Coffs Coast News Of The Area 17 APRIL 2026

The

Organiser

“Songkran

“We’re

HELP FOR HOMELESS

Andrea FERRARI 0410 067 966 andrea@newsofthearea.com.au

Andrew VIVIAN 0414 646 198 andrew@newsofthearea.com.au

Jess MILLER jess@newsofthearea.com.au

Aiden BURGESS aiden@newsofthearea.com.au

David WIGLEY wigley@newsofthearea.com.au

Mike HELY 0427 108 089 mike@newsofthearea.com.au

Kate PYE kate@newsofthearea.com.au

Kim SATCHELL 0422 016 285 satchell@newsofthearea.com.au

Leigh WATSON 0433 831 403 leigh@newsofthearea.com.au

Doug CONNOR 0431 487 679 doug@newsofthearea.com.au

EDITOR

NEWS DESK: media@newsofthearea.com.au

ADVERTISING: ads@newsofthearea.com.au

FLIPBOOK ONLINE: www.newsofthearea.com.au

SOCIAL: facebook.com/coffsNOTA

CLASSIFIEDS

Email us the exact wording and we will email back a proof and price ads@newsofthearea.com.au

Phone us : Mon, Tue, Wed or Fri Phone lines open 9am - 2pm (02) 4981 8882

Colour and culture at Songkran Festival

FROM Page 1

our culture with the community.”

Songkran is one of Thailand’s most important festivals, marking the start of the solar new year.

The name comes from the Sanskrit word “Sankranti”, meaning the movement of the sun.

Water plays a key role in the celebrations, symbolising washing away bad luck and welcoming a fresh start.

At the Coffs Harbour event, visitors watched traditional Thai dance and music performances.

The popular Miss Songkran competition was also a highlight, with participants dressed in traditional Thai costume and judged on their presentation and cultural expression.

At one point, young crowd-member Joey Jarrett made an unexpected appearance on stage alongside the contestants, clearly enjoying the spotlight.

“She wants to be Miss Songkran,” her mother, Jasmine, said.

“It’s such a great opportunity for her to learn a little bit more about Thai culture.”

Ms Jarrett said she was happy to let Joey stay on stage, with the contestants embracing the moment.

“If I go and get her, she’ll just start kicking and screaming, and the ladies don’t seem to mind,” she said.

Cultural rituals were part of the program.

People took part in water blessings, gently pouring water over Buddha statues for good fortune.

The festival also offered a taste of Thailand, with food stalls and opportunities to connect with the local Thai community.

“It’s great to see so many people come along and learn about Songkran,” Ms Sommer said.

“It really brings the community together.”

New direction for yacht club

on Tuesday, the Yacht Club’s board will now utilise the ground-floor level facilities and surrounding open spaces to prioritise community sailing.

the site.

Bar and restaurant activities at the Yacht Club ceased on 30 March.

Under revised arrangements announced

The City, which is the appointed Crown Land manager for the site, will take on responsibility for the first floor of the building and any commercial opportunities stemming from that area, including hospitality options.

“Any profits generated from the facility will be utilised in maintaining the reserves,” Business Services Director Steve Bayliss said.

The new direction was decided upon by the club’s board after a potential investor in the Marine Drive site notified its withdrawal from an exploratory process.

Yacht Club Commodore John Wait said the City has been “very supportive of the club in actively seeking a funding partner to redevelop the site”.

“Unfortunately, we have not been successful in gaining a final proposal,” he

said.

Mr Wait said the agreement with Council will allow the Club to focus on sailing.

“We believe we’ll get heightened interest from the community to join the club’s board as it’s freed from the commercial operations of running a bar and restaurant,” he said.

“The club can now confidently move forward to focus on growing competitive ocean sailing and regattas and recreational sailing, which has always been at our heart.

“Additionally, we’ll be able to continue to manage smaller commercial opportunities from that ground floor and surrounding space, such as food vans.”

Mayor Nikki Williams congratulated the Club’s board on its decision to “move toward a sustainable and successful future”.

“The club’s pivot to concentrate on growing its community support ushers in a new chapter for a facility that has become something of an institution for locals and visitors,” she said.

HELP FOR HOMELESS

FROM Page 1

Mission Australia Housing bought the previous Jetty Blue Backpackers building in Collingwood Street last year and after renovating the 23-room residence, plans to have the accommodation available by August 2026.

A Mission Australia spokesperson said, “The location of the backpackers site allows people experiencing homelessness to stay close to their community and amenities they need.

“By renovating the building, we can offer quality, well-designed temporary

accommodation that gives people experiencing homelessness security and stability, along with wraparound support from our Mission Australia staff.

“[The] aim is to help them move into long-term, sustainable housing and achieve their goals.”

Mission Australia has already held two public meetings to inform residents living nearby of their plans and to allay any fears.

The accommodation, which will be provided for up to three months, will be for singles and some couples; not for families, children or anyone aged under 18 years.

The site will have

Mission Australia housing and support staff onsite from early morning until 8pm Monday to Friday, with security arrangements in place for after hours and on weekends.

Access to the building will be controlled by keycard entry, and visitor access will be limited to set times.

Residents of the temporary accommodation will be expected to comply with requirements around noise, safety, visitors and respectful behaviour.

If they do not, they may be asked to leave.

The Mission Australia spokesperson said the organisation was committed

to “engaging and working alongside our government partners, support services and neighbours to create a thriving community and help people in need to access safe and supportive accommodation”.

“There is a growing need for safe and secure accommodation for people at risk of or experiencing homelessness,” the spokesperson said.

“The high cost of housing and low rental vacancy rates are placing great financial strain on many people across the Coffs Harbour region, particularly renters relying on income support payments.

“Individuals and families are having to choose

between paying rent or putting food on the table and buying medication and other essentials.

“When rents become unaffordable for working people, inequality in our region increases and people can be pushed into

homelessness or forced to leave their communities.”

Updates on the project are being provided through community engagement sessions and a dedicated page on the Mission Australia website.

Search suspended for missing fisherman

A MULTI-AGENCY search for a fisherman who disappeared in waters off the Coffs Coast was suspended on Thursday, 9 April.

Emergency services were called to Emerald Beach at about 7:15pm on Monday, 6 April, following reports of a missing fisherman.

Officers attached to Coffs/Clarence Police District were told a 32-year-old man had been washed off rocks while fishing with friends at Emerald Beach headland.

Coffs Harbour Water

Police, assisted by the Westpac Rescue Helicopter, commenced an extensive search of the area.

Volunteer crews from Marine Rescue Woolgoolga and Coffs Harbour joined the search from Monday evening.

Despite an extensive water and shore-based search over four days, the man was not located.

search the waters off Emerald Beach in the coming days as part of normal proactive taskings.

was

The formal search was suspended at 1.00pm on Thursday.

Water Police and other agencies will continue to

XPT service to resume this month

THE Sydney to Grafton XPT train service is set to return from 28 April, after a year of coach replacements during fleet upgrades.

Sydney to Grafton train services - travelling through the Central Coast, Hunter and Mid North Coast - will resume from Tuesday, 28 April at 11.47am while return services from Grafton to Sydney kick off 29 April with the 5.15am service.

During the long-

term absence, the train restoration work included mechanical work to improve service reliability, new carpeting and refurbished seats, and maintenance to improve operation of the air-conditioning and toilets.

The returning trains will also have a retro look.

As a nod to the popularity of the original livery, two power carscalled 'The City of Sydney' and 'The City of Grafton' - and six carriages will be

painted in the distinctive black, red, silver and warm white branding used by the State Rail Authority in the 1980s when the XPTs were first introduced into service.

The first return service of the Grafton XPT will run as a full set in this livery.

Minister for Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison said, “We made a clear commitment to the people of Grafton and communities along the line that coaches

Councillor tees up golf course planning

By Mike HELY

AS PART of a plan to improve sport and recreational facilities, Councillor Paul Amos will ask City of Coffs Harbour Council to consider current and future golfing demand.

Council is currently developing a 15-year Sports and Active Recreation Strategy to guide how the city plans, manages and invests in local facilities.

The draft strategy will set out priorities and identify actions over the short, medium, and long term.

In a Notice of Motion to be presented to Council’s

Ordinary Meeting on 23 April, Cr Amos will request that planning processes “identify and protect potential sites within appropriate zoning and strategic land use frameworks, where a future public golf course could be accommodated, should demand and feasibility support such a facility”.

Included in the Notice of Motion is a request that a report be prepared outlining potential options, strategic considerations, and planning implications.

Cr Amos noted that the Coffs Harbour Golf Club celebrated its centenary this year, highlighting the long-

standing role that golf has played in the recreational life of the community.

“In recent years the sport has experienced renewed growth, particularly as people increasingly seek accessible outdoor recreation opportunities that support physical and mental wellbeing,” he said.

“Importantly, public golf courses play a critical role in ensuring the sport remains accessible.

“Unlike private facilities, public courses provide opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to participate in golf at a reasonable cost.”

Cr Amos said his Notice of Motion was not about committing the Council to constructing a new course, but was about thinking and planning 50 years ahead.

“As the Local Government Area continues to grow, it is prudent that Council’s longterm recreation planning considers future demand for publicly accessible sporting infrastructure, including golf,” he said.

“During COVID the sport really boomed and now we’ve got a lot of younger people taking it on.

“Golf tourism is becoming a big thing for the area as well.

would only replace the Grafton train service for 12 months while we carried out these major upgrades.

“We have delivered on that promise.

“I want to thank the community for their patience over the past year.

“It has meant we have been able to fast track the $40.3 million, fiveyear program to refurbish our ageing XPTs – the workhorses of our current regional rail fleet.”

“We don’t want to get in the situation where we are 150,000 people and cannot have supportive facilities. “This is with an eye to the future, not the short term.”

Strong opposition to campground proposal

By Mike HELY

RED Rock residents and others who own property in the village have continued to express concerns about a proposal to establish a primitive campground next to Seals Red Rock, the local bowling club.

They fear the proposed development, which City of Coffs Harbour Council will vote on – likely at its 23 April Ordinary Meeting - is inappropriate for many reasons, including that it adjoins a residential area.

Seals Red Rock, whose parent club is Maroubra Seals, plans to turn the land near the club into an area where up to 16 caravans and recreational vehicles can park for up to 28 days in any six-month period.

Under the plan, basic facilities such as showers and toilets will be available.

Public submissions on the proposal closed on 6 April, 2026.

An article in last week’s News Of The Area erroneously stated the City of Coffs Harbour Council had received around 50 submissions, with a majority in support.

At the time of writing, that was the number that had been uploaded to the council’s ‘Development Application Tracker’.

As of Monday, 13 April,

247 submissions had been received.

These submissions included a petition with multiple objections, and a petition from the proponent Seals Red Rock with multiple signatures in support.

Of the individual submissions received, the vast majority were opposed to the plan, with around three dozen writing in

support.

Red Rock property owner Ron Campey, whose family has owned a house in the village since 1950, described the Seals Red Rock proposal as “pretty contentious”.

He questioned statements from Seals Maroubra chairman Wayne Clare, who suggested that if the campground didn’t proceed, local organisations

such as the Red Rock Multi Use Centre would miss out on financial assistance from the club, specifically to help cover its insurance costs.

“They have never received any assistance from the club for their insurance,” Mr Campey said.

“Seals have come in and promised us a lot more than they have given.

“The community in Red

Rock has generally been very close over the years.

“They don’t want multistorey residences in Red Rock, and they can see how it could be heading in that direction.

“They might call it progress, but as a group we don’t want to see Red Rock over-developed.

“We want it to retain its character.”

Move for Coffs mental health hub

By Leigh WATSON

NOW in its second year of operation, the Coffs Harbour Medicare Mental Health Centre is moving to a larger, purpose-built facility, reflecting strong community demand for the free service.

Clinical Services Manager and Psychologist Emma Schubert said the move comes after a busy first 18 months, in which the centre quickly outgrew its original location at the Coffs Harbour Neighbourhood Centre.

“In its first year alone, the centre delivered over 5,000 clinical sessions, with 82 percent of clients reporting significant improvements in wellbeing,” Ms Schubert said.

The service now operates from Suite 2, Ground Floor, 27–29 Duke Street, Coffs Harbour.

Ms Schubert said the new premises were specifically

designed to improve accessibility and enhance the client experience.

“We have loved our first site in the Community Village and our strong partnership with the Neighbourhood Centre, but it’s just too small for us now,” she said.

“The new facility provides a modern, purposebuilt environment for mental health support, along with additional consultation rooms to meet increasing demand.”

Back when the centre opened, Ms Schubert said the partnership with the Neighbourhood Centre enabled services to begin quickly, but demand has since grown significantly.

“The centre now sees around 150 people each month.”

Despite the move, all contact details, referral pathways and operating

hours will remain unchanged, ensuring a seamless transition for clients.

“The new space allows us to continue offering immediate availability of services, including walk-ins, with no waitlist,” Ms Schubert said.

“Our team is committed to providing a smooth transition and uninterrupted access to care.”

Importantly, the centre offers free mental health support without the need for a Mental Health Care Plan.

The federally funded service focuses on supporting people experiencing moderate mental health challenges, often referred to as the “missing middle”.

“The Coffs Harbour Medicare Mental Health Centre is important to the community because we provide free, accessible mental health care for people

who may otherwise struggle to access support,” Ms Schubert said.

“We provide counselling for people experiencing depression, anxiety, life stressors and emotional dysregulation, often alongside underlying trauma.”

The multidisciplinary

team includes social workers, psychologists, counsellors, an intake worker and a peer worker, delivering shortto medium-term therapy typically ranging from six sessions to six months, depending on individual needs.

Ms Schubert acknowledged the support

of both Healthy North Coast and the Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Emma McBride, who visited the new centre last week. The centre can be contacted on 02 5642 4060 or via email at mmhc. coffsharbour@openminds. org.au.

Blue Plaque celebrates cartoonist

By Andrea FERRARI

COFFS Harbour’s first commemorative Blue Plaque has been installed at the National Cartoon Gallery in celebration of the work of well-known and respected cartoonist and journalist, Les Tanner.

Blue Plaques, an initiative of the NSW Government’s heritage engagement program, celebrates the wide-ranging and eclectic characters, personalities and important public figures that have made or become part of the history and fabric of the state.

It is modelled on the UK program to commemorate a link between a location and a famous person, people or event - serving as a

historical marker.

Les Tanner was renowned for his sharp observation and quick hand, making him one of Australia's most famous political cartoonists.

For over 40 years, he was guided by a strong sense of social justice, boldly engaging with the global political landscape, and critiquing current events through witty caricatures, columns, and books.

National Cartoon Gallery manager Bruce Nelson said it was fitting that the Blue Plaque for Mr Tanner was installed in Coffs Harbour at the nation’s only cartoon gallery, where some of his works are held.

“We have over 26,000 cartoons on file, with

some of Les’s forming part of this important historical and cultural collection,” he said.

“He began his career at The Daily Telegraph and went on to work as art director at The Bulletin magazine and eventually The Age newspaper, winning two Walkley Awards along the way.

“So, he is very deserving of the tribute.

“Any way we can promote cartooning and the contribution it makes through social commentary and art, is a part of our ethos and the installation of the Blue Plaque helps us achieve this.”

The plaque was unveiled on Wednesday 8 April by Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh.

q Les Tanner’s work.

Moonee astronomer’s giant discovery

By Andrea FERRARI

MOONEE amateur astronomer Jonathan Bradshaw has been honoured by the Astronomical Society of Australia (ASA) after discovering a giant ring rotating 4,000 km above the dwarf planet Quaoar.

Mr Bradshaw was awarded the Page Medal by Professor Fred Watson AM

at the National Australian Convention of Amateur Astronomers in Tamworth on Saturday 4 April.

He and fellow amateur astronomers Renato Langersek and John Broughton, were recognised for discoveries that have guided humanity’s big telescopes.

In 2021, the three astronomers - situated in

Samford, Brisbane and the Gold Coast - were watching as Quaoar passed in front of a distant star.

“The star blinked before and after Quaoar passed in front of it,” Mr Bradshaw said.

“Renato, John and I all saw it, so we knew it wasn’t a glitch.

“The best explanation was that there was a ring.

“It was an enigma because

Funding boost for cultural cabaret event

THE “Curryfest Cabaret: The Bollywood Express” has received a $20,000 funding boost through the Federal Festivals Australia program.

Set to be held during the iconic Curryfest festival in September, the cabaret will bring together local performers and community leaders, mixing music, dance, storytelling, and

contemporary performance.

Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan said the funding would help showcase the community’s culture and creativity.

“This grant ensures Curryfest can deliver another spectacular celebration for its 20th anniversary,” Mr Hogan said.

“The Cabaret will be

TAE40122

New

Enrol

BSB50420

Zoom

Enrol

a fantastic community event that showcases the diversity we have here in the region.”

Mr Hogan said the funding is part of a broader commitment to supporting regional arts and cultural events.

“Festivals like Curryfest are vital for our community, connecting people, attracting visitors to our region and promoting local tourism,” he said.

it is much further from Quaoar than expected by the ‘Roche Limit’.”

Rings are usually found inside the Roche Limit, where the planet’s tidal forces stop rings and debris from forming into a moon.

Quaoar is roughly half the size of Pluto and takes 288 years to orbit the Sun.

It is now known to have a moon and two rings.

Following their discovery, Mr Bradshaw co-authored a report for “Nature” detailing their discovery and subsequent observations of Quaoar.

“It’s exciting to be part of a discovery that has rocked the astrophysics world,” he told News Of The Area.

“It’s an honour to be part of a trio of amateurs who came along and spoiled what had, until that time, been a perfectly sound theory.

“It was a proper ‘what the…’ moment and I am super proud to receive notifications almost every week from other scientists using our published results to further their own understanding.”

Professor Richard McDermid, President of the Astronomical Society of Australia and Director of AAO (Australian Astronomical

Optics) at Macquarie University, described the trio as “remarkable astronomers” who demonstrate that dedicated amateurs can make significant contributions to our understanding of the cosmos.

Dr Tanya Hill, ASA prizes coordinator and astronomer at the Melbourne Planetarium, added, “These

‘backyard astronomers’ remind us that everyone can look at the night sky and observe.

“Their observations can guide the work of billiondollar telescopes.”

Meanwhile, back in Moonee, Mr Bradshaw says he is searching for his next discovery.

Coffs goes bananas for record attempt

HUNDREDS gathered at Jetty Beach on Saturday morning, attempting a world record for the largest banana formation made by people.

Dressed mostly in yellow, locals came together to form a giant human banana on the sand.

The attempt was a success, with the record never having been attempted before.

Hosted by Coffs Harbour Mayor Nikki Williams and Channel Nine’s Jane DeGraff, the event brought families,

community groups and visitors together in a playful tribute to the region’s rich banana-growing heritage.

The event also raised awareness of Coffs Harbour’s entry in the NSW Top Tourism Town Awards.

Voting is now open, with Coffs in the mix against Ballina, Forbes, Kiama, Moree, Orange, Shellharbour and Wollongong.

Mayor Williams said the event was a fun way to celebrate the community and its tourism offerings.

“Tourism is such an important part of our local economy, supporting jobs, small businesses and the future of our region,” Mayor Williams said.

“Events like this not only bring people together, they help showcase everything that makes Coffs Harbour a destination worth visitingand worth voting for.”

Voting in the NSW Top Tourism Town Awards is open until 3 May at https:// nswtourismassociation.com. au/top-tourism-town-2026.

Calls for better travel reimbursements

AS regional communities continue to struggle with soaring fuel costs, Member for Oxley Michael Kemp and Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh are calling on the NSW Government to increase support for rural and regional patients travelling long distances for medical care.

