MOVIE: Mr Mom. (1983, PG) 4.40 MOVIE: Superman. (1978, PG) 7.30 MOVIE: Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes Of Grindelwald. (2018, M) 10.10 Late Programs.

(34) 7MATE (64) 7MATE (64)

6.00 NBN News. 7.00 60 Minutes. Current affairs program. 8.00 MOVIE: Hot Potato: The Story Of The Wiggles. (2023, PGaa) The true story of The Wiggles. Jeff Fatt, Murray Cook. 10.15 9News Late.

10.45 The First 48: Escape Plan/ Path Of Terror. (MA15+av, R) 11.40 A Killer Makes A Call: Jackson. (Mav, R)

12.35 Oz Off Road TV. (R)

1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)

4.30 The Garden Gurus. (R)

5.00 Today Early News.

5.30 Today.

6.30 10 News+. Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace.

7.00 Australian Survivor: Redemption. (PGl) A night of rewards proves too much for some to handle. 8.30 NCIS: Sydney. (Final, Mav) With a Stinger missile and murderer in the wind, the team races to prevent a deadly attack. 9.30 Law & Order: SVU. (Mav) The hunt for a murder suspect uncovers a crime with shocking implications. Bruno protects his squad during a raid. 10.30 NCIS: Origins. (Mav, R) The team investigates the death of a marine’s son. 11.30 10 News+. (R) 12.00 Home Shopping. (R)

(51)

6am Morning Programs. 9.35 Seinfeld. 10.05 One Tank Holiday. 10.35 Surfest: 40 Years. 11.05 Limitless. 12.05pm Motor Racing. IndyCar Series. Alabama Grand Prix. H’lights. 1.15 Soccer. English Premier League.

6.00

MONDAY, April 6

6.00 Morning Programs. 9.15 Sing To Remember: Defying Dementia. (PG, R) 10.10 Kew Gardens. (R) 11.00 DNA Journey. 12.10 WorldWatch. 1.00 PBS Compass

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (Return)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.35 Inside The Tower Of London. (PG)

8.30 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. (M)

9.20 Never Mind The Buzzcocks.

10.10 SBS World News Late.

10.40 Herrhausen: The Banker And The Bomb. (Premiere, Ml)

11.35 Gomorrah. (MA15+av, R)

2.25 Mastermind Australia. (R)

3.30 Mountain Vets. (Ma, R)

4.35 Bamay. (R)

4.55 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGas)

7.30 Australian Idol. (PGal) The top six take to the stage.

9.15 9-1-1. (M) Harry’s first day as a probie proves to be more challenging than Chimney expects. 10.15 The Agenda Setters: Rugby League. (R) 11.15 The Agenda Setters.

12.15 Conviction. (MA15+av, R)

1.15 Travel Oz. (PG, R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Married At First Sight. (Mls) 9.15 100% Footy. (Mal) Features the latest rugby league news. 10.15 9News Late. 10.45 Outback Opal Hunters. (PGl) 11.35 Footy Classified. (Ml) 12.35 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 2.30 Global Shop. (R) 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)

A Current Affair. (R)

Today Early News. 5.30 Today.

6am Children’s Programs. 4.15pm Play School Dance It Out. 4.20 Fizzy And Suds. 4.40 Bluey. 5.00 Bluey’s Big Play. 5.45 Kangaroo Beach. 5.55 Knee High Spies. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Flower And Flour. 6.35 Kangaroo Beach. 6.55 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00 Young Sheldon. 8.35 Gladiators UK. 9.35 Kids BBQ Championship. 10.20 Kids Baking Championship. 11.00 Late Programs.

