IN the lead-up to this weekend’s Open Streets Festival, one of its youngest performers, Violette Hyland, and her puppy Muse, met with News Of The Area to talk about her achievements and plans.
Readers of NOTA may recall that Violette performed onstage in 2024 at the Sydney Opera House as part of the Mimosa Festival celebrating youth performers from across the state.
Others may remember her as one of the host band members performing up to twenty songs onstage at Nambucca Valley’s well-attended Showtime school
CONTINUED Page 2
Despite being just 15-yearsold, the down-to-earth Nambucca High School student already has an impressive string of achievements and memorable performances under her belt.
PROJECT PROGRESS
Roadworks mark major milestone for Valla Urban Growth Area
By Mick BIRTLES
CONSTRUCTION is now underway on the first internal road within the Valla Urban Growth Area (VUGA), marking a major milestone for the long-planned mixed-use precinct.
Works began in late January on the 260 metre east–west road, which will link 14 large-scale Stage One industrial lots to Red Ash Road, Valla and provide CONTINUED Page 3 q Nambucca Valley performer
high school-age solo
Violette Hyland (pictured with her puppy, Muse) will be one of three
performers to light up the Open Streets Festival this weekend in Macksville.
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Violette’s in bloom for Open Streets Festival
FROM Page 1
concerts in 2025 and 2023 or Nambucca High School’s 2024 musical production.
For Eisteddfod-goers, she was the Coffs Harbour Vocal Championship winner for the 14 years and under category in 2024 and 2025.
The last of these achievements led to her receiving a scholarship which allowed her to attend a National Institute of Dramatic Arts (NIDA) workshop in Sydney over the summer school holidays.
Violette’s real passion lies in Musical Theatre, which she describes as a “bunch of things that I really like doing”.
“This year, I’m playing the lead role of Mary Poppins in the rural schools 2026 NSW Combined Schools Musical and
I’m looking forward to that,” she told NOTA.
ThisAugustinMurwillumbah, The Arts Unit - a division of the NSW Government’s Education Department - will stage the musical Mary Poppins using a regional cast of young people chosen from across the state.
Add to this a busy schedule of her own school’s musical, and dance practices and performances as part of Macksville’s Valley Performing Arts Centre (VPAC) Show Group and the Encore Performing Arts Academy in Nambucca Heads.
Violette also attends weekly practice sessions with her band ‘Rhetorical?’, which is also performing at Saturday’s Open Streets Festival.
“There are four of us that make up the band. We met at school, but some have left that
school so now we practice at a friend’s house in Nambucca heads,” Violette explained.
“Only two of us can make it this weekend (to the Open Streets Festival).
"Our drummer is away so we are playing an acoustic version of some of our original songs,” she said.
Violette is an accomplished pianist, singer and a largely selftaught guitarist.
It was clear from an early age that her future lay in performing, according to her supportive parents.
“If there was a stage, she would be on it,” Violette’s mum Kerrie told NOTA.
“Front and centre,” said her dad Trent, a teacher at Nambucca High School.
As for a hero, not surprisingly, Violette chose Lin-Manuel
Have Your Say
Miranda.
“He’s amazing. He writes his own musicals and performs in them,” she said of the American singer, songwriter and performer.
It is difficult to imagine how busy the teenager and her family are with the challenges young regional artists face including travelling vast distances and the availability of teachers.
Violette’s achievements, and those of other young regional artists, would not be possible without the ongoing support of family and community members.
While she has become well known to many in the field across the state, Violette says she jumps at the opportunity to perform close to home.
“I performed at the Back to Bowra Festival last year and I’m excited to have another great opportunity (at Open Streets) to perform in my community because I feel like I am always far away,” she said.
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 to media@newsofthearea.com.au
Roadworks mark major milestone for Valla Urban Growth Area
FROM Page 1
direct access to the Pacific Motorway.
To date, around 2,800 tonnes of road base have been delivered by truck and trailer and spread by grader across the site as the subdivision begins to take shape.
Nambucca Valley Mayor Gary Lee said it was encouraging to see progress accelerating on a project decades in the making, with Stage One land expected to be released to the market from mid to late 2026.
“Valla Urban Growth Area is happening due to the hard yards of the Council and hours of strategic planning from the past 25 years,” he told News Of The Area.
“Stage One represents a fantastic opportunity for industry to invest here in large lots that are fully serviced with water and sewerage, fibre to the premises NBN connection and three-phase 415 volt power.
“The 260m of internal road being built connects to Red Ash Road, then it’s just a short drive to the Nambucca Heads interchange, where B-double trucks and other vehicles have easy access
the Pacific Highway, and then onto Coffs Harbour or Port Macquarie or any of our capital cities.
“This industrial precinct promises a fantastic start for industry in our valley and it will provide job opportunities and avenues to prosper for our valley for generations to come.”
Bede Spannagle, General Manager of Nambucca Valley Council, said the project had reached an exciting and significant phase.
“The critical, highlytechnical construction elements enabling the Valla Urban Growth Area are now behind us, after the horizontal directional drilling of the
water and sewer trunk mains under the Pacific Highway was achieved in December and January,” he told NOTA.
“Now AJ Civil Projects has completed the installation of sewer manholes and pipelines within VUGA there is approximately 600m of stormwater drainage and 660m of water main remaining to lay, along with electrical, lighting and communications utilities.”
Drawing attention to
the residential potential of the development, Mr Spannagle added, “While this work, thankfully backed by the Federal and State Governments, has unlocked Stage One, the industrial precinct, I really want to see the site’s residential opportunities realised to ease the local housing crisis.
“To do this, we will be seeking further investment from our government counterparts.”
VUGA Stage One is being delivered through a combined investment of $11.2 million from the Australian and NSW Governments, alongside a $17 million contribution from Council.
Once complete, the precinct is expected to play a key role in supporting local jobs, attracting new industry, and advancing the objectives of Council’s Economic Development and Tourism Strategy.
q The first internal road within the Valla Urban Growth Area marks a major milestone for the development. Photo: supplied.
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Koala survey questioned
By Andrew VIVIAN
THE North East Forest Alliance (NEFA) has questioned the NSW Government’s koala baseline assessments, saying that a review has found the Government’s models of koala densities broad and inaccurate.
This includes claims that cleared paddocks near Kyogle have higher densities of koalas than the Great Koala National Park (GKNP).
NEFA says the survey results, often quoted by opponents of the GKNP, have led to greatly inflated koala population estimates for NSW.
The NSW Government recently released the outcomes of the assessments.
They are intended to identify koalas’ distribution and abundance across NSW, and provide a baseline against which future population changes can be measured.
The outcome included models of koalas’ distribution and densities, and a total NSW koala population estimate of around 274,000, which is much more than most other estimates.
The NEFA review’s author Dailan Pugh OAM, described the aims of the baseline survey, which are to obtain accurate maps of koala habitat and populations across NSW, as important and worthy.
“Unfortunately, the outputs of the $20 million project are too inaccurate to achieve its aims or provide a baseline,” he said.
"The modelled koala densities have not adequately accounted for cleared land, identifying very high koala numbers in farmers’ paddocks, resulting in misleading mapping and grossly inflated population estimates.”
Mr Pugh said the drone surveys used to identify actual koala densities at 384 sites across the whole of NSW are a very small sample.
“They primarily relied on recordings of male koalas calling at least once in the breeding season, over two weeks at 1,179 sites, to model koala distributions and densities,” he said.
“This appears to have falsely inflated densities because it does not account for the fact that some males may be transients dispersing through poor quality or unsuitable habitat, therefore calls are not necessarily representative of good habitat or resident populations.
“They extrapolated their survey results across NSW using coarse mapping of aridity, distance to rivers, canopy height, koala feed tree density and soil nitrogen, without
accounting for numerous other habitat attributes known to affect koala densities.
“At the very least they should have excluded cleared paddocks from their model.”
Mr Pugh said that, based on the model, the largest area of the highest density koala habitat in NSW is to the north-east of Kyogle, with cleared paddocks shown to have higher densities of koalas than found in the best habitat in the Great Koala National Park.
A spokesperson for Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) said the survey used a range of monitoring techniques including heatdetecting drones and acoustic recorders.
She said the NSW survey numbers broadly align with CSIRO’s most recent koala estimates, and that koalas remain an endangered species threatened by habitat loss, disease, vehicle strikes, and climate change.
q A paddock to the north-east of Kyogle, which is claimed to have a koala density higher than the best habitat in the GKNP. Photo: NEFA.
Aged Care with Local HeartNow Strengthened for the Future
Across the Nambucca Valley, three long standing aged care homes Autumn Lodge in Macksville, Cedar Place in Kempsey and Riverside Gardens in Nambucca Heads have entered a new chapter after joining the not for profit provider Respect in 2025. While each home has its own history, character and community ties, they share a common purpose: providing safe, compassionate care close to home.
In Kempsey, Cedar Place continues its tradition of community driven care. The home’s foundations were shaped by local committees, service clubs and donors who wanted older people to remain in the region they loved. Today, under General Manager Joane Leicht, Cedar Place offers outstanding care, round the clock clinical support, allied health services and a warm, homelike environment that reflects its roots.
For over five decades, Autumn Lodge has been part of Macksville’s story. Built through local fundraising and volunteer effort, the home remains a familiar and reassuring presence for families.
General Manager Joanne Parry leads a team, supported by a dedicated team offering 24/7 nursing, specialist dementia and palliative care. The site also features a café open five days a week and is available for functions and conferences, adding a welcoming community hub to the heart of the home.
Riverside Gardens in Nambucca Heads combines professional care with a relaxed coastal atmosphere. Offering private rooms, landscaped gardens, light-filled communal areas and an onsite café, the home is a trusted choice for families seeking comfort, continuity and peace of mind. Led by General Manager Kylie Kuwert, the dedicated team delivers a broad range of allied health services, specialist memory support and engaging daily programs that help residents stay active, connected and supported.
The transition into Respect has brought long term stability, investment and a commitment to preserving each home’s identity. It has also been strengthened by the support of the Nambucca Valley community, a welcome that has been warm, open and deeply appreciated.
