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Uniting Op Shop rededicated in new location after two decades at Seascape Mall
FROM Page 1
lease would not be renewed.
Despite the unexpected change, volunteers worked quickly to ensure continuation of the service as best as possible.
Following discussions with Uniting Services, arrangements were made for the op shop to relocate alongside the Uniting Church at 44 Ridge Street, Nambucca Heads.
The move was made possible after Uniting Services consolidated their Home and Community Care and Seniors administration services.
The re-dedication afternoon tea was held in the church hall and provided an opportunity to recognise and thank the volunteers who had supported the shop over many years.
Representatives from community organisations across the Nambucca Valley attended, with Pastor Filikesa Kamotu leading the dedication in prayer.
“At first glance the op shop is just a place where preloved items are sold but in reality the op shop itself is a ministry,” the pastor told those gathered.
“Every one of the wonderful volunteers here is participating in something special and that is living the gospel out in real life through the amount of people who benefit from the op shop.”
A comprehensive history of the op shop and its volunteer base was delivered by Glenys Horne of the Nambucca Heads Uniting Church Council.
“As well as a the wonderful volunteers from our church community we have has some recommended to us by ETC and Tursa Employment Agencies, many of who have gone on to jobs in the retail sector due to the
experience they have picked up through their time at the op shop,” Glenys told News Of The Area.
Funds raised through the op shop have supported both the Uniting Church and a wide range of local community groups over the years.
Donations from the shop have provided significant support to organisations such as the Nambucca Valley Food Hub, ShoreTrack, the Nambucca Heads Youthie, Parkinson’s NSW, Frontier Services and Special Religious Education.
Bev Reedy of the Support Group for our Everlasting Carers was on hand to personally
thank the op shop team, whose support she says has been critical in enabling the work her group do in supporting carers.
The op shop has also supported the Anguganak Motherhood Project in Papua New Guinea (PNG) and the Kini Orphanage and School.
The Motherhood Project aims to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality in PNG.
It encourages hospital births through incentives like baby bundles, provides training for village birth attendants, and improves infrastructure including clean water access at the Anguganak hospital.
q Pastor Filikesa Kamotu led the dedication in prayer.
Creative therapy pilot launches on North Coast
FROM Page 1
to new free creative therapy services, thanks to the launch of the North Coast Creative Therapies Pilot.
Launched by Healthy North Coast and funded by the Australian Government through the Primary Health Network program at a value of $1.03 million, the pilot will run until 30 June 2027, providing evidence-based creative arts therapy and music therapy to support mental health and wellbeing across the region.
The pilot was launched on Tuesday 17 March at the Salvation Army Church in Coffs Harbour.
Healthy North Coast is one of three Primary Health Networks (PHNs) nationally selected to deliver the initiative, which aims to expand access to innovative, personcentred mental health supports.
Creative therapies offered through the program are delivered by qualified practitioners accredited through the Australian, New Zealand and Asian Creative Arts Therapies Association (ANZACATA) or the Australian Music Therapy Association (AMTA).
These therapies support people to express themselves and process experiences in ways that do not rely solely on words.
Delivered alongside other mental health supports, creative therapies can help individuals explore emotions, reduce anxiety, improve communication and strengthen overall wellbeing.
Healthy North Coast CEO Monika Wheeler said the pilot would provide new pathways to care for people who might benefit from innovative approaches to mental health treatment.
“Creative therapies offer powerful ways for people to explore their thoughts and emotions, particularly when talk based therapies may not feel accessible or sufficient.
“Through this pilot, we’re expanding the range of mental health supports available on the North Coast and ensuring people can access approaches that work best for them.
“By working with skilled and accredited local providers, we’re helping people connect with therapies that can improve wellbeing, strengthen resilience and support recovery.”
Under the pilot, eligible participants
Have Your Say
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can access up to ten sessions, delivered in individual or group formats.
Referrals are managed through the Medicare Mental Health Phone Service, ensuring people receive the most appropriate care program based on their needs.
Participants assessed at Level of Care 3 or 4 may be eligible for the program.
The pilot is open to people of all ages.
Tania Miller, Registered Art Therapist from ReCreate Art Therapy - one of the successful providers following an expression of interest process - said the program helps people engage with their mental health in new and meaningful ways.
“Sometimes words can’t fully express the depth of an emotion. Through art, images can reach into those deeper places and help people express visually what may be difficult to say aloud,” said Ms Miller.
The pilot also includes creative therapies delivered in collaboration with
local participating Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs). Creative therapists will work alongside ACCHO social and emotion wellbeing teams and will operate from the ACCHO facility or an agreed community location.
The full list of creative therapy providers delivering services in the pilot is: Art To Be – Tweed Shire; Golden Threads – Sleepy Hollow; Fionn Batchelor - Mullumbimby; Amanda Scott Art Therapy – Byron Bay; Creative Arts Therapy (Linda Devonshire) – Lennox Head; Create Therapy – Lismore; Experiencing Colour – James Creek, ReCreate Art Therapy – Coffs Harbour & Grafton; Happymess Studio – Bellingen; Bonnie Nilsson – Valla; Soul Sounds Music Therapy – Port Macquarie; ARTTI – Dunbogan; Play Sing Music Therapy – Grafton; Ballina Byron Music Therapy – Newrybar; Megan Thamm Music Therapy – Lismore.
q Registered Art Therapist Tania Miller from ReCreate Art Therapy.
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Near miss as poles collapse
A NAMBUCCA Heads local has shared his experience of being in the near vicinity when two power poles collapsed on Nelson Street last Thursday, branding it a “lucky escape”.
Rory Kaine was travelling down the road past the Nambucca RSL Club at about 5pm.
“I was driving down the hill and the telegraph pole ‘snaps’ off in front of me, like it was detonated in a sequence,” Mr Kaine said.
“I stopped easily enough within 15 metres of the fallen pole.
“In that split second, I realised that another pole had come down first, then brought the next one with it.”
Looking down the hill, Mr Kaine said he saw a white car that appeared to have escaped the first pole.
The driver was David Craig, the Scottish head chef from the RSL.
“He told me that he braked then accelerated to avoid the disaster,” Mr Kaine said.
“He copped some car damage from the falling wires or lights.
“He also copped the trauma of such a near miss.”
The fallen poles caused power outages, bringing forward a planned outage for Nambucca Heads that evening at 10pm.
“The workmen worked overnight to replace one telegraph pole and power by Friday morning “The workmen worked overnight to replace one telegraph pole and power by Friday morning," Mr Kaine said.
“Photos (from the scene) show a hollow pole. How many more hollow poles are there?”
Government extends funding for two key programs
www.nambucca.nsw.gov.au
Easter Long Weekend Operating Hours
Council advises that the following changes to operating hours will occur to Council facilities over the Easter Holiday period:
Council’s Administration Building:
Closed Friday 3 April – Monday 6 April inclusive
Macksville and Nambucca Heads Libraries:
Closed Friday 3 April – Monday 6 April inclusive
Waste Management Facility, Old Coast Road Nambucca Heads:
Closed Friday 3 April and Saturday 4 April
Open 8am – 4pm Sunday 5 April
Open 10am – 2pm Monday 6 April
There will be no change to waste collection days during the Easter period.
All facilities will reopen on 7 April at their usual business operating hours.
Bede Spannagle
General Manager PO BOX 177
Nambucca Valley Council MACKSVILLE NSW 2447
THE state government has extended funding for both the No Interest Loan Scheme (“the NIL Scheme”) and Aged-Care Supported Accommodation (“the ASCA Program”).
The Government committed $21.5 million in funding to administer the NIL Scheme for another five years, continuing its history of providing fee and interest-free loans to lowincome earners since its establishment in 1981.
The NIL Scheme helps eligible applicants to borrow up to $2,000 for appliances, furniture, car repairs or medical expenses, or up to $3,000 for housing-related expenses such as rental bonds or recovering from a natural disaster.
Over the 2023-24 financial year, the program provided 13,485 loans.
Families with dependents collectively earning $100,000 each year, or singles earning $70,000 each year, are eligible for a NIL Scheme loan.
The NIL Scheme additionally provides financial relief for those who have experienced family or domestic violence in the last 10 years, as well as people living on a pension.
In a further boost, the Government will also fund the ASCA Program from 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2031 at a total of more than $8.5 million.
The ASCA Program supports not-for-profit organisations which empower older residents living in retirement villages, boarding houses and nursing homes.
These organisations help by giving guidance on older residents’ rights under the Retirement
Villages Act 1999 and the Residential Tenancies Act 2010, including representation at tribunal hearings and assisting with resolving disputes.
In the last financial year, 4,849 individuals received legal services or community support through the ACSA Program.
Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading Anoulack Chanthivong said the programs have a “long history of supporting the people who need it most, including older residents and domestic violence victimsurvivors”.
NSW Fair Trading Commissioner Natasha Mann said, “NILS serves to protect vulnerable consumers from predatorial loan practices which might take advantage of them and their inability to reconcile their loans quickly.
“By offering this alternative, consumers can safely obtain items for the household or key medical procedures while safeguarding their financial wellbeing and independence.”
NSW Rental Commissioner Trina Jones said most users of the No Interest Loans Scheme are renters.
“By using these types of loans which don’t garner interest they can offset their expenses and use money to pay rent and avoid homelessness,” she said.
“NILS is an important scheme for vulnerable people renting homes allowing them another way to navigate their expenses so they don’t fall into a deeper cycle of debt.”
q The collapsed poles forced a closure of the Nambucca RSL Club. Photo: Nambucca RSL.
q David and Rory catch up at the RSL after their near miss. Photo: Rory Kaine.
Hospital performance update
By Jessica MILLER
THE latest quarterly report into the performance of Mid North Coast Local Health District (MNCLHF) hospitals shows the health services are coping well with a surge in demand.
Patient numbers for October to December 2025 were up by 1,166, according to the Bureau of Health Information (BHI) Healthcare Quarterly Report.
This is a three percent increase over the same period for 2024.
In total, the MNCLHD Emergency Departments saw 40,126 attendances - the highest for the District since BHI reporting began in 2010.
MNCLHD also continues to outperform state averages.
Notably, 76.8 percent of patients were discharged within four hours, significantly higher than the New South Wales average of 64.6 percent.
Furthermore, 89.8 percent of patients were transferred from ambulances to ED staff within the 30-minute benchmark, well above the state average of 80.9 percent.
