Nambucca Valley News Of The Area 27 MARCH 2026

Top honours for cattle team

AN

Lily

Competing

By Mick BIRTLES

Mick BIRTLES 0408 167 891 birtles@newsofthearea.com.au

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Top honours for Bowraville Central School Cattle Team as Lily heads to Sydney

FROM Page 1

School team delivered strong performances across multiple classes.

In the Junior Paraders events, Thea Heather placed second in the Under 13 category.

The Under 15 Paraders class saw Lily Kennedy take first place, Lailana Heather secure second and Amarli Whit place fourth.

The school’s cattle also performed exceptionally well in the stud classes, with their heifers awarded both Champion Junior Heifer and Champion Senior Heifer.

In the commercial classes, the team’s steer and heifer placed third and sixth respectively.

These results build on an already strong start to the show season, following the team’s success at the Nabiac Show the previous weekend, where Bowraville Central School was awarded Champion School and received the Gibson Family Perpetual Trophy.

Bowraville Central School Agriculture

Teacher Lori Wilson said the results reflected the hard work and commitment of the students.

“Our students meet two afternoons each week outside of school hours to work with the cattle, training and practising their skills in the ring,” Ms Wilson said.

“They constantly support one another and provide positive and constructive feedback, which has really helped them grow in both skill and confidence.”

q Bowraville Central School’s Cattle Team performed superbly at the recent Wingham Show: Amarli Whit, Lailana Heather, Lily Kennedy and Thea Heather. Photo: supplied.

Central School’s Executive Principal David Taylor expressed the strong pride the school community has in their cattle team.

“'We are very proud of our whole team and their significant improvement over the last few years,” Mr Taylor told News Of The

Area.

“I would also like to acknowledge the commitment and effort of teacher Lori Wilson and farm assistant Sharon Atkins who have raised the bar and challenged the cattle team to continue to improve. Good luck Lily, we are proud of you.”

Mid North Coast waterways under EPA testing for pesticide presence

FROM Page 1

THE NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has ramped up water quality monitoring across the Mid North Coast to better understand pesticide levels in local waterways.

The program focused on key catchments in the Nambucca Valley and Coffs Harbour regions, combining scientific testing with on-ground compliance activity to address community concerns.

NSW EPA Director Operations John Forcier said the work responded directly to public interest in pesticide use across the region.

“We know pesticide use on the Mid North Coast is a concern for the community and we are maintaining a strong regulatory presence there,” he said.

“We have recently commenced systematic water quality monitoring programs in the Nambucca Valley and Coffs Harbour regions to better understand the presence of pesticides in the region’s waterways.

“These projects have been designed and implemented by local EPA operations staff with good knowledge of local catchments, scientific qualifications and expertise in water quality, investigations and catchment management.”

Mr Forcier told News Of The Area that results so far have returned some pesticide detections in the Coffs Harbour catchment, which was “consistent with monitoring conducted over the last few years”.

He said there were “limited detections in Nambucca”.

Sampling across both regions included recording environmental conditions and testing water for more than 150 pesticides and dissolved trace metals.

According to the EPA, strict quality control procedures ensured samples were collected,

handled and transported to laboratories with data accuracy maintained.

In Nambucca, testing at two sites identified a single trace-level detection of the insecticide “imidacloprid” across sampling rounds in July and October 2025.

In Coffs Harbour, pesticides were detected at 14 of 21 sites during initial testing in May 2025, following heavy rainfall that increased runoff into waterways.

Further monitoring in September found detections at three sites: Dundoo Creek, Willis Creek and Double Crossing Creek.

The EPA will continue monitoring water quality and inspecting horticulture operations, with further data needed to confirm long-term trends across the region.

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Sunrise broadcast showcases Valley to national audience

By Mick BIRTLES

AN early morning crowd gathered at the Nambucca Heads V-Wall last week as Channel Seven’s Sunrise breakfast program broadcast live from the Valley, shining a national spotlight on the region.

Around 70 locals attended the first live cross at 5.45am, with many more joining throughout the morning as the broadcast highlighted the area’s unique attractions, businesses and community spirit.

Nambucca Valley Council worked alongside the Sunrise team to coordinate the broadcast, using the opportunity to promote the region and the experiences on offer to visitors.

Council’s Manager Economic Development and Tourism, Jan Rooney, said the event was a strong success, made possible by the enthusiasm of local

residents and businesses.

“When I asked Sunrise weatherman, Sam Mac, what he liked best about the Nambucca Valley he said it was the local characters he met today,” she said.

“The V-Wall Pavilion generously provided free bacon and egg rolls to help pull in an early morning crowd and 15-year-old local vocalist, Violette Hyland, performed live on air to an audience of over one million viewers, artist Ian Moule painted a new rock along the V-wall and we had imaginative performances by Encore Studio’s rovers.”

Ms Rooney expressed her appreciation for the opportunity to show off some of the Nambucca Valley’s attributes.

“We proudly showed off many of our local business people and agricultural products and it was a great success,” she added.

The broadcast featured a range of local businesses and producers, with a focus on the Valley’s river and fertile landscape.

Nambucca Macnuts General Manager Shaun Tholen joined Sam Mac for a nutcracking competition, while Antoine and Paul from Nambucca Oyster Company demonstrated oyster shucking live on air.

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

Local business owners Wendy Campbell of Wendy's Coiffure and Kay Harkness of In Touch Boutique also featured, sharing their insights on style and their long-standing success in business.

Long-time local couple Stan and Nora McRae were also part of the broadcast, chatting with Sam Mac during their regular walk along the V-Wall and reflecting on the secret to their 73-year marriage.

Mr Tholen said the experience was a valuable opportunity to showcase the region.

“It was amazing to have received the opportunity to showcase organic macadamia nuts to a national audience of over one million people,” he said.

“It was fantastic to have the Sunrise team visit the Nambucca Valley and there were so many locals that came out also, so I was really happy with the turnout. It was a truly fun community activity.”

The live broadcast provided a significant promotional boost for the Nambucca Valley, highlighting its vibrant community, local talent and thriving businesses to viewers across the country.

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Feedback wanted on Urunga affordable housing proposal

By Leigh WATSON

BELLINGEN Shire Council is inviting community feedback on a proposed affordable housing development at Ferry Street, Urunga, marking the next step in a project years in the making.

The consultation follows a Mayoral Minute passed unanimously by Bellingen Shire Council in May last year, requesting a detailed report into the legal and financial considerations of transferring the Councilowned land to the not-for-profit Waterfall Way Community Land Trust (CLT).

The Trust, established by the volunteerled Housing Matters Action Group, has been working on the project for eight years with ongoing support from the Bellingen Council.

With that report now released, the group is encouraging the community to provide feedback on whether the land at Lot 1 Ferry Street should be transferred to support the development.

Housing Matters Action Group Chair Kerry Pearse welcomed the consultation process.

“It was great to read the report and understand the sort of process Council will use if they decide to transfer the land,” she said.

“It is a big decision for the Council to transfer public land for any purpose – even affordable housing, which will deliver a clear community benefit. It is important that the community is given the opportunity to say what they think, to inform the Council's decision.”

If approved, the project would deliver around six affordable homes on the 2,195 square metre site, with a mix of two and three bedroom dwellings aimed at local working

households.

The development would operate under a Community Land Trust model, which is widely used overseas but new to Australia.

Under this model, the trust retains ownership of the land while residents purchase the homes, helping to keep prices

more affordable.

Resale conditions are also applied to ensure the homes remain accessible for future generations.

The Ferry Street site is intended as a demonstration project, showcasing how the model could work locally and potentially encouraging similar initiatives by other landholders and councils.

The proposal comes amid ongoing housing challenges in the region.

In Bellingen Shire, house prices are significantly higher than the regional NSW average.

This has made home ownership increasingly out of reach.

The 2021 Census identified at least 293 households in housing stress in the Bellingen Shire.

Community consultation is open until 30 March, with submissions helping to inform Council’s decision.

A report on the outcomes is expected to be presented at the April Council meeting.

Residents can view the proposal and provide feedback via Council’s website bellingen.nsw.gov.au/Have-Your-Say/ Potential-Disposal-of-Operational-Land-forAffordable-Housing.

q An example scenario of the proposed development.

New CT scanner for Macksville Hospital

By Mick BIRTLES

ACCESS to advanced medical imaging has taken a significant step forward in the Nambucca Valley, with a new state-of-the-art CT scanner now installed at Macksville District Hospital.

The addition of the new equipment means local patients, particularly those undergoing cancer treatment, can now receive important scans closer to home, avoiding the need to travel to Coffs Harbour for radiotherapy simulation imaging.

Previously, patients were required to travel more than 75 kilometres each way to access these services.

The new 4D imaging technology will support cancer monitoring, as well as routine outpatient and emergency imaging, and has the capability to deliver both highquality diagnostic imaging and radiotherapy planning.

The installation was made

possible through a $4.7 million investment from the Commonwealth Government under the Fighting Cancer Regional Treatment Centres for Radiation Therapy program.

This funding will also support the refurbishment and fit-out of spaces for radiotherapy consultations, telehealth and education at Kempsey District Hospital and Port Macquarie Base Hospital.

Mid North Coast Local Health District Chief Executive Jill Wong said the new service was a longawaited outcome for the community.