Our Nambucca Valley homes are now welcoming new residents. We look forward to meeting you. For a tour of our homes, contact our team today:
Autumn Lodge (02) 5531 6832
Cedar Place (02) 6563 1177
Riverside Gardens (02) 5531 6604
Photos: Left: Cedar Place, Right: Autumn Lodge Bottom: Riverside Gardens
Penfold urges protection for local news coverage
FEDERAL Lyne MP Alison Penfold has called on the WIN Network to publicly commit to maintain local news coverage and news crews provided by NBN Newcastle following its acquisition from the owners of the Nine network.
NBN currently covers news from the Central Coast in the south to the Gold Coast in the north and west to Lightning Ridge.
According to the broadcaster this market has a population of over 2.3 million people, and is the fourth largest television market in Australia, behind Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.
“Our local NBN journalists and camera crews have stood with us in the good times and the bad – from the May 2025 floods, 2019 bushfires to local shows and events,” Ms
Penfold said in a statement.
“Their work helps amplify our voice, share our joys and our grief and help bring communities and our region together.
“It may surprise many people that not all regional areas have a local 6pm TV news bulletin and local journalists like we do.
“We therefore cannot assume that the new owners of NBN will keep the same service we have now.
“Having real local crews means we have journalists telling our stories.
“We must protect what we have. If we don’t, we will never get it back.”
The announcement was made by the owners of the Nine Network to the ASX on Friday 30 January and requires the approval of Nine shareholders, as well as the Australian
Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).
“I ask them (the ACCC) to consider whether the sale will provide the same local news coverage and reporting, including ensuring local crews remain based in Taree and Port Macquarie,” Ms Penfold said.
“Any suggestion of a loss of local news coverage should result in a rejection of the deal.
“I will be writing to the ACCC and to the WIN Network to voice my concerns.”
The WIN Network currently broadcasts into 29 markets across Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia, Western Australia and the ACT.
“As the largest provider of regional television news in Australia, underpinned
by significant investment in newsrooms, journalists and production and broadcast infrastructure, WIN understands the importance of strong, independent local news and a voice for regional communities,” WIN Network CEO Andrew Lancaster said in a statement.
“This acquisition of WIN reinforces our commitment to providing that local voice, while continuing to deliver Nine’s leading national news, sport and entertainment content to audiences across the northern New South Wales region.
“Along with our deep connection to the communities where we broadcast, WIN’s record of delivering trusted, high-quality local news while complementing Nine’s national programming remains unmatched.”
Under the agreement, WIN will continue to broadcast Nine’s signal across the northern New South Wales licence area –the television markets of Newcastle, Central Coast, Port Macquarie & Taree, Tamworth, Coffs Harbour, Lismore and the Gold Coast
Meeting to provide blueberry update
A PUBLIC meeting will be held in Macksville to update the community on the progress of an amendment to Nambucca Valley Council’s Local Environment Plan (LEP).
The amendment proposes changes to the rules for intensive horticulture in the Nambucca Valley, in an attempt to tighten regulations following a ramp-up in blueberry production in the region.
Hosted by the Nambucca Environment Network, the community meeting has been scheduled for 6pm on Monday 16 February at the Macksville Ex-Services Club.
Attendees will hear presentations from aquatic animal health expert Dr Matthew Landos (not attending in person) and Greens MLC Cate Faehrmann. NEN spokesperson Raewyn Macky urged interested community members to attend.
“We continue to raise awareness and support for the Nambucca Valley Local Environment Plan amendment so that [intensive] horticulture in this area gets some regulation - starting with [a requirement for] Development Applications and buffer zones in particular.
“Cate is aiming to address parliament again on this issue and we'd love to see as many people as possible attend the meeting.”
On 3 February, Ms Faehrmann gave notice of a Greens bill to “rein in the out of control, largely unregulated blueberry industry in NSW”.
The bill seeks to require development consent be obtained to carry out certain intensive horticulture activities.
“Across the Mid North Coast and increasingly in the Northern Rivers, the rapid expansion of intensive blueberry farms is having serious consequences for regional communities,” Ms Faehrmann said in a statement.
“Waterways are being polluted by pesticides and fungicides, threatened species habitat is being cleared and livelihoods and lifestyles severely impacted because of a lack of checks and balances in our planning laws.”
First stage of reservoir upgrade
By Mick BIRTLES
LAST week News Of The Area reported that significant works had begun at Valla Beach with the intent of increasing the lifespan of the Valla Beach Reservoir.
Council has advised NOTA that work is progressing well on the refurbishment of the reservoir, with specialist contractors Alfab Services making a strong start on the complex internal cleaning program.
Crews have already completed three high-pressure blast clean sessions at the base of the tank, marking the first major step in preparing the structure for longterm renewal.
Bede Spannagle, General Manager of Nambucca Valley Council, said the reservoir on Valla Beach Road had reached an age where careful refurbishment was essential.
“By having a specialist contractor deliver this work, the reservoir’s life-span will be significantly lengthened,” he told NOTA.
“Delivering affordable, reliable potable water to residents and businesses within towns is one of Council’s key roles.
“Alfab Services' team have so far highpressure blasted three applications of Garnet SA3 safe blast abrasive to the internal base of the tank.
“This first step of high-pressure blasting both cleans and prepares the structure’s steel for refurbishing."
Construction hours for the project are 7am to 5pm on weekdays, with potential Saturday work from time to time between 8am and 1pm.
Residents may notice a humming noise during blast cleaning, however Alfab Services personnel will endeavour to minimise disturbance.
Intermittent noise monitoring will also be undertaken at the site to ensure compliance with construction noise limits.
High-pressure cleaning and refurbishment of the reservoir is a highly
technical process and, weather permitting, work may continue through to June 2026.
The Valla Reservoir was originally constructed in 1975 and remains a critical component of the local water supply network.
For further information or enquiries about the works, community members can contact Council on 02 6568 2555 or email council@nambucca.nsw.gov.au.
q The Alfab Services team high-pressure blast cleaning the inside of the Valla Beach Reservoir. Photo supplied.
State funding backs sub-Branch anniversary
THE NSW Government has announced more than $112,000 in funding to support 70 veteransrelated projects across the state through the Veteran Community Grants Program (VCGP).
The funding will be distributed to individuals, community groups, schools and ex-service organisations in communities spanning the state, from Broken Hill in the far west to Bilambil Heights in the far north and Albury on the southern border.
Formerly known as the Anzac Community Grants Program, the 2025 round of the VCGP is the first to be delivered under a refreshed program design.
The updated focus places greater emphasis on projects that enhance veteran wellbeing, support recognition of the veteran community, and deliver events acknowledging
significant military anniversaries.
Under the program, successful applicants received grants of up to $3,000 for initiatives that benefit both veterans and the broader community.
This year’s recipients include 24 educational institutions, 22 RSL subBranches and nine other veteran organisations.
The VCGP will support the Nambucca Heads RSL sub-Branch’s 80th anniversary celebrations, centred around 6 June this year, and the preservation of its rich local history.
Since 1946, the subBranch has provided welfare and advocacy to veterans of both World Wars and those who have served in the Australian Defence Force right up to the present day.
A commemorative history has been commissioned from respected social historian
Carrolline Rhodes, capturing memories that are only just within living memory and adding enduring value to the district's heritage preservation.
Mr John Kent OAM, from the sub-Branch’s 80th Anniversary Planning Committee, said the $1,500 received through the grant would help ensure the stories of service and community support are preserved and shared.
“This history belongs not just to our members, but to the wider community and to future generations,” he told News Of The Area.
Mr Kent added that the celebrations will include the launch of a commemorative book by Trevor Lynch, author of Nambucca Anzacs, and a black-tie dinner in the RSL Club’s auditorium.
Minister for Veterans
David Harris said the funding reflects the government’s commitment to recognising
and supporting veterans and their families.
“The newly refurbished Veteran Community Grants Program provides
funding for a wide range of exceptional projects and initiatives that allow communities across the state to acknowledge
Australia’s military service history, educate future generations and enhance the wellbeing of the veteran community,” he said.
Community invited to Care and Connection Day
q The positive response from the community to the Care and Connection Day held in December has motivated organisers to do it again on 18 February. Photo: supplied.
By Mick BIRTLES
FOLLOWING the strong turnout and positive response to the Care and Connection Day held late last year, another community-focused event is set to take place in Nambucca Heads later this month.
The third Care and Connection Day will be held on Wednesday 18 February from 11am to 2pm at 54 Mumbler Street, Nambucca Heads, bringing together local support services and community members in a relaxed and welcoming environment.
The event is being coordinated by Gamble Aware/Lifeline representative Patrice Ochin and hosted by the Nambucca Soup Kitchen.
Organisers say the aim
of the day is to connect people with help at a grassroots level by bringing a wide range of community service organisations together in one accessible space.
Community members are encouraged to drop in, have a conversation, ask questions and speak directly with service representatives who have the experience and knowledge to provide practical support.
The event is open to individuals, families and anyone seeking information, guidance or connection.
The day will also include activities and giveaways for children, along with a free barbecue lunch for those attending.
Participating service organisations include
Services Australia, Gamble Aware/Lifeline, Carers NSW, Kempsey Families, Healthy Hub, Ready Quit Solid and the Nambucca Soup Kitchen.
Reflecting on the previous event, Nambucca Soup Kitchen representative Deanne Reynolds said the impact was clear.
“Seeing people talking to the service reps, getting real help, laughing and talking with each other, was very satisfying.
“The time and effort put in by the organisers and service providers was well worth it,” she told News Of The Area.
The Care and Connection Day is free to attend, with community members welcome to drop in at any time during the event
Indigenous students invited to share stories
THE Department of the House of Representatives has announced that entries are now open for the 2026 Yarning Competition.
‘Yarning’ is an Australia-wide storytelling competition that invites Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander high school
students from across Australia to share their perspectives and stories with the Australian Parliament.
“The Yarning Competition is a wonderful new program where we recognise the emerging talent of our First Nations
artists and young people from across Australia,” said Milton Dick MP, Speaker of the House of Representatives.
“Yarning was designed to give young First Nations people a platform to share not just their artwork, but their ideas and perspectives.”
Students may choose a creative medium such as visual art, text, photography, video or audio to address one of the four themes – Country and Connection, Identity and Culture, Family and Community, and
Reconciliation.