MNCLHD Chief Executive Jill Wong credited the strong results to the dedication of frontline staff.
“The report shows that demand for emergency and ambulance care continues to climb across our District, in line with statewide trends,” Ms Wong said.
“Our emergency departments have been under considerable pressure, and I want to recognise the commitment of our staff who continue to support patients when they need it most.”
While urgent cases are always prioritised, the MNCLHD also encourages the community to consider utilising the Statewide Virtual Urgent Care Services for non-life-threatening issues.
The Virtual Urgent Care service is available from 8am to 10pm seven days a week, via the Healthdirect hotline (1800 022 222).
The district is also making significant strides in elective care.
Over 3,000 planned surgeries were performed during the latest quarter, a 12 percent improvement over the same period in 2024.
The boosts to performance are supported by the implementation of a range of strategies, including improvements to Safe Staffing Levels at major hubs like Coffs Harbour and Port Macquarie.
These two facilities saw over 38 new fulltime equivalent nurses recruited to ensure optimal patient-to-nurse ratios.
Coffs Harbour Health Campus
Coffs Harbour Health Campus ED saw 13,014 attendances in the final quarter of 2025, an increase of 3.7 percent (or 466 attendances) compared to the same quarter in 2024.
More than eight in 10 patients (80.8
percent) were transferred from ambulance to ED staff within the 30-minute benchmark, which is better than the average for hospitals of a similar size in NSW (78.9 percent).
The hospital performed 1,042 planned surgeries, a 24.9 percent increase or 208 surgeries compared to the same period last year.
Almost all urgent planned surgery (99.1
percent) was performed on time.
Macksville District Hospital
At Macksville District Hospital over the same period there were 3,935 ED attendances, an increase of 6.4 percent (or 236 attendances).
More than nine in 10 patients (91 percent) started their treatment on time.
Nearly all patients (97 percent) were transferred from ambulance to ED staff within the 30-minute benchmark, with 86.7 percent of patients discharged within four hours.
Sydney
Royal
Bellingen Autumn Plant Fair with Port Bus to Bellingen Saturday 14th March 2026
Easter Show
support the important work of the Bellingen Environment Centre Inc.
Highlights:
• Bellingen Autumn Plant Fair
• The Old Butter Factory
First held in 1823, the Sydney Royal Easter Show is Australia’s largest annual ticketed event, attracting over 828,000 attendees on average. The Show is a celebration of Australian culture, from our rural traditions to our modern-day lifestyles, providing unique experiences for everyone. Revenue generated by the Show allows the RAS to invest in agricultural programs, competitions, education, youth, and rural NSW.
Inclusions:
with Port Bus to Sydney Olympic Park Saturday 11th April 2026 Highlights:
• Return air-conditioned coach transport.
• H20
Everything you see at the Sydney Royal Easter Show is a highlight!
• Visits
Inclusions:
• Return air-conditioned coach transport.
• H20
• Entry to The Show
Itinerary:
Itinerary: Departing the Coach Terminal at 08:00 to the Bellingen Autumn Plant Fair for a few into the Old Butter Factory. Take a look around, grab a cuppa or just rest your legs before we finish the day around 16:00 at the Port Coach Terminal. $59.00 per person
Departing Port Bus Depot by 05:00 we start our journey down to Sydney. Our aim is to arrive around 11:00. Departing by 18:00 with a comfort stop en route home. Drop offs will commence after midnight. (bring a pillow and blankie for a snooze on your way home) (all times TBC)
For more information or to book; Phone: 02 6583 3330
Book Online: https://events.humanitix.com/bellingen-autumn-plant-26
All tours require a minimum no to proceed | Times & Venues are subject to change without notice | Picking up from Port Bus & Port Coach Terminal
02 6583 3330
admin@portbus.com.au
https://www.portbus.com.au
https://events.humanitix.com/sydney-royal-26
q Mid North Coast Emergency Department staff. Photo: MNCLHD.
NFPs urged to apply for grants
By Mick BIRTLES
FUNDING opportunities are currently available for not-for-profit (NFP) organisations and volunteers across the Nambucca Valley, offering valuable support for local community projects.
Nambucca Valley Mayor Gary Lee said Council donations of up to $1000, along with Federal Government Volunteer Grants ranging from $1000 to $5000, are now open for applications.
“Nambucca Valley Council is keen to support our NFP organisations, as they deliver grassroots, wonderful programs and services to our community,” he told NOTA.
“Volunteering is something I am passionate about as during my previous career as a police officer I spent a lot of time with Police Citizens Youth Clubs, delivering fun activities with young people.
”There are dozens of great charities in our community which bring together residents, help those people in need and provide important services.
“I encourage all of these NFP groups to apply for one of Council’s
Section 356 donations of up to $1000 and gain some help to continue doing great things.”
Council’s Section 356 Donations Program was updated in August 2025 and is now open to applications year-round.
Eligible not-for-profit organisations can apply for funding of up to $1000, with successful applicants required to use the funds for the intended purpose by 30 June 2026.
Acquittal documentation must also be submitted by this date.
Applications are assessed by Council staff before being presented to Council for a final decision, provided eligibility criteria are met.
Organisations are permitted to submit one application per year and must complete acquittal requirements to be eligible for future funding.
Further information and application details are available via Council’s website.
For enquiries regarding the donations program, contact Council’s Grants and Contributions Officer Teresa Boorer on 6568 0221.
Mayor Lee also highlighted the opening of the latest round of the
q Nambucca Valley Mayor Gary Lee with Nambucca Valley Community Resilience Network volunteers Moira Ryan and Julie Gooch at a ‘Know your risk’ sign unveiling in Scotts Head in December 2025. Photo: supplied.
Federal Government Volunteer Grants program, which is currently open to expressions of interest (EOIs).
If you are a part of a volunteer NFP organisation, you may be eligible to apply for grants of
between $1000 and $5000.
Grant funding can be used for eligible activities or items such as small equipment that assists the volunteers in their role, transport costs of volunteers with disability, or fuel costs incurred by volunteers.
Expressions of interest for the Federal Government Volunteer Grants close on 29 March 2026. More information can be found on the Federal Member for Cowper’s website: www.patconaghan.com. au/volunteergrants.
Forestry Corporation fined $450,000 for latest breach
By Andrew VIVIAN
FORESTRY Corporation of NSW (FCNSW) has been convicted and sentenced over the illegal logging of six giant and three hollow-bearing trees in Wild Cattle Creek State Forest near Coffs Harbour in June and July 2020.
The organisation responsible for managing timber production in NSW’s state-owned native and plantation forests, FCNSW has been ordered to pay $450,000 in penalties.
The case was successfully prosecuted by the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA).
The NSW Land and Environment Court found that the logging of these trees by FCNSW contractors caused harm to koala habitat within forest that now forms part of the footprint of the Great Koala National Park.
The Court also found that the offences caused substantial cultural harm to the Gumbaynggirr people’s connection to country.
In 2022, FCNSW was also required to pay fines and costs totalling $285,600 after the EPA prosecuted it over trees felled in
exclusion zones in Wild Cattle Creek State Forest that had caused harm to koala habitat.
Greens MP and spokesperson for the environment Sue Higginson said the recent fine will leave taxpayers footing the bill for the “criminal destruction of public forests carried out by a Government logging agency”.
“Because the Forestry Corporation is a State-owned corporation, this $450,000 penalty will ultimately be paid by the people of NSW,” she said.
FCNSW CEO Anshul Chaudhary has since apologised on behalf of the organisation, claiming the removal of the trees was an error.
“We sincerely apologise for removing nine trees that were required to be protected and have taken significant steps to address the issue and prevent this from happening again,” he said.
“We have permanently protected 36 additional trees in the compartment with guidance from an expert ecologist, applying a 4:1 replacement ratio.
“We have also funded the installation of 12 nest boxes to provide habitat for a range of species.
“These measures are in addition to more than 400 hollow bearing trees that had already been identified and retained in the operational area as well as hundreds of other trees set aside for other environmental
purposes in this selective harvesting operation.
“Since the error occurred, the harvested area has regenerated.”
Mr Chaudhary said standard operating procedures and staff training were immediately reviewed and updated.
“These changes ensure the relevant regulations are clearly communicated and understood by our staff and contractors, minimising the risk of similar errors in future operations,” he said.
Ashley Love from the Bellingen Environment Centre (BEC) said the court’s ruling was highly significant.
“Though it’s their (FCNSW’s) 14th criminal conviction, this is a landmark decision because, for the first time, FCNSW must carry out
court approved restorative justice actions for their admitted forestry breaches, in this case in Wild Cattle Creek State Forest, in 2020.”
Dr John Corkill appeared at court as an agent for BEC, successfully applying for the Centre’s recognition as “amicus curiae” (friend of the court) in the proceedings.
He said the court’s ruling brought mixed feelings.
“What is bitter is that it has taken nearly six years for the prosecution to be completed,” he said.
“The people who committed these crimes were not prosecuted, only the empty shell of the Corporation was, so once again the actual perpetrators have escaped penalty.
“Obviously the decision also has
a sweet taste.
“Forestry Corporation has been held legally accountable finally.”
The sentence follows a landmark restorative justice conference involving the Gumbaynggirr Traditional Custodians, the EPA, and FCNSW; the first time such a process has been used for a forestry-related offence in the state.
NSW EPA CEO Tony Chappel said, “As a result of the conference, the full penalty of $450,000 will be paid to the Yurruungga Aboriginal Corporation (YAC) to manage several projects in Wild Cattle Creek State Forest that will focus on remediation and cultural mapping and support the creation of the Gumbaynggirr Guardians rangers' program.”
q A felled tree in Wild Cattle Creek State Forest. Photo: Dailan Pugh.
Strong field at Lions Youth of the Year final
By Mick BIRTLES
THREE of the Nambucca Valley’s brightest young future leaders took centre stage on Saturday 14 March when the Lions Clubs of Macksville and Nambucca Heads hosted the 2025/26 Lions Youth of the Year Competition Area 2 Final.
Held at the Nambucca Heads RSL Club, the event showcased the public speaking talents, achievements and leadership potential of the very impressive local students.
President of the Nambucca Heads Lions Club, Grahame Beatton, told News Of The Area, “I did not envy the judges’ job as the three contestants were very, very strong in all areas.”