“A cancer diagnosis is a stressful time for patients and their families, so having a service based in the Nambucca Valley will mean one less thing to worry about when accessing treatment,” Ms Wong told NOTA.

“Macksville District Hospital plays a vital role in delivering essential healthcare services to the Nambucca Valley region, ensuring our community can access quality care close to home.”

The new CT scanner will

q Radiographer Cameron Hinshaw, Acting Macksville District Hospital Executive Officer Anna Pascoe, Dr Karly Field and Acting GM Regional and Rural Hospitals Lisa Slater with the new CT scanner. Photo: supplied.

enhance imaging and diagnostic capabilities at the hospital, enabling diagnostic and follow up scans for

cancer and other diagnoses.

“I would like to thank all our staff who have been involved in preparations for operational readiness,” Ms Wong said.

New sewer technology trialled

By Mick BIRTLES

INNOVATIVE technology has been trialled in the Nambucca Valley’s sewer network, with a new curedin-place manhole reliner used to rehabilitate a failing sewer

structure.

The technology, which originated in the United States, is being progressively introduced across Australia by specialist contractors focusing on belowground infrastructure renewal.

Nambucca Valley Council General Manager Bede Spannagle said the trial formed part of Council’s approach to maintaining essential infrastructure in a costeffective way.

“Council has recently developed

and consulted the community on a 30-year strategic plan guiding water supply and sewerage service to the Nambucca Valley,” he told News Of The Area.

“Maintaining infrastructure assets and ensuring it has the capacity for growth comes with considerable costs to Council, so it is great to see innovation being used to lower maintenance costs and achieve good outcomes.

“I would like to thank Fitt Resources and Alternative Lining Technologies for travelling here to install these new treatments, so we can test its effectiveness in our network.”

As part of broader condition assessments, Council identified several manholes across the Valley requiring rehabilitation, with a site at Valla Beach selected for the trial.

The chosen manhole had experienced significant concrete corrosion due to sewage gases, along with groundwater infiltration into the system.

Its location within bushland also made traditional excavation and replacement more difficult, costly and environmentally impactful.

The relining work was carried out on Monday 23 March using trenchless methods, allowing the structure to be refurbished without major excavation.

The installed PVC composite liner is expected to extend the life of the manhole by up to 50 years while reducing disruption and environmental impact.

To create the liner, representatives from Fitt Resources first scanned the manhole using specialised equipment to produce a 3D model.

The liner was then manufactured in the United States and transported to Australia before being installed within the existing structure.

Once in place, the liner was cured using heat and pressure.

Openings were then cut to reconnect the manhole to the existing sewer network.

The trial is part of Council’s ongoing efforts to maintain and improve water and sewer infrastructure across the Nambucca Valley.

Residents can view Council’s Strategic Plan for water and sewer services on Council’s website.

Empty bowls to warm hearts

By KIM SATCHELL

A FAMILY-FRIENDLY community event with a twist is being held in Valla Beach, involving a bowl of soup and a handmade craft classic.

The Village Pottery Company and Coastal Claymakers are raising funds on Sunday 21 June, the Winter Solstice, to support the soup kitchen and outreach centre of the Seventh Day Adventist Church in

Nambucca Heads.

From 4pm until 7pm, handmade bowls donated by local ceramicists will be filled with homemade soup.

There will also be a bonfire and original live music by the Nambucca Valley’s Steve Zirkler.

The idea for the “Empty Bowls” project originated in 1990 in Michigan USA, where a high school teacher helped his students solve a problem.

They were searching for a way to raise funds to support a food drive.

What evolved was a class project to make ceramic bowls for a fundraising meal.

Guests were served soup and bread and were invited to keep the bowl as a reminder of their contribution to combatting hunger in the world.

Megan Vicary from the Village

Turning bottles and cans into habitat support

By Mick BIRTLES

A GRASSROOTS recycling initiative has turned everyday waste into meaningful support for koala habitat restoration, with $1500 raised and donated to Bangalow Koalas.

Valla Beach man Darren Squibb recently presented the funds to Linda Sparrow of Bangalow Koalas in Bangalow, the result of his community-driven ‘Cans for Koalas, Bottles for Boobooks’ campaign.

The funds were collected over the summer through the support of local residents and businesses, including Nourish Cafe, Footprints

Eungai and the Macksville Rotary Club.

In addition to donated recyclables, Darren also collected cans and bottles while picking up rubbish along the M1 and Giinagay Way.

The donation will contribute to the ongoing work of Bangalow Koalas, who have planted around 70,000 native feed trees across the region between Byron Bay and Lismore.

These plantings support not only koalas, but also glossy black cockatoos, possums and a wide range of native wildlife.

Linda Sparrow and the Bangalow Koalas team are now working towards their next goal which is raising $20,000 to establish a vital wildlife feed corridor between Byron Bay High School and Cape Byron.

“Community members who would like to support the initiative can contribute by dropping off refundable cans and bottles to my place at 74 Seaforth Drive, Valla Beach, which will help to turn recyclables into habitat for native species,” Darren told News Of The Area.

Pottery Company told News Of The Area, “We were part of the very first ‘Empty Bowls’ event in Coffs Harbour years ago and it was such a memorable and heartwarming evening.

“We are truly looking forward to hosting a space for the 2026 event.”

Free bowl painting sessions will be held for the community in the lead-up, with the first session from 10am to 11am at the Village Pottery Company on Saturday 28 March.

For more information, visit Eventbrite – Soup and Solstice, Empty Bowls Event or call Michaela on 0412 929 030.

Afternoon tea delight at Stuarts Point

q Locals and visitors enjoyed table service and great conversations.

By Jen HETHERINGTON

THE Stuarts Point and District Community Organisation (SPaDCO) hosted an elegant afternoon tea designed to celebrate the diverse elder community on Friday, 13 March, during NSW Seniors Week.

The volunteer caterers and a team of helpers produced a fine fare of delights, impressing dignitaries such as Kempsey Shire Mayor Kinne Ring.

Entertainment was provided by Indigenous Elder Uncle James Dungay, who demonstrated eucalyptus-leaf whistling.

A number of guests also attempted Mr Dungay’s technique with varying levels of success.

Brendan Seed, a representative for Cowper MP Pat Conaghan, told NOTA, “I was pleased to represent Pat at the SPaDCO Seniors Day afternoon tea as Pat was in transit returning from Parliament and unable to attend.

“The cooking delicious and homemade eucalyptus-leaf whistling demonstrations were a highlight of the afternoon.

“James could certainly make those gum leaves sing!

“These special gatherings are a wonderful opportunity to bring the community together and reduce social isolation in regional areas. It was a pleasure to attend.”

SPaDCO has more community events in the pipeline, including community meetings, a kids film night and the release of their second anthology ‘Tell Your Tale’, a collection of local short stories.

Hundreds brave rain to march for forests

By Andrew VIVIAN

APPROXIMATELY

500

people braved the rain to take part in the 2026 Bob Brown Foundation (BBF) March for Forests at Bellingen Park on Sunday, 22 March.

It was one of 14 marches across the country, in total attracting 15,000 participants who called for an end to native forest logging and mining.

In Bellingen, they listened to speeches and music before marching.

One of the speakers, Bellingen Shire councillor Dominic King, told News Of The Area, "It was so good to be among so many staunch defenders of our native forests.

“Seeing people of all ages across the region come out and show that the destruction of our natural heritage has to stop, was empowering.

“We know that you can't put a price on our children's

future and that stopping native forest logging is one of the most effective ways to protect our rivers, save our species and tackle a warming planet."

Former Magistrate David Heilpern also spoke to the crowd.

"Apart from a March for our forests, this is also a gathering for victims of crime,” he said.

“We know who the criminals are, the Forestry Corporation, and we know who the victims are, ancient trees, animals, riparian zones.

“But also us, the residents of NSW, who waste our resources on these criminals and these crimes.”

After the speeches, the crowd marched from the park, up the main street and then back down in heavy rain.

Doro Babeck, NSW campaigner for BBF, said,

“Numbers are increasing in capital cities, with 3000 marchers in Melbourne and Hobart and 2,500 in Perth.

“We had a huge downpour of rain as we were doing the

q Marchers went up and down Bellingen’s main street. Photo: supplied, Bob Brown Foundation.

street march and everyone just kept marching,” she said.

“Then 50 people went out to Pine Creek State Forest to call for protection of the critical forest bridge to link coastal koala populations

No new mines but coal expansions given green light

By Tom WARK, AAP

COAL mine expansions are on the cards for at least another 25 years under NSW’s new mining road map at odds with its environment commission.

The NSW government announced its coal industry outlook for 2026-2050 on Thursday, saying it will no longer consider new coal mines but applications to extend existing mines will be assessed.

NSW produces the second most amount of coal of any state behind Queensland, according to Geosciences Australia.

Emissions requirements will be a condition of any project expansions, the government says, but its own Net Zero Commission says any move to expand coal production is at odds with environmental goals.

In December, the commission found any increase in coal mining activity would leave the state at odds with the Climate Change Act and the Paris Agreement.

The position sets firm expectations on producers and the communities that rely on coal mining, Minister for Natural Resources Courtney Houssos said.

Regional communities who rely on mining for employment and trading partners who want commitments met can all gain confidence from the plan, the government says.