The MPs say the current 40 cents per kilometre subsidy under the Isolated Patients Travel and Accommodation Assistance Scheme (IPTAAS) is no longer keeping pace with the real cost of travel.

Mr Singh said the current IPTAAS rate “simply isn’t cutting it”.

Mr Kemp says the issue is being more keenly felt in regional and rural areas.

“In Sydney, you can likely see a specialist down the road,” he said.

“In Oxley, it can mean hours behind the wheel, multiple times a week.

“In the regions, we’re already paying more at the bowser, and with fuel prices continuing to climb, those trips are becoming increasingly expensive – far beyond what the current subsidy was designed to cover.”

Shadow Minister for Regional Health Sarah Mitchell said increasing the IPTAAS travel rate is a

simple, practical step the government could take immediately to better support regional patients.

“This is a straightforward change that would make a real difference right now,” Mrs Mitchell said.

NOTA asked the office of Regional Health Minister Ryan Park whether an increase to the IPTAAS travel rate would be considered.

In a statement, a spokesperson for Mr Park said, “We are monitoring the fuel supply situation closely.

“The States and Territories have agreed to a National Fuel Security Plan with the Commonwealth,

to ensure the response is coordinated and flexible so we can act quickly as the situation changes.

“We will continue to take measures that we believe are consistent with the National Plan to conserve fuel and do what we can to ease the cost of living for New South Wales.”

Fuel costs hit disability sector

Sustained high fuel costs are also having impacts across the nation’s disability sector, with NDIS workers in NSW struggling to afford fuel to drive clients to essential appointments.

In response, the Australian Services Union

(ASU) NSW & ACT has backed calls for a higher car expenses allowance.

The ASU - the union for NDIS workers - is supporting the Australian Council of Trade Union's application to the Fair Work Commission to increase the amount community and disability sector workers can claim for transport and fuel expenses when driving their own car for work.

ASU NSW & ACT

Secretary Angus McFarland said the government’s initial fuel excise cut was welcome, but not enough to shield disability workers from pain at the pump.

“We support the ACTU’s call for a higher allowance that better protects essential workers, including disability

support workers, from high fuel costs,” Mr McFarland said.

“Our union has been inundated with calls from NDIS workers across NSW and the ACT who can't afford fuel to support people with disabilities.

“Hundreds of disability support workers have told us that the cost of fuel is affecting their work, their wellbeing, and their lives outside their job.

“NDIS workers often use their own cars to drive people with disabilities to medical appointments and other important services.

“With sky-high fuel prices, NDIS travel reimbursements are falling short, leaving workers out of pocket.”

Coffs Show to celebrate women in agriculture

By Andrea FERRARI

THE Coffs Harbour Agricultural Show is back in May, bringing two days of entertainment, agriculture, and community spirit to the showgrounds.

Showcasing local life and agri-business since 1914, Coffs Ag Show’s theme this year is “Women in Agriculture, Cultivating the Future”.

Running Friday 1 May

(4pm–10pm) and Saturday 2 May (9am–10pm), the 2026 Show Society committee has put together an actionpacked program of events to run alongside the pavilion produce and craft contests.

New this year is Outback Jack's Stockman's Show, which will entertain family audiences with horsemanship, bush skills and humour.

A Silent Disco, LEGO exhibition and Supertank

Child trampled by horse

THE WESTPAC Rescue Helicopter Service (WRHS) airlifted a young boy interstate after an accident with a horse over the weekend.

The WRHS was tasked by NSW Ambulance at about 9:30am on Sunday 12 April

to a property north west of Dorrigo, responding to reports a child had been trampled by a horse.

The young boy was treated on-site by NSW Ambulance paramedics and the helicopter’s critical care medical team for multiple injuries before being airlifted to Gold Coast University Hospital.

Fishing Show round out the fresh lineup of attractions.

Returning favourites include Old MacDonald's (petting) Farm, Steve's Reptile World, sideshow alley, show bags, and the ever-popular woodchop competition, cattle and equestrian events.

In the Coffs Harbour Show Pavilion, there will be an array of contests allowing people from all different backgrounds the opportunity

to enter something they are passionate about.

“From jam making, to crafting quilts, baking fruit cakes or scones, photography, and growing oddly-shaped vegetables, it’s all open to the community to compete for small prizes,” Show Society President Kaye Hamilton told News Of The Area.

Also in the Pavilion are the artworks and projects from local preschools, primary

schools and high schools.

“This is a great way for children to participate in a community run event and showcase their talents.”

Outside on the big stage on Saturday at 11.30am, Donovans Surf Club Restaurant and Bar chef Matt Donovan will give a live cooking demonstration.

The Grand Parade follows that afternoon before a fireworks display closes out

the night. Ms Hamilton said the event remains a vital celebration of the Mid North Coast's agricultural identity.

"It's a place where the heart of our community beats loudly, where city and country connect.

“Our volunteers are our most valuable asset.

Connell Park officially opens

By Jessica MILLER

BELLINGEN’S Connell Park

Sporting Precinct reopened with a flourish on 11 April, after unexpected delays to its refurbishment over the past 18 months.

Bellingen Shire Council, the Connell Park Sporting Committee, and Community Aquatics, hosted a fun day at the park, with a free sausage sizzle, entry to the Bellingen pool, bouncing castles, face

painting and a host of sports.

Soccer, ultimate frisbee, archery, rugby league and netball all featured on the program.

The park’s refurbishments include new playing surfaces and two new pavilions and a toilet blockcomplementing the adjacent netball courts, which were upgraded in 2023.

Oxley MP Michael Kemp and Bellingen Shire Mayor Steve Allan were also in

attendance, meeting with volunteers and viewing the new facilities.

The Bellingen Football Club (BFC) was out playing friendly games, with official matches for the Senior Women’s competition kicking off at 1pm.

BFC President Brian Levine was very pleased with the park and said the club had recently complemented the quality of the field with new sporting and canteen

equipment, thanks to a NSW Government grant.

Volunteering and community support is a crucial part of the club’s ongoing success, with the need to coordinate games for over 350 players, along with administration, operations, coaching, and mentoring.

“We would like to acknowledge the previous committee and Bellingen Council for all the hard work they’ve done in getting grants,

and to get it to this stage,” he said.

“Last year was a challenge without our own field, and we had to reach out to the community to help us get by.

“City of Coffs Harbour Council was very generous in allowing us to use their synthetic fields.”

Club stalwart Phil Lynch was awarded a lifetime membership, and while his full-time coaching days are behind him, he still

“Without volunteers, there would be no Coffs Harbour Agricultural Show.” volunteers his time every week, mentoring others and helping onsite.

Ultimate Frisbee Bellingen Coordinator Ben Lewis runs free matches on Tuesday afternoons at the Bellingen High School oval.

He said everyone is welcome to try the game.

“There’s no special equipment or prior experience needed.

“Kids up to seniors are welcome, it’s very low pressure.

“We have a great core team now but always love welcoming new players.”

Ensemble Trivium performs in Coffs

By Andrea FERRARI

COFFS Harbour Music Society

will host Ensemble Trivium in concert on Friday 24 April at John Paul College Theatre.

The vibrant collective of some of Brisbane’s leading musicians - flautist Monika Koerner, violinist Anne Horton and violist Yoko Okayasu - is renowned for creating exhilarating concert experiences.

“It is a great pleasure to continue to have performers of this high calibre coming to Coffs Harbour,” Music Society president Dr Leigh Summers said.

With warmth, flair and imagination, the trio weave together timeless masterworks, contemporary

gems, and world premieres, often unearthing musical treasures that deserve to be heard.

“It is wonderful to hear unfamiliar works by great composers such as Beethoven on their programs.”

There will be a free preconcert talk at 6:30pm, in which Vice President Robert Smallwood will reveal some of the extraordinary craft and joy hiding in these great works.

The concert of richly contrasted chamber music showcases the expressive possibilities of the flute, violin and viola.

The program opens with Bohuslav Martinu’s Three Madrigals for violin and viola.

This is a vibrant, folk

inspired and playful work full of rhythmic vitality and wit.

While written in the twentieth century, it draws on older dance forms, and the piece sparkles with colour and spontaneity as a result.

Beethoven’s Serenade in D major, Op. 25 follows.

It is a work from his early Viennese years, brimming with sparkling virtuosity and refined beauty.

This work is by turns lyrical, humorous and warmly conversational, revealing Beethoven’s gift to blend sophistication with pure joy.

The concert concludes with Zoltán Kodály’s Serenade, Op. 12, in a compelling arrangement for flute, violin and viola.

‘Call and Response’

By Andrea FERRARI

MID North Coast artist

Julie Byers will open her new exhibition “Call and Response” at Bellingen’s Nexus Community Gallery on Sunday 26 April, between noon and 2pm.

A collage and poetry exhibition, it reflects on Hurricane Katrina, 20 years after the disaster devastated New Orleans and the US Gulf Coast.

The body of work is shaped by Byers’ personal

connection to the event.

On 29 August 2005, Hurricane Katrina struck the US Gulf Coast, inundating New Orleans after catastrophic levee failures.

More than 1,800 people lost their lives and hundreds of thousands were displaced.

Ms Byers was in New Orleans as part of a 43-member Australian and New Zealand community choir.

She left the city ahead of the storm.

“Call and Response is

collage and poetry

a series of collage works developed two decades on from my narrow escape from New Orleans,” she said.

“Under the guidance of choirmaster Tony Backhouse, we travelled to the United States to explore the heart and soul of gospel music country.

“Our repertoire, including The Storm Is Passing Over, Only a Prayer Away and Be Thankful, became an eerie portent of what was to come.

“We escaped by taxi convoy, organised by a local

driver named BJ, and found safety in Memphis with hundreds of other evacuees.

“From there, we watched as the city drowned and help failed to come.”

Each collage is anchored by music and is accompanied by a haibun (descriptive prose capturing the specific memory) that carries the

visual narrative into the written word.

Together, image and text trace the journey from escape to aftermath, drawing on altered photographs, publicdomain imagery, found text, acrylic ink and paint across paper, board and canvas.

Ms Byers said the series reflects on the suffering

unleashed by Katrina, but also on wider questions it exposed: how race, inequality and vulnerability shape who is protected, who is left waiting, and who bears the greatest burden in disasters. The exhibition continues daily from 10am to 4pm until 21 May.

Mantova Art Prize winners

By Jessica MILLER

BELLINGEN community

members were treated to a vibrant opening night of the EJ Mantova Art Prize on 11 April.

Artists and friends squeezed into the Bellingen Gallery and Framing Studio, where the efforts of around 80 artists were displayed.

This year saw 113 entries submitted across four categories.

The emcee for the evening was Bellinger River Agricultural Society Vice President Susan Lumsdaine, with guest speaker Mayor Steve Allan.

Artworks were judged

by Arts National Coffs Coast Chair Annie Talve, and Michael Sprott, a cultural mediator with a background in art practice and curatorship.

Art National Coffs Coast runs a popular series of 10 art talks each year, including six by international experts.

Ms Talve praised the quality of this year’s submissions.

“As you can see, Bellingen and the region more broadly is just bursting with creative talent,” she said.

“It’s a powerhouse, always has been, and it continues to be.”

Apparently one for a little controversy, Mr Sprott

joked that he was frustrated at how easily he and Ms Talve agreed on the winners.

The winning entries this year were: “The Italian Vase” by Charlotte Craib (Marie Warwick Memorial Open Prize), “Bellinger Valley Sunrise” by Tony Carlon (Landscape), “The Odd Couple” by Reggy Moir (Sculpture) and “Artist in Residence” by Dawn LewisMcDonald (Miniatures).

Second prizes were awarded to Richard Sampson (Open), Edward Cameron (Landscape), Linda Coomber (Sculpture) and Gregory Coates (Miniatures).

News Of The Area spoke with Richard Sampson

during the event.

He was excited at winning second prize as it was his first time entering an art show and the first time he’s had “art up on the wall”.

Richard’s illustration skills have become popular with some niche markets, including heavy metal musicians and fantasy.

“This is the first time I’ve done something more

personal,” he said. “I’d love to do more work like this.”

He noted that starting out as an illustrator in the UK, he always wanted to draw comic books.

His experience while studying was that people weren’t interested in that style of illustration, considering it a “low form of art”.

“That was in the 90s, but

now it’s celebrated.”

Due to its rising entry numbers and popularity among audiences, the Art Prize was recently moved from the Showground Pavilion to the Bellingen Gallery and Framing Studio at 44 Hyde Street. The exhibition will run for four weeks, concluding on 10 May.

Bellingen Agricultural Show visitors can also view the winning artworks throughout the Show weekend at the Bellingen Showground Pavilion.

Seafood industry calls for reversal of cuts

By Sis HIGGINS

THE loss of a key mental health program for Australia’s seafood industry has prompted urgent calls for funding to be reinstated.

Federal Member for Cowper Pat Conaghan wrote to the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and the Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, requesting immediate action to restore the “Stay Afloat” Program.

Established in 2020, “Stay Afloat” delivers industry-led mental health support across seafood communities.

Funding ceased in September 2025 and has not

been reinstated.

“At a time when all primary industries are being hammered with uncertainty, we can’t be reducing the services available to those in mental distress,” Mr Conaghan said.

“We all know the brutal statistics around suicide within primary producer communities, and as a Federal Government we can’t be taking our hands off the wheel on this issue.”

Mr Conaghan said the seafood industry, particularly oyster farmers, had faced compounding pressures.

“The seafood industry in our electorate has been hit particularly hard in recent

years, especially our oyster farmers.

“Every minor flooding event sees oyster businesses shut for weeks, if not months.

“And now with so many unable to access fuel, either due to price or supply, the level of stress is at fever pitch.”

The owner of Port Oyster Company Paul Wilson said, “It’s a backward step when taking funds away from programs.

“It’s quite devastating to see your hard word destroyed in front of you and these programs can help people affected by the disasters to get through it.

“Especially over the past few years and with the situation right now.”

NSW Farmers Oyster Committee Chair and Stuarts Point oyster farmer Todd Graham, raised the issue directly with Mr Conaghan.

“People in our industry are really struggling and now have no-one who understands our unique challenges to talk to.

“I actually tried to call them myself last week but received no reply.

“I [have] since found out that the funding was pulled in September and they are no longer providing the service at all in NSW.”

Mr Graham said ongoing

challenges continue to take a toll.

“With all the natural disasters in our region since 2019, on top of QX outbreaks in oysters, white spot disease in prawns, and the algal bloom in SA, this fuel disaster is just compounding

the issues for farmers already at their wits end.”

Stay Afloat trained 189 volunteer “Trusted Advocates” across more than 70 communities to provide Mental Health First Aid and localised wellbeing support.

The initiative was devised to create programs “For Industry, By Industry” and highlights the vital role community-driven solutions play in fostering resilience.

News Of The Area contacted the minister for comment but has not had a reply.

Small trees, big passion

By Kate PYE

THE delicate art of bonsai drew crowds to the North Coast Regional Botanic Garden on 11-12 April, where the Coffs Harbour Tokonoma Bonsai Society hosted its annual show.

The event brought together enthusiasts and curious visitors alike, offering a glimpse into the centuriesold practice of cultivating miniature trees.

While bonsai originated in China, it is more widely recognised today as a refined Japanese art form focused on patience, precision and creativity.

Visitors were invited to vote for their favourite trees on display, with the final result coming down to just two votes between first and

second place - testament to the high quality of entries.

The club takes its name from the Japanese tokonoma, a traditional alcove used to display art such as bonsai.

Society president Cheryl Benn, who helped organise the event, said the goal was to share the beauty and discipline of bonsai with the wider community.

“Bonsai brings people together,” she said.

“It’s creative, it’s calming, and it connects you with nature in a really meaningful way.”

The exhibition featured a wide variety of trees, all owned and maintained by club members.

Displays ranged from traditional Japanese-inspired triangular forms to more dynamic cascade styles,

where branches flow below the pot.

Some trees showcased advanced techniques such as “shari” and “jin”, where trunks and branches are deliberately deadened to mimic natural ageing.

The show included both novice and open categories, encouraging first-time exhibitors alongside more experienced growers.

A special highlight was the involvement of younger members, including a fatherand-son duo, Nathan and Isaac.

Demonstrations over the weekend added an educational element to the event.

Club secretary Dave Kennedy led live sessions, repotting a fig tree on Saturday and transforming a

juniper into a cascade-style bonsai on Sunday.

The society, which has been active for 43 years, has seen renewed interest in recent times.

According to members, the COVID-19 pandemic and the rise of online tutorials have inspired more people to take up bonsai as a hobby.

“People discovered bonsai during lockdowns and realised how rewarding it can be,” Cheryl said.

“It’s something you can keep learning and improving over time.”

With its blend of artistry, horticulture and mindfulness, the annual bonsai show continues to grow in popularity, offering a peaceful and inspiring experience for the Coffs Harbour community.

Forestry advocacy body warns of hidden cost pressures

FOREST and Wood Communities Australia (FWCA) Chair Steve Dobbyns has warned that hidden cost pressures are overwhelming regional industries.

FWCA, an advocacy body representing forestry businesses and timber industry communities, says recent fuel relief measures are failing to deliver meaningful impact for regional industries, as underlying diesel costs continue to rise sharply across the supply chain.

While welcoming the Federal Government's decision to halve the fuel excise and scrap the Heavy Vehicle Road User Charge (RUC) for three months, Mr Dobbyns said the reality on the ground tells a very different story.

“Despite promised savings of 58.7c at the bowser, diesel users are seeing prices surge to highs of $3.39/l in regional areas,” Mr Dobbyns said.

“Even with the removal

of the RUC and halving the fuel excise, the Terminal Gate Prices are still almost a dollar more than before the US-Iran conflict began,” he said.

“Operators need to find that from somewhere and they need to find it now, not just claim it back at BAS (Business Activity Statement) time.

“By then, it will be too late for some."

FWCA said wholesale diesel prices, reflected in terminal gate pricing, have surged dramatically since the onset of the conflict, with some markets jumping from around $1.60/L to over $3.00/L in a matter of weeks.

“These are the real costs driving the system,” Mr Dobbyns said.

“Terminal gate prices set the baseline for everything that follows - freight rates, contractor pricing, machinery operation and ultimately the cost of getting timber, food and goods to market.”

FWCA says focusing

solely on pump price relief ignores the broader cost environment facing dieselreliant industries.

“We’ve said from the outset this isn’t just about what you pay at the bowser.

“It’s about the full cost stack.”

Across forestry, farming and freight, Mr Dobbyns said businesses are now absorbing rising freight and haulage costs as contractors factor in fuel volatility; increased machinery operating expenses across harvesting and transport; higher parts, servicing and equipment costs linked to global supply pressures; and escalating contractor rates as fuel risk is priced into every job.

FWCA noted that even where tax relief is applied, these compounding pressures are quickly offset before any meaningful savings reach operators.

“There is a clear disconnect between policy announcements and what’s

actually being experienced at the bowser in regional Australia,” Mr Dobbyns said.

“By the time relief filters through, it’s already been absorbed by higher wholesale pricing and flowon costs across the supply chain.”

For regional industries operating on tight margins, FWCA warns the situation is becoming unsustainable.

“Forestry, farming and freight don’t have the ability to simply absorb these increases.

“These are essential industries - and they’re being squeezed from every direction.”

FWCA is calling on the Federal Government to expand its response beyond temporary tax relief and address the full economic impact of the diesel crisis.

“We need a response that reflects how these industries actually operate - where fuel is embedded across every part of the supply chain, not just the

price.”

Nominations open for volunteer awards

IT’S time for people across the Mid North Coast to nominate family, friends or work mates for the 2026 NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards, to help celebrate the enormous positive impact of volunteers across the state.

The awards are in their 20th year and are run by The Centre for Volunteering to recognise the outstanding work of volunteers in every region across NSW.