Contestants included Dee-Jae McLeod, sponsored by the Lions Club of Macksville, who attends Macksville High School.
In addition to maintaining a strong academic record, Dee-Jae is a senior team member in the Premier’s Debating Challenge and the Two Canoes Indigenous Program, and is also a member of the Nambucca Valley Youth Council.
She is actively involved in a range of leadership, academic and sporting pursuits.
Ashton Angus, sponsored by the Lions Club of Nambucca Heads, attends Coffs Harbour Senior College.
He has an impressive academic record and is active in his school’s
Student Representative Council.
Ashton has also initiated both a chess club and a film club at his school.
While previously attending Nambucca High School, he was a member of the successful Tournament of the Minds team.
Outside the classroom he holds a Black Belt in Karate and a Bronze Medallion in Surf Lifesaving.
Violette Hyland, sponsored by the Lions Club of Valla and a student at Nambucca High School, also boasts an outstanding academic record.
Like Dee-Jae, she is a member of the Nambucca Valley Youth Council.
Among her many pursuits, Violette was the lead singer at the North Coast Compass Music Festival and has performed as a featured artist at the Festival of Instrumental Music at the Sydney Opera House.
Judges for the competition were Lissa Argue, Belinda StamfordThomas, Ian Love and Mick Birtles.
Each contestant participated in a 45-minute interview session with the judging panel, during which they discussed their interests, achievements and future aspirations while responding to topical questions.
The evening culminated in the public speaking component, where contestants delivered two impromptu speeches along with a prepared five-minute address before an audience of judges, Lions representatives, family members,
friends and school supporters.
The overall winner was Ashton Angus, who will now advance to the district final in Tamworth on 26 March.
The Public Speaking Prize was awarded to Violette Hyland.
The Chairperson of the judging panel, Lissa Argue, was highly complimentary of the contestants, noting their ability to capture and maintain the audience’s interest through confident and engaging
delivery.
Established more than 50 years ago, the Lions Youth of the Year Program aims to develop valuable skills in interview techniques, personal interaction, networking, public speaking and the ability to think on one’s feet.
Lions Australia considers these capabilities essential tools for young people as they embark on future careers and leadership roles.
The national program
recognises high school students aged 15 to 19 for their achievements across a broad range of areas including academics, leadership, sportsmanship, public speaking and community service.
The Lions Clubs of Nambucca Heads and Macksville are among many Lions clubs across the country that strongly support the initiative, which continues to foster leadership, citizenship and personal growth in Australia’s young people.
q Lions Youth of the Year Competition Area 2 finalists Ashton Angus, Violette Hyland and Dee-Jae McLeod. Photo: supplied.
Timber industry roundtable
TIMBER workers from across regional New South Wales travelled to Parliament House this week for a roundtable with industry and forestry representatives.
Workers are pushing to secure the future of the state’s forestry and timber jobs.
The Timber, Furnishing and Textiles Union (TFTU) says the two-day roundtable brought together worker representatives, employers
and forestry experts to discuss practical solutions to stabilise the industry and support regional communities that depend on timber jobs.
TFTU NSW Secretary Alison Rudman said timber workers wanted the NSW Government to recognise the importance of the industry to regional employment and local manufacturing.
“Timber workers are
proud of the role they play in regional communities and they want to see a strong future for the industry,” Ms Rudman said.
“This roundtable is about bringing workers, employers and experts together to focus on real solutions that protect jobs and support sustainable forestry.”
The union says timber workers are calling for the NSW Government to
prioritise locally grown timber in government construction projects, strengthen the state’s timber supply and invest in skills to ensure the industry remains a major regional employer.
Timber workers are also calling for long-term certainty through extended wood supply agreements and stable demand for timber products, measures the union says are critical for businesses and
workers alike.
“The NSW timber industry supports thousands of regional jobs and provides essential materials for housing, construction and infrastructure,” Ms Rudman said.
“Government policy should back local timber, local jobs and local manufacturing.”
The roundtable will also examine workforce development and training
pathways to ensure the industry continues to attract and retain skilled workers in regional areas.
Ms Rudman said the discussions would help shape the union’s advocacy with the NSW Government.
“Our members want secure jobs, strong regional communities and a sustainable timber industry for the future,” she said.
“That means government backing the workers and businesses who grow, harvest and process timber here in New South Wales.”
Motoring group puts brakes on city fuel ration push
By Tess IKONOMOU, AAP
RATIONING fuel in Australia's major cities to supply the regions would cause unnecessary economic and social issues, a peak motoring body says.
Iran has closed the strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important oil corridors, after the country was attacked by US and Israeli forces.
The conflict in the Middle East has spiked oil prices, sending unleaded petrol prices in Australia above $2.20 a litre, and diesel to more than $2.60 a litre.
Fuel transport companies support a proposal by One Nation MP Barnaby Joyce to reserve fuel for farmers and regional areas as the Iran war drags on.
Mr Joyce argues this would ensure supermarket shelves remained stocked
and other key industries could continue operating.
Fuel should have already been reserved for the regions, said Westlink Petroleum managing director Danny Kreutzer, whose Queenslandbased company transports fuel for 500 businesses.
But NRMA spokesman Peter Khoury said the organisation did not support the proposal.
"It will have an economic and social connection impact and we believe it's unnecessary," he said.
"Fuel supplies have continued throughout this war and urge Australians not to panic buy and stockpile, particularly diesel."
Mr Joyce said Australia should be part of a global effort to end Iran's blockade, as US President Donald Trump calls on countries to step up.
"If you are part of a beneficiary of it being resolved, you got to do something for it," he told ABC's Insiders.
Mr Khoury said there were reports in some locations of people buying four times the amount of fuel usually sold.
"When Australians are stockpiling fuel in jerry cans in homes, that behaviour will inevitably lead to shortages," he said.
"If that behaviour stops, it will go a long way to stabilising the situation."
The federal government on Friday announced up to 762 million litres of petrol and diesel from the emergency reserves of companies would be released to address shortfalls.
Energy Minister Chris Bowen has repeatedly provided assurances Australia has enough fuel and said shortages were down to people stockpiling.
He has also rejected calls
to bring in fuel rationing in metropolitan areas.
Treasurer Jim Chalmers said the nation had plenty of fuel.
"We've got big stockpiles of fuel, whether it's petrol or diesel or jet fuel, and we work around the clock to make sure that Australia doesn't run out, we're certainly not expecting
that we will," he told Sky News on Sunday.
Labor has also relaxed its fuel quality requirements, meaning higher sulfur petrol usually reserved for export can be sold in Australia in a bid to tackle increased demand.
Nationals Leader Matt Canavan said despite there
being enough volume of fuel in Australia, it was a "small mercy" for farmers and businesses.
"When they go to the petrol station or they call their contractor and there's no fuel available, they've got a supply crisis," he told Sky News.
Fuel stockpile topped up as minister says supply secure
By Robyn WUTH, Tess
and Zac DE SILVA, AAP
AUSTRALIA has stockpiled billions of litres of fuel - more than a month's supply - as frustrated motorists grapple with rising petrol prices and an explosion in demand.
The country is "as prepared as possible" with 1.6 billion litres of petrol or 37 days' supply, Energy Minister Chris Bowen told reporters on Saturday.
The stockpile includes 2.7 billion litres of diesel, or 30 days of supply, and 800 million litres or 29 days of jet fuel.
Global concerns over the US-Israeli-led war in Iran have fanned fears of fuel shortages, leading to regional supply issues and price hikes.
"We have received all our expected shipping of petrol and diesel that our refineries continue to work, and the supply of petrol has been secure and has been just as expected," Mr Bowen said.
"What we have seen is real and unacceptable
shortages in rural and regional areas in particular, as we've been dealing with a massive explosion in demand - demand up 100 percent at every terminal across Australia.
"This has seen shortages for farmers, for people in regional areas in particular, which the government has been working very hard with the industry to get addressed as quickly as possible."
The government has moved to ease the pain for motorists, releasing up to 762 million litres of petrol and diesel from emergency reserves to meet regional demand.
NSW will convene an urgent roundtable to address concerns over the impact of the US-Israel-Iran conflict, as its premier urges restraint at the bowsers.
Representatives from transport and logistics, fuel, agriculture, local councils, mining, unions and consumer protection groups were set to meet with government officials on Monday.
"Global events are putting pressure on fuel markets around the world and we are making sure NSW is prepared as we can be and well coordinated if those pressures continue," Premier Chris Minns said.
"I appreciate this is a stressful time for everyone but it's important people don't buy more fuel at the bowser than they need."
Iran has closed one of the world's busiest oil corridors - the Strait of Hormuz - in response to the US-led war launched against it, causing a global shortage that has led fuel prices to skyrocket.
Fuel should have already been reserved for the regions, according to Westlink Petroleum managing director Danny Kreutzer, whose Queensland-based company services 500 businesses.
"We've got a lot of angry customers that want their fuel," he told AAP.
"A lot of them have been pretty good to deal with and understand the situation we're in.
"Every other fuel distributor in the country, we're all the same. It's really impacted our business because we just can't get the volume we require on a normal day."
One Nation MP Barnaby Joyce has raised the prospect of city rationing to help address the issue.
"It is a crisis," he told ABC Radio on Friday.
Mr Joyce said trucks had to be kept moving to ensure food remained on supermarket shelves and other vital services were maintained.
The consumer watchdog has told fuel retailers to respond to claims they dramatically hiked petrol and diesel prices soon after war broke out.
Penalties for false or misleading conduct and cartel behaviour have been doubled to a maximum of $100 million per offence as the crisis deepens.
Australia has also relaxed quality standards for the next 60 days to boost the domestic market.
q The cost of fuel has shot up amid concerns about shortages stemming from the war in the Middle East. Photo: Lukas Coch/AAP PHOTOS.
IKONOMOU
q Fuel has been running short in regional areas, prompting calls for supply to be rationed in cities. Photo: Jay Kogler/AAP PHOTOS.
Generations come together for Seniors Week
By Mick BIRTLES
PEOPLE of all ages came together last week to celebrate Seniors Week in the Nambucca Valley, enjoying a day of bowls, games, and a vibrant colour run at Hennessy Tape Oval.
The event, held on 12 March at Bowra Sports Club in Coronation Street, Bowraville, was delivered jointly by Nambucca Valley Council and Becoming U, and brought together students and aged care residents in a display of intergenerational connection.