However, Greens MPs and environmental groups say it fails the climate test.

"This policy still allows coal production to grow, and that's completely incompatible with a safe climate," Greens coal spokeswoman Cate Faehrmann said.

The government has failed to impose any environmental restrictions on the nine expansions approved since

with the Dorrigo Plateau and the rest of the Great Koala National Park.”

Catherine Jones, Bellingen Environment Centre (BEC) Secretary, said,

“The community of Bellingen and its bioregion came out yet again in full force to show their true commitment to end

native forest logging.

“We live in one of the most beautiful places on Earth where the rivers run free and the birds and wildlife are rife, and the ancient Gondwana forest towers from the mountain to the sea.”

Bellingen Environment Centre is a staunch supporter

of the Bob Brown Foundation and its rallies. It was the first environment group in NSW to have an “end native forest logging” stance.

“It’s astounding that we are still fighting to save the forests in this climate emergency,” Catherine said

q After the march, some went to Pine Creek State Forest to highlight their call for a forest bridge. Photo: supplied, Bob Brown Foundation.

the government took office in 2023, the Lock the Gate Alliance said.

"The NSW government is using semantics to mask the truth that coal project approvals will continue as business as usual," head of research Georgina Woods said.

Only three of NSW's 37 operating coal mines have enforceable emissions limits,

the Net Zero Commission found.

Stopping new coal mines was a welcome step but the continued acceptance of expansions was exposing residents to more climate harm, the Australian Conservation Foundation said.

"It's time to wind up all coal projects in NSW starting today and prepare

for a renewable-powered net zero emissions future," campaigner Freja Leonard said.

The minerals sector welcomed support for mine expansions but NSW Minerals Council chief executive Stephen Galilee said blocking new mines placed a limit on future economic opportunities for the state.

Vital link reopens between Bellingen and Dorrigo

AFTER being closed for two months, Waterfall Way was opened to traffic on Sunday - restoring a vital link for the North Coast.

The major access route between Bellingen and Dorrigo has been closed since 19 January due to a landslip, causing significant impacts to residents, businesses and organisations in the Bellingen Shire.

Temporary repairs to the Gordonville slip site were completed last week.

One lane is now operational on the northern side of the road under temporary traffic signals, with vehicles travelling through the slip site one direction at a time at a reduced speed of 40 km/h.

The temporary fix consists of a gravel-filled shipping container wall - two containers high and eight long - attached using nine high-

strength steel anchors drilled deep into the rockface.

“Our final readiness works, installation of site controls and safety checks to allow us to reopen Waterfall Way have gone better than planned and we've been able to open the road today," Transport for NSW Executive Director Partnerships and Integration North Greg Collins said.

Bellingen Shire Council

General Manager Mark Griffioen said Council staff have been “working closely” with Transport for NSW (TfNSW) teams and contractors during the site investigation process, site clearing, and installation of the shipping container wall.

A statement from Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison noted that continued access will depend on the ongoing stability of the slope.

The road may need to close

at short notice in response to rainfall, rockfall or changing ground conditions.

In any event, light vehicles will be diverted back onto the alternate route via Summervilles Road.

Ms Aitchison said the NSW Government will “keep working to strengthen this corridor and improve its resilience for the long term”.

Bellingen Mayor Steve Allan said the importance of the road cannot be overstated.

“While this temporary opening will be a great relief to the people who rely on Waterfall Way, this is the first step in a lengthy process.

“Transport for NSW and the Minns Government have committed to carrying out a detailed corridor assessment, identifying short-term solutions, as well as options for increasing the long-term resilience of Waterfall Way.”

Mr Collins said TfNSW was continuing work on long-term design options for Waterfall Way.

"We are yet to finalise

In memory of ‘Herbie’

By Andrea FERRARI

q Installing the second layer of the container wall at the Gordonville slip site, Waterfall Way.

the design that will allow Waterfall Way to be fully reopened but we will

black cockatoo and peacock; they were the hallmark of the hat,” Mr Hughes said.

continue to keep the community updated as we work on a long-term solution

Queanbeyan near Canberra before moving to Urunga.

to ensure Waterfall Way is a safe and reliable connection,” he said.

but losing physical abilities,” Mr Hughes said.

Herbie requested no funeral service and was privately cremated with his famous hat placed respectfully upon his head.

ALBERT Nuster, 90, known fondly as Herbie, passed away peacefully at his nursing home in the Masonic Village Raleigh on 6 March, 2026.

It was the right thing to do; his hat was as famous around Urunga as the man himself, Herbie’s friend James Hughes told News Of The Area.

“Adorning the hat were bird feathers from the sulphur crested cockatoo,

Born in Esslingen am Neckar in Germany in 1936, Herbie was a cabinet maker by trade.

After completing his apprenticeship he left Germany and set off on a lifetime of world travel, visiting 84 countries and living in some too.

Mr Hughes, who had coffee with Herbie most days of the week, said that in those days his friend would have travelled by ship, motorbike, hitch-hiking, walking and trains.

“I have three giant boxes of paperwork from all this travel,” Mr Hughes said.

“He photographed everything; he had a great eye for a picture. There are 40 albums of black-and-white and colour photographs from many years of travel.

“He’d been everywhere.”

When he visited Australia for a second time, he lived in

In his mid-sixties Herbie suffered a stroke which resulted in paralysis of his right arm and partially in his leg.

“This is when he got his stick, which he would wave at people, always in jest,” Mr Hughes said.

“His ‘warning wave’ became well known around town.”

Herbie enjoyed a connection with nature around Urunga and then Raleigh, which fed his enchantment for wildlife – birds especially, and animals, seashells, plants and mushrooms.

He didn’t appear to have family, and locals understood him to be a loner satisfied with a quiet life.

Just over two years ago, it was deemed “sensible” for Herbie to move to a nursing home where he could receive the care he needed.

“He was sharp as a tack

“We worked through his possessions, and he donated his library of books to Urunga school.”

Herbie is famously the centrepiece of local artist David Bromley’s captivating trompe-l’oeil (trick of the eye) street mural in Urunga.

“When I asked him to go on the mural, he said yes and later on agreed to go on the ‘Wanted’ poster,” Mr Bromley told NOTA.

“I told him probably people would offer to take him to the Police Station to claim the five hundred pounds reward.

“He said that was okay.

“Once, when I was putting finishing touches on the mural, a woman was looking at the ‘Highly Dangerous Villain poster’ and said, ‘Why, what’s he done?’.”

Reflecting on 90 years of Herbie’s life, the question might be: “what hasn’t he done?”.

Pet care day

By Mick Birtles

KEEPING on top of a pet’s health and legal requirements can be overwhelming for many owners, but a new community initiative aims to make it easier.

Nambucca Valley Council has partnered with Midcoast Vets to deliver a Pet Care Day in Macksville on Wednesday 1 April, offering discounted vaccinations, health checks and helpful information for local pet owners.

Nambucca Valley Council General Manager Bede Spannagle said the day was

designed to support residents, particularly concession card holders, in meeting their responsibilities.

“A pet’s needs and a pet owner’s responsibilities under the Companions Animals Act 1998 are quite intricate so, to support concession-card holders and locals, we are jointly delivering a Pet Care Day in Macksville on Wednesday 1 April 2026 ,” he said.

“Council Rangers will be available to check if your dog or cat has a microchip inserted, as required by regulation, and check

whether your contact details attached to the chip are correct. If your dog or cat is not microchipped, you can book in for a free appointment on 1 April and get your pet microchipped for free.”

Veterinarian Patrick O’Donoghue will also be available on the day, offering discounted basic health checks for dogs.

“For a heavily discounted fee of $40.00, concession card holders can book their dog in for a health check and vaccination,” Mr O’Donoghue said.

“To secure your place, please contact Macksville Vet Clinic to book in and pay

Sandon qualifies for State Titles

By Jen HETHERINGTON

YARRAHAPINNI surfer

Sandon Vowels has qualified

for the NSW State Titles, following a strong showing at a North Coast qualifier held on Sunday, 22 March at Emerald

Beach.

A Surfing NSW Junior Regional Series event, the tournament was hosted by the Woolgoolga Boardriders Club and was open to athletes from Red Rock to Crescent Head.

Sandon was one of eight surfers competing in the under 16s boys division.

“I won my first heat with a score of 6.50 and 7.40, totalling at 13.90,” he told NOTA.

“I got second in the final with a 7.00 and an 8.23, a combination of 15.23.

“There was only a 0.40 points difference between me and first place, that was Hamish Harrigan.

“As I came second, I have now qualified for state titles.”

prior to 1 April.

“The vaccination will help to protect dogs against parvovirus, distemper virus, and hepatitis.”

Pet Care Day will be held at Macksville Vet Clinic, 19 River Street, Macksville, from 9am.

Residents can contact the clinic to book a $40 health check and vaccination for their dog by registering their attendance, paying prior to the event and attending at their allocated appointment time.

Those wishing to check if their pet is microchipped can drop in to the clinic carpark from 9am on the day, while bookings can also be

SPORTS

Several members of the Scotts Head Boardriders Club, of which Sandon is an active member, also competed, including his sister Avalon Vowels, Tarro Boxsell from Scotts Head and Myla and Jaggar March from Valla.

