HISTORIC AGP FEBRUARY 15 AT CASTROL LISMORE SPEEDWAY

By Dennis Newlyn

The seventy-second running of the prestigious Australian Speedcar Grand Prix will be the centre stage highlight of the Saturday night February 15 fixture at Castrol Lismore Speedway.

There will also be racing for Wingless Sprintcars, AMCA Sedan Nationals, RSA Sedans Junior Sedans.

The world acclaimed Australian Speedcar GP, which this year pays $5,000 to win,  is a very special event steeped in magnificent history and tradition after it was first held in 1938 at the former Sydney Sports Ground venue.

For promoters Kim and Mick Sauer it’s a major coup to again host this annual race at the historic Lismore Showground Speedway venue which in more recent years has become the home of the AGP.

“It’s an absolute honour to have the Australian Speedcar Grand Prix here following on from 2023 and last year’s successful event,” Kim Sauer said.

“It’s what this race stands for in the history of Australian and world Speedcar racing. It really counts for something with its perpetual shield and the glory of winning one of oldest Speedcar races in the world.”

In addition to Australia’s all time greatest Speedcar drivers, competitors representing America, New Zealand and England have won.

The legendary four times Indianapolis 500 winner AJ Foyt is a two times AGP Champion (1975 and 1976), at Sydney’s Liverpool Speedway, while the ‘king’ of world Sprintcar racing 20 times World of Outlaws American Champion Steve Kinser has his name etched on the trophy after he won in 1986, also at the Liverpool circuit.  Englishman Bill  Reynolds was the 1956 winner at the Sydney Showground.

Ten times Australian Sprintcar Champion Garry Rush took out the event in 1977 (at Liverpool Speedway) and the Sydney Showground (1996) while Sydney’s late, great multi Australian Speedcar Champion and 1988 Australian Sprintcar titleholder George Tatnell won at the Sydney Showground in 1973.

In the decades of the fifties and ‘sixties the AGP was held in consecutive years at the world famous Sydney Showground venue.

Top drivers from New South Wales and Queensland dominate the 2025 Lismore entry list.

The defending AGP titleholder is Sydney’s Kaidon Brown who last weekend took out the Speedcar main event at the Perth Motorplex.

For more information on the February 15 fixture at Castrol Lismore Speedway log on to www.lismorespeedway.com.au

AUSTRALIAN SPEEDCAR GRAND PRIX WINNERS: 1938-2024

*The Australian Speedcar GP was held twice in 1978. The first was part of the 1977-78 season and the other in the early stages of the 1978-79 season.

** New Zealand’s Frank Brewer late became an American citizen.

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Charity golfers chip in for kids health

By Tim Howard

Clarence Valley golfers who chipped in for the Westlawn Charity Golf Day last August can now see the benefits of their generosity.

The popular annual event, held in August year has provided two pieces of kit that will help Grafton bubs.

The Grafton-based financial firm recently presented Grafton Base Hospital’s Children’s Ward and Women’s Care Unit with a portable Nitrous Oxygen Unit for the Children’s Ward,

This helps to sedate children and babies when undergoing procedures.

And the second piece of equipment was a Radical-7 Pulse CO-Oximeter, which is a high-tech monitoring system that assists medical teams in monitoring the respiration and oxygen levels of pre-term babies admitted to the hospital’s Special Care Nursery.

The donation to Our Kids, allowing the children’s health fund to purchase the new equipment for the hospital.

Westlawn Finance executive director Geoff Scofield said the company’s donation to Our Kids was only possible through funds raised during the charity golf day, which he described as an event that brought community and business partners together.

“The amazing work Our Kids does to raise funds for much-needed equipment in the maternity and children’s wards at Grafton Hospital is truly inspiring,” he said.

Midwifery unit manager at Grafton Base Hospital Alison Fels, is grateful to receive new equipment for the Special Care Nursery from funds donated to Our Kids by Westlawn Finance, represented here by Geoff Scofield and Damien Rouse.