Nambucca Valley Mayor Gary Lee said the event was both enjoyable and inclusive, while strengthening community ties.
“It was heart-warming to see members from the volunteer Nambucca Valley Youth Council show initiative by baking goods and selling cakes at the recent Open Streets festival to raise money to support last week’s event,” he said.
“This intergenerational activity was attended by about 30 residential aged
care home residents and 30 students from Macksville and Nambucca Heads high schools.
“The students helped the elderly residents with bowling, playing games and they delivered morning tea and lunch.”
Senior residents travelled from aged care facilities across the Valley, including
Respect’s Autumn Lodge in Macksville and Uniting Pacifica in Nambucca Heads.
Autumn Lodge General Manager Joanne Parry said the day captured the true spirit of community.
"Days like this are what community is all about,” she said.
“Watching Wayne (French), for example, and
Seniors and high school students throw coloured powder over each other in a celebration of this year’s Seniors Festival theme, ‘Live Life in Colour’.
our other residents alongside the children, laughing, getting covered in colour and just being in the moment, was something special to witness.
“Intergenerational events like this matter so much.
“They bring together generations in a way that can't be replicated.
“We're grateful to
everyone who made this happen, including our special social care staff who made sure our residents were not just spectators. They were right in the thick of it.”
The event also aligned with Community Priority number 3 of the Nambucca Valley Community Strategic Plan 2035, which focuses on
respecting, connecting and supporting all members of the community.
Running from 9.30am through to midday, the celebration highlighted the value of bringing generations together, leaving lasting memories for both young participants and senior residents alike.
Increased traffic putting safety at risk
By Andrew VIVIAN
WHENEVER a major road is disrupted, it isn’t just its regular users who are inconvenienced: residents in formerly quiet, urban streets also experience significant traffic changes.
Forty residents attended the Bellingen Showground Luncheon Pavilion earlier this
month to air their concerns about the impact the closure of Waterfall Way is having on them.
Hammond and Wheatley streets are now part of the detour route for the Waterfall Way and residents say traffic is constant, unregulated, and more dangerous for locals.
The residents of Hammond Street said they can no longer cross the road, while Wheatley Street residents expressed fears about backing out of their driveways or walking to town.
Residents from Black Street also reported regular disturbances from large caravans turning around.
The meeting unanimously called for a speed camera and changes to the speed limit in Hammond and
q North Bellingen residents have voiced their concerns about traffic issues. Photo: Caroline Joseph.
SPORTS
Bowra Bowls Report
By BUNCHA
THURSDAY social bowls winners were Andy Dalsanto and Lloyd Laird and the lucky bowler prize money also won by Llyod Laird.
The Tigers grade 5 pennants team had a disastrous weekend losing both games in the weekend double header with a 10-0 loss away to Nambucca Heads last Saturday (37/63)
and another 10-0 loss to Park Beach away on Sunday (50/67). The team is at home on Saturday the 21st of March against Woolgoolga and will be hoping for a change in fortune.
The NSW zone 7 Bowling club will be holding their first "Get together Day" of the year at Bowraville Sport Hub on Monday 30th of March. This will be enormous day, and the club
will be hoping the numbers will be the same as previous years where over 80 bowlers will be attendance.
Teams from Grafton, Park Beach, Woolgoolga, Urunga and Macksville and even as far away as Yamba will be coming along. Team nominations (Fours) will have to be into the zone secretary by Monday 23rd of March.
Wheatley streets, a focus on life threatening driving, and improved policing of dangerous drivingparticularly at weekends.
A motion was also passed to upgrade the Hammond Street footpath as a matter of urgency.
Caroline Joseph, speaking on behalf of the residents, said, “Anyone who walks to or from North Bellingen into town has to cross the road twice to stay on a sealed footpath.
“With Waterfall Way closed, what was previously difficult is now downright life threatening.
“Some people can’t get out of their driveways because of speeding four-wheel-drives.
“We are working with the Council but funding is needed.”
A spokesperson for Bellingen Shire Council said it is aware of community concerns regarding traffic management and pedestrian
safety in North Bellingen, particularly around Hammond and Wheatley streets, as a result of the extended closure of Waterfall Way.
While funding has not yet been secured, Council has prepared the designs for a formal footpath along the eastern side of Hammond Street to ensure the project is grant-ready.
It is also actively pursuing external funding and other opportunities to deliver the works.
Council has also undertaken design work for improvements to Black Street to enable future grant consideration, and it is progressing investigations into improvements to the alignment and flood immunity of Lavenders Bridge, which will be subject to further community consultation later this year.
The community is encouraged to report any incidents of poor driver behaviour to NSW Police.
Macksville Bulls win junior grand final
By Aiden BURGESS
MACKSVILLE Bulls Blue have won this season’s Under 12s premiership after having a nine-run win against Diggers Cricket Club in their grand final at Reg Ryan Oval.
The Bulls were the only team to beat Diggers this season, defeating the minor premiers in their last two meetings.
Diggers won the toss in the grand final and elected to bowl, with the Bulls finishing at 7/57 from 18.2 overs.
Johan Rajesh and John Rajesh both took 2-6 from two overs.
Needing to defend 58 for the grand final victory, the Bulls restricted Diggers to 8/48 from 19.1 overs.
Oscar Riddell took 2-6 from two overs for the Bulls and Banjo Slingsby bowled
two maidens in his two overs.
The Under 16s grand final between the Sawtell Sloggers and Woolgoolga Cricket Club Rebels at Toormina Oval had to be rescheduled due to the wet weather.
The Under 14s grand final between the Woolgoolga Cricket Club Rebels Lions and Bellingen/Dorrigo was scheduled to be played on Wednesday, 18 March.
q Wayne French of Autumn Lodge in Macksville prepares to dive into the colour run. Photo: supplied.
q
Photo: supplied.
Creeks rank high for microplastics
AN Australian-first microplastic assessment has found three Mid North Coast creeks to be among NSW’s most contaminated coastal waterways.
The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has partnered with the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) to deliver a Broadscale Microplastic Assessment, released this week.
The report ranks coastal waterways by microplastic concentration in the top 15 centimetres of surface water, from most to least contaminated (Grade E being the most contaminated).
Coffs Creek and South West Rocks Creek were listed in the state’s top 10 hotspots, most of which were in the greater Sydney region.
Darkum Creek (Mullaway) was also identified as scoring an E Grade for contamination.
The report card stated that the North Coast region exhibited “moderate to high
Partnership boosts first aid training
By David WIGLEY
A NEW partnership will see Royal Life Saving NSW become the official First Aid training partner for football clubs across the North Coast.
The partnership with North Coast Football (NCF) will provide clubs, coaches, volunteers and community members with easier access to nationally recognised First Aid and CPR training, helping create a safer match day environment for players and participants throughout the region.
Royal Life Saving is a leading provider of accredited First Aid and CPR qualifications and
delivers training programs to community groups, schools, businesses and sporting organisations across New South Wales.
North Coast Football said the collaboration reinforces its commitment to maintaining high safety standards and ensuring volunteers are equipped to respond effectively when injuries or medical emergencies occur.
NCF Competitions Manager Becky Wilson said the partnership would help strengthen the knowledge and confidence of those involved in the game.
“We strive to provide our coaches with ongoing
education including first aid training courses to help provide knowledge and skills required to administer first aid to a person in case of sudden injury,” Wilson said.
“We encourage as many coaches, parents and players to undertake first aid training so they have the confidence and know-how to respond appropriately and minimise harm or even save a life.
“Royal Life Saving has a fantastic reputation and we are delighted to partner with such an excellent organisation.”
Paul Taylor from Royal Life Saving said the organisation was proud to work alongside North
SPORTS
Coast Football to strengthen community safety across the region.
“Royal Life Saving exists to increase physical activity, reduce injuries, and contribute to creating resilient communities,” Taylor said.
“When injuries and medical emergencies do inevitably occur, an immediate response drastically improves the chance of a positive outcome.
“North Coast Football has shown positive leadership to provide training opportunities for volunteers at all clubs throughout the zone and we’re really excited to provide that training.”
Stuarts Point Eungai secure second grade title
By Jen HETHERINGTON
THE Stuarts Point Eungai Cricket Club (SPECC) secured an inspired victory over Nulla Cricket Club in the Macleay Valley Cricket Association second grade grand final on 7 March at South Kempsey.
It was a historic moment, being the first grand final appearance for the club in almost a decade.
Club spokesperson Mika Jeffery said the victory was the fitting end to a “cracking season”.
“We haven’t won a premiership since 2016/2017, so to go out this
year and only lose two games all season and win the second grade title is phenomenal.”
Mika said youth played a key role in the season’s success.
“We were able to get some young gun juniors into the side throughout the season,” she said.
“Samuel Smith, Xavier Jeffery and Lachlan Keighran all played alongside their dads, which is what our club is about.
“All three boys, ranging from 10–12-years-old, took their first senior wickets.”
The season’s end also saw accolades for several Stuarts
Bowraville Golf Club
By Pam COTTEN
THE fairways were alive with good spirits and a touch of friendly rivalry at Bowraville Golf Club on Saturday, 14 March 2026, as players teed
Point Eungai stars.
Steve Moorcroft took out the Macleay Valley Cricket Association (MVCA) second grade awards for best batter and best all-rounder, while Zach Martin took out the bowling award.
In another win for the club, junior cricket also returned in the 2025/26 season.
Due to the level of interest, two junior sides were fielded.
“Without the juniors coming through, cricket will fade out,” Mika said.
“We are so excited about what’s to come next season.”
off for the weekly Stableford competition. With pleasant conditions and plenty of laughs echoing around the course, it was another enjoyable day of golf for everyone involved. Taking out top honours on the day was Maz McNally, who played a terrific round to claim the win and the bragging rights that come with it. Not far behind was Eliza McNally, finishing as runnerup and keeping the McNally name firmly at the top of the leaderboard.
