Venturer Scouts shine at Dragon Skin challenge in Belanglo State Forest
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and strategise their way through a network of activity bases, earning points not just for completion, but for enthusiasm, planning and teamwork.
“Safe to say, our Venturers ticked all those boxes,” Nambucca Valley Scout Group Leader Kim Thomson told News Of The Area.
The leadership could not be prouder of the efforts, achievements and attitude of the local scouts who “added a few glittery extras of their own and possibly invented a whole new category: competitive side-questing with interpretive dance”.
The Macksville-based group powered its way to ninth place out of 151 teams.
“Not bad for a team whose official name was ‘Where is my side quest?’ - a question they answered repeatedly… by creating their own,” Kim said.
Across the four-day Easter adventure they navigated the forest, tackling a huge range of activities testing everything from first aid and
problem-solving to navigation, bushcraft and teamwork.
Making their time fun and entertaining, the Nambucca Valley Scouts didn’t just complete the challenges… they performed them.
The team choreographed their own dance routine and delivered it at every activity base.
“Imagine being a judge expecting a compass bearing… and receiving a full
performance instead,” Kim said.
“And because that wasn’t enough, they ran their own parallel questline through their ‘Where is my side quest’ Instagram page, completing bonus challenges set by other teams along the way.
“Side quests within side quests… very onbrand,” Kim said.
q Nambucca Venturer Scouts at the Dragon Skin challenge.
New $65m flood recovery package for the Mid North Coast
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2025 and ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
The nearly $56.3 million package, delivered through the joint CommonwealthState Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), targets the long-term work of cleaning up waterways, repairing environmental damage, and providing direct financial relief to local businesses.
A total of $26.2 million will go towards clean up and waste removal projects managed by the NSW Environment Protection Authority.
This fund will target removing hazardous debris from riverbanks and land that requires specialised equipment.
A further $8.8 million will be dedicated to repairing riverbanks (riparian zones) and coastal areas, including critical work on the Manning Point spur wall.
$5.61 million will extend grants for small businesses and non-profits.
An additional grant of up to $25,000 will be available through Service NSW in the coming weeks - lifting the maximum available support to $50,000.
These are specifically for businesses and not-for-profit organisations that suffered direct damage as a result of the severe weather event in May last year.
The grant will contribute towards extraordinary clean-up, repair and restoration of damaged business premises and assets including damaged equipment, flooring and walls.
Another $7.2 million will support community recovery and resilience activities including the funding of Engagement and
Resilience Coordinators to support councils’ work with communities.
$1.9 million will go towards disaster legal services and $4.2 million will be directed to mental health support.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Kristy McBain MP said, “People across the Mid North Coast were hit hard by these back-to-back severe weather events, which caused widespread disruption and damage to homes, businesses, and the environment.
“As I said at the start of this event in May last year, recovery is a long haul; it is not days
and weeks, it is months and years.”
Premier of New South Wales, Chris Minns said, “This additional funding package will provide that practical on the ground support so the communities of the Mid North Coast can continue to rebuild their lives.”
Member for Oxley Michael Kemp has welcomed the announcement of increased grants for small businesses.
“For our small business owners who have worked tirelessly to recover – often having to dip into their savings just to keep their doors open – this support was a long time coming and will make a genuine difference.
“The support provided mirrors what was delivered in previous flood events and reflects the true burden of flood damage.”
The announcement follows sustained community pressure for the full $50,000, including a flood rally held on 29 June 2025 at the Kempsey Racecourse.
“From the very beginning, small business owners have been calling for the support they need to rebuild and strengthen their resilience,” Mr Kemp said.
“They campaigned hard, and today we are finally seeing that effort pay off.”
q Scotts Head Road during the May 2025 flood event.
Photo: Nambucca Valley SES.
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ShoreTrack opens doors to community
By Mick BIRTLES
ABOUT 100 people gathered at ShoreTrack on Thursday 16 April for the organisation’s Open Shed event, making it one of the largest gatherings held at the skills centre to date.
The event brought together local businesses, industry representatives, community members and young people to experience ShoreTrack’s morning circle and learn more about the programs on offer.
Nambucca Valley Mayor Gary Lee said he was proud to support the event and meet young people undertaking training in trades,
agriculture and hospitality.
“ShoreTrack, under the guidance of CEO Jill Ashley, Fatty Ireland and others, has come a long way since its inception,” he said.
“It still delivers its goal of providing wraparound services and skills to disengaged youth and it is heartening to see so many young people happily engaged in meaningful training, and for many, starting the journey into meaningful employment opportunities as well.”
CEO Jill Ashley said the Open Shed event had achieved its goal of connecting local businesses, industry and young people from across the region.
“It’s always lovely to have the community in the shed and today was one of our largest gatherings, which is great.
“It’s one of our pillars here at ShoreTrack
that our young people need to connect to their community and connect to their Country,” she said.
“The event gave our young people the chance to show off how they had grown and it also helped to change the perception about the potential of young people in our community, an important outcome.”
The event allowed visitors to meet the young people involved in ShoreTrack and see firsthand the skills and confidence they are developing through the program.
ShoreTrack was one of several incorporated not-for-profit organisations to receive funding through Nambucca Valley Council Community Grants Program.
Nambucca Valley Council contributed $3557 towards the Open Shed event.
q About 100 community members came together for ShoreTrack’s Open Shed breakfast event on Thursday 16 April, creating the biggest morning circle its walls had ever seen. Photo: supplied.
Warning after extreme weather's financial toll revealed
By Andrew STAFFORD, AAP
AUSTRALIANS are counting the ballooning cost of extreme weather events after they caused almost $5 billion in insured losses in 2025, more than 700 percent up on the previous year.
And the financial toll is only expected to get worse, with independent analysis indicating it could blow out to $35 billion annually by 2050.
The eye-watering sum was revealed by the Insurance Council of Australia, with worrying implications for higher premiums and the insurability of properties, especially in flood-prone areas.
Five extreme weather events including a cyclone and major hailstorms prompted 294,000 insurance claims in 2025, the council said.
Queensland was the source of the vast bulk of claims, making up a whopping $4.18 billion out of the $4.8 billion national total in insured losses.
It was the largest insured loss damage bill the state had recorded in more than a decade, eclipsing the $3 billion caused by
devastating 2022 floods.
NSW incurred the remaining $539 million in 2025 claims.
The year featured north Queensland floods in February, Tropical Cyclone Alfred in March, NSW's mid north coast floods in May and two severe hailstorms in October and November.
The estimated cost of flooding and damage from Tropical Cyclone Alfred from February 28 to March 11 was estimated at $1.5 billion and was the source of 133,000 claims.
However, the costliest event was hailstorms in Queensland and NSW in late November, which generated almost 93,000 claims totalling $1.7 billion.
Claims were made for damage varying from dents on car roofs and smashed windscreens to uprooted trees and inundated homes.
The total economic cost of extreme weather events in 2025, including insured losses and broader economic costs, was estimated to be more than $8.6 billion, the council said.
Insured losses from extreme weather
Services, marches and road closures
By Mick BIRTLES
SATURDAY’S Anzac Day commemorations across the Nambucca Valley will provide the community with an opportunity to pause, honour the courage and sacrifice of those who served, and recognise the lasting legacy of the ANZAC spirit.
from 5.30am.
Scotts Head: At the Little Beach car park on Ocean Street from 6am.
Main services:
Taylors Arm: Assemble at the Pub with no Beer at 12:30pm for the march to the Taylors Arm Reserve Cenotaph for the main service at 1pm.
stood at $2.35 billion in 2023 and $585 million in 2024 - underscoring the insurance industry's difficulty in forecasting losses from one year to the next.
The council had previously estimated the cost of 2025's extreme weather at $3.5 billion.
Insurance Council of Australia deputy chief Kylie Macfarlane said the toll of extreme weather may only get worse.
"According to independent analysis undertaken for the Insurance Council in 2022, the cost of extreme weather events is projected to grow by five per cent each year and reach a total of at least $35 billion annually by 2050," she told AAP.
"Compounding this, inflationary pressure, particularly in the construction sector, is making it more expensive to
rebuild and repair, with costs flowing directly through to insurance premiums."
Ms Macfarlane said extreme weather's unpredictability and intensity demonstrated the urgent need for authorities to invest in mitigation strategies to protect vulnerable communities.
Stuarts Point: March will assemble at 10:40am at the Bowling Club with the service commencing at 11:00am.
"Keeping insurance affordable and accessible will require governments at all levels to strengthen the resilience of homes, businesses and communities, reform land use planning, and support Australia's transition to net zero," she said in a statement.
Costs were expected to increase further due not just to climate risk but to a volatile geopolitical environment, with supply chain issues caused by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, the council said.
RSL sub-Branches across the Nambucca Valley have requested temporary road closures for Anzac Day services and marches.
The proposed road closures for Saturday 25 April are:
Macksville: Wallace Lane, Princess Street and River Street between Mackay Street and Cooper Street from 4.45am to 6.30am for the dawn service.
Later in the morning, Winifred, Princess, Wallace, Cooper and River Streets to Mackay Street will be closed from 10.15am to 12.30pm.
Bowraville: High Street between Bowra Street and Young Street will be closed from 9am to 12 noon.
Nambucca Heads: Bowra Street and Nelson Street between Rosedale Street and Riverside Drive will be closed from 8am to 9.15am.
Anyone with enquiries about temporary local road closures can contact Nambucca Valley Council’s Manager Technical Services on (02) 6568 0237.
