THIS year marks 75 years since Australia first introduced National Service and for many families across the Nambucca Valley, it’s not just a chapter in the history books.
It’s personal.
It’s the uncle who disappeared off to basic training during the footy season.
The apprentice who swapped overalls for khaki.
The 20-year-old whose birthday number came up in the “lottery” and suddenly found himself bound for the other side of the world.
In the decades following World War II, compulsory National Service called thousands of young Australian men into uniform through a ballot system commonly known as the “birthday lottery”.
Between 1964 and 1972 alone, more than 60,000 Australians were called up, with over 15,000 serving in Vietnam.
CONTINUED Page 3
q Nashos Ray Bartlett, Alan Dollin, Don McKenzie and Richard Greentree with President of the Nambucca Heads RSL sub-Branch, Denis Lane.
Macksville teenagers are being hailed heroes for saving 91-year-old Shirley Laverty from a horrific ordeal.
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Vicious dog attack
FROM Page 1
were called to Matilda Street, Macksville, just before 5pm.
Officers attached to the Mid North Coast Police District arrived to find Mrs Laverty suffering serious injuries.
She was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics and taken to Macksville Hospital, then to Coffs Harbour Base Hospital.
At the time, Luke Gaffey was visiting his friend Nathan Harju who lives next door to
Mrs Laverty.
He said they were discussing whether or not to head to the local pub when Mr Harju heard a cry from outside. They raced outside to find two large dogs had Mrs Laverty pinned to the ground.
“The dogs were really vicious and wouldn’t back off at all,” Luke said.
“There was blood everywhere.”
Luke and Nathan helped Mrs Laverty onto her feet while fending off the dogs.
By the time they got her inside she was limp and had very shallow breathing.
“We went to work on her legs and used towels to compress the wounds,” Luke said.
“I’m glad that we got to her before the dogs did any more damage.”
The dogs ran off, but were captured and surrendered to council officers.
They were subsequently euthanased.
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q Shirley Laverty on a better day.
Photo: Karen Clarke.
q Grainy CCTV images recorded across the road show the dogs following Mrs Laverty even as the young men carry her to safety.
Birthday Ballots and Brotherhood
FROM Page 1
For regional communities like the Nambucca Valley, those numbers weren’t abstract.
They were sons, brothers, workmates and footy teammates.
Their absence was felt at kitchen tables, dairy sheds, building sites and Saturday matches.
Some returned with lifelong friendships and a sharpened sense of purpose.
Others carried the quieter burdens of war.
All were shaped by a system that gave little choice, only duty.
The scheme itself came and went in various forms.
First introduced in 1951, the early years required selected men to complete 179 days of military training across the Army, Navy or Air Force.
By the mid-1960s, legislation meant National Servicemen could be sent overseas as Australia became involved in regional tensions, including Konfrontasi with
Indonesia and later the conflict in Vietnam.
Not every Nasho looks back with resentment.
For many, the experience proved life-changing in positive ways.
Nambucca Valley resident Don McKenzie told News Of The Area that it was the “best thing that ever happened to me and my mates.”
“Some of the lads I was with were very lost in life and had no direction; however, by the time their National Service had ended, they were
men with real purpose.”
Don is among those who believe the scheme, or something like it, could still have value today.
Commemoration remains deeply important to former servicemen.
Fellow Nasho Alan Dollin said Nashos Day, marked each year on 14 February, carries special meaning.
“Each year there are fewer of us left and we want the day to be commemorated long after we are gone so that younger generations never
forget those that answered the call from their country.”
Nambucca Heads RSL Sub Branch President Denis Lane points out that bonds formed through service never truly fade, those connections are still strong.
“When you are a member of the armed services you form bonds that are hard for many in civilian life to understand,” he said.
“When these Nashos get together on Nashos Day each year, it is a time when those bonds are reaffirmed.”
National Service officially ended in 1972, but the legacy of the Nashos remains woven through the fabric districts like ours, in Anzac Day marches, faded photos on mantelpieces, old unit badges tucked away in drawers, and stories retold around family tables.
Seventy-five years on, the “birthday lottery” generation is still remembered.
The public are invited to come to the Nambucca Heads Cenotaph, at the foot of the RSL Club car park, at 11:00 am on Saturday 14 February to join with others remembering the Nashos.
The landslip near Gordonville Crossing is still moving
BELLINGEN Shire Council is continuing to work with Transport for NSW and the State Government as the landslip on Waterfall Way near Gordonville Crossing remains active and unstable.
Mayor Steve Allan and General Manager Mark Griffioen have visited the site with NSW Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison and Member for Oxley Michael Kemp, where they received a briefing from geotechnical experts and crews managing the complex recovery effort.
Cr Allan said what they saw confirmed the seriousness of the situation, and that this would not be a simple clean-up job.
SAT 14 FEB
“The slope above the road is still moving, with material continuing to fall and large rock faces that remain unstable and could come down without warning," he said.
“That makes it extremely dangerous for both workers and the public.
“We understand how frustrating this closure is, but safety must come first.”
Specialist engineers and geotechnical experts have been working on the 26-metre-high slope since the initial failure. Hundreds of tonnes of material have already come down, and the site remains highly unstable.
Bellingen Shire Council’s
General Manager Mark Griffioen said that because the slip is still active, it is not yet possible to provide firm timeframes for reopening the road.
“We know how hard this is for our community,” he said.
“Families, businesses, freight operators and emergency services all rely on Waterfall Way. But until the slope is stabilised, we are unable to confirm a timeframe on the reopening.
“We ask for the community’s patience while this critical safety work continues.”
Bellingen Council has welcomed the NSW Government’s announcement
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of a detailed corridor assessment of Waterfall Way and surrounding Mid North Coast roads between Bellingen and Dorrigo to be completed this year.
The review will investigate both short-term improvements and longerterm upgrades to improve resilience and alternative access when Waterfall Way is impacted.
With Waterfall Way closed, the only viable route connecting Dorrigo to Bellingen is Summervilles Road.
Mr Griffioen acknowledges this alternative presents its own challenges.
“It has load limits, narrow
sections and can deteriorate quickly in wet weather.
“We understand the concerns of local residents and road users, and we are working hard to manage safety and maintenance while the road is carrying higherthan-usual traffic.”
The NSW Government has confirmed Summervilles Road will form part of the corridor assessment, including what upgrades may be required to make it a safer and more reliable secondary route in the future.
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Resident concerned about XPT changes
CONFUSION around XPT services on the Mid North Coast has left elderly passengers questioning whether booking a train guarantees travelling by train.
Raleigh resident Beverley Miles said she and her neighbours were increasingly concerned about changes to NSW TrainLink services between the Coffs Coast and Sydney.
Ms Miles said neighbours booked XPT tickets to Sydney through the Coffs Harbour railway station and were assured by staff that the service was running as a train.
However, they were transferred to coaches during the journey and arrived in Sydney more than eleven and a half hours later.
“Neighbours booked a train to Sydney at Coffs train station and were assured they would travel by train, only to find a coach at Urunga and eleven and a half hours later arrived in Sydney.
“We are in our late eighties and want assurance we can actually catch a train.”
The concerns come amid ongoing maintenance under the XPT life extension project, which has seen trains replaced by coaches on some services.
NSW TrainLink confirmed in a public release that only two daily Sydney to Grafton coach services currently operate in each direction while trains undergo major maintenance.
In December, additional coach services were added to cope with peak holiday demand.
“Between 3 and 31 December, two extra daily services will run in each direction, boosting capacity between Sydney Central
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and the north coast during the peak travel period,” the release stated.
Chief Executive Roger Weeks said the additional services were designed to give passengers more options.
“Adding extra connections between Sydney and Grafton during the holiday season means people have more options to travel to see family and friends or book a trip during the holiday season,” Mr Weeks said.
“It’s part of our commitment to ensure a more reliable service for all of our regional passengers.”
While passengers say there is uncertainty about whether booked train services will operate as trains, NSW TrainLink has recently promoted updates to its onboard catering.
New items added to the on-board menu ahead of summer include rice paper rolls,
Mr Weeks said the organisation was focused on improving the customer experience.
“We have listened to our passengers about what food options they’d prefer and we hope they love the modern, fresh additions such as healthy snacks and substantial meals while retaining old favourites like pies,” he said.
Ms Miles said passengers simply wanted the same certainty about how they would travel as what would be served onboard.
“Can Transport NSW please confirm that if one books the XPT to Sydney and return that we actually catch a train,” Ms Miles said.
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TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURES
NAMBUCCA VALLEY OPEN STREETS FESTIVAL
Council advises the temporary closure of the following streets for the purpose of the 2026 Open Streets Festival.
The closure is proposed for the location and times detailed below:
Macksville – River Street (west of Wallace Lane) and Princess Street (North of McKay Street) on Friday 13 February 2026 from 9.00am to 3.00pm and
Macksville - River Street (west of Cooper Street), Wallace Lane, Princess Street (North of McKay Street) and McKay Street car park.
3.00pm Friday 13 February to 5.00pm Sunday 15 February 2026 and
North Macksville – Lions Park and car parking area on Ferry Street will be closed on 14 February 2026 from 6.00am to 9.00pm
A sign posted detour will be provided around the closure.