“Our commitment to supporting local initiatives aligns perfectly with Our Kids’ mission to keep kids and families in our region, reducing the need for them to travel too far away from home.”

Our Kids fundraising coordinator Rebekka Battista thanked Westlawn Finance for its continuing support for community care in the region.

“A massive thanks to the Westlawn Finance team, their customers and supporters of the Westlawn Charity Golf Day – it is always a great day and the results impact so many families in the Clarence region. Thank you to all involved,” she said.

Our Kids has been a huge support to the health system in other regions on the NSW North Coast.

It has hosted events like the up-and-coming Lismore Samson Fitness Challenge, and Our Kids Day Out, along with contributions from donors and local businesses to help raise funds to purchase paediatric equipment for our local hospitals.

Ms Battista said Our Kids has purchased more than $2.7 million in paediatric equipment for the Grafton, Lismore and Tweed hospitals.

Our Kids invites members of the public to become involved by become a financial or in-kind partner.

For more information please contact the Our Kids team on 0438 417 085 or email info@ourkids.org.au.

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Lismore Cricket Legends are back!

By Samantha Elley

Cricket lovers are in for a treat this weekend, according to Lismore mayor, Steve Krieg.

The Mayor’s XI team will be versing Adam ‘Gilly’ Gilchrist’s XI team at Oakes Oval and it promises to be a spectacular day.

“For the second Legends of Cricket game…it is a weekend chock full of activities and a chance to engage with some of the nation’s best ever cricketers,” he said.

The teams are a mixture of cricket national legends, local legends, some musicians and even a NSW state politician.

“I think even though the teams are picked supposedly to make it even, I still think Gilly might have had a hand in the naming of the teams, but that’s ok, that will get runs on the board, so to speak,” said Cr Krieg.

“While I can’t wait to win and show Gill’s XI whose boss, I’m genuinely excited about what this event means for Lismore.

“Our community deserves this celebration.”

For cricketer, Adam Gilchrist, it’s a chance to showcase his hometown and how far it has come since the floods.

“Lismore is where I grew up; it will always hold a special place in my heart,” he said.

“Seeing so many of my cricketing mates come together to help support this town and its people is incredible.”

Cr Krieg said the event will be a test for the newly upgraded Oakes Oval.

“We’ve just won a state award for the best regional AFL ground in NSW,” he said.

“I want to test our facilities. I want to make sure we can cater for 5-6,000 people here. My dream is to get 8-9,000 to really test our capability, to make sure our toilets work, to make sure our grandstands are comfortable and fit for purpose. To check the new Adam Gilchrist Pavilion which we will be officially naming with Gilly on Friday.”

Some glamour to the teams include: Powderfinger’s Bernard Fanning and Grinspoon guitarist Pat Davern, who will swap the stage for the pitch.

Grandstands will be full on Saturday to watch our local and national cricket legends compete.

Gilly’s XI

• Adam Gilchrist
• Claire Moore
• Nathan Hauritz
• Michael Kasprowicz
• Jason Gillespie
• Jodie Fields
• Tim Buckett
• Lenard Blok
• Cooper Williams
• Bernard Fanning
• Tim Cohen
• Paul Scully (Minister for Planning and Open Spaces)

Mayor’s XI

• Steve Krieg
• Dan Christian
• Steve O’Keefe
• Andy Bichel
• Sammy-Jo Johnson
• Georgie Redmayne
• Joe Parsons
• Pat Davern
• Peter Thomas
• Lukey Shay
• Ebony Hoskin

Gates open at 1pm with the game starting at 3pm.

Tickets are available from www.oztix.com.au

Ticket prices: $22.45 – Adult, $12.25 – Concession, $54.10 – Family, Free – Children 11 and under.

Young cricketers aged 5-14 can take part in the Legends of Cricket Junior Cricket Clinic from 8.30am to 12.30pm with registration available here.

Fans can also join Adam Gilchrist and Trevor Chappell in conversation with Geoff Lawson OAM at the Legends of Cricket Sportspersons Breakfast presented by Alder Constructions.

