these gatherings offer a meaningful opportunity to reflect on the legacy of those who served and continue to serve and the impact of conflict on our nation
With events taking place in towns and villages throughout the Valley – including Macksville
and Utungun – all members of the community are invited to come together in remembrance
Below are the key times and locations for ANZAC Day services:
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was responsible for the design and construction of the $550 million Pacific Highway Upgrade between Warrell Creek and Nambucca Heads
The project included the design and construction of 20 kilometres of highway between Warrell Creek and Nambucca Heads
It is part of the upgrade of sections of the Pacific Highway between Warrell Creek and Urunga
approved in July 2011 and jointly funded by the state and federal governments
which aims to improve road safety and transport efficiency
while attempting to reduce the seasonal congestion the highway currently experiences
The new section includes a rail subway and a new interchange at Warrell Creek
the project included the construction of 15 bridges
most notably the 850-metre bridge across the Nambucca River
two new interchanges and approaches to North Macksville
The Warrell Creek to Nambucca Heads Pacific Highway Upgrade in NSW opened the final six kilometre section on 29th June
The project is jointly funded by the Australian and NSW governments
and has been delivered by an ACCIONA and Ferrovial joint venture
The milestone represents the highly successful delivery of essential infrastructure for NSW by the two companies
both of which are significant investors in the state and in Australia
The June 29 event follows the opening of the initial 14km of road in December last year
The project is part of the larger Warrell Creek to Urunga Pacific Highway upgrade to improve road safety and transport efficiency and relieve seasonal traffic congestion
The 20km project was delivered under a Design and Construct Contract managed by NSW Roads and Maritime Services
the project has been a substantial driver of economic activity in the region
with over 650 people working on construction at its peak and more than 5,000 inductions onto site
Numerous local subcontractors have also been involved
creating valuable revenue streams and employment opportunities
Managing Director for ACCIONA's Infrastructure division in Australia
said: "This is a great day for the project
and a credit to the team’s hard work and dedication
We appreciate the ongoing support of the local community
and are proud to have played a central role in delivering this project for New South Wales."
"It just shows how companies with substantial technical expertise and extensive local and international experience can create infrastructure of lasting value in Australia."
The newly-opened section includes a rail underpass and new interchange at Warrell Creek
including a major new 850-metre bridge over the Nambucca River
two new interchanges and access ramps at North Macksville
The project has also delivered a high standard of safety
achieving 2,000,000 hours with no Lost Time Injuries
The upgrade between Warrell Creek and Nambucca Heads involved:
For information directly relating to bushfires please call the Bush Fire Information Line on <a href="tel:1800 679 737">1800 679 737</a> or visit the <a href="http://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/">NSW Rural Fire Service Website here. [external link]</a>
We responded to over 150,000 incidents in 2023-24
The incidents displayed below are note-worthy incidents that have been published as media releases or tweets
Details about incidents may change and should not be used as emergency information and/or advice
North Parramatta | The fire at Dunlop Street, North Parramatta has been contained but is expected to smoulder through the morning. Because there may be smoke in the area, residents and businesses in the vicinity are advised to keep doors, windows, and vents closed.   <a href='https://twitter.com/FRNSW/status/1904256299233403288'>View on X [external link]</a>
Fire and Rescue NSW acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the Traditional Custodians of the land and acknowledges and pays respect to their Elders, past, present and emerging.
The cost of living, housing and education are all in the sights of a Nambucca Heads teen &#8211; running for the seat of Cowper.
With the average age of an Australian MP 51 years old, Zeke Daley is one of the youngest candidates in the country to throw their hat in the ring.
Local councillors have endorsed a push &#8211; to figure out a fix for Nambucca Heads&#8217; CBD.
Business owners say Bowra Street is tired and dated, and something needs to be done &#8211; for residents, and tourists alike.
Paul Reid (23) notched 39 points to sweep Div 2 from runner-up Paul McElhinney (25) in a welcome return to form on 37.
Stuart Johnston snaked the Ecomist long putt on the 1st, while the pins went to Peter Scott on 5, McElhinney on 7, Klem on 8 and Joe Street on 15. Stephen McNeil pocketed the $80 Pro Pin on 18 and Ballina&#8217;s Mark Colnan rescued a long day at the office (20 points) by winning the Pizza This Pizza That voucher on 13.
Renowned mud-runner Chris Knight (11) won the Cubana Resort medley stableford on Saturday, 12 April, with 36 points when heavy rain the morning sent many scurrying for their comfort blankets.
Next best was Nathaniel Beverley (11) on 34 points.
Afternoon player Stephen Kimber took the putt from afar on 1 and the pins were shared by Joe Street on 5, Dave Rosser on 8 and Ashton Herbert nailed it to 45cm for a tap-in on 15. Daryl Wall chomped the pizza voucher on 13 and Peter Farrell collected the $30 Pro Pin on the last.
The women played a fourball best ball stableford on Wednesday, 9 April, when Suzanne O&#8217;Donnell and Lisa Guest combined nicely for 41 points and the dance of domination.
Hot on their heels were Shayne Scott and Kay McGoldrick who carded 40 points to be runners-up on a countback from Lyn Vidler and Kerry Naylor.
Nearest the pins on the 8th were claimed by Deidre Fletcher, Marilyn McNally and Bryony Brownlie while Lisa Guest saluted on 13.
Ann Antcliff bowed to the crowd, taking the $47 Pro Pin on 18.
Grafton&#8217;s Ron Sommer (25) squeaked home for a win on countback, posting 39 points in the Cubana Resort medley stableford on Tuesday, 8 April.
Runner-up was Ashton Herbert (7) who birdied 2 and 17 for a solid 73 off the bat.
Sommer also won the pin on 5, while Kai Burkinshaw was closest on 7, Robert Dan on 15, and Nev Newman went the double winning the 8th and the 13th for a pizza to go.
Ashton Herbert collected his first Pro Pin &#8211; $45.
The club&#8217;s Div 2 and 3 sides were at home in the Mid North Coast men&#8217;s pennant competition on Sunday, 13 April &#8211; and it wasn&#8217;t happy hunting.
Sawtell defeated the top Nambucca outfit three matches to two, with Graham Watson and Ashton Herbert securing victories for the hosts.
The strong Div 3 squad also hit a speed bump, going down 3-2 to Kempsey, with Joe Street and Dave Rosser securing Ws for The Island.
Div 4 had another bye and will be fanging for fury in the season run home.
Spots are still available in the 36-hole Easter Bowl medley presented by Toyota Genuine Service on Saturday and Sunday, 19-20 April.
This will be followed by the second round of the NIV Golf series on ANZAC Day.
Catchya on The Island if the river doesn’t grab you first.
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A much-loved mid north coast sports club has been reduced to rubble, and decades of memorabilia lost, after a blaze tore through early this morning.
The inferno at Nambucca Heads, so fierce, it sparked a collapse&#8230; forcing firefighters to make a hasty retreat.
Over the years, Freya and her friends have raised funds for organisations such as Red Cross, Neighbourhood Centres, The Youthie, and schools in Nepal.
This year, the focus is on helping local families who may be having difficulty in purchasing school uniforms.
To raise funds, garden parties will take place on Saturday 15 and 16 March from 10am-3 pm at Freya’s home in Faringdon Village, Nambucca Heads. 
Visitors will have the opportunity to explore what can be achieved in a small garden space, with highlights including two ponds, a lush verandah filled with greenery, and a charming potted vegetable garden. 
Freya’s signature mosaics will also be on display, adding to the artistic and creative ambiance of the event.
A key feature of the fundraiser will be the sale of 150 potted plants, while the ‘Lovely Things Shop’ will boast a collection of over 100 unique owl-themed items, an assortment of jewellery and other treasures.
A creative raffle will also be running, with homemade morning and afternoon teas on offer. 
Guests are advised to park at the Nambucca Plaza and follow the signs to 123 Bangalay Circuit, Faringdon Village. 
The event is cash-only, and due to village regulations, dogs are not permitted.
The 24-year-old hotshot from Bowraville wrapped up the competition with a series of forehand crosscourt nicks which have become his signature shot at the club.
Jackson Lindsay, the 2023 club champion and Fitzgerald’s closest rival, couldn’t help but tip his hat to the young gun.
“Nathan’s rise has been fantastic,” Lindsay said. 
“I held onto the 2023 Club Championship, but since then it’s been all Nathan. 
“He won the 2024 Club Champs, and this comp… he was untouchable… barely dropped a set. Straight up dominant.”
Lindsay, no slouch himself, admired Fitzgerald&#8217;s aggressive style.
“Nathan plays attacking squash, no hesitation. 
“He takes that ball early on the volley and forces his opponent into a corner. 
“His crosscourt volley into the nick? It’s magic, every time it hits you hear the crowd clap in appreciation.
“This comp has been one of the strongest for some time, with six genuine line one players in the comp there’s been no easy matches.
“But in the end, Nathan ran away with it and won the comp by 12 points.
“The comp was played in really good spirits, everyone knows each other and has a joke together and that’s what it’s all about, the social side is really important,” Lindsay said.
Division Two, on the other hand, was a battle of grit. 
Andy Vassallo fought his way to victory through a series of brutal matches, a test of willpower and endurance.
In line three, 13-year-old Jaida Wigley won her first senior competition, by six points over her nearest rival. 
She defeated Peter Budd, a club legend and longest serving player in the competition in her final match.
Line four was won by Jashan Veerpal who romped home by a ten point winning margin. 
“The next competition kicks off after the Easter school holidays, and whether you’re a seasoned player or a newcomer looking to make your mark, there’s room for you. 
“It’s all about the game, the camaraderie, and of course, the spirit of squash,” concluded Lindsay.
A new event on the Nambucca Heads festive calendar, organisers hope that locals and visitors to the district will gather in big numbers for an evening of traditional Christmas Carols and a few musical surprises from some special guests. 
A kid-friendly, alcohol and drug-free celebration, the lineup features a stellar array of performers, including DJ Bisho, local vocal talents Christine Love and Bronwyn Hawkins, and the chart-topping country music artist Dianne Coombs. 
Dianne’s latest single, “Small Town With A Big Heart”, co-written with Angus Gill, has captured the hearts of country music fans nationwide and is currently number one on the Campfire Publishing Australian Airplay Chart.
“Guests are welcome to bring along a blanket or chair, and comfortable to enjoy an evening of music, fun, and community spirit with something for everyone, including great offerings from some food trucks and the Roosters’ canteen,” Nambucca Heads RSL CEO Wendy Mills told News Of The Area. 
“The evening will conclude with a spectacular fireworks display so it will be worth sticking around until the end.”
Entry is by donation, with all proceeds going to support domestic violence groups in the Nambucca Valley.
Thursday  March 20th saw our first Versatility 5s event for women at our club and it was an awesome day. Teams from Grafton in the north along the coast to Port Macquarie fielded teams and a strong competition was held. The morning involved games of Singles and Fours. After a lovely lunch the afternoon games were triples and pairs. 
Overall winners on the day were Team Urunga- Ros, Sarah, Joanna, Sue and Elaine. Second place went to Kempsey RSL, 3rd Urunga, and 4th Club Nambucca- Marg D, Michelle, Alma, Manor &#038; Genevieve. 
Port City team had the best afternoon win and Club Nambucca- Elaine, Gloria, Mel, Lisa and Janice had the best morning result.
Thank you so much to our sponsors of this event- Zenith Roofing, Pelicans Landing Nursery, Nambucca Glass, Trisleys Betta Electricals, Kempsey Nissan, BCIB, De Bortoli.
On Tuesday 25th March Manor Smith played well to get her name on the honour board yet again as the Women’s Singles Champion. Elaine Fleming played some lovely bowls too but Manor was too strong, winning 25-15. It seems Manor has a stranglehold on this title at our club- congratulations Manor.
“The Bellingen and Nambucca Rural Australians for Refugees (RAR) group is delighted to welcome the Bellingen AkaBella community choir and the Coffs-based Nota Bene ensemble to perform in the Main Hall of the Nambucca Community and Arts Centre on Sunday 30 March at 2.00pm,” said group coordinator Mike Griffin from Valla Beach. 
“The concert aims to bring joy to our community and at the same time raise vital funds for the Asylum Seekers Centre in Newtown.”
The local RAR group has raised $57,000 for the Asylum Seekers Centre over the past three years, in support of their work helping asylum seekers living in Sydney.
The AkaBella Choir, under the talented leadership of Louise Gore, will entertain the audience with beautiful harmonies embracing everything from soul-stirring gospel and toe-tapping jazz to vibrant world favourites.
The Nota Bene ensemble will play pieces by Mozart and Haydn, music from India and Scandinavia, and much more. 
Tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for students. 
