Coffs Harbour News

Rebels bring Comets down to earth

Published

2 years ago

1 August 2022

JeffG

Rebels bring Comets down to earth

By Tim Howard

The South Grafton Rebels have slammed the door on the Coffs Harbour Comets’ Group 2 rugby league semi-final hopes with a 40-12 drubbing at McKittrick Park on Sunday.

Pre game the players and crowd held a minute’s silence in memory of artist and community figure Irene Daley, who died earlier this week.

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The Daley name has featured strongly in the Rebels playing roster over the years and Mrs Daley’s son, country music star Troy Cassar-Daley sang the national anthem at the 2016 grand final between the Rebels and Grafton Ghosts.

On Sunday Rebels winger Brian Quinlin-Randall, who had an outstanding game, was the latest member of the family to turn out for the Rebels.

The Comets flared briefly in either half, snatching the lead in the opening minutes of the game with an opportunist try to halfback Joey Cudmore and for a brief period in the second half when skipper Nathan Curry scored a well-worked try to get the score to 22-12. But apart from that the Rebels, with star veterans Hughie Stanley and Grant Stevens leading the way, dominated all facets of the game. But not far behind them were a bunch of young guns like halfback Jordan Gallagher and brothers Nick and Tom McGrady and Quinlin-Randall

The Rebels made that dominance show on the scoreboard, scoring seven tries to two in a shutout performance. Although the Comets were ahead on the scoreboard early, it was the Rebels who were making the play.

Their opening score was a piece of Stanley magic when the big number 6 surged toward the line from 20m out then squeezed a pass to Lewis Cooper backing up on the inside, who crashed over.

Nick McGrady brought the scores level with the conversion. A crucial call came a few minutes later when massive Comets prop Peter Wong appeared to crash over near the sticks.

Instead the referee awarded a penalty for a double movement and the Rebels swept play downfield. Minutes later Gallagher was in for a try after a clever interplay of passes from a tap restart gave him a clear run to the line. Another crucial moment in the game was the sin-binning for backchat of Comets halfback Cudmore 13 minutes before half time.

The Rebels, 10-6 up, piled on the pressure and second rower Thomas Walker punched a hole in the defence. From the play the ball a short pass put a rampaging Tom McGrady under the posts.

The Comets almost paid double when a massive Austin Cooper run secured 70m of territory. Running onto a pass from the kick catcher Cooper smashed through the first up tackles then headed up field, pulling free of desperate cover defenders as he surged forward.

Poor ball security soon after cost the Rebels a scoring chance, but they kept applying pressure. A teasing Stanley kick drew a mistake from the Comets winger which the home team duly punished with a second try to Thomas McGrady.

In the second half the Comets rallied on the back of an extended period of possession and their skipper put them back in the game with a neatly taken try on the left edge. His successful conversion put the score at 22-12 to the Rebels with a comeback possible. But the Rebels soon snuffed that out when centre Aidan Hyland after some slick passing put him range of the line and he stretched out an arm to score. From there it came a procession. Stanley twice more to take the score to 40-12. Under-18s star Waylon Caldwell came on to take the kicking duties from Nick McGrady and kicked three from three.

After the game Rebels coach Ron Gordon was delighted with his team’s combination of slick attack and solid defence. The Rebels have not tasted defeat since May and after the game Gordon said a second place finish was possible if results went their way. They have beaten all the top four teams as they charged up the ladder and now share third spot with the Grafton Ghosts. But the Rebels ahead on points difference and with a game in hand against Macksville have the most capacity to change the look of the table.

The Ghosts edged out competition leaders Woolgoolga 26-24 to continue their rebound to form after a dismal mid-season slump. But with the Rebels facing cellar dwellers, Nambucca in the last game and the Ghosts hosting a Macksville team desperate to get back into the top four, things can change quickly.

The form of both Grafton teams had Gordon licking his lips at the prospect of both Grafton teams meeting in the grand final. “That would be something,” he said. “They have been the only team to really put points on us (42-10) when they beat us over there in the first game of the season,” he said. “But we’ve come a long way since then.”