Tickets are available at www.visitlismore.com.au

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Recognising Our Local Sporting Champions

By Jeff Gibbs

Young athletes from across the Northern Rivers have been recognised for their achievements and dedication to sport, with 34 local teenagers receiving the prestigious Local Sporting Champions Award.

At a special event today, Federal Member for Page, Kevin Hogan, presented each recipient with a certificate of achievement and confirmed their grant funding through the Local Sporting Champions program.

Supporting the Next Generation of Sporting Stars

Mr. Hogan highlighted the importance of supporting young athletes as they strive for excellence in their chosen sports:

“Those who received the awards have excelled in representing the Northern Rivers on the national and state stage. The Local Sporting Champions program provides financial assistance to young people aged between 12 and 18 years to compete, coach, or umpire in their chosen sport.”

The Northern Rivers has long been home to some of Australia’s most accomplished athletes, and Mr. Hogan emphasised the need to nurture the next generation:

“The region has produced outstanding sportspeople in the past, and it’s vital that we continue to support our local sporting talent. Unfortunately, succeeding in sport doesn’t just take talent and determination – it often requires significant financial support from families. I am pleased to assist these families with grants that help young athletes reach their full potential.”

The Value of Sport in Young Lives

Beyond competition, sport plays a critical role in shaping young Australians. Mr. Hogan reinforced its broader benefits:

“Sport is crucial in the development of young people, teaching life-long skills like teamwork, discipline, and resilience. It also keeps them fit and healthy while allowing them to excel in something they love and enjoy.”

He also encouraged other young athletes to explore the Local Sporting Champions grant program:

“I encourage any aspiring champions competing at a state, national, or international level to apply for a grant by contacting my office or visiting the website: ausport.gov.au.”

Meet the Northern Rivers Sporting Champions

The latest Local Sporting Champions Award recipients represent a diverse range of sports, from athletics and cricket to netball and water polo.

Athletics:

• Amber Bryant (Blakebrook)
• Crystal Gill (Casino)
• Skye Skillen (Corndale)
• Xavier Dann (Eltham)
• Willow Dann (Eltham)
• Tyler Packham (Goonellabah)
• Talis Walker (Jiggi)
• Tennille Owen (Kyogle)
• Pippa Kennedy (Kyogle)
• Morgan Selesele (Kyogle)
• Isabella McPherson (Lismore)
• Hadley Dowton (McLeans Ridges)
• Amity Dzendolet (Modanville)
• Shakyia Gambrill (North Woodburn)

Netball:

• Allora Gould (Casino)
• Matilda Austin (Chilcotts Grass)
• Ella Morgan-Spooner (East Lismore)
• Sophie Powell (Goonellabah)
• Maya McNamara (Goonellabah)
• Matilda Green (Green Pigeon)

Cricket:

• Lachlan Barnes (Alstonville)
• Jed Mulcahy (Kyogle)

Touch Football:

• Bryce Byrne (Casino)
• Jack Elphick (Goonellabah)
• Isabelle Slater (Wollongbar)

Cross Country:

• Padraig Heffernan (Dunoon)

Rugby Union:

• Macy Field (East Lismore)

Baseball:

• Connor McCarthy (Caniaba)

Hockey:

• Max Venables (Goonellabah)
• Caitlyn Halliday (Goonellabah)

Futsal:

• Max Alcorn (Goonellabah)

Water Polo:

• Zoe Silver (Lynwood)

Encouraging Future Sporting Champions

The Local Sporting Champions program, an initiative of the Australian Sports Commission, provides financial support to help young athletes cover costs associated with travel, accommodation, and competition fees at state, national, or international events.

For more information or to apply for a grant, visit ausport.gov.au or contact Kevin Hogan’s office for assistance.

By supporting young athletes, the Northern Rivers community continues to foster talent, sportsmanship, and a bright future for the region’s sporting stars.