Visit the Humantix website and search “RAR” for tickets, or contact Mike Griffin on 6569 5419 to reserve a seat. 
Emergency services got the call and responded just before 6am, by which time the building was well alight, with plumes of black smoke rising high into the morning sky. 
“At approximately 6:00am this morning, Fire and Rescue NSW requested assistance from the RFS (Rural Fire Service) for a fire at the Nambucca Leagues and Sports Club,” a spokesperson for the NSW RFS said. 
“Multiple crews remain on scene (as of mid-morning), working to bring the fire under control.
“There are reports of partial building collapses, and crews are expected to be on scene for a number of hours.”
In total more than 30 firefighters attended the scene to extinguish the blaze which caused much of the building’s structure to collapse.
One person was treated by paramedics at the scene for non-life threatening injuries.
Local resident Celia Ramsay, who lives directly opposite the Leagues Club, woke around 6am to “see flames and black billowing smoke” coming from the building. 
“The flames spread rapidly through the building,” she said.  
“The fire brigade was on hand but it took about 45 minutes to get it under control.  
“The flames have gone but the smoke is still billowing (at around 7:15am).&#8221;  
Some nearby homes were impacted by power outages as the scene unfolded. 
Federal Member for Cowper Pat Conaghan described the incident as “devastating for the Nambucca community”.
“Leagues clubs everywhere are always an integral part of the community particularly in regional and rural areas,” he said. 
The day after the fire, representatives from local, state and federal governments converged on the site at Sport Street, Nambucca Heads to meet with emergency services personnel on the scene.
Federal Member for Cowper Pat Conaghan, State Member for Oxley Michael Kemp and Nambucca Valley Mayor Gary Lee addressed club management, staff and board members, as well as representatives from local sports groups with links to the club, to express their sympathy and understanding of the impact such an event has on the community and individuals. 
The MPs then spoke to a group of employees in private to gain an understanding of their concerns and offer what support they could regarding employment. 
“My heart goes out to the whole community, especially the staff of the club,” Mr Kemp told News Of The Area.
“I would like to thank all involved with the emergency response and I will be there to support the club through the next few months. 
“My office will assist the staff trying to get new jobs, liaise with state bodies for approvals, and look at grant processes to help where possible.”  
Also present was Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell of NSW Fire and Rescue, who put to rest early speculation regarding the cause of the disaster.
A full 24 hours since the fire and the site had only just been rendered safe enough for investigators to enter the area and begin their painstaking work.
In addition to the loss of the club facilities and jobs was the destruction of irreplaceable memorabilia such as trophies, historic team photos and honour boards. 
A spokesperson for the Nambucca Roosters RLFC noted that this should serve as a strong reminder to sporting clubs, associations and volunteers groups that, in the interest of preserving your organisation&#8217;s history, items that can be copied or duplicated should be copied, digitally where possible, and stored off site. 
While it is yet to be confirmed just what memorabilia survived the fire, those who may have copies of Nambucca Strikers memorabilia are asked to email Strikers Vice President Ben Honeybrook at bjhoneybrook@icloud.com.
For Nambucca Roosters historic team photos and other memorabilia please email Mick Birtles at mickbirtlesphotography@gmail.com. 
Over the months ahead the impact of the fire on the community will be felt acutely with major sporting events such as the 44th Annual Challenge Cup taking place over the period 14 to 16 March and hosted by the Nambucca Strikers. 
Traditionally the Nambucca Leagues and Sports Club has been central to the hosting of this event. 
“I find it offensive to be told that this doesn’t pass the pub test,” Nambucca Seniors Secretary Vera Nichols told NOTA, responding to comments by the region’s Federal and State MPs. 
“Saying that we haven’t tried is an insult,” she added.
As previously reported in NOTA, the Nambucca Senior Citizens Centre in Kent Street, Nambucca Heads has been listed for sale with a local real estate agent.
Ms Nichols said Nambucca Seniors takes its role in providing for seniors in the area very seriously and that the potential sale of its clubhouse would not affect those efforts.
Both Oxley MP Michael Kemp and Cowper MP Pat Conaghan as well as Nambucca Mayor Gary Lee and Councillor David Jones have spoken out against the proposed sale, particularly on the grounds that Ivey Pacey, after whom the building is named, would not have been happy with the sale. 
A public meeting to discuss the matter has been called for 6pm on Monday, 9 December at the Nambucca RSL.
Ms Nichols reached out to NOTA complaining that “a lot of misinformation” surrounds Nambucca Seniors and its club house.
She also wanted to set the record straight on the involvement of Ivey Pacey in the building’s purchase back in 1994.
“[Nambucca] Seniors is not shutting down; just trying to use the assets to continue to provide for its members,” she told NOTA.
Ms Nichols explained that a lack of community involvement over the past three years has resulted in a reduced budget to pay ever-increasing costs associated with running the hall.
“We can no longer pay for internet or a phone at Seniors,” Ms Nichols said. 
“We are required to pay all bills, rates, insurance, fire inspections, cleaning, mowing, electricity, water, and all other bits and pieces that renting [out] a venue requires.”
Ms Nichols detailed costs in excess of $10,000-$12,000 yearly to keep the property running and said the demand for rentable public spaces in Nambucca Heads was not sufficient for it to earn this sum.   
“Other organisations were approached (in the past) but no (financial) commitment to help was made and in 2023 the committee had a meeting with the Council at which the proposal to sell the property and allow Seniors to continue in a different format was put forward. 
“Council even offered to help with the sale,” she asserted, producing documents to support this claim.
These documents, from 2023, showed that Nambucca Valley Council asked the club to repay the amount originally put forward by Council so these funds could be used to “support other community groups”, and stated that “council’s offer to assist with the sale process remains open to you”. 
Ms Nichols said the group has been very active over the years, providing a variety of regular events including craft, bingo and carpet bowls as well as a weekly hot lunch for members.
As for the role of the Nambucca woman after whom the building is named, Ms Nichols believes Ivey Pacey was simply a volunteer who was heavily involved in fundraising.
It was previously reported that Ivey Pacey donated the building to Council in 1984 and that Council signed the premises over to the club in 2013 for the nominal fee of $1. 
Ms Nichols told NOTA she wanted to clarify some of these details.
“In 1994 the Council and Seniors purchased a house in Kent Street for the use as a centre for seniors to meet.
“The cost of the purchase and the building of a hall came to $221,000,” she explained.
“[Nambucca] Seniors&#8217; part of the purchase  was $141,000 which was met by $50,000 cash that they had managed to accumulate by selling craft, bricks, cakes etc. 
“$91,000 was a loan from Council which had an interest rate of 11 percent. 
“This left a shortfall of $80,000 which Council put towards the purchase and the property was placed in Nambucca Valley Council’s name.”
According to Ms Nichols, in 2013 Council proposed signing the building over to the Nambucca Seniors, likely to save money on the cost of maintaining it. 
She said Nambucca Seniors already owned 66 percent of the property and it was agreed to do the transfer at the nominal sum of $1.
In 2014 the change of name was completed but the building was never the property of Ivey Pacey, Ms Nichols maintains.
Edna Stride, a councillor with Nambucca Shire during the period the clubhouse was purchased, told NOTA she believed Ivey Pacey had donated a large amount of money to assist the club in making the purchase in 1994.
NOTA has been unable to locate anyone else who is able to discuss the exact details of Ms Pacey’s involvement on the project 30 years ago.
Despite Councillor David Jones receiving a hand-written letter from Ms Nichols dated 18 September 2024 declining his application for new membership of Nambucca Seniors and claiming that the club had decided “not to accept any new member until further notice”, Ms Nichols said the club is open to accepting new members.
She did however express concern that an influx of new members would bring increased costs in supplying tea, coffee and amenities at regular meet-ups.
She said Cr Jones’ application had actually been refused because his behaviour was considered deceptive and it was believed he had only applied because he wanted to stop the sale of the clubhouse.
As for what could come out of the upcoming public meeting, Ms Nichols said it “would be great if financial support can be offered in one form or another”. 
Nambucca Valley Council CEO Bede Spannagle performed the role of Master of Ceremonies for the event, introducing Aunty Cheryl Donovan, who gave a stirring Welcome to Country in both English and the Gumbaynggirr language.
Pastor Sydney Coetzee delivered the prayer before Mayor Gary Lee took to the podium and spoke of the incredible community spirit in the Nambucca Valley and what can be achieved when we all pull together. 
Member for Cowper Pat Conaghan then delivered a poignant address, acknowledging all veterans who were present, before speaking about Australia.
He said while Australia is the “lucky country” it is not perfect, and noted the importance of respecting each other’s differences and right to hold diverse opinions. 
This year&#8217;s Australia Day Ambassador to the Nambucca Valley was former NRL star and champion of higher education for disadvantaged youth, Corey Payne.
The former Young Australian of the Year delivered an inspirational address about the great things that can be achieved for the broader community through nurturing, encouraging and providing opportunities for disadvantaged young people to continue their education. 
A moving Citizenship Ceremony, officiated by Mayor Gary Lee, then followed where eight local residents became the Nambucca Valley’s newest Australian citizens.
National Celebration Day Awards were then presented across a range of categories, the crowd applauding and cheering with vigour as each recipient was announced.
Good Neighbour Awards:Maureen and Bill Shepherd, Raymond Dufty; 
Services to the Community Awards: Brenda Stanton, Michelle O’Keefe, Irene Mayon, Rosie Squibb, The Ministry Team for Domestic Violence and Homelessness; 
Young Indigenous Citizen of the Year: Tahlia Ogilvie;
Two Frank Partridge VC Memorial Scholarships were presented to Jundamir Sultan-Georges and Amelia Keen.
Young Indigenous Citizen of the Year Tahlia Ogilvie was recognised for her work as an Aboriginal school-based trainee nurse over 2023 and 2024.
“I am honoured to receive this award and I am so grateful for the support I have been shown by my mentors at the Macksville Hospital who have gone above and beyond to give me a positive learning experience,” Tahlia told News Of The Area.
Young Citizen of the Year Reegan Welsh was recognised for attributes that included her strong work ethic and organisation skills, her contribution as School Captain at Macksville High School and her Macksville Lions Youth of the Year public speaking achievements.
Reegan told the gathering how humbling it was to be singled out for this award given that there are so many amazing young people in the Nambucca Valley.
Citizen of the Year Carole Andersen was recognised for tireless community work that began in 1979 when she helped to form a playgroup at Valla.
Since then Carole&#8217;s significant contributions to the community include, just to name a few, being the Nambucca Heads Public School P&#038;C Committee President, commencing the Nambucca Shire Safety House Committee and forming the Nambucca District Junior Tennis Branch.
The softly spoken and humble Carole told NOTA, “I always look for ways to give back to the community that I love and I am very proud to receive this award in the knowledge that I have been able to make a difference.”
“The general fund delivered an operating surplus of $272,000, the water fund operating surplus was $383,000 and the sewer fund surplus was $559,000, the first time in eight years all three funds were in surplus in the same year,” he said in the opening pages of the Annual Report.
In 2023/24, water and sewer fees and charges were increased by 10 percent, perhaps in part explaining the rare double operating surplus of sewer and water funds,” he said. 
“This places Nambucca Valley Council in a strong and robust financial position to deliver on our mission, to value and protect the natural environment, maintain our assets and infrastructure and develop opportunities for our people.” 
Mr Spannagle also noted some of the major works completed by Nambucca Valley Council over the past year.
These included several bridge renewals, a boardwalk linking the Visitor Information Centre in Nambucca Heads to Bellwood, road reconstruction in Macksville’s CBD, EJ Biffin Sporting Field lighting and subsoil drainage, the Nambucca Heads Seawall Project, completion of Giinagay Cycleway from Macksville to Nambucca Heads and numerous other projects to improve infrastructure and upgrade community spaces in the region.
As for development applications, Mr Spannagle said, “Mirroring the broader economy,  283 development applications were received last year, which is lower than average, however Council’s average approval time of seven days is an outstanding result putting Nambucca Valley in the top ten best Councils in the state.” 
According to details in the report, in 2024, the council paid its general manager a salary of $321,191, representing a raise of more than $50,000 per annum for this position on the previous year’s figure of $267,692, while pay for the two council directors employed alongside Mr Spannagle came to a combined total of $368,493: down on the previous year’s total of $423,212.
It should be noted that Mr Spannagle has only been in the top job for a little over a year and was previously employed as Director of Engineering Services with the council.
The Mayoral Fee also rose significantly from $27,600 in 2022/23 to $47,420 in 2023/24 while Councillors’ fees went from $113,850 to $189,485 this year.
Of the contracts larger than $150,000 awarded in the 2023-24 period, the largest at just over $2.1 million went to Level Projects Pty Ltd for Rural Fire Service building projects at Valla and Newee Creek.
