The theme of connection came up several times, with school teacher- turned-writer Ryan Martin giving some unequivocal advice about parenting.
"It's not about being perfect,” he said. “It's about being present."
Also on Friday, the perennial favourite and sold-out Poetry Slam filled the Bellingen Memorial Hall.
Saturday included the official welcome with Gumbaynggirr Elder Uncle Gary Williams, who sat with Djon Mundine OAM and Seth Jordan to discuss Indigenous art and storytelling.
Jack Thompson and Michael Caton regaled attendees with stories from their 50-year friendship and dispensed plenty of wisdom about the acting world.
"Acting is a craft," Caton said.
"It's not something you can learn online; it's been passed down from master to apprentice over the centuries."
The Memorial Hall Studio provided an intimate setting for talks such as The Shape of Home with African American migrant Tyree Barnette and Sara Haddad, whose novella The Sunbird follows a Palestinian woman's displacement and life in Sydney.
Haddad offered her opinion about the view that Palestinian history was complicated.
"It's not complicated,” she said. “What is complicated are the narratives that attempt to distort the truth.
“The truth is never complicated."
The festival saw a diverse lineup of award-winning talent and popular authors, from Evelyn Araluen and Steve Toltz to upand-comers like Amy Lovat and actor-turnedwriter Zoe Terakes.
The Fringe Festival in Maam Gaduying Park included a panel celebrating 40 years of Muurrbay Aboriginal Language and Culture Co-operative, a regenerative farming talk with Rachel Ward and local farmers, and a live
reading by Jack Thompson and friends. Sunday included panel discussions on social change with Amy Remeikis and Stan Grant and environmentalism with Bob Brown
and Professor David Lindenmayer. The festival closed on a playful note with the debut of 'BookWiz', a new literary quiz event hosted by Adam Norris.
: www.newsofthearea.com.au
: facebook.com/coffsNOTA
q Local author Ryan Martin speaking with Alex Caminer at Alternatives Bookshop. Photo: Jessica Miller
q Anton Enus, Sara Haddad and Tyree Barnette. Photo: Jessica Miller
q Rachel Ward, Nidya Bellido and Georgina Baker at the Fringe Festival. Photo: Jessica Miller
q Seth Jordan, Gumbaynggirr Elder Uncle Gary Williams and Djon Mundine. Photo: Jessica Miller
Limited live access to CBD camera feeds
FROM Page 1
security cameras following community feedback.
City of Coffs Harbour Council (CCHC) adopted a revised Video Surveillance in Public Areas Policy at its meeting on 28 May and will now look at entering a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Coffs-Clarence Police Command to enable controlled live access to specified cameras in the CCTV network.
Ten submissions were received during the public exhibition period of the draft policy, which reflected a level of community support for the use of CCTV for community safety, and others which noted concern about governance, privacy, and the scope of proposed access.
“Police have always been able to access footage from the City’s camera network but this has only been possible by way of them making a formal request, so that practice isn’t at all timely in an unfolding public safety situation,” said CCHC Mayor Nikki Williams.
able to see footage in realtime, enhancing the ability for an appropriate timely response.”
NSW Police use state government guidelines on CCTV in public spaces as the basis for the development,
management and operation of a CCTV program.
The guidelines advise that police will not routinely monitor CCTV cameras because their role is to respond to incidents identified by control room operators.
CCHC Legal and Governance Services Group Leader, Darryl Hancock, said the policy included safeguards around access such as strong oversight, compliance with relevant privacy laws, and the
assurance that access was strictly for the purpose of detecting, investigating, or prosecuting criminal offences, and to enhance public safety and emergency management.
He said, “In practice, police won’t be monitoring City CCTV feeds without cause, but it
will give authorised officers the opportunity to view footage in real-time when they receive an incident report.
“The City intends to provide authorised police with access to only those cameras in public areas where it is deemed appropriate.”
q A Council Memorandum of Understanding is the next step in allowing police timely access to Coffs CCTV. Photo: City of Coffs Harbour.
“Once a MoU is reached, authorised officers only in the local command will be
A million stories for Refugee Week
REFUGEE Week will be held from Sunday, 14 June to Saturday, 20 June, and this year marks its 40th anniversary.
The week will coincide with the arrival of one million refugees into Australia since the end of the World War II and its theme this year is ‘A million stories’.
Htun Htun Oo, a leader in the multicultural community in Coffs Harbour, said Refugee Week was intended to promote harmony and togetherness by uniting individuals, communities and organisations from many different backgrounds behind a common cause.
“It’s a reminder that, regardless of our differences, we all share a common humanity,” Mr Oo said.
“As a former refugee, I was particularly moved by this message. It reinforced my belief that refugees should not be defined by the hardships they have endured, but by the strengths, resilience and contribution they bring to their communities.”
Mr Oo said that he had recently had the privilege and honour of meeting one of the oldest migrants in Coffs Harbour, and that she had shared just one of those million stories with him.
Wils (Wilhelmina) was an
internally displaced person with her life disrupted by the bombing of her home in Arnhem, the Netherlands.
She survived the ‘Hunger Winter’ in the Netherlands before settling in Australia.
With her husband, Bob Cooper, Wils established a surf shop in Coffs Harbour’s Jetty precinct in 1969, helping shape the region’s surfing culture and tourism industry.
Their business grew to become one of Australia’s leading surf retailers, and their legacy continues to be felt throughout the community.
Over many years, Wils and her family have made significant contributions to our region through business development, tourism, job creation and economic growth.
“Her story is not unique. Across Australia, refugees have become business owners, employers, workers, volunteers, community leaders and proud Australians," Mr OO said.
“The evidence suggests that the question is not what refugees may cost when they first arrive, but what they contribute over the years and decades that follow.
“Research has shown that refugees often demonstrate strong entrepreneurial
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qualities and have a higher propensity to establish businesses than many other migrant groups.”
These businesses create jobs, strengthen local economies and enrich communities.
Mr Oo said Refugee Week was also an opportunity to recognise former refugees in the community who worked
humbly and persistently, often without recognition, to make the world a better place.
q Htun Htun Oo (former refugee), Wilhelmina Cooper (former internally displaced person), and Caitlin Cooper Mackie.
THREE Coffs Coast locals were recognised in the recent King’s Birthday honours.
Medals of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the General Division went to Dr Andrew Beattie, for service to the community of Coffs Harbour, and to Winwood Howard, for service to the community through a range of organisations.
Janelle Brooks was awarded the Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM) in the General Division for three decades of dedicated service with the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) in fire management.
Dr Beattie is well-known in the area for his work as a general practitioner (GP) with a strong interest in Aboriginal health.
He was a founding member of the Coffs Harbour Bicycle Users Group more than 30 years ago.
His publications include works about Aboriginal health, early detection of melanomas, and the benefits of bicycle helmets.
“I feel that this medal acknowledges all the GPs across Australia for the complex and stressful tasks they often undertake,” Dr Beattie said.
“In particular all those doctors across the country working with Aboriginal health services, and contributing closely to the Close the Gap campaign.”
In reference to his interest in bicycles and local health, he said: “We have come a long way since the first 10m of cycle path was laid in 1984 and I look forward to the western cycle/walk way being completed.”
Mr Howard said his award was a “complete surprise.”
He bought a property in 1992 with the Boambee Observatory, housing one
of the largest telescopes outside the major cities, and spent a quarter of a century living there and using the observatory.
As well as being president of the Coffs Harbour Astronomical Society, Mr Howard has been involved in administering The University of the Third Age, Coffs Harbour; Lifeline; Coffs Harbour Education and Recreation Program; Bishop Druitt College; and Uniting and Methodist Churches.
He was chair of the Council of Law Reporting for New South Wales, and was a council member and held other roles for the Law Society of New South Wales.
“I really don’t know why I was singled out but it seems someone put together all the things from my past life and went from there,” Mr Howard said.
“All of the things I’ve done have been about
helping others, such as helping people in trouble as a lawyer or helping them get a new perspective about the universe above them.”
Ms Brooks has held key frontline roles in operational fire response and incident management. Her expertise and leadership during complex and high-pressure situations, coupled with her deep understanding of fire behaviour and strategic planning, have ensured the protection of park assets and surrounding communities during major fire events.
She made significant contributions during the 2019-20 bushfire season, where she played a critical role in the Incident Management Team (IMT) for an extended period.
She challenged proposed broadscale burning strategies, advocating for alternatives that protected world heritage areas such as New
England National Park and other reserves of ecological significance.
Ms Brooks’ strategic planning preserved threatened species and habitats across the North
Coast during three months of intense fire activity.
She also championed staff welfare during the prolonged fire season, introducing fatigue monitoring, advocating for extended rest periods, and securing approval for award changes to shift arrangements.
“It was a wonderful surprise to be nominated but successful fire management is about collaboration,” Ms Brooks said.
“My award is based on the
work of hundreds of people.
“It is extremely rewarding when you see people coming together to protect the community and the environment.
“Some people see community and environment protection as competing priorities but in reality they are really closely connected. Our challenge is to protect both the community and our important environmental assets.”
q Andrew Beattie
q Win Howard
q Janelle Brooks (Photos supplied by recipients)
A
Hopper's lens finds beauty in the everyday
By Kate PYE
A CLARENCE Valley photographer's cinematic vision of the NSW interior is on display at Yarrila Arts and Museum, offering visitors a free and unhurried encounter with the Australian landscape.
West of Somewhere East runs until 28 June and traces a photographic journey through regional New South Wales shaped by long drives, fleeting encounters, and the reflective rhythm of return.
The series emerged from Drew Hopper's deep engagement with the land, informed by an upbringing spent travelling Australia in a motorhome.
Rather than documenting the interior in any conventional sense, Hopper's images sit within post-documentary practice -
privileging personal interpretation over objective reportage.
Seeing, in this body of work, is inseparable from feeling.
The photographs are composed through quiet attention to light, texture and form, gathering fragments of the in-between: roadside geometries, weathered surfaces and shifting spatial tensions. A pink sofa abandoned in sparse desert at dusk. A country wall mural paired with an ironing board. A lone horse standing quietly in a residential front yard. Each scene invites contemplation rather than explanation. Together they reveal a subdued Australia shaped by suggestion rather than spectacle, where human presence lingers only in traces against the enduring scale of the land.
Hopper was born in 1989 and is based in the Clarence Valley. Working across digital and film, in both colour and black and white, his practice spans intimate portraits of regional life through to vast cinematic landscapes. He has contributed extensively to Australian Geographic, producing feature stories exploring human connection to land, culture and community. His work has earned wide recognition, including first prize and runner-up in the SA Museum's Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year (2015 and 2016), the Sony Alpha Photo Contest (2021) and finalist placings in the Head On Photo Awards (2021) and Eyeshot Open Call (2022). His photographs have been exhibited and published widely in Australia and beyond.
"My camera has always been more than a tool - it's a passport," Hopper said. "It grants me entry into lives, landscapes and fleeting moments I would otherwise pass by unnoticed."
West of Somewhere East is at Yarrila Arts and Museum until Saturday 28 June. Entry is free.
Council hereby advises that pursuant to Section 115 of the Roads
1993 and in accordance with the authority delegated to it by Transport for NSW, it proposes to allow the temporary road closure of:
• First Avenue, from between 50m north of Second Avenue and Boronia Street, and Second Avenue from 30m west and 35m east of First Avenue, Sawtell Between 5:00am and 7:00pm
Telephone enquiries should be directed to City of Coffs Harbour on 6648 4000.
q Drew Hopper, the artist himself.
q ‘Hills hoist’, 2020. Photo: supplied by YAM
q ‘Condiments’, 2020. Photo: supplied by YAM
q ‘Home is where the horse is’, 2020. Photo: supplied by YAM
In memory of the late John Arnett
By Andrea FERRARI
BELLINGER River District
Poultry Club held its annual show on Saturday 31 May.
A record number of 529 birds was exhibited with exhibitors coming from up and down the north coast and inland.
The show was held as a memorial to the late John Arnett, recognising his longtime contribution to the poultry community.
Mr Arnett was president of Coffs Harbour Poultry Club for 50-plus years and was well known in the poultry world as a judge and a breeder of top-quality
Leghorns and more.
His family were in attendance and exhibited at the show.
“It was an honour to see Shirley Arnett and her son Peter and grandson Lockie and other family members in attendance,” show secretary Peter Paff told News Of The Area.
“We would like to thank all our supporters and sponsors who continue to make it a sought-after show”.
Earlier in May the club supported the Bellingen Agricultural Show (9-10 May) by running the poultry section, which attracted record numbers.
Over 320 birds were exhibited, including the inaugural pigeon section, which proved popular with the public.
Members of the club were on hand to answer questions.
They also ran the “guess the weight of Golden Boy the bull” competition and the Chook Lotto, with proceeds from the two events going to the Show Society.
Children visiting the pavilion were provided with a painting and colouring activity.
Bellingen Poultry Club was reformed in 1975 and is in its 51st year in this incarnation.
q The late John Arnett.
q Peter, Shirley and Lockie Arnett.
'Train man' talk tracks well with Probus
By Andrea FERRARI
PROBUS Club of Coffs City hosted local railway historian Peter Leonard as guest speaker at its May meeting.
Mr Leonard, known locally as 'Train Man', spoke about the history of the NSW trains on the Coffs Coast.
Members enjoyed his mention of well-known Coffs District people who were part of the train system over the years.
Mr Leonard began his employment at Coffs Harbour Train Station in 1967 and was promoted to travel centre manager in 1990.
In his talk he focused on historical facts that would interest the local audience, such as the
railway refreshment rooms (RRR), which he noted were of paramount importance during World War II.
“The troop trains were running from Melbourne to Cairns, and the troops had to be fed,” Mr Leonard said.
“Coffs Harbour station provided such a service until the RRR was closed in 1962 and the train buffet service was introduced.”
Commenting on the “extremely popular” carriage of parcel freight on the trains in the pre-1990s, he said it was the preferred mode of parcel transport for businesspeople at the time.
“A business could order freight items up to 3.00pm, which were loaded onto the night train and
arrived in Coffs Harbour the next day at 5.00am to be delivered by the carrier to their place of business that day.”
Popping a wish-list into his speech, Mr Leonard said he would love to see the Glenreagh to Dorrigo railway line reopen.
“This line opened 23 December 1924 and the last State Rail train ran on 27 October 1972.
“The last train from Glenreagh to Dorrigo ran in April 1986.”
The stations on the Dorrigo line were Timber Top, Moleton, Lowanna, Ulong, Brooklana, Lloyds, Cascade, Briggsvale, Megan and Leigh.
“All these stations/sidings loaded timber from the local mills,
meaning the branch line netted a lot of revenue for the NSW Railway.”
Special mention was made of ‘Misery', the train that brought Bellinger Valley kids to Coffs Harbour High School before Bellingen High was built.
A few audience members still remembered the ride to and from school.
Mr Leonard spoke about the wartime history of Dalhousie Creek Loop Crossing, between Urunga and Valla.
“The railway constructed a long crossing loop here for the crossing of trains,” he said.
“The loop opened in October 1943 and was extremely important for the crossing of troop trains
during the Second World War.
“Some of the audience, former students who travelled on Misery, remember crossing the troop trains and the troops passing them lollies as they crossed within the loop.”
The loop closed in 1963.
Mr Leonard closed his speech reminding the audience of the pleasures of train travel.
“It’s relaxing, you can eat food from the buffet car, have a sleep, read a book, look out the window and speak to fellow passengers,” he said.
Peter Leonard has written nine books on the history of trains in NSW. By coincidence, Rob Williams, the man who printed one of the books, was present at the talk.
q Probus Club of Coffs City’s Ross Fife and Life Member Ken Capps, with speaker Peter Leonard (centre).
q Train man Peter Leonard speaking at the Probus Coffs City meeting.
100 years and Betty Fleming isn't finished yet
By Jessica MILLER
BETTY Fleming, born in 1926, is something of a local legend.
She recently celebrated her 100th birthday, surrounded by friends and family, and launched her third book, ‘Kuku the Koala and Other Animal Stories’, at the same time.