Tarro Boxsell finished fourth in the final, Myla March finished third, and Jaggar March finished eighth.

Avalon Vowels topped the under 18s girls division.

Sandon’s mum Crystal said the family was “stoked” with his results.

“It gains him qualification to the State Titles to be held in Coffs Harbour in May, which is the entry way to the Australian Titles later in the year.”

Coffs Coast sides impress at Challenge Cup

TWO Coffs Coast women’s teams have enjoyed success at the 2026 Challenge Cup, with Urunga and Corindi Red Rock bringing home the glory in their respective divisions.

The always-dangerous Urunga Raiders took out the open women’s division in style, defeating a powerful Macleay Valley Rangers side 2-0 in a tightly-contested

final.

In the Masters Women sixa-side competition, Corindi Red Rock proved too strong for hosts the Nambucca Strikers, prevailing 5-2 in the final.

Coffs Coast sides also came close in both men’s competitions.

The travelling West Pymble edged out the

Macksville Bowls Club

By Ruth FLARRETY

WEDNESDAY 18 March

the Macksville Bowls Club ladies hosted their annual Gala Day.

Players from Nambucca Heads, Bowraville , Scotts Head, Hat Head, Urunga, Coffs C-Ex, Park Beach , Woolgoolga and Macksville took part on the day. Each

team played a game of 2 bowl fours -18 ends. It was a fun day , the sun was shining and the music playing.

Winners and Runners-Up were drawn from the cards.

Winners were Lead: Gloria (Nambucca Heads), 2nd: Barry (Macksville). 3rd: Anne (Hat Head), Skip: Ron (Park Beach).

Northern Storm to take the open men’s final 1-0.

The Storm created chances, but West Pymble’s defence stood firm to secure the narrow victory.

A night prior, the Coffs Coast Tigers fell agonisingly short in the men’s over-35s, going down to the Macleay Valley Rangers 5-4 on penalties.

Hosted over the weekend by the Nambucca Strikers Football Club, the threeday Challenge Cup held at Coronation Park in Nambucca Heads brought together teams from across the Mid North Coast and beyond.

High quality football and good sportsmanship was on show throughout, despite high temperatures on

Runners -Up were Lead: Julie (Urunga), 2nd: Storky (Bowraville), 3rd: Janine (Scotts Head), Skip: Carolyn (Woolgoolga).

Carol from Macksville was closest to the spider to take that prize.

Many players had fun winning prizes In the 100 club, raffle and cent auction with the Coffs C-Ex ladies having a fruitful day.

made for free microchipping appointments.

The event will also include giveaways and information for pet owners,

with organisers encouraging attendees to ensure dogs are kept on leads and cats are transported in secure carriers.

Bowra Bowls

By BUNCHA

GOOD turnout for the club social bowls on Thursday the 19th of March, with the cash prize going to Wayne Brown, Storky Mitchell and Pud Laverty. Runners up were Wayne Dargan, Peter Saurine (a visitor camping at the hub with his wife Leslie who also played and commented on having a great afternoon) and Lloyd Laird. The lucky bowler was Luke Laverty. Wow, what a great day for the Tigers last Saturday when the club hosted Woolgoolga in round nine of the Grade 5 pennants and won their first game of the season defeating the visitors 10-0 (62/53). There was a great jubilation

and cheers from all involved except for the fact that nearly all had forgotten the victor war cry. The Hub is at home this weekend playing Stuarts Point and will be out to make it 2 in a row. Selected teams are on the notice board.

The annual Fish triples will be on again on the 3rd of April (Good Friday) and names have to be in by Thursday the 2nd of April. Teams will be selected on the day with the selected skips picking their lead and second from a barrel. There will be loads of seafood for the winners and runners up, and play will start at around 10:30am. Put your name in on the notice board.

Saturday and Sunday.

The Strikers committee congratulated all teams involved for “another fun and successful weekend”.

“We would also like to offer our thanks to the committee and organisers involved in making this such a successful event,” a committee spokesperson said.

“From the grounds crew,

the canteen volunteers, logistical problems solvers and all involved in any way for making this year's Challenge Cup another successful event.

“This annual fundraiser helps pay for new equipment and keeps our rego fees down, which ultimately helps us achieve our ultimate goal of as many Nambucca Strikers players as possible playing the game we all love.”

Nambucca Heads Ladies Golf Club

By Teresa MEEHAN

NAMBUCCA Ladies Shine in Pennants and Social Bowls

Nambucca Heads

Ladies delivered an outstanding performance in Thursday morning Pennant competition, with both Grade 2 and Grade 4 sides producing strong results.

Travelling to North Haven, the Grade 2 team faced the challenge of fast greens under cover but rose to the occasion in impressive

fashion. Winning on both rinks, Nambucca secured a convincing 47–32 victory on the big board, earning the full 7 points. The result sees Nambucca move to the top of the ladder on 13 points, holding a clear lead over Kempsey on 8.

Grade 4 also enjoyed success, claiming a hardfought 44–39 win on the big board to collect 6.1 points. Matches were tightly contested across both rinks, with Nambucca winning one

game and narrowly losing the other by just a single shot. The result places the Grade 4 side in second position on the ladder. They will look to continue their strong form when they take on Urunga next Thursday, while Grade 2 will enjoy a well-earned bye.

Earlier in the week, Tuesday’s Ladies Social Bowls saw 14 players take to the green in pleasant, cooler conditions. The morning featured one game of triples and one of fours, with both

matches proving closely fought.

At the conclusion of play, Marg, Teresa, Colleen and Kerrie were named lucky winners, while Nerida, Marilyn and Sandra were the lucky losers. Marg also claimed the lucky bowler prize, and raffle winners were Colleen and Rosie.

It was an enjoyable morning of bowls, with organisers hoping to see even more players on the green in the weeks ahead

Nambucca Heads Island Golf Club

By Chris KNIGHT

DAVE Mattacott's theory that it's impossible to find the tail tip of the leaderboard in a comp game at the Nambucca Heads Island Golf Course has been shredded more finely than a drastically reduced dress between contesting customers at the Boxing Day sales.

He and Club President Geoff Harris combined for 30 points in the Nambucca Glass medley fourball best ball stableford on Saturday to finish in 48th place, but they did manage to make it just past the amenity block on the 13th in their match for a Keno ticket against the other pair.

Three of the group - all bar Geoff McCann - sacrificed a 'river ball' to the Nambucca estuary on the 2nd.

The Wilsons, Bruce and Kevin, were at the other end of the scoreboard with 48 points to win on a countback from the Dans, Wren and

Phelps.

Good player Bryce McCarroll and Stephen McNeill combined for 45 points and third place and the ball run went down to 41.

Late starter, but early onfire Stephen Kimber binned the Ecomist longest putt on the first then radared in to be closest on the 5th. Other nearest the pins went to Graham Long on 7, Rob Coneybeare on 8 and McNeill on 15.

Peter Thompson will revel in one of Steve Ward's finest flatbreads with the works after winning the Pizza This Pizza That prize on the 13th and Elizabeth Hobday was all smiles after banking the $85 Pro Pin on 18.

Longtime supporter of the club Chris Tinson (27) is back, baby, after steamrolling his way to the best score of the day with 41 points to win Div 2 of the Nambucca Glass medley stableford on Thursday 19 March.

The big fella had a so-so start but lit the fuse on the 7th with a par and four more to follow in the run to the clubhouse for 91 off the stick.

Andrew Cuthbertson (26) was runner-up after parring the first three to finish with 39 points.

Coffs Harbour's Jack Pountney (+4 - yep, is a beast) had 40 points to win Div 1 in a round which included 10 birdies for 61 gross - a course record surely if the comp had been off the plates.

Steve Frost (17 - and one of us) was runner-up with 38.

Daryl Wall binned the putt from a distance on 1 and pins went to Paul McElhinney on 5, Garry Johnstone on 7, Tinson on 8 and McCarroll on 15. Darrell Flanders has a box of balls to treasure after an eagle on the the 11th as he limped to 30 points, while Nathan Ison has a short walk up High Street to collect his pizza after hitting it closest on 13. Stuart Johnston took

the $60 Pro Pin on the last.

Coral McCann (31) led the parade in some big scores in the women's stableford competition on Wednesday 18 March. Ninety-four off the stick, pars on 13 and 15 and a birdie on the last saw McCann post 43 points for the Div 2 salute.

Dianne O'Leary (17) has been in sharper form than a Japanese knife set on Temu as she carded 41 points for the W in Div 1.

Pins went to Linda Piccin on 5, Jenny Thorne on 13 and Elizabeth Hobday banked the $30 Pro Pin on the 18th.

Stuart Bell (20) from the SGA roamers 'club' carded 37 points for victory on countback in the Nambucca Glass medley stableford ahead of Island legend Andy Mackinnon (17). Macca had five pars around the front on his way to 85 off the stick.