ENQUIRIES TO:
Manager Technical Services.
Phone (02) 6568 2555
PO BOX 177
MACKSVILLE NSW 2447
granola yoghurt, flavoured pies, salad bowls, paninis and baguettes, with hot meals such as butter chicken and rice remaining on the menu.
The XPT departing
Nambucca Heads station. Photo: Rob Williams.
Council call to connect and collaborate
By Mick BIRTLES
LOCAL businesses and tourism operators across the Nambucca Valley are being invited to connect, collaborate and hear the latest industry updates at two free networking events hosted by Nambucca Valley Council this February.
The sessions, to be held in Macksville on 12 February and 26 February, aim to strengthen local partnerships, share timely information and support continued economic growth across the valley.
Nambucca Valley Mayor Gary Lee said the networking program reflects Council’s commitment to supporting local industry and strengthening the regional economy.
“Local businesses and tourism providers play a vital role in creating jobs and driving economic prosperity in the Nambucca Valley,” he said.
“Council is hosting two great events across February, one for tourism operators and the other for mixed businesses to share timely information and provide a platform for relationship building and connection.
“I encourage our local business owners and operators to register for our February events and take advantage of hearing timely news and catching up together.”
The first gathering will focus on the region’s tourism sector and will be held at the Macksville Hotel on Wednesday 12 February from 5pm.
Attendees will hear directly from NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service about the proposed Great Koala National Park, including what it could mean for the Nambucca Valley and the opportunities that may emerge for local operators.
Council will also provide an update on its destination brand project, an initiative aimed at strengthening the valley’s tourism identity.
Later in the month, the Valley Business Leaders event will be held at Dawkins Park in Macksville on Thursday 26 February from midday.
The session will feature a presentation from Regional Manager Northern NSW for Industry Capability Network NSW, Brad Donnan, alongside updates on key regional projects and a guided tour of the Macksville Library upgrade.
Council’s Manager Economic Development and Tourism, Janice Rooney, who leads the Valley Business Leaders Networking Program, said February was an ideal time for businesses to reconnect after the summer period and plan ahead.
“These events will share timely information about projects and opportunities and provide tangible benefits to local businesses, no matter what your size or industry is,” she said.
With both sessions free to attend, Council hopes to see strong participation from across the business community, from
sole traders and tourism operators to larger employers and service providers.
Registrations are now open via Council’s website, with expressions of interest for the tourism industry event closing on Monday 9 February and the business leaders event closing on Friday 20 February.
q Nambucca Valley Mayor Gary Lee and Council’s Manager Economic Development and Tourism Janice Rooney at Dawkins Park, Macksville. Photo: supplied.
Festival returns to Macksville’s riverside
By Ned COWIE
MACKSVILLE’S riverside precinct
will once again host the sounds of locally produced live music when the extremely popular Open Streets Festival opens on 14 February.
In 2024, the area around Princess and Riverside streets came alive when crowds of around 3,000 celebrated the Nambucca Valley’s first ever Open Streets Festival.
The event was almost entirely run by local young people and was a product of that year’s Youth Speak Project.
Organisers say they have secured funding for three years and this year’s festival will offer even more excitement, culinary choices, concerts and activities
for young and old.
“This free, all-ages festival is the first of three funded by the NSW Government’s Open Streets Program, led by Transport for NSW, in association with Nambucca Valley Council,” event manager Joel Grimson told News Of The Area.
“Buzzing with food, music, markets, activities, and more, Open Streets promises fun for everyone, whether you’re six or 106,” he said.
Wallace Lane and River Street will again close for the day to play host to a wide variety of events and activities under this year’s theme of “Rivers meet the Sea”.
Festival-goers will be invited to create impromptu wearable art for the parade, decorate the street with sidewalk chalk, climb
q Folk singer Billie-Jo Porter and retro-soul group Mastersonics will headline the
an eight-metre rock wall, play with giant bubbles, get their faces and bodies painted, browse the markets, join in a photography or musical workshop or just have fun in the circus play space.
While local food businesses will be serving their special “Open Streets” menus, organisers say music is the main fare and they promise a varied and exciting line-up of youth and seasoned pros.
Some of the well-known local acts include Mahli Grant, Emily Taylor, Violette Hyland, Mainly Hues, Rhetorical? and Temperate. Funkatu, Hella Steezy, the Mitch Burgess Trio as well as folk singer Billie-Jo Porter, retro soul group Mastersonics Collective and Central Coast rockers Lemon Joe, are some of the big names to appear on multiple street stages over the course of the afternoon and evening.
The festival’s finale will feature a fireworks display from the banks of the Nambucca River, flowing on from a community street parade and Samba Soul stage show.
Open Streets is funded by Nambucca Valley Council and Transport NSW with the support of many local businesses. It will run from 2pm to 8pm, 14 February.
q The wildly popular Open Streets Festival of 2024 drew huge crowds to Macksville.
program.
Works begin at Valla Reservoir
By Mick BIRTLES
SIGNIFICANT refurbishment works are now underway at the Valla Beach reservoir, as Nambucca Valley Council delivers upgrades aimed at securing a reliable drinking water supply for the community into the future.
The large storage tank on Valla Beach Road has served residents and businesses for more than five decades and is now due for what Council describes as once-in-a-generation maintenance.
Council General Manager Bede Spannagle said the works are essential to maintaining safe, affordable and dependable potable water for the growing Valla Beach community.
“A key role for Council is delivering affordable, reliable potable water to residents and businesses within towns in our valley,” Mr Spannagle told News Of The Area.
“The Valla Reservoir was constructed in 1975 and it is due for some once in a generation refurbishment work.
“It began on Monday, 2 February, when our specialist contractor, Alfabs Services, mobilised its team to the site, so the Valla Beach community will see work happening there until about June 2026, weather depending.”
The reservoir has already been taken offline and drained to allow works to proceed safely.
Since late January, homes and businesses across Valla Beach and surrounding areas have continued to receive potable water through Council’s trunk main system.
This supply arrangement will remain in place until the reservoir returns to service in mid-2026.
Planned works include high-pressure blast cleaning of the reservoir’s internal walls and other structural refurbishment tasks aimed at extending the life of the asset.
During blast cleaning, nearby residents may hear a low humming noise.
Council says efforts will be made to minimise disruption, with intermittent noise monitoring to ensure compliance with construction limits.
For safety reasons, motorists and pedestrians are being asked to take extra care when travelling past the site and to follow directions from traffic controllers.
Construction hours are scheduled for 7am to 5pm on weekdays, with occasional Saturday work between 8am and 1pm if required.
Council has encouraged residents with questions or concerns to get in touch.
For enquiries, contact Council on 02 6568 2555 or email council@nambucca. nsw.gov.au
While the works may bring some temporary noise and activity, Council says the outcome will be a stronger, safer and more resilient water supply for the Valla Beach community for decades to come.
Have Your Say
News Of The Area would love to hear your OPINION and VIEWS on issues and topics affecting our area. Keep Letters to the Editor under 250 words for its best chance of publication. Please be aware that there is no guarantee of publication from your submission to us. Publication will be determined by the Editor around available space, relevance and appropriateness. Email us media@newsofthearea.com.au
q The Valla Reservoir emptied of potable water. Photo: supplied.
‘Laughing Matters’ at the Phoenix
By Ned COWIE
AN EXHIBITION of humorous cartoons, created by local artist and business owner Dan Boermans, is currently on view at the Phoenix Art Gallery in Bowraville.
The free exhibition is called “Laughing Matters” and features 30 of Mr Boermans’ original cartoons and captions.
It opened to the public on
Saturday 24 January and will run until 19 February, in line with the gallery’s opening hours.
The displayed works present a light-hearted and irreverent take on the everyday and the mythical, dealing with such topics as mermaids, activism, the moon landing and everything in-between.
Mr Boermans has a history of professional cartooning, having worked for almost two decades with
Queensland Newspapers where his work was published in The CourierMail and The Sunday Mail.
The exhibition features cartoons created over his career and most have been printed publicly before, though they have never been in a collection like this.
“With serious events always happening, it’s important to break the stress cycle with laughter,” Mr Boermans told News Of The Area.
He takes his inspiration from daily life and ideas that just occur to him in quiet moments, literally, out of the blue.
“Living and breathing - just life’s everyday circumstances give me ideas.
“But you can’t force yourself to think of things – they just don’t come.”
Although the displayed works are prints, his original pieces were completed in the traditional
mediums of ink and watercolour.
Creating an exhibition has always been on his bucket list.
Mr Boermans is also the curator and owner of the collectables shop Bowra Emporium, which is located just across from the Phoenix Gallery.
“It was a convenient place to show them [as] this gallery, (the Phoenix) always welcomes and supports different works by local artists.”
MPs flood recovery appeal
MEMBER for Myall Lakes Tanya Thompson and Member for Oxley Michael Kemp are calling on the Minns Government to urgently double the Small Business Recovery Grant from $25,000 to $50,000.
They say Labor has failed communities affected by the March 2025 floods, by allowing the deadline for recovery grants to pass without delivering the support needed.