When her marriage ended in her 40s, Betty went to correspondence school to get her higher school certificate. She then attended teachers’ college in Newcastle, with an additional year to qualify as a special needs teacher.
She subsequently built a career as a primary school teacher in Coffs Harbour.
Her faith as a long-time member of Coffs Harbour Baptist Church has been a driving force throughout.
Her son John says her generosity came naturally.
"If there was someone who needed a hand, she'd be there - that was just in her nature," he said.
Immediately upon retiring she was invited to teach at a remote mission school in Minj, the West Highlands of Papua New Guinea, and jumped at the chance.
What was meant to be a week or two stretched to more than 12 months.
She still vividly recalls the earthquake that struck two weeks into her stay, and the children who ran two hours each way just to get to school.
She later taught for a month at an international school in war-torn Kazakhstan.
Back home she also taught English to new migrants through the Baptist Church and regularly
opened her home to young people in need and hosted international students.
In between, she travelled alone on a budget, staying in backpacker hostels well into her 80s, visiting Europe, Japan and China.
“She'd always be looking for what's next, what can I do?" said John. "And in between that, puts the backpack on and hits the road."
Her last trip was at 84. She stopped, she told John,
because the bags got too hard to carry.
Now 100, nearly blind and hard of hearing, Betty hasn't stopped.
She advocates for fellow aged care residents, attending regular meetings and participating in a Maggie Beer Foundation program aimed at improving quality of life through highly nutritious and pleasurable meals.
She has also started work on her fourth book.
Betty says her love of
The City of Coffs Harbour, together with the Yandaarra Aboriginal Advisory Committee has developed a Draft Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Strategy. Come together. Share your voice.
We’re inviting you to take a look, share your ideas, and help shape the final Strategy.
Community Yarn Pop-ups
Join us at the following locations: 10am - 12pm
Wiigulga Sports Complex - Tuesday 16 June
adventure was always simple to explain.
"I'm one of those people who just likes interesting things - it's amazing how many interesting things there are in the world,” she said.
“I love to see the
differences, the whys and hows.
“I heard a comment recently: ‘your eyes take pictures’. These things stick with you and many years later - 50, 60 years laterthere it is, it’s there in your head and you can see it."
Toormina Gardens Shopping Centre - Friday 19 June 9am - 3pm
Waagay Biliinyjarl Service Providers Day, Coffs Harbour Showgrounds - Thursday 25 June
Feedback closes Tuesday 30 June 2026
Scan the QR code to give your feedback
haveyoursay.coffsharbour.nsw.gov.au
q Betty at her 100th birthday party. Photo: supplied
q Betty Fleming with two of her books. Photo: Jessica Miller
Barbed wire continues to take a heavy toll on wildlife
By Mick BIRTLES
WIRES Mid North Coast volunteers have rescued two sugar gliders from barbed wire fences this week, highlighting an ongoing and largely preventable threat to native wildlife across the region.
While barbed wire is commonly used for rural fencing, many people are unaware of the devastating impact it can have on wildlife.
Every year, native animals become entangled in fences, suffering severe injuries, stress, dehydration and, in some cases, death.
Species commonly affected include kangaroos, flying foxes, birds of prey, tawny frogmouths and both large and small glider species.
Nocturnal animals are particularly
vulnerable as they travel between trees at night and can struggle to see fencing in lowlight conditions.
Once caught, animals often panic and attempt to free themselves, causing further injury as barbs tear skin, wing membranes and soft tissue.
Even if an animal appears to have escaped with only minor injuries, puncture wounds, shock and internal trauma can significantly affect the chances of survival.
The two sugar gliders rescued this week were fortunate to be found and reported. Without assistance, many entangled animals succumb to their injuries, exposure or predation before help arrives.
WIRES MNC advises that there are simple steps landholders can take to reduce the risk.
Replacing barbed wire with wildlife friendly fencing is the most effective option.
Where this is not practical, attaching reflective tags, shiny tape, old CDs or purpose-made fence markers can make fences more visible to wildlife.
Markers that move in the wind and reflect available light are particularly effective at helping nocturnal species detect and avoid fences.
If you discover an animal caught in barbed wire, report it to WIRES as soon as possible and keep a safe distance while waiting for rescuers.
Taking a photograph and identifying the species, if possible, can assist rescuers in preparing the appropriate equipment.
Extra care should be taken around flying
foxes and birds of prey, which can be injured if handled incorrectly.
If it is safe to do so, gently placing a light towel over the animal may help reduce stress and prevent further struggling.
Do not attempt this if it puts you at risk.
Members of the public are urged not to cut animals free and release them. Animals involved in fencing incidents often require veterinary treatment and a period of rehabilitation before they can safely return to the wild.
Releasing an injured animal without treatment can significantly reduce its chance of survival.
Wildlife incidents can be reported to WIRES by calling 1300 094 737 or lodging a rescue request online.
Program sows seeds for lifelong health
By Andrea FERRARI
CORINDI Public School and Woolgoolga High School will join the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Program thanks to support from the Costa Group, which has farms locally.
The schools are among 10 additional schools and early childhood services to join the program as part of Costa’s three-year partnership with the gardening foundation.
This includes a shared commitment to educating as many children as possible about the many different types of fresh food, including how it is grown, and the ways in which it can be prepared and enjoyed.
Through the Kitchen Garden Program members will experience meaningful connections between education, agriculture, Costa staff and local communities.
“Our vision for the Kitchen Garden Program is to create a vibrant, hands-on learning environment where students connect with nature and develop lifelong skills in sustainability, healthy eating, and environmental stewardship,” said Corindi Public School classroom teacher, Alison Freudenstein.
“We aim to build a sense of community by involving families, staff, and local partners, encouraging shared responsibility and pride.
“We also hope to reduce food waste through composting and see students making healthier choices as they enjoy fresh produce they have grown themselves.”
At Woolgoolga High School the goal is to create a vibrant, sustainable garden that serves as a hub for practical learning and community involvement.
“The impact will be seen not only in the growth of the garden but also in the growth of our students as proactive, health-conscious individuals who appreciate the value of fresh, home-grown food,” said Gavin Whitburn, Woolgoolga High School’s agriculture teacher.
“This funding will be instrumental in helping us achieve our vision by upgrading the Woolgoolga High School garden infrastructure to support an expanded and more effective Kitchen Garden Program.
“Specifically, the funds will enable us to update the irrigation system by installing overhead sprinklers, ensuring consistent and efficient watering of our vegetable beds.”
Through the sponsorship educators will receive a two-year Kitchen Garden Program membership, providing them with the knowledge, tools and inspiration to deliver hands-on food education.
An infrastructure grant to support their
kitchen garden activities is also included.
The funding may be used for anything from repairing or building garden beds to purchasing cooking equipment and establishing composting systems - ensuring each setting has what it needs to bring the program to life.
The Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation founded by Stephanie Alexander AO at Collingwood College in 2004.
The Kitchen Garden Program is recognised worldwide as a proven, impactful, curriculumlinked framework that delivers learning, wellbeing and sustainability benefits for children and young people and the families and communities that surround them.
Over 1000 early childhood services, primary schools and secondary schools across Australia run the Kitchen Garden Program.
q Costa Berries national farming manager Andrew Scheuer with Corindi Public School assistant principals Courtney Bartlett (left) and Bella Jessett. The children are Restu Hniang, Alex Simcoe, Miley Ballard and Finnley Scheuer.
The art of appreciating Impressionism
By Andrea FERRARI
ARTSNATIONAL Coffs
Coast, in partnership with Yarilla Art & Museum (YAM), recently welcomed British art historian Joanne Rhymer to Coffs Harbour to deliver its first two-hour, in-depth workshop.
Called How To Look Slowly: Impressionism and Post-Impressionism.
The workshop discussed how less was more when visiting an art exhibition.
Taking six artworks, Ms Rhymer encouraged the audience to slow down and do what the artist intended the viewer to do - look closely at composition, brushwork, repeated patterns, horizon lines and perspective.
The artist behind each work she discussed - Claude Monet, Berthe Morisot, Renoir, Georges Seurat, Vincent Van Gough and Paul Signac - was not revealed until after an extended period of ‘active looking’, she said.
A talented arts educator, Ms Rhymer reminded
workshop participants about the origins of French Impressionism.
This was a theme she emphasised the following evening at her presentation for ArtsNational Coffs Coast’s regular monthly arts talk, titled New Visions: Paris and Impressionism.
“Paris was an exciting
place in the late 19th century,” she said. “While wars raged and civil insurrection created havoc in 1871, Paris was nevertheless a cosmopolitan city and a site for modern ideas and practices, at least for the bourgeoisie and for Parisian men who could meet freely in its many cafes and salons.”
Influenced by changes to the urban landscape of Paris, the availability of new, portable paints, the rise of photography, the introduction of Japanese woodblock prints, and the desire to paint contemporary life as opposed to abstract, classical themes, the group of artists now known as Impressionists was seen as radical by the art establishment of the day, she said.
Spurned and derided by
art dealers and gallerists, artists like Monet, Degas and Renoir, now household names, joined forces with other innovators and established their own exhibition in 1874.
Reflecting on the movement’s influence over time she said that Impressionism was not wildly successful in terms of sales in the early days, but as the movement developed it went on to change the art world forever.
Ms Rhymer explained the term ‘impressionist’.
“For these artists, a literal description of a scene was abandoned in favour of
fleeting and often blurred impressions, a ‘slice of life’,” she said.
“The label ‘impressionist’, once a derogatory term intended to sideline this group of artists, was later adopted as a badge of honour.”
Ms. Rhymer’s final tips for navigating an exhibition and looking slowly at visual art were: “as well as spending time with artworks you do like, also examine works you don’t initially like; stay longer than feels comfortable; go to the end of the exhibition first, then you will have a map of what you want to see and how better to pace yourself”.
Funding boost for environmental projects
By Sis HIGGINS
A RANGE of environmental projects across the Coffs Coast will share more than $400,000 in funding through the City of Coffs Harbour's 2026/27 Environmental Levy Grants program.
Council approved the funding package at its 28 May meeting, supporting 11 community-led initiatives focused on biodiversity, habitat restoration, sustainability, environmental education and waterway health.
A further $95,000 in unallocated grant funding will be transferred to the Environmental Levy Strategic Program pool to investigate
infrastructure improvements along the Solitary Islands Coastal Walk.
Mayor Nikki Williams said the investment could help elevate the iconic coastal trail to international prominence.
“We want to improve the connectivity and accessibility of this unique walk between Woolgoolga and Sawtell and we will seek a matching investment from the Coffs Coast Regional Park Trust for this initiative,” Mayor Williams said.
“This coastal walk has the potential to be not only nationally significant but to become a drawcard for outdoor experience travellers worldwide.”
City chief financial officer Amy Mott said the Environmental Levy Grants program continued to support important community-driven environmental outcomes.
“This will be topped up by $51,982 unallocated from the 2025/26 program, providing a total pool of $415,169 for the coming financial year,” Ms Mott said.
“$13,000 has been set aside from the Environmental Levy Grants to contribute toward the cost of site inspections and meetings with the successful community applicants.”
Major recipients include Coffs Harbour Regional Landcare, Jaliigirr
Biodiversity Alliance, and Workways Australia, each receiving $50,000 for biodiversity and habitat restoration projects.
Other funded initiatives include a native stingless bee
education program at Gumnut Cottage Child Care Centre, ghost trap removal in local estuaries, riparian habitat restoration along Friday and Narlu Creeks, and a studentled waste reduction program at Toormina High School. Council will also investigate whether Kororo Public School can receive funding for an improved rubbish management project through its P&C Association.
q The Solitary Islands Coastal Walk is set to benefit from further planning and investment aimed at enhancing connectivity and accessibility. Photo: supplied
q Art historian Jo Rhymer with ArtsNational Coffs Coast’s Annie Talvé at Yarilla Place for How To Look Slowly, in partnership with YAM. Photos: Lon Lucini
q Enthusiastic audience members at the May arts talk.
Winter Solstice festival at Boambee East
By Andrea FERRARI
THE Boambee East Community Centre’s free Winter Solstice family festival returns on Saturday 20 June 2026.
The festival, which celebrates the shortest day and longest night of the year, is now in its 10th year.
Throughout the past decade it has grown into a much-loved community event, bringing together local families, volunteers, community groups, and performers for a free celebration of connection, creativity, and community spirit.
The festival will run from 2:00pm until around 8:30pm on Duttons Estate, adjacent to the Community Centre, and is expected to attract more than 1800 people from across the Coffs Coast.
The festival was originally established to create a free community celebration that reduced social isolation and strengthened community connections, and today continues to provide a space where people can gather, belong and celebrate together.
"At a time when many families are doing it tough, we wanted to create an event that everyone can attend regardless of their
circumstances,” Boambee East Community Centre Manager, Sue Butler, told News Of The Area.
Visitors can enjoy a diverse program of entertainment and activities throughout the day, including live music from local performers, Boambee
Public School Choir, cultural performances, fire twirling, lantern-making, community stalls, food vendors, children's activities, a reptile display, a jumping castle, traditional performances, and interactive workshops.
A particular highlight for
children and young people will be the Silent Disco, put on by Blue Sky Community Services.
Another highlight of the evening will be the Lantern Parade, featuring many of the giant lanterns created by local residents and students from Crossmaglen Public School during schoolbased activities, and those crafted during community workshops led by local artist
Jeremy Sheehan in the leadup to the festival.
The parade will lead into the lighting of the bonfire, supervised by local Rural Fire Service volunteers, creating a magical atmosphere as dusk falls and the community gathers to celebrate the longest night of the year.
The festival will also feature a Welcome to Country, a cultural performance by Bularri Muurlay Nyanggan
Aboriginal Corporation (BMNAC) and later in the afternoon All Nesian Whānau will perform cultural dances, recognising and celebrating the rich Aboriginal heritage of the region.
Visitors are encouraged to bring picnic blankets and chairs, settle in for the afternoon, and enjoy an event that showcases the creativity, generosity and spirit of the local community.v
NSW public schools
q It would not be the Winter Solstice festival without a bonfire.
q Fire twirling delighted famiies during a previous Winter Solstice celebration.
Woopi Seniors Centre putting memories on the record
By Andrea FERRARI
WOOLGOOLGA Seniors
Centre is the inaugural recipient of the Harbour At Home’s Community Grants Program, receiving $2670 to help the volunteer-run organisation purchase video and audio equipment, share member stories and promote the Centre.
After being at risk of closing in July 2025 due to a lack of board members, the Centre has been brought back onto stable footing through new activities and nurturing the community across Woolgoolga and the 2456 postcode area where, according to the 2021 Census, more than 40 per cent of the population was aged over 50 and more than 20 per cent were aged over 65.
Now a thriving community hub of almost 400 members, the Centre runs around 20 activities each week and is recording more than 1000 member participant visits each month.
Woolgoolga Seniors Centre President, Rod Mackenzie, said the support from Harbour At Home was warmly welcomed.
“Getting a digital camera and microphones opens up a huge range of possibilities for us,” Mr. Mackenzie said.
“We’ll be able to record activities with members, local businesses and people in the community.
“We have members in their 90s with incredible stories, including migration stories and local history.
“We want to capture those stories for families and for the community.
“We’ve been growing really steadily for the last few months, and this grant will enable us to reach more seniors in the community and let them know about everything we’ve got going on.”
The Centre offers a welcoming place for older locals to connect, learn, and stay active, with weekly activities including exercise classes, craft, knitting, quilting, table tennis, indoor bowls, Scrabble, mahjong, and regular morning teas.
It is entirely run by volunteers, with the board and volunteer management group contributing more than 300 unpaid hours each month.
Harbour At Home general manager, Graham Shanahan, said Woolgoolga Seniors Centre was a fitting first recipient for the Community Grants Program.
“Woolgoolga Seniors Centre is exactly the kind of organisation this program was created to support,” Mr Shanahan said.
“It is local, volunteer-led and deeply connected to the people it serves.