Three winners from each of the year groups (Years 7/8, Years 9/10, Years 11/12) will receive an expenses-paid trip to Parliament House in Canberra, including flights and accommodation, and a prize pack valued at $250.
Their artwork will also be exhibited at Parliament House.
For further information and entry submission, visit www.yarning. houseofrepresentatives. gov.au.
Entries close 11 May 2026.
q Nambucca Heads RSL sub-Branch 80th Anniversary Committee members Wally Wallbank, Carrolline Rhodes and John Kent OAM, hard at work planning the series of key events to mark the milestone.
Six inspiring love stories
THIS Valentine’s Day, Autumn Lodge in Macksville is celebrating six long-lasting love stories.
Together, these couples share more than 340 years of marriage and partnership – a testament to the strength of their devotion to one another.
Autumn Lodge General Manager Joanne Parry said the couples are a source of inspiration for residents, staff and families.
“These stories remind us that love doesn’t fade with age, it deepens,” Joanne said.
Elaine and Mervyn – 70 years married
Elaine and Mervyn’s story began at a dance at the Nambucca Heads Palais.
Both born in the same year, and even delivered by the same midwife, Sister Watts; their lives had been running in parallel long before they met.
Elaine still laughs about
their first dance together. When Mervyn asked her onto the floor, she hesitated after noticing he had no bottom teeth. He was simply waiting for his denture, and the moment became a light-hearted beginning to a partnership that has now lasted 70 years.
They raised three sons and now have five grandchildren, who they both absolutely adore. Together, they travelled widely across Australia in their caravan and overseas to Asia, the USA, Britain, Ireland and Scotland.
Mervyn visits Elaine regularly, continuing the companionship that has defined their life together.
Elaine and Warwick –64 years married
Elaine and Warwick’s love story is shaped around family, faith and their community.
Their families settled in Sydney during and after
WWII, eventually finding a shared home at Dundas Baptist Church.
Elaine and Warwick grew close in 1959 and married two years later, in May 1961.
They built their lives together on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, raising three children and later welcoming five grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.
Warwick still lives at Avalon and visits Elaine as often as he can, supported by family in Macksville and by their son and Elaine’s sister who live locally.
Their love story is one of commitment and devotion.
Jeanette and Robert –almost 64 years married
Jeanette and Robert’s love story began in their school days in the small town of Talarm on the mid-north coast.
The Welsh family was well known in the area, and
the monthly local dance was the social highlight for young people.
At each dance, the men filled out a dance card to reserve a partner.
Jeanette always had plenty of offers, but Robert was determined - he made sure he booked her for the final dance of the night, the one everyone considered the most romantic.
From that moment, their story unfolded.
They have been married for almost 64 years and have built a large, loving family with four children, eleven grandchildren and seventeen great-grandchildren.
Jeanette visits Robert several times a week, keeping their connection as strong as ever.
Errol and Jeannette – 61 years married
Errol and Jeannette met at Jeannette’s best friend’s
wedding in Tamworth, a chance encounter that grew into a marriage now spanning 61 years.
They built a family with three children, three grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.
Jeannette ensures her presence remains as stable in Errol’s life today as it was before he moved to Autumn Lodge.
She visits often and volunteers her time to support activities for residents.
Their story is one of loyalty, patience and a love that continues to show up, day after day.
Ellie and Ray – 52 years married
Ellie and Ray’s story began in 1970, when Ellie’s older brother brought home a workmate named Ray.
Ellie still remembers opening the front door and being struck by how handsome he was.
Ray, ever the gentleman, asked her father’s permission
to take her on a date.
Their first outing was a trip to the movies in Parramatta to see Hello, Dolly!
It ended with their first kiss, and the beginning of their happily ever after.
Married for 52 years, they filled their lives with the joy of nieces and nephews, always surrounded by family.
Ray visits Ellie several times a week; their commitment to one another is gentle, loving and loyal.
Bev and Brian –partners for over 30 years
Bev and Brian met at a local dance in Nowra more than 30 years ago and have been inseparable ever since. Between them, they share two children, five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Brian visits Bev at Autumn Lodge several times a week – joining her for outings and lunches. Their companionship is warm, steady, and full of love.
q Elaine and Warwick.
q Ellie and Ray.
q Jeanette and Robert.
q Bev and Brian.
q Elaine and Mervyn.
q Errol and Jeannette.
Helping new residents connect
PEOPLE who are new to the Nambucca Valley, including families and recent arrivals, are being encouraged to take a relaxed first step into community life at a dedicated Welcome to the Valley event.
The informal meet-andconnect opportunity will be held during the popular Open Streets Festival on Saturday 14 February from 2pm, giving newcomers a chance to discover what support, services and connections are available as they settle into the region.
The event is being delivered by Nambucca Valley Council in partnership with The Welcome Experience and Regional Development Australia, with a focus on helping people feel informed, supported and part of the local community from the outset.
“Our valley has a long tradition of being a
welcoming and inclusive community,” said Nambucca Valley Mayor Gary Lee.
“However, when you are new, you can often need help with integrating and navigating what local services are available.
“This program and its representatives who will be at Open Streets Festival will be there to greet newcomers and help them to feel at home.”
Families, couples and individuals who have recently moved to the area will be able to speak directly with The Welcome Experience’s Local Connector, Helen Mansfield, who will be available from 2pm to help with everyday settlement questions such as housing, schools, healthcare and local networks.
“Relocating can be both exciting and challenging,” she said.
“The Welcome Experience is here to make that transition easier by helping people connect socially and professionally, and this event is a wonderful way to start that journey.”
New residents are invited to drop in to The Welcome Experience marquee, located along River Street, at any time during the afternoon as part of the valley’s flagship Open Streets Festival.
More information about The Welcome Experience is available through the Regional Development Australia website.
The Nambucca Valley Open Streets Festival is funded through the NSW Government’s Open Streets Program, led by Transport for NSW, with Nambucca Valley Council securing $350,000 in funding over three years to deliver the initiative.
A launch pad for youth entrepreneurs
By Mick BIRTLES
YOUNG people with a business idea or entrepreneurial ambition are invited to apply for a new support program, with applications open until 28 February 2026.
The Launch Pad Youth Entrepreneur program is a free, 12-week business support initiative designed for people aged 18 to 30 who have a business idea or are already running an earlystage business.
Participants will receive fortnightly mentoring, take part in weekly smallgroup sessions, and benefit from professional imagery to support their business journey.
Nambucca Valley Mayor Gary Lee said the program could provide practical assistance for young people wanting to start a business, develop a unique product, or turn a visionary idea into a sustainable enterprise.
“A key message we heard during the lengthy
Community Strategic Plan process over 2024–25 was that our community would like to see greater opportunities for young people in our valley,” he told News Of The Area.
“By partnering with
Kempsey Shire Council, Country Universities Centre and other stakeholders, we are supporting Launch Pad program facilitator Julie Humphris to deliver this exceptional program and provide opportunities to
young people.”
Places in the Launch Pad program are limited to 12 participants, with applications assessed based on the applicant’s readiness.
Successful applicants will take part in weekly two-hour,
Art to ‘Balance the Scales’
By Andrea FERRARI
EXPRESSIONS of interest for submitting artworks to the Arts Mid North Coast exhibition "Balance the Scales," in recognition of International Women’s Day, close on Monday 16 February.
The exhibition opens on 22 February showing until 8 March at Coffs Harbour MAKE/SPACE gallery on Level 2 of Coffs Central Shopping Centre. Bringing together artists from across the Mid North
Coast, the exhibition shines a light on women’s lived experiences and the ongoing pursuit of equity, care and justice.
Through a range of artistic approaches and lived experiences, Balance the Scales explores gender balance, power, representation and social change, inviting reflection, connection and conversation.
“This exhibition is about creating space for meaningful dialogue and shared reflection,” Program Manager at Arts Mid North Coast Skye Petho said.
“Art has a powerful role to play in amplifying voices, challenging imbalance and
supporting positive change within our communities.
“Balance the Scales invites audiences to engage with thoughtful and courageous artistic responses that reflect both personal stories and collective experience.”
Woolgoolga artist Karen Thio told News Of The Area, “When reflecting on the journey of women throughout the world I find a common theme of ‘Resilience’.
“For me, each generation… has inherited the burden and the struggles of the women who have come before.
“It is through [their] resilience… and the resilience of each and every woman after us, that… we will continue
to be seen as equal and important in this world.”
A percentage of artwork sales will be donated to a local women’s refuge.
Artists, supporters and community members are invited to the International Women’s Day opening celebration on Tuesday 24 February, 5.30–7.30pm at the gallery.
Arts Mid North Coast is also seeking volunteers to assist with exhibition installation and gallery support during opening hours.
This exhibition is made possible through the support of Gowings Pacific Shopping Centres and their ongoing commitment to MAKE/SPACE Coffs Central.
For more information visit artsmidnorthcoast.com.
q New residents can learn about services available in the
small-group sessions over 12 weeks, along with fortnightly one-on-one mentoring tailored to their individual business goals.
The program also includes targeted business workshops, simple tools and templates, a professional photoshoot, and a shared pop-up shop experience where participants can test or showcase their products or services.
The Nambucca Valley Council Manager for Economic Development and Tourism, Janice Rooney, said the program responds directly to the needs of young people starting out in business.
“We know there are many young people in our region with great ideas, talent and motivation, but not always the support network to help them take the next step,” she said.
“Launch Pad is about building confidence, skills and real momentum while also strengthening our local
business community for the future.”
Program facilitator Julie Humphris said Launch Pad was designed to be practical, supportive and human.
“Many young entrepreneurs don’t need more theory, they need space to think and access to trusted guidance,” she said.
“Launch Pad creates that environment, where participants can make real progress with support around them.”
Ms Humphris is also calling for experienced business owners from the Nambucca and Macleay valleys to volunteer as mentors.
“Mentors will play a vital, voluntary role by supporting the program participants and sharing their business experience,” she said.
Young entrepreneurs interested in applying for Launch Pad, or business owners interested in becoming mentors, are encouraged to contact Ms Humphris on 0439 001 992 or via her website at juliehumphris.com.au.
Nambucca Valley. Photo: supplied.
q Julie Humphris giving a business continuity workshop in Macksville as part of Small Business Month in October 2025. Photo: supplied.
q ‘Resilience’ by Woolgoolga artist Karen Thio.