Nominations for the awards can be made across seven separate categories.

The 2025 NSW State

of Volunteering Report revealed that volunteers across the state give 1.3 billion hours of their time to their communities each year, contributing $205.3 billion to the NSW economy.

The Centre for Volunteering CEO Gemma Rygate said the NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards celebrate this amazing contribution.

“Volunteers in NSW do so much good for so many people every year,” Ms Rygate said.

“Now, more than ever, we need to shine a light

on the positive impact of volunteering, particularly in areas like the Mid North Coast.

“That’s what these awards are all about.”

Last year’s Mid North Coast Volunteer of the Year was dedicated canteen worker, fundraiser and event organiser Tania Hrbacek, who was recognised for her support for teachers, students and their families across seven schools in the Orara Learning Community.

Minister with Responsibility for Volunteering, Jodie Harrison MP, said volunteers are a powerful force for change in our communities.

“Our state would not

be the thriving place it is, without the millions of volunteers giving their time and sharing their knowledge and skills every day.

“They don’t do it for recognition or awards, but because they want to help others.

“The NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards are a great way to celebrate their contributions and show that they are appreciated.

“I urge people to nominate someone you know – the unsung heroes in our communities – for these awards.” Nominations are open until Friday 29 May 2026 at The Centre for Volunteering website.

The health benefits of walkable neighbourhoods

AMID soaring fuel prices which are prompting Australians to explore alternative transport options, a new study highlights the health benefits of walkable neighbourhoods.

New research shows that regional residents living in walkable towns and centres walk 75 minutes more each week, prompting calls for Governments to invest more in well-connected, safe footpaths to boost community health.

The new paper, led by the Menzies Institute for Medical Research at the University of Tasmania, was published last week in the Australia and New Zealand Journal of Public Health.

It's the first of its kind to show walkability has a bigger impact on the amount of time spent walking in regional communities.

Lead author Dr Sharon Campbell, post-doctoral research fellow in the Environmental Health

Research team at the Menzies Institute for Health Research, said that the study highlights the need to enhance walkability in regional and rural towns across Australia.

“Our study assessed walkability based on how connected and convenient it is to get around an area by foot. For instance, how easily and quickly can you walk to the local shops, schools, parks or public transport,” said Dr Campbell.

“When we merged Tasmanian government health data with geospatial walkability assessments, we revealed a clear link between walkability and residents’ physical activity levels across the state, with an even stronger relationship in regional and rural areas.

“Our research found residents in high walkability regional areas walked 75 minutes more a week compared to those living

in low walkability regional areas.

“Even those in regional areas of medium walkability walked over 60 minutes more a week compared to those in low walkability regional areas. In comparison residents in high walkability urban centres walked 38 minutes more when walkability was high.”

Senior author Professor Verity Cleland, from the Menzies Institute for Medical Research, said that with regional Australian towns experiencing unique health challenges including higher rates of preventable chronic disease, improving walkability could offer a simple, but effective solution to help address health inequalities.

“Imagine if all Australian towns were built with walkability in mind –everyone would be able to travel easily and conveniently on foot, boosting their health while saving money on fuel and protecting the environment,” said Professor

Cleland.

“But traditionally government planning and funding has prioritised roads and driving, particularly in regional areas, leading to lack of well-connected footpaths and facilities.

“Our research uncovered a higher number of regional areas that had low walkability compared to urban areas.

“Walkability shouldn’t be limited to urban centres.

“No matter where you live you should be able to walk around your local area safety and conveniently.

“We need local, state and Federal Governments to do more to set up regional towns with walkable infrastructure to help boost health, particularly in our regional communities.”

Adjunct Professor Terry Slevin, CEO, Public Health Association of Australia said that promoting physical activity across the nation is a public health priority.

"Being physically active has an enormous range of health benefits

Statewide approach to community consultation

THE NSW Government is attempting to introduce a statewide approach for how communities have their say on planning proposals.

A draft statewide Community Participation Plan is now on public exhibition.

Currently there are more than 100 different Community Participation Plans across the state, each with its own approach, timeframes and thresholds for consultation on planning matters.

The State Government said this has led to inconsistent consultation practices and confusion for proponents, homeowners, community members and other stakeholders trying to

engage with and navigate the planning system.

“Consulting the community is a central part of the NSW planning system and the introduction of a single Community Participation Plan will simplify this and standardise public exhibition and consultation requirements across the state,” the government said in a statement.

“The draft plan reframes NSW’s approach to community consultation by putting the primary focus on strategic planning and major complex development applications instead of sweating the small stuff.

“It proposes longer timeframes for the

community to have their say on strategic planning proposals that set out where development should occur and where infrastructure is needed; while reducing the number of low-impact development application types required to be exhibited by councils, speeding up assessment and decision making.”

Key changes include:

• Extending minimum consultation timeframes on significant state-level strategic planning initiatives like the recent draft Sydney Plan and the State Plan from 45 days to 60 days.

• Standardising the process for notification of Complying Development

across the state and giving neighbours seven days’ notice before any works begin.

• Making public exhibition requirements clear for different types of local development so that councils do not need to exhibit things like new single or two storey houses or sheds and pools that already meet planning controls.

Councils will still be able to tailor their own community engagement strategies to suit local needs and feed into other council plans and policies.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said, “We are encouraging more people to have their say up front when looking

at the future of their city, town or suburb by focusing consultation on strategic planning decisions while making the approach to consultation on planning matters clear and consistent across the state.

“We’re taking more than 100 inconsistent and sometimes contradictory plans and bringing them into one clear, consistent approach to give communities a strong voice in the planning system.”

The move has been strongly supported by the Housing Industry Association (HIA).

“The statewide Community Participation Plan will improve the planning system by

including reducing the risk of diseases like cancer, diabetes, dementia and heart disease, as well as improving sleep, mobility, strength, confidence and mental health,” said Adjunct Professor Slevin.

“When it comes to health benefits, nothing beats it, and if we could put the benefits of physical activity into a pill, everyone would be taking it.”

Adjunct Prof Slevin said that with less than 25 percent of Australians meeting physical activity recommendations, more needs to be done to make it easier for Australians to live healthy lifestyles.

“It is recommended adults do at least 30 minutes exercise most days of the week.

“Walking is a convenient, enjoyable and healthy way to get around. It’s something that families can do together, can be done in almost all stages of life and it is free.

“Improving walkability right across the country is a sensible and simple way to boost our physical activity and ultimately protect health and well-being.”

introducing a consistent approach to consultation on planning matters across all of NSW, adding more certainty for communities and industry,” said Brad Armitage, HIA Executive Director NSW.

“HIA fully supports the move to put the primary focus of community consultation on strategic planning and major projects, rather than lower-impact development types such as single dwellings, sheds and pools, already designed to meet planning controls.”

The draft Community Participation Plan and discussion paper are on exhibition until Wednesday 3 June 2026.

To have your say, visit https://www.planningportal. nsw.gov.au/proposedstatewide-cpp

WHAT'S VIBIN

Return of Sunday Sounds

FOLLOWING a soldout opening concert, “Celebrating The Seekers –60 Years” with Keith Potger, Sunday Sounds returns to the City of Coffs Harbour’s Jetty Memorial Theatre with another afternoon of music steeped in nostalgia, storytelling and connection.

On Sunday 26 April at

2pm, acclaimed musician and writer Dorian Mode and his trio bring to the stage “What the World Needs Now”, a heartfelt tribute to the enduring partnership of Burt Bacharach and Hal David.

Dorian’s connection to this music began early, inspired by a childhood

concert experience that sparked a lifelong admiration for Bacharach’s sophisticated compositions and David’s deeply expressive lyrics.

In this carefully curated performance, Dorian reimagines a catalogue of classics that continue to resonate across decades.

Audiences can expect

beloved hits such as “Walk On By,” “This Guy’s in Love With You,” and “What the World Needs Now Is Love,” alongside lesser-known treasures that reveal the depth of this remarkable songwriting partnership.

A multi award-winning artist, Dorian Mode brings both musical excellence and

engaging storytelling to the stage. His performances are known for their warmth, wit and insight, offering audiences not just a concert, but a rich and personal journey through the music.

As with every Sunday Sounds event, the experience extends beyond the performance.

Guests are invited to stay for complimentary afternoon tea, creating space to reflect, connect and share in the joy of music together.

Sunday Sounds continues to offer a welcoming and uplifting way to spend a Sunday afternoon, where timeless songs and shared memories take centre stage.

OPINION & LETTERS

Dorin's Drawings

By Manny WOOD

Family law, capacity and death

HARRY and Wendy have been married for 10 years.

When the relationship deteriorates, Wendy moves out of the jointly owned matrimonial home.

There are no children to the relationship.

Harry and Wendy continue to reside separately for 10 years, before Harry is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease.

He appoints his son Peter, from a previous relationship, to manage his financial affairs under a power of attorney.

Peter commences property proceedings under the Family Law Act against Wendy and files an Application for Divorce on Harry’s behalf as his “litigation guardian”.

Peter seeks orders that the matrimonial home be sold, and that Harry receive the whole of the proceeds of sale.

Wendy claims that although they did not reside continuously under the same roof, their relationship continued.

She says they often stayed over at each other’s residences and cites holidays that were taken together after she moved out.

Centrelink records do not support Wendy’s claims.

The Court has difficulty in its attempts to “retrospectively piece together the history of the parties”, given Harry’s worsening condition and Wendy’s “contradictory” evidence, with the Court finding her to be an “unimpressive witness”.

Nonetheless, the Court considers the parties’ respective financial and non-financial contributions, the contributions made by each party as homemaker and parent, the effect any family violence has had on a party’s ability to make contributions, and the effect of any proposed order upon the earning capacity of either party.

The Court notes that when Harry retired, shortly before meeting Wendy, he owned the matrimonial home solely and had a substantial superannuation fund.

Wendy brought $50,000 into the relationship and did not obtain paid employment during the relationship, stating that she attended to domestic duties and Harry’s ongoing care.

The Court reserves its decision.

Unfortunately, Harry passes away, before the decision is delivered.

Ultimately, the Court rules that Harry’s estate is entitled to receive 77.5 percent of the property pool and Wendy is to receive 22.5 percent, equating to around $130,000.

The parties pay their own legal costs.

This fictional column is not legal advice.

By Paul DORIN

Verse of the week

By Lynne MILES

Even war heroes can be held to account

DEAR News Of The Area,

AS ANZAC Day approaches, and as wars rage unabated in Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, it is important to contemplate the sacrifices made by previous generations and what legacies we have inherited.

Almost everyone who participated in WWII is now dead, weakening the direct link to that dark period in history that still casts its shadow over today's world.

The second world war was a time of unparalleled barbarity involving torture, genocide, fire bombing of civilians, nuclear destruction of cities, and much more.

At the time a lot of this was justified as a necessary response to the venality of the Nazis and their racist ideology.

After the war ended there was a general consensus that action needed to be taken to prevent such atrocities happening again.

The United Nations (UN) was created in 1945.

Its primary goal is to prevent future conflicts, maintain international peace, and promote human rights.

In 1949 the Geneva Conventions were created.

This treaty, and its additional protocols, seeks to protect people who do not take part in the fighting (civilians, medics, aid workers) and those who can no longer fight (wounded, sick and shipwrecked troops, prisoners of war).

These treaties, and the institutions that seek to enforce them, have been created and agreed to in order to prevent a descent into barbarity.

On the Couch

DEAR Jasminda,

By JASMINDA

I HAVE been going really well with my eating and exercise plan, but over Easter it went out the window. I'm feeling very guilty and disillusioned.

Fiona W.

Dear Fiona,

This is completely relatable, and I'm sure many of our readers will be feeling post-Easter remorse.

In a 24-hour period, I somehow managed to eat Lindt chocolate eggs, Easter buns, Cadbury eggs, chocolate bunnies, Easter buns with lashings of butter, a baked dinner, and, just to top it off, a chocolate-hazelnut meringue dessert.

The fact that they appear to be breached with impunity does not mean that they are ineffective.

On the contrary, we need to be reminded of their usefulness and the need to enforce them more than ever.

The arrest of Ben RobertsSmith on allegations of war crimes is a pertinent example that even war heroes can be held to account.

The accusations against him came, not from investigative journalists, but from his own comrades who knew the law and understood the consequences.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that the world recognises “the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world”.

This dignity is inherent, it belongs to all of us.

I could have declined the dessert, but at that stage of the proceedings, what was the point?

Now that we are back to a working week, I'm seriously regretting my life choices.

Then again, we can't be disciplined all the time. Sometimes we just have to break out.

The fact is, Fiona, there is nothing we can do about yesterday.

Decision were made. They may have been the wrong ones.

To keep going blindly down the same path would be foolish.

The only thing we can deal with is the repercussions, in this

No exceptions. These rights are inalienable. They can not be taken away.

This is what the world agreed to as a way to acknowledge the deaths of over 70 million people in nearly six years of war.

If we truly wish to honour and respect the people who gave their lives in war then we should

case an expanded waistline and regret. There are ways to shift both, so let's go through some options.

1. Drink lots of water. Water will fill you up, it's good for you, and it will help to move your sluggish metabolism and flush out all that sugar.

2. Go for a walk. Walk a dog, if you have one, or just walk on your own or with an equally guiltridden friend. Moving is a great way to improve your mindset and it may burn off a couple of those eggs too.

3. Have a healthy lunch full of salad ingredients. This will help reset your Easter binge in a positive way.

4. Remove temptations. If you still have some chocolate treats left over, give them to friends with young kids, neighbours or other family members. You won't be able to move on while there are still Easter eggs on every surface of your house.

5. Don't be hard on yourself. It is challenging in the postsugar-high stage to stay positive, but you have survived many overindulging experiences in your past, and you'll survive this one too.

Perhaps now is the time to plan for the future.

Next Easter you could set limits.

Have a three-egg rule, put in a 'no chocolate after 10am' clause, premake a healthy dinner so there is no temptation to just keep making poor choices. If it makes you feel any better, I just put my Easter Sunday eating total into an app, and it told me I would need to walk for 11 hours to break even.

I guess with the price of fuel at the moment, it's an option worth considering.

Carpe diem, Jasminda.

seek to strengthen and apply a respect for human rights.

War crimes should be prosecuted and war criminals should be held to account.

Regards, Peter SOBEY, Valla.

Electric trucks are the future

DEAR News Of The Area,

THE price of diesel fuel must be sounding alarm bells to heavy transport operators.

How long will the price of diesel stay high, or more to the point how long will it take to return to the prices of a month ago – if ever?

How pleasing it was to see a B-double rated electric prime mover parked outside Parliament House in Canberra recently.

Not surprisingly, Australian trials are showing how much faster and more cost effective

these vehicles are compared to diesel powered trucks.

For these reasons, the number of heavy-duty electric trucks is rapidly increasing in other countries, particularly in China.

Electrification offers the next great opportunity to bring down the cost of road transporting our groceries and thereby put sustainable downward pressure on inflation in the long term.

There will always be a place for diesel fuelled trucks in the outback, but electric trucks are a no-brainer on the major freight routes along the east coast. Meanwhile, instead of embracing this new technology, conservative politicians in

Australia are arguing that these vehicles don’t exist, that net-zero is a furphy, and that we should be drilling for oil or making it from coal.

Is this really how the conservatives see the future and how cost of living can be reduced?

Reaching net-zero is the driver of this technological revolution and we should be arguing for the rapid expansion of the infrastructure required to make heavy-duty electric trucks a reality – if only to reduce Australia’s dependence on imported diesel.

Regards, Stephen OTTAWAY, Red Rock.

How to get rich from war

DEAR News Of The Area,

IT’S worth noting that the US/ Israel war on Iran is going to affect people differently.

Setting aside the effects on the Iranian people, the main effect here in Australia is that the costs of energy and food are going to go up.

For working and middle-class people this is going to be a large

chunk of weekly expenditure, but for wealthy people this will go almost unnoticed because they don’t spend as much on food and energy in terms of percentage of their overall income.

How wealthy people will be affected is through asset values.

As energy and food costs go up, so too do values of assets such as oil.

These assets are largely held

by wealthy people, so they stand to benefit.

Meanwhile, working and middle-class people will be supported by the government as government money will be spent to take the sting off the increase in food and energy costs.

Another point worth noting here is that government money is public money – i.e. it belongs to the people.

While this money will indeed go directly to the people, it will be used to pay for the higher costs of food and energy.

The people who receive it won’t benefit, they will just find it easier to survive.

Ultimately, the money will go to those who hold the food and energy assets: the wealthy.

So, the amount of money the government holds will be reduced, which these days is not an anomaly but a trend, and it will be transferred to the wealthy.

Without a tax system designed to reduce inequality, this will continue and likely increase as climate change fosters more wars, droughts, fires and floods.

So, in short, to get rich off of the war in Iran, the first step is to already be rich.

The system will do the rest.

Regards, Marcus BAYNES-ROCK, Coffs Harbour.

Fuel shortages are the fault of government

DEAR News Of The Area,

AUSTRALIA until recently had 10 oil refineries, but now has only two.

Therefore we rely almost entirely on imports of finished products, of which we have only a few weeks of

supply stored on Australian soil.

The late Senator Major General Jim Molan pointed out the severe consequences of our defence forces relying on imports.

Australia from the 1980s to early 2000s produced over 80

percent of our crude oil needs, but now produces less than 20 percent, and much of that is exported for overseas refineries to process.

We do have vast amounts of gas and crude oil underground, but poor government policies do

Just like you and me

DEAR News Of The Area,

AS a manager in an insurance company, I was required to visit

repairers doing repairs for us.

I recall once sitting on a milk crate in the driveway of a panel shop in Western Sydney whilst a

man called Allan brewed Türkiye coffee.

The coffee was handed to me in a little porcelain cup, more like

not encourage Australia to be selfsufficient, as we used to be (almost).

It will require many decades before electric vehicles can partially replace the use of diesel in farms, mines and food transport.

In the meantime, nothing that

a small bowl, cracked from age and brightly coloured with Persian design.

Allan I would say was in his 70s, stocky, with a belly and an unkept grey beard.

He was softly spoken and very

our PM Albanese has yet said can alleviate future fuel shortages over the longer term.

Yours sincerely, Lex STEWART, Stuarts Point.

respectful.

I could have been in another country; this is Australia.

Regards, Colin HUTTON, Thora.

Times Gone By: Mr Finch’s pharmacy

By Karen FILEWOOD

FINCH’S chemist was a wellknown store in Coffs Harbour’s early days.

Adopting his father’s profession, Charles Finch completed a two-year pharmacy course in 1886 at the Sydney Technical College, becoming a public analytical chemist for over seven years and lodging a patent for an acetyline gas generator.

He opened a chemist and dentist shop in Sydney in June

1899, specialising in removing teeth using anaesthetic he invented.

He opened his store in Coffs Harbour in August 1909, but three years later a one storey building was built in the main street which included professional rooms and residential apartments at the rear.

Finch’s chemist leased rooms which included dispensing, manufacturing and storerooms, along with a ‘dentist’s parlour’.

The pharmacy remained

here, the lease renewed each calendar year until 1921, a year after Charles Finch was sworn in as a JP.

Ernest Pullen had purchased the premises, giving Charles Finch six months’ notice to move out by 24 November 1921, however the chemist refused to leave, preferring his yearly lease arrangement.

Mr Pullen obtained an ejectment order on 13 December 1921 but Mr Finch remained, launching an unsuccessful

Supreme Court appeal in December 1922.

Mr Pullen received another notice of appeal dated 20 February 1923 and increased his insurance by £200 as he thought it too low and there were rumours “the place might go up in smoke”.

Charles Finch had doubled his insurance to £2000 on his stock and fittings, also worried he would lose money if a fire occurred, as it recently had elsewhere.