ANZAC Day services across the Nambucca Valley will be held at the following locations:
Kapyong Sunset Service: Macksville War Memorial on Friday 24 April at 5.30pm.
Dawn services:
Taylors Arm: Assemble at 5:30am at the Cenotaph.
Nambucca Heads: At the Cenotaph from 5.30am.
Bowraville: Assemble at 5.20am at the Bowraville Ex-Services Club for a silent march at 5.30am to the Cenotaph. This is followed by a Gunfire Breakfast for Veterans and families at the Bowraville Ex-Services Club from 6am.
Macksville: At the River Street Cenotaph
Bowraville: Gather at the Bowraville Services Club at 9.45am to march down High Street to the cenotaph for a 10am service. An additional service will be held at the Bowraville cemetery from 7:30am.
Macksville: A service will be held at Macksville Cemetery on Wallace Street at 8.30am. The main service will be held at the River Street Cenotaph from 11am, with the march forming on Princess Street from 10.30am.
Nambucca Heads: The march will step off at 8:30am in Bowra Street followed by the Main Service at 9:00am.
Dusk service: Utungun Hall from 5pm.
q Settlement Point Road, Port Macquarie during the May 2025 floods on the Mid North Coast.
Photo: Port Macquarie SES.
Bitumen sealing on Scotts Head Road
By Mick BIRTLES
A MAJOR section of Scotts Head Road was bitumen sealed last week, marking the completion of most of the upgrade works funded through the Australian Government’s Black Spot Program.
Nambucca Valley Council General Manager Bede Spannagle said curves five, six and seven, near Scotts Head Nursery, were sealed on Wednesday 15 April.
“It’s great to see the work of Council’s road crew come to fruition and have this lengthy section of improved road now sealed and reopened continually to two-way traffic,” he said.
“The drainage there has been boosted, with three 600 millimetre-wide culverts now installed under the road, each about 17 metres in length.
“Next, the crew will install guardrails along this section
of road and line marking.
“The speed limit will remain at 60 kilometres per hour until these works are completed.”
Council’s road crew will next move further west along Scotts Head Road to curve two, located about 400 to 500 metres east of Warrell Creek Bridge.
The community can expect to see workers begin at the site from early May 2026, weather permitting.
Curve two presents additional challenges because it is a sharp bend with a house situated close to the road reserve.
The planned works at this location include extending the existing culvert, improving drainage, widening the road shoulder and installing new guardrails.
Council secured funding for the project through the Australian Government’s Black Spot Program in 2021-
22.
Director of Engineering Services David Moloney said the works along Scotts Head Road had been entirely completed by Council’s road crew and local subcontractors.
“Council’s capable road crew has delivered all of these works and I’m extremely proud of the quality and the pace of their program here,” he told NOTA.
“We’ve been able to put on a new trainee to support the team and he’s learnt a lot since starting these significant works along Scotts Head Road, which is great.”
The road sections were identified either as locations with a history of casualty crashes or as sites with the potential for future crashes.
The aim of the funding is to reduce the social and economic impacts of road trauma by improving road safety and conditions.
Scotts Head survey opens
By Mick BIRTLES
RESIDENTS are being encouraged to have their say on the future of Scotts Head by completing the
q Scotts Head Master Plan Project Reference Group members gathered for the first time in March.
first survey for the Scotts Head Master Plan.
The survey is open for feedback for three weeks and closes on 17 May.
Nambucca Valley Council General Manager Bede Spannagle said the community would also have the opportunity to learn more about the project at a drop-in session on Sunday 3 May from 10am to 1pm at the Scotts Head Rec Hut.
“Scotts Head is bordered by beautiful beaches and foreshore areas, muchloved by locals and visitors alike,” Mr Spannagle told News of The Area.
“Council understands the Scotts Head community has desired for years for a plan to better coordinate the management of these important areas, and in December a masterplanning process was kicked off, so please go online and share your ideas
on how to better manage and improve the village’s foreshore areas with Council.”
The Scotts Head Master Plan has been developed by Council to create a framework for the future management of the village’s foreshore and public spaces.
Reflections Holidays has played a significant role in the process, contributing financially to the project and helping inform the planning process as a major tourism operator in Scotts Head.
A project reference group has been formed to guide the development of the master plan.
The group includes Mayor Gary Lee, Council Director of Engineering Services David Moloney, Caroline Winter, Tony Crimmins and community members John Schmidt,
Still no firm timeline on Regional Rail fleet
By John WATTS
WHILE trains between Sydney and Grafton resume next week, a date has yet to be set for the introduction of the long-awaited XPT replacement fleet.
“A timeline for the new Regional Rail fleet’s entry into service on the North Coast line will be confirmed once the trains have progressed through testing and the relevant verifications on the NSW and Australian rail networks,”
said NSW TrainLink Chief Executive Roger Weeks.
When complete, the Regional Rail fleet will consist of 29 new trains, featuring 117 carriages.
Ten long regional and nine short regional trains will replace the current XPT and XPLORER services, and 10 regional intercity trains will replace most of the current Endeavour fleet.
According to a Transport for NSW project update on 8 April, the new Regional Rail fleet is continuing to
arrive, with ten trains now in Australia.
“All long regional trains are manufactured, half of the short regional trains are manufactured, and production is underway on every remaining carriage,” the update read.
“Testing is also progressing with two trains undertaking intensive testing across electrified and non-electrified networks, trialling the bimode capability using both overhead electric and diesel
power – an Australian first for passenger rail.”
In the meantime,
following a recent upgrade of the existing XPT fleet, Sydney to Grafton train services
Artist’s impression of the new
Following the initial survey, there will be two further opportunities for the community to provide feedback.
A second round of consultation will take place from June to July, when different parts of the master plan begin to take shape.
A final consultation period is planned for October to November before the completed plan is presented to Council.
More information about the Scotts Head Master Plan is available at www.nambucca.nsw. gov.au/Community/Getinvolved/Scotts-HeadMasterplan.
The master plan initial survey is open to responses until 17 May at www. surveymonkey.com/r/ ScottsHeadMP.
will resume from Tuesday, 28 April at 11.47am, while return services from Grafton to Sydney kick off 29 April with the 05.15am service.
q Nambucca Valley Council Director of Engineering Services David Moloney and Works Engineer Tim Morison inspecting bitumen spray sealing on Scotts Head Road last Wednesday. Photo: supplied.
Nicole Lane, Eric Graham and Liam Swan.
q
Regional Rail fleet. Photo: TfNSW.
We’re
Strengthening community resilience
By Sis HIGGINS
VOLUNTEERS are the backbone of the Nambucca Valley.
For Nambucca Valley Australian Red Cross Emergency Services volunteers Adele McCollom, Mary Ball and Helen Mower, giving back has become a way of life.
They support their community through emergency preparedness, response and recovery.
Adele’s connection to the region spans decades.
“I came to Nambucca Heads in 1983 and was appointed as a full-time teacher of Business at Coffs Harbour with NSW TAFE,” she said.
Over her long teaching career, Adele built strong ties across the Valley and saw firsthand how education could change lives.
“Being part of Red Cross would allow me to continue helping the community in a
different way but still support and assist the residents of the Nambucca Valley.”
Her volunteer work has been extensive, from supporting evacuation and recovery centres to helping establish Community Resilience Teams.
She said the most rewarding aspect is “assisting individuals, families and the community… be it in fires, floods or any type of disaster event.”
Mary’s connection to the Valley began in childhood, returning for holidays before eventually settling in the area more than two decades ago.
“I come from a long line of community minded family members, so it felt like a natural progression to become involved in our local community,” she said.
Her leadership has played a pivotal role in strengthening the local Red Cross team.
“On a personal note I am really proud of growing the Red Cross Emergency
Services team over the past 14 years from two to 18 volunteers,” she said.
Mary has led community preparedness programs, supported disaster recovery efforts and trained volunteers in Psychological First Aid (PFA).
“Through the skill of PFA I am able to ‘look, listen and link’ during an emergency event. I have the privilege of helping someone when they are at their most vulnerable."
Helen’s path into volunteering was shaped by personal experience.
“I came to the Nambucca Valley in 1985 from South Australia having lost our home in the ‘Ash Wednesday’ bushfires,” she said.
That experience has driven Helen’s commitment to helping others facing similar challenges.
She became involved with Red Cross Emergency Services six years ago and has since contributed to preparedness programs, recovery efforts
Tonnes of scones
By Andrea FERRARI
THE final tally of 40,721 scones made and sold at the Royal Easter Show was a
marvellous achievement by Country Women’s Association (CWA) branches from across the state. Eleven local CWA
tally board with the final figure for the 12-day event.
members from Urunga and Nambucca Heads headed to Sydney for a range of shifts and other duties in the CWA Tea Rooms, telling News Of
and community resilience initiatives.
“I enjoy working with the wonderful team members we are privileged to have in the Nambucca Valley Emergency Services,” she said.
“It is always rewarding working and volunteering for those impacted in our local community.”
Helen also highlighted the importance of collaboration and diverse skills within the team, noting volunteers bring experience from education, health, government and emergency services.
All three women have been part of major responses, including the ‘Black Summer’ bushfires and subsequent flood events, reinforcing the critical role of trained volunteers in times of crisis.
Looking ahead, their focus remains firmly on strengthening community resilience.
Adele hopes to see a greater number of Community Resilience Teams
The Area that they had “an absolute ball”.