Westrac Equipment Pty Ltd also received over a million of ratepayer’s money for the supply and delivery of two motor graders.
The total number of people employed by council remained roughly the same, but for a slight decrease from 136 in 2023 to 129 people when heads were counted on 14 February 2024.
The full Annual Report and accompanying document, “State of Our Valley Report” which presents an analysis of the council’s progress in implementing the Community Strategic Plan over the past three and a half years is available for viewing on Nambucca Valley Council’s website. 
Playing off an eight handicap (now dust), the 16-year-old was five under through six after birdies on the first, fourth and sixth, and an eagle on the par five second.
From that blitzkrieg opening, it was always going to be daylight second in the Nambucca News medley stableford on 14 January.
“I knew it (a big round) was coming but I thought not ’til later on this year – maybe. I’ve done it now, and just have to focus on being consistent,” Herbert said.
His extraordinary tally for the day was 47 points, and the usual Tuesday comp players will be setting their bedside analog clock radio alarms for the start of the 2025 school year and Herbert’s absence.
“Being pretty much the only junior at the club for most of the time has been made so much easier because the members have always encouraged me and been happy to play with me,” Herbert said.
“I’m very thankful for that and the club is doing everything it can to get more juniors onboard because the course is one of the best on the North Coast and is very tight and always in great condition.”
Runner-up was Norman Devereaux (15 handicap) who had an excellent 38 points – 82 off the bat, including a birdie on the second.
Frederickton’s Ethan Dowling claimed the nearest the pin on the 5th, Kempsey’s Brad Dyet the 7th, Stuart Garvey the 8th, and Phillip Stephenson Muddle from the relatively new layout of Stonecutters Ridge in western Sydney the 15th. Robert Jones found the slice of heaven Pizza This Pizza That on 13, Colin Habgood collected the $50 Pro Pin on 18 and Herbert has another dozen balls after the rare bird of prey on the 2nd.
In the women’s stableford on Wednesday, 15 January, Nambucca’s Angela Paton (21) top scored in Div 1 with 39 points from Cheryl Gilmour (25) who steam-trained home dropping only five shots to par over the final seven holes for 35 points.
In Div 2, Narelle Delaney (28) lit it up with 37 points ahead of runner-up Fiona Chaffey (38) on 34.
The testing Island course was thirstier than Burke and Wills and loved the rain on Thursday, 16 January, perhaps more so than the players in the Nambucca News medley stableford.
Greenkeeper Greg Jager (12) had double reason to smile as he carded 38 points to win Div 1 from Ashton Herbert’s dad, club champion Troy (4) on 37 points. Jager busted 80 off the stick – perhaps for the first time &#8211; with a 79, including birds on 4, 6 and 18.
In Div 2, Geoff Goesch (22) had the best round of the day with 41 points from runner-up Balgowlah’s Jake Schwabrow (45) on 39.
Ball rundown went to 32 on countback with Peter Bush the last to collect ahead of Hawaiian shirt teamster Stu Johnston who … did not.
Scott Burley has some splash cash at Cypress Lakes in the Hunter after winning the $70 Pro Pin on 18 while Linne Street won the pin on 5, Rob Coneybeare on 7, Mark Lindsay on 8 and Ian Mackay on 15. Peter Shepherd munched the pizza on 13.
Only a determined dozen sloshed their way around the course on Saturday, 18 January, in the Nambucca News medley stableford knowing a round foregone can never be recovered.
Bryce Pike (35) surfed home in 42 points for the victory with 98 off the bat despite near moose (10s) encounters on the second and 11th.
The fast-improving and seriously addicted Dylan Mann (20) wowed with 86 gross, including birds on 3 and 18.
Male club members interested in playing representative golf for The Island in the 2025 Mid North Coast pennants competition should put their details on the sheet in the clubhouse.
Pennants reps get the opportunity to sample head-to-head match play competition in a home-and-away series in a district stretching from Grafton to South West Rocks.
CNN and the BBC World Service which is copyright and cannot be reproduced
AEST = Australian Eastern Standard Time which is 10 hours ahead of GMT (Greenwich Mean Time)
The buzz of a live music ‘party hole’ and performances in the clubhouse added to the festive spirit
It was a day to remember for the Herbert family
as their team shot an impressive eight-under-par to claim second place
finishing just a quarter of a shot behind the leaders
It was a perfect blend of youthful exuberance and seasoned expertise
with 16-year-old Ashton and his younger brother Maddox complementing the experience of their father
“We all played a solid round of golf today
finishing at eight-under-par,” Ashton said
we came second to a group of visitors from Macksville by just 0.25 of a shot
“But we’ve made an impressive start to the three-round event and set ourselves up for a potential big win.”
Ashton’s meteoric rise in the golf world has been a standout story
highlighted by his near-record-breaking performance last month when he carded a stunning 66
but it’s still one shot off my course record of 65,” he laughed
13-year-old Maddox is already making his mark in adult competitions
signaling a bright future for the Herbert family and the golf club
the celebrations continued as 14-year-old Dylan Wigley entertained the crowd with a setlist spanning six decades of music
“It was my first time playing at the golf club
and the atmosphere was amazing,” Wigley said
“The people were really friendly and supportive.”
Australia Day at Nambucca Heads Island Golf Club was a resounding success
setting the stage for more thrilling rounds to come
IT has never been harder to consult a registered general practitioner (GP) in the Nambucca Valley
with most medical centres in the area not accepting new patients to their books &#8211; a situation which has become progressively worse over the past year
When Dr Peter Williams of Nambucca Heads retired at the end of last month
his many and mostly elderly patients were forced to find alternative medical care in the area
His patient base reportedly included a Nambucca Heads aged-care facility
most of whom have had to join the many others currently searching for a general practitioner to accept them into care
A spokesperson from Uniting NSW ACT confirmed that a number of residents at its Uniting Pacifica facility in Nambucca Heads had been affected by Dr Williams’ retirement
“We are now working with several other locally based practices to help our residents navigate the process of finding a new GP,” Uniting said in a statement to NOTA
Practice Manager at Macksville Medical Centre
knows firsthand how bad the situation has become
“We were told that a nursing home with nearly 100 residents without a doctor was nowhere near as bad as one outside Grafton which was in a similar situation with its 200 residents,” Ms Shorter told NOTA
“Macksville Medical Centre could do with an extra three doctors
“Most of our calls are from people who aren’t on the books anywhere (and are) just looking for a doctor but we haven’t been able to accept new patients for the past ten to twelve months,” she said
To do what they can to help the most urgent local cases
Ms Shorter signed the practice up to North Coast Health Connect
a triage service which was created to deal with problems associated with the shortage of medical help in the area
The 24-hour telephone service connects patients to trained nurses who can provide advice or connect those in need with medical service providers who have agreed to participate in the scheme
“I was able to use this service to make a bulk-billed appointment with a local doctor in Macksville on the same day,” one local mother told NOTA
“It is very worrying that in the Nambucca Valley
we could not get medical help without this service,” she said
Neither of the two services contacted by NOTA
Evolve Medical Centre in Nambucca Heads or Star Street Medical Centre in Macksville
Staff at Star Street Medical Centre said the practice had not accepted new patients for the past eight months
this had been the case for the past three months
Star Street Medical Centre Practice Manager Vicki Coombes told NOTA that GPs are in short supply everywhere
She said it was near impossible to convince registrars to return to the area when their contract was finished
“They (registrars) find it quite isolating to be here and often their partner is a professional who has trouble finding work in the area.”
Ms Coombes also explained that as North Coast Health Connect required patients’ fees be bulk-billed
this prevented her practice from signing up to the scheme
“Medicare rebates have increased by only two percent in the past 18 years so bulk billing is not possible and it wouldn’t be fair to our existing patients,” she explained
Over the past 13 years Ms Coombes says the practice has managed to retain only two of the registrars they have trained
An Evolve Medical Centre staff member said
“We did accept a few patients when Dr Williams retired just because they were elderly and lived locally.”
She also said that many calls are received daily by the practice from people searching for a doctor of their own in the area
The Australian Medical Association (AMA) says figures from the Department of Health Aged Care’s GP Workforce Report
shows Australia already has a shortage of 2460 Full Time Equivalent (FTE) GPs and predicts this shortage will grow to 5560 FTE GPs nationally by 2033
&#8220;Queensland and Victoria) have introduced a $40,000 incentive for registrars who wish to specialise as general practitioners,” Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) NSW&amp;ACT Chair Dr Rebekah Hoffman told NOTA
&#8220;The effect of this on the number of doctors signing up to train as GPs was pretty clear
with a big and immediate increase in GPs in training in both urban and rural parts of the state.”
Under the current situation of doctor education in NSW
when new doctors complete their initial training
they spend a period of time working in hospitals before they decide their specialty
this choice comes as something of a ‘pay-cut’ as they begin their training in general practice
basic pay and several years under the supervision of other more experienced GPs mean that doctors who choose other
hospital-based specialisations can receive salaries $30,000 more than GP registrars
Dr Hoffman said the RACGP has taken this and other measures to the NSW Parliament and will continue to advocate for the sector within the state
&#8220;Governments continue to pour billions into hospitals when the best investment is funding preventive care and management of chronic conditions by GPs in the community,” she said
“Making up for the difference in pay and incentives general practice registrars receive compared to hospital-based registrars works.”
Member for Oxley Michael Kemp expressed concerns about the flow-on effect of the GP shortage on other local services
they end up having to go to the emergency department
which is already under pressure,” Mr Kemp told NOTA in a statement
“That means longer wait times for everyone and more stress on our hardworking emergency staff
“This shortage of GPs in regional areas has not been helped by the Albanese Labor government and it is really hurting our healthcare system statewide,” he said
With $55 million of Federal funding up for grabs by regional communities
community members are being called upon to help compile a list of the worst
Residents are invited to a workshop at 5.30pm on 18 February at the Macksville Ex-Services Club
where blackspots will be identified and shared with representatives from Telstra
Mayor Lee hopes the region will benefit from funding under the Mobile Black Spot Program
which invests in telecommunication coverage and competition across Australia
The scheme requires providers of telecommunications infrastructure to consult with state and local governments as well as community members
before applying for funding of specific projects by 30 April 2025
“The Government is providing up to $55 million (GST exclusive) for Round 8
which will co-fund projects to provide new resilient mobile coverage in regional and remote areas of Australia that are prone to natural disasters
cyclones and floods,” according to the website of the Department of Infrastructure
It is an opportunity Mayor Lee does not want to miss
“There are so many places where we lose coverage here in the Valley and this is a great opportunity to pass that on so that we can be in line to receive new infrastructure,” he said
“You know that spot between Valla Beach and Nambucca Heads
I heard there is one near the two water towers in Nambucca Heads and then there is even one at Nambucca Plaza – now is our chance to let these stakeholders know so that we can have a chance of getting them fixed
“All members of the community are encouraged to contribute so that we have a full list of the areas without communication in the event of a disaster affecting the Nambucca Valley,” he said
The Mayor warned that the session was not for “airing gripes” however
“We are there to compile a list of the worst blackspots for telecommunications engineers to consider when deciding where the money will be best spent.”