“The Centre has shown what can happen when a community comes together, and we’re proud to play a small part in helping them continue that work.”
Harbour At Home’s Community Grants Program
provides funding from $500 to $5,000 to local community groups based in the Coffs Coast, Grafton and Port Macquarie areas. The program supports organisations that help older Australians stay engaged, socially connected and supported in their communities.
Applications are currently open for the next round of grants, with Harbour At Home inviting local organisations that support seniors and community connection to apply.
q Woopi Seniors Centre receives Harbour at Home funding.
Coffs Kart Masters doubles down on success
By KATE PYE
THE 2026 Australian Kart Masters has been run and won, and the Coffs Harbour Kart Racing Club's worldclass new facilities proved as big a drawcard as the racing itself.
The 31st running of Australia's longest-running and only dedicated masters karting event drew a recordbreaking field across the King's Birthday long weekend, with competitor numbers up 50 per cent on last year.
Drivers travelled from across Australia and beyond, and the buzz around the club's newly redeveloped facilities was impossible to miss.
The extended, widened and resurfaced circuit now features multiple layout variations, while a brand-new two-level clubhouse houses a control tower, stewards room, dining room, canteen, viewing deck, first aid facilities and lift.
The verdict from the paddock was unanimousCoffs Harbour now ranked among the best karting facilities in Australia.
"As always, the event was well-received by masters drivers who had come from as far away as Singapore, with five coming across from Western Australia,” said Coffs Harbour Kart Racing Club president James Morrison.
Coffs Harbour local Scott Dederer returned to the sport after a 25-year break,
drawn back by the club's transformation.
"The track and facilities are just awesome - I hadn't done it for 25 years and when I saw what they'd done here, I thought why not?" Mr Dederer said.
"People say it's the best in Australia and I'd have to agree."
Mr Dederer races in the four-stroke class, which is
the most affordable entry point into the sport, where karts reach around 80km/h. The quickest machines on the circuit were hitting up to 140km/h.
On the track, Queenslander Brent Reading claimed the Australian KA3 Masters title in dominant fashion, surging to the lead before mid-race and holding on to win ahead of Matthew Waters and Leigh Nicolaou.
Five-time Australian champion Kip Foster fought through late to finish fourth
The event also highlighted the growing role of women in the sport.
Lismore club official and competitor Jody Normanson, who finished second in the ladies class, is a liaison for "Girls Race Too" (GRT) — a national Karting Australia initiative championing gender inclusion across all aspects of the sport.
"Women can be involved in all areas of karting," MS Normanson said. "Events like
this show what's possible."
Four women raced across the weekend, with female officials serving as timekeeper, clerk of course and steward, and women active in the canteen and pits.
This year several classes lowered their minimum age from 40 to 35, giving more seasoned competitors the chance to test themselves at national masters level earlier in their racing careers.
Combined with the introduction of the Karting Australia-sanctioned Rotax
Trophy Class, a one-make category using identical factory-supplied equipment that eliminates costly upgrades and levels the playing field entirely, the pathways into competitive karting are wider than they have ever been.
With lower age limits, a more affordable trophy class and a national push for gender inclusion, Coffs Harbour Kart Racing Club’s message was clear — karting's best days are still ahead.
Heartfelt donation detects problems early
By Andrea FERRARI
DRUG and alcohol patients in the Mid North Coast Local Health District will now have access to a Single Digital Patient Record (SDPR) compatible electrocardiogram machine (ECG), the first for the Mid North Coast Local Health District, thanks to the Lions Club of Woolgoolga.
Methadone treatment can increase the risk of cardiac complications, with regular ECG monitoring providing a
simple and effective way to detect problems early and ensure ongoing care.
Drug and Alcohol Nurse Unit Manager Alexandra Jackson said the team was excited to receive the machine.
“This is the first ECG machine of its kind in our district, and we are so excited to have it within our service,” she said.
“Knowing it will be compatible with the Single Digital Patient Record in the future is incredibly important
as it will support better continuity of care for our clients.
“The ECG machine will enhance both patient outcomes and service delivery, allowing clients to be assessed on site, reducing delays and improving efficiencies with the healthcare provided.”
President of the Lions Club of Woolgoolga Joginder Garcha said the club was proud to support the initiative and give back to the community.
“We wanted to contribute in a meaningful way, and we know that drug and alcohol services can sometimes be overlooked when it comes to donations,” he said.
“It is a great feeling to help ensure these clients receive the best possible care during their recovery.”
ahead of Nick Percat and Kris Walton.
q KA3 Masters Final. Photo: supplied by Rodney Howe
q KA3 Master Final. Photo: supplied by Rodney Howe
q Gaven Whitmore, the winner of tag restricted medium 50-59, and Coffs Harbour Kart Racing Club’s president, James Morrison. Photo: Kate Pye
q Scott Dederer from Coffs Harbour. Photo: Kate Pye
q Lions Club of Woolgoolga President Joginder Garcha (left) and members Anne and John Moon (front) celebrate the arrival of the new ECG machine with the Coffs Harbour Drug and Alcohol team (L-R) Alexandra Jackson, District Director Clinical Service Delivery Nicky Smith, Registered Nurse Danni, Jennifer Gallagher, Registered Nurse Nick, Dr Simon Beck and David Hedger (front right).
Boomers vs Snowflakes on show at cartoon gallery
q 'What's missing?' by
Ronald Atkinson
Policeman charged and facing court
A NORTHERN Region police officer will face court over alleged illegal computer access.
The 31-year-old male constable, who is attached to a command in the Northern Region, is alleged to have accessed the police computer system for nonwork-related matters.
Following extensive
inquiries, a Future Court Attendance Notice was served on
the officer on 4 June for the offence of access/modify restricted data held in computer.
He is due to appear at Coffs Harbour Local Court on Wednesday 12 August 2026.
The officer remains in the workplace.
By Kate PYE
A NEW exhibition poking fun at the cultural clash between Baby Boomers, Millennials and Gen Z has opened at the National Cartoon Gallery, offering a lighthearted look at one of society's most enduring tensions.
‘OK Boomer’ features more than 140 cartoons from some of Australia's finest illustrators, capturing the humour and frustration that define the generational divide.
The exhibition tackles themes including retirement, ageing, and the economic pressures facing younger Australians.
Gallery manager Bruce
Nelson said the collection draws on the mutual misunderstanding that has always existed between generations, but with a distinctly contemporary edge.
"While it's the ultimate clash of cultures, in reality every new generation jars with the previous one," he said.
"The counterculture of the 60s, the rise of Generation X in the 80s, and now Boomers versus Snowflakes - they all misunderstand each other."
Mr Nelson said the root of the tension lay in differing values and vastly different economic and social realities experienced across age groups. It is precisely those themes
that the exhibition explores.
The phrase "OK Boomer" has become the go-to verbal eye-roll from younger generations, while "Snowflake" has emerged as the counterjab from elders. The exhibition leans into that back-and-forth with wit rather than heat.
"Conflict always makes for a great exhibition," Mr Nelson said. "As we're entering grey nomad season and the issues Millennials are facing are becoming much harder, we thought the timing couldn't be better."
The exhibition opened on 27 May at The Bunker Gallery and runs until the end of August.
q 'Nostalgy' by Robert Rousso q 'Memory!' by Mark Lynch
Young mum owes life to early detection
By Andrea FERRARI
NEVER too young for bowel cancer is the local theme for Bowel Cancer Australia’s Awareness Month this June.
The annual fundraising Red Apple Day takes place on Wednesday 17 June when Australians are encouraged to support the vital work of the charity.
Members of Coffs Colon Cancer (CCC) Support Group, bowel cancer survivors Donna Blythe (a registered nurse at Coffs hospital) and Sharen Hackfath (a local swim coach) are hosting a Red Apple Day on Wednesday 17 June at Baringa Private Hospital in Coffs.
The CCC team will be at Park Beach Plaza on
Tuesday 16 June selling ribbons and running a raffle.
To bring home the message, Coffs Harbour 28-year-old mother of two, Katelyn Hull, is sharing her story.
She hopes to raise awareness of bowel cancer in young Australians after a sudden and life-threatening diagnosis turned her world upside down.
With two young children aged just three and five, she described herself as a busy, healthy mum with no prior warning signs. But on July 8, 2025, everything changed when she began haemorrhaging without any previous symptoms.
“I had no signs; I was just living my normal
life as a mum,” she said.
Within days, she was under the care of surgeon Dr Wilson Petrushnko, who acted quickly to investigate.
Scopes were performed within 48 hours, revealing stage three bowel cancer that had already spread to her lymph nodes.
Just five days later, she underwent a bowel resection to remove the cancer, followed by an intensive course of chemotherapy.
“The early detection and the speed of care absolutely saved my life,” she said.
“I cannot thank my surgeon, Dr Wilson Petrushnko, my oncologist Dr William Fox, the surgical nurses, and the local colon cancer support group enough.”
Throughout her treatment and recovery, she leaned heavily on her support network. Friends and family stepped in to care for her children, sit beside her during treatments, and provide meals during the most difficult times.
“I am forever indebted to my family and friends for everything they did for us,” she said.
“They carried me through the hardest moments,” she said.
Now, she is using her experience to urge others - especially young people - not to ignore potential symptoms or assume they are too young to be at risk.
“I was healthy, young, and had no warning signs.
“Please, if something doesn’t feel right, go and get checked. It could save your life.”
Her message comes as awareness grows that bowel cancer is increasingly affecting younger Australians, highlighting the importance of early detection and prompt medical care.
“I’m so grateful for the early diagnosis and the ongoing care from my medical team,” she said.
“That quick action made all the difference.”
Long-time supporter Baringa Private Hospital and Ramsay Surgical Centre CEO Jo Brown is backing CCC’s efforts and providing space for their awareness stall on the day.
“Baringa is proud to support this initiative to raise awareness about bowel cancer and the importance of screening,” Jo Brown said.
“We provide comprehensive care - from colonoscopies to surgery and chemotherapy.”
Saltwater Sistas want help with rubbish clean-up
By Andrew VIVIAN
SALTWATER Sistas want the community to work with them to clean up what they see as a growing amount of rubbish in the area.
“There is so much rubbish building up across Coffs Harbour and Toormina, especially along our creeks, roadsides, and beaches,” said ‘Sista’, Rhiannon Mitchell.
“For a place we’re so lucky to call home, it’s really disappointing to see.”
She said Hogbin Drive, Toormina, in particular, had become heavily polluted, with plastic and household waste scattered through areas where wildlife lives.
She also identified the state of Toormina Skate Park as an issue.
“The reality is, our environment is struggling,” Ms Mitchell said.
“Plastic is ending up in our waterways, our oceans, and harming the wildlife that call this place home.
“That’s why we’re doing this clean-up. Not because it’s our mess, but because we care.”
Ms Mitchell said a lot of the rubbish collected in the area was fast-food packaging, and with another fast-food behemoth being built nearby, it was predicted to increase.
“We’ll also be doing some eDNA testing in the creeks to see what wildlife is living here, so if you’ve ever wanted to get involved in real
science, this is your chance,” Ms Mitchell said.
The Sistas regularly conduct community clean-ups and are asking community members to meet at Toormina Skate Park on Sunday, 28 June from 10am to 2pm.
Free snacks and cold water will be provided.
“I’ve also reached out to local businesses to get involved, so if you know anyone who’d like to support (even small things like water, snacks, or prizes), please share this with them,” Ms Mitchell said.
“Community support makes a big difference. I wish more people would care about the community and work together for a clean environment.”
More information can be found at saltwatersistas@gmail.com or on the Saltwater Sistas Facebook page.
q Coffs Colon Cancer support group members Donna Harper, left, and Sharen Hackfat, centre right, with Dr Andrew Sutherland, centre left, and Dr Wilson Petrushnko, far right.
q Katelyn Hull and Dr Petrushnko.
q There is a growing amount of rubbish around Toormina
q Rubbish collected from near the Jetty in last month’s cleanup. Photo: Rhiannon Mitchell
Winning is validation, not glory
By Kate PYE
At an age when most young Australians are navigating university, part-time jobs and weekends out with friends, Oliver Sheekey is doing something altogether different - running through the night, lap after lap, until everyone else stops.
The Sydney runner successfully defended his Coffs Backyard Ultra title last weekend, completing 33 yards, or 221km, to go backto-back at one of Australia's most unique endurance events.
At just 21, the oldest of four children, Sheekey is quietly emerging as one of the most compelling figures in Australian ultra-running.
His introduction to the sport came not on a
bush trail but around an athletics track. It was during a 48-hour, 200km track race last year that Sheekey first understood what he was capable of.
"When I ran 200km around an athletics track in a 48-hour race last year, that's when I first realised I had a talent for this," he said.
What drew him specifically to the backyard ultra format was its defining uncertainty - the fact that nobody knows how long the race will go.
"The element of not knowing how long the race will go for is what first drew me to it," Sheekey said.
It is precisely that uncertainty that separates backyard ultras from every other form of endurance sport. Champions in
backyard ultras are rarely the fastest runners. They are the ones who manage themselves best over the longest possible time.
Patience, emotional control, mental flexibility and an almost obsessive attention to routine are the hallmarks of those who last.
It is less about smashing through pain and more about making good decisions, hour after hour, for as long as required.
Sheekey embodies that philosophy. His lowest moment this year came in the early hours of Sunday morning.
"Yard 20 and 21, between 3am and 5am on Sunday, were the hardest," he said. "I knew that if I could just get through those laps to daylight then it would be a lot better."
His father Michael, who finished third
overall at the same event last year and has his own deep history in ultra-marathon running, was beside him throughout, preparing nutrition, troubleshooting problems and providing massages between laps.
"He prepares all my nutrition, gives me ideas to help with problems, and gives me massages," Sheekey said. "I was having stomach problems throughout the night caused by some of what I was consuming, and he gave me other ideas for nutrition that got me through."
When asked what he tells himself in the darkest moments of a race, Sheekey's answer was characteristically measured.
"I would appreciate myself in the future if I pushed through that pain, and I would regret it if I didn't," he said.
Winning, he says, is about validation rather than glory.
"It makes all the training I've done feel validated," Sheekey said. "I see myself as someone who can push through adversity."
Despite competing at an elite level, Sheekey is quick to dismiss the idea that he lives a life apart from his peers.
"The event doesn't occur for large periods of time, so I still do all the things people do at my age," he said. "People might think I'm not suffering in the event when I'm hurting like everyone else.That's probably the biggest misunderstanding."
What he does sacrifice, he acknowledges, is experience - time that might otherwise be spent elsewhere. What he gains is harder to quantify.
"I sacrifice other experiences when I need to train," he said. "But I gain the ability to willingly suffer for long periods of time."
It is, one might suggest, the kind of suffering that would make a Tibetan monk nod in quiet respect — except the monk gets to sit still.
Sheekey has to keep running.
Talented Korora performer stars in live circus spectacular
dropping acrobatics, aerial feats and anthems audiences love.
By Kate PYE
A COFFS Harbour-raised performer is taking centre stage in one of Australia's most anticipated new productions, with Korora resident Olivia Carniato cast as Eve the Snake Charmer in the Greatest Showman Circus Spectacular, ‘Come Alive!’.
Following a successful run in London, the show has now landed in Australia for a yearlong tour taking in Sydney, Perth, Adelaide, Brisbane and Melbourne through to 2027.
Inspired by the hit 20th Century Fox film, the immersive production features jaw-
Ms Carniato is one of Australia's most indemand triple-threat performers, best known to Australian audiences as an original cast member of ‘Hamilton’. In 2025 she appeared as Demeter in ‘Cats’, understudied Miss Adelaide in Opera Australia's ‘Guys and Dolls’, played Cha Cha DiGregorio in ‘Grease’ and served as dance captain for ‘Elf The Musical’ at the Sydney Opera House.
Her broader credits include ‘Chicago’, ‘West Side Story’, ‘Evita’ and ‘The Bodyguard’.
Path Entertainment Group chief executive David Hutchinson said the calibre of Australian talent cast in the production spoke for itself.