The day before the next

Stargazing: April showers set to thrill

Stargazing

By Dave RENEKE

EVER stood under a quiet night sky and caught a sudden flash, like the heavens just struck a match?

That fleeting streak we casually call a “shooting star” is anything but ordinary.

And over the coming week, the sky is set to put on a show that rewards patience, curiosity, and a willingness to lose a little sleep.

Welcome to the Lyrids meteor shower!

This annual meteor shower is like stumbling into the dusty wake of a long-forgotten cosmic traveller.

Hundreds of years ago, a comet named ‘Thatcher’ swept through the inner Solar System, shedding tiny grains of debris like breadcrumbs across space.

Every April, Earth ploughs straight through that invisible trail.

The result?

Those grains slam into our atmosphere at blistering speeds up to 40 kilometres per second, igniting in a brief, brilliant farewell.

They’re not stars at all. They’re tiny fragments of rock and dust, some no bigger than a grain of sand, meeting a fiery end high above your head.

But what an ending it is.

For a split second, each meteor burns brighter than the stars behind it, carving a glowing scar across the sky.

Some leave ghostly trails that hang there, twisting and fading, like smoke in slow motion. Blink, and you’ll miss it.

But wait - and another will follow.

On an average year, the Lyrids produce around 15 to 20 meteors an hour at their peak.

That might not sound like a cosmic fireworks finale, but here’s the trick: it’s not about numbers.

It’s about the moment. The surprise.

The quiet anticipation as you stare into the dark, knowing the next flash could come at any second.

If you want the best seat in the house, head outside after midnight between 16 and 23 April, with the early hours of the night being the sweet spot.

Look toward the north eastern sky, but don’t fixate - meteors can appear anywhere overhead.

Give your eyes 20 minutes to adjust. No phones. No torches.

Just you and the dark. Light pollution is the silent thief of the night sky, washing out the faint and the magical alike.

Now here’s something that might surprise you.

Earth is constantly under fire from space - about 100 tons of material rains down every single day.

Most of it burns up harmlessly, never making it to the ground.

But occasionally, a piece survives the fiery plunge.

That’s when a meteor becomes something far more tangible - a meteorite.

So how do you know if you’ve found one?

Real meteorites are usually heavier than they look, often with a dark, burnt crust from their passage through the atmosphere.

Many contain iron, so a magnet will often stick. Break one open (carefully), and you might see tiny metallic flecks glinting inside.

But beware - Earth rocks can be convincing imposters.

The genuine article has a story written in fire.

And while you’re looking up, spare a thought for the clouds

appeal, while Mr Finch was in Sydney, fire gutted the building.

Eyewitnesses confirmed his wife, son and locum chemist were at the beach when it occurred and an open verdict was given.

However, in June 1923 Mr Pullen successfully sued Mr Finch for £350 for trespass in his building and settlement was arranged.

The business was relocated to Sawtell in May 1928 then Mr Finch left the area for Melbourne in 1942.

drifting by.

Those innocent-looking puffballs?

A typical one can weigh as much as 100 elephants, hundreds of thousands of kilograms of water floating effortlessly above you.

Makes a meteor seem almost polite by comparison.

So, this week, step outside. Look up. Wait.

Because somewhere out there, a fragment of an ancient comet is racing toward its final moment - and you just might be there to see it.

Dual living done right

Address: 5 Mountain View Court, Bonville

Price: $1,195,000$1,235,000

Beds: 5, Bath: 3, Car: 2

Land size: 528.6 sqm

NESTLED in the sought-after Bonville enclave, 5 Mountain View Court captures the essence of harmonious family living combined with a rare touch of independence.

This impressive residence welcomes you with a striking timber entry door, immediately setting the tone for what lies within.

Step to the left and discover a cosy, carpeted loungeroom-perfect for unwinding with the familywith double blinds and a ceiling fan ensuring yearround comfort.

Undoubtedly, the heart of the home is an expansive open-plan living, dining, and kitchen zone, where tiled floors and double blinds offer

both style and functionality.

This inviting space is bathed in natural light and enjoys tranquil views of the surrounding trees, creating a peaceful sanctuary for everyday living.

The dining area seamlessly transitions to a covered outdoor entertaining area, making alfresco gatherings a breeze.

True to its promise as a chef's dream, the contemporary kitchen features a striking black waterfall stone benchtop, ample space for breakfast stools, and a generous walk-in pantry. High-quality Westinghouse appliances, including a dishwasher, five-burner gas cooktop, and electric oven, are sure to delight the most passionate home cooks.

Accommodation is thoughtfully zoned to provide privacy for all.

Two bedrooms, each with

plush carpet, double blinds, ceiling fan lights, and built-in robes, share a large main bathroom equipped with a toilet, shower, and vanity.

The primary bedroom, positioned at the rear, is a refined parents' retreat with a walk-in robe, and a stylish ensuite boasting a black vanity, shower, and toilet.

Bedroom four, situated at the front, also offers comfort and convenience, ideal for guests or teenagers seeking their own space or it could be used for the home office.

Practical features abound, with a double lock-up garage (remote and internal entry), a well-appointed laundry with ample storage, and hallway linen cupboard.

The property is equipped with ducted air conditioning throughout, NBN connectivity, solar power, and a modern gas hot water system for maximum liveability.

Unique to this home is its separate, studio accommodation-perfect for multi-generational living, a teen retreat, or rental income.

With its own entry, the studio boasts vinyl flooring, air conditioning, a ceiling fan, a functional wet bar with cooktop and oven, laundry facilities, a modern bathroom, and a carpeted bedroom with mirrored robe and ceiling fan light.

Set amid serene surrounds and designed for both connection and independence, 5 Mountain View Court represents a rare opportunity to secure a modern family home with versatility and style.

An inspection is a must to fully appreciate the thoughtful layout and exceptional lifestyle on offer in this Bonville gem.

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

Winning colour combo

By Andrea FERRARI

A BELLINGEN home is a finalist in the Dulux Colour Awards.

Now in their 40th year, the awards recognise the innovative, original and ambitious use of colour in the built environment.

The home project is one of 94 finalists from over 540 entries nationwide.

The winners will be announced at Barangaroo Restaurant at Sydney Opera House on Thursday, 28 May.

“This Bellingen family

home is situated on a steep incline… with tree top views on one side and a bright grassy hill on the other,” interior project architect Fiona Hicks said.

“The main living space is tall, open plan and flooded with light.

“A thoughtful colour strategy was needed to deliver a calm and grounded interior - a space from which to enjoy but not be overwhelmed by the bright, green views.”

The multiple blue and peach hues for the main

living space were selected by identifying what features of the site had been edged out of view.

“In a gentle way the red earth and blue sky were brought inside,” Fiona said.

A sharp painted datum created a ribbon of colour around the room.

“It brought a human scale to the tall space, allowed the timber doors and aluminium windows to be united and offered a perfect backdrop for the family’s art and furniture,” Fiona said.

In the kitchen, IKEA

shelving is elevated and has been painted by the owners to match the alcove.

“[It’s] a low-fi technique that allows the family to reuse existing shelving, reducing the extent of expensive joinery but also allows flexibility in the future.”

The bathrooms and laundry share the same treetop and grassy hill outlook.

Again, warm hues - oat, pink and maroon - were introduced to counter the bright green view, but in these smaller more active rooms the aim was a happy vibrancy.

Colour-loving house owner Rebecca told News

Of The Area, “We are a young family with lots of life happening all day every day.

“We wanted a home that had the same big energy and personality in our spaces.

“We know it is such a privilege to be able to build a home so wanted to ensure we

used the opportunity to make it something unique.

“And paint is such a costeffective way to achieve that versatility and impact.

“I love the sense of energy and surprise of walking into spaces with these off-book combinations.”

By Kat WONG and Grace CRIVELLARO, AAP

THE coalition's hardline migration plan has been lashed as divisive and Australia's multicultural communities say they are tired of being dehumanised by all sides of politics.

Opposition Leader Angus Taylor has unveiled a plan to boot migrants from the nation if they do not exhibit "Australian values", shut the door on some asylum seekers and screen the social media profiles of visa applicants.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers called the plan a "strange and pretty disappointing" contribution.

"What he's doing is plagiarising the politics and the rhetoric of other countries and another time," he told ABC Radio on Wednesday.

"What he's doing is playing more to the internal politics of the three rightwing parties than he is concerned with the national interest."

Liberal plan from 'another time' Sydney to Melbourne service temporarily suspended

QANTAS has announced that its Coffs Harbour-Melbourne service will be suspended from 18 May to 14 June as part of a raft of flight reductions across the country.

City of Coffs Harbour said it understands the broader operational pressures currently facing the aviation sector, but noted the airline’s decision would “understandably raise

Mr Taylor's announcement was seen as an attempt to claw back ground from Pauline Hanson's populist One Nation, which has hoovered up disillusioned Liberal and Nationals voters in the aftermath of the coalition's worst federal election defeat.

The plan has been widely panned by human rights groups, Labor and communities the coalition once attempted to court.

Under the coalition's plan, complying with the Australian values statement will be enshrined into law and a prescribed set of behaviours that constitute a breach of Australian values will be established.

"What we're intending to do is, if you do breach one of the elements as can be established in law, then your visa would be cancelled and you would be asked to leave the country," opposition home affairs spokesman Jonathon Duniam told ABC Radio.

"I'd argue hate preaching concerns in our community”.

“Clearly it’s not ideal to have this disruption to our direct connection to Melbourne, even if for only a short period of time,” Mayor Nikki Williams said.

“It will be inconvenient for people who had booked or planned to travel to Melbourne during that window and it will also impact our inbound tourism

is one of those things that would constitute an offence."

The opposition has previously tried to repair relations with the ChineseAustralian community, with Liberal senator Jane Hume issuing an apology after she said "Chinese spies" were volunteering for Labor in a clip that went viral on WeChat.

However, Mr Taylor's latest speech has only added to the diaspora's concerns.

"I feel like nothing has changed since the last election," Chinese Community Council of Australia's Victorian chapter committee member Eric Yan Ma told AAP.

The policy also emboldened Nazis and white supremacists, and paved the way for hate against diverse communities, Race Discrimination Commissioner Giridharan Sivaraman warned.

"Whenever migrants are singled out, dehumanised or blamed, it gives permission market.

“The interests of our community are front of mind for the City, and we are committed to working collaboratively with airline carriers and the Coffs Harbour Airport during these challenges to see a full return to services as soon as possible.

“I would expect Qantas to do everything possible

for racism towards those people," he told AAP.

"Often the only signal as to whether someone is a migrant is the colour of their skin or their accent or their name, so it taps into a deep undercurrent of racism that is still very much flowing in this country."

While Labor had condemned Mr Taylor's speech as "desperate dog-whistling", the party also played a part in scapegoating immigrants, the commissioner said.

The federal government in March barred thousands of Iranian visa holders from entering the nation while their homeland is under attack from the US and Israel, months after passing laws that make it easier to deport immigration detainees.

Migrants also find it hard to feel seen by Labor, with Mr Ma noting SA Labor Premier Peter Malinauskas said "who's going to feed you and bathe you and wipe your bum when you're 90?" when

to look after its customers during this globally uncertain time, including minimising any flow-on effects to pricing on the Coffs to Sydney route and honouring any existing bookings to Melbourne at the same price via Sydney re-routing.”

Coffs Harbour Airport Chief Executive Officer Craig Shaw said travellers would still be able to reach

asked how he could "win the day on immigration".

"It is disheartening to see that one side of politics portrays us as a liability and the other side only see the utility of us," Mr Ma said.

"How about just see us as humans?"

The coalition in September lost favour with Australia's Indian diaspora when Liberal senator Jacinta

Nampijinpa Price insinuated Labor was bringing in more Indian migrants to bolster its vote.

United Indian Associations president John Kennedy backed the proposal for a stricter screening process, but urged the coalition to have compassion and not single out particular communities.

Melbourne from Coffs via a connecting flight from Sydney.

“Typically we have five flights a week from Coffs to Melbourne, so 20 flights will be impacted all up,” Mr Shaw said.

“There’s no indication of any reduction in the Coffs services to Sydney, and if you look at the Coffs-Melbourne tickets, they are there to be

booked again from 15 June.

“I understand Qantas customers who had booked to fly to Melbourne during the service suspension period will be offered a refund or the option to reroute through Sydney."

Customers are encouraged to contact Qantas directly with any queries regarding flight changes and alternative arrangements.

Club Day at Raleigh Raceway

DESPITE the economic challenges drivers are facing, Club Day Autocross went ahead at the Raleigh International Raceway on Sunday 29 March.

The strong turnout observed a minute’s silence for highly-respected raceway founder and creator Chris Piggott, who died in late-February.

Drivers were encouraged to hear that the motorsport legend’s family and friends will continue running events for the community.

Competitors on the day ranged from young women competing for their first time, through to those who remember a time when

tuning was done with a screwdriver and not a laptop.

The facility was in great shape with preparation and a few passes of the water truck on race day, enough to keep the dust at bay and the surface consistent.

More experienced competitors produced some spectacular runs on the fast surface.

Other drivers experienced minor car troubles.

Battling it out for total overall time across four heats were Luke Pell in his rear-wheel-drive VW bug, and Troy Haworth in a front-wheel-drive Toyota

Celica.

The pressure was on all day with a long list of regular campaigners snapping at their heels.

Autocross involves multiple laps around a dirt or bitumen circuit.

Competitors compete against the clock in various heats, with the driver who accumulates the most points across the day declared the winner.

Vehicles are divided into different categories, generally FWD, AWD and RWD.

Motorsport Australia regulations are in place and include safety equipment and medical staff.

q Dave Morrow, proving experience is more than a

q Luke Pell’s well-developed bug which was quickest rear wheel drive on the day.

Saints start season with a win

By Aiden BURGESS

SAWTELL/Toormina Saints have started their season with a 10.8 (68) to 8.9 (57) win at home against the Port Macquarie Magpies, during the opening round of the AFL North Coast season.

The win at Richardson Park came on the back of a defensive masterclass in the second half.

By Aiden BURGESS

THE COFFS Coast’s best young basketballers have played the first home game of their representative

Much of the first half was akin to a tennis rally, with each team striking back after the other kicked a goal. season.

The Magpies were on top in the early territory battle but the Saints took a slender 18-16 lead into quarter time, after making more of their opportunities inside 50.

The visitors made their move in the second quarter,

opening up a 49-38 lead at the main break.

Scoring was at a premium in the third quarter, with the Saints gaining the ascendancy and locking it in their forward half, starving Port of any scoring chances.

They were rewarded with a goal with nine minutes left in the term, following it up with another to take a 54-49 lead into the final stanza.

The home side continued to lock down the Magpies in the final quarter, keeping the visitors at bay to record a gritty 11-point win to start their season.

First home game for Coffs Suns

The Coffs Harbour Suns Youth Men (Under 20s) took on the Hills Hornets at Sportz Central in Round 3 of the Basketball NSW

Waratah Basketball League.

The Suns went down 87-65 to the visitors.

The Hornets got out to a 23-15 lead at quarter time, extending the gap to

44-26 at half-time, which proved insurmountable.

Noah Light top scored for the Suns with a game high 22 points.

The Suns head down

the highway this weekend to take on the Port Macquarie Dolphins on Saturday afternoon at the Port Macquarie Indoor Sports Stadium.

Tom Grace, Jai Langenberg,

and Jase

were among the best players for the Saints.

The Saints now play defending premiers the Coffs Harbour Breakers in their grand final rematch at Fitzroy Oval, during Round 3 on Anzac Day.

The Suns currently sit in fourth spot on the ladder with a 1-2 record.

The Waratah Basketball League season sees the Suns take on teams from Sydney, the Central Coast, and Port Macquarie.

Tennis friends for 50 years

By Andrea FERRARI

OCTOGENARIAN and 2AIR FM radio presenter

Peter Leonard still gets goosebumps reminiscing about a tennis final he played in 50 years ago.

The match on 5 April 1976 was at the historic Hillview Tennis Club in Beryl Street, now known as Austin Park, and was between two local sides: the heavily favoured Coffs 1 and underdogs Coffs 2.

Battling for glory in the local A Grade Night Competition, the winning team was not decided until the tenth set.

Peter captained the Coffs 2 side, which secured a memorable victory.

“We commenced playing

the final on Monday 29 March, but it rained and the match was washed out and rescheduled for 5 April,” he recalls.

Discussing tactics with teammates Mike Cain and Murray Bailey, it was decided that Peter would play in the number one position against Bob Cunningham.

Mike opposed Dennis Sheehan as number two and Murray took on Tony Brossman.

Team tactics, reading the other team’s “collective mind” and luck on the day resulted in Coffs 2’s unexpected win.

“I still tell Mike it was thanks to him that we won, but being the gentleman he is, he says it was a team effort.”

After their win, the Coffs

2 team returned to Murray’s to celebrate their “one and only” Open Tennis team victory.

“Since the time of our tennis competition we all enjoyed playing at Murray’s home court, which we continued to do up until his death.”

Murray passed away in March 2016.

Peter and his former opponent Bob Cunningham remain friends and still play social tennis.

“We [also] have regular contact with Dennis Sheehan.”

Tony Brossman has passed away.

The Coffs 1 ladies, Ruth Challinor and Dot Lollback, also remain close friends after 50 years.

Rugby returns

By Aiden BURGESS

THE GAME they play in heaven makes its return for another year, with the Mid North Coast Rugby Union Northern Division season kicking off across the region this weekend.

The Port Macquarie Pirates begin their premiership defence at home in the local derby against the Hastings Valley Vikings.

Last season’s runners-up the Coffs Harbour Snappers begin their season on the road when they travel to take on the Kempsey Cannonballs.

The SCU Marlins are also away from home to start their season, as they clash with the Grafton Redmen in Grafton.

Coffs Harbour Snappers reserves and women’s teams begin their premiership defence in Kempsey, where they play the Kempsey Cannonballs.

The Snappers and SCU Marlins meet in their first local derby of the season during Round 4 on Saturday 23 May. They also meet in Round 9 and Round 14, as they play off for the Des Hoy Cup.

The Snappers and Port Macquarie Pirates meet in their grand final rematch during Round 5 on Saturday 30 May, in Port Macquarie.

This season’s finals series gets underway on Saturday 28 August, with the grand final to be played on Saturday 12 September.

AFL North Coast season underway

By Aiden BURGESS

AFL North Coast’s 2026 season got underway last weekend, with opening round matches played in Sawtell and Woolgoolga.

Men’s

The Coffs Harbour Breakers started their premiership defence with a 7.9 (51) to 7.5 (47) win against the Northern Beaches Blues, in their opening round match at the Wiigulga Sports

Complex.

Women’s

The Coffs Harbour Breakers women had a narrow 6.3 (39) to 4.13 (37) win against the Northern Beaches Blues, also at the Wiigulga Sports Complex.

Sawtell/Toormina Saints started their season on a winning note, with a 7.18 (60) to 1.2 (8) win against the Port Macquarie Magpies, in their opening round match at Richardson

Park.

Under 18s

Port Macquarie Magpies had a dominant 25.11 (161) to 5.3 (33) win against the Sawtell/ Toormina Saints, in their grand final rematch, also at Richardson Park.

Round 2

The AFL North Coast season continues this weekend with Round 2 matches in Port Macquarie and Grafton.

Port Macquarie Magpies and Northern Beaches Blues teams play off in Port Macquarie, while the Coffs Harbour Breakers and Grafton Tigers reserves sides play off in Grafton.

Group 2 kickoff

By Aiden BURGESS

RUGBY League returns to the region with a blockbuster grand final rematch, when the 2026 Group 2 season kicks off this weekend.