Local talks energy solutions
By Ned COWIE
LOCAL resident Richard Simshauser addressed last month’s Nambucca Valley Council meeting to “educate and inspire”, presenting options for creating and storing energy that may apply to the region.
Calling upon his 50 years of electrical industry experience, Mr Simshauser explained that this field is undergoing changes and urged the Council to consider now what choices would provide better outcomes for the Valley.
He believes that the future of electricity lies in renewable energy sources such as solar and explained the trend is towards phasing out non-renewable energy sources such as coal.
He told Council that plastic waste was expected to “double or triple in coming years” and suggested one option was an ‘Energyfrom-Waste’ (EfW) plant to combat rising piles of nonbiodegradable land fill.
“Could this council share with adjoining councils to build a garbage and plastic waste incinerator that produces electricity?” he asked.
EfW technology involves burning waste at high temperature to drive
turbines which create electricity.
Australia’s first EfW facility opened in 2025, in the City of Kwinana in Western Australia, processing up to 460,000 tonnes of local waste per year.
The Western Metropolitan Regional Council, a joint organisation of five Perth member councils, is currently constructing two similar facilities.
In NSW, the $1.5 billion Parkes Energy Recovery project would be Australia’s biggest, however it is not without its critics.
Last month, the ABC’s 7.30 program ran a segment on the initiative, discussing community opposition to the plan.
Parkes Shire Council has also voiced its opposition.
Mr Simshauser also urged Council to consider energy storage and solar generation in future planning developments.
“We must be better managers locally, make choices early so we have our own needs met and environments managed sustainably,” he said.
He spoke about the loss of energy when power is transported across large distances and encouraged
the Council to think about localising its energy base.
Some of his suggestions included:
• Conduct an audit of its available roof space to assess total solar generation capacity.
• A requirement for new commercial buildings to be strength rated so that all roof space can be utilised for solar panels.
• Consider current developments in EV
charging and the best location for chargers.
• Make street lighting and sewerage pumping carbon neutral.
• Consider the best location for installing large batteries to store excess energy especially in new developments such as the Valla industrial area (VUGA).
• Consider whether a solar farm could be
HOGs roll the dice for charity
By Andrea FERRARI
WITH dozens of motorcyclists riding in the Mid North Coast Charity Dice Run on Saturday 21 February, organisers are hoping for clement weather
The “Open to all Motorcyclists and Riders
Charity Dice Run" is a favourite annual fundraiser hosted by the NSW Mid North Coast Harley Owners Group (MNC HOG).
“The current weather forecast is looking fine,” MNC HOG Director Justin Owens told News Of The Area.
This year all proceeds
will be split 50/50 between the St Vincent de Paul-run Pete's Place drop-in shelter and hub in Coffs Harbour, and the St Thomas Hall Soup Kitchen in Port Macquarie.
Funds are raised through the proceeds of the dice game.
Each rider pays $20 for
five throws of the dice.
Motorcyclists follow a prescribed course with checkpoints, rolling the dice at each stop with the result recorded.
At the last checkpoint a winner is determined.
Further funds are raised through the raffle.
located in the Valley.
• Look for opportunities for State and Federal Government assistance in energy creation and storage.
• “These are just some of the many subjects available to be considered to increase our sustainability,” he concluded.
Councillor Ljubov Simson asked Mr Simshauser about the viability of installing a
Both Pete’s Place Manager Gai Newman and St Thomas Hall Soup Kitchen’s leader Rev. Daniel Berris will attend the presentation.
Northern Bike Riders are asked to register at 9am at North Coast V-Twins Motorcycles Coffs Harbour.
“We will do two Rolls of the Dice at V-Twins and depart at 9.45am heading for Urunga Ocean View Hotel
solar farm on top of a water storage area such as Bowra Dam.
Mr Simshauser saw this as problematic due to accessibility, repairability and the use of such new technology. He believed it would be much easier to utilise existing buildings.
Nambucca Valley Council has a Clean Energy Committee which meets regularly to discuss these kinds of issues.
where the third Roll of the Dice takes place.
The Southern Bike Riders meet and set off from Port Macquarie, and everyone heads to the Star Hotel Macksville for the fourth Roll of the Dice.
North and South riders then set off together to the Bowraville Sports Hub for the fifth Roll of the Dice and the event wrap-up.
SMART MARKETING
The City of Kwinana’s ‘Waste to Energy’ facility, owned by Acciona, opened in 2025. Photo: Acciona.
q The ‘Open to all Motorcyclists and Riders, Charity Dice Run’ takes place on Saturday 21 February.
LIVING WELL 50 PLUS
Finding the ‘right time’ to make the move
LAINE and Jim Down have called The Shoreline home for just over three years, but the decision to move into Coffs Harbour’s most exclusive retirement living estate was one they had been quietly considering for much longer.
With the upcoming opening of the highly anticipated Watermark Apartments in April, Laine and Jim’s story offers a timely insight for anyone considering their next chapter.
“We’d looked at just about every option around greater Coffs,” Laine says.
“But when we heard The Shoreline was coming, we changed our minds straight away.
“We watched it being built.
“We knew this was where we wanted to be.”
Their decision was shaped by experience.
Both had lived through the challenges of helping elderly parents who delayed moving from the family home until circumstances forced their hand.
“We said we would never do that to our kids,” Laine explains.
“We wanted to be proactive, not reactive.
“We wanted to make our own decision, while we were well and able.”
Downsizing, something many people fear, turned out to be surprisingly easy.
“I don't miss our old house at all,” Laine says.
“We’d been there nearly 50 years, but once we sold it, it stopped being our home.
“This felt right straight away.”
For Jim, safety and simplicity were key drivers.
“I was still climbing ladders, pruning trees.
“We were sensible enough to know that wasn’t going to last forever.
“Here, we don’t have to worry about maintenance, security or technology.
“It’s all taken care of.”
What hasn’t changed is their lifestyle.
They still play bowls, walk the beach, visit the Surf Club, see friends, travel, and stay closely connected to family.
“Our children both say how happy they are that
we’re here,” Lanie says.
“It takes the worry away.
“They know we’re safe.”
“Don’t leave it too long,” Jim says.
“We wish we’d come sooner.
“You don’t know what’s ahead, and it’s so much easier to make the decision early.”
The Shoreline Community Open Day will be held on 7 March, 10am to 1pm.
Register your interest and come see for yourself a theshoreline.com.au.
q The Shoreline interior.
q The Shoreline and surrounds.
q Laine and Jim enjoy a read in the library.
2026 School Leaders
Macksville Public School keeps shining bright
MACKSVILLE Public School
has been a leader in education for 150 years.
Known as ‘The Family School’ and embracing the school motto ‘Play the Game’, the school can account for generations of successful life stories from the thousands of students who have passed through its gates.
Last year, Macksville Public celebrated its Sesquicentenary, with celebrations topped off by winning the NSW Premier’s Debating Challenge.
Taking out first place against hundreds of other teams from all over NSW marked another memorable achievement – never before had Macksville Public taken
out top position in Debating.
Parallel to this success, the Tournament of Minds team triumphed into first place in the Social Sciences section of the Regional Challenge.
Previous teams have reached Regional and State levels in Tournament of Minds – great examples of excellent education standards being
achieved by local students.
Accessing extra curricula Creative Arts opportunities, including music, dance and choral groups, inspires students to keep the school’s name in the bright lights.
Winning or not, Macksville Public has proven success in academic, artistic, creative and sporting arenas, with every debate, every competition, every game played in the spirit of outstanding and fairminded sportsmanship.
Macksville High School welcomes inspirational Captains for 2026
MACKSVILLE High School is proud to announce its exceptional team of school captains for 2026, each bringing their own unique talents and aspirations to the role.
Amelia Keen, an avid netball player and passionate reader, enjoys everything from mystery and fantasy to romance and thrillers.
With plans to study a double bachelor’s degree in Criminology and Psychology after Year 12, Amelia dreams of becoming a detective.
She stepped into the captaincy role to support
younger students and has relished gaining deeper insight into the workings of the school.
Taylor Whalley shines both on the soccer field and in the creative world of textiles.
Aiming for a Bachelor of Policing, Taylor is using her captaincy to hone skills critical to her goal of becoming a police officer.
She has taken the lead on fundraising initiatives, which she found especially rewarding.
Cobie Truscott brings a love of netball, travel, and animals to the leadership
q Macksville Public School is ‘Public and Proud’.
team. With aspirations to work as a vet nurse, Cobie hopes to one day experience life on a cattle station.
She also plans to contribute by providing support through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
Grateful for the encouragement from staff to nominate for captaincy, Cobie values the opportunity to make a meaningful impact and leave a lasting legacy for future students.
Emily Taylor’s passions include music, spending time with friends, and shopping. Planning to study a Bachelor of Music, Emily intends to work alongside her studies to support her singing career.
Having dreamed of becoming a school captain since Year 9, she has thoughtfully considered how best to support students and staff.
Emily has greatly appreciated the leadership development opportunities provided at Macksville High and is highly trusted by her peers and teachers alike. Together, these four talented leaders embody the spirit and promise of Macksville High School’s future.
With clear goals and a genuine commitment to their school community, Amelia, Taylor, Cobie, and Emily have bright futures ahead.
q Macksville High School.
Forestry firefighters deployed to South Australia
FORESTRY Corporation of NSW last week deployed 10 firefighters to South Australia to support firefighting operations following several weeks of assistance in Victoria.
Forestry Corporation, one of NSW’s four firefighting agencies, has more than 500 trained firefighters on staff, who work to protect State forests and regularly assist interstate and international fire authorities.
In recent weeks, Forestry Corporation deployed 20 firefighters to Victoria to assist with the Walwa River Road fire in both Field and Incident Management (IMT) positions.
An additional four staff assisted in the IMT at Seymour in the state’s south.
“These deployments really demonstrate the strength of NSW’s joint firefighting capability,” said Forestry Corporation’s Fire Training and Operations
Coordinator Nathan Fischer.
“Across NSW we work side-by-side with our partner fire agencies every day and that close collaboration means we can respond quickly and effectively when incidents emerge whether they’re here at home or interstate.