"Launching this production for the first time outside of London is incredibly exciting," Mr Hutchinson said.
"The calibre of local talent we have seen during the casting process has demonstrated why the industry in Australia is thriving."
q Oliver Sheekey
q Oliver Sheekey winning the 2026 Coffs Backyard Ultra.
q Michael and Oliver Sheekey - a winning team.
q Olivia Carniato
River recovery plan looks ahead
By Sis HIGGINS
THE future health of one of the Coffs Coast’s most important waterways is at the centre of a new 10year strategy now on public exhibition.
The Draft Orara River Rehabilitation Strategy 2026-2036 outlines plans to continue restoring and protecting the Orara River system, including the Urumbilum River, Bucca Bucca Creek and their tributaries.
The Orara River is a vital source of drinking water for the Coffs Harbour region and provides habitat for a range of threatened species, including the endangered Eastern Freshwater Cod.
A rehabilitation program first began in 1998 through local Rivercare groups, with
the City of Coffs Harbour joining as a partner in 2000.
Mayor Nikki Williams said the river remained a valuable environmental and recreational asset for the community.
“The Orara is a critically important river system, and it’s also popular for recreational activities, particularly fishing, swimming and kayaking,” Mayor Williams said.
“The past 28 years of the Orara River rehabilitation project has seen significant improvements to the natural environment though there’s still some way to go.”
The project area covers almost half of all waterways within the Coffs Harbour Local Government Area and was established in response to declining water quality caused by activities including
gravel extraction, land clearing and erosion.
City communities and planning director Ian Fitzgibbon said ongoing cooperation would be essential to maintaining progress.
“The initiative is one of the longest-running river health projects in Australia,”
Mr Fitzgibbon said.
“The draft strategy calls out the need for further collaboration and partnerships for on-ground activity such as weed control, revegetation, livestock exclusion fencing, and erosion control, along with environmental monitoring
Coffs emergency doctors teach in Tonga
By Andrea FERRARI
ROTARY Clubs of Coffs Harbour will soon farewell Coffs Harbour Base Hospital emergency department doctors Dr Alan Tankel and Dr Karly Field, who will return to Vava’u in Tonga to conduct two emergency life support courses from 29 June 29 to 3 July.
The doctors have been visiting Tonga annually for
10 years and this will be their second visit to Vava’u.
They will travel with seven other emergency medicine specialists from around Australia and New Zealand and three nurses who have extensive experience in both emergency medicine and education.
The team plans to teach half the medical and nursing staff on the island
on the first course and the other half on the second course.
The Rotary Club of Coffs Harbour Daybreak contributed funds to support the work in Tonga.
“Over the years we have come to know about Dr Tankel’s work in Tonga through our connection with other Rotary clubs in the area, and participate in fund-raising to support his work,” said Bev Stalling, the international services director of the Rotary Club of Coffs Harbour Daybreak.
and community education initiatives.
Mr Fitzgibbon indicated that while more than 200 landholders had jumped on board to the point where some properties were now at the point of straightforward maintenance works, not all riparian land had been
rehabilitated.
“The threat of weeds and erosion remains, which, if left unchecked, could impact our drinking water supply,” he said.
Community members can view the draft strategy and provide feedback until 30 June.
Legacy of the 'push-bike preacher'
By Kim SATCHELL
In an era of rapid change there remain some figures anchored in the collective memory of a town (now city) not just as a wellknown name but for their pioneering work.
For Coffs Harbour, the Reverend Don Kemsley, affectionately known across the region as the ‘Push-Bike Preacher’, has such a legacy.
Rev Kemsley’s ministry
was never confined to a single pulpit. He found opportunity for his message on the roads he traversed and in the foundations of the institutions he helped establish and that continue to serve the community today.
During his influential tenure at the Coffs Harbour Baptist Church (CHBC), Don, a builder by trade, was a man of significant action. He was instrumental in
supporting the development of Sherwood Cliffs Rehabilitation Centre and oversaw the construction of what was then the congregation’s new church building.
Perhaps his most enduring gift to the next generation was how he helped set in place the development of the Christian school as it is known today, ensuring a legacy of education and faith
that continues to flourish decades later.
His heart for the vulnerable led him far beyond traditional religious roles, alongside other members of the church.
He was a collaborator in the inauguration of many Coffs Harbour community service initiatives during the 80’s.
These were not merely projects but essential lifelines for the city, born
from a vision of communitywide care and practical support that met people where they were.
Raymond Budge, an Elder at CHBC told News Of The Area that Rev Kemsley was influential through his genuine concern for the people of Coffs Harbour.
“Don’s impact transcends time even though it is almost 40 years since he retired, his life and his care for life is still felt in the lives and organisations he so lovingly shaped with the gospel,” Mr Budge said.
To honour this remarkable life of service, a gathering of friends, family, and former parishioners will be held at Lismore Baptist Church this Saturday, June 13, at 11:00 AM. The event has been specifically timed to allow those from the Coffs Harbour area to travel and return within the same day, mirroring the same accessibility and thoughtfulness that Don himself practiced throughout his many years of ministry.
q Grahame and Rochelle have fenced off part of the Orara River and are revegetating the riverbank with native species. Photo: supplied
q Landholder and grazier Steve has fenced off part of the Orara River and revegetated more than 2km of riverbank with support from several environmental programs. Photo: supplied
q Members of the Rotary Club of Coffs Harbour Daybreak presenting a certificate to Dr Tankel and Dr Field acknowledging their invaluable work in Tonga.
q Dr Tankel (foreground) and Dr Field on a previous trip with Tongan staff involved in the course.
q Medical staff in Tonga attending emergency life support courses.
OPINION & LETTERS
Dorin's Drawings
By Manny WOOD
State against State
WALLY, in his early 60s, resides in Brisbane and has established a successful business.
He divorced his wife several years ago and has a son, Andrew who is in his early 20s.
Wally had hoped that Andrew would run the business after he left high school.
To Wally’s disappointment however, Andrew decided to pursue a career playing rugby league and has started playing for a Sydney club.
Wally wants nothing further to do with Andrew and consults a solicitor with a view to disinheriting Andrew from his sizable estate.
The solicitor advises Wally that in Queensland it is possible to structure his affairs to prevent Andrew from making a successful claim against his estate.
The solicitor advises Wally that Andrew will not be able to make a claim against assets that are held as joint tenants because in Queensland there is no ability to “claw-back” these assets as “notional estate”.
On the advice of his solicitor, Wally begins purchasing Queensland property with his de facto partner as joint tenants. Wally’s will makes no provision for Andrew and he also ensures that his superannuation fund has a binding nomination in favour of his partner.
When Wally dies, the business had been sold and the bulk of his estate consists of jointly owned real estate.
Because the properties were held as joint tenants with his partner, the properties vest in his partner’s name upon Wally’s death and his estate therefore has virtually no value when he dies.
Andrew obtains his own legal advice from a solicitor practising in New South Wales.
The solicitor discovers that the registered office of Wally’s superannuation fund is located in New South Wales.
This means that despite Wally’s best endeavours to disinherit his son, a sufficient nexus can be established with the New South Wales jurisdiction and a New South Wales Court can make an order dealing with the jointly held Queensland properties and the balance of the superannuation fund.
If you have a request for a Hypothetical, call Manny Wood on (02) 66 487 487 or email manny@tblaw.net.au.
This fictional column is not legal advice.
By Paul DORIN
We're aboard an interstellar stardust magnet
Stargazing
By Dave RENEKE
EARTH is a pretty impressive traveller.
Every second of every day, our planet is racing through space like a perfectly balanced cosmic ballerina.
Yet if you asked someone, “So… how much does Earth actually weigh?” you’d probably get a blank stare, followed by a wild guess involving “a lot.” And yes, the official answer is definitely “a lot.”
Of course, we can’t exactly roll Earth onto a giant bathroom scale and wait for the needle to stop wobbling.
There’s no “Planet Weighing Station” at the edge of the solar system, and even if there were, the instruction manual would probably say something unhelpful like:
Step 1: Lift Earth carefully. Instead, scientists figured it out the clever way, by studying gravity. Earth’s gravitational pull keeps satellites in orbit, and by measuring how fast those satellites move and how strongly they’re being tugged, scientists can work backwards to estimate Earth’s mass.
The result is mind-bending: about 6.6 sextillion tons. That’s six followed by twenty zeros.
It’s such an enormous number your brain almost refuses to accept it, like trying to imagine how many ants could fit in a football stadium… times a billion… times another billion.
But here’s where it gets even more fun.
On the Couch
By JASMINDA
DEAR Jasminda,
MY husband Glenn enjoys making spontaneous arrangements whereas I am someone who needs to plan. An example would be, 'I just had a call from Pete and Jude. They're dropping in sometime today.' He thinks I should be more easy going. What do you think?
Ursula R.
DEAR Ursula,
I’M going to deviate from stereotypical male/female roles, because I'm sure there are many men out there who also need to feel organised before guests arrive, but from my experience, there is usually one person in a couple who runs around like a lunatic, dusting cobwebs, plumping cushions, lighting scented candles, whipping together grazing plates, and ensuring the bathroom is openheart-surgery sterile.
Earth doesn’t stay the same weight. Every year, our planet quietly gains around 100,000 pounds of extra material from space.
That’s because Earth is constantly being sprinkled with cosmic dust and tiny fragments of meteors. It’s like the universe is seasoning our planet with a never-ending shake of interstellar parmesan.
Compared to Earth’s total mass, that extra weight is tiny, like adding a grain of sand to a cruise ship. Still, it’s a fascinating reminder that our world isn’t sealed off.
Space is messy, and Earth is right in the middle of it, collecting leftovers as it goes.
As we orbit the Sun, our planet acts like a moving vacuum cleaner, sweeping up microscopic debris floating through the solar system. Every speck of dust and every grain of meteoric rock becomes part of
Then, there's the other party who says, 'Sure Pete, come on over, I think there's a six-pack in the
Earth’s long story, contributing, however slightly, to its slow and steady evolution.
And it’s not just dust. Some of this incoming material burns up as “shooting stars,” putting on a free fireworks show before vanishing into the atmosphere.
Occasionally, larger chunks survive the trip and land as meteorites, becoming prized trophies for scientists and collectors.
In a strange way, Earth is constantly receiving little gifts from space, tiny samples from places we may never visit.
It’s like the solar system is sending us postcards, except these ones arrive at thousands of kilometres an hour.
Even more amusing is the thought that while Earth is gaining
fridge.
We'll rustle up a feed. Hey Ursula, Pete's coming over. Pete, bring Jude. Are your kids home?
We'd love to see them. How are Johnny's tennis lessons going? Maybe we could have a friendly volley in the backyard. Ursula, have you seen my tennis racket?'
This is often thrown on Ursula (or her equivalent) when she' justs emptied the entire contents of the pantry for its annual spring clean, or she's plonked herself on the lounge to binge on Bridgeton and Pete and Jude are not on her radar.
Now they are. She's wondering if Jude is still lactose-intolerant and whether they'll end up staying the night, which will require changing the sheets in the spare bedroom.
She's wondering if the ladder is handy so she can get to the mezzanine, which is where she last saw the tennis rackets.
She's wondering whether she can throw together a meal, get to the bottle shop, shave her legs and/ or feign a migraine.
There is really only one answer here, and that's to have an adult conversation about your different personalities and how you can both adjust to make socialising a pleasure for all those involved (including Pete and Jude, who are certain to sense tension in the air when you aim for Glenn's head during the social game of tennis).
Carpe diem,
Jasminda
weight, it’s also losing a tiny bit. Light gases can drift away into space, escaping Earth’s grip. So, our planet is on a very slow cosmic diet and buffet at the same time. Thankfully, the numbers balance out enough that nobody needs to tighten Earth’s belt. It’s also a reminder that Earth isn’t alone out here.
We’re part of a giant cosmic exchange program, constantly interacting with the wider universe.
So next time you look up at the night sky, remember this.
Beneath your feet is a planet weighing 6.6 sextillion tons, steadily gaining a little more every year, cruising through space, collecting cosmic crumbs, and carrying all of us along for the ride.
Homelessness is a problem
DEAR News Of The Area, SPARE me the hypocrisy!
Minister for Homelessness
Rose Jackson laments Coffs’ record rise in homelessness with the usual government platitudes.
This is the same government that reneged on Minister Jackson’s promise of 25 per
cent affordable housing in their residential development of the foreshore and rejected a land swap deal for the foreshore with the previous Council that would have seen two prime city blocks made available for affordable housing.
(The government displayed unusual candour in explaining
there wasn’t enough financial return in this deal for them.)
The government’s own planning department noted the abrogation of this promise in their assessment of Property and Development’s rezoning application.
They suggested an alternative monetary contribution to help
address the issue.
Not a peep about this in the recent Voluntary Planning Agreement between the government and council, nor a peep out of our present council in protest at its absence.
In the hypocrisy stakes this runs neck-and-neck with the council’s crocodile tears over muttonbirds being migratorially confused by domestic lighting in the Jetty area while planning to
plant an entire suburb of luxury apartments right beside the muttonbirds’ final destination.
Obviously homelessness is a serious problem for the government but not as serious as missing out on a good financial return on land they paid nothing for in the first place.
Regards, Frank Scahill, Coffs Harbour.
Tribute to Gumbaynggirr Elder Sue Hoskins
DEAR News Of The Area,
THE city’s flags flew at half-mast and St John’s Anglican Church overflowed as mourners respectfully gathered to celebrate Sue Hoskins’ journey to The Dream Time.
The legend of Sue’s many achievements as a Gumbaynggirr Elder warmed the hearts of many.
This story pays tribute to Sue’s community service since 1967 when, supporting Elder Grace Roberts and a local committee, planning to upgrade housing
conditions at Wongala Estate.
The overcrowded, deteriorating facilities did not meet Council health regulations.
An architectural design incorporating traditional lifestyles was planned. Council was supportive, government funding had been approved, and an opportunity identified for Aboriginal youth to gain building skills.
It was an ambitious, forwardthinking project.
The building application stalled: Wongala Housing Pty Ltd must
demonstrate ownership of the property.
Wongala residents claimed that an exchange agreement was reached in 1956, but those verbal promises were not documented.
For almost a year, the project stalled.The Elders were emphatic: Wongala Estate had been given to them in exchange for vacating their traditional homesites located in Coffs Harbour’s CBD.
On three occasions, the Land Titles Office turned First Nation people away.The Crown Land they door to Brittons Brewery).
occupied had no title deed in their name. It seemed that all was in vain.
Morale was low when Sue Hoskins, a shy young Aboriginal mother, appeared on Channel Eleven TV to tell of the incomplete agreement that denied Wongala ownership.
Sue never contemplated appearing on television. Her nervous, humble account of the facts was delivered with sincerity.
deed arrived, and Wongala moved forward.
Our city saluted Sue’s passing with flags at half-mast in appreciation and respect for the recipient of a Yandarra Aunty Grace Roberts Award.
Her name now stands with Granny Ferguson and Grace Roberts - those who made a difference.
DEAR News Of The Area,
IT was great to see Win Howard recognised in the Kings Birthday Honours List.
Back in the early 1950s Win
used to catch the same School Special bus as I did that took us from Gladesville's Terminus bus stop to Fort Street Boys High School on Parramatta Road, Petersham, (which was next
At school Win became a prefect and on school cadet days he was on the bus in his army uniform.
I can't remember whether he was a lieutenant or a captain.
Our paths crossed again when at U3A about 10 years ago. He vainly tried to teach me
The response was both fair and equitable. A crisp, new, title about the planets and the stars and what else was in the night sky, mainly to no avail though as I was getting a bit rusty by then.
One thing that did stick in my mind, though, was that he told us that back in his working life, his firm provided him with a car parking space in the city.
Made me think that he must
Good on you Win Extreme sea levels will increase: report
Dear News Of The Area, SUE Stephenson’s article ‘Dunbogan residents fear dune collapse’, (5/6/2026, NOTA
Camden Haven) should be read in conjunction with the ‘State of the Climate 2024’ report by the CSIRO.
are accelerating.
of this century …” the report notes.