The Nambucca Roosters begin their premiership defence with a grand final rematch against the Sawtell Panthers, on Sunday afternoon at Coronation Park.

The Roosters will be going for a third-straight premiership this season, while the Panthers will try to go one better after finishing runners-up last season.

The Woolgoolga Seahorses begin their season at home when they host the Macksville Sea Eagles on Saturday

afternoon, in the first match of the new season.

The opening round also sees the Grafton Ghosts and South Grafton Rebels face off in their local derby on Sunday afternoon.

The Coffs Harbour Comets have the opening round bye, and start their season in Round 2 by hosting the Woolgoolga Seahorses.

The Coffs Harbour Comets and Sawtell Panthers clash in their first local derby of the season during Round 4 on Saturday, 9 May, at Geoff King Motors Oval.

The Comets and Panthers meet in their second local derby during Round 11 on Saturday, 18 July, at Rex Hardaker Oval.

The Macksville Sea

q

their premiership defence this weekend. They are seeking their third in a row in 2026, having broken a 28-year drought with victory in 2024.

Eagles reserve grade and Under 18s sides both begin their premiership defence in Woolgoolga, when they

What’s on this week

By Aiden BURGESS

HERE’S what’s being played over the next week.

Friday, 17 April

Football: North Coast

Football’s Hit 105.5 Women’s Premier League season - Round 2. Boambee Eagles vs Northern Storm at Ayrshire Park. 6.45pm. Woolgoolga Wildcats vs Coffs City United Lionesses at Clive Joass Memorial Sports Park. 6.45pm.

Saturday, 18 April Australian Rules Football: AFL North Coast season – Round 2. Port Macquarie Magpies vs Northern Beaches Blues at Wayne Richards Park. 2.20pm. Women’s – 11.20am. Reserves – 12.50pm. Grafton Tigers vs Coffs Harbour Breakers (Reserves) at Ellem Oval. 12.50pm.

Dream realised

STORY STARTS on BACK COVER, Page 36

the Magpies midfield alongside superstars Nick Daicos and Scott Pendlebury, where he had 16 disposals, six tackles, five marks, and a goal in an impressive debut.

His magic moment came in the third quarter, slotting home a set shot goal that had his Magpies teammates in raptures as they crowded around him to celebrate.

The Magpies lost by six points to the Dockers in a wet weather thriller that came right down to the wire.

The Herald Sun

Sawtell Veterans Golf

By Ian REYNOLDS

RESULTS for 13th April 2026

9 Hole Stroke Net 18 Starters

Ladies

Rosie Hrncir 31, Carol Pye 33

Men

Glwyn Dawson 30, Andy Gibson 34, Peter Rode 34

named Anderson one of the Magpies’ best players in their match report.

It’s been a story of perseverance on the way to Anderson making his debut.

The mature-age draftee was taken at pick 57 by the Magpies in last year’s AFL National Draft, after an outstanding season playing for Sturt in the South Australian National Football league (SANFL).

It was fitting for the player known as “Banger” to make his AFL debut at Adelaide Oval, as it was where he won the Jack Oatey Medal for best on ground in Sturt’s premiership win last year.

Sawtell RSL Snooker Club

By Ken MASON

TUESDAY 7th April 2026

Main Draw Winners:Zac Cowled - R/U - Bernie Couzens

Consolation Winners:Dan Clark - R/U - Richie Hoskins

Football: North Coast Football’s Hit 105.5 Men’s Premier League seasonRound 2. Coffs City United Lions vs Yamba Breakers at Forsyth Park. 5pm. Sawtell Scorpions vs Woolgoolga Wolves at Toormina Oval. 5pm. Urunga Raiders vs Bellingen FC at Urunga Recreation Reserve. 5pm. Maclean Bobcats vs Northern Storm at Barry Watts Oval. 5pm.

Before making his AFL debut, the inside midfielder had produced strong performances playing for the Magpies in the VFL, including earning the VFL Coach's MVP in his side’s win against Coburg on Good Friday.

The Pies player had 30 disposals, 12 clearances, eight tackles, and a goal in his side's 45-point win against Coburg.

He also had 21 disposals, six tackles, and a goal in Collingwood’s first game of the season against the GWS Giants.

The AFL debutant last played in the AFL North Coast competition in 2021, and was runner-up for the best and fairest in 2020 as a 17-year-old.

SSAA Benchrest Results

By Rod MADELEY

DAIRYVILLE range. Event was 100yds Centrefire Group: Michael Thompson .2344, sg .150. Peter Fleming .2350, sg .160. Alistair McMillan

take on the Woolgoolga Seahorses this weekend.

The Nambucca Roosters women’s side begin their

Golf: Sawtell Golf Club’s ANZAC Team Stableford.

Rugby League: Group 2 Rugby League season – Round 1. Woolgoolga Seahorses vs Macksville Sea Eagles at Solitary Island Sports Ground.

Rugby Union: Mid North Coast Rugby Union Northern Division season – Round 1. Kempsey Cannonballs vs Coffs Harbour Snappers at Ian Walton Rugby Park. Grafton Redmen vs SCU Marlins at Hay Street Rugby Fields. Port Macquarie Pirates vs Hastings Valley Vikings at Stuart Park.

premiership defence by hosting the Sawtell Panthers. This season’s finals

Sunday, 19 April

Golf: Sawtell Golf Club’s Individual Medley Stableford.

Rugby League: Group 2 Rugby League season – Round 1. Nambucca Roosters vs Sawtell Panthers at Coronation Park. Grafton Ghosts vs South Grafton Rebels at Frank McGuren Field.

Monday, 20 April

Touch Football: Coffs Harbour Touch Association’s winter competition at Sawtell Toormina Sport and Recreation Club. From 6.10pm.

series begin on Saturday 15 August, with the

Tuesday, 21 April

Golf: Sawtell Golf Club’s Medley Stableford. Oztag: Coffs Harbour Oztag’s winter season mixed competition at Coffs Harbour Leagues Club. From 5.50pm.

Wednesday, 22 April

Golf: Sawtell Golf Club’s 4BBB Aggregate. Oztag: Coffs Harbour Oztag’s winter season men’s competition at Coffs Harbour Leagues Club. From 5.50pm.

.2616, sg .184. Keiran Grabham .2742, sg .193. Rob Hamilton .3292, sg .187. Rob Evans .3354, sg .218. Gary Hunt .3374, sg .128. Peter McGrath .3754, sg .260. Wayne Munro dnf. Hunting rifle: George Finlay 1.0488, sg .777.

SPORT RESULTS

Mark Ohlin 1.2856, sg .993. Rimfire 100yds Group: Bill Buchanan .6678, sg .469. Robert Ramsey .6812, sg .502. Rod Madeley .7126, sg .529. Keiran Grabham .7440, sg .458. Ian Thompson .8500, sg .592. Meika Grabham

.8528, sg .733. Peter Fleming .9572, sg .460. Bernie Axford 1.1534, sg .892. Hunting rifle: Brett Ewington .9324, sg .569. Brendon Potter 1.1362, sg .646. Eli Psizemeier 1.9816, sg 1.650. Chris Potter 2.6746,

MNC Cross Country

By Peter BERRINGTON

12 APRIL 2026 at Sawtell Beach

RESULTS: 2km (Male) - Edison

Happ 7:26, 1; Donovan Duncan 7:28, 2; Jackson Hood 7:34, 3; Oliver Philip 7:41, 4; Lennox Bennington 7:54, 5; Mark Bennington 8:06, 6; Theo Moffatt 8:44, 7; Ziggy Walker 8:45, 8; Alexander Jacquin 8:57, 9; Astin Nuttall 9:41, 10; Ben Jacquin 10:07, 11; Kane Woodgate 10:14, 12; Jesse Munn-Power 10:18, 13;

Park Beach Mens Bowling Club

By Todd BROWN

OPEN Triples Tuesday 7 April 2026

R Aitken, C Weatherall, B Johns

d J Barker, R Jupp, J Phillips

M Pitt, R Coffey, T Lainchbury

d K Bienefelt, G Grillenburger, H

SSAA National Benchrest Centrefire Championships

By Rod MADELEY

THE 2026 SSAA National Benchrest Centrefire

Championships were held at Dairyville range Coffs Harbour over the 4 day Easter weekend. We had competitors from WA, SA, Qld and NSW attending. Local shooter Michael Thompson was the overall winner of the 4 days he was 1st in all categories the 2-gun with .2270. 3-gun with .2160 and finally 4-gun with .2297, he also broke the Australian record in the Sporter event. Another highlight for local shooters was Keiran Grabham 3 rd overall in the Sporter. Well done to Michael and Keiran. I would also like to acknowledge the enormous effort of our volunteers who help make these event the success they

Sawtell Golf Results

By Janet O’DOWD

7/4 SINGLE Stableford

Chris Chapman 43, Graham Montgomery 41 2BBB Multiplier Jason Snell & Chris Chapman 94, Todd Sawtell Bowls Results

By Geoff HAMPSON

MONDAY Afternoon Bowls 6/426

E Kochma, J Cherne, D Wheeler

DEF R Redman, R Hampson, S Fleming

L Kratz, G Hampson DEF S Mason, C Hill

K Mason, J Chapman, A Day DEF

R Avery, L Reid, C Christian

B Tremaine, N Elford, L Mitchell

DEF B Eden/ P Roach, J Fleming K

Park Beach Women's Bowls Club

By Anne ORR

SOCIAL Bowls Wednesday

Urunga Men's Veterans Golf

APRIL 13

Single Stableford

Harvey Griffin 10:22, 14; Russell Crane 10:25, 15; Jack Duncan 10:57, 16; River Woodgate 11:25, 17; Peter Hood 11:32, 18; Iggi Nuttall 13:03, 19; Daniel Ralph 13:33, 20; Oaklei Nuttall 14:52, 21.

RESULTS: 2km (Female)Lacey Van Hoeck 7:53, 1; Sophie Van Hoeck 8:28, 2; Evie Sutton 8:29, 3; Penny Harrigan 9:10, 4; Elka Bowker 9:13, 5; Amelia Harrigan 9:24, 6; Willow Nuttall 9:27, 7; Anthea Martin 9:35, 8; Lola Barclay 9:37, 9; Evie Hunter 10:12, 10; Pippa Moffatt 10:31, 11;

Major

D Catling, R Wisley, M Star d C Williamson, D Powell, G Stanford

P Wirth, P Booth, M Berube d K Raymond, M Cutts, J Murtas

S Ward, C Domjahn, J Thorn d R Oakley, K Morrison, L Morris

L Clancy, AM Taylor, S Willis d J Clarke, M Flint, S Jones

G Williams, R Beaumont, R Kelly

are. Top 3 results for all categories are as follows: Unimited which involves 10 shot groups instead of 5. We had 28 competitors for the day. 100yds: Darren Parsons (NSW) agg .2378 and smallest group .161. Milan Morell (SA) agg .2360 sg .188. Gavin Marshall (Qld) agg .2376 sg .188. 200yds: Michael Thompson (NSW) agg .2387 sg .434. Darren Parsons(NSW) .2769 sg .385. Brendon Atkinson (SA) .3129 sg .464. For both distances Darren Parsons (NSW) .2549. Michael Thompson (NSW) .2709. Gavin Marshall (Qld) .2883. Sporter with 34 competitors: 100yds: Michael Thompson (NSW) .1916 sg .121. New Australian record. John Babic (NSW) .2372 sg .162. Brendon Atkinson (SA) .2482 sg .178. 200yds: John Babic (NSW) .1884 sg .238. New Australian record. Michael Thompson (NSW) .1962 sg .222. and local Keiran Grabham .2534 sg .330. For

Riley & Graham Montgomery 83. Balls to 69c/b. NTP 7 A: Lochie Smith, B: Arlen Horton, C: Bob Harris. NTP 11 A: Paul McHugh, B: Neil Thomas, C: Greg Semmonds

8/4 Stableford A: Narelle Foy 36, Jackie Chapman 35c/b. B: Narelle Hall36c/b, Pauline Barnes

Taylor

TUESDAY Ladies Social Bowls 7/4/26

M Baguley, C Veerhuis, J Townsend DEF K Stirling, C Veerhuis, E Tindall

J Fleming, B Eden, L North DEF L Wheeler/R Cook, R Fuller, A Day

M McDonald, B Connors, G Staunton-Latimer DEF M Friend, L Kratz, T Goninan

H Muir, N Feltron, C Irvine DEF T Rhoades, L Savage, N Foy WEDNESDAY Men’s Social

8.4.26. S Willis, B Bodel, J Woodford/R DeMeio def

M Trengrove/S Hancock, E Blanton, R Crestani; T Thorn, M Long, C Domjahn def T Sullivan, E Kidd A M Taylor; V

A disappointing 24 starters contested today's event on a beautiful Autumn morning. Winner, with 39 points, Pete Brotherton, 2nd Alan Titley 36, 3rd

SPORT RESULTS

Layla Jacquin 10:32, 12; Belinda Heaney 10:41, 13; Mel Brodie 10:59, 14; Hope Mengel 11:00, 15; Ciara Hannaford 11:01, 16; Amy Hannaford 11:02, 17; Chloe Woodgate 11:26, 18; Tegan Van Hoeck 11:27, 19; Stella Hood 11:31, 20; Parker Wright 11:43, 21; Sara Bergen 11:45, 22; Florence Van Hoeck 11:55, 23; Joanne Munn 12:11, 24; Bridget Jacquin 12:14, 25; Megan Harrigan 12:25, 26; Toni Berrington 13:13, 27; Vicky McClure 13:26, 28; Macy Ralph 13:32, 29; Mili McLaughlin 13:59, 30; Kit

d S Crawford, I Trengove, P Lilly

S Wilson, S McAviney, D Wilson

d C McLeod, P Wroe, D Hull

W Grimshaw, J Robinson, C Jones d A Stone, A Orr, K Read

Triples Thursday 9 April 2026

G Williams, R Beaumont, A Campbell d D Burridge, W Moore, M McCabe

C Weatherall, J Thorn, D Condon

both 100 and 200yds: Michael Thompsons .1939 broke his existing Australian record. John Babic (NSW) .2128 and finally Keiran Grabham .2615. Sunday saw 52 shooters line up for the LB Custom, the weather conditions were atrocious for competitive shooting with gusty almost gale force winds all day. 100yds Mitchell Tallar (NSW) .1920, sg .169. Michael Thompson (NSW) .2214 sg .176. William Greer (Qld).2420 sg .172. 200yds: Keith Sewell (Qld) .2588 sg .330. Colin Farquharson (WA) .2638 sg .285. Brendon Atkinson (SA) .2661 sg .324. Overall placings Mitchell Tallar (NSW) .2395. Michael Thompson (NSW) .2522 and Brendon Atkinson (SA) .2635. Smallest group for the day was Trevor Brown (Qld) with a .109. Day 4 the wind had kindly dropped with no showers in sight HB custom was order of the day with 56 shooters lining up at the

36c/b. C: Judith Leiper 38, Lynda Wood 33c/b. Balls to 34c/b. NTP 7 3: Sue Flint. NTP 7 2: Maureen Ryan. NTP 11 1: Paula Sercombe 10/4 Stableford Calvin Wigg (SGA) 35. Balls to 32c/b 11/4 Stroke A: Max Neal 68, Roy Scully (Merewether) 70. B: Marc Carroll 69, Jeffrey Bowls 8/4/26

N Wong, R Southam, J Townsend DEF I Muller, J Richardson, L Zecchinati

A Vivian, D Anderson A Berry DEF G Fisher, D Frost, N Sillar

M Flint, G Peel, L Preston DEF T Lavelle, M McGuire, B Blight

A Baker, J Oates, M Sharpe DEF C Christian, D Wheeler, M Aujard

M Hastings, A Robertson, M Gibbons DEF W Bujeya, G Stewart, W Kellam

G Campbell, P Paunovic,

Maher, S Meyer, J Farrell def M Shaw, P Garner, J PearceKennedy; C Keogh, K Wilson, L McLeod def M England, J Rodwell, D Futcher; M Webb, F Gaunt, Y Hinsley def S Betts,

Peter Inskip 34 c/b. Run-down Neil Richardson 34, Mick Bellew, Brett Bosbach, Tom Faulkner 33, Terry Van Dyke 32, Kim Michelsen, Grant Cardow 31 c/b.

Moffatt 14:23, 31; Rhea Nuttall 14:41, 32; Lucy Hood 16:13, 33; Kristie Hood 16:15, 34.

RESULTS: 5km (Male) - Daniel Bolker 21:34, 1; James Karrasch 22:38, 2; Rajveer Grewal 22:58, 3; Kweller Happ 23:06, 4; Jaiveer Grewal 23:10, 5; Oliver Philip 23:12, 6; Peter Hood 23:16, 7; Reuben Wong 24:18, 8; Andrew Wong 25:06, 9; Archie Peters 25:33, 10; Marcel Philip 29:08, 11; John Philip 29:09, 12; Carney Peters 31:56, 13; Ben Happ 33:00, 14; Tim Karrasch 45:44, 15.

d J Swan, G Clouten, K Morrison T Lainchbury, M Baker, R Harris d W Grimshaw, J Robinson, L Morris

C Brian, R Kelly, R Aitken d H Schipp, P Webb, K Crooks

G Meyer, C Lloyd, M Flint d L Goodacre, C Hansen, S Jones

C Williamson, H Major, S Crawford d J Lowndes, P Elliott, P Lilly

firing line. 100yds: Josh Rusell (Qld) .1706 sg .084. Brendon Atkinson (SA) .1882 sg .139. John Babic (NSW) .1906 sg .104. 200yds: Keith Sewell (Qld) .1808 sg .196. Keith was later inducted into the

RESULTS: 5km (Female)Poppy Barclay 23:59, 1; Corrine Happ 25:29, 2; Clara Philip 28:49, 3; Kristie Hood 29:54, 4; Anthea Martin 30:33, 5; Belinda Heaney 31:18, 6; Emily Mengel 31:27, 7; Lara Karrasch 32:22, 8; Lisa Usher 35:49, 9; Mili McLaughlin 43:48, 10; Rebecca Cornelius 44:28, 11. RESULTS: 10km (Male) - Bruce Meder 49:48, 1; Nathan Quinn 52:16, 2; Kieren Ward 1:01:02, 3.

RESULTS: 10km (Female)Megan Usher 49:02, 1; Leah Doman 54:07, 2.

G Stanford, G Cunningham, T Erskine d D Catling, B Garner, B Trotman

P North, P Booth, M Berube d A Plain, Fred, B Merchant

C McLeod, G Wallace, P Newman d R Felton, T Cooper, I Trengove

D Wilson, P Wirth, I Rose d H Katala, R Alford, G Colman

Benchrest Hall of Fame. Thomas Thompson (Qld) .1869 sg .185. Michael Thompson (NSW) .1942 sg .301. Overall placings Keith Sewell .1998. Michael Thompson .2018. Thomas Thompson .2047.

Vanderwyk 71. C: Chris Turnbull 69c/b, Michael Hart 69. Balls to 74c/b. Chris Neal: eagle on 12. Jason Snell: eagle on 14. NTP 7 A: Trevor Smith, B: Grant Martin, C: Keith Rhoades. NTP 11 A: Trevor Smith, B: Chris Hyland. 39, Gross winners: A: Max Neal 68, B: Marc Carroll 85, C: Chris Turnbull 89

R Williams DEF G Hitchen, R McLellan, s Wilkinson

D Isaacs, R Wardrop, B Martin B Clugston, S Sillar, B Fitzpatrick

T Brooks, R Cridge, G Dennis DEF M McClelland J Urge, E Nicolaou

D Anderson, A Birse, P Cook DEF I Maderic, G Walsh, M Jenkins

FRIDAY Mixed Social Bowls 9/4/26

G Flynn, J Flynn, D Hyde DEF G Campbell, M McGuire, B Blight

N Wong, R Williams, L Preston

A Orr, L Loadsman. Friday 10.4.26. M Berube, R Finch def A Orr, G Duffey; Mick def Andrew; V Slater, R Oakley drew M Star, J Rodwell; M England, C England def N

Bradmans Tony Shields 19. NTPs 3rd Neil Richardson, 9th Selwyn Newby, 18th Kim Michelsen. Longest Putt Tom Faulkner.

win.