Federal Member for Cowper Pat Conaghan thanked Mayor Lee and his team for their work on the issue
and promised to put the needs of the region in the Canberra spotlight
“I hold high hopes that our region will finally be acknowledged for this crucial funding and will personally be advocating for the Nambucca Valley with the relevant Ministers and department representatives,” he told NOTA in a statement
goes to the mobile provider &#8211; telstra
Councils and others can offer proposals for them to consider
The time for proposals for round 8 is over
The re-listing comes after the Nambucca Heads-based charity agreed to pause advertising the sale last year at the request of concerned community members
NOTA previously reported that the building would not be listed for sale over the end-of-year break
until the extent of community support for the organisation could be gauged by executive committee members
In December a spokesperson for Nambucca Seniors told NOTA the sale was initiated as the club could not afford the building’s running costs due to declining membership
The decision to sell the organisation’s sole asset rests solely in the hands of the charity’s committee members
at least two of whom are husband and wife team Gary and Vera Nichols
The group purchased its clubhouse at 11 Kent Street
with the assistance of Nambucca Valley Council
and community grants have led the organisation to its current position as owner of the fit-for-purpose building
A public meeting regarding the sale of the building in December 2024
chaired by Nambucca Valley Mayor Gary Lee and Member for Oxley Michael Kemp
This meeting is believed to have led to approximately 70 new applications for membership to the group
Repeated requests by NOTA to Nambucca Seniors to verify this figure have not been answered
NOTA has been informed that around 20 of these applications may have been successful
ten have been asked to complete more paperwork and others have received no reply in more than six weeks
Mayor Gary Lee applied for membership when the group opened their doors in early January
“I had a discussion with Vera (Nambucca Seniors Secretary) and was asked to withdraw my application for membership
which I refused because at 71 years of age
I would like to join my local senior citizens club,” Mayor Lee told NOTA
Diane Curran of the Nambucca Valley Writers
which currently holds monthly meetings in Ivy Pacey House
said she had received digital correspondence requesting she complete more forms for her membership application
She told NOTA she believed the committee was stalling for time in rejecting memberships and adding hoops to jump through
“I got a message (after many weeks) from a strange email address entitled ‘Uss Norway’ which thanked me for my interest in joining the Seniors but said that I needed to fill in another questionnaire for my application to be processed,” she said
“My concern is that they will continue to reject or delay new members
which contravenes the charities act of the ACNC (Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission)
“They must have a charitable purpose that is for the public’s benefit
but we are not sure if they (Nambucca Seniors) actually want a solution,” she said
In February a new governing document for the Nambucca Senior Citizens Club was lodged with the ACNC
This new ‘constitution’ makes several key changes to the previous document
Some of these are: deletion of any reference to the group operating a venue; the committee does not need to give a reason for declining new members; members must have been active and financial for 12 months before voting at a general meeting or being elected to the committee; regarding winding up the organisation
the phrase ‘transferred to another (not-for-profit) organisation with similar objectives’ now reads ‘transferred (may be more than one association) to another incorporated and not-for-profit organisation’
NOTA contacted several executive committee members of Nambucca Seniors but the organisation was unavailable for comment
Currently the Nambucca Senior Citizens Club is up to date with its reporting and documentation to the ACNC
its activities can change,” a spokesperson from the ACNC said
“A charity’s leaders must ensure its activities stay true to its stated purpose or amend its governing document to ensure any new activities are in line with its purpose
“Governing documents are reviewed when a charity is registered
when eligibility to be registered is reviewed
““Winding up a charity is one option if an organisation no longer wants to
keep operating the way it is.” This is a permanent action and according to the ACNC must be done following its governing document and all legal requirements
UPTOWN Nambucca Heads has become the focal for a cutting-edge arts project
Keep an eye out around the main drag for a rather unusual character
strolling around with a microphone in hand sidling up to people for an interview
Gary is the pointy end of a bold new arts project exploring themes of coercion
and autonomy that culminates in an exhibition at Firstdraft Gallery in Woolloomooloo
Behind the playful persona of Gary is a thought-provoking mission: to engage locals in philosophical conversations about the factors that shape our perceptions of freedom and constraint in daily life
The serious nature of the questions will be reframed into approachable
attempting to spark community dialogue and reflection
“What makes the act of participating in society feel like a choice rather than something imposed?”
“How do cultural norms influence how we view others in conflict situations?”
The dolphin persona seems to be an inspired choice given the popularity they enjoy with people on the Mid North Coast
“I am only involved because it’s a brilliant project and I have always had an affinity for people in the Nambucca region,” Gary the Dolphin told News Of The Area
“I used to be rather shy and only get about in pods but this interviewing opportunity has opened up a whole new way of meeting people and engaging with the funky arts community in the Valley.”
Inspired by artistic movements like “fluxus” and DIY culture
Gary’s public interviews will combine humour
Each interaction will be filmed for a lo-fi documentary-style video
where Gary’s cardboard Ferrari will take centre stage as a mobile studio and later as part of the exhibition
The final work promises to merge elements from the artist’s previous projects
and the acclaimed Dolphins in the Free World collaboration
If you want to know more or get involved with the project
contact can be made via email dowatfeelsgood@gmail.com
<a href="https://www.newsofthearea.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/NEWS_Gary_KS_PY2.jpg"></a>
The Year 10 student has relocated to Germany for three months and is one of 12 participants from District 9660 selected for this cultural exchange experience.
Rotary District 9660 stretches from Newcastle to Woolgoolga and west to Dubbo and Lightning Ridge. 
Ashton is residing with his host brother Leonard and his family in Nottuln, a picturesque town in the Nordrhein-Westfalen state of Germany. 
His exchange is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Senden, District 1870. 
While immersed in German culture, Ashton is attending Friedensschule, a comprehensive high school in Münster, and dedicating himself to learning the German language.
The exchange isn’t just about academics however. 
In December Ashton will join other Rotary exchange students on a ten-day Winter Tour, where he will explore Germany’s famed Christmas markets and spend a few days skiing in Austria, a unique opportunity to experience the magic of a European winter.
“Ashton is a young man with plenty of great energy and a very positive demeanor, making him an excellent ambassador for Rotary, the Nambucca Valley and Australia,” Nambucca Valley Rotary’s Dave Banks told News Of The Area.
Next year Ashton&#8217;s host brother Leonard will travel to Wirrimbi to live with Ashton and his family for two to three months. 
Leonard will attend a local high school, experiencing life in the Nambucca Valley while forming a bond that bridges two cultures.
Rotary’s youth exchange programs provide young people with transformative experiences that foster understanding, personal growth, and global connections. 
Nambucca Valley Rotary invites community members to get involved and support programs that create these life-changing opportunities.
For more information about Rotary student programs or how to join Rotary and be part of a team making a difference, contact Dave Banks on 0418 937 946.
Watch 1m 47sResidents around Nambucca have been ordered to evacuate with rising river levels potentially cutting off people from leaving later.
The 18-marker had a troubled start in the women&#8217;s stableford competition on Wednesday, 22 January, with not so magnificent sevens on the par five second and fourth holes.
Thomas steadied with an eight-hole stretch on the bogey train from the fifth, before nailing four pars over the final six to return 35 points to win Div 1.
The victory was determined only on countback from Kerrie Eichorn (9 handicap) who had 40 off the stick on each of the nines.
&#8220;I was determined to get on the green on the last but the ball had other thoughts and went into the creek and out of bounds,&#8221; Thomas said.
A dual member at Nambucca and Urunga, the school teacher has been making the most of the opportunity to play mid-week over the summer break.
&#8220;Nambucca is a beautiful course and it&#8217;s always challenging. On Wednesday the girls introduced me to the possum in its hidey-hole between the 12th and 14th,&#8221; she said.
Bowraville&#8217;s Marilyn McNally (26) scooted to 39 points to take Div 2 from Nambucca&#8217;s Fiona Chaffey on 37.
Deidre Fletcher nailed the nearest the pin on the 5th and Judith Boyle the Pro Pin on the last for a $34 pay day.
Club champion Troy Herbert (4) had one under par round the back on his way to 38 points to win Div 1 in the Soulitude Health medley stableford on Saturday, 25 January, from Rick Heywood (9) on 37.
Hans Jensen (22) had the best round of the day with 40 points to edge Scott Burley (17) on 37 in Div 2, while David Wilson (24) had 39 points to salute in Div 3 from Lyall Gregory (27) on 38.
Jason Rolff won the Ecomist longest putt on the first while former club treasurer Andrew Johnston was ledger-like in recording that his ball was 4 millimetres from the cup to take the 5th.
Other pins went to Nathaniel Beverley on 7, Heywood on 8, Thomas Wattison on 13 and Daniel Wassens on 15.
Paul Ryan &#8211; whose handicap has become somewhat lesser in recent months &#8211; found a wry smile to pocket $120 in the Pro Pin on 18.
On Thursday, 23 January, Club Captain Ray Guiana (27) went full grunt mode with 43 points &#8211; easily the best of the day &#8211; to win Div 3 of the Soulitude Health medley stableford.
A tangle with the mangroves on the 6th and helpful discussions with his playing partners in ball location didn&#8217;t derail a superb sub-90 round off the bat including pars on 5, 13 and 18.
Jo Evans (26) from Brighton Lakes finished runner-up with 37.
Peter Farrell (6) with 40 points including a bird on 7 edged Ian MacKay on 39 to take Div 1. John Buganey (23) smashed with 42 points to best Hans Jansen (23) with 41 points in Div 2.
Andrew Bagust got the putt from afar on the first to win the Ecomist voucher, while Paddy Byrne took the pin on 5, Steve Frost on 7, Bagust on 8, Dave Bartos on 13, Geoff Brooks on 15 and Malcolm McGoldrick plugged into the Pro Pin for $90 on the last.
On Tuesday, 23 January, Nambucca&#8217;s Glenys Thompson (15) wowed with 38 gross around the back to notch 40 points and win Div 1 in the Soulitude Health stableford.
Blain missed the jump at the start with eights on the first two but conjured a birdie three on the dangerous 17th.
Pins went to Coffs Harbour&#8217;s Adam Nightingale on 5, Ashton Herbert on 7, Peter Shepherd on 8, Bonville&#8217;s Adrienne Smith on 13, Thomas Wattison on 15 and Safety Beach&#8217;s Matthew Neal on the last for the $60 Pro Pin.
A monster week on The Island wound up with near 100 players facing the starter on Australia Day in a fun four person NIV Golf ambrose medley stableford.
Inspired by the keep it casual breakaway LIV Golf pro tour, the inaugural event included a party hole and clubhouse beats by rising enterainment star Dylan Wigley.
Meanwhile, Coffs Harbour&#8217;s Harry McMillan who cut his teeth behind the counter at the Nambucca Pro Shop has boxed a rare accolade.
Now an assistant professional at Sydney&#8217;s vaunted The Lakes Golf Club, McMillan has been crowned the the 2024 PGA of Australia Associate of the Year after completing the Membership Pathway Program.
While he hopes to move into golf club management roles, McMillan first wants to scratch the itch of seeing whether he can play on Tour.
To that end he will line up at the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia Qualifying School in April.
A crime scene remains in place at the Nambucca Heads Leagues and Sports Club, following yesterday&#8217;s destructive fire.
While forensic teams from NSW Police and Fire and Rescue scoured the site &#8211; the community and club members gathered to discuss the next steps forward.
Deputy Mayor James Angel raised the matter at Council’s 19 March meeting, in response to a petition containing around 375 names and signatures.
The petitioners are seeking help to address issues such as cleanliness, a lack of green spaces, lighting, signage, and parking.
They also wish to increase the police presence in the main street and CBD of Nambucca Heads.
Identified as a key area of concern in Council’s recent Community Strategic Plan feedback report, this motion ensures funding will be included in the 2025/26 Budget to produce a Nambucca Main Street CBD Master Plan.
A report into the raised issues will be delivered to Council at a future meeting. 
Council will also write to Member for Oxley Michael Kemp seeking his assistance to request an increase in the presence of NSW Police foot patrols. 
Councillors David Jones and Jane Smith did not vote on the motion, having declared pecuniary interests. 
While she voted in favour of the motion, Cr Susan Jenvey spoke out on a number of points, mentioning that Bowraville is also in need of improvements, having had two master plans without any funding for changes.
She also expressed frustration with the motion’s focus on crime prevention.
“I’m also pretty sick of saying that… increasing crime. All the stats are that crime is down from 2010. 
“Crime is such a complex social thing to solve.
“It’s more than just extra policing and it&#8217;s more than just a politician saying I’m tough on crime,” Cr Jenvey said.
This prompted strong responses from two councillors, with Cr Troy Vance saying, “I was at the polling booths when you (Cr Jenvey) were getting elected and you told almost every person that you were going to put a motion forward to upgrade the main street.
“It’s pretty upsetting that you’re not supporting it.”
Cr Jenvey’s signature appears in the list of those who have signed the petition, which was delivered to council by Kay Harkness, Director of local business InTouch Boutique.
Gathering in the ‘Down Under Bar’ at the Nambucca Heads RSL, current members were asked to bring along a friend to enjoy morning tea, in the hope of attracting new members.
Thirty-three members were in attendance, along with 10 visitors as prospective members.
Probus Clubs provide members with the opportunity to connect socially, and are open to anyone who is retired or semi-retired. 
The Nambucca Valley’s retired population is abundant, with many who have moved to the region to be nearer to children and grandchildren. 
Others have relocated for more reasonably priced housing, the pristine beaches, or possibly a desire to be self-sufficient on small holdings. 
The Nambucca River Combined Probus Club is celebrating 20 years in 2025, with some of the original members still within the club’s ranks. 
“Social activities are held each month and include BBQs, morning teas, evening dinners, Christmas in July lunch, visits to museums and galleries, visits to Botanical Gardens and attending plays or movies,” Publicity Officer Helen Kirkpatrick said. 
“Our club prides itself on being very friendly and is particularly welcoming to anyone wishing to join, applications are open to retired men and women looking to expand their interests in retirement.”
Nambucca River Combined Probus Club meetings invite guest speakers and are held each month on the third Thursday in the Down Under Bar at the Nambucca Heads RSL Club at 10.30am.