Regards, Tom Strickland OAM, Coffs Harbour.
have been good to get that.
As for the award, I see that it was for service to the community through a range of organisations.
Good on you Win. Cheers.
Regards, Fred Appleton, Coffs Harbour.
especially in South-East Australia.
“Extreme sea levels that had a probability of occurring once in a hundred years are predicted to become an annual event by the end
The consequences of these trends will become increasingly evident for coastal communities and their natural environments,
Kudos to Coffs Coast young actors
DEAR News Of The Area,
I JUST enjoyed a wonderful production of ‘Olivia’ at the Jetty
Globally sea levels have risen by more than 22cm since 1900 and Theatre. We certainly have some talented young people here on the Coast.
I was interested in learning where these young people learnt their acting skills from and found out many of them attend the Young
Kids running free
By Andrea FERRARI
C.EX GROUP Coffs Harbour
Running Festival has introduced a free Kids and Families 1km run/ walk thanks to funding from Mid North Coast Community Health Fund.
The Healthy Communities Mid North Coast grant has allowed the running festival organisers to add a free, fully inclusive one-kilometre event designed for children and families to run or walk inside the Coffs Showground.
“This new distance is all about removing barriers and giving every child the chance to be part of race day,” race director Keelan Birch told News Of The Area.
“This safe 1km loop was designed after seeing huge interest in our kids’ participation through the Key Community Group 3km event, which is still very much part of the festival for those wanting a
longer run or walk.
“Whether it’s their very first ‘race’ or a family walk together, this is about building healthy habits, confidence and community connection from a young age.”
There is no minimum age; prams, strollers and wheelchairs are welcome; kids can go solo or with a parent; and numbered bibs are provided. It is an untimed event with no prizes.
The Coffs Harbour Running Festival takes place at Coffs Harbour Showground on Sunday, 30 August with long-distance races kicking off at 6am and the Kids Race starting at 9:15am.
Registration is required to help the organisers plan the day, and everyone receives a medal of participation.
The Healthy Communities Mid North Coast grants were established to support projects that will create a ripple effect and
Actors Studio.
It's pleasing to know there is somewhere for kids with a love of performance to go to hone their
Regards, John Broadbent, Camden Haven.
skills and perhaps go on to become serious actors.
Well done to all the young actors in ‘Olivia’!
Regards, Susan, Woolgoolga.
q A free Kids and Families run/ walk has been added to the Coffs Running Festival.
Of The Area News Reader Survey
Dear NOTA reader,
Dear NOTA reader,
Of The Area News Reader Survey
Did you know we publish across eight different areas?
Did you know we publish across eight different areas?
As a family-owned, independent newspaper celebrating 12 years in publication, we’re proud to serve our communities with local news, stories, and information that matter most.
As a family-owned, independent newspaper celebrating 12 years in publication, we’re proud to serve our communities with local news, stories, and information that matter most.
To help us continue improving and delivering the content you value, we’d love to hear from you. Your feedback will help shape the future of our publications and ensure we’re meeting the needs and interests of our readers.
To help us continue improving and delivering the content you value, we’d love to hear from you. Your feedback will help shape the future of our publications and ensure we’re meeting the needs and interests of our readers.
Please take a few moments to complete our reader survey and go in the draw to win one of 5 $100 gift vouchers to spend at any of our current advertisers businesses.
Please take a few moments to complete our reader survey and go in the draw to win one of 5 $100 gift vouchers to spend at any of our current advertisers businesses.
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q The Group 2 Rugby League season resumes this weekend.
AFL North Coast season resumes
By Aiden BURGESS
THE AFL North Coast season resumes this weekend after the first bye round of the season for the Kings
Birthday long weekend. The Northern Beaches Blues host ladder leaders the Coffs Harbour Breakers at the Wiigulga Sports Complex.
The Breakers have won both their meetings against the Blues this season. The Sawtell/Toormina Saints hit the road to take on the Port Macquarie Magpies.
The Saints and Magpies have split their season series so far.
The Coffs Harbour Breakers reserves, Sawtell/ Toormina Saints women, and Port Macquarie Magpies Under 18s all remain undefeated to lead their respective competitions.
THE Coffs Coast’s best young basketballers will represent their region in front of their home fans this weekend.
The Coffs Harbour Suns Youth Men (Under 20s) play host to ParramattaCumberland, during the latest round of the Basketball NSW Waratah Basketball League season.
Tip off is at 5pm on Saturday, 13 June at Sportz Central.
The Suns will look to bounce back at home after an 0-2 road-trip in Sydney during the last round.
The Suns had a 106-75 win against ParramattaCumberland in their previous meeting this season.
This weekend’s game is the first in a five-game stretch of home games for the Suns.
The Coffs team currently sit in third spot on the ladder with a 5-6 record.
The Waratah Basketball League season sees the Suns team take on teams from Sydney, the Central Coast, and Port Macquarie.
q The Coffs Harbour Suns Youth Men play at home this weekend.
Coffs v Kempsey stoush
By Aiden BURGESS
THE Mid North Coast Rugby Union Northern Division season resumes
this weekend, after taking a break for the long weekend. Undefeated ladder leaders the Coffs Harbour Snappers welcome the
Park.
The Hastings Valley Vikings and Port Macquarie Pirates clash in their local derby in Port Macquarie.
Australian Kart Master Results
By Kate PYE
KA3 Masters (Australian Championship) 1 Brent Reading, 2 Matthew
Waters, 3 Leigh Nicolaou, 4 Kip Foster, 5 Nick Percat
TaG Restricted Light 1
Dimitri Kozlinski, 2 Aaron Robjones, 3 Tim Ball
What’s on this
By Aiden BURGESS
Friday, 12 June
Football
North Coast Football’s Women’s Premier League season - Round 10.
Northern Storm vs Coffs City United Lionesses at York Street Oval. 6.45pm.
Golf
Sawtell Golf Club’s Medley Stableford.
Saturday, 13 June
Australian Rules
Football
AFL North Coast season – Round 9.
Northern Beaches Blues vs Coffs Harbour Breakers at the Wiigulga Sports Complex. 2.20pm.
Port Macquarie Magpies vs Sawtell/Toormina Saints at Wayne Richards Park. 5pm.
Baseball
TaG Restricted Medium
50-59 (Russell Grimson Memorial Trophy) 1 Gav Whitmore, 2 Scott Gray, 3 Scott Hargans
TaG Restricted Medium
40-49 1 Jeremy Evans, 2 Tim Ball, 3 David Vogel 4SS Senior Heavy 1 Anthony Lusty, 2 Mark
The Port Macquarie Pirates lead the reserves, and the Grafton Redmen lead the women’s competition.
Kempsey Cannonballs to Coffs Rugby Park. SCU Marlins host the Grafton Redmen at Coffs Coast Sport and Leisure
q North Coast Football’s Men’s Premier League season resumes this weekend.
Coffs Basketball season continues
By Aiden BURGESS
COFFS Harbour Basketball Association’s women’s winter season continued with Round 5 games played at Sportz Central.
Women’s A-Grade ladder leaders The Collective continued their undefeated start to the season, accounting for the Mantas Mermaids 72-42.
Last one standing
STORY STARTS on BACK COVER, Page 40
Coffs Trail Runners race director Keelan Birch said the weekend exceeded all expectations.
"From first-timers tackling their very first yard to runners pushing deep into the night and beyond 200km, every single person who stood on that start line helped make this event something special," Birch said.
Sydney runner Oliver Sheekey, 21, successfully defended his 2025 title, completing 33 yards221km - to be crowned last male standing.
Clare Palmer pushed him every step of the way, completing 32 yards214km - to take the last female standing title in an extraordinary display of endurance.
Oliver Sheekey’s father, Michael, who finished third overall with 34 yards last year, ran four yards alongside him this year, the pair sustaining themselves on a delicate mix of carbohydrates - cereal, honey sandwiches and protein drinks - with red frogs and snakes thrown in towards the end.
"The basic ingredient is some base level of running fitness, but it's not whoever trains the most who wins," Michael Sheekey said.
"Eventually the big building blocks become mental resilience, controlling your emotions, sticking to your plan and nailing your
nutrition every lap."
The event also shattered its own world record for female participation. Two hundred and nine women took part, making up 43 per cent of the field and setting a new world record for female participation at a backyard ultra.
Records fell across every age group. Eleven-year-old Jacob Whatman completed 15 yards - 100km - breaking the Australian record for his age group by eight yards and surpassing existing records for the 12- and 13-year-old age groups as well.
Among the most heartwarming moments of the weekend was Aaron Eichner, who ran alongside his seven-year-old daughter and eight-year-old son, both of whom set new national records, each completing three yards.
"I'm just so proud of my little ones," Eichner said. "To see them out there setting national records at their age - it's something I'll never forget."
Yamba runner Meg Dougherty called it a day at six yards, pulled back to reality by the demands of life at home with young children. But she was full of praise for the way the event translated beyond the course.
"What makes it so great is that you can follow along online and keep up with who is still running," Dougherty said. "Social media has made it a fantastic spectator sport. You don't even have to be there to feel part of it."
Kira Juffermans top scored with 33 points.
The Coffs Harbour Suns Under 18s defeated the Coffs Harbour Suns Under 16s by 54-49.
At the other end of the spectrum, 83-year-old Colin Westwood and 79-year-old Dee Westwood both set new age-group records, before settling in to crew their daughter Kerry in her bid for a first 100km finish.
Meanwhile, 76-year-old John Mawhinney, who had not run for six weeks leading into the event, completed three
Zoe Edgecock top scored for the winners with 18 points.
Women’s B-Grade ladder leaders The Mighty Ducks had a 32-17 win against
yards and set a new record for his age group, having spent the day before helping set up the entire event site.
"You've got to use it or lose it," Mawhinney said.
In all, 4051 yards were completed across the weekend. Of those, 251 runners completed an ultramarathon (seven or more yards), 78 reached
Mantas Mummas.
The Coffs Harbour Suns Under 16s 2 team had a 47-37 win against The Young Ones.
Ava Betland top scored for the Suns with 16 points.
Mantas Mystics were also winners in Round 5,
100km and 20 reached 100 miles, with 101 runners setting an all-time personal best at a backyard ultra.
It was, organisers said, by every measure, a weekend that punched well above its weight on the world stage.
New to the sport? Run a 6.706km loop every hour, on the hour, until one runner remains.
beating Hoop There It Is 44-18.
Coffs Harbour Basketball Association’s women’s season is played on Tuesday nights at Sportz Central, with the men’s season played on Monday nights.
The Backyard Ultra was invented in an American backyard in 2011 and is now a global phenomenon. It rewards not the fastest but the most patient - the one still making good decisions at 3am.
The world record stands at 119 laps - nearly 500km - set by Australian Phil Gore in 2023.
q Oliver Sheekey out front at Yard 8.
Photo: supplied by Henry Higgins
q From left, Alex, Aaron and McKenna Eichner. Photo: supplied by Henry Higgins
q Yard 11. Photo: supplied by Henry Higgins
q Meg Doougherty, from Yamba, who finished at Yard 6 to get back to her young children.
q Chris and Liam Lenkic, from Coffs Harbour.
COFFS COAST News Of The Area
Park Beach Bowls Club
By Doug POWELL
OPEN Triples Tuesday 2/6/26
G. Brewis, E. Tindell, Matt ? d A. Stone, C. Keough, J. Phillips
G. Williams, R. Beaumont, A. Campbell d C. McLeod, P. Wroe, D. Hull
S. McAviney, D. Wilson, B.
Park Beach Women’s Bowls Club
By Anne ORR
PARK Beach Women’s Bowls Club held its annual Presentation Day, a day to celebrate all the winners and runners up of the Championships and Minor Competitions. Congratulations are extended to the Management Committee for such a well organised day and many thanks to the Green One Cafe staff for the delicious lunch, and of course the bar staff. A huge congratulations to our Club
Safety Beach Women's Monthly Medals
By Michelle MERRIKIN
02/06/2026
A BEAUTIFUL day for a game of golf, 29 ladies hit the course excitedly after such a wet spell. The sun was out, no wind, preferred lie and bunkers out of play but the course was still very wet and difficult but the cream rose to the top and some great scores rolled in. Lorraine Broomfield scored the only Birdie. Congratulations to the winners.
Overall Net Winners
1st Lorraine Broomfield 72
2nd Michelle Wilson 75
3rd Wendy Rogers CB 77
Sawtell Bowls Results
By Geoff HAMPSON
MONDAY Afternoon Bowls 1/6/25
J Chapman, S Fleming, G Hampson DEF W Smith J Brennan, C Christian
D Lees, J Fleming, B Coyle DEF P Roach, P Begley, B Kennedy
L Read, M Collins, L Mitchell DEF L Read, T Tuckerman, D Anderson
R Avery, P Nikitin, DEF B Tremayne, J Ingold
Sawtell Golf Results
By Janet O’DOWD
30/5 3 PERSON LIV-like team
Margie Gill, Rhonda Cooper & Elaine Everitt 34. Individual: Chris Constable. NTP Elaine Everitt, Saturday Sam Gaye Hardcastle. Saturday Sal Narelle Hall
Urunga Men's Veterans Golf
JUNE 8th
Stroke Event
Final round of Club Championships
Finally, the weather cleared to enable us to complete this year's Club Championships.
Today's winner, Tom Faulkner
Nicholson d J. Robinson, C. Jones, B. Worboys
D. Francis, A. Orr, I. Trengove d L. Bright, R. Alford, J. Alford
S. Ward, R. Harris, D. Condon d J. Clarke, D. Catling, R. Wisely
M. England, E. Kidd, C. England d M. Pitt, H. Schipp, M. Berube
K. Elliott, P. Elliott, P. Lilly d K. Kaaden, P. Lawrence, S. Kindred
K. Bienefelt, J. Barker, A. Taylor
Singles Champion, Christine Sheridan. A special award was presented to Marg England for her outstanding attendance at 40 ladies social bowls and also Tuesday and Friday open social games.
Social bowls Wednesday 3.6.26. C Treharne, M England, P Garner, F Gaunt def K Cundy, M Crawford, E Kidd, S Hancock; T Thorn, S Meyer, J PearceKennedy def T Sullivan, K Elliott, R Crestani; M Shaw, S Betts/B Bodel, S Wilson def L Clancy, J Rodwell, D Futcher; E Blanton, J Alford, L Loadsman def N Barker, T Welsh, C Garrett; C Sheridan, C
4th Deb Morrison 77
Overall Gross Winner Tania Doyle (Warialda Club)
SPORT RESULTS
d M. Shaw, J. Millar, S. Wilson
R. Kelly, C. Weatherall, K. Morrison d C. Williamson, R. Coffey, G. Stanford
N. Smith, M. Collins, d. Less, BN. Coyle d S. Rodwell, A. Worboys, J. Dunn, L. Morris
R. Oakley, C. Batcheldey, P. Batcheldey d R. Aitken, J. Long, B. Johns
K. Raymond, M. Cutts, J. Murtas
Keogh, R Riley def C Domjahn, M Watt, M Monck; B Fane/S Willis, V Valentine, J Clarke, J Slater def D Doyle, Y Hinsley, L McLeod, V Slater. Friday 5.6.26. D Doyle, J Phillips def A Worboys, L McLeod; R Oakley, V Slater def K Elliott, J Farrell; G Duffey, D Lindner def F Gaunt, T Aarts; S Bailey, D Walsh def P Elliott, R Coffey; C Sheridan, M Monck def G Collins, S McCarney; T Blow, K Blow def D Futcher, E Kidd; M Cutts, J Murtas def D Francis, A Orr; G Haigh,
C Cutt def J Rodwell, M Starr; T Sullivan, H Schip def J Millar M Shaw; R DeMeio, L Loadsman def S Rodwell, C Treharne.