“Forestry Corporation crews continue to work incredibly hard to keep our own estate safe, but just as importantly, to support our neighbours and the broader community when the need arises. I’m proud of our people who consistently step up at short notice, integrate seamlessly with multi-agency teams, and bring their skills and professionalism wherever they’re needed,” he said.
North Coast-based Forestry Worker Grace Bolton undertook her first interstate deployment in South Australia since gaining her national firefighting accreditation.
“This has been my first
fire season, which has been super exciting and South Australia is my third deployment so far this season,” Miss Bolton said.
“It has been an experience for sure, straight into the action responding to spot overs, putting in containment lines and spending a lot of time on the hose working hard to protect assets.
“I’ve volunteered to go to South Australia to help both the community and environment, which is currently fire affected.”
Illegal, high-power e-bikes to be crushed in crackdown
By Alex MITCHELL, AAP
POLICE will get extra powers to seize and destroy illegal e-bikes that officials say are fuelling anti-social behaviour.
Mirroring a move made in WA, NSW Police will be able to crush non-compliant, high-powered e-bikes including so-called 'fat bikes' and other throttle-only devices.
The move responded to a controversial social media video that showed a group of 40 e-bike riders and motorcyclists driving dangerously across Sydney
Macksville Country Club Golf
By Max TURNER
THE first Saturday of each month is time for the Medal and Spoon Stroke event, sponsored by Sables Metaland.
Dane Luffman with the best gross score on the day won the Spoon with Rama Gennat runner up in division 1. The "Silver Fox", Brian King returned to form with a net six under par to win the Medal. This also won him the Saturday Competition with
Peter Lambert runner up in Division 2.
Nearest the pins went to Phil Bambury in Div1 and Carla Ross in Div2.
On Tuesday the ladies also played a Stroke event which Kerrie Jackson won from runner up Carmel Freudenstein.
Nearest the pins went to Helen Ferraro on the 3rd and Rhonda McAuliffe on the 17th.
Ron McDonald had a win in the Mid Week Competition with Max Graham runner up.
Harbour Bridge last Tuesday.
The convoy could be seen speeding past cars and doing wheelies across the landmark, prompting condemnation and calls for a crackdown on illegal devices.
"We've heard loud and clear the concern in the community about souped-up e-bikes and the anti-social behaviour that seems to go hand in hand with them," Transport Minister John Graham said on Sunday.
"Riders and owners of illegal e-bikes should now hear us loud and clear: if you are breaking the rules, and your bike does not meet the very clear specifications of a pedal-assisted e-bike, expect it to be removed from your possession and crushed."
SPORTS
q John Day, Tony Campbell, Harry Andrews and Glen Taylor not aware he had just hit a hole in one.
In addition to being no more than 500 watts, e-bike batteries can only operate as a pedal-assist and cut out when the vehicle reaches a speed of 25km/h.
Anything that exceeds those power or speed limits must be registered as a moped or motorcycle.
Police already have powers to seize vehicles that are not road legal.
Government officials said the fresh powers simplify seizure laws that were designed with cars and motorbikes in mind.
It will be one tweak in
a wider reform package tackling unsafe e-bikes, it said.
E-bikes, many retailing for more than $2000, and other high-powered vehicles have become a lightning rod for controversy in parts of Australia.
A teenage boy is awaiting trial for manslaughter after allegedly killing a 59-year-old while riding an unlicensed electric motorbike through a park in Perth in July.
At least 100 illegal devices were seized and 2100 fines handed to riders during a Queensland police crackdown in December.
Bowra Bowls Report
By BUNCHA
THURSDAY the 5th were a pair team of Mark Wilson and Luke Laverty with the runners up cash going to John Cowie, Storky Mitchell and Pub Laverty. The lucky bowler was Glenn Gillon.
After the club pennant trial on Saturday the 7th, the teams for round one will be found on the notice board. The Tigers will host Nambucca Heads in the opener of Grade 5 this Saturday the 14th of February.
Only one game last weekend in the club triples with Chris Wills, Lambo and Pub Laverty up against Pat Clough, John Cowie and Trev
Ryan which turned out to be an outstanding game right to the very end. Ryan's team led 9-1 after five ends before their opposition found their rhythm and with wonderful teamwork won the next nine ends to lead 17-9.
Tervor's team fought back into the match and the scores were level 18 all after 20 ends and they hit the lead 20-18 after 21. They still led 21-20 with one end to play and with two good draw bowls from Greg Lamberth saw his team hit back and win the game 22-21. Well, played by all six players. Go the Tigers Tomorrow!
q Firefighters have been deployed to both Victoria and South Australia. Photos: supplied.
q Smoke fills the air on the Victorian firefront.
q NSW Police will be able to crush non-compliant, high-powered e-bikes. Photo: NSW Police.
Nambucca Heads Island Golf Club
By Chris KNIGHT
THE rollercoaster form line of Dennis Ashton saw him peak at the right time and place, on Saturday as he sizzled with a 64 nett to claim the Nambucca Heads Div 2 men's monthly medal.
The 20-handicapper had seven pars and needed every one as he snuck home by a shot from John Nebauer (also 20 handicap).
Scott Burley (15) took the gross with 83 in the medal round sponsored by Nambucca Liquor.
Glen Crow (10) channelled his TikTok with a classy 67 (six-seven) nett to win A Grade by four from Daryl Wall (10). Graham Watson claimed the gross with 79 off the bat.
Ray Guiana (27) was superb in posting a roaring 64 nett to sweep C Grade from runner-up Warren Fuller (24) on 67. Trevor Hopkins (21)
took the gross with 90-even.
Andrew Mackinnon sunk the longest putt on the first for the Ecomist prize while pins went to Crow on 5, Wayne Davies on 7, Chris Brownlie on 8 and Burley on 15. Thomas Wattison knocked it handy on 13 for the coveted Pizza This Pizza That meal and Joey Franck pocketed the $70 Pro Pin on the last.
Club General Manager Johnathon Zirkler (4) doesn't get to play anywhere near as often as he'd like on The Island, and was on fire to post 41 points to win Div 1 in the Allied Air Conditioning stableford on Thursday, 5 February.
Zirkler's round included four birds and curiously, a double-bogey on the short par three 13th. James McIlveen (19) was next best with a very solid 39 points.
Club Captain Guiana was again to the fore, posting 40
points to win Div 2, a couple clear of Graeme Bassam (27).
Peter Bush binned the putt from afar on 1 and flag botherers were Greg McCoy on 5, Bryce McCarroll on 7, Guiana on 8, and Ken Marriott on 15. Stephen McNeill boxed the pizza on 13 and Andrew Mackinnon has $60 for the punt after scoring the Pro Pin on 18.
Martine Murray (20) wowed with 44 points to win Div 1 of the women's stableford on Wednesday, 4 February.
Murray's round included eight pars and a bird on the third.
Not to be outdone, Kerry Shearer (once was 41) carded 41 points to take Div 2.
Pins on 5 went to Heather Gray and Kay McGoldrick, Susan Barnett on 13 and Karen Brown collected the $44 Pro Pin on the last.
The Mid North Coast Vets zeroed in on The Island on
Nambucca Bowls Report
By Charlie POTTER
WEDNESDAY. Feb 4. 20
bowlers turned out for the Selected Triples and M Herbert, Tony Stokes and Peter Fredericks won the day with Ron Hill, Reg Barbat and Urky runners up. Lucky Losers were Jinx and Dallas Nancarrow. Peter Lott was the Lucky Bowler but missed his rink for the $30 Jackpot. Fri. Feb 6. A good field of around 70 and the day's
winners were The Welder Coughlan, Adam and Darcy Rostron. Bob Sutton, Paddy Byrne and Angry Lawrence were second and Paulie, Roger McGuigan, Trevor Hannaford and Matt Harvey were third. (I assume Paulie
Tuesday, 2 February, in a field peppered with visitors.
Macksville's Ross Donnelly (9) won Div 1 with 37 points from runners-up, Joe and Linne Street from Urunga.
Nambucca's Stephen McNeil capped a big week out with 41 points to take Div 2 on countback from Bello's Chirs Smith (19) with Sawtell's John De Rouffignac (22) third on 37.
Urunga's Alan Guthrie (27) swept Div 3 with 39 points, one better than Bello's Phil Lynch (28) with Dorrigo's David Harvey (24) third on 36 points.
Garry and Shane Scott generously sponsored the Island Sunday fourball best ball on 8 February. Winners were the McGarrys, Charles and Christine, on 46 points, one clear of the Walls, Daryl and Cindy.
Pins went to Elizabeth Hobday on 5, Annette Hobday
and Roger played alternate ends!?). Jinx Campbell, good to his name, kept up his Lucky Losers run along with Tony Stokes and Terry Snowden. Paul Michel won Lucky Bowler but I missed drawing his rink for him and the jackpot of $240 was left intact.
Sun. Feb 8. Sunday
Nambucca Valley Bridge Club News
By Barbara MARANIK
RESULTS for Fortnight ending 8th February 2026 Monday 2nd February 2025 North South
1st Mike & Linda Siford 55%, 2nd Susie Keur & Les Sinclair 53%, 3rd Peter Plunkett-Cole & Rosemary Bateman 52% East West
1st Judy Holliday & Robert Baker 59%, 2nd Amber Fox & Carol McKee 54%, 3rd Pamela Rongen & Theda Faulwetter 50% Tuesday 3rd February 2025
Bowraville Golf Club
By Pam COTTEN
MONTHLY Medal Results
Saturday, 7 February
2026
Bowraville Golf Club
hosted its Monthly Medal on Saturday, 7 February, with 17 players taking to the course in very foggy
conditions. Visibility was optional early on, and the field enjoyed another great day of golf once the mist began to lift.
At the end of play, Phillip Cotten claimed the Monthly Medal, finishing ahead of Joe McKay in second place. Special prize winners
included Talia Donovan, who clearly had the putter behaving itself, taking out the Longest Putt and also one of the Nearest the Pins. The other Nearest the Pin went to Terry Noble, proving steady hands still count.