Ladies Stableford Carole Davis 36

Ladies 9 hole Fourball Robyn Thompson & Narelle Hall 27. Saturday Sal Brenda Connors. NTP Narelle Hall 12/4 Medley Stableford Avon Medway (SGA) 39, Jerrod Grebert (Tieri) 38c/b. Balls to 35c/b

DEF R Cridge, C Christian, A Berry D Frost, N Sillar, S Sillar DEF R Avery, G Hampson, Ken Taylor

N Elford, A Day, L North DEF H Muir, F Sharpe, K Stirling

J Richardson, J Oates, J Townsend DEF J Brown, J Smithers, R Morris

B Hamilton, M Anderson, M Sharpe DEF L Read, J Urge, G Dennis

P Paunovic, S Fleming, D Anderson DEF A Lavelle, G Staunton-Latimer, A Baker

Barker J Barker; B Proctor, D Lindner def J Farrell, K Elliott; S Bailey, D Walsh def R Coffey, C Cutt; M Webb, T Sullivan def M Shaw, J Miller; M Cutts, J Murtas def D Futcher, R Lane.

Slab Winner Grant Cardow , ( again ! )

A reminder, next week is our annual Patrons Day, generously sponsored by Owen Shields.

Coffs CEX Social Golf Results

By Steve ROBINSON

12 APRIL 2026

Coffs CEX Social Golf Club

played on Sunday 12 April 2026

Coffs Harbour District Darts

By Ray BEASLEY

SAWTELL RSL Club

Summer

Monday 13 April

Is It In def Bad Habits 6-3

Bull Finish def Who Darted 9-0

Fluke Shots def Thunderstruck 6-3

DILLIGAF def Warriors 6-3

171s

Will (1)

100s

Cherie (1)

Elaine (1)

Karen C (1)

Kate (1)

Wendy (2)

Asttan (1)

Bob (2)

Chris L (1)

Coffs Harbour Golf Club

By Vicki SILVER

MONDAY 13th April 2026

Today 45 members and visitors played a 9 hole single stablebfore.

Coffs Harbour Ladies Golf

By Leanne ATKINS

TUESDAY 7th April 2026 –

Ladies 9H Single Stableford

Overall winners

1. Doris Peters 21

2. Cheryl Brooke 20C/B

3. Helen Wright 20 NTP 22nd hole Cheryl Brooke

Coffs Harbour Rifle Club

By Geoffrey HART

APRIL 08 - Howard St Rimfire Range. The 90m Field Class match was conducted with 20 participants. Master Grade: Jake Buckley 95.8, A

Coffs Table Tennis Results

By Margaret ILES

FRIDAY 10th April, 2026 Division 1

Lachlan Dierkx d Tim Garrad

3/0, Paul Hendriks d Dan Mueller

3/0, Reece Baker d Tim Garrrad

Mid North Coast Veteran Golfers Association

By Colin CUTT

TUESDAY, 7th April, 75 MNC

Veteran golfers competed in a

Woopi Monday Vets Golf

By Dianne RICHARDS

MONDAY April 13, 2026

Starters 27

at Nambucca Heads, Stroke & 1st

Round Putting Comp. Sponsor Bridgestone & Cex Intra Golf Club.

Results were as follows:

Winner: Izzy Caravante

Gross 83 (Nett 71)

Runner Up: Scott Croft Gross

Coffs Golf Club

By Michelle MERRIKIN

42 LADIES played the 4BBB. It was another hot round and the shotgun start got us back in good time. Rose, Marlene, Karen S and Carole took the honours with a score of 93. Ros, Judy, Wendy and Laurie came in 2nd with 88.

Christian B (2)

Craig S (2)

Dave C (1)

Dave H (1)

Dean (3)

Edward (2)

Harley (3)

Kevin C (3)

Kevin T (1)

Kyle (3)

Micheal (1)

Paul (3)

Winners:

Gents:

Ken Barber 19

Roger Martin 16 c/b

Geoff Clerke 16

Jeff Howlett 15 c/b

Ball Comp:

Grazzi Toscan, Neil Sutton

133cm, Sue Hilliar 140cm

26th hole Tania Norberry

18cm, Barb Withers 48cm

Wednesday 8th April

2026 – Ladies Stroke – Golf

NSW Medal Rnd 3

Grade A winners

1. Jos Mitchell 72

2. Gina Dodd 73

Grade B winners

1. Vicky Hunter 66C/B

2. Lynda Bradley 66

Gross Grade A winner

Grade: Jeffrey Pfeiffer 84.5, Phillip Payne 81.4, Geoff Slattery 79.2, Johan Greyling 67.1, B Grade: Mal Pfeiffer 66.2, C Grade: Diezel Gallo 90.5, Rod Peadon 60.1, Leah Gallo 55.1, Phil Hartmann 54.0, Kathryn Matten 52.1, Khaja Ahmed 44.0, Cain E 33.0, Wendi H 31.0, Matt

3/1, Lachlan Dierkx d Dan Mueller

3/0, Reece Baker d Dan Mueller

3/0, Paul Hendriks d Lachlan

Dierkx 3/2, Reece Baker d Paul Hendriks 3/2, Tim Garrad d Dan Mueller 3/2, Lachlan Dierkx d Reece Baker 3/1, Paul Hendriks d Tim Garrad 3/2.

WINNER: Paul Hendriks from Lachlan Dierkx.

single stableford at Nambucca Island Golf Course, in excellent playing conditions.

Division 1 (1-18): Winner

– Stephen McNeil 38 c/b, 1st runner-up Martin Tizzard 38, 2nd runner-up Rod Edwards 36,

Winner Peter Smart 22

R/u John Duma 25

2nd R/u Tony Inness 26

NTP 4th Tony Inness

(ITH) Robyn Skinner

7th Chris Robbo Sue

91 (Nett 73)

Ball Winners: (Nett): Tyler

Woods (76),Troy Henderson (77), Peter Woods (77), Jose Caravante (78), Michael Delemo (78), Steve Robinson (78), Maurice Tate (80), Catherine Robinson (83).

NTP’s: Tyler Woods (5th), Scott Croft (8th & 18th), Mark Heelis (13th), Izzy Caravante (12th on second shot).

Chip In’s: Peter Woods Next Game is at Coffs Harbour on Sunday 26 April 2026, 7.00 am Tee Time. All Welcome.

Ricky (2)

Rob (3)

Sam (2)

Steve (3)

Tim (1)

Tony (1)

Will (1)

High pegs

Wendy (60)

Edward (64)

Kurt (64)

Kyle (60)

Andy Gilkes

All on 15 points

Ladies:

Linda Mortenson 20

Barbara Wilson 19 c/b

Jean O’Connor 19 c/b

Doris Peters 19 c/b

Ball Comp: Marilyn Waterhouse 19

1. Karen Brown 85C/B

Gross Grade B winner

1 Narelle Turner 99

NTP

12th hole Dawn Smith 1545cm, Bev Miles 102cm 15th Karen Brown 810cm, Vicky Hunter 300cm 22nd hole Lindy Ingham 223cm, Judy Everitt 789cm, Elaine Bowers 230cm 26th hole Lindy Ingham 428cm, Sue McLean 130cm,

Keough 31.0, Ashley Glendinning 13.0, Visitors: Lyndon Watt 71.1, Ben Keough 41.1, Keira Bailey 25.1, Clinton Bailey 14.1

The 50m F-Class match was conducted with 16 participants. Johan Greyling 194.6, Jake Buckley 194.4, Phil Hartmann 190.6, Leah

Division 2

King McKie d Char Berglund 3/0, Michael Hobincu d Nick Jankovic 3/2, Sharee Templeton d Terry Baker 3/1, Sharee Templeton d King McKie 3/0, Michael Hobincu

d Terry Baker 3/0, Char Berglund d Nick Jankovic 3/2, King McKie d Nick Jankovic 3/0, Michael Hobincu d Sharee Templeton 3/1, Char

3rd runner-up Colin Cutt 34 c/b.

Division 2 (19-54): Winner – Michael Tarleton 40, 1st runner-up Geoffrey Sheridan 38 c/b, 2nd runnerup Chris Cuthbertson 38

Kempnich 9th Dick Cooper.

Rachel Butler

Putting Peter Smart 11

Ray (84)

Ricky (63, 56)

Will (77, 62)

Leader Board

DILLIGAF 69

Bull Finish 56

Warriors 49

Bad Habits 46

Fluke Shots 46 Is It In 45

Thunderstruck 36 Who Darted 13

Kirsty Arthur 17

Susan Maione 16 c/b

Nearest the Pins: 22nd - Kirsty Arthur & John Ericsson 26th - Linda Mortenson & John Wilgress Next week is single stableford.

Vicky Hunter 32cm Saturday 11th April 2026 – Ladies Single Stableford Overall winners 1. Merita Pailthorpe 36 2. Lynda Butler 34C/B

3. Gayle Jones 34

NTP

12th hole Gayle Jones 190cm 15th Kristy Hickey 634cm

26th Sue Mealey 210cm

Gallo 190.6, Matt Miller 189.7, Wendi H 188.3, Matt Keough 187.1, Khaja Ahmed 184.5, Micah Miller 184.3, Rod Peadon 183.1, Member-677 175.2, Diezel Gallo 139.2, Ashley Glendinning 43.0, Visitors: Lyndon Watt 182.3, Ben Keough 125.2, Clinton Bailey 14.0

Berglund d Terry Baker 3/0, King McKie d Terry Baker 3/1, Char Berglund d Michael Hobincu 3/0, Nick Jankovic d Sharee Templeton 3/1, King McKie d Michael Hobincu 3/1, Nick Jankovic d Terry Baker 3/1, Char Berglund d Sharee Templeton 3/2.

WINNER: King McKie from Char Berglund.

c/b, 3rd runner-up Susan Wilson-Brown 38 c/b.

There were three birdie today Peter Smart and Mark Ashcroft on the 5th then Tony Inness in the 4th q Rules Information.

Frog Rachel Butler 26

NTP’s: 5th Michael Tarleton, 8th Rod Edwards, 13th Gary Collins, 18th Brad Reeson.

Ball run to 32 pts.

NAGA Roger Castley 45

BEDFORD (née TAYLOR)

Dianne Beryl

3rd April 2026, passed away peacefully at the Taylor Plantation family home, Korora. Late of Sydney.

Dearly beloved wife of Phillip (dec’d).

Loving mother, mother-in-law and stepmother of Jeremy & Jo, Melanie & Julian, Chris & Veera and Tim. Loved grandma of Samara, Beau, Alexander, Elliot and Aida. Cherished daughter of Bruce & Beryl Taylor (both dec’d).

Caring sister of Evol, Graham and Garry Taylor and their families.

Aged 77 Years

Forever Loved

Dianne’s Funeral Service was held in the Chapel of Hogbin Drive

Crematorium & Memorial Gardens, Stadium Drive, Coffs Harbour on Friday 10th April 2026.

A copy of the livestream details can be found on the Keith Logue & Sons website.

KEITH LOGUE & SONS

FUNERAL DIRECTORS Coffs Harbour 6652 1999

FREESTONE

Anna Lufuwai

8th April 2026, passed away peacefully at John Hunter Hospital, Newcastle. Late of Newcastle, formerly of Woolgoolga. Loving mother of Alfred and Dominic. Adored grandma of Hollie and Pippa. Wife of Trevor.

Aged 70 Years

A Fantastic Mother And Grandma

Anna’s Graveside Funeral Service was held in Woolgoolga Lawn Cemetery, Woolgoolga.

KEITH LOGUE & SONS

FUNERAL DIRECTORS

Coffs Harbour 6652 1999

GOLDING, Nigel Robert

5th April 2026, Nigel went to sleep peacefully and comfortably after a brave fight with brain cancer. Late of Coffs Harbour. Loved and loving son of Max (dec’d) & Maureen. Adored husband of Jody. Cherished father of Maicie, Brock and Dion. Proud poppy of Zephyr, Romy and Harvey. Beloved big brother of Craig and Sean (dec’d).

Aged 57 Years

Loved By All His Family And Friends

Nigel’s Funeral Prayers were celebrated in the Chapel of Hogbin Drive Crematorium & Memorial Gardens, Stadium Drive, Coffs Harbour.

KEITH LOGUE & SONS

FUNERAL DIRECTORS

Coffs Harbour 6652 1999

JEFFREYS, John William

father and father-in-law of Sarah & Lukas Aviani and Ben & Corrine Happ. Cherished grandpa of Sophie, Lachlan, Kweller, Edison and Patrick. A loyal and true mate.

Aged 80 Years Mizpah Lived Life To The Full Always Remembered

Peter’s Funeral Service was held in the Chapel of Hogbin Drive Crematorium & Memorial Gardens, Stadium Drive, Coffs Harbour on Thursday 16th April 2026. A copy of livestream details can be found on Keith Logue & Sons website.

KEITH LOGUE & SONS

FUNERAL DIRECTORS

Coffs Harbour 6652 1999

Sadly passed away on 6th April 2026, late of Coffs Harbour. Dearly beloved husband of Judy (dec’d). Loved father and father-in-law of Jo & Greg (dec’d), Patti and John. Adored grandad and great-grandad of their children. A great friend to many. He lived a life of rich experiences.

Aged 90 Years

“Go The Rabbitohs!”

John will be privately cremated at Hogbin Drive Crematorium & Memorial Gardens, Stadium Drive, Coffs Harbour.

KEITH LOGUE & SONS

FUNERAL DIRECTORS Coffs Harbour 6652 1999

LOCALCLASSIFIEDS

Stephen Lloyd MORRIS 1944 - 2026

It is with great sadness that we advise Steve’s friends and acquaintances that he has passed away on 11 April 2026 at 9.50pm. Great mate to Alison for 48 years. Friend of Richard and Dresna (dec’d). Uncle of Rachel & Todd and David & Bec. Brother of Gai (dec’d) and Darien. Uncle, grand-uncle, great-uncle of the Carter and Murphy clans of Campbelltown. Father of Paul and Tony Morris and their families.

Aged 81 years

Loved Life, Caring And Sharing Man Nasho 1950s—1960s Medic Diploma Nursing, Mason, MUIOOF

His request is that he alone attends his cremation, then into the Kalang River on the outgoing tide heading to New Zealand, as he never got to go there.

Family would like to pass on their thanks for the love and assistance over the years to keep Stephen comfortable provided by Urunga Medical Centre, NSW Ambulance, Palliative & Community Nurses, Lynda and RFBI care at home staff, Fiona Lowe, Rae and staff at Foodworks, Urunga Pharmacy, Urunga Butcher and Urunga Bakery.

In the caring hands of ALLIED FUNERAL HOME 124

GILL, Kashmir Singh

13th April 2026, passed peacefully surrounded by his family, late of Woolgoolga. Beloved husband of Sansar Kaur. Loving father of Harbindar and Randip. A much loved ‘Baba Ji’ to Kajal, Arjana and Priya. Treasured ‘Nana Ji’ to Raushan, Jashan and Armaan. A cherished brother and uncle to a large and loving family and a dear friend to many.

Aged 78 Years

“Education And Hard Work Are The Keys To A Better Life” Forever In Our Hearts

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Kashmir’s Funeral Service to be held in the Chapel of Hogbin Drive Crematorium & Memorial Gardens, Stadium Drive, Coffs Harbour on Monday 20th April 2026 commencing at 11.30 am.

Please find livestream details on Keith Logue & Sons website.

KEITH LOGUE & SONS

FUNERAL DIRECTORS

Coffs Harbour 6652 1999

Susan Diane Hoskins ‘Sue’

Passed away peacefully at home in Boambee East on 10th April 2026. Much loved mum of Vicki, Eddie (dec), Dorothy (dec), Carol, Mervyn, Jason (dec), Marie, Alex, Chris, Tracey, and Paul. Loving Mother, Grandmother and Great-Grandmother to many.

Aged 79 Years

Now Free To Go Pressing

Family and friends are warmly invited to attend Sue’s funeral service on Friday, 24th April 2026 at 10.30am in the Saint John’s Anglican Church, McLean Street, Coffs Harbour. Thence for interment within the Coffs Harbour Lawn Cemetery, Coramba Road, Karangi. Livestreaming is available from our website.

VICTOR RULLIS FUNERAL SERVICES

(02) 6651 5007 www.funeralcoffsharbour.com.au

Revival Centres Church - Coffs HarbourHave you received the Holy Spirit since you believed? CWA Hall 3 Dalley St, Coffs Harbour Sundays 10.00 am Mobile 0427 949 206 - revivalcentres.org

Maria. Renowned psychic medium. 47 years experience Available for 1 hr private and phone consult. Based on all issues. Ph 0427 569

JOSIE'S Ironing Service Pickup available or just drop it off. Coffs Harbour area. Phone or text 0411 704 130

News Of The Area newspapers is looking for an Advertising Sales Representative to work for the Coffs Coast and Nambucca Valley News Of The Area publications.

The fantastic local role is available full-time or part-time, to ensure we appoint the right person for the position.

Whilst you are part of a great team, bringing out the local newspaper each week, you would be working from home, so a suitable home-office setup is required.

The right person would be a proven sales professional. You might not have newspaper or media experience, however a track record within a sales environment is essential.

Your daily role is focused on finding and presenting-to businesses who may use our newspapers to reach their customers.

You would require a driver’s licence, car and computer with reliable internet service.

An attractive base remuneration is offered, along with car allowance, internet allowance and great bonus structure. You will be provided with a business smart phone.

Applications can be made by emailing your resume, together with a Letter of Application, which should outline why you would be the best person for this role.

Email: office@newsofthearea.com.au

Applications close: 5pm, 11st May 2026.