“I heard nothing but thanks and compliments from people waiting and had lots of fun conversations with visitors from all walks of life,” Urunga CWA member Rayleen Barnett said.
Rayleen and Nambucca Valley Evening Branch President Jeanette Bailey
in the Valley and outlying rural districts.
Mary wants preparedness messaging to reach even more residents, while also supporting the development of casual volunteer pathways.
Helen expressed a simple but powerful wish.
“We trust that our local community will have an ‘emergency free’ time,” while acknowledging recovery remains an ongoing process
worked in the Tea Rooms on 6-7 April.
“Jeanette mastered scone cutting while I assisted the promotions desk with State President Tanya Jolly,” Rayleen said.
“Alongside June Rossington (Land Cookery Officer) and Jenny Boys (Cultural Officer) from Nambucca, we enjoyed an
q Urunga CWA member Rayleen Barnett with Nambucca Evening Branch members June Rossington (Land Cookery Officer), Jeanette Bailey (President) and Jenny Boys (Cultural Officer).
Trike rides open to community
By Mick BIRTLES
AFTER several years of taking residents from Autumn Lodge and Riverside Gardens on scenic trike rides, Nambucca Valley Rotary is now opening the experience to the wider community.
Since 2019, Rotary volunteers have been taking aged care residents on rides around Macksville and along the V-Wall, giving many people the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and local scenery.
The trike, which is powered by a Rotarian using pedal power with electric assistance, can carry two passengers at a time with a
combined maximum weight of 150 kilograms.
Growing interest from other members of the community wanting to enjoy the experience has prompted Rotary to make the rides available to the public.
“Due to the number of inquiries from locals we are pretty sure that we will have no shortage of people wanting to experience the river from our trike,” Nambucca Valley Rotary’s Dave Banks told News Of The Area.
“We hope that visitors to the area will also come and enjoy a ride also.”
Beginning on Mother's Day, Sunday 10 May, two people at a time will be able
to enjoy a trike ride every Sunday between 12.30pm and 4pm.
The ride will begin at the Big Pelican in Nambucca Heads before travelling to Gordon Park and then out to the end of the V-Wall before returning to the starting point.
The round trip takes about 25 minutes and will cost $5 per person.
Passengers will be able to pay by either cash or card.
Funds raised from the rides will help Nambucca Valley Rotary continue supporting youth programs and local community projects throughout the valley.
for many.
Together, these three women represent the quiet strength behind the Nambucca Valley’s emergency response network.
They are a team built on trust, experience and a shared commitment to helping others when it matters most.
To join Adele, Mary or Helen as volunteers contact the local Red Cross on 0450 163 660.
electric atmosphere and amazing-tasting scones.
“After two days of camaraderie and endless praise for CWA’s impact, we are already looking forward to returning for more fresh scones next year.”
The CWA of NSW celebrated the 78th anniversary of its muchloved Royal Easter Show Tea Room, which has become the association’s major fundraising event of the year.
NSW President Tanya Jolly said, “Our CWA Tea Room really is an institution at the Sydney Royal Easter Show and is so popular with show patrons, many of whom have been coming for years.”
Last year, the committee that oversees the Tea Room presented $160,000 to the association at its annual conference.
This included $10,000 for the CWA of NSW’s Disaster Relief Fund, raised from a raffle run during the show.
q Red Cross volunteers Adele McCollom, Mary Ball and Helen Mower. Photo: supplied.
q Rotarian Richard takes local ladies Noleen and Julie for a trike ride along the Nambucca River’s edge. Photo: supplied.
q Oven ready scones.
q The Royal Easter Show CWA Tea Room scone
Consultation on Indigenous Protected Area
By Jessica MILLER
YURRUUNGGA Aboriginal Corporation (YAC) recently held a third and final community consultation event for the current stage of its Indigenous Protected Area (IPA) proposal.
IPAs are areas of land and sea that Traditional Owners have agreed to manage for biodiversity conservation, in collaboration with other community members and groups.
Launched in 1997, the IPA program supports First Nations peoples to care for their Country through voluntary agreements with the Australian Government.
The Bellinger Valley location was one of twelve new IPA areas announced by the Government in 2024.
The consultation session was held at Bellingen Showgrounds on 10 April and was followed by a cultural celebration and education event titled “Gaarlaway BaalinjinguBack to Bellingen”.
Attendees were welcomed to the evening with an ochre ceremony by Gumbaynggirr man and YAC Chief Operations Officer Brentyn Lugnan and his daughter Gabe.
"This evening was a celebration of everything our IPA stands for - Country,
culture and community coming together,” said YAC Chief Executive Officer Dean Kelly.
“To see our people dancing and singing on Country, sharing our language and traditions with the whole Bellingen Valley, is exactly the future we are working toward.
“The response from the community throughout this consultation has been humbling, and we look forward to continuing this journey together.”
A presentation was introduced by cultural event coordinator Lauren Mills and involved a panel of speakers including Dean Kelly, Brentyn
Lugnan and Project Officer Matt Flanders, who outlined details of the proposed IPA.
Some of the topics discussed included the IPA’s spatial boundaries (which are not yet confirmed), the IPA application and approval process, and YAC’s vision for the Bellinger Valley IPA.
Two short films helped set the context of the consultation discussions, “Keeping Country Strong” by Country Needs People and a film by the WWF featuring Gumbaynggirr elder Uncle Micklo Jarrett discussing the importance of protecting
Record turnout for dog show
By Mick BIRTLES
THE dog show at last week’s Nambucca Agricultural Show has been hailed a major success, with a record 227 entries and exhibitors travelling from across New South Wales and southern Queensland to take part.
Held in ideal weather, the event attracted a large crowd of local spectators
who came along to watch the judging, meet the exhibitors and enjoy the family-friendly atmosphere.
“The record number of entries is proof of how much the dog show community values our friendly show,” said Nambucca Heads resident and dog exhibitor Shayne Scott.
Judges Melissa Burton and Nikki Lane said they
were impressed by the high standard and quality of the dogs presented throughout the event.
Ms T Morrison’s Tenterfield Terrier entrant, Triagen Troopers Cool Ace, was named Grand Champion.
Unlike many larger metropolitan shows, the Nambucca event gave spectators the opportunity
to speak with exhibitors, learn more about the different breeds and interact with many of the dogs.
With perfect weather, strong community support and excellent entries, organisers said the show had exceeded expectations and confirmed Nambucca’s place once again on the dog show circuit.
Volunteer for the first statewide Dolphin Census
NAMBUCCA VALLEY residents are invited to register as a volunteer and help protect dolphins by taking part in the first statewide Dolphin Census on Saturday 30 May.
The one-day census is a collaboration between Dolphin Research Australia and NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) to create a statewide snapshot of where dolphins are found and what habitat they use.
Dolphin Research Australia CEO Dr Liz Hawkins said, “At the moment, we simply don’t know enough about many of our dolphin populations.
“By working together as coastal communities, people across the state can help improve our understanding
and contribute to protecting dolphins and their habitats.”
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service Officer Andy Marshall said, “Every time we look more closely at our coastal dolphins, we uncover new insights - and often realise how much more there is to learn.
“In fact, many dolphins don’t travel as far as people assume, with some female Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins spending their whole lives in the same local coastal area.”
Volunteers who register will be trained as citizen scientists in the weeks before the NSW Dolphin Census Day, with the project supported by funding from the NSW Marine Estate Management Strategy.
On the day, volunteers
Country.
The presentation was followed by a Q and A session.
Attendees were then treated to dance performances by Budabaang Bari, Fig Tree Descendants and Giingan Yiiliwiyay Girrwaa, and music by Gumbaynggirr-led bands Jumbaal Dreamin’ and Gunganbu.
Uncle John Kelly shared about the art of canoe making and Amber SecombeFlanders invited participants to join in her weaving workshop.
Gawa (Uncle) Micklo
Jarrett told News Of The Area, “These events are a revitalisation of Gumbaynggirr culture.
“When the language and culture is being revitalised the people come back.
“When we dance and sing on Country, the Country gets stronger and stronger.”
Community consultation on the Bellinger Valley IPA runs until the end of the 2026–27 financial year.
To make a submission, contact Gabe Lugnan at Yurruungga Aboriginal Corporation.
will spend at least 15 minutes continuously watching for dolphins from their favourite vantage points along the NSW coast – from beaches and headlands to harbours, bays and river estuaries.
No experience is needed before undertaking the training.
People can participate as individuals, with friends or in groups, bringing binoculars or a camera with a zoom lens.
Registered volunteers can
choose to attend training in person, join a live webinar or complete a self-paced online course to help identify dolphin species, learn how to collect data and ensure safe observations.
The information collected will help fill key knowledge gaps about NSW’s dolphins and support conservation efforts.
Sign up at www. dolphinwatch.org.au
q Gabe and Brentyn Lugnan during the ochre ceremony. Photo: Jessica Miller.
q Juumbal Dreamin’ performing at the event. Photo: Jessica Miller.
q Judges Melissa Burton and Nikki Lane. Photo: supplied.
q The census aims to create a statewide snapshot of where dolphins are found and what habitat they use. Photo: Dolphin Research Australia.
EOIs open for community grants
EXPRESSIONS of Interest (EOIs) are now open for the NSW Government’s Community Building Partnership (CBP) Grants Program, with up to $450,000 available for projects in each electorate.
Oxley Michael Kemp and Coffs Harbour MP Gurmesh Singh are urging local community groups, councils and not-for-profit organisations to take advantage of the funding opportunity and put forward projects that will strengthen local communities.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for our local organisations to secure funding for projects that make a real, lasting difference,” Mr Kemp said.