Bowraville Golf Club
1st Carol McKee & Amber Fox 61%, 2nd Maureen Cowan & Barb Maranik 60%, 3rd Alison Savage & Colin Denney 51% Thursday 5th February 2025
would also like to sincerely thank its dedicated volunteers, whose ongoing hard work behind the scenes keeping the fairways manicured, the greens rapidly improving, and the course presented at its best, with competitions running smoothly week after week. Their efforts are greatly appreciated by all members.
Bring back the boat OPINION
DEAR News Of The Area,
JUST my opinion, but I miss seeing the hanging boat at each entry to Urunga.
I believe the boat represented Urunga well - boating, fishing, relaxing and catching up with old friends.
I am sure weary drivers and children were happy to finally see the hanging boat as a sign of “we made it” to their holiday destination.
Regards, John THOMSON, Urunga.
the
on Saturday.
on 13 for the pizza and Daryl Wall on the last.
The Mid North Coast men's pennant competition saw the hot one-round winning streak of Nambucca's Div 2 side go no further as Sawtell ground out a 4.5 to 0.5 win at Safety Beach.
Graham Watson was the sole half-point collector for The Island.
In Div 3, Nambucca 2 secured a crucial 3-2 win over
Social Bowls had 23 starters. Kate Gilbey, Ron Hill and Mayhem Meehan won with Patto, Bob Sutton and Kim Porter the Lucky Losers. Kim also won Lucky Bowler AND the jackpot of $35 but no info on who the opposition three were that she shared it with.
Pennants: We have
1st Barry Butler & Paula Guthrie 59%, 2nd Carol McKee & Pauly Griffin 55%, 3rd Colin Tolley & Mike Siford 54%
Safety Beach at
and Greg Jager won their cage matches while Darrell Flanders and Tristram Edwards chipped in with halved contests.
In Div 4, Sawtell were too strong, taking a 4-1 result with Elijah Cooper securing the point for Nambucca.
Catchya on The Island where the good times are as true as the vaunted bent grass greens.
5 sides competing in the 2026 Open Gender Pennants which commence this Saturday. 3's are home to Sawtell, 5's Away to Bowraville, 6 Red Home to Sawtell, 6 Blue Away at Kempsey Macleay RSL and 7's at Home to South West Rocks. Good luck to all!
Saturday 7th February 2025 North South 1st Charles Aspden & Katharina Goyer 62%, 2nd Ali & Neil Tupper 53%, 3rd Linda & Mike Siford 47% East West 1st Amber Fox & Carol McKee 64%, 2nd Judy Holliday & Vicki Walker 51%,
Mid North Coast Veteran Golfers Association
By Colin CUTT
TUESDAY, 3rd February, 2026, 82 MNC Veteran golfers competed in a single stableford at Nambucca Island Golf Course, which was in very good condition.
A grade: Winner – Ross Donnelly 37, 1st runner-up Joe Street 36 c/b, 2nd runnerup Line Street 36 c/b, 3rd runner-up Nev Newman 36.
Smith 41, 2nd runnerup
de Rouffignac 37 c/b, 3rd runner-up
Alexander 37. C grade: Winner – Alan Guthrie 39, 1st runner-up Phil Lynch 38, 2nd runnerup David Harvey 36 c/b, 3rd runner-up Gillian Anderson 36.
NTP’s: 5th Linne Street, 8th Robert Alexander, 13th Terry Noble, 18th John Greensill. Ball run to 32 pts.
Advertising within the News Of The Area reaches your local customers. Connect with them from next edition. Print media has never been as affordable for your business. Call (02) 4981 8882 or email ads@newsofthearea.com.au
q NOTA reader John misses seeing the hanging boat at the entrance to Urunga.
Bellingen. Craig Haworth
q Rick Heywood rips one down
first at the Nambucca Heads Island Golf Course
SUDOKU
By Manny WOOD
Nibling rivalry
RUTH never married and never had any children.
When Ruth passes away, she leaves an estate worth $1.5 million.
This includes a substantial superannuation fund, which was paid to her estate.
Ruth’s last will appoints her only surviving sibling, Gary, as her executor, who also receives a 50% share of the estate, after the payment of the estate’s liabilities and expenses.
The remaining 50 percent share of the estate is to be distributed amongst four of Ruth’s nieces and nephews (niblings), being the children of Ruth’s late sister.
However, Gary’s daughter, Alice, receives nothing under the will and makes a claim against her aunt’s estate, alleging that she was a “dependent member of a household of which the deceased was a member”.
The matter is referred to mediation and the parties are ultimately agreeable to Alice receiving a lump sum of $400,000, inclusive of her legal costs, payable from the estate.
Unfortunately, the parties cannot agree to the proportions in which they should bear the burden of the payment and this aspect of the matter proceeds to determination in the Supreme Court.
The Court carefully assesses the financial circumstances of all of the beneficiaries named in the will and their relative future needs, to determine how each of them should bear the burden of the provision to be made for Alice.
The determination involves the exercise of a discretion to be exercised “according to the rules of reason and justice with due regard to the whole of the surrounding circumstances”.
The process is also described by the Court as a “broad discretion in terms of evaluative decisionmaking in relation to all material facts and circumstances”.
The learned Judge decides on a “just and equitable basis” that Gary should bear 70 percent of the payment from his entitlement in the estate and that the niblings bear much smaller percentages ranging between ten percent, seven percent and five percent.
The effect of the judgement is that Alice receives more than twice that of the other niblings.
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.
Dorin’s Draws By Paul DORIN
Mayors’ joint statement on Waterfall Way
MAYORS’ joint statement
WATERFALL Way is a critical east–west transport corridor linking the New England tablelands with the Mid North Coast.
It supports agricultural production and freight, enables access to health, education and essential services, and provides a vital connection for businesses, residents and emergency services.
Recent and ongoing closures have again exposed the vulnerability of this route and the lack of resilience in the wider road network.
For communities on both sides of the range, these disruptions are not isolated events but recurring and compounding challenges with significant flow-on impacts for local economies and livelihoods.
The mayors [acknowledge] the Minns Labor Government’s recent announcement to undertake a detailed corridor assessment of Waterfall Way and Mid North Coast roads between Bellingen and Dorrigo, including investigations into short-term fixes and potential long-term upgrades to support access and alternate routes during extreme weather.
While welcomed, [we] stress that assessment must be matched with a clear commitment to funding and delivery.
We cannot afford another cycle of studies without action.
Our regions need solutions implemented on the ground, not just identified on paper.
In the immediate term, [we] are also calling on the NSW and Australian Governments to approve Category D assistance under
the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
The scale, duration and cumulative impacts of repeated and prolonged closures go well beyond standard recovery measures and warrant exceptional support for affected communities and businesses.
[We] are calling for:
- Formal recognition of Waterfall Way as infrastructure of regional and state significance
- investment in long-term, resilient solutions rather than repeated emergency repairs
- Approval of Category D DRFA assistance to address exceptional and ongoing impacts
- Proper assessment and funding of viable alternate routes to strengthen the regional road network.
Without sustained investment and appropriate disaster assistance… communities, industries and essential services will continue to bear the economic, social and safety costs of an unreliable transport corridor.
From Bellingen Shire Mayor Steve Allan: “I hear the stories of distress from the entire community.”
“The cancelled cattle sales, delayed or cancelled deliveries to small businesses resulting in increased costs for the people who can afford it least, school children unable to get to school, and commute times from the plateau to the coast blowing out - [these] are just some of the impacts of this road being closed.
“People are stretched - not just because of this closure, but because of multiple slips compounded year
On theCouch
Email Jasminda: media@newsofthearea.com.au
DEAR Jasminda,
MY ex-boyfriend is in many significant family photos such as Christmases, weddings, birthdays and other occasions. Now we are no longer together, what on earth do I do with all the pictures?
It upsets me to look at them, but I don't want to forget the occasions.
Rachel P.
Dear Rachel,
This one is very fraught. You obviously want to remember these important milestones, but you're still as emotionally raw as Noah and Allie from The Notebook, so don't make any hasty decisions (like buying a rundown house with a strategically placed piano and restoring it in a metaphorical attempt at rebuilding the relationship).
My nanna, who was known for her practicality, once suggested I cut my ex's face from family portraits and replace them with Tom Cruise.
Given Tom Cruise's trajectory, it was perhaps not such a great choice, but this was back in the days when cut and paste quite literally involved a pair of scissors and a Bluestick.
I didn't, of course. Instead I put the photos in a box and that is where they remain.
Yesterday, which is somewhat serendipitous for this column, I caught up with a group of former work colleagues and one showed me a family photo that celebrated
on year, with effects rippling across the community.
“Waterfall Way is not just a local road — it is a lifeline connecting two regions and supporting thousands of jobs, businesses and families.
“We welcome the Government’s commitment to assess the corridor, but assessment must now be backed by funding and delivery.
“Given the scale and ongoing nature of the disruption, Category D disaster assistance is also essential to support communities and businesses while long-term solutions are delivered.”
the birthday of her ninety-nine year old mother.
Through some sort of AI wizardry, she had added her father (now deceased) to the photo.
She'd also added another family member who'd been unable to attend.
While the photo was quite beautiful, I couldn't help but consider it from an ethical perspective.
What happens when histories are magically altered or changed?
How can a person in the future reconcile a photo that celebrates an event where a person is absent (i.e dead!) but (digitally at least) present?
At what point does this ability to recast the truth become dangerous? I think we are already seeing this play out in many ways on social media.
It's a slippery slope when it becomes harder and harder to distinguish what is real and what is an approximation of real (cast in a way that benefits the creator and potentially harms others).
We can't change the past.
All we can do is work on our response to it (this is a damn heavy Jasminda, Rachel. Couldn't you have asked about e-bikes?).
May I suggest you put the photos in a clearly marked box while you are still feeling vulnerable.
Or archive photos with him in them (since they upset you) and keep the photos of those events where he is absent on display.
In keeping with my nanna's practicality, put partners from new relationships at the extremities of family photos.
Cropping a photo is far less sinister than some of the alternatives now on offer.
Carpe diem, Jasminda.
Mayor
Mayor Gary Lee, Nambucca Valley Council
Mayor Kinne Ring, Kempsey Shire Council
Mayor Adam Roberts, Port Macquarie Hastings Council
Mayor Ray Smith, Clarence Valley Council
Mayor Sam Coupland, Armidale Regional Council
Mayor
Coalition breakdown a failure of leadership
DEAR News Of The Area,
THE breakdown in relations between the partners of the former COALition are indicative of a failure of leadership that has been a long time in the making.