Nambucca Valley Bridge Club News
By Barbara MARANIK
RESULTS for week ending 8th
March 2026
Monday 9th March 2025
North /South
1st Barbara Lott & Paul Petrusma 63%, 2nd Judy
Holliday & Robert Baker 58%, 3rd Susie Keur & John Slade 51% East /West
1st Mike & Linda Siford 62%, 2nd Susan Furber & Wayne Hunt 52%, 3rd Vicky Walker & Carol McKee 49%
Tuesday 10th March 2025
1st Carol McKee & Amber Fox 64%, 2nd Jane & Greg Wood 58%, 3rd Jenette Fox & Vicky Walker 49%
Thursday 12th March 2025
1st Wayne Hunt & Susan Furber 61%, 2nd Janet Dyson
microplastic contamination”.
Across 17 waterways and 67 samples, most North Coast systems fell within Grade C, with no waterways graded A or B and three systems graded E.
“Localised hotspots were found at Darkum Creek, Coffs Creek and South West Rocks Creek, all in highly disturbed catchments and among the most contaminated waterways in New South Wales,” the report card states.
“While some systems showed high variability, overall patterns indicate that smaller, urbanised waterways drive elevated contamination in this region.”
The comprehensive three-year (2021-24) study will help environment authorities understand how microplastics end up in waterways and where to focus further research.
NSW EPA Chief Executive Tony Chappel said the results will provide important insights to guide future work.
“Microplastics are one of the fastest-emerging threats to marine life and our environment, often washed from land into rivers and then into the ocean through stormwater drains,” Mr Chappel said.
“For the first time, we’ve sampled 120 catchments from the Tweed to the Victorian border to identify the most affected sites, the types of microplastics present, and where we can make the greatest impact.
“Microplastics were detected in every waterway sampled, demonstrating the widespread nature of plastic contamination across urban, regional, and remote catchments.”
In addition to its partnership with North Coast Football, Royal Life Saving offers First Aid and CPR training courses that are
open to the public, as well as tailored
courses for businesses, schools and community organisations.
Accuracy was the name of the game for the nearestthe-pin prizes, which went to Glenn Gillon and Maz McNally, clearly proving that Maz had packed the sharp irons along with the winning form. Meanwhile, Dave Banks showed a delicate touch on
the greens, sinking the longest putt of the day to the delight (and slight envy) of his fellow players.
All in all, it was a fantastic day on the course with plenty of good shots, a few “nearly” moments, and the usual clubhouse storytelling afterwards. Another great day at Bowraville Golf Club, where the golf is competitive, but the camaraderie always wins. Congratulations to the Bowraville Ladies Pennants Team for winning against Coffs Harbour Ladies as well.
1st Amber Fox & Carol McKee 62%, 2nd Sandra Ellis & Robert Baker 54%, 3rd Equal Gary & Louise Walton plus Charles Aspden & Katharina Goyer 51%. Have Your Say
q Across 17 waterways and 67 samples, most North Coast systems fell within Grade C, with no waterways graded A or B and three systems graded E.
Photo: Broadscale Microplastic Assessment.
“in-house”
q North Coast Football has partnered with Royal Life Saving to boost First Aid training across the region.
q The victorious Stuarts Point Eungai Cricket Club second grade side.
Roosters reserves hit the ground running
By Mick BIRTLES
THE Nambucca Roosters
RLFC made the most of their return to Coronation Park last Saturday, shaking off the off-season rust with a strong showing in a pre-season trial match against the Bellingen Magpies.
A solid crowd of Roosters supporters lined the sidelines, joined by a healthy contingent of travelling Magpies fans, creating a lively atmosphere as the Reserve Grade sides took to the field.
Despite the early season timing, conditions were relatively kind to players and spectators alike, with the Coronation Park surface in prime condition following
recent favourable weather.
Roosters Reserve Grade coach Jeremy Burrows was pleased with his side’s first hit-out of the year.
“I was really happy with the first game for the team as a unit and it was good to see some of the game plans we put in place pay dividends,” Burrows told News Of The Area.
The match provided an opportunity to test combinations and integrate emerging talent, with several players stepping up from the Under 18s and making an immediate impact.
“The young players recently coming up from under 18s did not look out of place and all made their
Nambucca Golf Report
By Chris KNIGHT
MACKSVILLE intruder
Michael Ziebell went berserker-mode with 75 off the stick as he lit up the Nambucca Heads Island Golf Course.
The 12-marker had nine pars and birdied the 11th and 13th on his merry way to winning Div 1 of the McGrath Real Estate stableford on Saturday.
Bridesmaid specialist Chris Knight (10 handicap no more) also had 75 gross to be runner-up, in a round which included 13 pars and a customary ball sacrifice to the river on the 2nd.
Philip Woodgate (21) had a stellar 40 points and needed every one to win Div 2 on countback from the surging Andrew Mackinnon (18).
Aaron Pama (34) from
Beaudesert in Queensland carded 39 points to take Div 3 from local Rodney Ford (25) who started with a par and wasn't jinxed by that to finish with 36 points.
Crafty Dave Mattacott claimed the Ecomist longest putt on the 1st and the pins went to Ziebell on 5, Woodgate on 7 and 8 and Andrew Cuthbertson on 15. Norman Devereaux boxed the Pizza This Pizza That delight on 13 and Port Mac's Terry Davis scored the Pro Pin on the last for $100 which might buy a barrel of oil.
Tristram Edwards' (15) rollicking run on The Island rumbled on like one of Hannibal's elephants as he posted 38 points to win Div 1 in the McGrath Real Estate stableford on Thursday 12 March.
Edwards turned in 40 off
Nambucca Bowls Report
By Charlie POTTER
WEDNESDAY Mar 11.
Only 24 bowlers this week and the winners were Jinx Campbell, Drew Stephens and Brodie Ruane. second place to Reg barat, Tas Fribbins and Neil Duffus and third to Jai MacAuliffe, Bill Mann and Psycho Carr. Te
Lucky Losers went to Stuart Thorne, G. Cook and Brian Phillis.Peter Fredericks missed the Lucy Bowler Jackpot of $180. Friday was rained out. Sat Mar 14. Pennants Round 6.
Grade 3 was away at Kempsey Heights and recorded a 73-54 (9-1) win.
presence felt,” Burrows said.
“I look forward to further progressing the combinations built and moving towards our next trial and the season proper.”
In an entertaining and high-scoring contest, the Roosters came away with a 40–34 victory over Bellingen.
Later that evening, the club’s focus shifted from the field to celebration, with players, officials and supporters gathering at the Nambucca Heads RSL Club for the annual season launch.
The event saw the introduction of coaches and team captains, along with recognition of the many local businesses whose ongoing support continues to
the stick and had a solid back including a bird on the last and an unspecified atrocity on the 14th.
Stuart Johnston (11) - also in good form - was runner-up with 36 points.
Woodgate (22) was more slashing than Zorro with a sharp 41 points to salute in Div 2. His round was the hottest of the day in any grade and it included a bird on the 6th for a total gross of 86.
underpin the success of the back-to-back premiershipwinning club.
The Nambucca Heads RSL Club Limited was confirmed as the major sponsor of the Roosters’ First Grade side for the upcoming season.
“We are proud to be behind this wonderful rugby league football club as we know just how much it means to this town,” Nambucca RSL Club Board of Directors chairperson Terrie Hyslop told those present.
With a strong trial performance and continued community backing, the Roosters appear well placed as they head into the 2026 season.
Mackinnon (19) shrugged off the pressure of assembling a pennants team to card 37 points for the runner-up prize.
Hunter Valley Golf Club's Luke Neely (41) had 36 points to win Div 3 on countback from Daniel Phelps (27).
Stephen McNeil binned the putt from afar on 1 and the pins went to Mark Luttrell on 5, Edward Beaton on 7, Mackinnon on 8 and Wayne
Grade 5 at home v Bowraville and won 63-37 (9-1).
Grade 6 Red away at Sawtell and won 73-58(9-1).
Grade 6 Blue at home to Kempsey MacLeay RSL and won 57-53 (9-1)
Grade 7 away at South West Rocks and won 65-48 (9-1)
Sun Mar 15. Pennants Round 7
Grade 3 was away at Park Beach (neutral venue) and def Sawtell 68-42 (9-1) and now lead by 37½ pts over Sawtell,.
Grade 5 away at Woolgoolga and won 57-50 (9-1). They lead Stuarts Pt by 9½pts.
Grade 6 Red home to Park Beach and won 70-47 (10-0). They lead by just 1½pts from North Beach.
Yeomans on 15. Edward Penrose plumbed the pizza on 13 and Stu Johnston had $80 in his kick after collecting the Pro Pin on the last.
Scoring was tough in the women's Monthly Medal on Wednesday 11 March, with no player bettering their handicap.
Thea Kimber (25) went close with nett 70 to win Div 1 by a shot from Kerrie Eichorn (8).
Linda Piccin was simply the best in Div 2 with 70 nett, two clear of runner-up Deb Booth (45).
Supreme rounds off the stick in the respective divisions went to Eichorn, Kimber and Louise Ainsworth.
The Monthly Medals went to Eichorn (Div 1), Kimber (Div 2) and Piccin (Div 3).
Kimber and Kerrie Jackson swept the pins on the 5th, Rhonda Rowe knocked it
Grade 6 Blue away to South West Rocks and won 83-50 (9-1). They sit 2pts behind Kempsey Macleay RSL.n
Grade 7 away at Hat Head and lost 52-55 (1-9) which leaves them trailing Kempsey Macleay RSL by 15½ pts.
Sunday Social bowls. Only 12 payers due to the penants games. Winners
closest on 13 and Sue Brooks banked a nice $38 with the Pro Pin on the last.
Breakers Golf Club's Georgina Rosee (41) had 35 points to win the McGrath Real Estate medley stableford on Tuesday 10 March.
A good back nine of 23 points saw Rosee triumph in a four-player countback, from Stuart Bell (20), Elizabeth Hobday (17) and Keith Elphick (25).
Phillip Smith scored the pin on the 5th, Elphick on the 8th and Matthew Rosee was closest on 18. Colin Habgood will have a delish pizza to gnaw on for the road trip back to Kempsey after writing his name on the 13th.
Catchy on The Island where Moree visitor Gai Evans - a self-described good home cook - reckons she had the best barramundi she's ever encountered in the club's restaurant.
were Jinx, Patto and Hans with Chrissie, Deb and Tony the Lucky Losers.
Easter Saturday there is an Open Gender 2 Bowls Triples with nearly $1800 prizemoney. a 10.30am start with 3 games of 12 ends and a 3-ends shoot out for the final four places. Cost is $90 a team which includes lunch after the first game.