VICELAND (31)

SBS MOVIES (32)

TUESDAY, April 7

6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00

10.00 Aust Story. (R) 10.35

Matter Of Facts. (PG, R) 12.00

(R)

At Noon. 1.00 Death In Paradise. (Ma, R) 2.00 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R) 2.30 Anh’s Brush With Fame. (PG, R) 3.00 Fake Or Fortune? (R) 3.55 Murdoch Mysteries. (PGa, R) 4.45 Long Lost Family. (R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 1.50 Unforgotten. (Ml, R) 4.00 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.00 A Bite To Eat. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)

6am Children’s Programs. 10.15 TBA. 10.25 Children’s Programs. 6.20pm Bluey. 6.25 Flower And Flour. 6.35 Big Lizard. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Ben And Holly. 7.00 Superbuns. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00 Young Sheldon. 8.20 BTN Newsbreak. 8.25 Young Sheldon. 8.45 The Slow Mo Guys’ Big Adventures. 9.30 BattleBots. 10.15 Merlin. 11.00 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22) ABC FAMILY (22)

Morning Programs. 9.10 Sing To Remember: Defying Dementia. (PG, R) 10.05 Kew Gardens: Season By Season. (R) 10.55 DNA Journey. (PG) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 The Great House Revival. (R) 3.00 Trail Towns. (R) 3.35 Plat Du Tour. (R) 3.40 The Cook Up. (R) 4.10 Secret World Of Snacks. (PGs, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Great Continental Railway Journeys. (R)

8.30 Insight.

9.30 Dateline.

10.00 Rock Legends. (PGl)

10.30 SBS World News Late.

11.00 Exit. (MA15+adlns)

11.55 Elvira. (Malv, R)

3.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

4.05 Bamay. (R)

4.50 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

VICELAND (31)

SBS MOVIES (32)

6am My Neighbour Totoro. Continued. (1988, PG) 6.35 The Secret World Of Arrietty. (2010) 8.20 Spirited Away. (2001, PG) 10.35 Animalia. (2023, M, French) 12.20pm Discovering Film. 1.10 Castle In The Sky. (1986, PG) 3.30 Ponyo. (2008) 5.30 Kiki’s Delivery Service. (1989, PG) 7.30 Undercover. (2021, M, French) 9.50 Barbarella. (1968, M) 11.40 Late Programs. 6am Mosley. Continued. (2019, PG) 7.05 Kiki’s Delivery Service. (1989, PG) 9.05 My Neighbour Totoro. (1988, PG) 10.40 Barbarella. (1968, M) 12.30pm The Miracle Club. (2023) 2.10 Discovering Film. 3.05 The Great Dictator. (1940, PG) 5.20 A River Runs Through It. (1992, PG) 7.35 The Delinquents. (1989, M) 9.30 Logan’s Run. (1976, M) 11.40 Mad Max. (1979, M) 1.20am Late Programs.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Home And Away. (PGa)

7.30 Australian Idol. (PGal) Hosted by Ricki-Lee Coulter and Scott Tweedie.

8.40 Doc. (Ma) The race for chief resident intensifies.

9.40 House Of Wellness. (PG) Insights and experiences that highlight living well.

10.40 The Agenda Setters. 11.40 St. Denis Medical. (PGas)

12.10 Dirty John. (MA15+v)

1.10 Travel Oz. (PG, R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 NBC Today.

5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

(62) 7TWO (62)

6am Children’s Programs. 8.30 Nanny. 9.30 Addams Family. 10.30 Bewitched. 11.30 My Way. 11.40 MOVIE: Superman. (1978, PG) 2.30pm Nanny. 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family. 5.30 Bewitched. 6.30 Nanny. 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30

6.00 NBN News.

ONTHEBOX

WEDNESDAY, April 8

TV (2)

6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 News. 10.00 Four Corners. (R) 10.45 Foreign Correspondent. (R) 11.30 Back Roads. (R) 12.00 News. 12.30 Press Club. 1.45 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R) 2.20 Brush With Fame. (PG, R) 2.50 Fake Or Fortune? (R) 3.50 Murdoch Mysteries. (PGv, R) 4.40 Long Lost Family. (R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

(3)

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 The Point. (R) 9.05 Bitesize. (R) 9.15 Sun & Splendour: History Of Marbella. (PGa) 10.05 Kew Gardens: Season By Season. (R) 10.55 DNA Journey. 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Dateline. (R) 2.35 Insight. (R) 3.35 Plat Du Tour. (R) 3.40 The Cook Up. (R) 4.10 Secret World Of Snacks. (R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 48 Hours: Escape From Chernobyl.