BROMELIADS for sale in small or medium pots. $5 or $10. Proceeds to charity Emerald Beach. Private home. 0419 632 117. e240426

FROM $5, hundreds of plants, lots of hanging plants, open everyday, 11 Sand St, Coffs Harbour

Birds for Sale

Sale

16 Birugan Cl ,Valla Beach. 8am - 1pm Household goods excess to recent move rug 1.6m x 2.3m, CDs outdoor chairs, m'wave 1.36 x 1.36 oregon table old school desk

21 Moore Street Coffs Hbr, Saturday & Sunday, 6am - 2pm Antiques, furniture ktchwre, clothes, linen bottles, power tools ornaments, memorabilia

4 x

Not used. Ph 0419 561 719. COMPUTER desk. pick up only. 0428 310 384

Items for Sale

newsofthearea.com.au

LEMAIR Wine Cooler 56 bottle. Older model works well. Collect Boambee. Call 0400 095 033. F260925 For Sale

44 gallon drum with lid. $70. 66538337 / 0419 166 688

1930s vintage cane commode chair w/ genuine fowler ware porcelain chamber pot $95. Photo can be supplied. 0490 161 119 F050925

2.0.2 CH 120W Dolby ATMOS sound bar only 12 months old with 2 built in subwoofers. Price $100. 0412 081 950

ACOUSTIC guitar amplifier $90 ph 0493 079 313

Adventureland car fridge freezer 2 years old $400 Caravan hydraulic Phil 0412 665 988 Woolgoolga

AIDACARE

Commode, VGC, $99. 0428 285 643

AMPLIFIER, for guitar Magnum, with tuner & lead. $25. 0493 079 313

back door. $50 0422 099 142 ANTIQUE, Sewing Cabinet. $60. 0466 525 814

BLOODSTONE

BUFFET and hutch solid feature timber w/ glass insets in doors 2 glass shelves each side w/internal light Hutch has 2 shelves inside and 2 solid timber doors. Buffet 1250h x 1650 w. Hutch 730h x 1650w. Ex cond $300. 0418 402 940

CAKE tins, 25cm, 22cm 16cm, square German steel, non-stick spring form for tiered cakes $100. Ph 0407 654 879

CAMPING chair Coleman. Ice pouch drink holder, storage net VGC. $35. 0408 223 662

CAMP stretcher bed single, as new. $80. Ph 0427 965 015

CARAVAN towing mirrors Quality Milenco vibration resistant $95. Coffs Harbour 0493 094 285

CHILD’S Bike Seat carrier, child’s bike Helmets x 3. $10 each 0481 966 840 CHICKEN coop 1530w x 850d x 1150h galvanized iron $100 GC Ph 0417 364 582

CLICKGEAR 3.5+ golf push buggy. Wheel cover, brand new cooler bag & mesh bag included. $100. Cash only. Photos can be sent Ph 0408 254 884 F130326

BABY walker $10. 0481 966 840 F101025 BABY/child cot/playpen carpenter rebuilt, safe clean, strong $50 6652 3791

COCA-COLA Memorabilia Collection $95. 0409 863 898

LOCALCLASSIFIEDS

For Sale

FOLDABLE support rail for seniors brand new in box $65 Photos can be supplied 0490 161 119

COLORBOND

driveway gates, mirror profile, deep ocean colour, one damaged at weld point. 1800 W 1600 H. $50 ono. Ph 0413 911 892.

COMMONWEALTH

bank original 1988 $5 coin in mint condition to celebrate opening of Parliament House. $30. 0490 161 119. Photos can be sent.

DEEP fryer. Very good condition. $60 Ph 0417 283 380. F200326

DIMPLEX log fire electric heater. Flame effect glass front 432cm (w) x 662cm (h). $85. Ph 0411 300 156

DOG/cat carriersuit small dog. Near new cond. Safety door. $44.00 Ph 0417 471 225 F051225

DOG house, smallmedium $15 6656 4700

DOOR Gym set new

$50. Ph 0412 081 950 F240125

DOUBLE bed, white gas-lift storage, new in box. $99 0415 981 605

DOUBLE mattress BRAND NEW, bought 1 month ago, never used $100, pick up from Toormina, please contact Carol Hollier on 0403 611 836

DRUMS - half drum kit, 4 drums, ideal for beginner. $30 Ph 02 6652 8815

FISH tank w/ food & loads of accesories. 33” L x 16” W x 18” H. $30 0481 966 840 F101025

FRAMING Gun 'Bostich', Pneumatic good order, $100 Ph 0407 654 879

FRIDGE, good working order $250. Ph 0415 669 378 e170426

FURRY hood jacket Ladies size 10, toggle front $25 0407 654 879 F010825

newsofthearea. com.au

GARAGE door opener remote control. Merlin Suitae panel door only Less than 5yr old. $100. 0412 776 409

GREEN hanging meat safe $50 0427 544 008

JERRY cans x 2 brand new 20litre steel cans. $35 each. Ph 0493 094 285

KARCHER, Electric Mop. $25. 0466 525 814

KAYAK 2.4m long with paddle. $70. Ph 0409 552 482 F

KAYAKS x 3, 1.7m long with paddles, hardly used $50 each. Ph 0409 552 482

KAYAK - Double, 2 Fish Eagle with 2 paddles & fishing access. $600 Ph 0409 552 482 e080526

KITCHEN scales vintage 'KRUPS 875' $45. Ph: 0407 654 879 SOLD

KITTY litter house with removal tray. $20 0490 161 119. Photos can be sent. F260925

LADIES clothing mostly new, size 6. Must sell going cheap. Contact Kim 0403 280 231

OVEN, Kogan, 25 litre portable, 1600w. Bakes grills, rotiss, airfry, 8mth warranty. $100 ono Ulmarra. Ph 0477 514 739

OVERNIGHT bag with make up purse, many compartments, very clean, handy size. $30. Ph 0418 865 537

PAIR of lovely jacquared fabric vintage-style footrest 60cm x 40cmx 30cm H $30 a pair Photos can be supplied 0490 161 119

PENSIONER

Scooter 2024. As new. $6,000ono. 0428 628 105

PET Carrier: Transport crate, lock safety door Small cat or dog Near new cond. $39 0417 471 225 F241025

RED overcoat size 10 Jigsaw brand fabric made in Italy 80% wool Never used. Pic ava. $95 0439 682 267

RENAI Gas Heater, GC $100 ono. 0466 040 154

SAFETY gate, deluxe fits 73cm x 1.02m with 2 bonus extensions, child and pet safe. $40. Ph 0411 300 156

SILVER tarp 6m x 5m. Little use, as new. $50. 0412 354 974.

SIMPSONS - large box of character dolls, items & pieces from show. Ex gift for collector $100. 6652 3791

VINTAGE timber mini bar. $60. 6652 8815

VOLVO 165 Pento 1989 boat parts near new starter motor and bellow rubbers, fuel injectors fuel filters flybridge swivel seat w/stand guages, all parts in good cond. Make an offer. Too good to throw away. Ph 0409 552 482 e080526

WASHING machine 7kg, Haiser in good working order $220 0415 669 378

WOODEN chest for Linen, $100. 0411 361 205. F211125

WOODEN shelves $40 Call George 6652 3791

BMW R1100GS. 114K Exc. cond. Registered to July or can be put on club plates. Purchased new Dec '95. Staintune exhaust-top box and panniers-tank bra and tank bag. New tires Never been off road. Is ready for quick run to Perth or Darwin. At 87 I am finding to be a bit big for me now. Looking for something smaller. $7000 firm. Ph 0417 360 383 e030426

ELECTRIC kettle, new $15. 6653 8337

ELECTRIC mop, $20 6652 8815 F130226

GIRLS Dressing Table Circa 1950’s original mirror & handles $50 0427 544 008

GL refrigerator good working order $50 ph 0410 199 915

GOLD frame mirror. 75 x 50cm GC $30. Photos can be supplied 0490 161 119

HIGH back orthopedic chair. Designed for the elderly as used in hospitals. $100 Photos can be supplied. 0490 161 119

HISENSE chest freezer H80cm x W52cm x L73cm. $50. 0481 966 840

LARGE metal puppy crate. 75cm x 50cm x 60cm H. as new $40 0490 161 119. Photos can be sent.

LOUNGE suite green fabric, dbl couch + 2 reclining chairs $100 0412 254 563

METAL framed oval mirror. New. 75cm x 50cm $65. Photos can be supplied. Ph 0490 161 119F030426 SOLD

ELECTRIC frying pan, large, new still in box. $100. Ph 0417 283 380. To place a classified ad 02 4981 8882

HONDA compressor

5.5hp $300. Ph 02 6649 1056

HYDRAULIC Bucket

1.2m width, lift and tilt control for small tractor

$600 ph. 02 6649 1056

MILK frother $15. Never used. 6653 8337 or 0419 166 688

MIRROR, swivel, on stand $100. 0411 361 205 MINIATURE figurines x 6, porcelain, 1960s - 80s photos available $15 - $80 0407 654 879

Xtrail 2014 right-hand driver's seat w/airbag, cloth, exc cond. $80. Ph 0448 622 686

PLANT tying tape gun + 8 rolls tape + 5,000 staples $100 0407 654 879

POCKET hose copper bullet. 15m long. Used twice. $50. Photos can be supplied. Ph 0490 161 119. SOLD

GROUNDING sheet (QB) and grey p'case used once. $50. 0410 313 876 PETROL blower homelite mighty lite HBL26, exc cond, litt le use, $60. Ph 0417 283 380

POLETHERA leather women's crossover shoulder bag. Brand new. Unwanted gift $35. Photos can be supplied 0490 161 119

PATIENT lifter Aidacare Aspire A150F, Patient Lifter like new + new battery $1,300 ono. 0428 285 643 e170326

PORCELAIN biscuit jar (8in high) with cream and jam pots, tea strainer and small flat teaspoon holder. $35 0400 641 561

PUPPY crate, large. 75cm x 50cm x 60cm H. Only used for 2 months. $45. Photo can be supplied. 0490 161 119

QUAD bike, GMX 125 GC, $600 ono. Ph 0409 552 482

READER'S Digest "Hear Them Again" 10LP Vinyl box set. 122 popular songs 1910s -1950s. Limited edition #6311. $75 Photos can be supplied. Ph 0490 161 119

STOOL seats. Variety size, type and colour. $30 6652 3791

SUNBEAM deep fryerlarge basket, new cond. $45. Ph 0411 300 156

TABLE tennis table (Double Happiness) Two brand new nets around 200 3 star balls, 2 expert style bats, spin-max sport bag and others $1400 ono. Pickup only. Call Joseph on 0402 375 037.

World Book of Davies with a genuine print date 8/12/96. VGC $25. Ph 0417 283 380 SOFA Bed / lounge GC. $50. 0475 672 574 F100426

TV 80cm (32”) + DVD player $100 0491 035 704 F180725

TWO macrame wall hangers hand made $50 both 0412 254 563

TWO single bed frames round heads & foot rail black. $50 both 0412 254 563

VINTAGE style hat rack 1.9m tall. Photos can be supplied. $65. Ph 0490 161 119

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

Boats

3.4m Savage with trailer rego, 6HP and electric swivel seats, cover safety gear, lots of extras ACF724N. L26949

$2,000. 0427 528 084

Caravans

2008 Jayco Sterling Poptop series 17.55-2 Tandem axle. Inc annex 3 way fridge microwave aircon sleeps 2, dbl bed, good cond. Reg TP39GP. $19,000. Ph 0437 974 290

Camper Trailer

2020 Jayco Lark Bushpack camper trailer Sleeps 6, March 27 rego TR78ZR. Excellent condition added extras electric jockey, solar blankets, tinted windows etc. $20,000. Coffs Harbour 0422 422 866

GOLDSTREAM OffRoad Camper Trailer sleeps up to five, neat & tidy with many extras Sadly selling due to ill health. Rego December 2026. Q29955. Reduced from $13,000 to $10,000 Ph 0437 499 513

JAYCO Penguin campervan, wind up 12ft 6, 3 berth Registered to Nov '26 - R73306. 2 gas bottles, awning, 3 way fridge, new tyres and bearings, battery pack Very good condition $11,700. Ph 0415 196 766.

PUZZLES

TRADESSERVICES

TRADESSERVICES

ONTHEBOX

BEST ON THE BOX

SATURDAY

BLUE MURDER MOTEL

ABC TV, 7.30pm

When a summer storm slams into Mowai Bay in this charming murder mystery’s penultimate chapter, the Blue Motel finds itself at capacity with stranded tourists. The roads are closed, the power is out and Vinny (Michala Banas) and Cole’s (Brett Tucker, pictured) conference room has become a makeshift community shelter. So, when the local radio DJ starts broadcasting “dead air”, it’s almost certain the killer is right under their noses. However, Jamie (Jayden Daniels) is beginning to doubt the retired cop couple’s credentials.

FRIDAY, April 17

12.05 Love Me. (Ml, R)

12.50 Rage New Music. (MA15+adhlnsv) 5.00 Rage. (PG)

SUNDAY

THE FLOOR

NBN, 7pm

No one quite knew what to expect when this competitive trivia showdown premiered last year, but with an average 1.3 million viewers tuning in to yell answers at the screen each night, it’s safe to say Floor is on solid ground. Now, host Rodger Corser (pictured) returns with a cast of 81 clever contestants who step into the arena ready for anything: among them are Olympic gold medallist Steven Bradbury, Survivor alum Gerald Youles and Travel Guides Kevin Moloney. A new feature – the Freeze –will be heating things up later in the season, but Sunday’s premiere raises the stakes with a bonus $20,000 prize on offer for whoever holds the most territory by episode’s end.

6.00 Mastermind Australia. 6.30 SBS World News. 7.30 Going Places With Ernie Dingo. (PG) 8.30 A New ANZAC. 9.30 Orient Express: A Golden Era Of Travel. (PGav, R) 10.25 SBS World News Late. 10.55 The King. (MA15+d) 11.50 Babylon Berlin. (MA15+asv, R)

2.00 Nordland 99. (Mal, R)

2.55 Mastermind Australia. (R)

3.55 Mountain Vets. (PG, R)

4.30 Bamay. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

THURSDAY

THE CLAUDIA WINKLEMAN

Viewers could be forgiven for feeling a sense of déjà vu when tuning into this new TV talk show: a handful of famous folk with projects to promote sit on a giant lounge and share personal anecdotes in front of a studio audience. Yes, it’s basically The Graham Norton Show –except this edition is hosted by The ’ Claudia Winkleman (pictured), and rather than the Irishman’s iconic red couch, hers is green velvet. After filling in for Norton last year, the whip-smart Winkleman has been entrusted with her own BBC chatfest. In this second episode, Claudia welcomes comedian Joanne McNally, actor Guz Khan, stage star Rachel Zegler and singer-songwriter Niall Horan for some cheeky conversation.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. Hosted by Johanna Griggs.

7.30 Football. AFL. Round 6. Sydney v GWS Giants.

10.30 No Holds Barred: GWS Giants. (Ml, R) The Giants face arch-rivals the Sydney Swans.

11.30 GetOn Extra. A look at the weekend’s best racing.

12.00 MOVIE: Patsy And Loretta. (2019, Masv, R) Charts the friendship between two music stars. Megan Hilty.

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R) 5.00 NBC Today.

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Rugby League. NRL. Round 7. Dolphins v Penrith Panthers. 9.55 NRL Friday Night Footy Post-Match. Post-match coverage of the NRL game.

10.45 MOVIE: Dog. (2022, Mdlv, R) A US Army Ranger travels with a military dog. Channing Tatum.

8.30 My Adventures With Superman. 8.50 BattleBots. 9.40 Gladiators UK. 10.40 Late Programs.

ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Children’s Programs. 8.30 The Nanny. 9.30 The Addams Family. 10.30

Looking for bras, breastforms, post-surgery products or swimwear? As a specialist fitter of Amoena merchandise, I can be of assistance. Whether you have had breast surgery or just in need of a correct fitting bra please contact me today to arrange an appt. I can be contacted through my website www.roseleeboutique.com.au or phone 0432 305 689

ONTHEBOX

SATURDAY, April 18

6.00 Rage Charts. (PG) 7.00 Wknd Brekky. 9.00 Rage. (PG) 10.30 Rage Vault Guest Programmer. (PG) 12.00 News. 12.30 Blue Murder Motel. (PGl, R) 1.15 Patience. (Mv, R) 2.05 Whale Wisdom. (R) 3.00 Shaun Tan’s Tales From Outer Suburbia. (R) 4.10 Judgment: Cases That Changed Australia. (PG, R) 5.00 Aust Story. (R) 5.30 Landline. (R)

6.00 Kath & Kim. (PGals, R) Kim makes a nuisance of herself.

6.25 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)

7.00 ABC News. A look at the top stories of the day.

7.30 Blue Murder Motel. (PGl)

8.15 Top End Bub. (PGd) Taya struggles with life without Ned.

8.40 Death In Paradise. (Ma, R) The team looks into a tourist’s death.

9.40 Frauds. (Ml, R) Bert and Sam struggle to keep their secrets hidden.

10.30 Rage Vault Guest Programmer. (MA15+dhlnsv) Looks at a guest programmer episode from the vault.

5.00 Rage. (PG)

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 Cook Up Bitesize. (R) 9.10 The Bee Whisperer. (PGa, R) 10.05 Vintage Voltage. (R) 10.55 Oman From Above. (R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Sailing. Sail Grand Prix Rio. Round 4. H’lights. 3.00 Stories From The Cities. (PG) 3.30 Figure Skating. ISU Synchronised C’ships. 5.30 Plat Du Tour. (R) 5.35 Surviving WW2. (Premiere, PGaw)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Jewels Of The Mediterranean.

8.20 Magical Train Journeys In Switzerland. (R)

9.20 Jersey And Guernsey. (R)

10.15 Finding Your Roots. (PG, R)

11.15 Snowpiercer. (MA15+v, R)

1.50 Matched. (PG, R)

2.40 Mastermind Australia. (R)

3.45 Undermining Nazis: Paris’ Secret Tunnels. (PGav, R)

4.45 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R)

5.15 Euronews.

5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 NBC Today. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 The Morning Show: Wknd. (PG) 12.00 Horse Racing. All Aged Stakes Day, Mornington Cup and BYD Quokka 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. Johanna Griggs meets Yoko Nakazawa.

8.00 MOVIE: The Greatest Showman. (2017, PGa, R) Follows the life of PT Barnum. Hugh Jackman, Michelle Williams.

10.00 MOVIE: M3GAN. (2022, Malv, R) A lifelike prototype doll turns deadly. Allison Williams.

12.00 Motor Racing. Supercars Championship. Round 4. ITM Christchurch Super 440. Day 1. Highlights.

1.00 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) 12.00 Open For Inspection. 12.30 Surfing Australia TV. 1.00 Explore TV Viking. (R) 1.30 My Way. (R) 2.00 Destination WA. (R) 2.30 Taronga: Who’s

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Space Invaders. (PGl)

8.30 MOVIE: Legally Blonde 2: Red, White And Blonde. (2003, PGl, R) Reese Witherspoon.

10.30 MOVIE: Magic Mike’s Last Dance. (2023, Mls, R)

12.30 Epic Builds. (R)

1.30 Open For Inspection. (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) Sisters want to extend their family.

7.30 Love It Or List It Australia. (PGa) A couple decide whether to stay in their Karrinyup home. 9.30 Gogglebox Australia. (R) TV fanatics open up their living rooms to reveal their reactions to popular and topical TV shows.

10.30 Matlock. (PGa, R) Matty juggles a court case and her 50th wedding anniversary. 11.30 Elsbeth. (Mv, R) A celebrity wigmaker is murdered.

12.30 Home Shopping. (R) 5.00 Hour Of Power.

6am Children’s Programs. 5.55pm Octonauts. 6.05 Knee High Spies. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee’s Squirrel Club. 6.45 Supertato. 6.55 Piripenguins. 7.05 Let’s Go Bananas! 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Kids Baking C’ship. 8.10 Harry Potter: Wizards Of Baking. 8.50 Caper Crew. 9.15 Mr Bean: The Animated Series. 9.40 Fresh Off The Boat. 10.20 Abbott Elementary. 10.40 Late Programs.