Historic and ‘hotly contested’ Challenge Cup returns to Nambucca Heads
FROM Page 20
to extreme weather, a pandemic, and the loss of the local Leagues Club to fire in 2025.
“We've barely had many Cups over the past five or so years with Covid, floods and cyclones plus the Leagues Club disaster,” the spokesperson said.
The Strikers committee says both the local community and visiting sides hold a “deep connection” to the Cup.
“All that participate get that feeling and experience the atmosphere that only
Friday, 20 March 2026
a special tournament can provide,” the spokesperson said.
“It's a tournament that stretches back to the beginnings of the club… it's hotly contested but always played in great spirit.
“It also brings many people to our local community for the weekend.”
One local footballer taking part is Stuarts Point farm manager Wezz Styles, who returns to the tournament for the fifth time, on this occasion representing the West Kempsey-based Macleay Valley Rangers.
Mr Styles, a tough-
tackling midfielder in the Rangers’ reserve grade side, said he was looking forward to witnessing the Cup’s “competitive atmosphere and friendly faces”.
“Given the round-robin format, it’s about pure grit and determination to push your body to its limits, leaving nothing in the tank by the end of the weekend.
“You end up giving your 110 percent.”
Mid North Coast clubs taking part include the Nambucca Strikers, Macleay Valley Rangers, Coffs Tigers, Coffs United, South West Rocks FC, Woolgoolga FC, Port United, Urunga Raiders, Northern Storm, Bellingen FC and Corindi FC.
q The Urunga Raiders women celebrate a goal at a previous Challenge Cup. Photo: Amanda Williams.
q The Nambucca Roosters Reserve Grade team played host to the Bellingen Magpies last weekend for a pre-season thriller at Coronation Park. Photo: @thegrandstandcollection.
q Peter Scott, Gai Evans and Ross Tomlinson were all smiles after their round at Nambucca.
By Manny WOOD
Banking on Mum: A gift or undue influence?
EVELYN died at the age of 89, leaving an estate valued at approximately $3 million.
Her will divides the estate equally between her four adult children.
In the final months of her life, however, Evelyn transferred $180,000 to one of her children, Amanda. At the time, Evelyn was frail and relied heavily on Amanda, who lived nearby and had assumed responsibility for appointments, banking matters and daily tasks.
Evelyn’s three other children lived further away and visited less frequently.
Shortly after Evelyn’s death, Amanda commenced proceedings seeking further provision from the estate.
Although she stood to receive one-quarter of the residuary estate, she argued this was inadequate given her circumstances.
Amanda relied on limited savings, insecure housing and modest employment prospects.
She also described the support she had provided to her mother over many years, stating her involvement had been greater than that of her siblings.
The executor of the estate, Amanda’s older brother, Matthew, opposed the claim and filed a cross-claim seeking repayment of the $180,000.
Matthew alleged the payment was not a simple gift but arose from undue influence and unconscionable conduct.
The evidence suggested the transfer occurred shortly after Amanda accompanied Evelyn to the bank, not long before Evelyn’s health deteriorated significantly.
Matthew argued that Amanda had raised her financial difficulties with their mother and that the payment occurred when Evelyn felt pressure to assist.
Amanda denied wrongdoing and maintained the transfer was voluntary and motivated by love and gratitude.
After considering the evidence, the Court upheld the executor’s cross-claim, finding the transfer occurred when Evelyn was vulnerable and dependent on Amanda and amounted to undue influence and unconscionable conduct.
The Court ordered the $180,000 repaid to the estate with interest.
On the family provision claim, the Court accepted Amanda was eligible to apply and that her financial circumstances warranted consideration.
However, it determined that no additional provision beyond recovery of the $180,000 was appropriate, leaving Amanda with the same share she would receive under the will.
Thank you to Ellysha Laklem for her assistance with this column.
This fictional column is not legal advice.
OPINION & LETTERS
Drawings
By Paul DORIN
Verse of the week
By Lynne MILES
On being brave and hindsight
DEAR News Of The Area,
SINCE my teens, following the 1973 Arab oil embargo, we have been acutely aware of the finite nature of fossil fuels.
And although scientists have warned that burning fossil fuels contributes to climate change for over a century, these concerns have become urgent since the 1980s.
So, in Australia we had in the order of 50 years to transition to more alternative fuel/energy sources.
Meanwhile in the same 50 years, three Scandinavian countries (Sweden, Norway and Denmark), with a collective population equivalent to Australia (22 million), have achieved over 90 percent lowcarbon or renewable electricity generation, utilising hydropower, wind, and bioenergy.
Although Norway and Denmark are major producers of petroleum products, their domestic reliance on oil is decreasing, shifting toward heating and transport.
Importantly, Norway had the
foresight to impose a 78 percent total tax rate on petroleum profits, with 100 percent of net cash flows transferred to its Sovereign Wealth Fund, which is valued at over $1.5 trillion.
So, why is Australia reliant on high-risk imported fossil fuel supplies?
Why didn't we back ourselves to provide local resilient and sustainable solutions to fuel/energy sources?
Focusing on petroleum products, Australia is reliant on petroleum products primarily because our economy is structurally dependent on diesel for freight, mining, and agriculture. Rather than refining our own fuel supplies, we adopted a "Just-in-Time" Strategy with successive governments moving away from maintaining large domestic production to reduce costs, operating instead on a model that relies on constant, daily imports.
But at what real cost?
It was fiscally cheaper - but we exposed ourselves to more supply chain "risk".
We now import over 90 percent of our petroleum fuel needs.
In terms of gas, we are the
On the Couch
By JASMINDA
DEAR Jasminda,
MY daughter's class is holding a fundraiser to raise funds to paint the play equipment.
I've let the relatives know and now they are getting competitive with their offers.
Kylie G.
Dear Kylie,
Fundraisers used to be done in a clandestine way, much like nanna slipping little Jimmy a cool fifty bucks in an envelope.
No one else got involved, and the exchange was beneficial without being showy.
Money was still raised, but there was no leader chart of donations.
No award for most funds raised. And no public humiliation.
Now things have moved online.
School fundraisers document funds raised in real time, with benevolent relatives able to leave a note for the school and broader community to see.
A fundraiser has, therefore, turned into a version of a sporting carnival (or perhaps The Hunger Games) with competitive relatives raising the stakes in $20 increments.
Nothing quite spurs on a family
largest exporter but "forgot" to allocate an appropriate export tax.
In fact, the Petroleum Resource Rent Tax (PRRT) - the main tax system for offshore gas - has historically collected very little revenue.
Truly gobsmacking.
So no, this is not Albo's, Scottie's or the migrants’ fault – this is over 50 years in the making. Importantly, Joyce’s regret with hindsight in reducing local fuel reserves and the Hanson/Reinhart promises are just
Clear breach of international law
DEAR News Of The Area,
DESPITE what we might think of the oppressive regime in Iran, the US and Israel have been in breach of international law in the war they are conducting against that country.
There was no imminent threat to the US and Israel as the Omani mediator of talks between the US and Iran had indicated that Iran had offered major concessions in its nuclear program and was nowhere near developing a nuclear weapon.
If Russia’s invasion of Ukraine was
a clear breach of international law, so too is America and Israel’s attack on Iran.
The human suffering and destruction of infrastructure in many countries in the middle east is distressing and unacceptable and the impacts on many other countries including Australia, through the surge in oil and gas prices, will affect so many people already impacted by the cost of living.
And if the war continues many businesses could be adversely affected and we may go into a recession.
It is yet another example of Trump’s pursuit of his new doctrine – that might is right and another repudiation of the concept of a rulesbased order which had attempted to stop war between nations.
It does not serve the interests of Australia, nor most other nations. Australia’s attempt to play both sides of the fence is not from knowledge of right or wrong.
It is from cowardice, tinged with a sense of impotence, a fear of being shouted at, of being bullied and left alone to face its enemies.
Iran war is illegal under UN Charter
DEAR News of the Area,
All wars are tragic, inevitably causing unnecessary death, destruction, chaos and misery, at great financial and social cost.
Article 2(4) of the United Nations Charter prohibits war, calling for member states to: "refrain in their international
relations from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state, or in any other manner inconsistent with the Purposes of the United Nations."
Therefore, the current USIsraeli war on Iran appears to be illegal under the UN Charter: an important international law.
than to see that little Georgie is sitting level with the lowest donors, while silver spooner Ollie P is at the top of the charts with online messages like: 'Go, Ollie, we love a good colour run' and "Nanny and Pa love you, Ollie' and 'Colour Me Happy' (from an uncle who clearly hasn't watched Pretty Woman).
Then, before long, Georgie's aunt (a stockbroker by day) ups the ante with a cool $100. It's on! Ollie's Dad, who notices his son is down by $10 makes a further $11 donation in a bid reminiscent of the ratings-winning bidding wars on The Block.
And so, while bank accounts are being depleted faster than oil reserves, the school's P&C sits back and watches the proceedings with glee.
What started as an exercise in raising funds to repaint play equipment has morphed into a whole new range of possibilities.
Gerald, the P&C president calls in an architect to draw up a new concept plan.
A full-scale pirate ship is in the works along with climbing towers, an Olympic pool, and a zipline from the school canteen to the lower carpark.
Mary the treasurer fires up her Excel spreadsheet. Meanwhile, the kids are none the wiser.
They just want to run around being doused by coloured powder. Don't worry about competitiveness, Kylie.
Everyone's a winner in this scenario.
Carpe diem, Jasminda
more of the same finite fossil fuel journey.
We need a brave approach which looks beyond a three-year political term and supports our local community, environmental and economic wellbeing.
But are we now ready to be brave?
Regards Dr Ljubov SIMSON, Congarinni.
Our leaders are not worthy of their followers.
Shame on both Labor and the LNP.
Meanwhile the earth is entering a phase of no return due to the impacts of global warming. Where is the international leadership on this, the most pressing issue facing humankind?
Regards, Les MITCHELL, Mid North Coast.
Iran was not attacking Israel or America, and there was no imminent threat from Iran.
The US-Israeli air strikes derailed ongoing peace negotiations with Iran, which were making "significant progress" as Oman's Foreign Minister, Badr al-Busaidi, declared on X on 27 February 2026.