To join or for more details contact Helen Kirkpatrick on 0413 912 303. 
The donation was presented on Friday night at the Nambucca Bowls Club, with Marine Rescue Nambucca’s Unit Commander Gary Nichols expressing deep appreciation for the contribution.
“This money will be instrumental in assisting us to replace key pieces of equipment we use in the conduct of our work,” Mr Nichols told News Of The Area.
Each holiday season, particularly during the Christmas break, the dedicated volunteers at Marine Rescue face an increase in demand due to the influx of visitors on the waterways. 
“Many mishaps could be avoided if people heeded warnings, stopped overestimating their swimming ability and fitness, and didn’t underestimate the power of the sea,” Mr Nichols emphasised.
In encouraging offshore fishermen to take advantage of Marine Rescue’s safety measures, Mr Nichols added, “The best thing offshore fishermen could do for us is to log on via our online app or register via radio so we know they are out there and we can be in a better position to assist if they get into trouble.”
Marine Rescue Nambucca also collaborates with the Police Marine Area Command when needed. 
A recent example was their assistance during the crash of an aircraft into the water near Scotts Head.
The Nambucca Heads Offshore Fishing Club, led by President Bill Watts and Secretary/Treasurer Rhett Smyth, boasts approximately 80 members. 
They are strong advocates for marine conservation, practicing catch and release with most of their catches and overtly promoting a clean river and sustainable fish habitats.
The club meets on the first Sunday of each month at Shelly Beach, Nambucca Heads, and hosts a weekly BBQ at midday each Wednesday at the same location.
The club is also committed to nurturing future generations of anglers, with 12 active junior members playing a crucial role in the club’s growth.
“Our juniors are particularly competitive and really love their fishing so, with them onboard, we see a long and bright future for our club,” President Bill Watts told NOTA. 
“This donation demonstrates our commitment to ensuring a viable Marine Rescue unit and our long held belief that a strong, sustainable recreational fishing community relies on safe and well-monitored waterways.”
Watch 35sMore than thirty firefighters responded to a fire at Nambucca Leagues Club on the NSW mid north coast. Crews were called to Nambucca Heads just before 6:00am on Monday after reports of a significant fire inside the building.
Gary Nichols of Marine Rescue addressed Council for the second time in six months last Thursday
requesting urgent assistance with the sand build-up in the Nambucca River’s navigational channels and across the river’s sand bar
Mr Nichols explained the difficulties currently faced by Marine Rescue in carrying out rescue operations
he said there was often a large time delay before the organisation’s 18-year-old rescue boat could be launched or cross the bar to help those in trouble on the other side
Mr Nichols spoke in support of a Council motion to investigate options
The motion suggested Council write to Transport Minister Jo Haylen and Member for Oxley Michael Kemp requesting funding for a feasibility study into whether a Southern Sea Wall would stop sand build-up and improve river access
The motion also sought funds for a feasibility study into navigational dredging of the Nambucca River
Councillor Jenvey questioned Mr Nichols on other options besides dredging
“How did you end up having a base which is behind the bar?” Cr Jenvey asked
Mr Nichols replied that the organisation had been seeking a more suitable base location for the past four years
Cr Jenvey also suggested implementing an education program so boats do not attempt to enter the river when the conditions were not right
“Our river and estuarine committee studied this concept in detail
and it found that this just wasn’t feasible,” Cr Jenvey said
“The river is an equilibrium and if you dig in front the water and the sand are going to move in behind it.” 
Cr Jenvey said the State Government was unlikely to fund dredging and explained some of her environmental concerns
“We haven’t done testing for toxic residue; whether all the farm runoffs over 70 years are sitting there under the sand that if we dig it up might kill all the marine ecology and be harmful to humans,” she said
“It might be cheaper for the community to have you have the right boat than it is to spend millions dredging when it all just fills up,” she suggested
“(Alternatively) I think it’s a lot cheaper to fund moving Marine Rescue than it is to fund dredging.”
several amendments were made to the motion including that council staff report on the costs of monitoring marine sediments in the Nambucca River Mouth and investigate other possible beach launch locations such as Scotts Head and Shelley Beach for the Marine Rescue’s launch site
Shaun Rayner and Darby Pearce combined for an excellent 49 points to sweep the Marcel Towers fourball best ball medley stableford on Saturday
Flying the flag for the locals at The Island were the inseparable high-stakes pairing of Stuart Johnson and Peter Bush
That was enough on a countback to relegate new members Kye Garzoli and Dom Lambie to the first in the ball run
which went down to 42 points with Trevor Peck and Drew Glasson the last to collect
Junior champion Ashton Herbert had a checkered round but bagged the nearest the pins on 8 and 15
Aaron Ruhle got the Ecomist long putt on the 1st
while the remaining pins were snaffled by Daryl Wall on 5 and Russell Boyns on 7
Dianne O&#8217;Leary has dinner sorted after claiming the Pizza This Pizza That on 13 and Karl Hobday saluted on 18 for the $95 Pro Pin
On a heavy track &#8211; thanks Alfred though we did need the rain &#8211; Neil Duffus (22 handicap) blitzed with 40 points to win the Marcel Towers medley stableford on Thursday
That was enough to cover Troy Herbert (4) whose round of 38 points included birdies on 9
Craig Riddington binned the putt from afar on the 1st
Rock steady Greg McCoy claimed the $40 Pro Pin on the last
With the start of the Mid North Coast men&#8217;s pennant competition just the other side of a paperbark tree that is 80 per cent air
3 and 4 squads enjoyed trial matches on Sunday
Club President Geoff Harris and Golf Director Henny Oldenhove were on hand for the rep shirts&#8217; presentation and some feisty games followed where friendships were forged and no egos overly bruised
Nambucca Heads is meanwhile preparing to host a monster week of golf in April
The 36-hole Easter Bowl medley presented by Toyota Genuine Service will be played on Saturday and Sunday
That will be followed in short shrift by the second round of the NIV Golf series on ANZAC Day
This is The Island&#8217;s version of the free-for-all LIV Golf concept where the onus is on fun
three or four-person ambrose with $25,000 up for grabs if someone aces the 5th
which is the designated party hole so be prepared to be frothed with amber liquid
Players don&#8217;t need to have an official handicap and winners of this three-round series will be treated to a big day out at Bonville
Catchya on The Island if the river doesn’t grab you first
particularly to the west of the Nambucca Valley’s main population centres were the worst affected as rising flood waters isolated pockets of the community for varying time periods
Buckra Bendinni and Taylors Arm experienced roads being cut
however many locals reported being well prepared for this eventuality
“We were cut off from getting into town by the flood waters for three days
however we were prepared for it and are now looking at the positives such as full water tanks,” Lower Buckra Bendini resident Dee Bee Bishop told News Of The Area
Schools in the district were also closed as a precaution until weather conditions stabilised
A recent innovation that played a significant role providing timely information to concerned local residents was the ability to access live flood cameras from the Nambucca Valley Council’s website
Lanes Bridge and Little Broughys improved safety by reducing the need for residents to take to the roads unnecessarily
Emergency services and local authorities were able to act on important lessons from previous natural disasters
“The response from the State Emergency Service (SES) was immaculate and the partnership between them
the Nambucca Valley Council and other emergency services such as the Rural Fire Service
Fire and Rescue and the Police worked incredibly well,” said Member for Oxley Michael Kemp
Mr Kemp’s own social media pages have also drawn praise from many in the community
who were appreciative of the ‘most likely’ and ‘worst case’ scenarios provided by the State Member as he liaised with emergency services across the electorate
who developed their own emergency procedures during the 2019/20 bushfires
were able to remain on air and relay information taken from the SES and Council websites and social media pages
Some 2NVR presenters have the ability to broadcast from home so
even when it became difficult to reach their Tewinga Studios
the station was still able to provide a medium for keeping the public informed despite not being an official emergency broadcaster
While the Nambucca Valley escaped this weather event comparatively unscathed
the potential remains for repeat occurrences in the future
A tropical cyclone coming as far south as Alfred did is an unusual occurrence
Independent climate organisation the Climate Council warns that most homes and infrastructure in South East Queensland and Northern NSW are not built to withstand cyclones and the destructive winds they bring
cyclones may track further south on the East Coast,” Climate Council CEO Amanda McKenzie said
You can read about them by going to the News Of The Area website and selecting recent “Printed Editions”
or you can go to the NSW Electoral Commission website and select “Browse Councils”
Voting is compulsory in local government elections
which means you must go to a polling place in your council area
Here are the centres that will be open around the Nambucca Valley on Election Day
&#8211; Eungai Soldiers Memorial Hall on Hall Road
There is assisted access but no designated accessible parking spot
the path of travel from the carpark may be difficult
there is no accessible toilet and the building has lips and/or steps
&#8211; Frank Partridge VC Public School on Centenary Parade
but the path of travel from the carpark may be difficult and there is no accessible toilet
&#8211; Macksville Salvation Army Hall in Nambucca Street
&#8211; Medlow Public School at 2896 Taylors Arm Road
There is assisted access but no designated accessible parking spot and the path of travel from the carpark
&#8211; Nambucca Heads Public School in Lee Street
&#8211; Scotts Head Public School at 21 Vernon Street
There is assisted access but the path of travel from the carpark may be difficult
&#8211; St James Anglican Church Hall in Young Street
There is assisted access but no designated accessible parking spot and the path of travel from the carpark may be difficult
&#8211; Utungun Community Centre on Taylors Arm Road
the path of travel from the carpark may be difficult and the building has lips and/or steps
&#8211; Valla Beach Community Hall on Valla Beach Road
&#8211; Warrell Creek Public Hall on Albert Drive
the access ramp does not meet standards and there is no accessible toilet
&#8211; Stuarts Point Community Hall at 2a Marine Parade
There is assisted access but no accessible toilet
the access ramp does not meet standards and the building has lips and/or steps
the corflutes will start to come down and candidates will switch from meet and greet mode to watching and waiting for the numbers to come in
Counting begins as soon as the polls close
anyone keeping an eye on the NSW Electoral Commission’s Virtual Tally Room will have a fair idea of who’s in the lead
But it could be weeks before the new mayor and councillors are declared
That’s because a series of counts must take place to ensure everything is above board
the deadline for receipt of postal votes and the distribution of preferences
This is where those who number multiple candidates on their ballot papers come into play
If their Number 1 pick reaches the quota to be elected
any surplus votes will go to their Number 2 pick
The same happens if their Number 1 pick lands at the bottom of the running tally and is excluded
This trickle down effect continues until the numbers on a ballot paper run out
The date of the official declaration of councillors varies according to how tight the vote is
The names of successful candidates will be displayed at the council chambers and on the NSW Electoral Commission website
fitted with a two person bench seat and powered by a Nambucca Valley Rotary Club volunteer
takes people on 40 minute tours along the riverside pathways at Nambucca and Macksville
Passengers receive what one Rotary volunteer calls a “sensory delight” where they experience the smell of the sea and river
passengers have been nursing home residents who delight in being beside the river once again and having the opportunity to chat with passersby
who are sometimes old friends,” Nambucca Valley Rotary Club’s Dave Banks told News Of The Area
“Rotary has now extended the rides to residents of the aged care units at Lakeside and Riverside Gardens
and it hopes to extend the outings to those whose mobility is compromised by physical disability.”
To make this a reality Rotary needs to purchase a second trike at a cost of $8,600
The Lions Club of Nambucca Heads has swung into action in support of the second trike purchase and is fundraising through cake stalls and raffles
“Each year we look for opportunities for Lions and Rotary to collaborate on great initiatives that benefit the community and supporting Sunshine Wheels is certainly something Lions are keen to get behind,” Nambucca Heads Lions Club President Grahame Beatton told NOTA
These two community originations have been known to join forces in the past for the good of the community
with the disabled access swing at the Macksville Aquatic Centre just one example
as a part of their efforts to raise awareness for the International Day of People with Disability (3 December)
supported the fundraising effort by providing a venue for a cake and raffle stall on Saturday
A proud employer of people with disabilities
Woolworths also donated a huge fruit and veggie tray and vouchers to be raffled by the Lions
Hordes of locals and visitors snapped up the baked goods on offer as they came to do their weekend shopping
Woolworths Macksville and the Detour Expresso Van also got behind the initiative with generous donations
“These fundraising efforts have been a great boost however we are still a long way from the $8,600 needed for the new trike,” Mr Banks added
“If you would like to assist with a donation or you are a local business that could sponsor the second trike
please call me on 0418 937 946 or email rotarynambuccavalley@gmail.com
“We would also be interested in talking to anyone who might like to volunteer as a trike driver.”
