Coffs Harbour

Complacency warning for Rebels

Published

1 year ago

14 July 2023

Liam

Rebels rugby player running with the ball from opposite team

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Complacency warning for Rebels

By Tim Howard

The South Grafton Rebels are lucky complacency only cost them a single competition point when they scrambled to a 26-all draw with Bellingen in Saturday’s Group 2 Rugby League game at McKittrick Park on Saturday.

Up 10-nil midway through the first half, the Rebels courtesy of tries to halfback Keaton Stutt and fullback Keiron Johnson-Heron, looked like it was a matter of how many.

But some sloppy turn overs and bizarre call which gave Bellingen six more tackles when Magpies half Luke Beaumont kicked the ball into a Rebels player not playing at the ball and found touch, put Bellingen hot on attack.

A popped up pass found winger Jack Farrell, who struggled over the line in the left corner.

It was a danger sign for the Rebels that Bellingen were capable of scoring, but they were able to counter soon after when dynamic centre James Torrens made a blistering break out of his own quarter.

Brought to ground in midfield, he played the ball quickly and with the Bellingen defence still struggling to get back, Stutt kicked downfield finding acres of open space with Johnson-Heron leading a group of Rebels chasers to touch down for his second try.

At 14-4 and half time looming Rebels coach Ron Gordon couldn’t wait to get his players into the shed and read the riot act to them.

But Bellingen had other ideas and another attacking raid down the left side put back rower Peter Conroy over in the corner.

The break did the Rebels no good. They came out of the shed and their play disintegrated as the visitors took the game up to them.

A succession of quick play the balls had the defence back pedalling and gave Ryan Gill a chance to run at the line.

A couple of steps off his right foot and he was through the line to touch down under the posts.

Zac Stephenson converted and suddenly the Magpies were level at 14-14.

About 15 minutes into the half, Rebels skipper Grant Stevens and Magpies prop Ryan Woods were put in the bin.

Woods had hammered Nick McGrady with a late tackle after a clearing kick and the referee had awarded the Rebels a penalty.

Stevens said something to Woods, who lashed out and the players began to scuffle.

The referee and both touch judges spoke and Stevens was binned for fighting and Woods was binned, presumably for the late tackle.

The dismissal seemed to hurt the Rebels the most, as it signalled a period of dominance from Bellingen in which they two tries and skip away to a 26-14 lead.

The first was an opportunistic tap kick after a poor McGrady kick went touch in goal.

Five eighth MacAuley Dawson galloped to the quarter line, tapped the ball and before the Rebels had set their defence sprinted upfield.

No-one could catch him and he scored under the posts.

Then Gill scored another try, again beating some lacklustre defence with good footwork.

Fortunately with Stevens back on after his spell in the bin, the Rebels started to find some cohesion.

Bellingen Magpies fullback >>> pulls off a trysaving tackle on Rebels centre James Torrens during Saturday’s game at McKittrick Park.

Gordon also put prop Lionel Johnson back into the game and he immediately began to have an effect wth some damaging runs and several stinging tackles.

He was rewarded with a fine try near the posts which McGrady converted to drag the score back to 26-20.

With about eight minutes on the clock the Rebels attacked down the left edge after hammering the Bellingen line in close.

The Rebels looked to have scored when McGrady bounced out of a tackle and fell across the line. But the referee ruled he had been held up and took the ball back to the 10-metre line.

Play swept to the left where Torrens smashed into a tackle, bounced to his feet and dived across the line to score near the corner.

McGrady nailed the sideline kick setting up a hectic final few minutes where the Rebels had a chance to steal the game.

With a minute left centre Matt Dalton put a deft kick into the in goal but the chasing Rebels were unable to ground the ball for the winner.

After the game Gordon was both disappointed and proud of his players.

“They got complacent after we got away early, for sure,” he said.

“When it got to 26-14 I thought that maybe this is the loss we had to have to shake us up.

“But full credit to them, in the last 10 to 15 minutes they clawed back into the game and had a shot at winning it at the death.”

Gordon also noted the Rebels had not capitalised on their home ground advantage this season.

“It’s becoming a problem for us,” he said. “Teams usually fear coming to McKittrick Park, but we haven’t played well at home this season.

“The team owes it to fans to rack up some wins at home and so far, we’ve only been average at home.”

Gordon said the absence of veteran five-eighth, Hugh Stanley, away on family matters, was crucial, although he said McGrady handled the 6 jumper with aplomb.

The side also missed its powerful young centre Jye Boehme, whose season is up in the air after a nasty injury the previous week.

“We’re hearing its ligament and tendon damage,” Gordon said. “But we haven’t learned the full extent of it yet.”

Group 2 has a competition bye next weekend. Following that, the Ghosts hosts the Rebels at Frank McGuren Field in the second local derby of the season.