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Coffs Harbour Champions of the 2025 Australia Day Awards

Local heroes were celebrated, and new citizens were welcomed as the Coffs Harbour community came together to honour Australia Day at a vibrant ceremony held at C.ex Coffs. The event highlighted the selfless contributions of individuals who have gone above and beyond to create a positive impact, embodying the very spirit of Australia Day.

City of Coffs Harbour Mayor Nikki Williams took centre stage to announce the winners of the 2025 Australia Day Awards, acknowledging the exceptional efforts of Phil McMullen, Nathan Armstrong, Barry Powells, and Scott Cordwell. These remarkable individuals were commended for their passion, commitment, and dedication to the community.

“Today is about celebrating the extraordinary people who make our community the wonderful place it is,” Mayor Williams said. “Each of our award winners has made a lasting difference, and these awards are our community’s way of saying ‘thank you.’ Their stories inspire us all to contribute in our own way and strengthen the bonds we share.”

The 2025 Award Winners

Citizen of the Year: Phil McMullen

Phil McMullen was honoured as the 2025 Citizen of the Year for his outstanding contributions as a football coach, youth mentor, and advocate for refugee families in Coffs Harbour. A former Orara High School student with a passion for football, Phil’s career led him to the Australian Youth Football Institute in Sydney before returning to Coffs Harbour.

In Coffs, Phil spearheaded RISE, a community program dedicated to empowering young people from diverse and refugee backgrounds. Through his leadership, countless youth have developed confidence, resilience, and skills, creating ripple effects that have positively transformed lives and the broader community.

Young Citizen of the Year: Nathan Armstrong

Nathan Armstrong received the Young Citizen of the Year award for his exceptional work as a radio presenter, mentor, and community advocate. A key figure at CHY FM, Nathan has not only mentored young broadcasters but also extended his efforts to assist local seniors in mastering modern technology, helping them stay connected with family and friends.

His passion for fostering intergenerational connections has strengthened bonds across the Coffs Harbour region, showcasing the profound impact one young person can make.

Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh, Scott Cordwell (Aussie Spirit Award winner), Phil McMullen (Citizen of the Year), Barry Powells (Senior Citizen of the Year), City of Coffs Harbour Mayor Nikki Williams, and Nathan Armstrong (Young Citizen of the Year).

Senior Citizen of the Year: Barry Powells

The Senior Citizen of the Year title was awarded to Barry Powells in recognition of his decades-long service to the Coffs Harbour region. A pillar of the community, Barry has dedicated his time to organizations such as the Coffs Harbour Show Society, the NSW Rural Fire Service, and as president of Coffs Harbour Regional Landcare (CHRL).

Under his leadership, CHRL grew to include over 380 volunteers working across 41 environmental restoration sites. Barry’s tireless efforts have not only conserved the natural beauty of the region but also inspired a culture of environmental stewardship.

Aussie Spirit Award: Scott Cordwell

Scott Cordwell was celebrated with the Aussie Spirit Award for his extraordinary contributions to the Eastern Dorrigo Mountain community. Known for his generosity, Scott has been instrumental in organising events such as the 2024 Remembrance Day service in Ulong and arranging the installation of a headstone for a local WW1 veteran.

Beyond commemorations, Scott has shown unwavering commitment to wildlife conservation during the 2019/2020 bushfires, fostered working dogs in need of homes, and even tackled social isolation by offering a free shuttle bus service as a volunteer driver.

Australia Day Activities

The awards ceremony was part of a broader celebration organised by the City of Coffs Harbour, offering a suite of family-friendly activities. Highlights included:

• A free BBQ breakfast at Brelsford Park.
• The popular ‘Big Dig’ treasure hunt at Jetty Beach.
• The year’s first citizenship ceremony, where around 40 individuals from seven different countries officially became Australian citizens.

Mayor Williams emphasised the significance of these events in fostering community spirit and inclusivity: “Australia Day is about celebrating who we are—our diversity, our unity, and the incredible people who make this community so special.”

The 2025 Australia Day Awards showcased the profound impact of local legends who embody the true spirit of community, inspiring others to follow in their footsteps.

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