PLANT lover Rachael White has stepped into the role of publicity officer with the Nambucca Valley Garden Club (NVGC)
Rachael has been a member of the Garden Club for several years since relocating to the area from Sydney
“Our club is very pleased to have such a vibrant
young and enthusiastic member stepping up to take on our publicity role,” Club secretary Lizzie Wait told NOTA
“Rachael is a very active member and contributes to our club in so many ways
expos and has a great vision for our club in 2025
respectful and has great new ideas to share.”
Though the club has a strong supporter base
membership has declined in the past few years &#8211; something which Rachael hopes to change in 2025
“As Nambucca Valley Garden Club is open to any keen
new (or old) gardener of any age who would like to get to meet and enjoy gardening together
fun and adventures where you don’t necessarily need to get your hands dirty,” she said
Nambucca Valley Garden Club is an affiliated member of The Garden Clubs of Australia Inc
Gary Lee of Utungun was elected to the position of Mayor after securing 37 percent of first preference votes
He was followed by Susan Jenvey of Labor with 26 percent
Lubjov Simpson on 20 percent and David Jones of the Greens on 16 percent
Despite voters going to the polls on September 14
“I am really humbled by the community who voted for me and the other councillors,” Mr Lee told News Of The Area at the official count of second preference votes on Monday
we as a council have many tough decisions to make and I put listening to the concerns of the community and community consultation first and foremost in these choices
“I hope to work with the elected councillors to achieve the best outcomes possible for the people of the Nambucca Valley,” he said
the rules of NSW preferential voting system mean that the first candidate to reach 50 percent of votes is declared the winner
however counting of second and third preferences cannot begin for a full two weeks
This is to allow for any residual mail-in ballots to be included in the count
According to staff at Macksville’s Returning Officer’s Office
five full days of data entry saw every valid ballot uploaded to a central computer
At 9.45 am on Monday just the press of a button produced a result in a few minutes
Present at the Macksville Senior Citizens Centre to witness the official announcement were candidates Susan Jenvey and Ljubov Simson
who offered their congratulations and support to the newly declared Mayor
The remainder of the new Nambucca Valley Council was formally announced on Tuesday afternoon and includes James Angel
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A competitive match was played on Tuesday 25th February to determine the 2025 Women’s Major Pairs Championship at Nambucca
It was a terrific match with club legend Gloria Richardson and her very competent partner Sandra Seckold against another holder of many titles in Manor Smith
The game was played in great spirits and we all enjoyed Lisa’s energy and spirit she brings to games at our club
Many ends continually changed with who was holding shot and who could knock out a shot bowl
Gloria and Sandra won the first 6 ends and lead 9-0 until Manor and Lisa gained 4 shots over 2 ends
With the teams over the next 6 ends gaining multiple shots
Though Team Gloria was ahead the whole match
each end was hard fought and showcased some great bowling by all the ladies
Eventually it was a victory to Gloria and Sandra 24-14
Each lady should be very pleased with how they bowled
and the good number of spectators really enjoyed watching the match
Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time
Cambodia’s Angkor Wat in Tomb Raider and the images of Christ Church College
Or how about Italy’s stunning countryside in Under the Tuscan Sun
London’s charming Notting Hill in the movie of the same name
New Zealand’s Hobbiton of Lord of the Rings’ fame
the thrilling playground for the creatures of Jurassic Park
So many movie locations grab our attention on screen so viscerally
“I remember when The English Patient came out in 1996 with all those beautiful desert scenes filmed in Morocco,” says Dennis Bunnik
“We had a lot of clients signing up for Morocco just to see those sights
one of the legendary Tomb Raider film locations in the Angkor Wat complex.Credit: Getty Images
“Then The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel in 2011 sparked so much interest in India
Film locations can have a huge influence on people’s travel choices
“We’re also now seeing TV shows do something similar too
Joanna Lumley’s series on the Silk Road for those areas
Tourist authorities all over the world report a surge in visitor numbers following the success of certain films
Rome became a favourite destination in the 1950s following Audrey Hepburn’s Roman Holiday; Austria became popular in the late 1960s as a result of The Sound of Music
Kenya reaped the benefits of the worldwide release of Out Of Africa
And a boost to visitor numbers to Paris in 2011
2012 and 2013 has been attributed to Woody Allen’s Midnight In Paris
But is it the same for those who work in the film industry
Do they similarly fall in love with locations that work in and vow to return for a holiday as soon as they can
Traveller asked seven of Australia’s’ film industry luminaries for their choice of the movie locations they fell in love with as destinations in their own right
Robert Connolly on the set of Force Of Nature
Robert Connolly’s multi-award-winning movies include The Boys (1998)
His latest work is the children’s film Magic Beach (2024)
and it’s based on Tim Winton’s Blueback: a Fable for All Ages
a beautiful novella and love letter to the ocean,” Connolly says
It had the beauty and idyllic landscape we needed for the film
and the occasional muscular visceral moments too
I love its mix of gentle and idyllic little bays with tough surfing beaches and big swells
There’s so much to do and explore: a swim at Little Boat Harbour Beach every day; a boat trip out looking for whales and to see the orcas in the Bremer Canyon; seeking out local knowledge and directions for the secret Champagne Rocks; coffee and cake at the Telegraph Cafe; the Wellstead Museum and Cafe for historic info on the town and area; a beer at the pub with the locals.”
The Bremer River close to the river mouth at Bremer Bay
We say On the south coast of Western Australia
with the little coastal town normally home to a population of about 230 – which has been known to reach almost 6500 in holiday periods
wildflowers and (apart from the sharks and orcas) great diving and snorkelling
John Collee’s Oscar-nominated films are Master and Commander
Happy Feet – which won Best Animation in 2006 – and Tanna
nominated for Best Foreign Language Feature in 2017
His other works include movies Hotel Mumbai
The loved location Collee’s choice is Tanna
Collee was at the Cannes Film Festival when he was told that Australian filmmakers Martin Butler and Bentley Dean were planning to make a film in Tanna and needed a screenplay
He went along and met the tribal group there who’d been given a special dispensation to continue to live in their traditional way
He collaborated with the locals – who didn’t speak English – to come up with a story about forbidden love
He says “Tanna is a really lovely and idyllic island,” Collee says
“And the people are so warm and open-hearted and welcoming
Being there felt like a really transformative experience
there too – worth the trip there for that alone
There are also some fabulous tropical lagoons.”
It’s always recommended to take a guide on a hike to the top
The island’s also fascinating for its Melanesian dancing
Lights, camera...visit Tanna is a 45-minute flight from the Vanuatu capital of Port Vila, and there’s a choice of four resorts on the island. Summer can be hot, wet and humid, and cyclones can hit, like Cyclone Pam in 2015, so it’s best to visit between June and October. Most resorts have resumed operation after the December 2024 earthquake, but check for updates. See <a href="http://vanuatu.travel/au" rel="noopener" target="_blank">vanuatu.travel/au</a>
Rachel Ward in her documentary Rachel’s Farm
Rachel Ward is best known as a multi-Golden Globe-nominated actor for Sharky’s Machine (1981)
The Umbrella Woman (1987) and On The Beach (2000)
she won the Australian Film Institute Award for her short film The Big House
Palm Beach in 2019 and her documentary Rachel’s Farm in 2023 about her regeneration of farmland
The loved location The Nambucca Valley in the Mid North Coast of NSW
made in the region’s heritage town of Bowraville
“The film was set in the 1940s and we could still shoot 350 degrees without any contemporary blights on the screen,” Ward says
“The surrounding landscape in the Nambucca Valley is so astonishingly beautiful that we bought a farming property there 40 years ago and are still there; it was the subject of Rachel’s Farm.”
NSW… location for The Umbrella Woman.Credit: Getty Images
She says “The area has several arms that meander back into The Great Dividing Range and is made up of narrow green valleys with clear gravel streams filled with wading cattle and saucy birds,” Ward says
“There’s one bird that sounds like a wolf-whistle
I first heard it when I was putting out the washing and was convinced there was someone spying on me
a so-far unspoilt beach with an old-fashioned caravan park and some excellent coffee shops
You can buy local regenerative steaks for your barbie at the Galeria in the very quaint riverside town of Macksville and nearby Bellingen is another beauty
it’s an undeveloped gem of an area; a classic Aussie summer holiday location still retaining old-fashioned charm.”
is indeed a great holiday destination with hikes through stunning forests
Lights, camera...visit There are direct flights to Coffs Harbour from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, or there’s a train from Sydney, or take a five-and-half-hour drive. For a taste of the region, you can have Rachel’s Farm regenerated beef delivered. See <a href="http://levenvalefarm.com.au/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">levenvalefarm.com.au</a> and <a href="http://nambuccavalley.com.au" rel="noopener" target="_blank">nambuccavalley.com.au</a>
Bonnie Elliott’s credits include My Tehran For Sale (2009); These Final Hours (2014)
selected for the Cannes Film Festival; The Last Reel (2014); Undertow (2018); Slam (2018); Palm Beach (2019); H Is For Happiness (2019)
including the recent Unbreakable: The Jelena Dokic Story
She’s the first female cinematographer to win the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA) award for best cinematography
The loved location Cambodia for The Last Reel
which won an award at the Tokyo Film Festival
“It was a very low-budget film but the director
wanted to tell the story of her country with the ghosts of the Khmer Rouge,” Elliott says
“We filmed in Battambang where there was an old cinema
starring the main character’s actor mother
We then also shot in Phnom Penh and Angkor Wat.”
preserved historical buildings and is charming
But [Phnom Penh] the capital is fascinating
Most of our crew was Cambodian so it was an interesting way of learning about the beautiful culture
 Phnom Penh traffic outside Wat Ounalom.Credit: Getty Images
We say Battambang is Cambodia’s third-largest city
with an estimated 1.5 million bats flying out each day
Kate Woods directed Looking For Alibrandi (2000)
Her most recent film is Kangaroo (out September 2025)
inspired by the real-life founder of a kangaroo sanctuary in Central Australia
I travelled with a small Japanese film crew in central Australia making a TV drama,” Woods says
She says “It wasn’t just the breathtaking beauty of the landscape; it was the sky that held me in awe
During the day it was like being under a huge
and at either end of the day the colours changed by the minute and seemed to be different every day
and you can’t help but engage with it on a deeper level
It has been home to Aboriginal people for tens of thousands of years who thrived within it without changing it
And there’s the Kangaroo Sanctuary just outside Alice Springs
Striking skies of the outback.Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto
We say The Red Centre is one of Australia’s true treasures
The scenery is breathtaking and there’s the Larapinta Trail for those who want to actively explore
while there’s a range of accommodation around Uluru and Alice
Indigenous experiences and cultural activities galore
Tom Zubrycki has made many films over his 45-year
the story of the students from the National Conservatory of Music who fled the city because of the Vietnam War and built an entire music campus underground in the country instead
“I spent a lot of time around the conservatory [now the National Academy] and filmed a concert at the Opera House which was very special,” Zubrycki says
He says “I like the cultural life of Hanoi and I loved going for a stroll and a coffee around the beautiful Hoan Kiem Lake very early in the morning where there was so much going on: joggers; people doing tai chi; families playing
Each street in the old quarter had its own craft speciality
and there were some great jazz clubs in Hanoi too
with so many fabulous museums and Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum.”
“Train street” in Hanoi’s old quarter.Credit: iStock
We say Hanoi is one of the world’s most fascinating capitals
a dramatic contrast between ancient and modern
with many sites still remaining from the ninth century
the Old Quarter has flourished since the 15th century
and yet modernity exists comfortably alongside it all
Lights, camera...visit Many airlines fly from Australia to Hanoi. The best time to visit is during autumn or spring – September to November or February to April. See <a href="http://vietnam.travel" rel="noopener" target="_blank">vietnam.travel </a>
won five AFI Awards with The Home Song Stories (2007) winning eight awards after premiering in Berlin
Cut Snake (2014) was launched at the Toronto International Film Festival
His TV credits include The Slap; Underground: The Julian Assange Story; The Straits; Saved; Clickbait and Fires
where I was a writer and also the show runner (aka the creative boss)
I spent a fair bit of time in Tasmania where both the book and the show are set,” Ayres says
“We shot a substantial number of scenes at Eaglehawk Neck
an east-coast region known for its cinematic and brutal landscapes.”
He says “This part of Tasmania is legendary for the visual drama of its coastal cliffs
and the seismic power of the ocean as it batters against ancient rock formations
I felt in awe of the majesty and scale of the natural world
and humbled by the inescapable recognition of my tiny place in it
it was utterly appropriate – both pretty and welcoming
but with a palpable feeling of the gothic lurking just below the surface
I hope to go back for a holiday in the near future
Its proximity to Hobart makes it accessible
and there’s a charming resort near Port Arthur.”