“The CBP program consistently delivers for our region by improving
facilities, supporting local groups, and helping build stronger, more connected communities.”
Mr Singh said the program is also about helping to provide the infrastructure to support “more vibrant and more inclusive communities”.
The statewide program is investing $41 million in 2026 to support community infrastructure projects, with grants ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 available for individual initiatives.
Eligible projects include capital works such as the construction, refurbishment or maintenance of community facilities, as well as the purchase of equipment and vehicles that directly benefit the community.
The 2026 round will be delivered through a new two-stage application process, beginning with an EOI.
EOIs close at 5pm on Friday, 8 May 2026.
Shortlisted applicants will be contacted by the end of June 2026, with successful projects to be announced in early 2027.
“I strongly encourage all eligible groups to put their hand up and apply,” Mr Kemp said.
For further details on eligibility, project guidelines, and application submission, visit https:// www.nsw.gov.au/grants-andfunding/community-buildingpartnership/community-buildingpartnership-2026
Recognising ‘tick bombs’
By Jessica MILLER
TICK nests, or tick bombs to some, are a common phenomenon in the Australian bush.
However, few people have heard of them, let alone know what to do when encountering one.
News Of The Area spoke with Bellingen local Rosie Lewis, who recently had a severe reaction to a tick nest.
She ended up in hospital with a red rash covering her neck and torso.
Initially thinking the rash was a side effect of medication, Rosie was told she had been bitten by a large number of tiny ticks.
“So much of nature we cherish and adore and then you get something like a tick nest,” she said.
“Until I Googled it, I had no idea.”
The Australian Paralysis Tick (Ixodes holocyclus) is the most commonly encountered on Australia’s east coast, accounting for around 95 percent of bites.
The species has three life stages, the larval stage, nymphs, and adults.
The “tick nest” refers to the larvae.
Females lay up to several thousand eggs in a tight cluster in leaf litter.
Flinders University tick expert
Dr Gerrut Norval told NOTA the eggs hatch between two weeks to two months after being laid.
“The larvae will not disperse far, and for species like the paralysis tick, the larvae will ‘quest’ during humid conditions,” he said.
“[That is], they will ascend vegetation about half a metre above the ground and then wait for
Nambucca Bowling Club
a potential host to brush against them.”
Larvae are typically active in autumn, though it is difficult to predict exactly when they will be most abundant because of variability in hatching rates and environmental conditions.
People usually become aware of them when they suddenly find themselves covered in tiny moving
q The Australian Paralysis Tick. Photo: @RachelDuckherd/ iNaturalist.
dots (around half to one millimetre in length), or when they develop symptoms like fever, itching or a rash.
Tick larvae are colloquially referred to as seed or grass seed ticks, but some people also refer to the nymph stage as grass ticks.
As with any tick, prevention is best. If possible, avoid tick-infested areas, bush and long grass, especially after rain.
Wear tucked-in sleeves and
By Charles POTTER
NAMBUCCA Bowling Club's
Grade 3 Pennants team remains undefeated after a comfortable 85-41 victory over Wauchope at Kempsey RSL and goes on to the State Finals to be played at NBC Sports, Northmead and Dundas Sports on August 21, 22 and 23.
Nambucca dominated from the start and Wauchope conceded after 57 of the 63 ends.
The team of Danny Curran, Mark Blackford, Ty Webber and skipped by Rhys Riddell won 3716 after 20 ends.
Further funding for youth athlete
q Foundation
Chairperson Nicky Smith with recipient Lilly Darlington. Photo: Jen Hetherington.
By Jen HETHERINGTON
RISING athlete Lilly Darlington, 11, has again received funding through the Coleman-Smith Foundation, which provides financial support to talented young sportspeople in the Stuarts Point and Eungai areas.
Having received funds from the Foundation in the past, Lilly’s ongoing achievements have made her a worthy recipient once more.
Foundation Chairperson Nicky Smith elaborated at a presentation night on Friday, 17 April at the Stuarts Point Workers Recreation &
Dale Scrivener, Adam Laird, Graham Hines and Andrew Shearer won 18-13, 17 ends and Brendon Ruane, Paul Ward, Grant Lawrence and Tony Urquhart won 30-12,20 ends.
Wed Apr 15.
A good attendance of 32 bowlers for Wednesday's Selected Triples and the day went to Reg Barbat and Nerida Blackford, Maurie Herbert, Syd Campton and Charlie who were second and Peter McRitchie and Beauregard Ruane third.
The Lucky Losers were Ron Hill, Stoi and Neil Duffus.
Peter Fredericks won lucky bowler but missed the jackpot yet again. $210 this week!
Bowls Club.
“Lilly, who is only 11-years-old, participates in a range of athletic disciplines including running, long jump, high jump and more recently hurdles.
“We funded Lilly last round in October, and she has continued achieving milestones since then.”
At the NSW Athletics Regional Championships, Lilly placed first or second in all five of her events, achieving two personal bests.
pants, covering the neck and head, and use light-coloured clothes (which helps in spotting and brushing off ticks).
Some people combine these strategies with insect sprays or treating clothing with permethrin but medical advice should be sought as these aren’t recommended for everyone.
On returning home from a day in the bush, people and clothes should be washed and checked thoroughly. Checking the body again in the morning is also a good idea.
Medical professionals commonly suggest the use of freezing sprays to kill adult ticks, while creams are popular for all tick life stages.
Attempting to remove a live tick with tweezers is not recommended and if needed, assistance can be sought from your local GP.
Anyone with a severe reaction should seek urgent medical assistance.
Fri. Apr. 17.
54 bowlers. Michael Thomas, Todd Ryan and Paul Ward won the main prize. Bob Sutton, Stoi and Paddy Byrne were second and Wayne Bolton, Ken Summo and Urky third.
Tony Stokes, Tas Fribbins and Terry Snowden were the Lucky Losers.
The Jackpot of $420 was not won by Jai MacAuliffe so it's $480 this week.
Sun Apr. 18. Sunday Social bowls drew 20 bowlers and Glen, Stu Thorne and Peter Fredericks were the winners, Patto, Jinx and Hans Jensen the Lucky Losers. Hans also won the Jackpot of $20.
She took first for her age division in long jump and second in the 80m hurdles, 200m sprint, 400m sprint and high jump, qualifying in all events for state championships at Olympic Park, Sydney in late March.
“Lilly placed fourth in the state in the 400m, winning her heat and missed out on a medal by just 0.10 of a second,” Nicky said.
“In all but one event she achieved personal bests. Such amazing results at such a big event.”
Have Your Say
News Of The Area would love to hear your OPINION and VIEWS on issues and topics affecting our area. Keep Letters to the Editor under 250 words for its best chance of publication. Please be aware that there is no guarantee of publication from your submission to us. Publication will be determined by the Editor around available space, relevance and appropriateness. Email us media@newsofthearea.com.au
q Grade 3 Region Winners 2026.
Nambucca Heads Island Golf Club
By Chris KNIGHT
NO wonder Andrew Mackinnon was grinning like a horse with a hay bag as he hurtled through the Nambucca Heads Island Golf Club carpark in a cart at the turn on Saturday.
Mackinnon and partner - the chairman of recovering greens, Geoff Brooks - were on their way to a stonking 48 points to win the Midcoast Trucks fourball medley stableford.
Also with a smile on his dial was Ed Penrose, who turned a pizza into a donut by finding nothing but hole on the 13th for an ace.
Paddy Byrne and Peter Bush were runners-up with 46 points on countback from Urpo Ylinen and Rick Heywood.
Glen Crow ravened the Ecomist longest putt on the first and pins went to Bill Mann on 5, Bruce Wilson on 7, Colin Wormleaton on 8 and Heywood on 15. Penrose's holein-one on 13 was always going to be good enough for the Pizza This Pizza
That prize and Greg Smith pocketed the $80 Pro Pin on 18.
Adrienne Smith (14 handicap) was onsong to win the Div 1 medley stableford sponsored by Midcoast Trucks on Thursday 16 April.
The Bonville member and Nambucca regular carded 40 points including nine pars to head home
Peter Thompson (18) by a point.
Malcolm McGoldrick (27) returned the best round of the day
with 41 points to take Div 2 by a shot from Paddy Byrne (22).
Bruce Mason banged the putt from afar on 1 and flag-botherers were Hans Jansen on 5, Greg McCoy on 7, Oliver Schwarz on 8 and Bryce McCarroll on 15. Patrick Handsaker will dine on dough with toppings after hitting it handy on 13 and Stuart Johnston banked the $75 Pro Pin on the 18th.
Sawtell's Georgia Perkins (22)
Nambucca Valley Bridge Club News
By Barbara MARANIK
RESULTS for week ending 19th
April 2026
Monday 13th April 2025
North /South
1st Mike & Linda Siford 62%, 2nd Maureen Cowan & Jenette
Fox 52%, 3rd Susie Keur & Les Sinclair 52% East /West
1st Judith Sonter & Bev Oldfield 55%, 2nd John & Lynne Slade 54%, 3rd Amber Fox & Carol McKee 53%
Tuesday 14th April 2025
1st Amber Fox & Carol McKee 59%, 2nd Louise & Gary Walton 55%, 3rd Maureen Cowan & Barb Maranik 44%
Thursday 16th April 2025
North /South
1st Pauly Griffin & Mike Siford 55%, 2nd Barbara Lott & Linda
Macksville Country Club Golf
By Max TURNER
SATURDAYS four person Ambrose event, sponsored by Nambucca Valley Property saw the biggest field of the year with over 80 players.