Furthermore, in March 2025,
the U.S. Annual Threat Assessment (p.25) said, “We continue to assess Iran is not building a nuclear weapon and that Khamenei has not reauthorized the nuclear weapons program he suspended in 2003".
Why is the Australian Government supporting this illegal, pointless and destructive war on Iran?
Regards, Kenneth HIGGS.
John 12: 12 & 13
"The next day the great crowd that had come for the Feast heard that Jesus was on His way to Jerusalem. They took palm branches and went out to meet Him shouting, "Hosanna! Blessed is He Who comes in the name of the LORD!""
SUDOKU
Sudoku is an 81 square number grid with nine blocks each containing nine cells. To solve the puzzle, all the blank cells must be filled in using numbers from 1 to 9. Each number can only appear once in each row, column and in the nine 3x3 blocks.
Boot Camp
Bonnie is a happy, friendly young Mastiff Cross with a heart full of love and a tail that never stops wagging. She is food orientated, which makes training fun and easy. She already knows her basic commands. Her bright, eager to please nature means she’s ready to continue learning with her
Adoption fee for 2025/2026 is $230 and this includes microchipping, vaccination, desexing and Lifetime registration.
Please visit Councils website to view the full list of animals available for adoption or lost. For any adoption enquiries please complete the Adoption Enquiry Form on
BEST ON THE BOX
SATURDAY
BETTER
SEVEN, 7pm
HOMES AND GARDENS
A Friday-night fixture for the past 20 years, there’s now a double dose of home inspiration as this lifestyle staple branches out to Saturday evenings as well. That means twice as many renter-friendly DIYs, tasty tricks to try in the kitchen, pet care solutions and landscaping ideas. Host Johanna Griggs says the new schedule means “more house calls than Dr Harry” as the team showcase extraordinary properties and gardens from around the country. In this instalment, Charlie Albone and Juliet Love (both pictured) enlist the help of Dr Harry Cooper for a pet project.
FRIDAY, March 20
6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 News. 10.00 Compass. (PG, R) 10.30 Stuff The British Stole.
MONDAY 9-1-1
SEVEN, 8.40pm
From a billionaire caught in the mouth of a humpback whale to an outer-space emergency and a giant Jack-o’-Lantern, the ninth season of this first responder drama seems to have given up entirely on believability. Monday’s instalment, titled “War”, changes all that. Bringing the team back down to earth, the heavy-hitting hour deals with internal conflict at Station 118.
Following his dismissal of Hen (Aisha Hinds), Chimney (Kenneth Choi) comes under fire from Athena (Angela Bassett, pictured) and Buck (Oliver Stark), but Eddie (Ryan Guzman) supports his captain’s decision. Meanwhile, in dispatch, Maddie (Jennifer Love Hewitt) is unsettled by a new AI assistant programmed to use her voice.
Fake Or Fortune? (R) 4.00 Murdoch Mysteries. (PGv) 4.45 Long Lost Family. (R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 The Point. (R) 9.05 My Unique B&B.
6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 Gardening Australia.
8.30 Professor T. (Final, Mav) The Professor investigates a woman’s death.
9.20 Tonight At The Museum. (PGs, R) Hosted by Alex Lee.
9.50 The Weekly With Charlie Pickering. (PGds, R)
10.20 Shaun Micallef’s Eve Of Destruction. (PG, R)
10.55 ABC Late News.
11.15 Murdoch Mysteries. (Mv, R)
12.00 Smother. (Mlv, R)
1.45 Rage New Music. (MA15+adhlnsv)
5.00 Rage. (PG)
TUESDAY
THE MATTER OF FACTS
On the 1949 release of George Orwell’s dystopian 1984, the notion of rewriting history and events to fit political narratives was a daunting prospect to most of the Western world. In 2026, an era rife with social media trolls, AI chatbots and international campaigns designed to undermine our faith in facts, Orwell’s world is no longer far from our reality. Award-winning journalist Hamish Macdonald (pictured) wades into the fray in this compelling three-part documentary, heading to the frontline of the global information wars to explore how disinformation travels through the digital ecosystem. Tuesday’s premiere examines the effects of modern technology on our brains and belief systems.
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Going Places With Ernie Dingo. (PG) 8.30 Macchu Picchu: City Of Stone. (R) 9.30 The Lost World Of The Hanging Gardens. (PG, R)
10.35 SBS World News Late. 11.05 Sisi. (MA15+as) 12.05 Babylon Berlin. (MA15+v, R) 2.00 El Immortal: Gangs Of Madrid. (MA15+ds, R) 3.45 Off The Beaten Track With Kate Humble. (PG, R) 4.55 Destination Flavour. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. Hosted by Johanna Griggs.
8.00 MOVIE: The Dressmaker. (2015, Malsv, R) After a woman returns to her home town in the Australian outback, old rivalries are reignited. Kate Winslet, Judy Davis, Liam Hemsworth.
10.30 MOVIE: About A Boy. (2002, Mal, R) An immature man befriends a young boy. Hugh Grant, Toni Collette. 12.30 Damnation. (MA15+asv, R)
1.30 Harry’s Practice. (R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R) 5.00 NBC Today.
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Rugby League. NRL. Round 3. Melbourne Storm v Brisbane Broncos.
9.55 NRL Friday Night Footy Post-Match. Post-match coverage of the NRL game.
10.45 MOVIE: American Assassin. (2017, MA15+lv, R) Dylan O’Brien.
12.55 Fishing Australia. (R)
1.25 Garden Gurus Moments. (R)
1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)
4.30 Global Shop. (R)
5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
5.30 Postcards. (PG, R)
Fight. (2023, M, Estonian) 2.50 The Man Who Brought Down The White House. (2017, PG) 4.45 A United Kingdom. (2016, PG) 6.50 Americanish. (2021, PG) 8.30 Mad Max: Fury Road.
Cricket teams to play for the ultimate prize
By Aiden BURGESS
ONE game for glory.
Coffs Coast’s top cricket teams will play off for the ultimate prize this weekend, with season premierships on the line during Sixers Cricket League Coffs Harbour’s grand finals.
Sawtell Cricket Club and the Nana Glen Lizards play off in the first-grade grand final at Fitzroy Oval.
will try to cap off a tremendous undefeated season with a premiership win.
Sawtell has won all four meetings against the Lizards this season, including their recent victory in the Qualifying Final. It’s a rematch of last season’s grand final, as Nana Glen look to defend their title, while Sawtell
Sawtell Cricket Club plays host to the Woolgoolga Cricket Club Rebels in the second-grade grand final at Richardson Park.
The two sides last met in the Qualifying Final, which Sawtell won by 122 runs.
Diggers Cricket Club hosts Woolgoolga Cricket Club Rebels White in the third-grade grand final at Reg Ryan Oval.
The Macksville Bulls host Sawtell Cricket Club Blue in the fourth-grade grand final at Donnelly Welsh Field.
6.00
SATURDAY, March 21
6.00 Kath & Kim. (PGals, R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Jewels Of The Mediterranean.
8.25 Travels With Agatha Christie And Sir David Suchet. (PG, R)
9.20 Shaun Micallef’s Origin Odyssey. (PG, R)
10.20 Highclere: The Real Downton Abbey. (R) 11.15 Snowpiercer. (MA15+av, R) 1.05 El Immortal: Gangs Of Madrid. (MA15+ds, R)
2.55 Nazi Death Marches. (PGav, R)
9.40 Frauds. (Md, R) Follows a woman fresh out of prison.
10.30 Rage. (MA15+dhlnsv)
6am Children’s Programs. 5.55pm Octonauts. 6.05 Knee High Spies. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.45 Supertato. 6.55 Piripenguins. 7.05 Let’s Go Bananas! 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Kids Baking Championship. 8.10 Harry Potter: Wizards Of Baking. 8.55 Chopped Junior. 9.40 Mr Bean: The Animated Series. 10.00 Fresh Off The Boat. 10.45 Late Programs.
3.55 Off The Beaten Track With Kate Humble. (PG, R)
4.30 Bamay. (R) 5.15 Euronews. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. Hosted by Johanna Griggs. 8.00 MOVIE: Men In Black 3. (2012, Mv, R) A secret agent, who specialises in policing aliens living on Earth, must travel back in time to save the planet. Will Smith, Tommy Lee Jones, Josh Brolin. 10.10 MOVIE: Knock At The Cabin. (2023, Malv) A family is taken hostage. Dave Bautista, Jonathan Groff. 12.10 Devils. (MA15+av, R)
1.10 Travel Oz. (PGan, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Tales Of Aluna. (R)
5.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R)
6.00 NBN News. 7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Space Invaders. (PGa)
8.30 MOVIE: Dunkirk. (2017, Malv, R) A mission is launched to rescue stranded soldiers. Fionn Whitehead, Mark Rylance.
10.30 MOVIE: The Man With The Iron Heart. (2017, MA15+asv, R)
12.45 Epic Builds. (R)
1.35 Open For Inspection. (R)
2.00 The Incredible Journey Presents. (PGa)
2.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 Global Shop. (R)
5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
5.30 Helping Hands. (PG, R)
6.30 Millionaire Hot Seat. (PG, R) Six contestants answer multiple-choice questions that escalate in cash-prize value. 7.00 Soccer. AFC 2026 Women’s Asian Cup. Final. From Accor Stadium, Sydney. 11.00 Gogglebox Australia. (R) TV fanatics open up their living rooms to reveal their reactions to popular and topical TV shows. 12.00 Matlock. (PGa, R) The team works to prove a landlord’s culpability after a building collapse leaves multiple people dead and injured. 1.00
6am A United
Kingdom. Continued. (2016, PG) 7.00 Mary Shelley. (2017, PG) 9.10 Americanish. (2021, PG) 10.55 Blue Jean. (2022, M) 12.45pm Manon Des Sources. (1986, M, French) 2.55 The Ipcress File. (1965, PG) 4.55 Hachi: A Dog’s Tale. (2009, PG) 6.40 The Glassworker. (2024, PG, Urdu) 8.30 One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest. (1975, M) 11.00 The Nature Of Love. (2023, MA15+, French) 1.10am Late Programs.