We say That juxtaposition of beauty and beastliness does indeed make this area a fascinating place to visit
The narrow isthmus connecting the Tasman Peninsula to the Forestier Peninsula is spectacular – but there’s also a sculpture reminding us of the pack of dogs that stopped convicts escaping
Mountain climber Simon Yates in Touching the Void
John Collee “I wrote the film Touching the Void (2003)
about the near-fatal descent off a mountain in the Peruvian Andes
To find out how climbing on vertical ice faces felt
I went to the Torridon mountains in the north-west highlands of Scotland
It was great for entering the mindset of what it would be like to be beyond exhausted
Rachel Ward “Filming is always such a fun experience that every location you shoot in becomes imbued with magic
But maybe one I wasn’t so keen on was Calgary
Kate Woods “I was once put up for a shoot somewhere in Georgia
in a car racetrack hotel where the living room was literally an observation deck to the racetrack
So my time there was accompanied by racing cars practising all day and a full-scale race meeting on the last weekend
It’s not somewhere I’d be keen to revisit.”
Tony Ayres “One location that felt particularly challenging was Port Augusta in South Australia
where we built a detention centre in the desert for the TV series
about Australia’s shameful detention policy against refugees
It’s one of the projects I’m most proud of
and which still holds the record for the most AACTA awards won by a single show
but in [putting the scripts together] we heard traumatic stories.”
Bonnie Elliott ″⁣I recently did a six-part TV series for Apple TV
and that involved filming in Guangzhou in China
The air quality was so bad the time we were there from all the industry
There was a lot that was good about it but [not] the air quality.”
[my] film about a refugee from the Sudanese civil war
and we had to be so watchful and careful all the time
Robert Connolly “We did name a valley on The Dry 2 ‘Leech Gully’ for obvious reasons
but even on that film I would encourage people to travel to the Dandenong Ranges
I have a great love of these extraordinary
sub-tropical rainforests and extraordinary landscapes.”
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Cambodia\\u2019s Angkor Wat in Tomb Raider and the images of Christ Church College
Or how about Italy\\u2019s stunning countryside in Under the Tuscan Sun
London\\u2019s charming Notting Hill in the movie of the same name
New Zealand\\u2019s Hobbiton of Lord of the Rings\\u2019 fame
\\u201CI remember when The English Patient came out in 1996 with all those beautiful desert scenes filmed in Morocco,\\u201D says Dennis Bunnik
\\u201CWe had a lot of clients signing up for Morocco just to see those sights
\\u201CThen The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel in 2011 sparked so much interest in India
Film locations can have a huge influence on people\\u2019s travel choices
\\u201CWe\\u2019re also now seeing TV shows do something similar too
Joanna Lumley\\u2019s series on the Silk Road for those areas
Rome became a favourite destination in the 1950s following Audrey Hepburn\\u2019s Roman Holiday; Austria became popular in the late 1960s as a result of The Sound of Music
2012 and 2013 has been attributed to Woody Allen\\u2019s Midnight In Paris
Traveller asked seven of Australia\\u2019s\\u2019 film industry luminaries for their choice of the movie locations they fell in love with as destinations in their own right
Robert Connolly\\u2019s multi-award-winning movies include The Boys (1998)
His latest work is the children\\u2019s film Magic Beach (2024)
and it\\u2019s based on Tim Winton\\u2019s Blueback: a Fable for All Ages
a beautiful novella and love letter to the ocean,\\u201D Connolly says
There\\u2019s so much to do and explore: a swim at Little Boat Harbour Beach every day; a boat trip out looking for whales and to see the orcas in the Bremer Canyon; seeking out local knowledge and directions for the secret Champagne Rocks; coffee and cake at the Telegraph Cafe; the Wellstead Museum and Cafe for historic info on the town and area; a beer at the pub with the locals.\\u201D
with the little coastal town normally home to a population of about 230 \\u2013 which has been known to reach almost 6500 in holiday periods
And there\\u2019s good reason: fabulous beaches
camera...visit There are regular flights to Perth from all of Australia\\u2019s capital cities
and from there it\\u2019s a five-and-half-hour drive
There are also Orca Air flights for day visits or Orca Bus trips from Perth
The best time to visit is between December and April when the weather is at its finest
John Collee\\u2019s Oscar-nominated films are Master and Commander
Happy Feet \\u2013 which won Best Animation in 2006 \\u2013 and Tanna
The loved location Collee\\u2019s choice is Tanna
He went along and met the tribal group there who\\u2019d been given a special dispensation to continue to live in their traditional way
He collaborated with the locals \\u2013 who didn\\u2019t speak English \\u2013 to come up with a story about forbidden love
He says \\u201CTanna is a really lovely and idyllic island,\\u201D Collee says
\\u201CAnd the people are so warm and open-hearted and welcoming
there too \\u2013 worth the trip there for that alone
There are also some fabulous tropical lagoons.\\u201D
It\\u2019s always recommended to take a guide on a hike to the top
The island\\u2019s also fascinating for its Melanesian dancing
camera...visit Tanna is a 45-minute flight from the Vanuatu capital of Port Vila
and there\\u2019s a choice of four resorts on the island
so it\\u2019s best to visit between June and October
Most resorts have resumed operation after the December 2024 earthquake
Rachel Ward is best known as a multi-Golden Globe-nominated actor for Sharky\\u2019s Machine (1981)
Palm Beach in 2019 and her documentary Rachel\\u2019s Farm in 2023 about her regeneration of farmland
made in the region\\u2019s heritage town of Bowraville
\\u201CThe film was set in the 1940s and we could still shoot 350 degrees without any contemporary blights on the screen,\\u201D Ward says
\\u201CThe surrounding landscape in the Nambucca Valley is so astonishingly beautiful that we bought a farming property there 40 years ago and are still there; it was the subject of Rachel\\u2019s Farm.\\u201D
She says \\u201CThe area has several arms that meander back into The Great Dividing Range and is made up of narrow green valleys with clear gravel streams filled with wading cattle and saucy birds,\\u201D Ward says
\\u201CThere\\u2019s one bird that sounds like a wolf-whistle
it\\u2019s an undeveloped gem of an area; a classic Aussie summer holiday location still retaining old-fashioned charm.\\u201D
camera...visit There are direct flights to Coffs Harbour from Sydney
you can have Rachel\\u2019s Farm regenerated beef delivered
Bonnie Elliott\\u2019s credits include My Tehran For Sale (2009); These Final Hours (2014)
She\\u2019s the first female cinematographer to win the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA) award for best cinematography
\\u201CIt was a very low-budget film but the director
wanted to tell the story of her country with the ghosts of the Khmer Rouge,\\u201D Elliott says
\\u201CWe filmed in Battambang where there was an old cinema
starring the main character\\u2019s actor mother
We then also shot in Phnom Penh and Angkor Wat.\\u201D
She says \\u201CBattambang is a beautiful town
We say Battambang is Cambodia\\u2019s third-largest city
camera...visit Several airlines fly to Phnom Penh
From there it\\u2019s a six-hour and 20-minute train ride to the north-west to Battambang
with stops to see the floating villages of the Tonle Sap River
There are regular buses for the three-hour trip from Battambang to Siem Reap to see Angkor Wat
The dry season from November to May is a good time to visit
I travelled with a small Japanese film crew in central Australia making a TV drama,\\u201D Woods says
\\u201CIt made me feel different being there
and I\\u2019ve wanted to revisit ever since
She says \\u201CIt wasn\\u2019t just the breathtaking beauty of the landscape; it was the sky that held me in awe
and you can\\u2019t help but engage with it on a deeper level
And there\\u2019s the Kangaroo Sanctuary just outside Alice Springs
We say The Red Centre is one of Australia\\u2019s true treasures
The scenery is breathtaking and there\\u2019s the Larapinta Trail for those who want to actively explore
while there\\u2019s a range of accommodation around Uluru and Alice
camera...visit There are regular flights to Alice Springs via Qantas and Virgin Australia
and flights to Uluru with Jetstar and Virgin Australia
Accommodation options range from budget-minded camping to the five-star luxury Longitude 131
The coolest months for a visit are March to May
\\u201CI spent a lot of time around the conservatory [now the National Academy] and filmed a concert at the Opera House which was very special,\\u201D Zubrycki says
He says \\u201CI like the cultural life of Hanoi and I loved going for a stroll and a coffee around the beautiful Hoan Kiem Lake very early in the morning where there was so much going on: joggers; people doing tai chi; families playing
with so many fabulous museums and Ho Chi Minh\\u2019s Mausoleum.\\u201D
We say Hanoi is one of the world\\u2019s most fascinating capitals
camera...visit Many airlines fly from Australia to Hanoi
The best time to visit is during autumn or spring \\u2013 September to November or February to April
I spent a fair bit of time in Tasmania where both the book and the show are set,\\u201D Ayres says
\\u201CWe shot a substantial number of scenes at Eaglehawk Neck
an east-coast region known for its cinematic and brutal landscapes.\\u201D
He says \\u201CThis part of Tasmania is legendary for the visual drama of its coastal cliffs
it was utterly appropriate \\u2013 both pretty and welcoming
and there\\u2019s a charming resort near Port Arthur.\\u201D
The narrow isthmus connecting the Tasman Peninsula to the Forestier Peninsula is spectacular \\u2013 but there\\u2019s also a sculpture reminding us of the pack of dogs that stopped convicts escaping
camera...visit Eaglehawk Neck is just a one-hour drive south-east of Hobart
and only 25 minutes to the convict penal ruins Port Arthur
So take your own car on the Spirit of Tasmania ferry or fly to Hobart with Qantas
December to February are the warmest months
John Collee \\u201CI wrote the film Touching the Void (2003)
Rachel Ward \\u201CFilming is always such a fun experience that every location you shoot in becomes imbued with magic
But maybe one I wasn\\u2019t so keen on was Calgary
Kate Woods \\u201CI was once put up for a shoot somewhere in Georgia
It\\u2019s not somewhere I\\u2019d be keen to revisit.\\u201D
Tony Ayres \\u201COne location that felt particularly challenging was Port Augusta in South Australia
about Australia\\u2019s shameful detention policy against refugees
It\\u2019s one of the projects I\\u2019m most proud of
but in [putting the scripts together] we heard traumatic stories.\\u201D
Bonnie Elliott \\u2033\\u2063I recently did a six-part TV series for Apple TV
There was a lot that was good about it but [not] the air quality.\\u201D
Robert Connolly \\u201CWe did name a valley on The Dry 2 \\u2018Leech Gully\\u2019 for obvious reasons
sub-tropical rainforests and extraordinary landscapes.\\u201D
Thursday and Saturday nights are proving popular with young and new bowlers
and it’s been terrific to see so many people enjoying learning the game with a group of friends
We’ve had a lot of parties and Christmas celebrations with members and visitors enjoying the club facilities and hitting the greens too
Our annual Charity Day saw two groups- the Nambucca Valley Cancer Support Group and Parkinsons- benefit from the generosity of our own club bowlers
This year the day was more special than usual with the winning team (biggest margin) being the inaugural winners of the Pat Smith Trophy
This lovely piece was one of Pat’s crystal dishes
Congratulations to our own club team of Marilyn Montgomery
Deb Mann and Joan Haig for being the first to have their names on this trophy
The families of Pat’s daughters Michelle and Annmaree also donated prizes for the day
and there were numerous vouchers and prizes from NHBC
We thank these businesses for their generous support of our club and the day
Everyone enjoyed a drink and lunch from Rita’s Bistro after the games
a good chat and get together- as bowlers do
Including sales from the Cancer Support group
we were able to donate $980 to them and Parkinson&#8217;s received $567
This was an amazing effort and greatly appreciated by both groups
A  mix of familiar and not so familiar faces converged on Coronation Park
on Tuesday evening to begin a campaign intended to take them into the 2025 finals series and potentially achieve the Holy Grail of back-to-back premierships
With morale deservedly high on the back of the club’s First Grade and Under 18s winning the 2024 competition
the challenge for coaching staff will be to shape the teams’ focus on maintaining strengths while dissecting the elements of their game needing improvement
One of the attributes that was a likely contributor to taking the tri-colours to the top of the Group in the last season was the calm heads and steady hands at the helm
Peter Bellden is continuing as club president and this gentle giant’s measured approach to problem solving combined with his inclusive and approachable personality permeates through the club
“I believe the key to a good culture in a club is making sure everyone feels valued
whether you are in your first year of playing or you are the first grade captain
you have value to our club.” he told News Of The Area
no one person is more important or bigger than the next person and I feel that when you are appreciated
The Roosters Senior team will again be coached by Warwick Jones
Those on his roster know that when Jones speaks it is wise to listen as they now know how far he can take them
“Our defensive system will again be a big focus,” Jones told NOTA
our attack flows off the back of that &#8211; bringing confidence and energy after you turn a team away two or three times from your goal line.”