In a joint statement, the MPs said businesses across the Myall Lakes and Oxley electorates continue to be burdened with damaged premises, disrupted transport routes, delayed infrastructure repairs, insurance gaps and prolonged reductions in trade.
Mrs Thompson said frustration is growing among business owners who feel early commitments made during visits to flood-affected areas have not been followed through.
“Months on from the floods, our communities are still waiting,” she said.
“We aren’t talking about short-term impacts, they are ongoing, compounding costs that $25,000 simply does not cover.
“We are hearing the same message everywhere - the support on offer does not match the scale of the damage yet the Government is refusing to listen.”
Mr Kemp said the reality on the ground is that many businesses simply cannot fully recover under the current level of support.
“We have businesses that still haven’t been able to reopen, others operating at a fraction of their capacity, and owners who’ve been forced to remortgage their homes just to keep the doors open,” he said.
“There is work to be done and customers ready to come back, but stock is damaged or unusable and the grant on offer doesn’t come close to covering the cost of getting back up and running.
“When businesses cannot reopen properly or are forced to cut jobs, families feel it, workers feel it, and local economies suffer.
“The Minns Labor Government must deliver the level of support that allows businesses to properly rebuild and employ locals again.”
q Local artist Dan Boermans has created a space to laugh.
q Thirty original cartoons feature in the exhibition at the Phoenix Art Gallery in Bowraville.
Veterans Wellness Centre officially opened
By Andrea FERRARI
THE official opening of the Coffs Coast Veterans Wellbeing Centre (CCVWC) on Vernon Street took place on Thursday, 29 January, with the Honourable Matt Keogh MP, Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, cutting the ribbon.
Veteran dignitaries in attendance included President of Veterans Centre Mid North Coast Inc, Geoff Harrison; President of the Coffs Ex-Services Club (C.ex) Board, David Doyle; members of the CCVWC Project Team Richard Kelloway, Pat Magann and Steve Sawtell; President of Coffs Coast Legacy, Jeremy Nash; and President of the Coffs Harbour RSL SubBranch, John Lloyd.
Minister Keogh spoke about the proven benefits of having support facilities, such as the Wellbeing Centre, available to the veteran community, their families and carers.
He referred to the 2024 Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, which highlights the positive difference local care
models can make.
“But what's also become very clear is that navigating those support systems is becoming increasingly more difficult because of [the] myriad different support systems out there,” he said.
The Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) is working on improving that navigation.
Minister Keogh also spoke about the collaboration of service types across the region.
He said organisations are working in a “joined up way”, minimising “demarcation disputes around who’s going to do what or trying to do the same thing as each other.”
The partnerships mean that everyone is working for the greater good of the veteran community and their families.
“And that's exactly what we see here,” he said, pointing to the CCVWC.
“When we look at the entire region, from Grafton to Taree, there's some 11,000 veterans.
“In the immediate area, there's some 2,000 veteran families, and we expect that will mean the centre will be able to support some 4,500 individuals.
“That will make an incredible difference to the veterans and their
families living across this region.”
Minister Keogh said the Government was very happy to have been able to provide the financial support ($1 million), together with other partners, including C.ex Coffs Harbour, to get
the centre off the ground and up and running.
Founder of the CCVWC Project Sub-Committee, Richard Kelloway, thanked the long-time support of Legacy Coffs Harbour and noted that “in due course, the centre will
open its doors and facilities to first responders and their families.”
The Minister received a guided tour of the centre along with numerous Coffs Harbour dignitaries, veterans, business people and members of the public.
q President, Veterans Centre Mid North Coast Inc Geoff Harrison, Matt Keogh MP, Founder CCVWC Richard Kelloway and President Coffs Harbour RSL Sub-Branch John Lloyd.
q Rotary Club of Sawtell’s Alan Freedman and retired Army Officer Mick Birtles DSC.
q City of Coffs Harbour General Manager Murray Wood, Mayor of Clarence Valley Ray Smith and his wife Donna with Coffs Mayor Nikki Williams.
q Veteran dignitaries, and the Coffs community.
q Byron Gowing and Gurmesh Singh MP.
q GambleAware’s Sherri Swayne and Lifeline North Coast’s Angela Martin.
Farewell to the Nambucca Silver Screen
By Kieren DELL
TWENTY-THREE years and two-and-a-half months ago, on 14 November 2002, my partners, investors and I bought the Nambucca Cinema Centre, starting a wonderful journey in the cinema business.
Unfortunately, it has come time to close the cinema, after more than 40 years of it serving the Nambucca Valley.
From the beginning…
We were absolute novices in the cinema business, but we learnt fast.
We opened with a Harry Potter movie, so it was busy from day one, but nothing compared to six weeks later on Boxing Day 2002, with the second Lord of the Rings movie.
It was raining, people were lined-up out the door at 8am, some dressed as hobbits, and every ticket for three days was sold out in advance, with lots of tears from people who were missing out.
Love Actually and James Bond were also doing well in the other cinemas.
We had 1,000 handmade choc tops ready, which had all melted on Christmas Day as the freezers failed and had to be made again, and there was an oil spill in the storeroomamong many other stories.
It was all hands to the deck just to survive what was an amazing day.
Our choc tops were made famous on the John Laws show for being the best in Australia, a quote we proudly put on a sign over the choc top fridge.
The flavours included the very Nambucca friendly Macadamia.
Many locals would drop in on the way home from dinner to grab some choc tops for dessert, without seeing a
There have been many great events we were a part of in Nambucca over the years, with some of the great memories including:
2003: Jonathon Teplitzky, Director of Getting’ Square, presenting his movie. It included very funny scenes with David Wenham as Johnny Spiteri, especially the hilarious courtroom scene.
2004: Director Chris Kennedy presenting the Aussie comedy A Man’s Gotta Do, to 200 people in a full cinema. I had watched the movie on a VHS tape (remember them) at home and thought it was pretty average, only to see it transformed to a great comedy in front of an audience, all laughing in unison. There was also a talk by the director, whose day job was as a dentist and who never made another movie to my knowledge .
2006: Shane Jacobsen as Kenny in front of a full house doing a great comedy routine before the movie screened. When I went to greet him as Shane in the foyer he said “It’s Kenny” as he was already in character and stayed in character the whole time. Then he wrote a very funny quote over the men’s urinals:
“Our aim is to keep these toilets clean, your aim will help” and signed it Kenny Smyth. Years later, in 2018, he and his brother Clayton (Director of Kenny) returned for a world premiere of Brothers’ Nest, and added a message from Shane and Clayton as well.
2010: The screening on the national opening night of Tomorrow, When the War Began, with author the late John Marsden attending (who had not been invited to the capital city premieres). I’ve
never seen a 60-yearold maths teacher mobbed by teenagers asking him to sign their books – the line went out the door and into the carpark.
2011: Actor Luke Ford presented a screening of the iconic Red Dog.
2015: Michael Caton and Jeremy Sims arrived to present Last Cab to Darwin.
2018: Glenn A Baker visited for a Glenn A Baker Music Film Festival.
2021: Leah Purcell presented her amazing movie The Drover's Wife, and the talk afterwards was so powerful in relation to Indigenous issues that it had many people, myself included, in tears as she bonded with the locals.
On top of this I remember having dinner with Barry Crocker when we showed The Adventures of Barry MacKenzie, and the stress of our first 3D presentation in Nambucca with a re-release of Avatar.
Promoted by a local radio station, we had 200 people waiting for the movie to start, and all we had was a green screen due to a technical issue - despite extensive testingand then the intense relief we had in getting it going just in time.
Rolling credits
I think of all the staff we have had over the years; the amazing managers, some of whom went on to work at other sites, and all the many young staff for whom it was their first job and who went on to many and varied successful careers and lives.
We are proud to have provided them with their start and to have employed locals for so many years.
I especially want to thank Susanne Young, who has been with us for a couple of decades and has been on the
Nambucca management team for much of that time, including as Manager for the last few years.
Susanne will be staying with us to take over our Sawtell site from Judi Quinn, who has also been with us for over 20 years - the first 10 at Nambucca. Judi is retiring after a glittering career.
And I want to especially mention two people who have been there for the full 23+ years: Jeanette Bailey, our Chief Financial Officer who, with her husband Ian, was an original partner; and Andy Schmidtke, who was chief projectionist when we took over the Nambucca Cinema and went on to open our Port Macquarie cinema a few years later. Andy then became our Head of Facilities and Technical across all our cinemas.
To our wonderful customers, from all parts of the Valley, and all the tourists who have visited over the years, thank you for your support, humour and grace.
We look forward to continuing to see you at our Sawtell and Kempsey cinemas.
Having lived in the Nambucca Valley for 15 years, and on the Mid North Coast for longer, the closure of the cinema is a very sad day personally.
However, the impacts of COVID-19 and the Hollywood strikes, have seen Nambucca slower than elsewhere to bounce back.
Given the age of the building and the fitout, we made the hard decision to finish our lease early, when it became an option.
It was not an easy decision, but the presence of our two newer cinemas to the north and south was an important consideration in making sure
Valla Expressions supporters thanked
DEAR News Of The Area
A huge THANK YOU to both locals and visitors who supported our Valla Expressions Exhibition. It was a most successful show.
we can still serve the people of the Nambucca Valley.