VICELAND (31)

7TWO (62)

(82)

SBS MOVIES (32)

6am

7MATE (64)

SUNDAY, April 19

TV (2)

6.00 Rage. (PG) 7.00 Wknd Brekky. 9.00 Insiders. 10.00 Offsiders. 10.30 World This Week. (R) 11.00 Compass. (PGv, R) 11.30 Praise. 12.00 News. 12.30 Landline. 1.30 Gardening Aust. (R) 2.30 The Piano. (R) 3.20 Judgment: Cases That Changed Australia. (PG, R) 4.10 Grand Designs. (PGl, R) 5.00 Back Roads. (R) 5.30 Fake Or Fortune? (Final)

6.30 Compass. (PGv)

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 The Piano. (Final, PG)

8.25 Can You Keep A Secret? (Final, Ml) Debbie weighs up confessing.

8.55 Frauds. (Final, Mal) The day of the heist arrives.

9.40 Blue Murder Motel. (PGl, R)

10.30 Top End Bub. (PGd, R)

10.55 MOVIE: Two Hands. (1999, MA15+lv, R)

12.25 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

3.00 Gardening Australia. (R)

4.00 Dream Gardens. (PG, R)

4.30 A Bite To Eat With Alice. (R)

5.00 Insiders. (R)

6am Children’s Programs. 3.30pm MOVIE: Tummy Tom 2: A New Friend For Tummy Tom. (2024) 4.30 Children’s Programs. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee’s Squirrel Club. 6.45 Supertato. 6.55 Piripenguins. 7.05 Let’s Go Bananas! 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 The Inbestigators. 7.45 Caper Crew. 8.05 Secrets At Red Rocks. 8.30 Animal Park. 10.00 Secrets Of The Zoo. 10.45 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22) ABC FAMILY (22)

(34)

(51)

(3)

6.00 Morning Programs. 12.00 PBS News Compass Points. 12.30 WorldWatch. 12.55 The Point. (R) 1.00 Motorcycle Racing. ProMX C’ship. Round 2. 4.00 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Paris-Roubaix. Men’s Race. H’lights. 4.30 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Paris-Roubaix. Women’s Race. H’lights. 5.00 Going Places. (R) 5.35 Surviving WW2. (PGavw)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 The Rise And Fall Of The Maya. (M)

9.20 Emperor: Rise And Fall Of A Dynasty. (MA15+v, R)

10.15 Lost Treasures Of Egypt. (PGav, R)

11.05 Putin And The West. (Mav, R)

2.30 Matched. (PG, R)

3.20 Mastermind Australia. (R)

4.25 Bamay. (R)

4.55 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.15 Euronews.

5.30 PBS News Horizons.

(31)

8.45 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Amstel Gold Women’s Race. 10.45 Late Programs.

SBS MOVIES (32)

Discovering Film. 6.25 Brief Encounter. (1945, PG) 8.00 Somewhere In Time. (1980) 10.00 Marie Antoinette. (2006) 12.20pm Enigma. (2001, M) 2.30 The Lady And The Highwayman. (1989, PG) 4.10 Dean Spanley. (2008, PG) 6.00 Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. (1968, PG) 8.35 John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum. (2019) 11.05 Nymphomaniac: Vol 1. (2013, MA15+) 1.10am Late Programs. 6am Dean Spanley. (2008, PG) 7.50 Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. (1968, PG) 10.30 The Guernsey Literary And Potato Peel Pie Society. (2018) 12.50pm Too Cool To Kill. (2022, M, Mandarin) 2.50 Somewhere In Time. (1980, PG) 4.55 Master Cheng: A Spice For Life. (2019, PG) 7.00 Sabotage. (1936, PG) 8.30 The Lady In The Van. (2015, M) 10.25 Master Gardener. (2022, M) 12.30am Late Programs.

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 The 1% Club. (Return, PGals)

8.00 7NEWS Spotlight. (Return)

9.00 Abused By Mum: The Ruby Franke Scandal. (Mav, R)

10.30 24 Hours In Police Custody. (Mal, R)

11.30 Autopsy USA. (Ma, R)

12.30 Motor Racing. Supercars Championship. Round 4. ITM Christchurch Super 440. Day 2. Highlights.

1.30 Harry’s Practice. (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)

7MATE (64)

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 The Floor. (Return, PGl)

8.15 60 Minutes. Current affairs program.

9.15 Australian Crime Stories: The Investigators: Prescription For Murder. (Mav) Looks at the case of Dr Brian Crickitt. 10.20 9News Late.

10.50 The First 48. (Mav, R) 11.45 A Killer Makes A Call. (Ma, R) 12.35 Oz Off Road TV. (PGl, R) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)

4.30 The Garden Gurus. (R)

5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.

6am Children’s Programs. 8.00 MOVIE: Candy Cane Christmas. (2020) 9.50 MOVIE: Planes, Trains And Christmas Trees. (2022, PG) 11.40 My Way. 11.55 Seinfeld. 12.25pm Soccer. English Premier League. Arsenal v Bournemouth. 2.25 Australian Ninja Warrior. 4.25 MOVIE: Superman II. (1980, PG) 7.00 MOVIE: Superman Returns. (2006, PG) 10.00 MOVIE: Birds Of Prey. (2020, MA15+) 12.10am Late Programs. 6am Children’s Programs. 8.00 Beyond The Farm: Men At Work. 9.00 My Way. 9.15 Seinfeld. 9.45 Motor Racing. IndyCar Series. Alabama Grand Prix. H’lights. 10.55 Limitless With Chris Hemsworth. Noon Soccer. EPL. Chelsea v Manchester City. 2.00 The Summit. 3.30 The 6am Morning Programs. 12.30pm STIHL Timbersports:

6.30 10 News+. Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 7.00 MasterChef Australia. (Return) A batch of new contestants enters the kitchen. 8.45 Race Across The World. (Return, Ml) In a frenetic race across the world, travellers can choose any route they like, but no flights or phones are allowed. 10.00 Matlock. (PGad) The firm tackles an AI afterlife software dispute. 11.00 NCIS: Origins. (Ma, R) The team investigates the death of an

(51)

(34)

ONTHEBOX

MONDAY, April 20

TV (2)

6.00 Morning Programs. 11.30 Back Roads. (PG, R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Landline. (R) 1.55 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R) 2.00 Tonight At The Museum. (PGs, R) 2.30 Back Roads. (R) 2.55 Grand Designs Transformations. (R) 3.55 Murdoch Mysteries. (PGv, R) 4.40 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. (PGa, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

6.00 Morning Programs. 9.15 Matched. (PG, R) 10.05 Kew Gardens: Season By Season. (R) 11.00 Scottish Vets Down Under. (R) 12.05 WorldWatch. 2.00 Finding Your Roots. (PGa, R) 3.00 Going Places. (PG, R) 3.40 The Cook Up. (R) 4.10 Tutankhamun: Secrets Of The Toxic Tomb. (PG, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. 6.30 SBS World News. 7.30 Australia’s Greek Cafes & Milk Bars. 8.30 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. (M) 9.30 Never Mind The Buzzcocks. (M) 10.20 SBS World News Late. 10.50 Herrhausen: The Banker And The Bomb. (Malv) 11.55 Gomorrah. (MA15+av, R)

3.05 Mastermind Australia. (R) 4.05 Mountain Vets. (PGa, R)

4.40 Bamay. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away.

7.30 Glenn And Mick’s Celebrity Intervention. (Premiere, Mals)

8.40 9-1-1. (Masv) Maddie and Buck are blindsided by unexpected news.

9.40 The Agenda Setters: Rugby League. (R)

10.40 The Agenda Setters.

11.40 St. Denis Medical. (PGal)

12.10 Secrets Of Prince Andrew. (PGa, R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 NBC Today.

5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

6.00 NBN News. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 The Floor. (PGl) 8.45 100% Footy. (Mal) 9.45 9News Late. 10.15 Outback Opal Hunters. (PGl)

Footy Classified. (Ml)

Tipping Point. (PG, R)

(R)

ABC FAMILY (22)

(31)

6am Discovering

Film. 6.25 Master Cheng: A Spice For Life. (2019, PG) 8.30 Sabotage. (1936, PG) 10.00 The Lady In The Van. (2015, M) 11.50 Godland. (2022, M, Danish) 2.25pm Dean Spanley. (2008, PG) 4.15 Limelight. (1952, PG) 6.40 Spitfire. (2018, PG) 8.30 Tigerland. (2000, MA15+) 10.25 The Fox. (2022, MA15+, German) 12.40am Rheingold. (2022, MA15+, Turkish) 3.10 Late Programs.

TUESDAY, April 21

TV (2)

6.00 Morning Programs. 11.00 Judgment: Cases That Changed Australia. (PG, R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Death In Paradise. (Ma, R) 2.00 ANZAC Battlefields. (PG, R) 2.55 Grand Designs Transformations. (PG, R) 3.55 Murdoch Mysteries. (Mv, R) 4.40 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. (PGa, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

(R)

(31) 6am Children’s Programs. 10.25 TBA. 10.35 Children’s Programs. 6.20pm Bluey. 6.25 Flower And Flour. 6.35 Big Lizard. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Ben And Holly. 7.00 Superbuns. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00 Young Sheldon. 8.20 BTN Newsbreak. 8.25 Young Sheldon. 8.45 Gladiators UK. 9.45 Kids BBQ Championship. 10.25 Late Programs.

(3)

6.00 Morning Programs. 9.50 Spectacular Railways Of The Swiss Alps. (Premiere) 10.50 Scottish Vets Down Under. (R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 1.55 What Does Australia Really Think About… (Mal, R) 3.00 Trail Towns. (PG, R) 3.35 The Cook Up. (R) 4.10 Tutankhamun: Secrets Of The Toxic Tomb. (PG, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30

6.00 Mastermind Australia.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Great Continental Railway Journeys. (R)

8.30 Insight.

9.30 Dateline.

10.00 SBS World News Late.

10.30 Living Black. (R)

11.05 Exit. (MA15+ansv)

12.00 Clean Sweep. (MA15+s, R)

2.50 Mastermind Australia. (R)

3.55 Mountain Vets. (PG, R)

4.30 Bamay. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News.

5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

ABC FAMILY (22)

6am Children’s Programs. 10.25 TBA. 10.35 Children’s Programs. 6.50pm Ben And Holly. 7.00 Superbuns. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00 Young Sheldon. 8.15 BTN Newsbreak. 8.25 Young Sheldon. 8.45 The Slow Mo Guys’ Big Adventures. 9.05 MythBusters “There’s Your Problem!”. 9.30 BattleBots. 10.20 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 1.30pm

6am Children’s Programs. 8.30 Nanny. 9.30 Addams Family. 10.30 Bewitched. 11.30 Surfing Aust. Noon MOVIE: Superman II. (1980, PG) 2.30 Nanny. 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family. 5.30 Bewitched. 6.30 Nanny. 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30 MOVIE: Sherlock Holmes. (2009, M)

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGav)

7.30 My Reno Rules. (Premiere, PG) Hosted by Dr Chris Brown.

9.15 House Of Wellness. (PG) A team of industry experts, media personalities and wellness advocates shares insights and experiences to highlight living well.

10.15 The Agenda Setters.

11.15 Ambulance: Code Red. (Ma, R)

12.15 Secrets Of Prince Andrew. (PGas, R)

2.30 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 NBC Today.

5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

6.00 NBN News. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 Travel Guides.

(32)

6am Limelight. Continued. (1952, PG) 8.20 Spitfire. (2018, PG) 10.10 A Singular Crime. (2022, M, Spanish) 12.15pm Master Gardener. (2022, M) 2.15 Discovering Film. 3.10 The Chaperone. (2018, PG) 5.05 Sabotage. (1936, PG) 6.35 The Return Of The Soldier. (1982, PG) 8.30 A Woman In Berlin. (2008, Russian) 11.00 Rosenthal. (2025, M, Yiddish) 12.50am Late Programs.

ONTHEBOX

WEDNESDAY, April 22

TV (2)

6.00 Morning Programs. 10.45 Foreign Correspondent. (R) 11.30 Back Roads. (R) 12.00 News. 12.30 Press Club. 1.35 Media Watch. (PG, R) 1.50 ANZAC Battlefields. (PG, R) 2.55 Grand Designs Transformations. (PG, R) 3.55 Murdoch Mysteries. (PG, R) 4.40 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. (PGa, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 Bitesize. (R) 9.05 Matched. (PG, R) 9.55 Spectacular Railways Of The Swiss Alps. (PGa) 10.50 Scottish Vets Down Under. (R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Dateline. (R) 2.30 Insight. (R) 3.30 Plat Du Tour. (R) 3.35 The Cook Up. (R) 4.10 Sri Lanka With Alexander Armstrong. (PGalv, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.35 Chernobyl: Inside The Meltdown: Inferno. (Premiere)

9.25 The Audacity. (M) A would-be tech titan and his therapist try to make a fortune.

10.25 SBS World News Late.

10.55 Rise Of The Raven. (MA15+av)

11.55 Darkness: Those Who Kill. (Ma)

1.50 Classified. (MA15+v, R)

3.25 Mastermind Australia. (PG, R)

12.25 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. (PG, R) 1.15 Rage. (MA15+dhlnsv) 4.00 Gardening Aust. (R) 5.00 A Bite To Eat. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)

6am Children’s Programs. 10.25 TBA. 10.35 Children’s Programs. 6.50pm Ben And Holly. 7.00 Superbuns. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00 Young Sheldon. 8.20 BTN Newsbreak. 8.25 Young Sheldon. 8.45 Steven Universe. 9.05 Adventure Time. 9.30 Teen Titans Go! 9.50 Pokémon: Diamond And Pearl. 10.15 My Adventures With Superman. 10.35 Late Programs.

4.30 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

VICELAND (31)

6am WorldWatch. 10.30 The Movie Show.

6am The

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGa)

7.30 My Reno Rules. (PGl) Hosted by Dr Chris Brown.

9.15 The Front Bar. (Ml) Hosts Sam Pang, Mick Molloy and Andy Maher take a lighter look at all things AFL.

10.15 To Be Advised.

11.25 The Agenda Setters.

12.25 No Holds Barred: GWS Giants. (Ml)

1.45 Kochie’s Business Builders. (R)

2.30 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 NBC Today.

5.00 Sunrise Early News.

5.30 Sunrise.

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Events That Changed Australia. (Ml) 8.30 Outback Murder Highway. (Premiere, Masv)

9.30 The Killer Interview With Piers Morgan. (MA15+av, R)

10.30 9News Late.

11.00 Freddy And The Eighth. (Ml)

11.50 Tipping Point. (PG, R)

12.40 Pointless. (PG, R)

1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

2.30 Global Shop. (R)

3.00 TV Shop. (R) 4.00 Skippy. (R) 4.30 ACA. (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.

Chaperone. Continued. (2018, PG) 7.50 Discovering

Film. 8.35 The Return Of The Soldier. (1982, PG) 10.30 Within Sand. (2022, M, Arabic) 12.40pm Speed Kills. (2018, M) 2.35 Spitfire. (2018, PG) 4.25

THURSDAY, April 23

TV (2)

6.00 Morning Programs. 10.30 The Weekly. (Final, Ml, R) 11.00 QI. (Ml, R) 11.30 Can You Keep A Secret? (Final, Ml, R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Frauds. (Final, Mal, R) 1.45 ANZAC Battlefields. (PG, R) 2.55 Grand Designs Aust. (PG, R) 3.55 Sister Boniface Mysteries. (PGa, R) 4.45 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. (PGa, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R) 7.00 ABC News.

7.30 7.30. 8.00 Back Roads. 8.30 Grand Designs. (PG) 9.15 The Piano. (Final, PG, R) 10.15 ABC Late News.

10.30 The Business. (R)

10.45 Sister Boniface Mysteries. (PG, R)

11.30 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. (PG, R)

12.20 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

4.00 Gardening Australia. (R)

5.00 A Bite To Eat With Alice. (R)

5.30 7.30. (R)

6am Children’s Programs. 10.25 TBA. 10.35 Children’s Programs. 6.20pm Bluey. 6.25 Flower And Flour. 6.35 Big Lizard. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Ben And Holly. 7.00 Superbuns. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00 Young Sheldon. 8.20 BTN

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 Matched. (PG, R) 9.50 Spectacular Railways Of The Swiss Alps. (PG) 10.50 Scottish Vets Down Under. (R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.05 Rhoda Roberts AO: A Lasting Legacy. (PG, R) 3.30 Living Black. (R) 4.00 Destination Flavour. (R) 4.10 Sri Lanka With Alexander Armstrong. (PGa, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R) 6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 Seven’s National News At Noon. 1.00 Seven News With Alex Cullen. 1.10 Blankety Blank. (PGas, R) 2.00 Bridge Of Lies. 3.00 The Chase. 4.00 Seven News At 4.

6.00 Mastermind Australia.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 William And Kate: A Royal Wedding.

8.30 Secrets Of Flying Scotsman. (R)

9.30 Riot Women. (Malsv)

10.35 SBS World News Late.

11.05 Under The Bridge. (Ml)

12.00 Bonn. (Msv, R)

1.55 Beyond Signs. (MA15+a, R)

2.50 Mastermind Australia. (PG, R)

3.55 The Zelensky Story. (Ml, R)

4.50 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (PG, R)

VICELAND (31)

Does Countdown. 8.45 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Fleche-Wallonne Men’s Race. 12.45am Cycling. UCI World Tour. Fleche-Wallonne Women’s Race. 2.15 Late Programs. 6am WorldWatch. 11.00 The Movie Show. 12.10pm WorldWatch. 12.40 Alone. 1.55 UFOs: Investigating The Unknown. 2.45 Insight. 3.45 News. 3.50 WorldWatch. 5.50 Curse Of Oak Island. 6.40 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 American Godfathers: The Five Families. (Premiere) 10.10 The UnXplained. 11.00 Theatres Of War. 12.35am Late Programs.

5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

(64) SBS MOVIES (32) SBS MOVIES (32)

Hotel Salvation. (2016, PG, Hindi) 6.20 The Giants. (2023, PG) 8.30 The Boy In The Striped Pajamas. (2008, M) 10.20 Sasquatch Sunset. (2024, M) 11.55 Late Programs. 6am Discovering Film. 6.45 Hotel Salvation. (2016, PG, Hindi) 8.40 The Giants. (2023, PG) 10.50 First Snow Of Summer. (2023, M, German) 12.40pm Rosenthal. (2025, M, Yiddish) 2.30 Mr. Holmes. (2015, PG) 4.25 The Return Of The Soldier. (1982, PG) 6.20 The Battle Of The River Plate. (1956, PG) 8.30 Flags Of Our Fathers. (2006, MA15+) 11.00 Shanghai. (2010, MA15+) 12.55am Late Programs.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PG) Remi ponders picking up the guitar again. 7.30 Football. AFL. Round 7. Western Bulldogs v Sydney.

10.30 AFL Post-Game Show. Post-game discussion and interviews. 11.00 Kick Ons. A preview of the upcoming AFL matches.

11.30 HMP: Behind Bars: HMP Full Sutton. (MA15+a, R)

1.00 Travel Oz. (PG, R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 NBC Today.

5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

7TWO (62)

6am Australia’s Deadliest. 6.30 Escape To The Country. 7.30 Harry’s Practice. 8.00 Million Dollar Minute. 9.00 Business Builders. 9.30 NBC Today. Noon My Reno Rules. 2.00 Weekender. 2.30 House Calls To The Rescue. 3.30 Harry’s Practice. 4.00 Medical Rookies. 4.30 Better Homes. 5.30 Escape To The Country. 6.30 Bargain Hunt. 7.30 Heartbeat. 8.45 McDonald And Dodds. 10.45 Late Programs. 6am Morning Programs. 7.30 Harry’s Practice. 8.00

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 Rugby League. NRL. Round 8. Wests Tigers v Canberra Raiders. 9.55 NRL Thursday Night Footy Post-Match. 10.40 9News Late. 11.10 Miniseries: The Night Caller. (Malv)

Tipping Point.

Children’s Programs. 8.30 Nanny. 9.30 Addams Family. 10.30 Bewitched. 11.30 Innovation Nation. 11.40 Motor Racing. FIA World Endurance C’ship. 6 Hours Of Imola. H’lights. 12.50pm LEGO Masters. 2.30

News Of The Area COFFS COAST

By Aiden BURGESS

ANGUS Anderson has made Coffs Coast sporting history after realising his footy dream.

The former Sawtell/ Toormina Saints player made his AFL debut playing for the Collingwood Magpies, during their Gather Round game against the Fremantle Dockers at Adelaide Oval.

The 22-year-old made history as the first male player from both the AFL North Coast competition and Coffs Coast region to play in the AFL.

He took his place in

Dream realised