The Nationals and the Liberals are more focused on internal power plays than the welfare of the citizens of this country.
As former COALition voters indicate support for the One Notion party it is clear that merely supporting a program of opposition to immigration is not going to solve the problems that affect most people, which includes the rising cost of living, particularly housing.
It is extremely ironic that the small anti-immigration marches were held on Australia Day.
There is nothing funny about the fact that many of them were organised, and addressed, by people who are Nazis.
I am confident that most of the people who attended would not identify as Nazis but one must be careful of the company one keeps.
It is also very concerning that a bomb was thrown into a crowd at a First Nations rally in Perth.
This took nine days to be declared a terrorist act.
We are just lucky that this white terrorist was also incompetent and the bomb did not explode.
The problem with housing costs is that we have developed a system that makes it difficult to buy one's first house but easy for a person to buy their sixth or seventh.
Successive governments have gutted social housing with the message that the private market will do the job more efficiently.
The current crisis puts the lie to that line of thought.
The current rules, that include capital gains discounts and negative gearing, lead to ever growing house values to the detriment of younger people.
The Government spends more money on tax breaks for landlords than on social housing,
homelessness, and rent assistance combined.
If we accept that this situation is not sustainable then what is to be done? Removing the discount on the capital gain tax, first introduced by John Howard, would be a good place to start and would save $20 billion per year that could be spent on affordable housing.
We need to change our mindset and realise that housing should be a human right, and not a speculative asset.
Regards, Peter SOBEY, Valla.
Mayor Steve Allan, Bellingen Shire Council
Nikki Wiiliams, City of Coffs Harbour
Robert Bell, Uralla Shire Council.
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 part of the family. He’s active, loyal, and happiest when he’s close to his humans. He can be reactive with other dogs, so a meet and greet is essential, and he would be best suited as the only dog in the home.
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
please complete the Adoption Enquiry Form on Council’s Website.
NAMBUCCA VALLEY
FRIDAY
THE MARLOW MURDER CLUB
SEVEN, 8.30pm
The TV equivalent of sitting down to solve a crossword with a cup of tea and a biscuit, this cosy murder series follows a trio of unlikely crime solvers in a quaint English town. As they proved in season one, retired archaeologist Judith (Samantha Bond, pictured left), dog walker Suzie (Jo Martin, pictured centre) and vicar’s wife Becks (Cara Horgan, pictured right) make a brilliant team. Our favourite sleuths are called back into action after an aristocrat is found dead the day before his wedding – with his young fiancée, bitter son and scheming ex top of their suspect list.
FRIDAY, February 13
SUNDAY
CRICKET: WOMEN’S T20 SERIES
7MATE, 7pm
A new innings begins on Sunday for Australian women’s cricket, with all-rounder Sophie Molineux (pictured) named as the squad’s new captain, taking over from a retiring Alyssa Healy. This Twenty20 series opener against India will be the Victoria and Melbourne Renegades skipper’s first time leading the country, taking charge ahead of the T20 World Cup in England and Wales in June. Several members of the team will still be smarting from India’s recordbreaking chase of 339 that knocked Australia out of the ODI World Cup semi-final just a few months ago. With a fresh tactical direction and a score to settle, Molineux and co. are set to shine.
6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 News Mornings. 10.00 Solar System. (Final, R) 11.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Muster Dogs. (PG, R) 2.00 Dog Park. (M, R) 2.30 In Limbo. (Mls, R) 3.00 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R) 3.30 Brush With Fame. (PG, R) 3.55 Love Your Garden. (R) 4.45 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 Bitesize. (R) 9.20 Good With Wood. (PGa, R) 10.15 Paddington Station 24/7. (PGa, R) 11.05 Britain By Beach. (PGav, R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 1.55 The Hospital: In The Deep End. (Ma, R) 3.00 Nula. 3.30 Plat Du Tour. (R) 3.40 The Cook Up. (R) 4.10 Building The Impossible. (PG, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)
6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)
7.00 ABC News. A look at the top stories of the day.
7.30 Gardening Australia. (Return)
8.30 Professor T. (Return, M) Professor T works on a case while in prison.
9.20 Hard Quiz. (PGa, R) Hosted by Tom Gleeson.
9.50 The Weekly With Charlie Pickering. (PG, R) A satirical news program.
10.20 Dog Park. (M, R)
10.50 ABC Late News.
11.05 Smother. (Mlv, R)
12.50 Rage New Music. (MA15+dhlnsv)
5.00 Rage. (PGadhlnsv)
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 The Lost Cities Of The Incas. (Premiere)
9.25 Isle Of Wight: Jewel Of The South. (R) Follows the Seaview Salties.
10.15 SBS World News Late.
10.45 Sisi. (Masv, R)
11.40 Babylon Berlin. (Mav, R)
1.25 The Lesson. (Mal, R)
3.40 Celebrity Mastermind. (PG, R)
4.40 Bamay. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
TUESDAY
DR KARL’S HOW THINGS
6.00 Sunrise. News, sport and weather. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) The latest news and views. 12.00 Golf. LIV Golf Adelaide. Day 2. 5.00 The Chase Australia. Contestants race to answer quiz questions correctly to avoid being caught by The Chaser. Hosted by Larry Emdur.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. (Return) Johanna Griggs heads to Bribie Island.
8.30 The Marlow Murder Club. (Return, Mav) A wealthy baronet dies alone in his study the day before his wedding.
10.30 Australian Idol. (PGal, R) Hosted by Ricki-Lee Coulter and Scott Tweedie.
12.15 GetOn Extra. (Return) A look at the weekend’s best racing.
12.45 Dare Me. (MA15+asv)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R)
5.00 Dr Harry’s Animal Encounters. (PG, R)
everything from toilet paper to guitars –the endlessly curious Dr Karl Kruszelnicki (pictured) pulls back the cover on how books are made in the final chapter of this second season. And what better example than F. Scott Fitzgerald’s masterpiece The Great . Much attention is paid to the writing and editing behind our favourite novels, but how do those words physically make their way onto the page? At Ligare Book Printers in Sydney, Dr Karl watches as lasers etch words onto metal plates, before being loaded into a press that can print thousands of books a day. You might say it’s a real page-turner.
6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. (PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 6 – Highlights. 3.00 Tipping Point. (PG, R)
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 7 – Night. Coverage includes women’s snowboard cross qualifiers and finals and men’s crosscountry 10km final and ice hockey prelims.
12.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 7 – Post Midnight. Coverage includes women’s snowboard cross finals and skeleton runs and men’s 10,000m speed skating final and 10km biathlon sprint final. 3.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 7 – Overnight.
6.00 10 News+. 6.30 Deal Or No Deal. (R) 7.00 Millionaire Hot Seat. (PG) 7.30
Programs. 8.30 Nanny. 9.30 Addams Family. 10.00 Bewitched. 11.00 Swimming. Aust Open Water C’ships. H’lights. 11.30 Parental Guidance. 2pm Golden Girls. 2.30 Nanny.
SATURDAY, February 14
6.00 Kath & Kim. (PGals, R) Kim swears off men and takes up golf.
6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R) Presented by Tom Gleeson.
7.00 ABC News. A look at the top stories of the day.
7.30 Call The Midwife. (Md) The midwives help a family with a history of drug addiction.
8.30 Midsomer Murders. (Mv) Engagement celebrations at Godley Manor are brought to a sinister end by a booby-trapped cuckoo clock.
10.00 This England. (Ml, R) Looks at Britain during COVID-19. 11.00 Rage. (MA15+dhlnsv)
6am Children’s Programs. 10.10 Tiddler. 10.35 Children’s Programs. 6.20pm Bluey. 6.30 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 Jnr. 8.40
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Secrets Of Britain’s Historic Houses. (PG)
8.40 Queen Camilla: The Wicked Stepmother. (PGads, R)
9.35 Shaun Micallef’s Origin Odyssey. (PG, R)
10.35 Lord Lucan. (Mal, R)
11.40 Outlander. (MA15+a, R)
1.55 Beyond Signs. (MA15+a, R)
3.50 Celebrity Mastermind. (PG, R)
4.50 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R)
5.15 Euronews.
5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
SUNDAY, February 15
6.00 Grand Designs Transformations. (R)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 Muster Dogs. (PG) The handlers and their pups perform assessment tasks.
8.30 Dog Park. (Ml) Roland and Emma finally confront their future.
9.00 This England. (Ml) Looks at Britain during COVID-19.
9.55 Call The Midwife. (Md, R)
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)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Dominic West: Extreme Silk Road. (PG)
8.25 Fengyang: The Forgotten Imperial City.
10.10 Dunhuang: Ancient Frontier Fortress. (MA15+v, R)
11.10 South Korea With Alexander Armstrong. (PGa, R)
1.45 24 Hours In Emergency. (Ma, R)
2.40 24 Hours In A&E. (Mal, R)
3.35 Celebrity Mastermind. (PG, R)
4.40 Bamay. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News.
5.15 Euronews.
5.30 PBS News Horizons.
6am Viceroy’s House. (2017, PG) 8.00 The Movie Show. 8.35 What We Did On Our Holiday. (2014, PG) 10.25 The Mattachine Family. (2023, M) 12.15pm Priscilla Queen Of The Desert. (1994, M) 2.10 Discovering Film. 3.05 The Secret Garden. (2020, PG) 4.55 Broken Hill. (2009, PG) 6.55 Anne Of Green Gables. (2016, PG) 8.30 The Firm. (1993, MA15+) 11.20 Late Programs. 6am The Secret Garden. Continued. (2020, PG) 7.10 Broken Hill. (2009, PG) 9.10 Anne Of Green Gables. (2016, PG) 10.45 Alcarràs. (2022, M, Spanish) 12.55pm Say It Loud. (2020, M, Italian) 2.40 What We Did On Our Holiday. (2014, PG) 4.30 A United Kingdom. (2016, PG) 6.30 Notorious. (1946, PG) 8.30 The Good, The Bad And The Ugly. (1966, MA15+) 11.45 Late Programs.
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG, R) An influencer’s baggage attracts attention.