Nambucca Valley Bridge Club News

By Barbara MARANIK

RESULTS for week ending 22nd March 2026

AGM held on 19th March 2026

Monday 16th March 2025

1st Carol McGee & Vicky Walker 65%, 2nd Geoffrey Gardnew & Paul Petrusma 60%, 3rd Rosemary Bateman & Alison Savage 55%

Tuesday 17th March 2025

1st Carol McKee & Amber Fox 59%, 2nd Alison Savage & Colin Denney 55%, 3rd Maureen Cowan & Barb Maranik 51%

Thursday 19th March 2025

North/South 1st Judy Holliday & Barb Maranik 61%, 2nd Scott

Parker & Leonie Harrison 58%, 3rd Maureen Cowan & Janet Dyson 48%

East/West

1st Paul Coe & Carol McKee 60%, 2nd Equal Libby Knight & Pete Rundle 60% and Lyndall Edsall & Pamela Rongen 51%

Saturday 21st March 2025

North/South 1st Carol McKee & Amber Fox 54.4%, 2nd Sandra Ellis & Robert Baker 54.3%, 3rd Maureen Cowan & Barb Maranik 48% East /West

1st Ali & Neil Tupper 60%, 2nd Judy Holliday & Vicki Walker 56%, 3rd John & Lynne Slade 48%

Pins went to Narelle Delaney on 5, Norman Devereaux on 7, Peter Shepherd on 8, and Thomas Wattison on 15. Stuart Johnstone picked up his second Pro Pin for the week for $30 and Kevin Mulhall can look forward to mozzarella goodness after sticking it handy on 13.

Diggers and Macksville win grand finals

By Aiden BURGESS

DIGGERS Cricket Club and the Macksville Bulls have both won premierships after victories in Sixers Cricket League Coffs Harbour’s third and fourth-grade grand finals.

Third-grade

Diggers Cricket Club won this season’s third-

grade premiership, defeating Woolgoolga Cricket Club Rebels White by eight runs in their grand final at Reg Ryan Oval.

Diggers successfully defended the premiership they won last season.

Diggers were bowled out for 200 in the 40th over, after the Rebels won the toss and

elected to bowl in the season decider.

Michael Nealand top scored with 70, and Colin Scott was next best with 43.

Lindsay Mamone took 2-30 from seven overs for the Rebels, and Connor Burgess took 2-39 from eight overs.

Chasing 201 for the grand final victory, the Rebels

Nambucca Bowls Report

By Charlie POTTER

FRIDAY Mar 20. 66 bowlers, and the day went to Syd Campton, Drew Stephens and Dirk Winwood. Paddy Byrne, Grant Lawrence and skip Bob Sutton ( and no, not a misprint) were second and Peter Lott, John Morgan and Terry Snowden were third. The Lucky Losers went to Jai MacAuliffe, Barry Redman and Peter Fredericks. Dirk Winwood was the Lucky Bowler but not lucky enough to win the jackpot of $180.

Sat Mar 21. Pennants

Round 8.

Grade 3 def Sawtell at Park Beach 72-42 (10-0). They have already won their section.

Grade 5 def Urunga at

Macksville Country Club

By Max TURNER

ALTHOUGH a few got wet shirts, Saturday's Midway Trailer and Storage sponsored 4 Ball Best Ball event drew a good field .

Convincing winners were Jessica and Peter Lambert with Carla and Adam Ross runners up.

While Carla has been

a regular amongst the winners in recent weeks it was Jessica who had the best score on the day.

Nearest the pins went to Mick Manning in Division 1 and Robert Townsend in Div 2.

Harry Andrews hit form again winning the Mid Week Competition from Jeff Gore.

On Tuesday the ladies Stroke event was won by Sally Roberts with Desma Hughes finishing runner up. Straight shooters with nearest the pins were Sharon Howlett on the 3rd and Helen Ferraro the 8th.

The popular Chook Run saw Graham Everett return to the winners circle,beating Virginia Joyce

finished at 6/192 from their 40 overs.

Daniel Martin top scored with 73, and Brock Hutchinson was next best with 41.

Fourth-grade

Macksville Bulls capped off a dominant season with a premiership win, beating Sawtell Cricket Club Blue by

home 75-43 (10-0) and sit 1st by ½pt over Stuarts Pt. who they play in the last round.

Grade 6 Red had a bye, in 2nd spot 7½ pts behind North Beach/

Grade 6 Blue def Scotts

Head 88-33 (10-0) and sit 1 pt behind Kempsey RSL who have a game in hand.

on a count back.

With the win costing Graham a loss of 4 shots from his handicap it will take some good Golf to see his name in lights again soon.

Nearest the pins went to Rod Curtis and Graham Everett.

q

and Phillip

38-runs in the fourth-grade grand final at Donnelly Welsh Field.

The Bulls set a total of 9/104 from 35 overs, after winning the toss and electing to bat.

John Bell top scored with 26 for the Bulls, while for Sawtell, Scott Griffiths took 3-20 from seven overs, Cooper Heinz took 2-15 from six overs, Eva Maguire took

Grade 7 lost at home to Kempsey RSL 53-74 (0-10) and are out of contention.

Sun. Mar 22. Social Bowls attracted 20 players and the winners were Hans Jensen and Kate Gilbey.

Tony Pattinson, Glen Evans and Bob Sutton were the Lucky Losers. Kate Gilbey

on The Island, where a number of massive events with huge prizes are on offer including the Mid North Coast Open Championship on Sunday 29 March and the Easter Bowl on 4-5 April.

2-22 from five overs, and captain Daniel Maguire had an economical spell of 1-7 from seven overs.

Needing 105 for the premiership win, Sawtell was bowled out for 66 in the 32nd over.

Ark Gillett was the pick of the Bulls bowlers taking 4-12 from four overs, and John Bell took 2-9 from six overs.

had a great day...she drew Lucky Bowler and pulled the $75 Jackpot to go with her winners prizemoney. We still need starters for the Easter Shootout. A heap of prizemoney to be won and a smorgasbord lunch included.

By Manny WOOD

Toxic love, testamentary obligation

WILLIAM died at 48 without a will, leaving an estate valued at $360,000.

His assets included a small rural property, a motor vehicle and minimal cash.

Under intestacy rules, the estate passed to his sister, Amelia, with whom he had limited contact.

William had, however, been in a long but volatile relationship with Kristina for almost a decade.

Their relationship was marked by periods of living together, frequent conflict, police involvement and repeated separations.

Kristina often left the home with nowhere stable to go, sometimes staying in motels, on couches or in her car before returning.

Despite the instability, there were moments of connection. William proposed to Kristina, gave her jewellery and told her the property was “her home”.

When living together, she contributed by cooking, cleaning and maintaining the home while relying on him for accommodation.

The relationship ultimately ended several months before William’s passing.

Both were subject to apprehended violence orders and were living separately at the time he died. Kristina did not learn of his death until several weeks later.

Following his death, Kristina brought a family provision claim.

Although she was not entitled under intestacy, as no de facto relationship existed at the time of William’s death, she argued that she had been partly dependent on William for many years, particularly for housing and had been the person closest to him over the last decade.

She also relied on her financial hardship, lack of assets and dependence on Centrelink.

Amelia opposed the claim, arguing the relationship had ended and was characterised by what she described as very ‘toxic behaviour’.

She submitted that William had no obligation to Kristina, given they were no longer together at the time of his death.

The Court accepted that the relationship was troubled but enduring.

It found that Kristina had been partly dependent on William and was someone who would naturally be expected to receive testamentary provision.

Her financial need was significant, while Amelia’s circumstances were comparatively secure.

The Court awarded Kristina the entirety of the estate, subject to costs, effectively displacing William’s sister.

Thank you to Ellysha Laklem for her assistance with this column.

This fictional column is not legal advice.

OPINION & LETTERS

On the Couch

By Paul DORIN

Verse of the week

John 12: 12 & 13

By Lynne MILES

"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!""

How did we get here?

DEAR News Of

The Area,

AGAIN, in response to Ashley Love’s Letter of 11 March 2026, I feel it is necessary to highlight his hypocrisy regarding plantations within the proposed Great Koala National Park footprint.

His last two paragraphs say it all.

Koalas trump taxpayer investment in plantations, no matter what.

The plantations within the GKNP footprint were deliberately excluded from being part of the Park itself because the Government recognised that society still needs timber.

Indeed, most environmental NGOs recognise society still needs timber when they demand that we cease native timber harvesting and transition (immediately, but that’s another issue) solely to plantations.

But Mr Love wants the 16,000 hectares that make up half the State’s current hardwood plantations included in the GKNP.

Why, because koalas can’t tell the difference between a plantation and a native forest when it comes to looking for something to eat.

How did we get to this?

How has the koala been weaponised by activists and the Greens?

Why are koalas classified as endangered in NSW?

Whilst the koala has been listed as Vulnerable in NSW since 2012 (again based on “expert” opinion, not data), it all starts with an Upper House inquiry chaired by the Greens and Animal Justice Party, more selective guesstimates (opinions)

from chosen “experts”, ignoring the government’s own science and data and finally a lack of a dissenting report by the LNP government rep on the inquiry (either from general laziness or lack of interest).

The preordained finding was that “koalas could be extinct in the wild by 2050”.

Then have the activists in the environmental bureaucracy take that to Canberra in 2022, split a species by geographical distribution for the first time ever (hate to be a koala with a home range that crosses the Victorian/NSW border - endangered one minute, abundant the next!) and based on the "expert opinion" (rather than data) that the population had declined from 184,748 to 92,184, they are now listed as endangered in the ACT, NSW and QLD.

The latest CSIRO’s data-driven estimate for the size of the listed (NSW, ACT, QLD) koala population is between 398,000 and 569,000 (May 2025).