SUNDAY, March 22
6.30 Compass. (PG)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 The Piano.
8.20 Can You Keep A Secret? (Ml) William struggles with his confinement.
8.50 Frauds. (Mls) Bert reveals her master plan.
9.40 Blue Murder Motel. (M, R)
10.25 Top End Bub. (M, R)
10.50 MOVIE: Sweet Country. (2017, MA15+v, R)
12.40 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
3.00 Gardening Australia. (R)
4.00 Dream Gardens. (R)
4.30 A Bite To Eat With Alice. (R)
5.00 Insiders. (R)
6am Children’s Programs. 5.55pm Octonauts. 6.10 Knee High Spies. 6.20 Bluey. 6.30 The Adventures Of Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.45 Supertato. 6.55 Piripenguins. 7.05 Let’s Go Bananas! 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 The Inbestigators. 8.00 Badgers: Their Secret World. 8.45 Amazing Animal Friends. 9.35 Fresh Off The Boat. 10.15 Merlin. 11.00 Late Programs.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 The Race For Ancient Egypt In Colour.
9.25 Leonardo Da Vinci: The Disciple Of Experience Pt 2. (PG, R)
10.25 Lost Treasures Of Egypt. (PG, R) 11.20 History Of The Sitcom. (MA15+l, R)
2.30 The Sculpture. (PGav, R)
3.55 Food, Sail, Love. (PG, R)
4.30 Bamay. (R) 4.55 Destination Flavour Down Under Bitesize. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.15 Euronews. 5.30 PBS News Horizons.
6am Discovering Film. 6.30 Hachi: A Dog’s Tale. (2009, PG) 8.15 The Glassworker. (2024, PG, Urdu) 10.10 One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest. (1975, M) 12.40pm Official Competition. (2021, M, Spanish) 2.45 Discovering Film. 3.40 A King In New York. (1957, PG) 5.40 Boychoir. (2014, PG) 7.35 Discovering Film. 8.30 Gosford Park. (2001, M) 11.05 Cactus Flower. (1969, M) 1am Late Programs. 5.40 The Movie Show.
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6am Morning Programs. 11.30 Dipper’s
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Australian Idol. (PGal) 8.10 Britain’s Got Talent. (PG) Hosted by Ant and Dec.
9.30 The Hunters: Beaumont Children Mystery. (Mav, R)
11.00 24 Hours In Police Custody. (Madlv, R)
12.00 A Friend Of The Family. (MA15+a, R) 1.10 Travel Oz. (PG, R) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R)
NBC Today.
Sunrise Early News.
Sunrise.
(64) SBS MOVIES (32) SBS MOVIES (32)
6.00 NBN News. 7.00 Married At First Sight. (PGls) 8.30 60 Minutes. Current affairs program. 9.30 9News Late.
10.00 My Wife, My Killer And The Secret Footage. (MA15+assv)
The First 48. (Ma, R)
A Killer Makes A Call: Lewis. (MA15+av, R)
David Attenborough’s Dynasties II. (PGav, R)
TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)
The Garden Gurus. (R)
Today Early News.
9GO!
5.00 A Bite To Eat. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Inside The Tower Of London. (PG)
8.30 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. (M)
9.25 Never Mind The Buzzcocks. (M)
10.05 SBS World News Late.
10.35 Other People’s Money. (PGal) 11.30 Gomorrah. (MA15+av, R)
2.40 Charles I: To Kill A King. (PG, R) 3.45 Food, Sail, Love. (R)
4.20 Bamay. (R) 4.45 Destination Flavour. (R) 4.50 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. (PGa)
7.30 Australian Idol. (PGal) Hosted by Ricki-Lee Coulter and Scott Tweedie. 8.40 9-1-1. (Mav) Chimney grapples with his decision.
9.40 The Agenda Setters: Rugby League. (R) An expert panel tackles the biggest rugby league topics.
10.40 The Agenda Setters.
11.40 Autopsy USA. (Mav, R)
12.40 Conviction. (MA15+av, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
SBS MOVIES (32)
6am The Movie
Show. 6.15 Boychoir. (2014, PG) 8.10 A King In New York. (1957, PG) 10.05 Cactus Flower. (1969, M) 11.55 The Great Gatsby. (2013) 2.30pm Selkie. (2000, PG) 4.05 The Glassworker. (2024, PG, Urdu) 5.55 The Eagle Huntress. (2016, PG, Kazakh) 7.30 Paris, Texas. (1984, M) 10.05 Birth. (2004, MA15+) 11.55 Yolngu Boy. (2001, M) 1.30am A Taste Of Hunger. (2021, M, Danish) 3.25 Late Programs.
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Great Continental Railway Journeys. (R) 8.30 Insight. 9.30 Dateline.
10.00 Rock Legends. (PG)
10.30 SBS World News Late. 11.00 Exit. (MA15+adv, R)
11.55 Wolf. (Mals, R) 2.10 Charles I: To Kill A King. (PG, R) 3.15 Food, Sail, Love. (R) 4.20 Bamay. (R)
4.50 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R)
4.55 Destination Flavour. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
7MATE (64)
SBS MOVIES (32)
6am Selkie. (2000, PG) 7.30 Discovering Film. 8.25 The Eagle Huntress. (2016, PG, Kazakh) 10.00 Paris, Texas. (1984, M) 12.35pm Let Me Go. (2023, M, French) 2.20 Boychoir. (2014, PG) 4.15 Love And Friendship. (2016, PG) 5.55 Storm Boy. (1976, PG) 7.30 Empty Nets. (2023, M, Persian) 9.30 The Goldfinch. (2019, M) 12.15am The Son. (2022, M) 2.25 Birth. (2004, MA15+) 4.10 A Taste Of Hunger. (2021, M, Danish)
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGav)
7.30 Australian Idol. (PGal) Hosted by Ricki-Lee Coulter and Scott Tweedie. 8.40 Doc. (Ma) The hospital brings in the FBI. 9.40 Ambulance: Code Red. (Ma) A trapped crash victim needs rescuing.
The Agenda Setters.
St. Denis Medical. (PGals) 12.10 Dirty John. (MA15+v)
Travel Oz. (PG, R)
Home Shopping. (R)
NBC Today.
Sunrise Early News.
7MATE (64)
ABC FAMILY (22)
WEDNESDAY, March 25
Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Sandi Toksvig’s Great Riviera Rail Trip. 8.25 Mysteries Of Loch Ness. (PG, R) 9.20 Prisoner 951. (M) 10.25 SBS World News Late.
10.55 Face To Face. (Mal)
11.55 Darkness: Those Who Kill. (MA15+sv)
2.35 Charles I: To Kill A King. (PG, R)
3.40 Food, Sail, Love. (R)
4.15 Bamay. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News.
5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6am Children’s Programs. 6.35pm Big Lizard. 6.40
THURSDAY,
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGa)
7.30 The 1% Club UK. (PG, R)
8.30 The Front Bar. (Ml) Takes a lighter look at all things AFL. 9.30 Unfiltered. (M) Hosted by Hamish McLachlan.
10.00 The Agenda Setters. 11.00 No Holds Barred: GWS Giants. (Mal)
12.00 The Act. (MA15+ans, R)
1.20 Travel Oz. (PG, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 NBN News. 7.00 A Current Affair.
Married At First Sight. (Mls)
To Be Advised.
9News Late.
Freddy And The Eighth. (Ml)
Next Stop. (R)
Tipping Point. (PG, R)
6am The Movie Show. 7.05 Love And Friendship. (2016, PG) 8.45 Storm Boy. (1976, PG) 10.20 The Goldfinch. (2019, M) 1pm Empty Nets. (2023, M, Persian) 3.00 Discovering Film. 3.55 The Bookshop. (2017, PG) 6.00 The Chaperone. (2018, PG) 8.00 Fallen Leaves. (2023, Finnish) 9.30 The Killing Of A Sacred Deer. (2017, M) 11.40 The Lawnmower Man. (1992, M) 2.15am Late Programs.
March 26
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.35 Treasures With Bettany Hughes.
8.30 Our Medicine. (PGa, R)
9.40 A Spy Among Friends. (Final, MA15+)
10.45 SBS World News Late.
11.15 In Memoriam. (Madls)
12.10 Blackwater. (MA15+as, R)
2.25 Silent Road. (Mav, R)
4.15 Food, Sail, Love. (R)
4.50 Destination Flavour: Japan Bitesize. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
11.10 Brassic. 12.55am The Swiping Game. 1.20 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Volta a Catalunya. Stage 4. 3.20 Late Programs.
SBS MOVIES (32) SBS MOVIES (32)
6am The Bookshop. (2017, PG) 7.05 Discovering Film. 8.00 The Chaperone. (2018, PG) 10.00 The Killing Of A Sacred Deer. (2017, M) 12.10pm The Lawnmower Man. (1992, M) 2.40 The Red Turtle. (2016, PG, No dialogue) 4.10 Storm Boy. (1976, PG) 5.45 Welcome Home, Roxy Carmichael. (1990, PG) 7.30 Silver Linings Playbook. (2012, M) 9.45 The Peacemaker. (1997, MA15+) Midnight Late Programs.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGa) 7.30 Highway Patrol. (PGa, R) Documents the work of the highway patrol.
8.00 Motorway Patrol. (PGal) Flat-tyres ruin some Christmas cheer. 8.30 MOVIE: Bridget Jones’s Baby. (2016, Mls, R) Bridget Jones becomes pregnant. Renée Zellweger, Colin Firth. 11.10 To Be Advised.
12.20 Damnation. (MA15+asv, R)
1.20 Travel Oz. (PG, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
(64) 7MATE (64)
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ABC FAMILY (22)
Friday, 20 March 2026
Challenge Cup
By Doug CONNOR
THE annual Challenge Cup returns to Coronation Park, Nambucca Heads from 20-22 March, attracting some of the region’s top footballing sides.
Hosted by the Nambucca Strikers Football Club, the three-day event brings together teams from across the Mid North Coast and beyond.
This is the 45th time the tournament has been held.
“Clubs travel from nearby regions and as far away as Sydney to compete in men’s, women’s, and men’s over-35s divisions,” a spokesperson for the Strikers committee told NOTA.
“The event is known for its competitive but communityfocused atmosphere, with teams playing multiple matches across the weekend in pursuit of the Challenge Cup trophies and prize money.”
Organisers will be praying for the weekend to go ahead without incident, with multiple cancellations of the Cup in recent years due
CONTINUED Page 11
HEADS
HEADS
q Macleay Valley Rangers enforcer Jonte Coleman makes his presence felt against Port United in a previous Challenge Cup outing.