7.30 MOVIE: The Mummy Returns. (2001, Mhv, R) A couple battle a resurrected mummy. Brendan Fraser, Rachel Weisz.
10.10 MOVIE: Atomic Blonde. (2017, MA15+lsv, R) An MI6 agent investigates an agent’s murder. Charlize Theron, James McAvoy.
12.30 MOVIE: The Right Mom. (2021, Mav, R) Anna Schafer.
2.30 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 It’s Academic. (R)
5.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R)
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 8 – Night.
Coverage includes men’s alpine skiing giant slalom and women’s mogul dual finals and 4x7.5km cross-country relay.
12.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 8 – Post Midnight. Coverage includes men’s alpine skiing giant slalom, women’s cross-country relay, speed skating women’s team pursuit and men’s 500m finals.
3.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 8 – Overnight.
6.30 The Dog House Australia. (PGa, R) Narrated by Mark Coles Smith. 7.30 Love It Or List It Australia. A couple deals with a dysfunctional 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. (Mdlm, R) A specialist critical care paramedic responds to a head-on collision that has left a driver trapped in their car. 10.50 Matlock. (PGad, R) 11.50 Elsbeth. (PGav, R) 1.00 Home Shopping. (R) 5.00 Hour Of Power.
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Australian Idol. (PGal) Hosted by Ricki-Lee Coulter and Scott Tweedie.
8.45 The Meghan Effect: Transforming The Royals. (PG) Looks at Meghan Markle, who went from being an actor to becoming part of the British monarchy.
10.15 The Hunters: Mr Cruel. (Mav, R)
11.45 Autopsy USA. (Ma, R)
12.45 Temple. (MA15+al)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R)
4.00 Better Homes And Gardens. (R) 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 Married At First Sight. (PGls) After an explosive revelations week task, the actions of some have a major effect on the others.
8.45 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 9 – Night. Coverage includes women’s slalom and monobob bobsleigh, men’s dual moguls and mixed team snowboard cross.
12.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 9 – Post Midnight.
3.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 9 – Overnight.
5.30 Today. The latest in news and current affairs.
Playoffs. Semi-finals. Townsville Fire v Southside Melbourne Flyers. 6.00 MOVIE: Three Men And A Little Lady. (1990, PG) 8.00 MOVIE: Ocean’s Twelve. (2004, M) 10.30 Late Programs. 6am Morning Programs. 7.30
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 Morris and Robert Irwin. 8.30 NCIS: Sydney. (Masv) When a petty officer is found brutally murdered and frozen, it leads
DRAMA (51)
DRAMA
6.00
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R) 6.30 SBS World News.
7.35 Inside The Tower Of London. (PG) 8.30 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. (M) 9.25 Never Mind The Buzzcocks. (M)
10.10 SBS World News Late.
10.40 Other People’s Money. (PGals) 11.30 Vigil. (Mav, R)
2.45 The Real Crown: Inside The House Of Windsor. (PG, R)
3.40 Celebrity Mastermind. (PG, R)
4.40 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
VICELAND (31)
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. (Final) 9.15 Kids BBQ Championship. 9.55 Merlin. 10.40 Late Programs.
SBS MOVIES (32)
6am Notorious.
(1946, PG) 7.55 A United Kingdom. (2016, PG) 10.00 Discovering Film. 10.50 The Good, The Bad And The Ugly. (1966, MA15+) 2pm Broken Hill. (2009, PG) 4.00 Anne Of Green Gables. (2016, PG) 5.35 Go. (1999, PG) 7.30 The Bodyguard From Beijing. (1994, MA15+) 9.15 My Father Is A Hero. (1995, MA15+) 11.15 Above The Dust. (2024, M, Mandarin) 1.25am Late Programs.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGas) Leah crafts a romantic apology.
7.30 Australian Idol. (Ml) Hosted by Ricki-Lee Coulter and Scott Tweedie.
9.15 9-1-1. (Mahv) The 118s beliefs are put to the test as they respond to emergency calls involving a Jack-o’-lantern.
10.15 Ivan Milat: Buried Secrets. (MA15+av, R) Takes a look at the crimes of Ivan Milat.
12.15 Conviction. (MA15+a, R)
2.30 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) The newlyweds enter intimacy week and while some couples choose to embrace the challenge, others remain hesitant.
9.05 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 10 – Night. Coverage includes men’s alpine slalom, bobsleigh and short track and women’s snowboard slopestyle and short track.
2.50 The Real Crown: Inside The House Of Windsor. (PG, R)
3.40 Barkley Manor. (PG, R)
4.40 Bamay. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News.
5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
VICELAND (31)
SBS MOVIES (32)
6am Morning Programs. 7.20 Discovering Film. 8.10 Go. (1999, PG) 10.05 Above The Dust. (2024, M, Mandarin) 12.20pm Limitless. (2011, M) 2.20 Mrs Lowry And Son. (2019, PG) 4.00 Notorious. (1946, PG) 6.00 The Eagle Huntress. (2016, PG, Kazakh) 7.35 The Legend Of Fong Sai-Yuk. (1993, M, Cantonese) 9.30 The Legend Of Fong Sai-Yuk 2. (1993, M, Cantonese) 11.20 Late Programs.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGad)
7.30 The Chase Australia.
8.30 Doc. (Ma) Michael is under investigation for his actions during the hostage crisis.
9.30 Ambulance: Code Red. (Ma) A man is attacked by a gang with a machete.
10.30 St. Denis Medical. (Ms)
11.30 Madeleine McCann: Searching For The Prime Suspect. (Mav, R)
12.30 Childhood’s End. (Mav)
2.30 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) Intimacy week tasks have a mixed effect on the newlyweds. A tense men’s workshop results in poor behaviour.
9.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 11 – Night. Coverage includes men and women’s aerials qualifiers, women’s snowboard slopestyle and men’s ice hockey. 12.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 11 – Post Midnight.
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WEDNESDAY, February 18
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 Tales From Outer Suburbia. 10.15 My Adventures With Superman. 10.40 Late Programs.
Trespasses. (Mals)
SBS World News Late.
Face To Face. (Mals, R)
Darkness: Those Who Kill. (Mav, R)
Golden Boy. (Mal, R) 2.25 The Real Crown: Inside The House Of Windsor. (PG, R) 3.15 Barkley Manor. (PG, R)
4.45 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Home And Away. (PGad)
7.30 The 1% Club UK. (PGas)
8.30 Highway Patrol. (PGl) A driver sideswipes another vehicle.
9.00 Operation Dark Phone: Murder By Text. (MA15+av)
10.00 Air Crash Investigations. (PGa)
11.00 The Disappearance Of Gabby Petito. (Malv, R)
12.15 The Last Weekend. (Malv)
1.15 Travel Oz. (PG, 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) The couples attend the second dinner party. 9.10 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 12 – Night. Coverage includes women’s alpine slalom and aerials finals, men’s snowboard slopestyle and men’s and women’s cross-country team sprint.
12.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 12 – Post Midnight.
3.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 12 – Overnight.
5.30 Today.
SBS MOVIES (32)
6am The Eagle
Huntress. Continued. (2016, PG, Kazakh) 7.15 Discovering Film. 8.15 Mrs Lowry And Son. (2019, PG) 10.00 House Of The Seasons. (2023, M, Japanese) 12.10pm Godland. (2022, M, Danish) 2.40 Go. (1999, PG) 4.35 The Bridge On The River Kwai. (1957, PG) 7.30 Fist Of Legend. (1994, M) 9.30 Tai Chi Master. (1993, MA15+, Cantonese) 11.20 Late Programs.
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Toronto Airport Uncovered.
8.20 Robson Green: World’s Most Amazing Walks. (PG) 9.15 A Spy Among Friends. (Premiere)
10.20 SBS World News Late.
10.50 In Memoriam. (Premiere, Madl)
11.40 Forest Of The Missing. (Malv, R)
1.25 Silent Road. (Ma, R)
3.25 The Real Crown: Inside The House Of Windsor. (PG, R)
4.20 Barkley Manor. (PG, R)
4.50 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
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SBS MOVIES (32)
6am Morning Programs. 7.55 The Bridge On The River Kwai. (1957, PG) 10.45 The Legend Of Fong Sai-Yuk 2. (1993, M, Cantonese) 12.35pm Within Sand. (2022, M, Arabic) 2.45 Discovering Film. 3.40 Master Cheng: A Spice For Life. (2019, PG) 5.50 The Silver Brumby. (1993, PG) 7.30 Once Upon A Time In China. (1991, M, Cantonese) 10.00 Once Upon A Time In China II. (1992, M, Cantonese) 12.05am Late Programs.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGa) Remi and Sonny go head-to-head.
8.30 MOVIE: Under The Tuscan Sun. (2003, Ml, R) A recently divorced woman holidaying in Tuscany buys a villa on a whim and encounters unexpected romance. Diane Lane, Sandra Oh, Lindsay Duncan. 10.50 To Be Advised.
12.35 Dare Me. (MA15+asv) The party fallout leads to a shocking accident.
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.
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6.00 NBN News. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 13 – Night. Coverage includes men’s and women’s ski mountaineering sprints heats and finals and men’s
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Friday, 13 February 2026
Super Sandon
By Jen HETHERINGTON
YARRAHAPINNI charger Sandon Vowels did the region proud at the Surf Reflections Junior Series last weekend at Rainbow Beach in Bonny Hills, earning second place in the U16s boys division.
In small and prevailing onshore conditions, Sandon made it through four rounds on the way to the final before securing second spot.
The Series is held by iconic surfing festival Surfest and Reflections Holidays, with three events in 2026: Bonny Hills, Urunga/Hungry Head (May 8-10) and Tuncurry/Forster (November 13-15), with Under 14s and 16s age categories for boys and girls.
Sandon competed against 32 others in the under 16 boys division, hailing from Northern NSW to the South Coast.
The proud place-getter told News Of The Area, “It was the first comp of the year and I will be competing in Newcastle next for the Sanbah Cadet Cup on 21 February, which is also a part of Surfest.”
HEADS
q Under 16 boys finalists Hugo Spierings (1st), Brynn Spierings (3rd), Harry Stephens (4th) and Sandon Vowels (2nd) with Reflections CMO Peter Chapman, Uncle Tony Clark, and professional surfer Julian Wilson.