The latest data-driven population model has been built based on tens of thousands of data points spread across the species range.

Ironically, the Endangered population in NSW, QLD and ACT exceeds the unlisted population in VIC and SA (only 303,000 to 381,000 koalas).

The latest CSIRO data comes after NSW Department of Primary Industries scientists revealed that koala populations are ‘high and stable’ in NSW forests.

Then, the NSW government’s

By JASMINDA

DEAR Jasminda,

I PUT a collectible item on Facebook Marketplace.

A man offered to buy it.

He also paid a deposit, so I marked it as sold.

He said he couldn't attend the first pick up date, then said he was sick, and now he wants to meet me at a halfway point with cash.

Nigel W.

Dear Nigel,

It appears you have moved from Marketplace to its darker and more sinister brother: Marketplace Mobland.

Surviving Marketplace is a hard enough task - a zone where the normal rules of engagement don't apply.

Sally from Sage and Light comes across all vibey and spiritual on her profile, until you have to negotiate a fair-priced bulk smudging stick sale with her.

It's akin to negotiations on reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

Selling is even more fraught.

Our local Vinnies has become the frequent beneficiary of my failed Marketplace negotiations. Some buyers have an innate ability to wear sellers down.

Most recently, my exchanges over a pair of spanking-new Nikes morphed into chess-level wheeling and dealing.

Beaten down, annoyed, but willing to accept a low-ball offer, I agreed to a price.

The purchaser then asked if I could meet her at a more convenient location.

“Forget it,” I said.

With the cost of petrol at the

environmental department very quietly announced the results of their Statewide “baseline” koala survey before Christmas and estimated that there are 274,000 koalas in NSW (with a 95 percent confidence interval).

That’s eight times as many as when they were listed as endangered.

They would have known this before their disastrous GKNP announcement on Father’s Day.

Bring the children home

DEAR News Of The Area, THEIR mothers were young and naive when they left Australia to marry ISIS fighters. They were barely children themselves.

Allowing them to live in filth and squalor is a breeding ground for

radicalisation, let alone shortening their lives due to malnourishment and disease.

They are Australian citizens and above all human beings.

The children are in this situation through no fault of their own. They need to be with their

moment, I could have bought myself a pair of Balenciaga Speed Trainers.

All that pales into insignificance, though, when you enter the domain of Marketplace Mobland. This is the space of shady deals done behind abandoned scout halls in the dead of night.

The buyer arrives in a hotted up Benz with NOCOPS number plates.

In the back of his vehicle, you make out two shadowy accomplices in balaclavas.

The buyer (Murray during initial messages, but now Muz in conversations you suspect have taken place on a burner phone) emerges from his car.

You notice he has one hand clutching a brown paper bag, the other is twitching in his pocket. Slowly, he ambles towards you, throws his cigarette butt in the dirt and grinds it with the heel of his cap-toe shoe.

“We do this on the count of three,” Muz says.

And, on three, Muz hands you the bag, and you hand over a Labubu doll worth six-months' of diesel. Forlornly, you head back to your car.

The deal is done. Or is it?

Seller's remorse creeps in.

What will you say to your daughter Sophie?

Have you sold your soul on Marketplace Mobland?

You turn and start to run towards the Benz.

One of the goons steadies a rifle at your face.

“It's name is Baba, you yell, but your scream is lost in the screech of the Benz's spinning wheels.

Later, in your driveway, you drag the cash out of its bag.

In true mob form, it's a wad of counterfeit.

You see your daughter at the screen door.

“Daddy,” she cries, “I can't find Baba”.

May this be a lesson to you, Nigel.

Carpe diem, Jasminda.

Yet, Environment Minister Penny Sharpe MLC still clings to the idea that koalas are endangered in order to justify the destruction of the timber industry, regional jobs, regional communities and future conservation decisions.

Kind regards, Steve DOBBYNS, Forest and Wood Communities Australia.

children who have no voice.

mothers. That’s all they know.

Politicians, you are denying them their constitutional rights as Australian citizens. Having clean water and enough to eat are human rights. Stop this political point scoring at the expense of these women and

SUDOKU

Gwen Evelyn Alberry

Aged 93 years.

Passed away 17th March 2026 at Cazna Gardens, Sunnybank Hills. Formerly of Barrie Street, Macksville. Dearly love wife of Tony (dec). Much loved mother of Lorraine & Mark, John (dec) and Debbie & Mark. Adored nan, great nan and great great nan to all her grandchildren.

Family and friends are invited to attend Gwen’s funeral prayers at St Patrick’s Catholic Church, Macksville, on Tuesday 31st March 2026, commencing at 10:00am. Followed by interment in the Macksville Cemetery.

Bernard Laverty Funerals

Tel: 6568 1555

LOOKING for a Gardener/Handyman Macksville. Ph 0409 653 303

BEER brewing kit complete plus 250 bottles. $99. 6559 6656

NAMBUCCA VALLEY

BEST ON THE BOX

FRIDAY PATIENCE

ABC TV, 8.30pm

Former criminal record archivist Patience Evans (Ella Maisy Purvis, pictured) proved herself integral to the York police in season one of this British crime thriller – helping detective Bea Metcalf (Laura Fraser) with a fresh perspective on complicated cases. But as season two begins, we learn that Metcalf moved to Glasgow without warning and has been replaced by DI Frankie Monroe (Jessica Hynes, Spaced). The abrasive and stern Monroe views Patience, who is autistic, as a liability, and isn’t shy about expressing it.

FRIDAY, March 27

6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 News. 10.00 Compass. (PG, R) 10.30 Stuff The British Stole. (PG, R) 11.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 12.00 ABC

6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 Gardening Australia.

8.30 Patience. (Return, M) A body is found drained of blood.

9.20 Tonight At The Museum. (PGs, R) 9.50 The Weekly With Charlie Pickering. (PGs, R) 10.20 Shaun Micallef’s Eve Of Destruction. (PG, R)

10.55 ABC Late News.

11.15 Melbourne Comedy Festival Gala. (R)

1.15 Murdoch Mysteries. (PGa, R)

2.00 Rage New Music. (MA15+adhlnsv)

5.00 Rage. (PG)

WEDNESDAY

MELBOURNE COMEDY FESTIVAL: ALLSTARS SUPERSHOW

ABC TV, 9.30pm

A jewel in the crown of Australia’s cultural events, the Melbourne International Comedy Festival marks its 40th anniversary this year. And what better day on the calendar to broadcast a celebration than April Fool’s Day? Brett Blake and Bron Lewis (pictured) host this extravaganza from St Kilda’s Palais Theatre, featuring the comic stylings of Celia Pacquola, David O’Doherty, Dilruk Jayasinha, He Huang, Jenny Tian, Josie Long, Lou Wall, Nazeem Hussain, Phil Wang, Reuben Kaye, Tom Cashman and Sam Jay. From festival favourites to next-generation talents and everything in between, this legendary line-up has something to tickle even the creakiest of funny bones.

THURSDAY RIOT WOMEN

(R) 4.15 Secrets Of The Tower Of London. (PGa, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R) 6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 National News At Noon. 1.00

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Going Places With Ernie Dingo. (PG)

8.30 Titanic In Colour. (R)

10.20 SBS World News Late.

10.50 Sisi. (Ma)

11.50 Babylon Berlin. (MA15+a, R)

1.40 El Immortal: Gangs Of Madrid. (MA15+v, R)

3.30 Food, Sail, Love. (PG, R)

4.05 Bamay. (R)

4.55 Destination Flavour: Singapore 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. 7.30 Football. AFL. Round 3. Collingwood v GWS Giants.

10.30 AFL Post-Game Show. Post-game discussion and interviews. 11.15 GetOn Extra. A look at the weekend’s best racing.

11.45 Australian Idol. (PGal, R) Hosted by Ricki-Lee Coulter and Scott Tweedie. 12.55 Damnation. (MA15+asv, R) Seth and Lew are given an opportunity.

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R)

5.00 NBC Today.

SBS, 9.35pm Happy Gentleman Jack Last Tango in Halifax, acclaimed screenwriter Sally Wainwright takes pride in creating authentic, complex and fierce female characters. Her latest project is no exception, focusing on a group of menopausal British women who form a punk rock band for a local talent contest. It’s not long before teacher Beth (Joanna Scanlan, pictured), shoplifter Kitty (Rosalie Craig), pub landlady Jess (Lorraine Ashbourne), police officer Holly (Tamsin Greig) and midwife Yvonne (Amelia Bullmore) discover they’ve actually got quite a lot to shout about. The six-part series covers a lot of ground and is a testament to the power of female friendship.

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Rugby League. NRL. Round 4. Brisbane Broncos v Dolphins.

9.55 NRL Friday Night Footy Post-Match. Post-match coverage of the NRL game.

10.45 MOVIE: Gringo. (2018, MA15+dlv, R) A man plots his own abduction. David Oyelowo.

1.00 Next Stop.

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)

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. 8.50 BattleBots. 9.40 Gladiators UK. 10.40 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Children’s Programs. 8.30 Nanny. 9.30 Addams Family. 10.30 Bewitched. 11.30 Rugby Heaven. 12.25pm MOVIE: Volcano. (1997, M) 2.30 Nanny. 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family. 5.30 Bewitched. 6.30 Nanny. 7.30 MOVIE: Freaky Friday. (2003, PG) 9.30 MOVIE: 27 Dresses. (2008, PG)

6am Discovering Film.