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Anzac Day Services Northern Rivers – Comprehensive Guide for the Region

Published

1 week ago

24 April 2024

Liam

Anzac Day Services Northern Rivers – Comprehensive Guide for the Region

This Thursday April 25, 2024, communities across our region will come together to commemorate Anzac Day with various services and marches. Here’s what’s planned for each area:

Richmond Valley

Casino:

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Dawn Service: Assemble at 5:15 AM on Canterbury Street at the Casino RSM Club. The march to the Mafeking Lamp starts at 5:30 AM.
Mid-morning Service: Gather at 10:00 AM in Graham Place for a 10:15 AM march to Casino RSM Club.
Evening Retreat: A brief service at 4:55 PM at the Mafeking Lamp.

Coraki:

Assemble at 10:00 AM at the Coraki Hotel for a 10:30 AM march to the cenotaph in Riverside Park.

Broadwater:

Community Dawn Service at 5:30 AM at Broadwater Community Hall, followed by a community breakfast.

Evans Head:

Dawn Service: Gather at 5:20 AM on Woodburn Street near the bus stop, marching to Memorial Park for a 5:30 AM service. Breakfast at the RSL Club Evans afterward.
Day Service: Assemble at 10:00 AM on Park Street, marching at 10:30 AM to Club Evans in McDonald Place.
Additional Services: A bus departs the RSL at 8:00 AM for services at the memorial aerodrome and war cemetery, with a special flyover by the Amberley Air Force.

Rappville:

Dawn Service at 5:30 AM at the Anzac Memorial on Nandabah Street.
Day Service: Gather at the Rappville Post Office at 10:30 AM for an 11:00 AM service at the same memorial.

Woodburn:

Assemble at 9:45 AM at the old Woodburn Post Office, marching at 10:00 AM to the memorial in Riverside Park for a service.

Kyogle LGA

Kyogle:

Dawn service at 5:30 AM at the cenotaph.
Assemble at 9:15 AM for a 9:30 AM march through the town center, concluding with a 10:00 AM service at the cenotaph.

Woodenbong:

Dawn service at 5:15 AM at the Woodenbong water tower, followed by a Gunfire Breakfast.
Gather for a 10:40 AM march to the Woodenbong Public Hall for an 11:00 AM Anzac Memorial Service. The day concludes with a wreath-laying at 11:45 AM and a Diggers Luncheon at 12:30 PM at the RSL Hall.

Bonalbo:

Dawn service at 5:30 AM at Patrick McNamee Anzac Memorial Park, followed by a Gunfire Breakfast at the Bonalbo Bowling and Recreation Club.
An 11:00 AM service at the Bonalbo Community Hall.

Old Bonalbo:

A 9:30 AM service at Old Bonalbo Soldiers’ Memorial Hall.

Tabulam:

Gather at 10:30 AM on Clarence Street for a march to the Light Horse Memorial, where a service and wreath laying will take place at 11:00 AM, followed by refreshments at noon at the Tabulam Hotel.

Mallanganee:

A service and wreath-laying ceremony at 11:00 AM at Memorial Park.

LISMORE

Returned and Services League of Australia – City of Lismore sub-Branch ANZAC Day Committee wishes to invite the community to Lismore’s ANZAC Day March and Services, commemorating the fallen from Gallipoli and all other subsequent wars and deployments in which Australian Defence personnel have been involved.

At 5am the traditional Dawn Service will be held at the Lismore Cenotaph, following the March from the “Old Post Office Corner” on the corner of Magellan and Molesworth Streets.

The main March will commence at 9am and will depart Browns Creek Carpark, proceeding along Molesworth Street to the Lismore Memorial Baths. Followed by the ANZAC Day commemorative service at the Lismore Cenotaph.

The Lismore City Bowling Club will host a breakfast for veterans, families and community members.

Clarence Vally

Below is information that has been provided to Council by RSL Sub-branches across the Clarence Valley. If you are wishing to lay wreaths, please contact the sub-branch organiser for your area.