Medal Winners
A grade Michelle Wilson
B Grade Lorraine Broomfield
A Waters, B Eden DEF E Kochma, A Day
TUESDAY Ladies Social Bowls
2/6/25
H Dodd, D Ides, C Hill. C Johnson DEF R Cook, L Wheeler, L North, B Eden
H Muir, B Connors, M Sharman
DEF M McDonald, C Veerhuis, B Eden
R Lucas, J Wheeler, G Pickard DEF J Fleming, T Rhoads, L Savage L Read T Goninan, A Day DEF H Snow, M Friend, N Foy
WEDNESDAY Men’s Social
2/6 Aggregate Stableford (frontx2) Peter Watt & John de Rouffignac 68c/b, Cameron Arnold & Chris Hyland 68. Balls to 62c/b.
Individual Chris Ryan 44. NTP 7 A: Mark Greenshields (pro pin), B: Jeffrey Vanderwyk, C: Justin O'Neill
3/6 4BBB Stroke Brenda
69, 2nd Tony Shields 71 c/b Mick Bellew 71. Run-down Bob Jones 72, Peter Drysdale 73, Peter Inskip 74, Declan Horan, Roger Young 75, Dave Baldock, Waz Botfield 76 c/b. Bradmans Mike Edsall 91. Thanks Mike!
NTPs 3rd Roger Young, 9th and 18th Tom Faulkner.
Longest Putt Loz Renshall.
d S. Meyer, G. Meyer, S. Jones Men's Triples
Thursday 4/6/26
R. McWha, R. Feltrin, K. Nutter d P. North, J. Dunn, M. Berube
J. Long, R. Aitken, C. Weatherall d D. Burridge, m. McCabe, T. Cooper
M. Miller, G. Meyer, S. Jones d C. McLeod, P. Newman, D. Hull
Grade Wendy Rogers
P. Wirth, B. Worboys, B. Garner
d C. Bryan, P. Elliott, D. Wilson
A.Plain, Fred C , B. Merchant d S. Kindred, J. Kindred, G. Kindred
K. Kaaden, R. Wisely, R. Kelly d T. Lainchbury, M. Baker, I. Trengove
G. Brewis, J. Robinson, R. Harris d N. Dean, M. Spies, J. Bishop
G. Williams, R. Beaumont, A. Campbell d C. Williamson, L. Goodacre, S. Crawford
Hole 9 Kim Batty Hole 11 Marney Jefferies
Bowls 3/6/26
N Stahlhut, M McGuire, B Blight DEF N Kotrozos, J Oates, R Morris
R McLellan, G Hitchin, S Wilkinson DEF Stewart, A Jones, M Gibbons
C Smith, W Prosser, P Cook DEF I Muller, L Zecchinati, P Warby
P Paunovic, K Sharman, M Sharpe DEF R Smithers, S Shaw, R Petterson
W Bujeya, W Kellam, J Richardson DEF A Vivian, D Anderson, A Berry
W Smith, M Collins, R Southam
Connors & Natalie Oliver 62, Chris Constable & Lee Stewart 67, Lynda Wood & Trish Bailey 69c/b. Balls to 72c/b. NTP 3 3: Brenda Connors. NTP 7 2: Maureen Ryan (pro pin)
5/6 Medley Stableford Ethan Thornborough 34. Balls to 30
6/6 Stroke A: Paul Hope 72c/b, Benjamin Armstrong 72. B:
Championships results,
A Grade
Gross Tom Faulkner
Nett Joe Street
B Grade
Gross Mick Bellew
Nett Peter Drysdale
C Grade
Gross Tony Shields
Nett Paul Bastick.
DEF J Urge S Sillar, B Clugston
I Maderic, M Jenkins, G Walsh DEF N Wong, W Vaughn, J Townsend
P Roach, D Bond, W Meadows DEF P Swain, P Begley, P Nikitin
G Peel, T Mitchell, L P:reston DEF G Fisher, D Frost, N Sillar
D Lees G Dennis, B Coyle DEF T Brooks, G Campbell, R Williams
C Christian, D Wheeler, M Aujard DEF D Isaacs, R Wardrop, B Martin
FRIDAY Mixed Social Bowls
5/6/26
Richard Johnson 70, John Arnold 73. C: Sean Burkitt 74, Trevor Adams 75. Balls to 77
Gross A: Paul Hope 75, B:
Greg White 89 c/b, C: Dean Burkitt 94
Eagles: Dave Rava on 4, David Jackson on 6
NTP 7 A: Stephen Osborne, C: Brian McKellar. NTP 11 A: Paul
T Brooks, R Cridge, A Taylor
DEF J Urge, G Dennis, T Karam K Sharman, C Christian, A Berry DEF L Read, G Flynn, J Flynn N Kotrozos, J Oates, H Townsend DEF J Fleming, G Hampson, K Taylor B Hamilton, L Feltrin, C Smith DEF P Paunovic, R Williams, L Preston
D Frost, N Sillar, S Sillar DEF W Vaughn, D Anderson, P Nikitin H Muir, B Blight DEF J Chapman, J Honey
P Roach, C Brown, C Patrick DEF R Avery, A Jones, A Baker
McHugh (pro pin), B: Greg White. NTP 15 James Murdoch Ladies Stableford Joy Lawrence 33
Front Linda Graff 19, Vicki Mcnamara 18c/b. NTP Sharon Shipman. Saturday Sal Sandra Guymer.
7/6 Medley Stableford Terry Rapley 29. Balls to 27
C
Nearest The Pin Hole 4 Maureen Toms
q Marg England. q Chris Sheridan.
q Lorraine, Michelle and Wendy.
q Lorraine, Michelle, Wendy and Deb.
q Peter Drysdale, Joe Street, Paul Bastick and Tony Shields.
Cex Woolgoolga Social Report
By Sue BRACHER
TUESDAY 3rd June 2026 ( pairs )
Rink 8: M Hopes, M Hodge (D) W Prosser, W Gavenlock (22/16),Rink 9: J Symons, R Young (D) J Weston,
Coffs Harbour Ladies Golf Results
By Barb WILSON
7th JUNE
Tuesday 2nd June 2026 - Ladies 9H Single Stableford
12th hole Chris Cuthbert 36cm, Helen Wright 110cm 15th hole Jennifer Blake 738cm, Debbie Sollart 420cm
Coffs Harbour Rifle Club
By Geoffrey HART
HOWARD St Rimfire Range. The 60m Field Class match. Master
Coffs Table Tennis Results
By Margaret ILES
FRIDAY 5th June, 2026 Division 1 Yash Tyagi d Tim Garrad 3/1,
Kew Ladies Bowls
By Velvanie HARTAS
TUESDAY 2nd JUNE
Today we had 2 teams playing which was enjoyed by all
MNC Cross Country
By Peter BERRINGTON
7 JUNE 2026 at Emerald Beach RESULTS: 2km (Male) - Hugh Morgan 7:09, 1; Reuben Wong 7:31, 2; Donovan Duncan 7:34, 3; Oliver Philip 7:43, 4; Astin Nuttall 8:40, 5; John Philip 8:42, 6; Kieren Ward 8:50, 7; Ben Ewart 8:52, 8; Thomas Feain 9:14, 9; Patrick May 9:15, 10; Paul Cole 9:18, 11; Ziggy Walker 9:43, 12; Marcel Philip 9:44, 13; Jonathan Ewart 9:50, 14; Harvey Griffin 9:56, 15; August Hamilton 10:14, 16; Iggi Nuttall 10:38, 17; Archie Feain 10:42, 18; Andrew Martin 10:54, 19; Jack Duncan 11:07, 20; Patrick Happ 11:19, 21; Edison Happ 11:21, 22; Gordon Abbott 12:27, 23; Miles Hamilton 12:29, 24; Paul Rider 12:48, 25; Stephen Boyd 12:50, 26; Oaklei Nuttall 13:01, 27; Richard Pearson 13:11, 28; Matthew Thompson 14:26, 29; Makai Silva 17:19, 30.
RESULTS: 2km (Female)Bayley Johnson 7:20, 1; Emma Sandes 7:55, 2; Clara Philip 8:41, 3; Elka Bowker 8:53, 4; Willow Nuttall 9:03, 5; Evie Hunter 9:08, 6; Anthea Martin 9:21, 7; Sarah Morgan 9:25, 8; Lola Barclay 9:34, 9; Sylvie Peck 10:04, 10; Florence Van Hoeck 10:24, 11; Sophie Van Hoeck
G Pallister (23/15) Rink 10: C
Boyden, R Shaw (D) T McKenzie, P Buck. (19/17) Rink 11: N Wood, J Evens(D) H Shultz, J Taylor (21/20). Rink 12: D Hodge, R Gurber (D) Tony, K Costelloe (19/12).Rink 13: j Hurrell, D Barnard, (D) R Bennell, G McInerney (20/16) Rink 14: Jen Gibbins, Fred C (D) Athol, B
12th hole Romana Murphy 498cm, Karen Cross 345cm, Heather
Grade: Ben R 91.7, Jake B 89.6, Daniel F 85.7, A Grade: Andrew R 87.6, Phil P 86.2, Cherelle S 82.2, Geoff S 79.3, B Grade: Sam M 90.7, Ian A 55.1, Allan M 48.0, C Grade: Amritpal S 71.0, Mitch
Reece Baker d Bo Zhang 3/1, Yash Tyagi d Bo Zhang 3/0, Reece Baker d Tim Garrad 3/1, Tim Garrad d Bo Zhang 3/2, Yash Tyagi d Reece Baker 3/1.
WINNER: Yash Tyagi from Reece Baker.
players.
We had our trade table today and and made $99.50
So a big thank you to all those who donate items to sell for the Ones who brought things from
RESULTS: 5km (Male) - Kyle McIntosh 16:32, 1; Sam Ewart 18:44, 2; Daniel Bowker 19:58, 3; Angus Morgan 20:10, 4; James Karrasch 20:37, 5; Daniel Ham 21:11, 6; Oliver Philip 21:12,
Park Beach Women's Bowls Club
By Aiden BURGESS
PARK Beach Bowling Club recently farewelled a muchloved member, Val Maher. Val had the longestplaying membership of the Park Beach Women's Club, having played for 48 years. Still playing a competitive game at 93 years of age Val had an illustrious career in
Merchant (17/14).
Friday 2/6/2026 (2,4,2) Rink:3
D Evan’s, J Evan’s (D) R Guber, B Merchant. Rink 4: K Canning, S Canning (D) C Albert, R Shaw. (22/21)
Rink:5 N Wood, S Oliver (D) C Nightingale, M Hopes (29/16) Rink 6: L Walsh, A Plain (D) W Prosser, W
Watkins 76cm
15th hole Ann Goodman 310cm, Sue Morgan 118cm, Sue Flanders 154cm
Saturday 6th June 2026 - Ladies Single Stableford Eastlakes
Saturday 6th June 2026 - Ladies Single Stableford Lakes Overall winners
U 71.0, Bradley K 66.3, Jacob W 45.0, Phil H 43.0, Jennen N 43.0, Anton K 35.5, Ashley G 32.0, Matt K 30.0, Terry W 26.2, Choie B 16.0, Sally B 12.0 The 50m F-Class match.
Division 2 Char Berglund d Sharee Templeton 3/2, Don Vo d Michael Hobincu 3/1, Lulu Zhang d Char Berglund 3/1, Sharee Templeton d Don Vo 3/1, Lulu Zhang d Don Vo 3/0, Sharee Templeton d Michael
the table. WEEKLY RAFFLE
Ida Bruno KEY DRAW Pat Lendrum, Lorraine Clark Kerry Jones, Vel HArtas CARD DRAW WINNERS
7; Neil Griffin 22:25, 8; Kweller Happ 22:26, 9; Robert Ashcroft 24:31, 10; Christian Petersen 24:54, 11; Marcel Philip 25:54, 12; John Philip 25:55, 13; Kieren Ward 25:58, 14; Chris Hamilton 26:36, 15; Matt Evans 27:05, 16; Greg Ewart 27:50, 17; Jack Brennan 28:21, 18; Patrick Brennan 28:23, 19; Tim Karrasch 40:08, 20.
RESULTS: 5km (Female)Poppy Barclay 21:10, 1; Madeline Ham 21:47, 2; Corrine Happ 22:35, 3; Skyla Petersen 22:44, 4; Clara Philip 24:35, 5; Sarah Morgan 25:50, 6; Sara Evans 27:03, 7; Mel Brodie 27:16, 8; Siobhan Tobin 28:32, 9; Rowena Mitchell 29:18, 10; Tegan Van Hoeck 29:39, 11; Anthea Martin 31:46, 12; Caron Mackie 34:28, 13; Wendy Maley 35:01, 14; Janie Mahoney 37:41, 15; Rebecca
bowls including Grade 1 and 2 District Pennants flags and the District Triples titles. At Club Championships she won the Fours and the Triples, some of these several times.
However, despite her many achievements, it is Val's warmth, sincerity and beautiful nature that we all had the privilege of sharing, that we will miss.
q Val Maher with Joan Woodford (President).
Gavenlock (29/22) Rink 9: Triples
Game::j Hampstead, R Hatton, I Hoonslow (D) R Young, V Valentine, D Valentine. (23/16) Rink 10: j Taylor, P Buck (D) J Burgess, K Costelloe. (30/17) Rink 11: J Hurrell, G Pallister (D) J Gibbons, Fred C ( 35/12) Rink 12:R Bennell, H Shultz (D) I Coltman, B Symes. (20/16).
Coffs Harbour District Darts
By Ray BEASLEY
SAWTELL RSL
1. Maria Sanford 37 2. Joan Griffin 34 c/b NTP
3rd hole Gloria Hickey 395cm
Mitch U 196.6, Daniel F 192.6, Allan M 185.3, Phil H 183.1, Sam M 167.6, Anton K 164.4, Dave K 161.0, Ashley G145.2, Amritpal S 134.0, James B 131.0, Matt K 94.0
Hobincu 3/1, Lulu Zhang d Michael Hobincu 3/1, Char Berglund d Don Vo 3/1, Sharee Templeton d Lulu Zhang 3/0, Michael Hobincu d Char Berglund 3/0.
WINNER: Sharee Templeton from Lulu Zhang.
Jenny Wood, Karen Hodges
Sandra M, Leonie Murphy LOOSER CARD DRAW WINNERS
Janet Hills, Gwendolyn Ball, Vel Hartas, Lorraine Clark Jean Donald
Cornelius 38:30, 16; Ellie Luhr 39:53, 17.
RESULTS: 10km (Male)Matt Berrington 37:42, 1; Bruce Meder 45:52, 2; Leon Petrohelos 48:36, 3; Edison Happ 55:06, 4; Paul Cole 55:24, 5; Stephen Boyd 1:03:27, 6.
RESULTS: 10km (Female) –NO STARTERS
Next week were are at Woolgoolga Creek Flora Reserve.
By Ken MASON
TUESDAY 2nd June 2026
Main Draw Winners:Darrell Wallbridge - R/U - Dave Laneyrie
Consolation Winners: - John Cornell - R/U - Mark Styles
Sawtell RSL Snooker Club
LEWANDOWSKI
Deborah Lyn ‘Deb’
27th May 2026, passed away at Bellinger River District Hospital. Late of Coffs Harbour. Loving partner of Steven Toth. Cherished mother of Brendon, Matthew, Laura and Steven.
Aged 68 Years
In Our Hearts Forever Vale Deb The Music Lives On!
Deborah was privately cremated at Hogbin Drive Crematorium & Memorial Gardens, Stadium Drive, Coffs Harbour.
Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Deborah’s Celebration of Life to be held at the Tomerong Hall, Hawken Road, Tomerong NSW on Saturday 27th June 2026 commencing at 3.00 pm.
Guests are invited to bring their own drinks and a plate to share if they wish.
KEITH LOGUE & SONS
FUNERAL DIRECTORS
Coffs Harbour
6652 1999
Memorial for Allan Norton ("Norto")
Family and friends are warmly invited to celebrate the life of Allan Norton ("Norto"), who passed away in Hervey Bay on 8 February 2026.