Winners on the day were the team of Mick Manning, Dale Brunsdon, Allan Clarke and Cowan Branford.
Runners up were the team of Brad and Cheryl Fortescue, Kerry
Spicer-Worth and Lynette Hitchcock.
A feature on Ambrose days is seeing who the big hitters are.
No surprise in Mick Manning winning Div 1 and Paul Donges Div2.
Ladies winner was Lynette Hitchcock with Brian Keighran the non handicap winner.
Two standouts in Tuesday’s ladies Stableford with Helen Ferrero winning from Jess Lambert.
They also won nearest the pins
on the 17th and 3rd respectively. With some good scores in the Mid Week competition Derek Brown won on a count back from Max Graham.
With a net 27 Big Bob Lindsay dominated the Chook Run with runner up Peter Lambert best of the rest.
Evergreen Roy Rudner and Peter O’Grady were nearest the pin winners.
Nambucca Ladies Bowls Report
By Teresa MEEHAN
THE final round of the Ladies Pennants competition delivered strong results for Nambucca, with both Grade 2 and Grade 4 securing their places in the upcoming playoffs.
Grade 2, already assured of a playoff position, played North Haven and completed their season with a decisive victory.
The rink of Kim Porter, Karen Liddell, Deb Mann and Elaine Fleming dominated their match, recording an impressive 30–8 win.
The team of Nerida Blackford, Marilyn Montgomery, Sandra Seckold and Teresa Meehan also produced a
solid performance, taking their game 22–11.
These results gave Nambucca a commanding 53–19 win on the big board, sealing a clean sweep for the season.
Grade 4 entered their match against Kempsey needing a win to progress, and they rose to the challenge.
The rink of Pat Fletcher, Michelle Frederick’s, Gloria Richardson and Anne Marie Johnson secured a strong 26–15 victory.
In a tightly contested match, Marg Duffus, Rosie Dugdale, Chris Davis and Kerrie Dale were narrowly defeated 17–19.
Bowraville Golf Club
By Pam COTTEN
BOWRAVILLE Golf Club enjoyed a picture-perfect autumn day on Saturday, 18th April, as players
teed off in a Stableford event under clear blue skies and plenty of sunshine.
It was Peter Lawry who stole the show, finishing the day with
had the best score of the day with 41 points to salute in Div 1 of the stableford on Wednesday 15 April which doubled as a Top 10 qualifying round of the Celtic Shield Challenge.
Liz Hobday (15) was next best with 38 while Thea Kimber (24) posted a whopping 40 points to sweep Div 2 from Sawtell's Charmaine Edwards (24) on 38.
Jennifer Ainsworth (33) stood supreme in Div 3 with 38 points including a big par on the 9th to finish three clear of Sawtell's Brenda Connors (40).
Siford 53%, 3rd Susie Keur & Paul Coe 51% East /West
Saturday 18th April 2025 North /South 1st Maureen Cowan & Barb
Nearest the pins on the 5th were claimed by Debbie Greneger and Narelle Hall, and on the 8th by Judith Boyle and Sandra Guymer. Lyndee Thomas and Joy Lawrence were closest on 18.
Dirk Cameron (20) survived a countback to win the Midcoast Trucks medley stableford on Tuesday 14 April from Keith Elphick (23).
Cameron posted four pars and cheekily birdied the long 11th for good measure.
Maranik 61%, 2nd John & Lynne Slade 51%, 3rd Sandra Ellis & Robert Baker 51% East /West 1st Collen Robertson & Rosemary Bateman 57%, 2nd Linda & Mike Siford 56%, 3rd Carol Fox & Amber Fox 54%
However, the overall big board score of 43–34 was enough to send Grade 4 through to the playoffs.
Both Nambucca grades will now compete in the finals, to be held at Kempsey Bowlo on Thursday, 30 April.
Tuesday Social Bowls
Twelve ladies took to the green for Tuesday Social Bowls, playing two enjoyable games of triples in cooler conditions.
Lucky Winners: Elaine, Janice and Marg
Lucky Losers: Fletch, Rosie and Sandra
Lucky Bowler: Elaine
an impressive 40 points to claim top honours. Not content with just the win, Peter also showcased his putting prowess by taking out the longest putt of the day—clearly seeing the greens better than most! Runner-up honours went to Leanne Porter, who put together a
strong round to finish on 38 points, keeping the pressure on right to the end.
Nearest the pin prizes were snapped up by Paul Le Cerf and Dave Banks, both demonstrating pinpoint accuracy when it mattered most.
With great scores, even better company, and sunshine that seemed to stick around just for the occasion, it was a fantastic day out on the course enjoyed by all. The only real complaint? Having to pack up and head home at the end of it!
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 Scott Burley is a right-hander but played this shot as a southpaw in order to go forward as his errant tee shot nestled against a tree on the 12th - and somehow escaped with a bogey.
q Club Captain Ray Guiana winds up on the 16th tee under the watchful gaze of Geoff Harris.
q Nambucca Ladies Pennants bowlers.
q John Dowzard, Phil McWilliam, Dave Sinclair and Neil Oakes.
Hypothetical, Legal Eye
By Manny WOOD
Not
accounting for ‘what if’
JOSEPH died in May 2023.
He had one sister, Gillian, with whom he had no ongoing relationship.
Joseph was however close to his nephew, Jordan, often spending time together at Joseph’s auto garage, where Jordan worked on a casual basis.
Joseph made a will in 2021 leaving most of his estate, valued at approximately $2 million for the benefit of Jordan.
The will set up a fund for Joseph’s dog during its lifetime, with the balance to be held on trust for Jordan, stating that the trust “cannot be liquidated before his 35th birthday”.
Probate was granted to Joseph’s friend, Annie, and Jordan as executors.
Unfortunately, Jordan later passed away at 31, before reaching 35, creating a question as to how the will should operate.
Annie brought proceedings, asking the Court to determine whether Jordan’s interest had taken effect on Joseph’s death, or whether the gift failed and resulted in an intestacy.
Gillian, who stood to benefit if that occurred, was named as a defendant.
The Court noted that the will was something of a “homemade” effort, with unusual wording and drafting quirks, including a direction that the dog be given “no tinned food… unless absolutely necessary”.
In particular, the phrase “cannot be liquidated” raised questions about whether Jordan’s entitlement was conditional or simply delayed.
Looking at the will as a whole, the Court found that Joseph’s intention was clear; he wanted Jordan to benefit from his estate, not Gillian.
Provisions allowing Jordan to receive ongoing benefits suggested his entitlement was intended to start straight away.
In the end, the Court treated the restriction in the will as a delay in access, not a barrier to Jordan’s entitlement.
Accordingly, Jordan’s interest was established at the time of Joseph’s death, meaning the remaining funds passed to Jordan’s estate rather than falling into intestacy.
Thank you to Ellysha Laklem for her assistance with this column.
This fictional column is not legal advice.
OPINION & LETTERS Dorin's Drawings
By Paul DORIN
Verse of the week
On the Couch
By JASMINDA
DEAR Jasminda,
MY 70-year-old mother has expressed an interest in learning the electric guitar.
How can I encourage her to try something more ageappropriate?
Gerard H.
By Lynne MILES
The comet cometh
Stargazing
By Dave RENEKE
A VISITOR from the deep past is about to grace Australian skies.
For those willing to rise before dawn, it offers something close to time travel.
The long-period comet C/2025
R3 (PanSTARRS) - last seen when humans were shaping stone tools and learning to master fire - has returned after an absence of roughly 170,000 years.
As the comet sweeps inward toward the Sun, reaching perihelion on 19 April before passing relatively close to Earth on 26 April, observers across Australia are in a prime position to witness it.
Away from city glare, coastal towns offer ideal viewing conditions: dark horizons over the Pacific, crisp autumn air, and early morning skies unspoiled by
artificial light.
Look toward the constellation Pegasus constellation, specifically the easily recognisable "Great Square”, just before sunrise.
With luck and clear weather, the comet may glow faintly to the naked eye, its tail stretching like a ghostly brushstroke across the sky.
Comets have long stirred human imagination.
In antiquity, they were often seen as omens - harbingers of change, disaster, or divine intervention.
The appearance of Halley's Comet, for example, was recorded in 1066 and later embroidered into the Bayeux Tapestry as a portent of conquest.
Today, we understand comets not as supernatural signs but as icy relics - frozen leftovers from the formation of the solar system 4.6 billion years ago.
Each one is a time capsule, composed of dust, rock, and volatile ices that vaporise as they near the Sun, forming the luminous coma and tail.
What makes C/2025 R3 extraordinary is its orbit.
Unlike short-period comets that return every few decades, this one hails from the distant Oort Cloud,
Australia’s oil situation
DEAR News Of The Area,
IN a letter published on 17 April, Lex Stewart opined on Australia's fuel situation.
Some of those statements should not go unquestioned, for example that we now refine only 20 percent of our production. The reasons for that are not
explained in Mr Stewart's letter, but here they are.
Australia no longer produces crude oil of the grade needed for us to refine, as our refineries are not suitable for the only type of oil we now produce - light, sweet crude oil. It is also most profitable to send it overseas and sell it where there is better profit to be had.
She probably burnt her bra as part of the liberation movement.
And (along with her friends) she no doubt enacted a whole lot of other changes that future generations (like yours) benefit from.