While the Roosters Reserve Grade side did not finish on top of the ladder they were loaded with enough talent to keep the First Grade players looking over their shoulders and that trend is set to continue for the 2025 season
Dean Buchanan and Kade Welsh will co-coach the Reserve Grade and will be aiming to go even further into the finals series
The Roosters Women’s Tackle side will be coached by long time Nambucca Rooster
During the 2024 season the women improved to the point of being legitimate contenders by finals time
Stig will pour a lifetime of football experience into his team and
with the quality of the players intending to return
they are likely to be the ones to watch in 2025
Perhaps the toughest task in the club falls to the Roosters Under 18s coach
The self-belief he was able to build in this year’s side was remarkable and now
as well as navigating the nuances of age limits
he will need to bring the premiership powerhouse back down to earth
While managing an impressive stable of rising stars
coaches like Batten will have the added pressures of representative duties
The two-marker rattled home in one under 33 to amass 38 points to win Div 1 of the Nambucca News medley stableford on Thursday
on countback from the resurgent Glen Crow (11 handicap)
Warwick Lean (26) had the best round of the day with a thumping 41 points to take Div 3 from the chirpy Trevor Peck (25) on 39 points
Mark Luttrell (20) recovered from a stumble on the 15th and 16th where he went double-triple
to finish with 85 off the bat and 40 points to claim Div 2 from John Hopkins (23) on 38
Troy Herbert banged one in from a distance on the first to jag the Ecomist voucher
Greg Jager on 8 and Heather Gray has dinner sorted after seizing the Pizza This Pizza That on the 13th
Crow capped a mighty day away from the office in a field that nudged 100
Susan Barnett (25) carded 34 points to win Div 1 of the women&#8217;s single stableford on Wednesday
Rhonda Rowe (29) was rock steady in returning a dalmation round of 101 gross
to salute in Div 2 with 34 points ahead of Joy Green (37) who parred the last on 33
Gray won the Pro Pin $30 on the 18th and the pin on 8
while Denise Paluch was nearest on 5 and Sue Brooks on 13
More than 120 golfers eyed the river and fronted the starter in the Nambucca News fourball medley stableford on Saturday
Ever-present threats who want only for consistency
landed a right-left combination on their way to a spanking 49 points for the victory
That was just enough to deal with 27-handicappers Mark Luttrell and Heath McKenna on 48
while Stephen Kimber (15) tried to get a return on his sponsorship
pairing with Daryl Wall (15) for 46 points
Club Captain Ray Guiana got the putt from afar on the 1st
and Stormin&#8217; Norman Devereaux the $120 Pro Pin on the 18th
Maurie Tate on 15 and Kerrie Eichorn the pizza on 13
The Mid North Coast Vets saw players from far and farrer tackle the championship 18-hole layout at The Island on Tuesday
Coffs Harbour&#8217;s David Nicholls (9) scorched with 77 off the stick including an eagle on the 9th to card 37 points and win Div 1
Murray Ingram was runner-up with 36 from Ken Klem (9) on 35
Port Macquarie&#8217;s Barry Ellis (22) recovered from a chaotic moose (10 antlers) on the 11th
with a birdie on 15 to salute with 40 points
That was enough to get the countback from Sawtell&#8217;s Steven Robinson (20) and John Buganey (22) on 37
Bowraville&#8217;s Ken Graham took Div 3 with 38 points
from Craig Riddington (29) on 37 and Urunga&#8217;s Alan Guthrie (27) on 36
The opening qualifying round of the Nambucca Skins will be held on Saturday 22 February which is open to local members
with a $5 entry fee payable at the Pro Shop prior to play
the club will host the Golf NSW Mid North Coast Men&#8217;s Championship which will see guns from across the region descend on the short
Council’s application to amend the Nambucca Local Environmental Plan 2010 (LEP) to require development applications (DA) for intensive horticulture activities
The amendments would have required buffer zones between new intensive horticulture developments and neighbouring properties or water courses
One local councillor has since suggested that some blame for the Department’s decision should be levelled at the region’s State MP
has questioned why the Member for Oxley provided a cover letter in support of the Nambucca River Branch of the NSW Farmers Association
in their submission to the Department against changes to the LEP
She suggested the move was the result of Mr Kemp’s National Party affiliations
and believes it was possibly a deciding factor in the State Government’s decision to block the amendments
“When we want to change State Government legislation
we need the support of our sitting state government member,” she told NOTA
herself a member of the Nambucca River Branch of the NSW Farmers Association
said less than ten of the branch’s approximately 40 members had an opportunity to vote on the decision to make a submission against the LEP amendment proposal
An attendee of last year’s meeting confirmed that eight members had unanimously voted on the decision
Cr Simson believes the Branch’s submission was strengthened by the letter from Mr Kemp
The NSW Farmers Association was one of two industry bodies
who made submissions against the Council’s proposal
Mr Kemp said he had never discussed his decision to support the NSW Farmers Association letter with “any single member of the party”
and that while the LEP amendment was first and foremost a local government matter
he believed some good points had been raised in the submission
He said Cr Simson’s comments were unsubstantiated and possibly an attempt to influence the upcoming Federal election by bringing party politics to a local government matter
Cr Simson made the comments on-site at a property where blueberry operations have affected a non-farming community member and Mr Kemp has personally intervened with solutions to the resulting land-use conflict
Mr Kemp confirmed he visited the Eungai Creek property twice last year
offering mediation between the disputing neighbours
“I think most people don’t care about politics (party affiliations) but they want someone who is prepared to listen
“That is what I try to do and visiting this constituent twice
all parties agreed that a temporary barrier of shade cloth be erected while a planted barrier took shape to shield the non-farming resident from the impacts of intensive blueberry plantings just five metres from her boundary and around 30 metres from her back deck
a three-metre shade cloth barrier has been erected along the resident’s fence line
Mr Kemp told NOTA he was surprised to hear that the blueberry grower had not followed through on one of his promises
and said he wished the affected resident had contacted him directly with this information
Cr Simson cites this example as a reason why the LEP amendment would have been effective
“Clearly Mr Kemp knew about situations like this one,” Cr Simson said
“What does he (Michael Kemp) think we are going to do &#8211; personally intervene every time there is a dispute like this
“We need rules to protect the rights of those with properties adjacent to intensive horticulture
and this was one of the aims of the amendment,” she said
NOTA contacted the Nambucca River Branch of NSW Farmers Association
Steady rain on the Mud North Coast kept the fields small
but those prepared to have a go as if it&#8217;s your last &#8211; and one day you&#8217;ll be right &#8211; teed up for action
Nine-marker Daryl Wall smoked his way to victory in the Nambucca RSL Dolphin Day medley stableford on Thursday 27 March with 43 points &#8211; 71 off the bat including birdies on 2
Graham Watson (7 handicap) was next best with 38 points &#8211; 12 pars and a bird on 8
ahead of Peter &#8216;Boom&#8217; Scott on 37
Wall&#8217;s big day out included the Ecomist long putt on 1
the pin on 15 and the Pizza This Pizza That voucher on 13
Divot-botherer Geoff Brooks won the Nambucca News nearest the pin on 5
Watson on 8 and Kenny Klem snaffled the $25 Pro Pin on the last with just 27 in the field
Liam Sweeny (17) had a chill ride on the bogey train with 15 of them
to post an outstanding 38 points on Saturday 29 March when most looked at the clouds and said solid pass
The championship course is actually only about three weeks away from Mona Lisa smiley condition
and Sweeny&#8217;s hot round was enough to hold out Frederickton&#8217;s Stephen Clarke (25) on 36
Made of sterner stuff was the field of 26 which fronted the starter in the women&#8217;s monthly medal on Wednesday 26 March
Judith Boyle (27) shone with the best nett of the day with a 70 to street Div 2 from runner-up Jenny Thorne (24) on 75
Fiona Chaffey (37) parred 7 and 8 on her way to nett 71 to salute in Div 3 ahead of Shayne Scott (42) on 75
Bonville&#8217;s Susan McWilliam (16) had 75 nett to edge Henny Oldenhove (17) for the win on countback
Nearest the pins on 8 went to Cheryl Gilmour and Chaffey
while Marilyn McNally snagged the 13th and Lisa Urquhart grabbed the $27 Pro Pin on 18
Geoff Goesch (22) smashed with 68 nett &#8211; including four pars &#8211; to win the Toyota Genuine Service medley stroke on Tuesday
while Heather Gray (24) was the best of the women on 78
Rocket-launcher Kai Burkinshaw (1) won the gross with 72
Pin-magnet Daryl Wall wrote his name on the card on 8 and 15
Michael Jolly on 13 and Liam Sweeny on the last
The Island&#8217;s strong Div 3 pennant side in the Mid North Coast competition stormed to a 3.5 to 1.5 victory at home to Coffs Harbour 2
Joe Street and team captain Steve Doherty engineered wins and Garry Johnstone scrapped and fought hard to square his match
The men&#8217;s Div 2 side went down away to South West Rocks 3.5 to 1.5 with Graham Watson getting the win and Greg Jager squaring his match
The club&#8217;s fledgling Div 4 side are yet to hit a ball in anger after the rain cruelled their away match against Bellingen
But with a bye and shared points from the washout to open
the boys are in the Mayor&#8217;s chair for a place in the finals
“I was in the water (at the V Wall) and there was a noise like an explosion,” witness Robert Bond told NOTA
“Nobody appeared to be hurt but the Asian couple (driving the vehicle) were very shaken up,” he said
The MG car ended up balancing on a rock and could not be easily removed
Mr Bond said he believed the car was a rental car and he noted the rather apt message painted on rocks under the vehicle’s resting place: “Keep calm and tell the truth!”
the vehicle still had not been removed and police were on the scene
“I don’t know how they are going to get it off there,” a staff member at the overlooking V Wall Pavillion told NOTA at around 12pm on Monday
“I’m not sure if they can drag it,” she said
“It appears the driver accidentally hit the accelerator rather than the brake
“No injuries were reported and the driver had a negative alcohol and drug test report.”
Police confirmed that the car will be removed and further police involvement in the incident is not expected
its low-impact on participants and the inclusive nature of the sport is likely to be behind the recent increase in popularity
it is arguably the Nambucca Bowls Club that is at the forefront of this revival
reintroducing social darts and fostering a growing community of players
Social Darts has returned to the Bowls Club
offering an opportunity for casual players and newcomers to join in a relaxed and welcoming environment
the Bowls Club now boasts two Monday night teams competing in the Nambucca and District competition league
these teams travel around the Valley to compete in other venues in Nambucca Heads
The club is also set to host the NSW Legends Series
a competition for players aged 45 and over
The first in the series kicks off on 9 February
providing older players with an opportunity to compete and potentially qualify for the nationals in October
“Sponsorship is currently being sought to assist with related expenses
with Crescent Head Traffic Logistics and Coopers Brewing Company already contributing $1,000 of the $4,000 needed to sustain this event,” Tina Ryan of Nambucca Bowls Club Social Darts told News Of The Area
with plans for a Thursday night in-house competition expected to begin by the end of April
Organisers hope to establish this as a regular summer and winter event by 2026
further cementing darts as a staple of the local sporting scene
For more information visit the Nambucca Valley Darts Facebook page
she is the youngest candidate on offer at next Saturday’s local government election
Ms Smith believes her campaign priorities are in line with many of her generation
Since moving to the Nambucca Valley from Sydney five years ago
Ms Smith has immersed herself in an array of successful tourism and hospitality related ventures
Ms Smith and her wife Kristy took over popular Nambucca Heads restaurant Matilda’s
and in June of last year she began the Nambucca Farmers’ Market
Ms Smith describes herself as being neither “radically left” or “conservative”
caring for the environment has been instilled in me,” she said
I’m running to represent my community and demographic
and make decisions that are right for the interests of the Nambucca Valley
“You can see from my business and personal interests that I’ll work to keep the ‘fun’ going strong in the Valley
and culture and I believe a community is built on the events and spaces that bring us together,” she said
Ms Smith hails from a sheep farming family based in the Orange area of New South Wales
Her ancestors were some of the first to bring merino sheep over the mountains into the region
She said she takes inspiration from her great grandmother
who was the state and then national president of the Country Women’s Association (CWA) in the 1940s
I&#8217;ll support creative planning changes looking for ways to create additional housing while ensuring the cultural fabric of our towns is preserved
“I see the Valla Urban Growth Area as a key project for Council and I look forward to the positive impact this will also have on small businesses in the area
“My priorities will also be on cleaning up the river
and maintaining Council-managed spaces for all community members including young adults