Cinema will continue to recover and thrive on the Mid North Coast and around Australia and the world.
There is nothing like gathering with others in the dark with the big screen and surround sound, and immersing yourself in a great story.
See you at the Movies, Kieren Dell CEO, Regional Cinemas Australia
Have Your Say
So many favorable comments from everyone attending, expressing their delight with the wonderful display of quality artwork on offer.
The feedback was all positive.
Thanks also goes to the team of artists who worked so well together, putting it on from scratch - led by our extremely capable co-ordinator Julie Collins.
Looks like we are now firmly on the calendar for future exhibitions on the first Saturday in January.
Lyn Walsh Valla Beach
Valla Beach Community Association benefits from the exhibition through commission on sales, and donations all go back to the community.
News Of The Area would love to hear your OPINION & VIEWS on issues and topics affecting our area. Keep Letters to the Editor under 250 words for its best chance of publication.
Please be aware that there is no guarantee of publication from your submission to us. Publication will be determined by the editor around available space, relevance and appropriateness.
Email us media@newsofthearea.com.au
q The cinema team gathered to reminisce as they began the process of packing up. Photo: supplied.
q Renowned rock historian Glen A. Baker outside the cinema in 2018 during his music-themed film festival. Photo: supplied.
q Kieren Dell with filmmakers and actors Clayton and Shane Jacobsen at the Brothers Nest premiere. Photo: supplied.
q The Jacobsen brothers left their mark in the men’s toilets. Photo: supplied.
Nambucca Bowls Report
By Charlie POTTER
TUESDAY Jan 20. Royal Tar
Round 3. Peter McRitchie's team moved into 1st place over Graham Hines' team on margins and they play each other in the final round Jan 27 to decide the Royal Tar champions 2026. Results were P McRitchie team d A Rostron team 29-6; G Hines d T Urquhart 23-15; D Mann d M Harvey 23-9 in third place; M Blackford d N Duffus 14-13; P Meehan d D Cedelland 19-13.
Wed Jan 21. 28 players and Maurie Herbert, Tony Stokes and Peter Fredericks
won the day. Second were Jai MacAuliffe, Stu Thorne and Bilbo Baggins Ruane with Stan Flack, Barry Redman and Danny Curran third. Lucky Losers...Marg Duffus, Wayne Bolton and Robert Chibnall. Jinx won Lucky Bowler but missed the Jackpot of $300. The consolation $150 was won but the diary had "refer rink" in the spine of the diary but my photo went no further, so apologies.
Fri Jan 23 attracted 70 bowlers and the winners were Harry the Rock, Peter Hill and Mino Bettanin. Wayne Dargan, Stu Hughes and Robert
Chibnall were second and "H" and Adam Laird third. Te day's Lucky Losers were Joe Frank, Alan Cosgrave and Bruce Mason. Lucky Bowler Tas Fribbens missed the Jackpot of $150.
Sun Jan 25. From all accounts, the Coaching Clinic with ex World No.1 Kelsey Cottrell and fellow champion bowler Anne Johns was a resounding success, rounded up with sausage sangers from the Jinx/Bob Sutton bistro.
Australia Day turnaround triples. Despite the heat and blustery wind 32 bowlers thoroughly enjoyed
Bowraville Golf Club
By Pam COTTEN
SATURDAY 31 January 2026. MEDIA RELEASE
Bowraville Golf Club –
Saturday Stableford Results
Saturday, 31 January
2026
Bowraville Golf Club Golf Club turned up the heat on Saturday, hosting a sizzling Stableford competition that tested both golfing skill and
heat tolerance. With 26 brave players taking to the course in very hot conditions, it was less “Sunday stroll” and more “survival challenge with golf clubs”.
Despite the oppressive weather (rumour has it the shade was booked out by 9am), the competition was tight at the top, resulting in a three-way countback involving Peter Chapman, Bruce Spear, and John
Summerville. Scorecards were checked, doublechecked, and possibly fanned dry before the final verdict was delivered.
After the countback dust settled:
• Winner: Peter Chapman – keeping his cool when everyone else was melting.
• Runner-up: Bruce Spear – edged out on the countback but still
themselves. The day culminated with a feast of the Bowlo's staple... sausage sangers. 5 $20 vouchers went to lucky bowlers and Bilbo Baggins won a $50 meat tray Tue Jan 27. Royal Tar Final Round. The two teams in contention for the Royal Tar Shield were Leanne Reid, Michael Thomas and Peter McRitchie and Chris D'Elboux, Andrew Shearer and Graham Hines with the latter trio proving too strong, winning 24-12 for 80 wins, 33 margin. Second place to Owen Smith, Brendon Bilbo Baggins Ruane and Neil Duffus with 60 wins, 29 margin (that single point loss in Round 3 proved to be a decider) and third to Leanne
swinging sweetly.
• Close contender: John Summerville – unlucky on the countback but very much in the mix. Medals and trophies were presented following play, with the winners graciously accepting their hardware while simultaneously searching for the nearest cold drink. As always, the applause was warm — though admittedly not as warm as the weather.
The side competitions were just as hotly contested:
Nambucca Valley Bridge Club News
By Barbara MARANIK
RESULTS for Fortnight
ending 1st February 2026
Monday 19th January 2025
North South
1st Susie Keur & Les Sinclair 62%, 2nd Pat Bride & Colleen
Robertson 55%, 3rd Barbara Lott & Rosemary Bateman 45% East West
1st Pamela Rongen & Theda Faulwetter 56%, 2nd Lynne & John Slade 55%, 3rd Sandra Ellis & Michael Finucane 52%
Tuesday 20th January 2025
1st Jane & Greg Wood 54%, 2nd Colin Denney & Alison
Savage 51%, 3rd equal Gary & Louise Walton plus Lobby
Knight & Judith Sonter 50%
Thursday 22nd January 2025
North South 1st Maureen Cowan & Janey Dyson 61%, 2nd Barbara Lott & Linda Siford 58%, 3rd Scott Parker & Robert Baker
East West
1st Pete Rundle & Libby Knight 55%, 2nd Mike Siford & Colin Tolley 54%, 3rd Merita Pailthorpe & Barry Butler 51%
Saturday 24th January 2025
North South
1st Robert Marshall & Carol McKee 71%, 2nd Maureen Cowan & Barb Maranik 55%,
3rd Louise & Gary Walton
47% Carol McKee 58%
East West
1st Linda & Mike Siford 56%, 2nd Robert Baker & Molly Bence 55%, 3rd Neil & Ali Tupper 53%
Monday 12th January 2025
North South
1st Barbara Lott & Paul Petrusma 66%, 2nd Susie Keur & Les Sinclair 65%, 3rd
Maureen Cowan & Pamela Rongen 41%
East West
1st Vicky Walker & Carol McKee 59%, 2nd Judy
Holliday & Robert Baker 56%, 3rd Mike & Linda Siford 56%
Tuesday 13th January 2025
1st Carol McKee & Amber Fox 59%, 2nd Jenette Fox & Vicky Walker 55%, 3rd Louise & Gary Walton 51%
Thursday 15th January 2026
1st Carol McKee & Rob Marshall 63%, 2nd Pamela Rongen & Colleen Robertson 56%, 3rd Barbara Lott & Linda Siford 55%
Saturday 17th January 2026
North South
1st Maureen Cowan & Barb
Maranik 61%, 2nd Neil & Ali
Tupper 58%, Pamela Rongen & Theda Faulwetter 47%
East West
1st Amber Fox & Carol McKee 65%, 2nd Kim Davidson &
Reid, Michael Thomas and Peter McRitchie 60 wins, 17 margin.
Wed. Jan 28. I took a photo of the day's results but somehow it disappeared and when I went back down to the Club to retake it, the club was closed (at 215pm?).
Fri, Jan 30. Laverty's Day with double prizes. The two winning teams were Mick Ellison, Mike James and Duffo and Perry McNally, Bill Mann and Mick Boyle. Second places to pairs games... Chris the Whizz and Headbutt Hines and Roger McGuigan and Frank Wesley. Third to Jai MacAuliffe, Barry Redman and Peter Fredericks and Paul Ward, Michael Thomas
• Nearest the Pins: Brian Brabant and Gary Jarrett, proving accuracy still counts even when the heat says otherwise.
and Todd Ryan. The Lucky Losers were Tony Stokes, Terry Snowden and Fred Pope and Terry Harvey, Trevor Hannaford and Matt Harvey. Mick Targett drew Lucky Bowler but missed his rink for an extra $180. Sat Jan 31. A well attended Pennants Trial followed with liquid refreshments and - you guessed it - sausage sangers! Sun Feb 1. 16 players for the Sunday Social and Chris Davis, Dennis Halstrom and Pat Fletcher were the winners. Lee Deacop, Jinx Campbell and Jen Thorne were the Lucky Losers. The diary says "Jackpot- Hans Jensen". No idea if he won it or not, nor the amount.