While we're at it, your mum no doubt gained a university degree and worked while trying to raise a family. That family includes you, Gerard, you judgy little wet sock.
Your mum would have spent endless days rocking you to sleep and changing your nappies and ensuring your every whim was attended to.
She no doubt did your washing and cooked your meals for decades too.
Dear Gerard,
Well, don't you sound like a wet sock.
And when I say wet sock, I mean one of those sports socks that ends up stuck behind the washing machine with water dripping on it from a split hose pipe until it turns into a stiff, stained, smelly, unproductive item.
Age-appropriate? At what age is it no longer acceptable to engage in an activity that keeps the brain engaged?
Do you think taking up a new creative outlet should be limited to those under 40?
What, in your mind, is more age-appropriate?
Bingo? Joining a crochet group? Donning a flowery swimming cap and a matronly onepiece and taking up synchronised swimming at the local pool? Seated lawn skittles?
If your mum is 70, I'd say she's a force to be reckoned with.
She probably fought for equal pay, she no doubt marched for reproductive rights.
I bet she wore mini skirts and platform boots and suede flares.
a vast spherical halo of icy bodies surrounding the solar system.
Its elongated path means it spends most of its existence in deep space, only briefly visiting the inner planets before retreating again into darkness.
No written record, no ancient chronicle, no civilisation has ever documented its passage - until now.
For photographers, capturing this rare visitor is both a challenge and a thrill. A sturdy tripod is essential, along with a camera capable of long exposures.
Use a wide-angle lens to frame the comet against the landscapeperhaps the silhouette of Norfolk pines along the NSW coast or the curve of a quiet beach.
Start with exposures of 5–15 seconds, adjusting ISO and aperture depending on brightness.
What is also a fallacy is the idea that we have vast amounts of gas and crude oil reserves.
The truth is that the Howard government sold off most of our gas at very little profit for us, and the oil is basically economically unviable, due to either its extreme depth in the Bass Strait or because it is in shale which is unprofitable to mine and extract.
As for electric power, there are heavy haul vehicles (prime movers)
Then, like all the other mums out there, she worried about your every life stage, because that's what mums do.
So now it's her turn.
I hope she clears out your old bedroom and turns it into a not-sosoundproof studio.
I hope she puts out a casting call to other like-minded women who have spent their lives devoted to others. And I hope their first band meeting kicks off with a punk version of Aretha Franklin's 'Respect'. Maybe you can make a cameo, waving a wet sock for the 'sock it to me, sock it to me, sock it to me' section of the chorus.
Hell, you've made me want to learn the electric guitar. Or maybe the drums.
Can you send me your mum's number?
And instead of being so discouraging (and disparaging) you should be proud that you are the son of a great role model who is keen to keep learning and embracing change.
Rock on, Gerard's mother.
As for you, Gerard, pay attention to my usual sign off...
Carpe diem, Jasminda.
If you have binoculars or a small telescope, you'll see more detail: the nucleus glowing at the centre, the tail fanning outward like cosmic smoke.
There is something deeply humbling about standing under the same sky that Stone Age humans once gazed upon, watching the return of an object they may also have seen - perhaps with wonder, perhaps with fear.
Long after our cities fade and our histories blur, C/2025 R3 will continue its silent journey, looping back again in another 170,000 years.
For now, though, it is here. Step outside before dawn. Look up. And take your place, however briefly, in the long story of the sky. See Dave’s website: www. davidreneke.com.
in production in America and China which will be in commercial operation within one year, and in Australia soon.
Surely, encouraging the greater take-up of electrics is looking after our long term interests far more so than fossil fuels?
Regards, Bill ROBINSON, Coffs Coast.
John 15:13 "Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends."
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.
Kids Boot Camp 075
Positions Vacant
News Of The Area newspapers is looking for an Advertising Sales Representative to work for the Coffs Coast and Nambucca Valley News Of The Area publications.
The fantastic local role is available full-time or part-time, to ensure we appoint the right person for the position.
Whilst you are part of a great team, bringing out the local newspaper each week, you would be working from home, so a suitable home-office setup is required.
The right person would be a proven sales professional. You might not have newspaper or media experience, however a track record within a sales environment is essential.
Your daily role is focused on finding and presenting-to businesses who may use our newspapers to reach their customers.
You would require a driver’s licence, car and computer with reliable internet service.
An attractive base remuneration is offered, along with car allowance, internet allowance and great bonus structure. You will be provided with a business smart phone.
Applications can be made by emailing your resume, together with a Letter of Application, which should outline why you would be the best person for this role.
Email: office@newsofthearea.com.au
Applications close: 5pm, 11th May 2026.
Nala is a lovely Sharpei x with a gentle nature and a soft heart. She can be a little timid when you first meet her, but once she feels safe and begins to trust you, her true personality shines through. With time and patience, Nala blossoms into a fun, affectionate little sweetheart who enjoys attention and being around her people.
Adoption fee for 2025/2026 is $230 and this includes microchipping, vaccination, desexing and Lifetime registration.
Please visit Councils website to view the full list of animals available for adoption or lost. For any adoption enquiries please complete the Adoption Enquiry Form on Council’s Website.
NAMBUCCA VALLEY
BEST ON THE BOX
SUNDAY
BAD COMPANY
ABC TV, 8.15pm
Pitting the unbridled chaos of Anne Edmonds (above right) against Kitty Flanagan’s (above left) deadpan wit, this new character-driven sitcom –set in an avant-garde inner-city theatre company –is a match made in comedy heaven. The hilarious headliners are respectively cast as artistic director Margie and corporate cost-cutter Julia, who find themselves at odds when the latter is tasked with saving the failing Argyle Theatre. Created by Edmonds and directed by Fisk’s Tom Peterson, this playful satire puts the “fun” in dysfunctional.
FRIDAY, April 24
(2)
WEDNESDAY
SAS: AUS V ENG
SEVEN, 7.30pm
When you’ve trained as an Olympic athlete, you might reckon that you’re ready for anything. But for gold medallist Mack Horton (pictured), who attempts a version of Special Forces selection in the new season of this gruelling reality series, it couldn’t be further from the truth. “They are worlds apart,” says Horton. “At the Olympics, you spend four or more years preparing for a single moment. On SAS have no idea what’s coming in the next few seconds.”
The swimmer is one of seven Aussies competing against UK celebrities in TV’s ultimate test of endurance. His teammates include Neighbours star Ryan “Toadie” Moloney, cricket legend Brad Hodge and singer Natalie Bassingthwaighte.
THURSDAY
RICK STEIN’S AUSTRALIA
6.00 Morning Programs. 11.00 Blue Murder Motel. (PGl, R) 11.45 Like A Version. (R) 12.00 News. 12.55 The Piano. (Final, PG, R) 1.50 Can You Keep A Secret? (Final, Ml, R) 2.20 The Assembly. (PG, R) 3.00 Grand Designs Australia. (R) 4.00 Murdoch Mysteries. (PG, R) 4.45 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. (PGa, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 Matched. (PG, R) 9.50 Spectacular Railways Of The Swiss Alps. (PG) 10.50 Scottish Vets Down Under. (R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Rhoda Roberts AO: A Lasting Legacy. (R) 3.00 Nula. 3.30 The Point. (R) 3.35 The Cook Up. (R) 4.10 Sri Lanka With Alexander Armstrong. (PGa, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R) 6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show.
6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 Gardening Australia.
8.30 Patience. (PGv)
9.20 Tonight At The Museum. (Final, PGs, R)
9.50 The Weekly With Charlie Pickering. (Final, R)
10.20 News. 10.35 Shaun Micallef’s Eve Of Destruction. (PGl, R) 11.15 Murdoch Mysteries. (Ma, R) 12.05 Love Me. (Mdls, R) 12.50 Rage New Music. (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.15 The Many Days Of Anzac. (PG, R) 4.10 Last Post: Winds Of Change. 4.20 Anzac Dawn Service From Sydney. 5.30 Anzac Dawn Service From Canberra.
Ben And Holly. 7.00 Superbuns. 7.05 Gardening Australia Junior. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 8.00 Scooby-Doo And Guess Who? 8.25 BTN Newsbreak. 8.30 My Adventures With Superman. 8.55 BattleBots. 9.40 Gladiators UK. 10.40 Late Programs.
6.00 Mastermind Australia.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Going Places With Ernie Dingo. (PG)
8.30 A New ANZAC. (PGal)
9.30 Orient Express: A Golden Era Of Travel. (PG, R)
10.25 SBS World News Late.
10.55 The King. (Madls)
11.50 Babylon Berlin. (Manv, R)
1.45 Nordland 99. (Mals, R)
2.50 Mastermind Australia. (R)
3.50 The Zelensky Story. (PGa, 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 Better Homes And Gardens. Hosted by Johanna Griggs.
8.00 Sydney Weekender Special. (Premiere) Discovers the best Sydney has to offer.
9.00 MOVIE: The Devil Wears Prada. (2006, PGl, R) A young woman is hired as an assistant to the ruthless editor of a leading fashion magazine in Manhattan. Anne Hathaway, Meryl Streep.
11.15 My Reno Rules. (PGl, R)
1.00 Travel Oz. (PG, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R) 4.30 Weekend Sunrise.
He’s best known for championing Cornwall and its classic seaside fare, but British chef Rick Stein (pictured) is married to an Aussie and his love affair with our fair country stretches back 60 years. Stein first visited our shores when he was 19, on a trip he describes as “the beginning of my love affair with the people, the places and the food.” In his debut Aussie series, the celebrated restaurateur retraces that life-changing voyage, starting in Sydney Harbour where his adventure began all those years ago. Comparing the city’s food culture then to the vibrant food scene that exists today, Stein catches up with local legend Neil Perry and checks out Chinatown, before sharing a recipe for salt and pepper crab.