RAMORNIE (Sunday, 21 April)

10:45am – Ramornie Cenotaph
Contact: Barry Whalley – 0428 432 014

GRAFTON (ANZAC DAY Thursday, 25 April)

5:50am – Muster at Memorial Park
6:00am – Dawn Service at Memorial Park
6:30am – Gunfire breakfast at GDSC – $10pp (donated to charity)
9:30am – March from Market Square
10:00am – Commemoration Service at the Cenotaph, Memorial Park
Contact: Denis Benfield – 0412 410 474

SOUTH GRAFTON (ANZAC Day Thursday, 25 April)

4:50am – March from New School of Arts
5:00am – Dawn Service at the Cenotaph, Lane Boulevard
7:00am – Gunfire breakfast at South Grafton Ex-Servicemen’s Club
10:50am – March from New School of Arts
11:00am – Commemoration Service at the Cenotaph, Lane Boulevard
Contact: Barry Whalley – 0428 432 014

ULMARRA (ANZAC Day Thursday, 25 April)

10:40AM – Muster for march at Ulmarra Cenotaph
11:00am – Commemoration Service at Memorial Park
Contact: Robert McFarlane – 0407 415 923

CHATSWORTH ISLAND (ANZAC Day, Thursday 25 April)

5:15am – Dawn service at the Cenotaph
Followed by a sausage sizzle
Contact: John Goodwin – 0419 282 555

COPMANHURST (ANZAC Day Thursday, 25 April)

10:45am – Commemoration Service at Copmanhurst Memorial Cenotaph
Contact: Denis Benfield – 0412 410 474

GLENREAGH (ANZAC Day Thursday, 25 April)

5:30am – Dawn Service at the Glenreagh School of Arts
Followed by a cooked breakfast in the hall (donation)
Contact: Noel Backman – 0434 197 994

HARWOOD (ANZAC Day Thursday, 25 April)

5:15am – Muster at Harwood Hall
5:30am – Dawn Service at Harwood Cenotaph in River Street
Followed by Gunfire breakfast in the Harwood Hall (donation)
Contact: Helen Briscoe – 0431 677 110
Barry Smith – 0427 469 495

ILUKA (ANZAC Day Thursday, 25 April)

5:30am – Commemoration service
BBQ provided after service – outside hall (donation)
10:30am – March from Iluka Public School
10:45am – Commemoration Service and wreath laying
Followed by free morning tea
Contact: Phil Bradmore – 0448 465 269

LAWRENCE (ANZAC Day Thursday, 25 April)

5:45am – Muster at Lawrence Hall for march to Memorial Park
6:00am – Dawn Service at Memorial Park
9:45am – Muster at Lawrence Hall for march to memorial park
10:00am – Commemoration Service at Memorial Park
Contact: Bryan Whalan – 0417 232 809

LOWER SOUTHGATE (ANZAC Day Thursday, 25 April)

3:00pm – Commemoration Service at Lower Southgate War Memorial, Doust Park
Contact: Pauline Glasser – 0419 986 554

MACLEAN (ANZAC Day Thursday, 25 April)

5:30am – Dawn Service at Cenotaph
10:40am – March from Esplanade
11:00am – Commemoration Service at Cenotaph
Followed by lunch at Maclean Bowling Club (members only)
Contact: Trevor Plymin – 0415 400 658

TULLYMORGAN (ANZAC Day Thursday, 25 April)

5:15am – Muster for march at Tullymorgan School
5:20am – Dawn Service at the Tullymorgan School
Followed by gunfire breakfast (gold coin donation)
Contact: Sue Searles – 0408 408 749

WOOLI (ANZAC Day Thursday, 25 April)

5:30am – Dawn Service at the Cenotaph
6:00am – Breakfast for those attending the Dawn Service at Wooli Bowling & Recreation Club (gold coin donation)
10:45 am – Assemble at Wooli Bowling & Recreation Club for march
11:00am – Commemoration Service at the Cenotaph
Lunch for ex-service personnel and partners at the Wooli Bowling & Recreation Club
Contact: Brian Frederiksen – 0421 077 718

YAMBA (ANZAC Day Thursday, 25 April)

5:45am – Dawn Service at the Cenotaph
9:30am – Assemble for a 9.30am march in Clarence Street opposite Stella Motel, Clarence Street, for march to Cenotaph
9:35am – Commemoration Service to commence at completion of the march
Followed by morning tea at Yamba RSL Hall
Contact: Donna Ford – 0498 330 024

CHATSWORTH ISLAND (ANZAC Day, Thursday 25 April)

5:15am – Dawn service at the Cenotaph
Followed by a sausage sizzle
Contact: John Goodwin – 0419 282 555

Byron Shire

Thursday, 25 April 2024 04:30 AM to 12:00 PM. Services will be held across the Byron Shire to commemorate ANZAC Day.