• Longest Putt: Chris Cuthbertson, rolling one in from long range and saving himself (and his playing partners) a long walk in the sun. It was a great day had by all, with plenty of laughs, plenty of sweat, and plenty of stories that will only improve with every retelling. The course played well, the competition was friendly, and the post-round retreat to the clubhouse was universally applauded. Congratulations to all players who took part, and special congratulations to Peter Chapman on a wellearned victory. Bowraville Golf Club once again delivered competitive golf, great camaraderie, and clear evidence that golfers will play in just about any conditions.
Rene Alexander plus Robert Baker & Molly Bence 50%
Monday 26th January -Australia Teams 1st Rob Marshak, Carol McKee, Maureen Cowan & Barb Maranik -imps 67, 2nd Libby Knight, Vicki Walker, Judy Holliday & Robert Baker -imps 62 3rd Mike Siford, Pauly Griffin, Barbara Lott & Linda Siford -imps 19
Tuesday 27th January 26
1st Maureen Cowan & Barb
Maranik 57%, 2nd Libby
Knight & Theda Faulwetter 56%, 3rd Gary & Louise
Walton 48%
Wednesday 28th January –Under 100MPS
North South 1st Robert Baker & Molly
Bence 62%, 2nd Michael Finucane & Vicki Walker 59%, 3rd Gary & Louise Walton 54% East West
1st Amber Fox & Carol McKee 66%, 2nd Ali & Neil Tupper 56%, 3rd Judy Holliday & Vicki Walker 52%
Nambucca's top men's pennant team got a handy win against Safety Beach
FROM Page 20
The 17-marker headed home runner-up James McIlveen (20 handicap) who posted an excellent 39 points including six pars after big trouble on the par 5 second.
Club champion Graham Watson (7) carded 38 points for the win in Div 1, one clear of Greg McCoy (4).
Jennifer Johnston (30) birdied the 8th and parred the last for a brilliant 96 off the stick and 40 points to secure Div 3 from runner-up Kim McIlveen (44) on 37. Don Wills jagged the
Ecomist longest putt on 1 and the pins went to Stuart Johnston on 5, McCoy on 7, Johnston on 8 and Glen Crow on 15. Uwe sliced the Pizza This Pizza That on 13 and Geoff McCann walked away with $90 in his kit or kilt after taking the $90 Pro Pin on 18.
Greg McCoy's celebratory week was banging as he posted 39 points for the Div 1 win in the medley stableford on Thursday, 29 January. 71 off the stick, including birds on 1, 8, 12 and 18.
Gordon Golf Club's Jake Stuart (11) was next best
with 38 points.
Paddy Byrne (21)perhaps abandoning his YouTube swing instruction subscription - walloped with 42 points including birds on 9 and 10 with the highest score of the day to claim Div 2, four ahead of runner-up Bryan Ussher (29).
Andrew Bagust bagged the putt from afar on 1 and pins went to John Crosby on 5, Jeff McGrath on 7, Deidre Fletcher on 8 and Jake Stuart on 15. Brad Fortescue has a pizza pleaser after going close on 13, Stuart Johnston collected $75 for the Pro Pin
on 18 and Dan Wren has a box of balls after an eagle on 11. Kerry Shearer (41) squeaked home in the women's stableford on Wednesday, 28 January, for the win with 36 points with a round including pars on 3 and 14.
Rhonda Rowe claimed the pin on 5 and Liz Hobday on 13.
The Toyota Genuine Service Island Challenge on Tuesday, 27 January, saw the in-form Bagust salute with 66 nett, three ahead of Peter Bush (18). Heather Gray had 74 to win the best female prize, while Daryl Wall swept the gross with 80.
A sleeve of balls went to Bagust on 5, Graham Watson on 7, Stephen Kimber on 13, Stuart Johnston on 15 and Robert Coneybeare took the Pro Pin on the last.
The Mid North Coast men's rep pennant season kicked off on Sunday. Nambuccas's Div 2 defeated Safety Beach 3-2 with wins to Bryce McCarroll, Karl Hobday and Chris Knight. Div 4 saw Nambucca best Coffs Harbour 4-1 with Kye Garzoli, Dom Lambie, Elijah Cooper and Jai Wassens getting Ws.
The Island's two Div 3 sides found the going tougher at Kempsey. Nambucca 2 pushed the hosts hard in a
3.5 to 1.5 defeat, while Coffs gave Nambucca 1 a bit of an unpleasant touch up.
Catchya on The Island where the bent grass greens are swifter than Taylor and the food and river views are arguably the best in Australia.
SUDOKU
Boot Camp
Dorin’s Draws By Paul DORIN
HYPOTHETICAL
By Manny WOOD
Elder abuse, a cautionary tale
KAREN is concerned that her elderly mother, Mary, is lacking the ability to manage her affairs.
Karen makes an appointment with a solicitor, with a view to drafting a Power of Attorney and an Appointment of Enduring Guardian for Mary.
Karen is present at the appointment with the solicitor and she does most of the talking.
The solicitor obtains instructions to prepare the documents, appointing Karen and her sister, Tanya, jointly and severally.
Mary executes the documents and Karen signs the acceptance, in the presence of
the solicitor.
Karen decides that Mary should sell her home and pay Karen $300,000 for the right to stay with her for life. Unfortunately, they do not enter into a formal Granny Flat Agreement.
Contracts for the sale of Mary’s home are exchanged and Karen signs the contract on Mary’s behalf under the Power of Attorney. Karen signs an irrevocable authority for the $300,000 to be paid into her own bank account.
When Tanya hears of the developments, she makes further enquiries.
Tanya discovers that because there is no written Granny Flat Agreement, Mary stands to lose her Centrelink pension.
Tanya makes an application to the Guardianship Division of the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT), seeking a review of the Power of Attorney and seeking orders appointing her as Mary’s sole financial manager.
The evidence before NCAT, indicates that there were no medical reports obtained regarding Mary’s capacity to execute the Power of Attorney and concerns are raised that Mary did not receive the proper advice from the solicitor due to the presence of Karen, during the process.
Whilst she is successful in her
On theCouch
Email Jasminda: media@newsofthearea.com.au
Dear
Jasminda,
Kids on e-bikes are on the rise. How do we share the road safely with them?
Hayley S.
Dear Hayley,
Having recently observed two young girls powering across a T-intersection on their e-bikes without looking left or right, and after conversations with friends who have similar stories, the safety issue you raise is a real one.
Figures back up the stories with hospitalisations on the rise (94 young people - up from 60 the previous year - were treated at Sydney Children's hospitals in 2025).
Not obeying basic road rules is dangerous enough, but when
application, Tanya discovers that NCAT does not have the power to prevent the sale of Mary’s home and that it is the Supreme Court of NSW that holds the jurisdictional power.
Karen and Mary’s relationship sours as a result of the NCAT application and Tanya looks into Aged Care accommodation options for Mary.
Tanya discovers that if the sale proceeds, Mary could also face increased Aged Care fees.
Tanya, as Mary’s tutor, sues Karen in the Supreme Court.
Email Manny Wood, Principal Solicitor and Accredited Specialist in Wills and Estates at TB Law at manny@tblaw.net.au or call him on (02) 66 487 487.
This fictional column is not legal advice.
kids (sometimes without helmets) are simultaneously chatting and hooning along at 25km an hour, it's a game changer.
I always imagined an e-bike was for people who were getting close to needing a knee replacement, but the e-bike is now ubiquitous with status.
Nothing quite says mum and dad are time-poor entrepreneurs too busy microdosing ayahuasca and holding Zoom conferences to spend time with their kids than an e-bike under the Christmas tree.
And in 10 years' time, for every kid who ends up on the psychologist's couch talking about their poverty-riven childhood: 'It started the year Mum gave me a clapped-out, second-hand pushy she scored off Marketplace ...', there will be another ruminating (perhaps from their wheelchair) on the lifelong injuries they sustained from their e-bike.
Or maybe they will be there to work through the guilt they feel following the injuries an elderly person sustained after they sideswiped them (though some of those mobility scooter riders are like Mad Max extras, so be on the lookout for them too).
Your question asks about the responsibility of motorists.
Being on the road is a shared responsibility, and you are right to seek out how to safely navigate the road with e-bikes. You should treat an e-bike rider the same way you would treat a traditional cyclist. They wear the same protective gear as a traditional cyclist (bugger all), but their increased speed leads to an increase in the potential for damage.
As a responsible motorist, you should give them plenty of space, take particular care when overtaking, show them the same respect you would hope a motorist would show your own children, and drive defensively, because you can never tell what level of experience or common sense another road user has.
For my part, I'll be sticking to my acoustic bike on designated bike paths where I will continue to channel my passive aggression at e-bike kiddies overtaking me by inwardly chanting, 'Use your legs, you lazy silver-spooner,' to get me up the hills.
The life of Gumbaynggirr man told in a new book
By Mick BIRTLES
LOCAL author Tamara McWilliam
officially launched her latest novel, The Final Sunset, in Macksville last week at the Elk on 38 Cafe, with the story of identity, culture and resilience taking centre stage.
Based on the true-life journey of respected Gumbaynggirr man Colin Jarrett, the novel explores a life shaped by both Sioux (Native
NEWS
American) and Koorie bloodlines. It draws on the internal and external clashes that come with straddling cultures, confronting addiction, and searching for belonging.