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Rugby League. NRL. Round 8. Brisbane Broncos v Canterbury Bulldogs.
9.55 NRL Friday Night Footy Post-Match. Post-match coverage and analysis of the NRL game between the Brisbane Broncos and Canterbury Bulldogs.
10.45 MOVIE: Platoon. (1986, MA15+alv, R) A young, naive soldier is sent to Vietnam. Charlie Sheen, Tom Berenger.
1.00 Explore TV Viking. (R)
1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)
4.30 A Current Affair. (R)
5.00 Anzac Day Dawn Service.
ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Children’s Programs. 8.30 Nanny. 9.30 Addams Family. 10.30 Bewitched. 11.00 Rugby Heaven. Noon Motor Racing. IndyCar Series. Grand Prix of Long Beach. H’lights. 1.10 LEGO Masters. 2.30 Nanny. 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family. 5.30 Bewitched. 6.30
Migration debate or discussion?
DO we need a migration debate or do we need a migration discussion?
Debate implies conflict and discussion, a learning exercise.
Given that more than a third of our population is either born overseas or from parents who were
born overseas and in total more than 95 percent of Australians can trace their ancestors to overseas locations, it is of interest to many.
In any case, before we can have a debate or discussion, we need to tease out possible migration options backed up with costs/benefits and outcomes.
Who is currently doing this work? It doesn't seem to be the politicians or the media.
It's tricky.
As an example, do migrants who pick our blueberries take our houses?
If so and we prioritise housing for locals, who picks our blueberries?
OPINION
6.00 10 News+. 6.30 Deal Or No Deal. (R)
7.00 Millionaire Hot Seat. (PG, R) 7.30 Love It Or List It Australia. (R) Hosted by Neale Whitaker and Andrew Winter. 8.40 Building The Dream. Charlie Luxton helps first-time builders design budget-friendly homes. 9.40 10’s Late News. Coverage of news, sport and weather. 10.40
If we want more houses, who is going to build them? Migrants! What we need, is a considered outcome that continues to build our nation and not one that merely fills a billboard with a catchy slogan.
6.55 Governor-General’s Anzac Day Message. An Anzac Day address.
7.00 ABC News. A look at the top stories of the day.
7.30 Blue Murder Motel. (Final, PGl) A local candy merchant dies at a summer market. 8.15 Top End Bub. (Final, PG) A cyclone batters the Top End.
Death In Paradise. (Mv, R)
A plane passenger vanishes mid-flight.
9.45 Frauds. (Final, Ml, R)
10.30 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
ABC FAMILY (22)
6am Children’s Programs. 5.55pm Octonauts. 6.10 Knee High Spies. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee’s Squirrel Club. 6.45 Supertato. 6.55 Piripenguins. 7.05 Let’s Go Bananas! 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Kids Baking C’ship. 8.10 Harry Potter: Wizards Of Baking. 8.50 Caper Crew. 9.15 Mr Bean: The Animated Series. 9.35 Fresh Off The Boat. 10.20 Abbott Elementary. 10.40 Late Programs.
SUNDAY, April 26
PG, R) 3.25 Judgment: Cases That Changed Australia. (PG, R) 4.15 Grand Designs. (PG, R) 5.00 Back Roads. (R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (PG)
6.30 Compass.
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 The Assembly. (Return, PGl)
8.15 Bad Company. (Premiere, PG)
A theatre centre’s new CEO tries to prevent its downfall.
8.45 Bergerac. (Return, M)
9.30 Blue Murder Motel. (Final, PGl, R)
10.15 Top End Bub. (Final, PG, R)
10.40 MOVIE: Van Diemen’s Land. (2009, MA15+alv, R)
12.25 Rage. (MA15+dhlnsv)
3.00 Gardening Australia. (R)
4.00 Dream Gardens. (R)
4.30 A Bite To Eat With Alice. (R)
5.00 Insiders. (R)
ABC FAMILY (22)
6am Children’s Programs. 5.55pm Octonauts. 6.05 Knee High Spies. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 The Adventures Of Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee’s Squirrel Club. 6.45 Supertato. 6.55 Piripenguins. 7.05 Let’s Go Bananas! 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 The Inbestigators. 7.45 Caper Crew. 8.05 Secrets At Red Rocks. 8.30 Animal Park. 10.15 Secrets Of The Zoo. 10.55 Late Programs.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 The Langham: London’s Grandest Hotel.
8.25 Magical Train Journeys In Switzerland. (R)
9.25 Jersey And Guernsey. (PGaw, R)
10.20 Finding Your Roots. (PG, R)
11.20 Snowpiercer. (MA15+v, R)
1.55 Matched. (PG, R)
2.45 Mastermind Australia. (R)
3.50 The Zelensky Story. (Malv, R) 4.45 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R) 5.15 Euronews. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. Johanna Griggs meets up with some of the members of the Eastwood Country Women’s Association.
8.00 MOVIE: Pearl Harbor. (2001, Mv, R) Two childhood friends grow up to be US Army Air Force pilots stationed at Pearl Harbor. Ben Affleck, Josh Hartnett, Kate Beckinsale.
11.50 My Reno Rules. (PGl, R) Hosted by Dr Chris Brown. 1.35 Devils. (MA15+av)
2.30 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 It’s Academic. (R) 5.00 House Of Wellness. (PGals, R)
7TWO (62)
6am Home Shopping. 8.30 Better Homes And Gardens.
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Rugby Union. Women’s Pacific Four Series. Game 3. Australia v New Zealand. 10.00 MOVIE: Midway. (2019, Mlw, R) Charts the Battle of Midway. Woody Harrelson.
12.30 Law & Order: Organized Crime. (MA15+av, R)
1.30 Open For Inspection. (R)
2.00 The Incredible Journey Presents. (PGa)
2.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.30 Global Shop. (R)
5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
5.30 Helping Hands. (PG, R)
6am Guess
Who’s Coming To Dinner. (1967, PG) 8.05 Men In War. (1957, PG) 10.05 Mass. (2021, M) 12.10pm Discovering Film. 1.00 Marmalade. (2024, M) 3.00 The Battle Of The River Plate. (1956, PG) 5.10 The Crow’s Egg. (2014, PG, Tamil) 6.50 The Skin Of Others. (2020, PG) 8.30 The Lighthorsemen. (1987, M) 10.40 Nymphomaniac: Vol. II. (2013, MA15+) 12.50am Late Programs.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Pompeii: The New Dig. (PG, R)
8.40 Bettany Hughes’ Lost Worlds: Nabataeans. (PG, R) 9.40 Emperor: Rise And Fall Of A Dynasty. (Masv, R)
10.35 Lost Treasures Of Egypt. (PGa, R)
11.35 Rhoda Roberts AO: A Lasting Legacy. (Ml, R)
1.05 Matched. (PG, R)
2.50 Mastermind Australia. (R)
3.55 Legacy List With Matt Paxton. (PGl, R)
4.25 Bamay. (R) 4.55 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 Euronews. 5.30 PBS News Horizons.
The American Soldier. 10.15 Chernobyl: A Bomb That Keeps Ticking. 11.15 History’s Greatest Heists With Pierce Brosnan. 12.05am Late Programs. 6am WorldWatch. 10.30 The Movie Show. 12.15pm Motorcycle Racing. 1.15 The Swiping Game. 1.35 Jeopardy! 3.40 WorldWatch. 4.40 PBS News Compass Points. 5.10 Fashionista. 5.20 Myths: The Greatest Mysteries Of Humanity. 6.20 Abandoned Engineering. 8.10 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Liege-Bastogne-Liege. Men’s race. 12.40am Cycling. UCI World Tour. LiegeBastogne-Liege. Women’s race. 2.15 Late Programs.
6am The Movie Show. 6.10 The Crow’s Egg. (2014, PG, Tamil) 7.50 Discovering Film. 8.40 The Skin Of Others. (2020, PG) 10.30 That Good Night. (2017, M) 12.15pm Ping Pong: The Triumph. (2023, M, Mandarin) 2.45 Time Bandits. (1981, PG) 4.50 Men In War. (1957) 6.50 The Blockhouse. (1973, PG) 8.30 Stalingrad. (2013, MA15+, Russian) 10.55 The Firm. (1993, MA15+) 1.40am Late Programs.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 The 1% Club UK. (PGls) 8.00 7NEWS Spotlight. 9.00 MOVIE: Bravery & Betrayal. (2025, Malv) Looks at the SAS troops that were sent to Afghanistan and Iraq following the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
11.10 24 Hours In Police Custody: Living Among Us. (MA15+al, R)
12.10 A Friend Of The Family. (MA15+a, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News.
5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 NBN News. 7.00 The Floor. (PGl)
8.10 60 Minutes. Current affairs program. 9.10 Australian Crime Stories: The Investigators: Operation Bastille. (Masv) Looks at Operation Bastille. 10.15 9News Late. 10.45 The First 48: Among Friends. (Ma, R) 11.40 American Ripper. (Premiere, Mav)
Oz Off Road TV. (PG, R)
TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)
The Garden Gurus. (R)
Today Early News.