8.50 Chernobyl: The Lost Tapes. (Ma, R) Explores the story of Chernobyl.

10.35 SBS World News Late.

11.05 Rise Of The Raven. (Masv)

12.10 Darkness: Those Who Kill. (Malsv)

1.55 Classified. (Malv, R)

3.35 Mastermind Australia. (PG, R)

4.35 Bamay. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

(31)

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Home And Away. (PGa)

7.30 The 1% Club UK. (PGl, R)

8.30 The Front Bar. (Ml) Takes a lighter look at all things AFL.

9.30 Unfiltered. (M) Hamish McLachlan chats with Alastair Clarkson.

10.00 The Agenda Setters.

11.00 No Holds Barred: GWS Giants. (Ml)

12.00 Kochie’s Business Builders. (R)

12.30 The Act. (MA15+ans, R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

COFFS COAST NEWS OF THE AREA

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Travel Guides. (PGl, R)

8.40 MOVIE: Vacation. (2015, MA15+ln, R) Ed Helms.

10.40 9News Late.

11.10 Freddy And The Eighth. (Ml)

12.05 Tipping Point. (PG, R)

1.00 Hello SA. (PG)

1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

2.30 Global Shop. (R)

3.00 TV Shop: Home 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

THURSDAY,

TV (2)

6.00 Morning Programs. 10.30 The Weekly. (Ms, R) 11.00 Creative Types. (PG, R) 11.30 Can You Keep A Secret? (Ms, R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Frauds. (Mal, R) 1.45 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R) 2.20 Brush With Fame. (PG, R) 3.00 Fake Or Fortune? (R) 4.00 Sister Boniface Mysteries. (PGa, R) 4.45 Long Lost Family. (R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

6am Morning Programs. 7.30

(PG, R) 9.50 The Matter Of Facts. (Final, PG, R)

ABC Late News.

The Business. (R)

Sister Boniface Mysteries. (PG, R)

Long Lost Family. (R)

FAMILY (22)

April 9

(31) 6am Children’s Programs. 10.15 TBA. 10.25 Children’s Programs. 6.50pm Ben And Holly. 7.00 Superbuns. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00 Young Sheldon. 8.20 BTN Newsbreak. 8.25 Young Sheldon. 8.45 Steven Universe. 9.10 Adventure Time. 9.35 Teen Titans Go! 9.55 Pokémon: Diamond And Pearl. 10.15 My Adventures With Superman. 10.40 Late Programs. 6am Children’s Programs. 10.15 TBA. 10.25 Children’s Programs. 6.05pm PJ Masks. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Flower And Flour. 6.35 Big Lizard. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Ben And Holly. 7.00 Superbuns. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00 Young Sheldon. 8.20 BTN Newsbreak. 8.25 Young Sheldon. 8.45 Ultimate Vets. 9.10 Animal Park. 10.40 Late Programs.

6am Ponyo.

Continued. (2008) 7.45 Discovering Film. 8.45 A River Runs Through It. (1992, PG) 11.00 Undercover. (2021, M, French) 1.15pm Mad Max. (1979, M) 2.55 Forever Enthralled. (2008, PG, Mandarin) 5.35 The Ipcress File. (1965, PG) 7.35 Hard Eight. (1996, M) 9.30 Zardoz. (1978) 11.30 Mad Heidi. (2022, MA15+) 1.15am Logan’s Run. (1976, M) 3.20 The Delinquents. (1989, M) 5.15 The Movie Show.