Tamara McWilliam, who began her writing journey in 2015, said the project came about after she was approached in 2020 by Lifetime Connect.
“I was asked if I would be
interested in sitting with Colin and writing a book based on his life,” she told News Of The Area.
“He was keen to get his story to paper and I feel honoured that Lifetime Connect asked me to be a part of Uncle Colin’s journey.”
After many “yarns” together, Tamara decided the most authentic way to tell his story was through fiction grounded in truth, rather than a straight memoir.
“It became clear the best way to get his story across would be through a fictional format as a “based on a true story”,” she added.
It’s a style she has successfully used before with Beneath the Snow of Gnojnik, another story inspired by a local Nambucca Valley family.
Stacey Munro, Aged, Community and Wellness Manager with Lifetime Connect, told News Of The Area the collaboration was deeply meaningful.
“Lifetime Connect proudly supported the collaboration that brought Colin’s story to life, fostering a powerful connection between Colin and author Tamara through shared voice, trust, and storytelling.
“This was a planned goal under his home care support,” Ms Munro said.
Throughout the book, readers are taken through confronting chapters of Uncle Colin’s life, including struggles with substance abuse and identity.
“During our yarns I asked Uncle Colin what he wanted to achieve by sharing his story,” she said.
“He told me his hope was to inspire young people walking similar paths to trust and believe in themselves.
“There is hope and another path you can walk through life.”
For Tamara, being entrusted with the story of a Gumbaynggirr Elder was both a privilege and a responsibility.
“It’s an honour to tell the story of an Elder, especially around such poignant issues faced by so many people from all walks of life,” she said.
Tamara admits it’s not a project she would have attempted earlier in her career.
“I wouldn’t have had the confidence years ago however, having
over a decade of writing experience and already writing one ‘based on a true story’ definitely helped me gain the skills and confidence to write The Final Sunset.”
The Macksville launch drew a strong crowd of family, friends and community members, many there to support Uncle Colin.
Nambucca Valley Mayor Gary Lee was on hand to officially launch the book and suggested that the work would make a very interesting movie or television series.
The mayor’s views were echoed by another attendee at the book launch, Ms Gail Meillon, a woman with over 25 years’ experience in the television industry, who concluded that The Final Sunset was indeed strong material for a screenplay.
Tamara concluded that she hopes that the book gives readers insight into a side of an Elder’s life in the Nambucca Valley that is rarely spoken about.
“The battles, the triumphs and the realities of growing up in times many younger generations may not fully understand,” she said.
The Final Sunset can be purchased at the Elk on 38 Cafe in Macksville.
The book is available in hard copy and as an ebook.
Carpe diem, Jasminda.
q Local author Tamara McWilliam and Colin Jarrett launch
The Final Sunset in Macksville with the mayor Gary Lee.
One bedroom, self contained unit required for single, sober, male pensioner in Nambucca area or local rural area within 10 km of CBD. Carport, garage or off street parking required. Long term rental preferred, no pets, good references available. Valla, Scotts Head or Stuarts Point would be considered. Phone 0415 669 378
PET OF THE MONTH
Mattix is a 6-year-old with a big heart and a lot of love to give. He’s an affectionate, people-focused boy who thrives on attention, cuddles, and being
For further information please contact Council between 8:30am - 4:30pm Monday to Friday 6568 2555 Adoption fee for 2025/2026 is $230 and this includes microchipping, vaccination, desexing and Lifetime registration. Please visit Councils website to view the full list of animals available for adoption or lost. For any adoption enquiries please complete the Adoption Enquiry Form on Council’s Website.
NAMBUCCA VALLEY
FRIDAY
AACTA AWARDS 2026
TEN, 7.30pm
While Australia is generally well represented on red carpets during Hollywood’s annual awards season, this true-blue celebration of local screen excellence is where the stars truly shine. The Gold Coast ceremony is a chance to showcase local talent on home soil. Apple Cider Vinegar and The Narrow Road to the Deep North lead the nominees, with 20 and 12 nods respectively. Succession and All Her Fault star Sarah Snook (pictured) will be recognised for her indelible impact on Australia’s entertainment industry with the Trailblazer Award.
FRIDAY,
February 6
schoolteacher Cushla (Lola Petticrew, barrister Michael (Tom Cullen). Their connection deepens before a disturbing discovery in Wednesday’s
second chapter. An intoxicating watch, the four-part romance is rife with betrayal, suspicion and violent consequences as fear seeps into every aspect of Cushla’s life.
6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)
7.00 ABC News.
7.35 All Creatures Great And Small Christmas Special. (Final, PG) Mrs Hall’s world is rocked by bad news.
8.35 Art Detectives. (Final, PGa) Mick’s father is taken hostage.
9.20 Hard Quiz. (PGa, R) Hosted by Tom Gleeson.
9.50 The Weekly With Charlie Pickering. (PG, R)
10.20 Dog Park. (Ml, R)
10.50 ABC Late News.
11.10 Smother. (Mal, R)
12.55 Rage New Music. (MA15+adhlnsv)
5.00 Rage. (PGadhlnsv)
ABC FAMILY (22)
12.30 France 24. 12.55 PBS News. 1.55 South America With Simon Reeve. (PGaw, R) 3.00 Nula. 3.30 The Cook Up. (R) 4.05 Secrets Of The Terror Whale. (R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)
4.25 Bamay. (R) 4.55 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 Seven’s National News At Noon. 1.00 MOVIE: One Of A Kind Love. (2021, PGa) 3.00 The
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Better Homes And Gardens Summer. Juliet Love meets a former textiles teacher.
8.30 MOVIE: Pretty Woman. (1990, Mal, R) A businessman, in need of an escort for the evening, gives a sex worker a first-hand look at the lives of the mega-rich. Richard Gere, Julia Roberts, Hector Elizondo.
11.05 Australian Idol. (PGal, R)
12.50 Dare Me. (MA15+asv)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R)
5.00 Dr Harry’s Animal Encounters. (PG, R)
7TWO (62) VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 6.20pm Bluey. 6.25 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Gardening Australia Junior. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Do Not Watch This Show. 7.40 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 8.05 Scooby-Doo And Guess Who? 8.30 BTN Newsbreak. 8.35 My Adventures With Superman. 8.55 Robot Wars. 9.55 TKO: Total Knock Out. 10.35 Late Programs.
Homes. 1.00 Escape To The Country. 2.00 Home In WA. 2.30 Weekender. 3.00 Room For Improvement. 3.30 Harry’s Practice. 4.00 Medical Emergency. 4.30 Better Homes. 5.30 Escape To The Country. 6.30 Bargain Hunt. 7.30 Wildlife ER. 8.30 Escape To The Country. 11.30 Late Programs.
6am Dancing
Lughnasa. Continued. (1998, PG) 6.40 The
Show. 7.50 The Amazing Mr. Blunden. (2021, PG) 9.20 The Movie Show. 10.25 Limitless. (2011, M) 12.20pm Indecent Proposal. (1993, M) 2.30 Discovering Film. 3.25 Time Bandits. (1981, PG) 5.35 Whale Rider. (2002, PG) 7.30 Escape From Alcatraz. (1979, M) 9.35 Harry Brown. (2009,
Bowra Bowls Report
By BUNCHA
THURSDAY the 29th of January social bowls winners were Cliffy Yeager, Wayne Brown and Trev Ryan who were rewarded by having the biggest winning margin with the runners up money going to a pair's teams of Lukey Laverty and Nobby Carlow. Saturday the 31st of January winners were Wazza Gallop and Mary Dalsanto. The Tigers will be holding an in-house pennant trial Saturday the 7th of February with all Easter players trying to make the squad with the pennant season kicking off
the following week when they will host Nambucca in Grade 5. The teams selected for trials are on the notice board. Four teams to plays three games seven ends. The club triples draw has been conducted and players must check the board. Round 1 is set down for this Sunday starting at 10am. Players are reminded to wear full uniform.
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. A preview of Milano Cortina 2026.
8.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Night.
12.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Post Midnight.
3.00 Next Stop. (R) 3.30 World’s Greatest Myths And Mysteries. (PG, R) 4.30 Beyond The Dream: Ice Breakers — Chasing Olympic Gold. (PG, R) 5.30 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026: Opening Ceremony Pre-Show. The Opening Ceremony of Milano Cortina 2026.
9GEM (82)
6am Olympic Winter
6.00 10 News+. Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 6.30 Deal Or No Deal. (R) Hosted by Grant Denyer.
7.00 Millionaire Hot Seat. (PG) Hosted by Rebecca Gibney. 7.30 AACTA Awards 2026. Honours Australian television creatives and performers. 10.00 10’s Late News. Coverage of news, sport and weather. 11.00 10 News+. (R) Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 11.30 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 12.30 Home Shopping. (R)
7.00 ABC News. A look at the top stories of the day.
7.30 Call The Midwife. (PGa) Joyce faces a difficult situation when a mother suffers postnatal complications.
8.30 Midsomer Murders. (M) Two teams compete in the local lawn bowls’ championship as the season draws to a close.
10.00 This England. (Ml, R) Looks at Britain during COVID. 11.05 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) Continuous music programming.