6am Children’s Programs. 8.00 MOVIE: Unforgettable Christmas. (2023) 9.50 MOVIE: Destination Christmas. (2022, PG) 11.40 Innovation Nation. 11.50 Soccer. EPL. Chelsea v Manchester United. 1.50pm Motor Racing. FIA World Endurance C’ship. 6 Hours Of Imola. H’lights. 3.00 Australian Ninja Warrior. 5.00 MOVIE: Superman III. (1983, PG) 7.30 MOVIE: Man Of Steel. (2013, M) 10.20 Late Programs. 6am Morning Programs. 9.40
Season begins for AFL North Coast juniors
FROM Page 20
The Bellingen Bulldogs Youth Girls 17s team begin their premiership defence in Urunga, when they take on the Port Macquarie Magpies.
The Port Macquarie Magpies
Under 16s Boys begin their
Friday, 24 April 2026
premiership defence at home, when they host the Northern Beaches Blues.
The Nambucca Valley Lions
Youth Girls 15s also begin their premiership defence at home, when they host the Northern Beaches Blues.
The Port Macquarie Flyers
Under 14s Mixed team begin their premiership defence in Nambucca Heads, when they take on the Nambucca Valley Lions.
The Northern Beaches Blues Youth Girls 13s begin their premiership defence in Port Macquarie, when they take on the Port Macquarie Magpies.
The AFL North Coast junior competition is played each Sunday across five divisions. This season’s grand finals will be played on Sunday, 30 August, at the C.ex Coffs International Stadium
6.30 The Dog House. (PGa, R) Two brothers are impressed by a pure husky. 7.30 Love It Or List It Australia. (Return) Neale Whitaker sets out to do a sensitive renovation where the spaces will creatively connect. 9.30 Gogglebox Australia. (R) TV fanatics open up their living rooms to reveal their reactions to popular and topical TV shows. 10.30 Matlock. (PGad, R) The firm tackles an AI afterlife software dispute. 11.30 Elsbeth. (Mlv, R) Elsbeth infiltrates the world of puzzle solvers. 12.30 Home Shopping. (R) 5.00 Hour Of Power. 6.30 10 News+. Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 7.00
MONDAY, April 27
6.00
Costco Vs Supermarkets. (R)
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 Herrhausen: The Banker And The Bomb. (Mlv) 11.45 Gomorrah. (MA15+v, R)
2.45 Mastermind Australia. (R)
3.50 Legacy List With Matt Paxton. (PGv, R) 4.20 Bamay. (R) 4.50 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
VICELAND (31) VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 10.25 TBA. 10.35 Children’s Programs. 6.20pm Bluey. 6.25 Flower And Flour. 6.35 Big Lizard. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Ben And Holly. 7.00 Superbuns. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00 Young Sheldon. 8.20 BTN Newsbreak. 8.25 Young Sheldon. 8.45 Gladiators UK. 9.45 Kids BBQ Championship. 10.25 Late Programs.
SBS MOVIES (32)
6am Morning Programs. 10.00 Jack Mimoun And The Secrets Of Val Verde. (2022, M, French) Noon The Lighthorsemen. (1987, M) 2.10 Discovering Film. 3.00 The Crow’s Egg. (2014, PG, Tamil) 4.40 The Ideal Palace. (2018, PG, French) 6.40 Above Us The Waves. (1955, PG) 8.30 Hamburger Hill. (1987, MA15+) 10.30 Noryang: Deadly Sea. (2023, MA15+, Korean) 1.15am Late Programs.
10.30 Living Black. (R) 11.05 Exit. (Malv) 12.00 Clean Sweep. (Mals, R) 3.00 Mountain Vets. (Ma, R) 4.05 Legacy List With Matt Paxton. (R)
4.35 Bamay. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6am Children’s Programs. 10.25 TBA. 10.35 Children’s Programs. 6.50pm Ben And Holly. 7.00 Superbuns. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00 Young Sheldon. 8.20 BTN Newsbreak. 8.25 Young Sheldon. 8.45 The Slow Mo Guys’ Big Adventures. 9.05 MythBusters “There’s Your Problem!”. 9.30 BattleBots. 10.15 Merlin. 11.00 Late Programs.
SBS MOVIES (32)
6am The Movie Show. 6.25 The Ideal Palace. (2018, PG, French) 8.20 Discovering Film. 9.15 Above Us The Waves. (1955, PG) 11.00 Love Thing. (2022, M, German) 12.50pm Oskars Kleid. (2022, M, German) 2.45 The Blockhouse. (1973, PG) 4.20 Boychoir. (2014, PG) 6.15 Spitfire. (1942, PG) 8.30 The Flowers Of War. (2011, MA15+) 11.10 Comandante. (2023, MA15+, Italian) 1.20am Late Programs.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PG)
7.30 Glenn And Mick’s Celebrity Intervention. (M)
8.40 9-1-1. (Mav) Eddie and Buck’s flight to LA is cancelled. 9.40 The Agenda Setters: Rugby League. (R) 10.40 The Agenda Setters. 11.40 St. Denis Medical. (PGadl)
New Amsterdam. (MA15+a, R)
Travel Oz. (PG, R)
Home Shopping. (R)
NBC Today.
Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
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6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PG)
My Reno Rules. (PGl) The rival renovators try to prove their worth.
Doc. (Mav) A shocking turn of events ensues when Amy and Jake treat an expectant mother injured during a robbery.
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WEDNESDAY, April 29
(M)
The Audacity. (M)
SBS World News Late.
Rise Of The Raven. (MA15+sv)
Blue Lights. (Malsv, R)
Classified. (Malv, R)
3.40 Legacy List With Matt Paxton. (R) 4.15 Bamay. (R)
4.50 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
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(31) 6am Children’s Programs. 10.25 TBA. 10.35 Children’s Programs. 6.50pm Ben And Holly. 7.00 Superbuns. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00
SBS MOVIES (32)
6am The Movie Show. 6.10 Boychoir. (2014, PG) 8.05 Spitfire. (1942, PG) 10.20 King Of My Castle. (2024, M, French) 12.25pm Banel & Adama. (2023, M, French) 2.00 The Ideal Palace. (2018, PG, French) 4.00 Above Us The Waves. (1955, PG) 5.50 Thirteen Days. (2000, PG) 8.30 Good Morning, Vietnam. (1987) 10.50 The Love Witch. (2016, MA15+) 1.05am Late Programs.
THURSDAY, April 30
6.00 Mastermind Australia.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Rick Stein’s Australia. (Premiere, a)
8.35 Secrets Of Flying Scotsman. (R)
9.30 Riot Women. (Malv)
10.40 SBS World News Late.
11.10 Under The Bridge. (Malsv)
12.05 The Unusual Suspects. (Mls, R)
2.05 Beyond Signs. (MA15+a, R)
3.05 The Lost Camps Of The Third Reich. (PGa, R)
4.05 Legacy List With Matt Paxton. (R)
4.35 Bamay. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
WorldWatch.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGa)
7.30 SAS: AUS v ENG. (Return)
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. (Final, Ml)
12.00 Kochie’s Business Builders. (R)
12.30 New Amsterdam. (MA15+a, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
Movie Show. 12.10pm WorldWatch. 12.40 Alone. 1.55 UFOs: Investigating The Unknown. 2.45 Insight. 3.45 News. 3.50 WorldWatch. 5.50 Curse Of Oak Island. 6.40 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 American Godfathers: The Five Families. 10.10 The UnXplained With William Shatner. 11.00 Brassic. 12.50am Late Programs. 6am Australia’s Deadliest. 6.30 Escape To The Country. 7.30 Harry’s Practice. 8.00 Million Dollar Minute. 9.00 Business Builders. 9.30 NBC Today. Noon My Reno Rules. 2.00 Weekender. 2.30 House Calls To The Rescue. 3.30 Harry’s Practice. 4.00 Medical Rookies. 4.30 Better Homes. 5.30 Escape To The Country. 6.30
SBS MOVIES (32)
6am Discovering Film. 6.55 Thirteen Days. (2000, PG) 9.30 The Movie Show. 10.05 Superheroes. (2021, M, Italian) 12.15pm Good Morning, Vietnam. (1987) 2.30 Spitfire. (1942, PG) 4.45 Mia And The White Lion. (2018, PG) 6.30 One Of Our Aircraft Is Missing. (1942, PG) 8.30 Letters From Iwo Jima. (2006, MA15+) 11.00 Rendition. (2007, MA15+) 1.15am The Love Witch. (2016, MA15+) 3.25 Late Programs.
6.00 NBN News. 7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Events That Changed Australia. (Ml)
8.30 Outback Murder Highway. (Mv)
9.30 NRLW Wrap: Women’s State Of Origin Special. (PG) 10.30 9News Late. 11.00 Freddy And The Eighth. (Ml) 11.50 Tipping Point. (PG, R)
Pointless. (PG, R)
TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
Global Shop. (R) 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Skippy. (R) 4.30 ACA.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGa) 7.30 Highway Patrol. (PG, R) 8.00 Motorway Patrol. (PGal) A Tesla tests everyone’s patience. 8.30 Britain’s Got Talent. More performers take to the stage.
9.45 Unbelievable Moments Caught On Camera. (PGa, R)
10.45 To Be Advised.
11.45 HMP: Behind Bars. (MA15+a, R)
1.15 New Amsterdam. (MA15+a, R) 2.30 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
(64) 7MATE (64)
By Aiden BURGESS
q The Nambucca Valley Lions Youth Girls 15s were premiers in 2025. Photo: AFL North Coast.