Saturday, 20 June 2026: 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm: Function Room, Pier Hotel
Joan Winifred Windows 6th June 2026
Passed away surrounded by family at Coffs Harbour Hospital. Much loved wife of Brian (dec). A loving mother and mother-in-law to Dianne & Michael (dec), Sharon & Peter, and John & Corrie. Cherished grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother who will be sadly missed by friends and extended family.
Aged 92 Years
Forever in our Hearts
Joan’s funeral service was held on Thursday, 11th June 2026 and she was interred within the Coffs Harbour Lawn Cemetery, Coramba Road, Karangi.
VICTOR RULLIS FUNERAL SERVICES
(02) 6651 5007 www.funeralcoffsharbour.com.au
KELLY, Peter John 6th June 2026, passed away peacefully at RFBI Masonic Village Coffs Harbour. Late of Coffs Harbour, formerly of Woolgoolga and Tamworth. Dearly loved husband of Flo (dec’d). Loving father and father-in-law of Pat (dec’d), Lynn, Kate & Brett, Denise (dec’d), Maree & Stephen and Sonya & Scott. Cherished grandfather, pop, great-grandfather and great-great-grandfather. Adored brother, brother-in-law and uncle of their families.
Aged 87 Years Reunited With The Love Of His Life
Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Peter’s Funeral Prayers to be celebrated in St. Augustine’s Catholic Church, Coffs Harbour on Monday 15th June 2026 commencing at 2.00 pm, followed by 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
Joan May MUNRO 1st June 2026
Passed away peacefully at home. Late of Safety Beach, formerly of Wentworthville. Beloved wife of Ken (dec), Loved Mother of Bruce, Robynn and Janelle. Cherished Nanna, Great Grandnanna and Great Great Grandnanna.
Aged 94 Years
Forever in our Hearts & Memories. Family and Friends are warmly invited to attend Joan’s farewell service on Friday, 26th June 2026 at 1pm in the chapel of the Coffs Harbour Crematorium, Coramba Road, Karangi. Livestreaming is available from our website.
VICTOR RULLIS FUNERAL SERVICES
(02) 6651 5007 www.funeralcoffsharbour.com.au
BABY jolly jumper, as new $30. 0481 966 840 F101025 SOLD
POLETHERA leather women's crossover shoulder bag. Brand new. Unwanted gift $35. Photos can be supplied 0490 161 119
digital subscription to one / all of our newspapers. You will be sent an email when each of the printed editions are available to be
VINTAGE timber mini bar. $60. 6652 8815
1.9m tall. Photos can be supplied. $65. Ph 0490 161 119 Boats
VINTAGE steward steamer trunk. Likely dated from mid 20th century. 74cm x 40cm x 30cm. $85. Photos can be supplied. Ph 0490 161 119 SOLD VINTAGE style hat rack
GREEN hanging meat safe $50 0427 544 008 SOLD WESTERN paperbacks Clevland, Bison, Larry Kent. Lots to choose from $1 to $4 each. Pickup only. Ph 0400 513 862
3.4m Savage with trailer rego, 6HP and electric swivel seats, cover safety gear, lots of extras ACF724N. L26949
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ONTHEBOX
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SATURDAY
DEATH IN PARADISE
ABC TV, 7.30pm
After initially believing the official line that his late mother’s death was an accident, DI Mervin Wilson (Don Gilet, pictured) is closer than ever to the truth in this penultimate chapter of the Caribbean crime drama’s 14th season. Given the go-ahead to reopen the investigation, the detective now has the entire Honoré police department helping out. That is, except new Commissioner Sterling Fox (Trieve Blackwood-Cambridge), who is determined to make his presence known on the island. Just as the team starts to make headway in the case, Sterling pulls rank and throws a spanner in the works.
FRIDAY, June 12
SUNDAY
SOCCER WORLD CUP: AUSTRALIA V TÜRKIYE
SBS, 1pm
As the Socceroos kick off their FIFA World Cup campaign in Vancouver this weekend, fans will be relieved to know that they won’t have to set any alarms for the opening match against Türkiye. This is only the third meeting on the pitch for the two nations – and the first since 2004, when the Crescent Stars prevailed in two friendlies. Marking their sixth consecutive FIFA World Cup, Tony Popovic’s Aussie squad will be hoping not only to record a historic first win against Türkiye, but also to build on their impressive Round of 16 run at Qatar 2022. Niav Owens and Claudio Fabiano host SBS’s live, free and exclusive coverage, while David Basheer (pictured) leads the call.
MASTERCHEF AUSTRALIA
It’s the elimination that contestants dread: the taste test. Can they keep cool under pressure? Or will they melt down at the prospect of 48 unlabelled ice-cream scoops? One by one, they’ll need to step forward, choose a bowl and correctly identify the flavour to judges Poh Ling Yeow (pictured), Andy Allen, Sofia Levin and Jean-Christophe Novelli. With jackfruit, tomato and onion in the mix, it’s no easy task. The first four chefs to guess incorrectly will land in round two, where they have 75 minutes to cook a dessert using the 48 ingredients found in the first round, and under-bench staples. It will be a bittersweet departure for one of them.
Gruen. (PG, R)
11.10 ABC Late News.
11.25 Guy Montgomery’s Guy Mont Spelling Bee. (PG, R)
12.10 Love Me. (Final, MA15+s, R) 1.05 Rage New Music. (MA15+dhlnsv)
5.00 Rage. (PG)
FAMILY (22)
8.55 BattleBots. 9.40 MythBusters “There’s Your Problem!”. 10.30 Merlin. 11.15 Late Programs.
6.00 Mastermind Australia. 6.30 SBS World News. 7.35 Paul Merton: Driving Amazing Trains. (PG) 8.30 Record-Breaking Highways. 9.35 Michael Palin In North Korea. (R)
10.30 SBS World News Late.
11.00 FIFA World Cup 2026: Highlights Show. (Premiere) 11.30 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Tour Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes. Stage 6. 1.20 The Typist. (Mav, R) 2.25 Rainbow Warrior: Murder In The Pacific. (PG, R) 3.20 Great British Railway Journeys. (R) 3.55 Going Places With Ernie Dingo. (R) 4.30 Soccer. FIFA World Cup. Group B. CAN v BIH.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. Johanna Griggs and the team demonstrate some terrific ideas for the house, garden and the kitchen. 8.00 To Be Advised.
12.00 MOVIE: Deadly Rideshare. (2020, Mav, R) A fashion designer develops a bond with a dangerous fellow passenger during a ride-sharing trip. Taylor Spreitler, Danielle Burgess, Amanda Grace Benitez. 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R) Three contestants go head to head in a test of brain power.
5.00 NBC Today.
6.00 NBN News. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 Rugby League. NRL. Round 15. Dolphins v Sydney Roosters. 9.55 NRL Friday Night Footy Post-Match. Post-match coverage of the NRL game. 10.45 MOVIE: Lethal Weapon. (1987, Mdlv, R) Two detectives pursue drug traffickers. Mel Gibson.
1.00 Fish Forever. (R)
1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R) 4.30 Global Shop. (R) 5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 5.30 Postcards. (PG, R) 6.00 10 News+.
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SATURDAY, June 13
6.00 Rage Charts. (PG) 7.00 Wknd Brekky.
9.00 Rage. (PG) 10.30 Rage Vault Guest Programmer. (PG) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 12.30 Death In Paradise. (Ma, R) 1.30 Shetland. (Malv, R) 2.30 QSO: Verdi Requiem. 4.00 Creative Types With Virginia Trioli. (PG, R) 4.30 Stuff The British Stole. (PG, R) 5.00 Australian Story. (R) 5.30 Landline. (R)
6.00 Kath & Kim. (PGals, R) Kel attends a conference.
6.25 Hard Quiz. (PG, R) Presented by Tom Gleeson.
7.00 ABC News. A look at the top stories of the day.
7.30 Death In Paradise. (PGa) Mervin pins down a suspect in his mother’s murder. 8.30 The Hardacres. (PG) Sam and Joe try to prove themselves at the docks. Mary navigates Lady Emma’s plans for a charity party.
10.00 The Capture. (MA15+, R) Rachel is caught up in a deadly conspiracy. 11.00 Rage. (MA15+dhlnsv) Continuous music programming.
6.00 Soccer. FIFA World Cup. Group B. CAN v BIH. Cont. 7.30 WorldWatch. 9.00 France 24 English News. 9.30 DD India News Hour. 10.30 Soccer. FIFA World Cup. Group D. USA v PAR. 1.30 Soccer. FIFA World Cup. Group B. CAN v BIH. Replay. 4.30 PBS NewsHour. 5.30 Plat Du Tour. (R) 5.35 Underground Army. (PGav, R)
2.10 The Lost Scrolls Of Vesuvius With Alice Roberts. (PG, R)
3.05 Going Places With Ernie Dingo. (PG, R)
4.05 Bamay. (R) 4.30 Soccer. FIFA World Cup. Group B. QAT v SUI.
6.00 NBC Today. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 The Morning Show: Wknd. (PG) 12.00 Horse Racing. Winter Cup Day, Sandown Saturday and Stradbroke Day. 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 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG, R) An American nomad is caught with medicines.
8.30 MOVIE: The Equalizer 2. (2018, MA15+v, R) A retired CIA black ops operative is forced back into action when his friend is murdered. Denzel Washington, Pedro Pascal, Ashton Sanders. 11.00 To Be Advised.
12.00 Devils. (MA15+av)
2.30 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 It’s Academic. (R)
5.00 House Of Wellness. (PG, R)
6.00 Getaway. (PG, R) 6.30 ACA. (R) 7.00 Weekend Today. 10.00 Today Extra: Saturday. (PG) 11.00 Swimming. Aust Trials. Heats. 1.00 Drive TV Presents. 1.30 Explore TV Viking. (R) 2.00 My Way. (R) 2.15 Shark! (PGal, R) 3.30 Inside KOOZA By Cirque Du Soleil. 4.00 Journey To The Northern Territory. 5.00
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Swimming. Australian Trials. Day 6. Finals. From Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre.
9.50 To Be Advised.
12.40 Law & Order: Organized Crime. (MA15+av, R) A UN diplomat is targeted by assassins.
1.35 Drive TV Presents. (R)
2.00 The Incredible Journey Presents. (PGa)
2.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.30 Global Shop. (R)
5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
5.30 Helping Hands. (PG, R)
6.30 The Dog House. (PGa, R) A terrier cross is looking for love. 7.30 Selling Houses Australia. (PG) Mary and David need the team’s help to bring their house up to standard so they can move on when they relocate to the mainland. 9.30 Ambulance Australia. (Ma, R) Follows paramedics as they respond to calls, including a diver trapped underwater by a piece of concrete. 10.30 Ambulance UK. (Ma, R) 11.30 Elsbeth. (PGlv, R) A minor royal mysteriously dies. 12.30 Home Shopping. (R) 5.00 Hour Of Power.
VICELAND (31)
Swiping Game. 11.00 Soccer. FIFA World Cup. Group B. Canada v Bosnia and Herzegovina. Replay. 2am NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera Newshour.
MOVIES (32)
6am The Movie Show. 7.10 A Room With A View. (1985, PG) 9.15 Delfin. (2019, PG, Spanish) 10.55 Iris. (2001, M) 12.30pm Gosford Park. (2001, M) 3.00 84 Charing Cross Road. (1987, PG) 4.50 The Orator. (2011, PG, Samoan) 6.50 The Man Who Knew Too Little. (1997, PG) 8.30 The Big Lebowski. (1998, M) 10.40 Stars At Noon. (2022, MA15+) 1.10am The Tunnel (Part 2) (2001, M) 2.50 Late Programs.
7.30 Race Around The World. (M) The six filmmakers face harsh challenges.
8.30 Ground Up. (Ml) AFL CEO Alistair is in town to help secure a site for the club’s new Training Centre.
9.00 The Capture. (Mv) Carey is further isolated from those around her.
10.00 Death In Paradise. (PGa, R) 11.00 The Hardacres. (PG, R)
12.30 Rage. (MA15+dhlnsv)
3.00 Gardening Australia. (R)
4.00 Movin’ To The Country. (R)
4.30 Poh’s Kitchen. (R)
5.00 Insiders. (R)
6am Children’s Programs. 2.25pm Mister Maker Around The World. 2.45 Wiggle. 3.00 Play School. 3.25 Kangaroo Beach. 4.10 Dino Dex. 5.10 Octonauts. 5.35 Super Monsters. 6.05 PJ Masks. 6.25 Emerald. 7.05 Let’s Go Bananas! 7.30 Kids Baking Championship. 8.10 Kids BBQ Championship. 8.55 Caper Crew. 9.40 Fresh Off The Boat. 10.25 Abbott Elementary. 10.45 Merlin. 11.30 Late Programs. 6am Children’s Programs. 1.30pm
6.00 Soccer. FIFA World Cup. Group B. QAT v SUI. Cont. 7.30 Soccer. FIFA World Cup. Group C. BRA v MAR. 10.30 Soccer. FIFA World Cup. Group C. HAI v SCO. 1.00 Soccer. FIFA World Cup. Group D. AUS v TUR.
4.30 Yiyili. (PGa, R) 4.40 Hitler: A Life In Pictures. (PGa, R) 5.35 Underground Army. (PGav, R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Soccer. FIFA World Cup. Group D. Australia v Turkiye. Replay.
9.30 Big Fat Quiz Best Bits: Dream Teams. (Mals, R)
6.00 NBC Today. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 The Morning Show: Weekend. (PG) 12.00 Sunday Footy Feast. 2.30 House Of Wellness. (PG, R) 3.30 Border Security: International. (PG, R) 4.00 Better Homes And Gardens. (R) 5.00 Seven News At 5. 5.30 Sydney Weekender.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Farmer Wants A Wife. (PGal) Hosted by Natalie Gruzlewski.
8.40 7NEWS Spotlight. Focuses on major breaking news events and long-form investigations of national significance.
9.40 24 Hours In Police Custody: Murder In The Woods Pt 1. (Madv, R) A look at the investigation into a murder.
12.00 MOVIE: Sea Of Suspicion. (2021, Masv, 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 Morning Programs. 4pm Lion Dancers: The Crane And The Lion. 4.20 WorldWatch. 5.15 PBS News Compass Points. 5.45 The Frontier. 6.40 Abandoned Engineering. 8.30 Cup Fever! 9.00 The Death Coast. 9.50 The Americans. 10.40 The Swiping Game. 11.00 Soccer. FIFA World Cup. Group D. Australia v Turkiye. Replay. 1am Creamerie. 2.05 NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera. 6am Shopping. 8.30 Better Homes. 10.30 Auction Squad. 11.30 GetOn Extra. Noon Australia’s
MOVIES (32)
6am The Orator. (2011, PG, Samoan) 7.00 The Man Who Knew Too Little. (1997, PG) 8.40 Monsieur Verdoux. (1947, PG) 10.55 The Take. (2016, M) 12.35pm Nobody Has To Know. (2021, M) 2.30 A Room With A View. (1985, PG) 4.35 Master Cheng: A Spice For Life. (2019, PG) 6.35 Angel And The Badman. (1947, PG) 8.30 Rambo: First Blood Part II. (1985) 10.25 Moonfall. (2022, M) 12.50am Late Programs.
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 Shark! (PGhl)
8.15 60 Minutes. Current affairs program.
9.15 9News Late.
9.45 The First 48: For Love And Honour/The Dark Side Of Love. (Malv) A West Tulsa man is gunned down.
10.45 American Ripper. (Mav)
11.45 Love Cheats. (Ma)
12.35 Fish Forever. (PGl, R)
1.05 Let’s Eat With George.
1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)
4.30 CampByMe. (Premiere)
5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.