(2022, M) 2.50 The Movie Show. 3.25 Princess Caraboo. (1994, PG) 5.10 Fried Green Tomatoes. (1991, PG) 7.30 Paradise Road. (1997, M) 9.40 Birthday Girl. (2001, M) 11.20 Late Programs.

Bowraville Golf Club

By Pam COTTON

SATURDAY, 21 March 2026

It was an early-bird special at Bowraville Golf Club on Saturday, with a strong field of 20 keen golfers clearly deciding that sleep was optional and golf was essential! The early starters certainly set the pace, keeping

the day moving along nicely and proving that the worm isn’t the only thing worth chasing before breakfast.

Played in good conditions (and even better spirits), the Stableford competition delivered plenty of laughs, a few “almost” moments, and the usual collection of creative scorecard explanations.

6.00 10 News+. Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 6.30 Deal Or No Deal. (R) Hosted by Grant Denyer.

7.00 Millionaire Hot Seat. (PG, R) Hosted by Rebecca Gibney. 7.30 Soccer. FIFA Series. Australia v Cameroon.

10.30 10’s Late News. Coverage of news, sport and weather. 11.30 10 News+. (R) Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 12.00 Gogglebox Australia. (R) 1.00 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

9GO! (83)

Oz. 8.30 MOVIE: Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance With Somebody. (2022, M) 11.35 Late Programs. 6am Morning Programs. 1.45pm Blackbird. 2.00 Tradition On A Plate. 2.30 The Cook Up. 3.00 Jarjums.

Taking out top honours on the day was Terry Noble, who clearly had his Weet-Bix and came ready to play. Hot on his heels was runnerup Robyn McDonald, putting in a solid performance and keeping Terry honest right to the finish.

Nearest the pin honours went to Matthew Smith and Eliza McNally, both showing pinpoint precision and giving the rest of the field something to aim for

(literally). Meanwhile, Brian Brabant claimed the longest putt, no doubt enjoying the walk up to the hole almost as much as the applause that followed.

All in all, it was a great day on the course—good weather, great company, and just enough competitive spirit to keep things interesting without anyone throwing a club (that we saw, anyway).

Advertising and Marketing works for your business. Call Ads Department for pricing and options to be inside the local newspaper. (02) 4981 8882 ads@newsofthearea.com.au

SATURDAY, March 28

6.00 Kath & Kim. (PGals, R)

6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 Blue Murder Motel. (PG) Two locals are poisoned by their own dinner.

8.15 Top End Bub. (M) Taya’s birthday turns to chaos with the arrival of Ned’s high-maintenance mother. Lauren secretly discovers who Taya’s father is. 8.40 Death In Paradise. (PG, R) Neville and the team investigate a death and discover a hidden world of data mining, crypto and murder. 9.40 Frauds. (M, R) Bert reveals her master plan.

10.30 Rage. (MA15+dhlnsv)

FAMILY

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. 9.35 Mr Bean: The Animated Series. 10.00 Fresh Off The Boat. 10.40 Late Programs.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Jewels Of The Mediterranean. (PG) 8.25 Homebodies.

9.25 MOVIE: The Hostages’ Story. (2025, Mal) Documents the human cost of state hostage taking. Nazanin Zaghari Ratcliffe, Richard Ratcliffe. 11.05 Snowpiercer. (MA15+v, R)

1.45 El Immortal: Gangs Of Madrid. (MA15+v, R)

3.30 Food, Sail, Love. (R) 4.05 Bamay. (R) 5.15 Euronews. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

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6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG, R) An unemployed man attracts suspicion. 7.30 Athletics. Maurie Plant Meet. 9.30 MOVIE: Men In Black: International. (2019, Mv, R) Two MiB agents uncover a sinister plot involving a traitor who is aiding an alien invasion. Chris Hemsworth, Tessa Thompson, Liam Neeson.

11.45 Australian Idol. (PGal, R) 1.00 Devils. (MA15+av, 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: Meg 2: The Trench. (2023, Mav) A research team’s ocean dive spirals into chaos. Jason Statham, Jing Wu.

10.50 MOVIE: Into The Blue 2: The Reef. (2009, MA15+sv, R)

12.35 Epic Builds. (R)

1.30 Open For Inspection. (R)

2.00 The Incredible Journey Presents. (PGa)

2.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

4.30 Global Shop. (R)

5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 5.30 Helping Hands. (PG, R)

6.30 The Dog House. (R) A man is hoping to find a best friend.

7.30 Love It Or List It Australia. The competition is on, with team List It wanting to find Skye and Andrew a new home. 9.30 Gogglebox Australia. (R) TV fanatics open up their living rooms to reveal their reactions to popular and topical TV shows. 10.30 Elsbeth. (Mv, R) A ’90s supermodel returns to New York for revenge. 11.30 Law & Order: SVU. (Mv, R) The unit searches for an assailant.

6am Princess

Caraboo. (1994, PG) 7.35 Fried Green Tomatoes. (1991, PG) 9.55 Discovering Film. 10.40 Paradise Road. (1997, M) 12.45pm Silver Linings Playbook. (2012, M) 3.00 Another Mother’s Son. (2017, PG) 4.55 The Final Countdown. (1980, PG) 6.50 Enchanted Kingdom. 8.30 Moonfall. (2022, M) 10.55 Erotica 2022. (2022, MA15+, Polish) 1.35am Birthday Girl. (2001, M) 3.15 Late Programs.

SUNDAY, March 29

6.30 Compass: Reclaiming Pride. (PG)

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 The Piano. (PG) Presented by Guy Sebastian and Andrea Lam.

8.20 Can You Keep A Secret? (Ms) Debbie’s on a mission to catch a blackmailer.

8.50 Frauds. (Mlv) Trouble from home catches up with Bilal.

9.35 Blue Murder Motel. (PGa, R) Two locals are poisoned by their own dinner.

10.25 Top End Bub. (Ml, R)

10.45 MOVIE: Sweetie. (1989, MA15+l, R)

12.25 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

3.30 Gardening Australia. (R)

4.30 A Bite To Eat With Alice. (R)

5.00 Insiders. (R)

6am Children’s Programs. 5.45pm Super Monsters. 5.55 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 The Inbestigators. 8.00 Foxes: 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 Valley Of The Kings: Secret Tombs.

9.20 Leonardo Da Vinci. (Ma, R) 10.20 Lost Treasures Of Egypt. (PGav, R) 11.15 Cycling. UCI World Tour. In Flanders Fields – From Middelkerke to Wevelgem. Men’s race.

1.20 Cycling. UCI World Tour. In Flanders Fields – From Middelkerke to Wevelgem. Women’s race. 3.30 Designing Paradise With Bill Bensley. (R) 4.30 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 Euronews. 5.30 PBS News Horizons.

VICELAND (31)

7MATE

6am Morning Programs. 1pm Blokesworld. 1.30 My Road To Adventure. 2.00 Rides Down Under: Aussie Truckers. 3.00 Motor Racing.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Australian Idol. (PGal) 8.45 Britain’s Got Talent. (PG) Auditions continue as weird, wacky and wonderful acts compete in front of celebrity judges. 10.00 King Con: Life And Crimes Of Hamish McLaren. (Mal, R) A look at con man Hamish McLaren. 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) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

6.00 NBN News. 7.00 Married At First Sight. (PGls) 8.40 60 Minutes. Current affairs program. 9.40 9News Late. 10.10 My Wife, My Killer And The Secret Footage. (MA15+assv)

ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Morning Programs. 10.00 Ice Hockey. NHL. New York Rangers v Chicago Blackhawks. 12.40pm Soccer. English Premier League. Bournemouth v Manchester United. 2.40 MOVIE: Fisherman’s Friends 2: One And All. (2023, PG) 4.50 Young Sheldon. 5.20 MOVIE: DC League Of Super-Pets. (2022, PG) 7.30 MOVIE: Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them. (2016, M) 10.10 Late Programs. 6am Children’s Programs. 8.00 MOVIE: DC League Of Super-Pets. (2022, PG) 10.00 Cards And Collectables Aust. 10.30 Motor Racing. Formula E World C’ship. H’lights. 11.35 Surfing Aust. 12.05pm Limitless. 1.15 Soccer. EPL. Everton v Chelsea. 3.15 Austn Ninja Warrior. 5.05 MOVIE: Rams. (2020, PG) 7.30 MOVIE: Rush Hour 3. (2007, M) 9.20 MOVIE: Three Amigos! (1986, PG) 11.25 Late Programs.

6am Another Mother’s Son. Continued. (2017, PG) 6.55 The Final Countdown. (1980, PG) 8.50 Enchanted Kingdom. 10.30 The Heartbreak Kid. (1993, M) 12.20pm The Hummingbird. (2022, M, Italian) 2.40 Mia And The White Lion. (2018, PG) 4.25 The Assassin. (2015, PG, Mandarin) 6.25 Merchant Ivory. 8.30 A Room With A View. (1985, M) 10.40 Burning Days. (2022, MA15+, Turkish) 1am Late Programs.

Urunga Raiders go unbeaten to lift Challenge Cup

FROM Page 20

and look at game tactics in a friendly but competitive environment.