6am Children’s Programs. 5.55pm Octonauts. 6.05 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Andy And The Band. 7.05 Piripenguins. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Hard Quiz Kids. 8.00 Chopped Junior. 8.40 Shaun Tan’s Tales From Outer Suburbia. 9.05 Mr Bean: The Animated Series. 9.25 Fresh Off The Boat. 10.10 Abbott Elementary. 10.30 Merlin. 11.15 Late Programs.
At Noon. 12.30 Landline. (R) 1.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 2.30 Muster Dogs. (PG, R) 3.40 The Piano UK. (PG, R) 4.30 Amanda & Alan’s Italian Job. (PG, R) 5.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 6.00
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Secrets Of Britain’s Historic Houses. (PG)
8.40 Swiss Alpine Rail Journeys: The Tenacious Davoser Railways. (R) Looks at the funiculars of Schatzalp and Parsenn.
9.35 The Secret DNA Of Us: Bathurst. (PG, R) 10.40 Lord Lucan. (Malv, R) 11.45 Outlander. (MA15+asv, R) 2.30 Beyond Signs. (MA15+a, R) 4.25 Bamay. (R) 5.15 Euronews. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG, R) Two men keep changing their stories.
SUNDAY, February 8
Of Serenity. (PGa) 12.00
Points. 12.30 WorldWatch. 12.55 The
6.00 Grand Designs Transformations. (PG, R)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 Muster Dogs. (PG)
8.30 Dog Park. (M) Roland guides his daughter through a breakup.
9.00 This England. (M) Looks at Britain during COVID-19.
9.50 Call The Midwife. (PGa, R) Joyce faces a difficult situation.
10.55 Midsomer Murders. (Mv, R)
12.25 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
3.00 Gardening Australia. (R)
4.00 Dream Gardens. (R)
4.30 A Bite To Eat With Alice. (R)
5.00 Insiders. (R)
6am Children’s Programs. 3.30pm Tiddler. 3.55 Children’s Programs. 5.55 Octonauts. 6.10 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.20 Bluey. 6.30 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Andy And The Band. 7.05 Piripenguins. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun
Road To Referendum History Bites. (R) 1.00 Speedweek. 3.00 Cycling. AlUla Tour. H’lights. 4.00 Going Places. (PG, R) 4.30 Cycling. Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race. Elite Men’s. H’lights. 5.30 The Anti-Soviet Fighters.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Dominic West: Extreme Silk Road. (Premiere)
8.25 Grand Canal: China And Its Wondrous Waterway. 10.15 Dunhuang: Ancient Frontier Fortress. (MA15+v, R) 11.15 George Michael: Portrait Of An Artist. (Mdls, R) 1.00 Unlocking The Secrets Of The Nazca Lines. (PGa, R) 1.50 Rise Of The Nazis: The Downfall. (Mav, R) 2.55 The Great House Revival. (R) 3.55 Rediscover Victoria. (R) 4.25 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 Euronews. 5.30 PBS News Horizons.
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6am Hajjan. Continued. (2023, PG, Arabic) 7.25 Dancing At Lughnasa. (1998, PG) 9.10 Whale Rider. (2002, PG) 11.05 First Snow Of Summer. (2023, M, German) 12.55pm Gloria Bell. (2018, M) 2.50 The Movie Show. 3.25 The Amazing Mr. Blunden. (2021) 5.00 Mia And The White Lion. (2018, PG) 6.50 Eloise At The Plaza. (2003) 8.30 The Voyeurs. (2021, MA15+) 10.40 Late Programs. 6am The Movie Show. 7.00 Mia And The White Lion. (2018, PG) 8.50 Eloise At The Plaza. (2003) 10.35 Escape From Alcatraz. (1979, M) 12.40pm Dating Amber. (2020, M) 2.20 Whale Rider. (2002, PG) 4.15 Mr. Holmes. (2015, PG) 6.10 Big Fish. (2003, PG) 8.30 For A Few Dollars More. (1965, M) 11.00 Sundown. (2021, MA15+) 12.30am The Voyeurs. (2021, MA15+) 2.40 Late Programs.
7.30 MOVIE: The Mummy. (1999, Mhv, R) A former soldier disrupts the burial place of a 2000-year-old mummified Egyptian priest. Brendan Fraser, Rachel Weisz. 10.00 MOVIE: American Made. (2017, MA15+l, R) A pilot is recruited by the CIA. Tom Cruise, Domhnall Gleeson. 12.20 MOVIE: Daughter In Disguise. (2021, Mav, R) Emily Alatalo.
2.30 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 It’s Academic. (R)
5.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R)
6.00 Better Homes And Gardens. (R) 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 The Morning Show: Weekend. (PG) 12.00 Horse Racing. Inglis Millennium Day And Caulfield Charity Family Day. 5.00 Seven News At 5. 5.30 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG, R) 6.00
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 1. From Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy. Hosted by Allison Langdon and James Bracey.
12.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 1 – Post Midnight. From Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy. Hosted by Leila McKinnon.
3.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 1 – Overnight. From Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy. Hosted by Leila McKinnon, Sylvia Jeffreys and Dylan Alcott.
6.30 The Dog House Australia. (PGa, R) Narrated by Mark Coles Smith. 7.30 Love It Or List It Australia. (Return) A couple have outgrown their property. 8.40 Sort Your Life Out. (PGa, R) Stacey Solomon and her team help families declutter and transform their lives. 9.50 Ambulance Australia. (Ma, R) The low blood sugar levels of a 23-year-old type-1 diabetic have led to a dangerous seizure.
10.50 Matlock. (PGa, R) 11.50 Elsbeth. (PGlsv, R) 1.00 Home Shopping. (R) 5.00 Hour Of Power.
6am Morning Programs. 1pm Blokesworld. 1.30 Cool Cars With Dermott And Elise. 2.00 Rides Down Under: Workshop Wars. 3.00 Motor Racing. Alpine Rally of East Gippsland. 4.00 Desert Collectors. 5.00 Counting Cars. 6.00 Pawn Stars. 7.00 Storage Wars. 7.30 MOVIE: Ghostbusters: Afterlife. (2021, PG) 10.00 MOVIE: In The Line Of Fire. (1993,
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Australian Idol. (PGal)
8.40 The Fall Of The House Of Beckham. (Premiere, M) Looks at the public fallout of the Beckhams. 9.40 The Royal Rich List. (Premiere, PG) Looks at royal assets worth £21 billion.
Crime Investigation Australia: Most Infamous. (MA15+av, R)
Temple. (Mal)
Travel Oz. (PG, R)
Home Shopping. (R)
Million Dollar Minute. (R)
Better Homes And Gardens. (R)
Sunrise Early News.
Sunrise.
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 Married At First Sight. (PGls) In the final two weddings, one bride takes a big leap of faith in an experiment first.
8.35 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 2 – Night. Coverage includes women’s downhill alpine skiing, men’s 10km cross-country skiing and men and women’s parallel giant slalom qualifiers and finals.
12.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 2 – Post Midnight.
3.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 2 – Overnight.
5.30 Today. The latest in news and current affairs.
FAMILY (22) 6am Morning Programs. 9.30 Seinfeld. 10.00 Australian Ninja Warrior. 11.50 Soccer. EPL. Liverpool v Newcastle. 1.50pm Motor Racing. FIA Formula E World C’ship. H’lights. 2.55 Surfing Aust. 3.25 Swimming. Aust Open Water C’ships. H’lights. 3.55 LEGO Masters. 5.35 MOVIE: Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed. (2004, PG) 7.30 MOVIE: Harry Potter And The Prisoner Of Azkaban. (2004, PG) 10.15 Late Programs. 6am Morning Programs. 8.30 Swimming. Aust Open Water C’ships. H’lights. 9.00 Seinfeld. 9.30 World Endurance Championship: Season Review. 10.30 Soccer. EPL. Tottenham v Manchester City. 12.30pm Basketball. WNBL. Lightning v Flyers. 2.30 Snackmasters. 3.50 LEGO Masters. 5.00 Young Sheldon. 5.30 MOVIE: Three Men And A Baby. (1987, PG) 7.30 MOVIE: Ocean’s Eleven. (2001, M) 10.00 Late Programs.
Mid North Coast Veteran Golfers Association
By Collin CUTT
TUESDAY, 27th January, 2026, 41
MNC Veteran golfers competed in a single stableford at Dorrigo Golf Course, which was in very good condition.
A Grade: Winner - Jim Fahey
Friday, 6 February 2026
37 c/b, 1st runner-up Colin Cutt 37, 2nd runner-up Kevin Sanford 36 c/b.
B Grade: Winner - Malcolm Taylor 39, 1st runner-up Bruce Parfett 38, 2nd runner-up Suzanne Dunne 36 c/b.
NTP’s: 2/11 Ron Miller, 4/13
Ron Miller, 6/15 Terry Noble, 7/16 Jim Fahey. Long putt – Bruce Parfett. Also, on Tuesday, 27/01/2026, 15 MNC Veteran golfers competed in a single stableford at Safety Beach Golf Course, which was also in very good condition.
Winner: Michael Broadfoot
35 c/b, 1st runner-up Bob Gray 35 c/b.