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(2010, M) 9.30 MOVIE: The Beekeeper. (2024, MA15+) 11.30 Seinfeld. Midnight Motor Racing. FIA World Endurance Championship. 24 Hours of Le Mans. 2.00 MOVIE: The Emu War. (2023, MA15+) 3.30 Big Rigs Of Oz. 4.00 Barney’s World. 4.30 I Love VIP Pets. 4.50 Late Programs. 6am Morning Programs. 1.15pm Seinfeld. 1.45 Motor Racing. IndyCar Series. Round 9. Bommarito Automotive Group 500. Highlights. 2.50 The Summit. 5.30 MOVIE: Agent Cody Banks. (2003, PG) 7.30 MOVIE: The Hunger Games: Catching Fire. (2013, M) 10.25 To Be
6.30 10 News+. Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 7.00 MasterChef Australia. (PG) Guest chef is Adriano Zumbo. 8.15 Watson. (Return, PGas) Watson and the fellows spring into action when Mary’s mother accidentally poisons herself while battling a rare, fast-progressing form of dementia. 9.15 FBI. (Return, Mav) A routine investigation into the disappearance of a federal judge takes a dark turn as the team uncovers that he had been searching for his missing son on a secluded island. 12.00 10 News+. (R) 12.30 Home Shopping. (R)
6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 News. 10.00 The Hardacres. (PG, R) 11.30 You Can’t Ask That. (Mal, R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 1.00 Landline. (R) 2.00 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R) 2.30 Anh’s Brush With Fame. (R) 2.55 Restoration Australia. (PG, R) 3.55 Murdoch Mysteries. (PGa, R) 4.45 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)
6.00 Soccer. FIFA World Cup. Group F. NED v JPN. Cont. 8.30 Soccer. FIFA World Cup. Group E. CIV v ECU. 11.30 Soccer. FIFA World Cup. Group F. Sweden v Tunisia. 2.30 Soccer. FIFA World Cup. Group C. Brazil v Morocco. Replay. 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)
6.00 Mastermind Australia.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Robson Green’s Weekend Escapes. (PG)
8.40 24 Hours In Emergency. (Mal)
9.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. (Mals, R)
10.30 SBS World News Late.
11.00 FIFA World Cup 2026: Highlights Show. 11.30 Robson Green’s Weekend Escapes. (R)
12.40 Great British Railway Journeys. (R) 1.15 Jia. (PG, R) 1.30 Soccer. FIFA World Cup. Group H. ESP v CPV. 4.30 Soccer. FIFA World Cup. Group G. BEL v EGY.
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Home And Away. (PGav)
7.30 Farmer Wants A Wife. (PGal) Hosted by Natalie Gruzlewski.
9.10 The Rookie. (Mav) The LAPD prepares to protect the president.
10.10 The Agenda Setters: Rugby League. (R)
11.10 The Agenda Setters.
12.10 New Amsterdam. (MA15+av, R)
1.10 The Outdoor Room With Jamie Durie. (R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 NBN News. 7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Shark! (Final, PGhln)
9.00 100% Footy. (Mal) Features the latest rugby league news.
10.00 9News Late.
10.30 Outback Opal Hunters. (PGal)
11.30 Footy Classified. (Ml)
12.30 Tipping Point. (PG, R)
1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
2.30 Global Shop. (R)
3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)
4.30 A Current Affair. (R)
Today Early News.
6am Children’s Programs. 10.55 Children’s Programs. 6.05pm Spidey And His Amazing Friends. 6.25 The Adventures Of Paddington. 6.45 Ben And Holly’s Little Kingdom. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00 Young Sheldon. 8.25 Young Sheldon. 8.45 Expedition With Steve Backshall. 9.35 Chopped Junior. 10.15 Kids Baking Championship. 11.00 Late Programs.
8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 Cup Fever! 9.00 Mysteries Unearthed With Danny Trejo. (Return) 9.50 The
10.45 Lee Lin Chin’s Fashionista. 11.00
Group C.
Replay. 2am NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera.
SBS MOVIES (32)
TUESDAY, June 16
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6.00 Morning Programs. 10.30 Planet America. (R) 11.00 Rolf Harris: Primetime Predator. (M, R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Death In Paradise. (PGv, R) 2.00 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R) 2.30 Brush With Fame. (PG, R) 3.00 Restoration Australia. (R) 3.55 Murdoch Mysteries. (PGa, R) 4.45 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)
6am Children’s Programs. 10.55 Children’s Programs. 6.05pm Spidey And His Amazing Friends. 6.25 The Adventures Of Paddington. 6.45 Ben And Holly’s Little Kingdom. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00 Young Sheldon. 8.25 Young Sheldon. 8.45 Savage Builds. 9.25 MythBusters “There’s Your Problem!”. 9.50 BattleBots. 10.35 Monsters Of The Deep. 11.25 Late Programs.
6.10am Master
6.00 Soccer. FIFA World Cup. Group G. BEL v EGY. Cont. 7.30 Soccer. FIFA World Cup. Group H. KSA v URU. 10.30 Soccer. FIFA World Cup. Group G. IRN v NZ. 1.30 Soccer. FIFA World Cup. Group F. Netherlands v Japan. Replay. 4.30 PBS NewsHour. 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)
6.00 Mastermind Australia.
6.30 SBS World News.
8.30 Insight. 9.30 Dateline.
10.00 SBS World News Late.
10.30 Living Black. (R) 11.00 FIFA World Cup 2026: Highlights Show. 11.30 The Negotiator. (MA15+a) 12.20 Divided We Stand. (Ml, R)
2.15 Great British Railway Journeys. (R)
4.00 Going Places With Ernie Dingo. (PGa, R) 4.30 Soccer. FIFA World Cup. Group I. FRA v SEN.
VICELAND (31) VICELAND (31)
7.30 Who Do You Think You Are? (PG)
Morning Programs. 3.55pm BBC News At Ten. 4.20 France 24. 4.50 PBS News. 5.50 Alone Finland. (Final) 6.40 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 Cup Fever! 9.00 Mysteries Unearthed With Danny Trejo. 9.50 The Americans. 10.40 The Swiping Game. 11.00 Soccer. FIFA World Cup. Group F. Netherlands v Japan. Replay. 2am NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera. 6am Morning Programs. 9.00 Animal Rescue. 9.30 NBC Today. 10.30 Better Homes. 11.30 The Great Australian Doorstep. Noon Better Homes. 1.00 My Greek Odyssey. 2.00
SBS MOVIES (32)
Cheng: A Spice For Life. (2019, PG) 8.10 Angel And The Badman. (1947, PG) 10.00 The Big Lebowski. (1998, MA15+) 12.10pm Hounds. (2023, M, Berber) 1.55 Monsieur Verdoux. (1947, PG) 4.10 The Man Who Knew Too Little. (1997, PG) 5.50 Paris Can Wait. (2016, PG) 7.30 Harold And Maude. (1971, M) 9.10 I Like Movies. (2022, M) 11.00 Like Water For Chocolate. (1992, M, Spanish) 1am Late Programs. 6am Monsieur Verdoux. (1947, PG) 7.30 Discovering Film. 8.20 Paris Can Wait. (2016, PG) 10.00 Like Water For Chocolate. (1992, M, Spanish) Noon The Sitting Duck. (2022, M, Hungarian) 2.15 Princess Caraboo. (1994, PG) 4.00 Angel And The Badman. (1947, PG) 5.55 Where The Money Is. (2000, PG) 7.30 Shaft. (1971, M) 9.25 Bones Of Crows. (2022, MA15+) 11.45 Late Programs.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGa) 7.30 Farmer Wants A Wife. (PGal)
Hosted by Natalie Gruzlewski.
9.10 Doc. (Ma) Richard looks to redeem himself while treating an overworked food delivery worker.
10.10 House Of Wellness. (PG) Insights and experiences that highlight living well.
11.10 The Agenda Setters.
12.10 Happy’s Place. (PGal)
12.40 New Amsterdam. (MA15+av, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
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Today. 6.00 NBN News. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 The Hundred With Andy Lee. (Mls) 8.30 Clarkson’s Farm. (MA15+l) 9.40 9News
DRAMA (51)
DRAMA (51)
9GEM (82)
9GEM (82)
ABC FAMILY (22) ABC FAMILY (22)
9GO! (83)
9GO! (83)
ONTHEBOX
WEDNESDAY, June 17
TV (2)
6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 News. 10.00 Four Corners. (R) 11.00 Restoration Australia. (PG, R) 12.00 News. 12.30 Press Club. 1.35 Media Watch. (PG, R) 2.00 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R) 2.30 Brush With Fame. (PG, R) 2.55 Restoration Australia. (PG, R) 3.55 Murdoch Mysteries. (PGv, R) 4.40 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)
ABC FAMILY (22)
6am Children’s Programs. 10.55 Children’s Programs. 4.40pm Ariel. 5.30 Talking Tom Heroes. 6.05 Spidey And His Amazing Friends. 6.25 The Adventures Of Paddington. 6.45 Ben And Holly’s Little Kingdom. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00 Young Sheldon. 8.25 Young Sheldon. 9.05 Adventure Time. 9.50 Pokémon: Diamond And Pearl. 10.45 Late Programs.
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6.00 Soccer. FIFA World Cup. Group I. FRA v SEN. Cont. 7.30 Soccer. FIFA World Cup. Group I. IRQ v NOR. 10.30 Soccer. FIFA World Cup. Group J. ARG v ALG. 1.30 Soccer. FIFA World Cup. Group J. AUT v JOR. 4.30 The Granny Grommets. (PG, R) 4.40 Patagonia. (PGa, R) 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)
6.00 Mastermind Australia.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Eurostar: Minding The Gap. (R)
8.30 Mysteries Of Sink Holes. (PGa, R)
9.25 Coldwater. (Malsv)
10.20 SBS World News Late.
10.50 FIFA World Cup 2026: Highlights Show.
11.20 Why Sharks Attack. (Ma, R)
12.30 Robson Green’s Weekend Escapes. (R)
1.40 Great British Railway Journeys. (PG, R)
2.15 Ran. (Madv, R) 2.30 Soccer. FIFA World Cup. Group K. POR v COD. 5.30 Soccer. FIFA World Cup. Group L. ENG v CRO.
VICELAND (31)
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6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Home And Away. (PGa)
THURSDAY,
TV (2)
SBS MOVIES (32)
6am Castle In The Sky.
(1986, PG) 7.45 Where The Money Is. (2000, PG) 9.20 Princess Caraboo. (1994, PG) 11.05 Harold And Maude. (1971, M) 12.40pm I Like Movies. (2022, M) 2.30 Paris Can Wait. (2016, PG) 4.10 Grandpas. (2019, PG, Spanish) 6.00 P’tang, Yang, Kipperbang. (1982, PG) 7.30 The Graduate. (1967, M) 9.30 Riceboy Sleeps. (2022, M) 11.40 Heroic. (2023, MA15+, Spanish) 1.20am Late Programs.
June 18
6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 News. 10.00 Gruen. (PG, R) 10.35 Guy Mont Spelling Bee. (PG, R) 11.20 Dr Karl’s How Things Work. (R) 12.00 News. 1.00 The Capture. (Mlv, R) 2.00 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R) 2.30 Brush With Fame. (PG, R) 3.00 Restoration Australia. (PG, R) 4.00 Frankie Drake. (PG) 4.45 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)
ABC Late News.
11.10 The Business. (R) 11.25 Frankie Drake Mysteries. (Mv, R) 12.10 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 1.00 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
4.00 Gardening Australia. (R)
5.00 Poh’s Kitchen. (R)
5.30 7.30. (R)
ABC FAMILY (22)
6am Children’s Programs. 10.55 Children’s Programs. 6.05pm Spidey And His Amazing Friends. 6.25 The Adventures Of Paddington. 6.45 Ben And Holly’s Little Kingdom. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00 Young Sheldon. 8.25 Young Sheldon. 8.40 Ultimate Vets. 9.05 Animal Park. 9.50 Secrets Of The Zoo. 10.35 Amazing Animal Friends. 11.25 Late Programs.
(3)
6.00 Soccer. FIFA World Cup. Group L. ENG v CRO. Cont. 8.30 Soccer. FIFA World Cup. Group L. GHA v PAN. 11.30 Soccer. FIFA World Cup. Group K. Uzbekistan v Colombia. 2.30 Soccer. FIFA World Cup. Group I. France v Senegal. Replay. 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R) 6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 National News At Noon. 1.00 Time Is Money. 2.00
6.00 Mastermind Australia. 6.30 SBS World News.
7.35 Fortress Britain With Alice Roberts. (PGa, R)
8.30 Saving Yellowstone. (PG)
9.25 A Gentleman In Moscow. (Ma)
10.15 SBS World News Late.
10.45 FIFA World Cup 2026: Highlights Show.
11.15 The Boys Who Said No. (MA15+avw, R)
12.15 Robson Green’s Weekend Escapes. (PGaw, R) 12.50 Going Places With Ernie Dingo. (PGa, R) 1.30 Soccer. FIFA World Cup. Group A. CZE v RSA. 4.30 Soccer. FIFA World Cup. Group B. SUI v BIH.
VICELAND (31)
Cup Fever! 9.00 Mysteries Unearthed With Danny Trejo. 9.50 The Americans. 10.45 Lee Lin Chin’s Fashionista. 11.00 Soccer. FIFA World Cup. Group J. Argentina v Algeria. Replay. 2am NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera.
SBS MOVIES (32)
6am Morning Programs. 8.25 P’tang, Yang, Kipperbang. (1982, PG) 10.00 Shaft. (1971, M) 11.50 Past Lives. (2023, M, Korean) 1.50pm Nausicaä Of The Valley Of The Wind. (1984, PG) 4.00 Where The Money Is. (2000, PG) 5.35 The Man Who Brought Down The White House. (2017, PG) 7.30 One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest. (1975, M) 10.00 Blood Quantum. (2019, MA15+) 11.50 Late Programs.
7.30 SAS: AUS v ENG. (Final, Malv)
8.30 The Front Bar. (Ml) Takes a lighter look at all things AFL.
9.30 Unfiltered. (PG) Hosted by Hamish McLachlan. 10.00 The Agenda Setters. 11.00 Australia: Now And Then. (Madln, R)
12.00 New Amsterdam. (MA15+av, R)
1.00 Harry’s Practice. (R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News.
5.30 Sunrise.
7TWO (62)
6am Room For Improvement. 6.30 Escape To The Country. 7.30 Harry’s Practice. 8.00 Million Dollar Minute. 9.00 Animal Rescue. 9.30 NBC Today. Noon Better Homes. 1.00 Secrets Of Beautiful Gardens. 2.00 Weekender. 2.30 Hornby: A Model Empire. 3.30 Harry’s Practice. 4.00 Animal Rescue. 4.30 Better Homes. 5.30 Escape To The Country. 6.30 Bargain Hunt. 7.30 Heartbeat. 8.45
7MATE (64)
(6)
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGa)
7.30 Highway Patrol Special. (PGl, R)
8.30 Air Crash Investigations: Crash Landing. (PG)
9.30 Homicide: With Ron Iddles. (Mdlv, R)
10.30 Police Code Zero: Officer Under Attack. (Malv, R)
11.30 Autopsy USA. (Ma, R)
12.30 Brave New World. (MA15+asv)
1.30 ICU. (PG, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News.
5.30 Sunrise.
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7MATE (64)
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 Rugby League. NRL State of Origin. Game 2. New South Wales v Queensland.
10.00 State Of Origin Post-Match. A post-match wrap-up of Game 2.
11.00 NRL Origin Story. (PGl, R) Looks at the original “Origin” rule.
12.10 Tipping Point. (PG, R)
1.05 Explore TV Viking. (R)
1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
2.30 Global Shop. (R)
3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R) 4.30 Drive TV Presents. (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.
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6.00 NBN News. 7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Rugby League. Under-19s State
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8.30 Emergency. 9.30 A+E After Dark. 10.30 Chicago Med. 11.30 Late Programs.
DRAMA
DRAMA (51)
9GEM
9GEM
By Kate PYE
THE 2026 Coffs Backyard Ultra delivered one of the most remarkable weekends in Australian ultra-running history, with 492 starters cementing the Coffs Creek Walkway event as the second biggest backyard ultra ever held in the world.