“After last year’s washout we were hopeful for a fun and productive weekend.

“Saturday was hot and humid which when combined with a slow pitch meant the physical demands on

the teams went up a notch.

“We looked sharp from the whistle though and played a quick but controlled brand of football over the group stages, finishing day one with a bag full of goals and none conceded.”

Urunga saved the best for last, with a flawless display on the final day not conceding a goal.

“It was still hot on Sunday and a

Urunga vs Urunga first game helped to settle the squad,” Martin said.

“We did step up as the day progressed and found ourselves facing MVR in the final.

They have always been strong and we don’t play them regularly so we were a little unsure of what to expect.

“It was a fitting finals matchup.

“Both teams worked hard and played attractive and competitive football.

“But there can only be one winner and the Raiders girls took the honours with a 2-0 victory.”

The highly decorated coach reflected on the weekend with a smile.

“I was really proud of our

campaign over the weekend,” Martin said.

“The girls were solid and worked tirelessly in every match to finish up undefeated and without conceding a goal.

“Every one of them worked to their potential and there were some great footballing moments to look back on.

“I couldn’t be happier with the result.”

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.35 Inside The Tower Of London. (PG)

8.30 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. (M)

9.25 Never Mind The Buzzcocks. (M)

10.05 SBS World News Late.

10.35 Other People’s Money. (Ml) 11.30 Gomorrah. (MA15+v, R)

2.30 Designing Paradise With Bill Bensley. (PG, R)

4.00 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

VICELAND (31) VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 10.15 TBA. 10.25 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: Crystalized. 7.50 Ninjago. 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.

To Eat. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)

SBS MOVIES (32)

6am The

Assassin. Continued. (2015, PG, Mandarin) 7.05 A Room With A View. (1985, M) 9.10 Discovering Film. 10.05 Moonfall. (2022, M) 12.25pm Gloria Bell. (2018, M) 2.15 The Final Countdown. (1980, PG) 4.10 Under The Cover Of Cloud. (2018, PG) 5.50 Five Flights Up. (2014, PG) 7.30 Fathers And Mothers. (2022, M, Danish) 9.25 How To Make A Killing. (2024, MA15+, French) 11.30 Late Programs.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGa)

7.30 Australian Idol. (PG) Hosted by Ricki-Lee Coulter and Scott Tweedie.

8.40 9-1-1. (Mav) Hen continues to seek out a diagnosis for her mysterious symptoms.

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. (Ma, R)

12.40 Conviction. (MA15+av, R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News.

5.30 Sunrise.

6am Children’s Programs. 10.15 TBA. 10.25 Children’s Programs. 6.35pm 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. 8.00 Young Sheldon. 8.20 BTN Newsbreak. 8.25 Young Sheldon. 8.45 The Slow Mo Guys’ Big Adventures. 9.10 MythBusters “There’s Your Problem!”. 9.35 BattleBots. 10.20 Merlin. 11.05 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22) ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Children’s Programs. 8.30 Nanny. 9.30 Addams Family. 10.30 Bewitched. 11.30 Explore. 11.45 Ready Vet Go: The Vet Paramedics. 12.15pm MOVIE: The Aegean. (2024, M) 2.30 Nanny. 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family. 5.30 Bewitched. 6.30 Nanny. 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30 MOVIE: The Terminator. (1984, M) 10.45 Seinfeld. 11.45 The 100. 12.40am Love Island UK. 1.35

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. (PGa)

10.30 SBS World News Late. 11.00 Exit. (Return, MA15+adlnsv)

11.55 Wolf. (Madlv, R)

2.10 Reset. (Mn, R) 3.05 Designing Paradise With Bill Bensley. (PG, R) 4.05 Bamay. (R) 4.45 Destination Flavour. (R) 4.50 Destination Flavour. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

7MATE (64)

SBS MOVIES (32)

6am Mia And The White Lion. (2018, PG) 7.45 The Movie Show. 8.20 Five Flights Up. (2014, PG) 10.00 Staring At Strangers. (2022, M, Spanish) Noon Say It Loud. (2020, M, Italian) 1.40 The Assassin. (2015, PG, Mandarin) 3.35 A Room With A View. (1985, M) 5.40 Finding Graceland. (1998, PG) 7.30 Dragons Forever. (1988, M, Cantonese) 9.15 Kung Fu Hustle. (2004, M, Cantonese) 11.00 Late Programs.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PG)

7.30 Highway Patrol. (PGl) Thousands of dollars are found in the street.

8.30 Doc. (Mad) Charlie fights for his life at Westside.

9.30 House Of Wellness. (Return, PG) Insights and experiences that highlight living well. 10.30 The Agenda Setters. 11.30 St. Denis Medical. (PGal) 12.00 Dirty John. (MA15+v) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

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WEDNESDAY, April 1

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R) 6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Sandi Toksvig’s Great Riviera Rail Trip. (PG)

8.25 Mysteries Of Loch Ness. (PG, R)

9.20 Prisoner 951. (M)

10.15 SBS World News Late.

10.45 Rise Of The Raven. (Premiere, MA15+v)

11.50 Darkness: Those Who Kill. (Return, MA15+v) 1.40 Classified. (MA15+v, R) 3.20 Designing Paradise With Bill Bensley. (Ml, R) 3.45 Mountain Vets. (Ma, R) 4.55 Destination Flavour 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. (PGas)

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) Hamish McLachlan chats with Alastair Clarkson. 10.00 The Agenda Setters. 11.00 No Holds Barred: GWS Giants. (Mal)

12.00 Kochie’s Business Builders. (R) 12.30 The Act. (MA15+ans, R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 NBC Today.

5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

Travel Guides. (PGls, R)

MOVIE: Bride Wars. (2009, PGal, R)

One Tank Holiday. (R)

9News Late.

And The Eighth. (Ml)

Tipping Point. (PG, R)

6am Morning Programs. 6.15 Discovering Film. 7.05 Finding Graceland. (1998, PG) 8.55 Under The Cover Of Cloud. (2018, PG) 10.35 Fathers And Mothers. (2022, M, Danish) 12.30pm Kung Fu Hustle. (2004, M, Cantonese) 2.20 Five Flights Up. (2014, PG) 4.00 Manganinnie. (1980, PG) 5.40 Clockwatchers. (1997, PG) 7.30 Bad Eggs. (2003, M) 9.25 The Wog Boy. (2000) 11.10 Late Programs.

THURSDAY, April 2

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Treasures With Bettany Hughes. (PG)

8.25 Our Medicine. (PGa, R) 9.35 Riot Women. (Premiere) 10.40 SBS World News Late. 11.10 In Memoriam. (Malsv) 12.05 Blackwater. (Malsv, R)

2.15 Beyond Signs. (MA15+a, R) 3.15 Designing Paradise With Bill Bensley. (R)

4.40 Bamay. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News.

5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 Adam Hills: The Last Leg. 9.20 History’s Greatest Mysteries. 10.10 The UnXplained. 11.00 Brassic. 11.55 Late Programs. 6am The Zoo. 6.30

SBS MOVIES (32) SBS MOVIES (32)

6am Finding You. (2020, PG) 8.10 Clockwatchers. (1997, PG) 10.00 Dragons Forever. (1988, M, Cantonese) 11.45 Man Up. (2015, M) 1.20pm The Longest Week. (2014, M) 2.50 Discovering Film. 3.45 Finding Graceland. (1998, PG) 5.30 Without A Clue. (1988, PG) 7.30 Monty Python And The Holy Grail. (1975, PG) 9.10 What We Do In The Shadows. (2014, M) 10.45 Late Programs.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Home And Away. (PGas)

7.30 Highway Patrol. (Ma, R) Documents the work of the highway patrol.

8.00 Motorway Patrol. (PGal) A drunk driver gets his car airborne. 8.30 Britain’s Got Talent. (PG) More performers take to the stage to impress the judges and secure their place in the semi-finals.

9.45 Australian Idol. (PGal, R)

12.40 Damnation. (MA15+asv, R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 NBC Today.

5.00 Sunrise Early News.

5.30 Sunrise. 6.00 NBN News.

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Bewitched. 6.30 Nanny. 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30

Shallow Hal. (2001, M) 10.45 Seinfeld. 11.45 Late Programs. 6am Children’s Programs. 8.30 Nanny. 9.30

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Raiders run riot

By David WIGLEY

THE Urunga Raiders claimed the women’s Challenge Cup with a composed 2-0 win over the Macleay Valley Rangers (MVR) after three days of action at Coronation Park, Nambucca Heads.

Fresh off a dominant 4-0 semifinal victory over Coffs United, the Raiders brought the same intensity into the decider, overcoming a determined Rangers outfit that threatened on multiple occasions but couldn’t find the breakthrough.

The Raiders were all smiles at fulltime as Nambucca Strikers president Clay Urquhart presented the trophy, along with a $1,400 winner’s cheque.

The Rangers, gallant in defeat, took home $500 as runners-up.

Urunga Coach Trevor Martin has long treated the pre-season Challenge Cup as a proving ground before the real work begins.

“Challenge Cup has always been a part of our pre-season schedule,” he said.

“It’s an opportunity to chat with rival coaches, trial different players

CONTINUED Page 17

Thursday 3rd April