Bangalow

10:30am – March from the Bangalow Hotel to the Cenotaph

Brunswick Heads

4:30am – March from the RSL Hall to the Cenotaph

Byron Bay

5:30am – Meet at the memorial Gates in Tennyson Street
10:30am – Meet at the memorial Gates in Tennyson Street

Mullumbimby

4:30am – Meet at the Cenotaph in Dalley Street
11:00am – March from Railway Station to the Cenotaph in Dalley Street.

Ballina Shire

5:30 AM – Dawn Service

Join us at the RSL Memorial Park Cenotaph for the first commemorative event of ANZAC Day. This service marks the time men of the ANZAC approached the Gallipoli beach and honors the traditional ‘stand-to’ ritual.

6:00 AM – Poppy Collection / Ballina RSL Breakfast

After the Dawn Service, collect your poppies from the ANZAC structure and enjoy a “In The Trenches Breakfast” at the Ballina RSL club for just $5. Open to the public – no bookings!

10:30 AM – ANZAC March

The ANZAC Day March will start at the far end of River Street, near Woolworths, moving towards the RSL and Memorial Park.

10:55 AM – ANZAC Day Service

The main service will be held at RSL Memorial Park adjacent to the Ballina RSL Club.

11:18 AM – RAAF Fly Past
11:30 AM – Ballina RSL Lunch

Conclude the morning’s commemorations with lunch at the Ballina RSL Club.

2:00 PM – Brownie & Friends’ Two-Up

Join us for a game of two-up at Brownie’s. Learn the rules and participate in this traditional ANZAC Day betting game. Open to all of legal gambling age.

Additional Information: Open to the public. All are welcome to join in remembrance and honor of our veterans.

Tweed Heads & Coolangatta

Dawn Service 5.45am

Held at Chris Cunningham Park, Wharf Street, Tweed Heads

Anzac Day Service 10.55am – 11.45am

Held at Chris Cunningham Park, Wharf Street, Tweed Heads

Burringbar – Old Bakery at 0845hrs for the march to the Memorial. Service to commence at 0900hrs. Refreshments and Bowls at the Sports Club after the service.

Cudgen – Assemble at Crescent Street at 0410 hrs. March to service at Collier Street Cenotaph at 0428hrs.

Kingscliff dawn – Assemble at Turnock Street at 0555hrs. Service at Kingscliff War Memorial. Breakfast at the Kingscliff Beach Bowls Club at 0700hrs.

Kingscliff main – Assemble at 1000hrs. March commencing at 1020hrs. Service at the Memorial at 1100hrs. Cars available for non-marchers.

Murwillumbah dawn – Assemble at War Memorial at 0520hrs. Breakfast in the Services Club at 0615hrs. Veterans and children under 12 free, others $5.

Murwillumbah main – Marchers assemble in Brisbane Street. Schools and other organisations assemble Main Street, opposite the Post Office at 1010hrs. March off at 1030hrs for Cenotaph Service at 1045hrs. Transport available for non-marchers at the assembly area.

Pottsville – Assemble at 0730hrs at Pottsville Beach Chemist. March off 0745hrs for the service at 0800hrs at the Cenotaph ANZAC Park. Breakfast at Pottsville Beach Sports Club after the service.

Tumbulgum – Memorial Gates 0430hrs. Breakfast in the hotel after the service.

Tweed Heads – Assemble on pathway behind Chris Cunningham Park at 0545hrs. Short wreath laying service at Chris Cunningham Park at 0630hrs.

🎖 Tweed Heads – Assemble in Boundary Street at 1000hrs, march off at 1030hrs down Boundary Street, left into Wharf Street and left to the Memorial in Chris Cunningham Park. Service of Remembrance from 1100hrs.