NTP’s: 4th & 7th Bob Gray, 9th – John Willey, 11th – Pro pin – John Hurley (thanks to Terry Perfrement for his sponsorship).
6.30 10 News+. Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 7.00 I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! (PGal) Hosted by Julia
6am Children’s Programs. 5.55pm Octonauts. 6.05 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Ninjago. 8.00 Deadly 60. 8.30 BTN Newsbreak. 8.35 TKO: Total Knock Out. 9.15 Kids BBQ Championship. 9.55 Merlin. 10.40 Late Programs. 6am Children’s Programs. 5.40pm Kangaroo Beach. 5.55 Octonauts. 6.05 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.20 Bluey.
6.30 SBS World News. 7.35 Inside The Tower Of London. (Return) 8.30 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. (M)
Never Mind The Buzzcocks. (M)
SBS World News Late.
Other People’s Money. (Premiere, Mn)
11.30 Vigil. (Malv, R)
2.30 The Great House Revival. (R)
3.30 Rediscover Victoria. (Mls, R) 4.00 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. (PGa)
7.30 Australian Idol. (PGal) Hosted by Ricki-Lee Coulter and Scott Tweedie.
9.15 9-1-1. (Mav) Athena and Hen navigate their way back home.
10.15 I Cut Off His Penis: The Truth Behind The Headlines. (MA15+av)
11.15 Crime Investigation Australia: Most Infamous. (MA15+av, R)
12.35 Conviction. (MA15+av, R)
1.35 Harry’s Practice. (R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Better Homes And Gardens. (R)
5.00 Sunrise Early News.
5.30 Sunrise.
7TWO (62)
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Married At First Sight. (Mls) After nine weddings, the next phase of the experiment begins.
9.05 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 3 – Night. Coverage includes men’s team downhill alpine skiing, women’s ice hockey and freestyle skiing slopestyle finals.
12.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano
Cortina 2026. Day 3 – Post Midnight.
3.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano
Cortina 2026. Day 3 – Overnight.
5.30 Today. The latest in news and current affairs.
7MATE (64)
6am Mr. Holmes. (2015, PG) 7.55 Big Fish. (2003, PG) 10.15 Hive. (2021, M, Albanian) 11.45 For A Few Dollars More. (1965, M) 2.15pm Mia And The White Lion. (2018, PG) 4.05 Eloise At The Plaza. (2003) 5.50 Madison. (2020, PG, German) 7.30 La La Land. (2016, M) 9.50 One Of A Kind. (2023) 11.45 Falcon Lake. (2022, M) 1.40am Sundown. (2021, MA15+) 3.10 Late Programs.
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Who Do You Think You Are? (PGa, R)
8.35 MOVIE: I Am Raquel Welch. (2025)
10.10 Rock Legends.
10.40 SBS World News Late.
11.10 Exit. (MA15+ads)
12.05 DNA. (Malv, R)
1.50 We Hear You. (PG, R)
2.40 The Great House Revival. (R)
4.35 Bamay. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
SBS MOVIES (32) SBS MOVIES (32)
6am A Handful Of Dust. (1988, PG) 7.45 The Movie Show. 8.20 Madison. (2020, PG, German) 10.00 Someone Who Takes Care Of Me. (2023, M, Spanish) 11.50 La La Land. (2016, M) 2.10pm Mr. Holmes. (2015, PG) 4.05 Roxane. (2019, PG, French) 5.45 Enigma. (1982, PG) 7.35 Walkabout. (1971, M) 9.30 The Blue Caftan. (2022, M, Arabic) 11.45 Fathers And Mothers. (2022, M, Danish) 1.35am Late Programs.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGad)
7.30 Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. (PG) From Edinburgh Castle, Scotland. 9.30 Doc. (Ma) A popular weight loss medication reveals the cracks in a couple’s relationship. Two sisters face an unexpected diagnosis.
10.30 St. Denis Medical. (PGal)
11.30 Autopsy USA: Anthony Bourdain. (Madl, R)
12.30 Childhood’s End. (Premiere, Mav)
2.30 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Better Homes And Gardens. (R)
5.00 Sunrise Early News.
5.30 Sunrise.
7MATE (64)
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Married At First Sight. (Mls) Over two nights, a new task is revealed and the photo ranking returns, where connections and cracks start to form.
9.15 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 4 – Night. Coverage includes short track mixed team relay finals, 500m and 1000m qualifiers, women’s alpine skiing and men’s moguls qualifiers. 12.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 4 – Post Midnight.
3.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano
Cortina 2026. Day 4 – Overnight. 5.30 Today.
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(PG, R)
Trespasses. (Mls)
Face To Face. (Ma, R)
Darkness: Those Who Kill. (Mav, R)
1.30 Golden Boy. (MA15+s, R)
2.20 The Great House Revival. (R)
4.15 Bamay. (R) 4.50 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
VICELAND (31)
6am Children’s Programs. 6.40pm Hey Duggee. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Ninjago. 8.00 Deadly 60. 8.30 BTN Newsbreak. 8.35 Steven Universe. 8.55 Adventure Time. 9.20 Teen Titans Go! 9.40 We Bare Bears. 9.55 Shaun Tan’s
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGad)
7.30 The 1% Club UK. (PGl)
8.30 Highway Patrol. (PGl)
9.00 Operation Dark Phone: Murder By Text. (MA15+av) 10.00 Air Crash Investigations. (Return, PGa) 11.00 The Disappearance Of Gabby Petito. (Mav, R)
12.15 The Last Weekend. (Malv)
1.15 Travel Oz. (R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Better Homes And Gardens. (R)
5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Married At First Sight. (Mls) Revelations week sees the couples show some vulnerability as a new task begins.
9.05 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 5 – Night. Coverage includes women’s snowboarding halfpipe and moguls and men’s super alpine skiing. 12.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 5 – Post Midnight.
3.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 5 – Overnight.
5.30 Today.
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.35 Toronto Airport Uncovered. (PG)
8.25 Robson Green: World’s Most Amazing Walks. (PG)
9.20 In Flight. (Madlv)
10.15 SBS World News Late. 10.45 Before We Die. (MA15+v, R) 11.40 Forest Of The Missing. (MA15+asv, R) 1.40 Silent Road. (Ma, R) 3.35 Celebrity Mastermind. (PG, R)
4.35 Bamay. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
VICELAND (31)
SBS MOVIES (32) SBS MOVIES (32)
6am The Movie Show. 6.30 Roxane. (2019, PG, French) 8.05 The Movie Show. 8.40 Enigma. (1982, PG) 10.30 The Blue Caftan. (2022, M, Arabic) 12.45pm Falcon Lake. (2022, M) 2.40 Discovering Film. 3.35 A Handful Of Dust. (1988, PG) 5.45 The Big Steal. (1990, PG) 7.35 My Own Private Idaho. (1991, M) 9.30 Bare. (2015, MA15+) 11.10 Late Programs. 5.50am The Big Steal. (1990, PG) 6am The Big Steal. (1990, PG) 7.35 The Movie Show. 8.10 Viceroy’s House. (2017, PG) 10.10 Walkabout. (1971, M) 12.05pm My Own Private Idaho. (1991, M) 2.00 Roxane. (2019, PG, French) 3.35 Enigma. (1982, PG) 5.30 55 Steps. (2017, PG) 7.35 St. Vincent. (2014, M) 9.30 The Mattachine Family. (2023, M) 11.20 Some Kind Of Beautiful. (2014, M) 1.10am Late Programs. 5.45 55 Steps. (2017, PG)
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGad) Harper’s guilt surges. 8.30 MOVIE: Sweet Home Alabama. (2002, PGl, R) A New York socialite returns to Alabama to divorce the man she married and left behind years earlier. Reese Witherspoon, Josh Lucas.
10.50 To Be Advised.
12.30 Dare Me. (MA15+asv) Addy gets closer to Colette.
1.30 Harry’s Practice. (R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Better Homes And Gardens. (R)
5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
(34) 7MATE (64) 7MATE (64)
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 6 – Night. Coverage includes men’s skeleton runs, snowboard cross, moguls qualifiers and finals and women’s super alpine skiing. 12.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 6 – Post Midnight. Coverage includes men’s snowboard
Friday, 6 February 2026
Opening round win
By Chris KNIGHT
ROB Coneybeare is nicer and more optimistic than Ned Flanders from The Simpsons, but his saintly halo must have been tested after a calamitous start at the Nambucca Heads Island Golf Course on Saturday.
A fluffed first shot left his pill near the red markers on the tee box and the subsequent rattled the chook wire, raced across the practice putting green and nestled near the clubhouse entrance steps. Out of bounds, "I think I'll pick up," said Coneybeare, enjoying a stableford format courtesy of Soulitude Health on the final day of January 2026. Visitor John Uwe from Shelly Beach Golf Club on the Cenny Coast hammered a holiday with 42 points to win Div 2 with 80 off the stick and birds on 12 and 13. CONTINUED
HEADS
HEADS
q Nambucca's top men's pennant team got a handy win against Safety Beach in the opening round of the Mid North Coast Div 2 competition. Pictured from left are Graham Watson, Karl Hobday, Ashton Herbert, Chris Knight, Dan Wren and Bryce McCarroll.