(3)

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 The Point. (R) 9.05 Bitesize. (R) 9.15 Matched. (PG, R) 10.05 Kew Gardens: Season By Season. (R) 10.55 DNA Journey. (PG) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 The Great House Revival. (R) 3.00 Going Places. (PG, R) 3.30 Plat Du Tour. (R) 3.35 The Cook Up. (R) 4.10 Secret World Of Snacks. (R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. 6.30 SBS World News.

7.35 Treasures With Bettany Hughes. (PG)

8.30 Our Medicine. (PGa, R)

9.45 Riot Women.

10.55 SBS World News Late.

11.25 In Memoriam. (Malv)

12.15 Bonn. (Mav, R) 2.10 Beyond Signs. (MA15+a, R)

3.05 Mastermind Australia. (R)

4.05 Going Places With Ernie Dingo. (PG, R)

5.00 NHK World English News.

5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

Does Countdown. 8.30 Adam Hills: The Last Leg. (Final) 9.20 MOVIE: Enigma. (2001) 11.35 Brassic. 1.25am Dark Side Of The Ring. 2.20 NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera. 6am WorldWatch. 11.00 The Movie Show. 12.10pm WorldWatch. 12.40 Alone. 1.55 UFOs: Investigating The Unknown. 2.45 Insight. 3.45 News. 3.50 WorldWatch. 5.50 Curse Of Oak Island. 6.40 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 United Gangs Of America. 10.20 The UnXplained With William Shatner. 11.10 Brassic. 1am Dark Side Of The 2000s. 2.50 Late Programs.

6am The Movie Show. 6.25 The Great Dictator. (1940, PG) 8.40 The Ipcress File. (1965, PG) 10.40 The Delinquents. (1989, M) 12.35pm Logan’s Run. (1976, M) 2.50 A River Runs Through It. (1992, PG) 5.05 Discovering Film. 5.50 What We Did On Our Holiday. (2014, PG) 7.40 Risky Business. (1983, M) 9.30 Mars Attacks! (1996, M) 11.30 Doctor Sleep. (2019, MA15+) 2.15am Zardoz. (1978) 4.10 Hard Eight. (1996, M)

(6)

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGav)

7.30 Highway Patrol. (Ma, R)

8.00 Motorway Patrol. (Ma) 8.30 Britain’s Got Talent. (PG) More performers take to the stage.

9.45 Unbelievable Moments Caught On Camera. (PGa, R)

10.45 Soham: Catching A Killer. (Mav, R) 11.45 HMP: Behind Bars. (MA15+a, R)

1.15 Damnation. (MA15+asv, R)

2.30 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 Rugby League. NRL. Round 6. Canterbury Bulldogs v Penrith Panthers. 9.55 NRL Thursday Night

6am Children’s Programs. 8.30 Nanny. 9.30 Addams Family. 10.30 Bewitched. 11.30 Jeopardy! Australia. 12.30pm Innovation Nation. 12.40 Australian Ninja Warrior. 2.30 Nanny. 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family. 5.30 Bewitched. 6.30 Nanny. 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30 MOVIE: Bride Wars. (2009, PG) 10.20 One Tank Holiday. 10.50 Seinfeld. 11.50 The 100. 12.40am Love Island UK. 1.40 Late Programs. 6am Children’s Programs. 8.30 Nanny. 9.30 Addams Family. 10.30 Bewitched. 11.30 Jeopardy! Australia. 12.30pm Explore. 12.40 Australian Ninja Warrior. 2.30 Nanny. 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family. 5.30 Bewitched. 6.30 Nanny. 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30

EMERALD Beach turned on some great autumn conditions last weekend as nearly 50 of the region’s best junior surfers competed for coveted spots at the upcoming NSW State Titles.

The 2026 North Coast Junior Regional Titles brought together talented groms from across the stretch of coastline between Red Rock and Crescent Head, transforming the popular break into a stage for some of the most exciting junior surfers.

Consistent two-foot conditions rolled through all day, occasionally pulsing into clean three-foot sets that gave competitors the canvas they needed to showcase speed, control, and flair.

Surfers rip in