Tyalgum – Memorial 0515hrs. Breakfast in the hotel after the service.

Uki – War Memorial 0420hrs. Breakfast in the hall after the service.

These services offer a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by our armed forces and provide an opportunity for community members of all ages to come together in remembrance.

For more local news, click here.

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Coffs Harbour

F-35A LIGHTNING II AIRCRAFT TO FAREWELL COFFS HARBOUR AIRPORT AFTER COMPLETING REPAIRS

Published

3 weeks ago

11 April 2024

Liam

F-35A LIGHTNING II AIRCRAFT TO FAREWELL COFFS HARBOUR AIRPORT AFTER COMPLETING REPAIRS

A Royal Australian Air Force F-35A Lightning II aircraft will return to RAAF Base Williamtown following a short stay at Coffs Harbour Airport whilst undergoing repairs following a diversion.

The aircraft was participating in a Royal Australian Air Force training activity over the ocean off the NSW coast when it diverted to Coffs Harbour airport following an in-flight technical issue.

RAAF technicians have conducted repair works at the airport to ensure the aircraft was serviceable as soon as possible.

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Residents are advised that an engine-run will be conducted at 2pm prior to the aircraft’s departure to ensure it is safe to return home to RAAF Base Williamtown.

Elevated noise levels will be associated with the engine-run activity, which is required prior to confirming the aircraft’s readiness for departure.

Strict security protocols are in place to safeguard the F-35A Lightning II aircraft whilst undergoing repairs.

The Royal Australian Air Force would like to thank Coffs Harbour Airport for their hospitality, and the local community for their ongoing support.

For more Coffs Harbour news, click here.

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Coffs Harbour News

Six charged following OMCG drug supply investigation – Coffs/Clarence PD

Published

2 months ago

15 March 2024

JeffG

Six charged following OMCG drug supply investigation – Coffs/Clarence PD

Six men have been charged with a combined 124 offences following an investigation into drug supply in the state’s north.

Strike Force Showview was established by Coffs/Clarence Police District in May 2023 to investigate an alleged drug ring operating across the north coast with significant Outlaw Motorcycle Gang (OMCG) links.

Following extensive inquiries, Coffs Harbour Firearm and Drug Unit – assisted by Raptor North, Mid North Coast Police District, Coffs Harbour Region Enforcement Squad and the NSWPF Dog Unit – executed three search warrants across the Coffs Clarence and Mid North Coast Police Districts yesterday (Thursday 14 March 2024).

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During the searches, police allegedly located and seized a range of drug and drug paraphernalia items including cocaine with an estimated potential street value of over $24,000, methylamphetamine, cannabis and cannabis seeds, prohibited weapons, fireworks, and $11,700 cash.

Police arrested six men who were all taken to Coffs Harbour Police Station.

A 31-year-old man was charged with 43 counts of supply prohibited drug, three counts of deal with property proceeds of crime, three counts of supply prohibited drugs on an ongoing basis, two counts of supply firearm to person unauthorised to possess it, use unauthorised firearm, assault occasioning actual bodily harm in company of other(s), and aggravated enter dwelling with intent – inflict ABH.
A 73-year-old man was charged with 27 counts of supply prohibited drug, seven counts of supply prohibited drugs on an ongoing basis, two counts of deal with property proceeds of crime, and affray.
A 33-year-old man was charged with eight counts of supply prohibited drug, three counts of recklessly deal with proceeds of crime, three counts of possess prohibited drug, and fail to comply digital evidence access order direction.
A 31-year-old man was charged with six counts of supply prohibited drug, two counts of take part supply prohibited drug, deal with property proceeds of crime, supply firearm to person unauthorised to possess it, and aggravated enter dwelling with intent- inflict ABH.
A 65-year-old man was charged with three counts of supply prohibited drug, supply prohibited drugs on an ongoing basis, and possess prohibited drug.
A 29-year-old man was charged with recklessly deal with proceeds of crime, and supply prohibited drug.
All six were refused bail to appear before Coffs Harbour Local Court today (Friday 15 March 2024).

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