Scores

South Grafton 26, Tries: Keiron Johnson-Heron 2, Keaton Stutt, Lionel Johnson, James Torrens. Goals: Nick McGrady 3 drew with

Bellingen 26: Ryan Gill 2, Jack Farrell, Peter Conroy, MacAuley Dawson. Goals Zac Stephens 3.

At Woolgoolga Sportsground on Saturday competition leaders the Grafton Ghosts were handed a football lesson by the Seahorses, who trounced them 46-4.

It was a rude awakening for the Ghosts who had just secured the competition lead the week before.

Woolgoolga led 18-4 at half time and totally dominated in the second half, scoring five unanswered tries.

The Coffs Harbour Comets seized the competition lead with a 22-10 win over Nambucca. Weekend results mean the two Grafton teams are in equal points in second spot, with the Rebels ahead on points difference.

Scores

Woolgoolga 46: Tries: Sione Fangupo 2, Ethan Duncombe, Not Available, Ethan, Duncombe, Coen Van Dugteren, Dane O’Hehir, Coen Van Dugteren. Goals: Tyler Murden 7. def

Grafton Ghosts 4: Try Jake Martin.

For more sport news, see here.

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Coffs Harbour

The Circus is in town and it is action packed

Published

2 months ago

5 June 2024

Liam

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The Circus is in town and it is action packed

By Samantha Elley

Put your expectations away and open your mind to the ‘edge of your seat’ experience you will be in for when you go to see The Circus in Coffs Harbour.

“We are a seventh generation circus family, originally from Germany,” said tour manager and matriarch, Marie Weber.

“We bring acts that have never been seen under the big top in Australia before.

“These include FMX (freestyle) riders, the splitting globe of death, comedians, aerialists and even a human cannonball.”

Patriarch, Harry Weber, has been involved in the circus touring life for the past 40 years and the family are excited to be in Australia.

“We have been touring in New Zealand, South Africa, Korea and other international areas,” said Marie.

That’s no mean feat with a family of eight children who have all grown up with the circus.

“We have performers from all walks of life,” said Marie.

“There are about 40 crew and performers, including those travelling with families.”

Marie said they are all like one big happy family, especially when they have been working so closely together for so long.

“Most of us have been working together for more than 10 years,” she said.

The Circus has just wound up six shows at Lismore Showgrounds and is now heading to Coffs Harbour where they have a giveaway on their Facebook page ‘Weber Bros Entertainment’ for two VIP packages and 10 double passes to their shows.

They will be performing their action packed shows at Coffs Harbour Showground between June 6^th – 16^th.

Book your tickets at 0452003300 or online at iticket.com.au for two hours of great family entertainment. Prices range from $35 – $85 for adults and $25-$70 for children.

For more Coffs Harbour news, click here.

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Coffs Harbour

Mental Health Service Boost in Coffs Harbour with Opening of Medicare Mental Health Centre

Published

2 months ago

5 June 2024

Liam

Medicare Mental Health Centre Coffs Harbour

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Mental Health Service Boost in Coffs Harbour with Opening of Medicare Mental Health Centre

Communities in and around Coffs Harbour will soon benefit from increased mental health support with the opening of a Medicare Mental Health Centre in late June. Healthy North Coast, which delivers the North Coast Primary Health Network program on behalf of the Australian Government, announced today the selection of local not-for-profit organisation Open Minds as the service provider for the new centre.

Monika Wheeler, CEO of Healthy North Coast, emphasised the importance of accessible mental health services. “It is estimated that 43% of Australians will experience mental health distress at some point in their lives. It is vitally important we have a range of mental health services that are easily accessed in times of need,” she stated.

The new centre will offer free, walk-in mental health services with no appointments or referrals necessary. This model is designed to provide immediate and tailored support to individuals in need. Wheeler highlighted the success of a similar initiative: “Our Lismore Centre, also run by Open Minds, opened in 2022 and has delivered over 9,000 sessions and supported more than 1,000 people. We’re confident that the Coffs Harbour Centre will be a welcome addition for residents looking for a tailored experience and connection to the right support for them and their circumstances, which are different for everyone.”

Rik Barker, General Manager of Integrated Mental Health Services (NSW) at Open Minds, welcomed the announcement. “We look forward to opening the doors in Coffs and delivering a quality mental health service, improving the wellbeing of people on the Mid North Coast,” he said.

Key Features of the New Centre

Staffing: The centre will be staffed by mental health and allied health professionals available to visitors based on their level of need. There will also be a Social and Emotional Wellbeing Worker for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients, in partnership with Galambila Aboriginal Health Service.
Location and Hours: The centre will be co-located with the Coffs Harbour Neighbourhood Centre in Block B of the Community Village, 22 Earl Street, Coffs Harbour. Initial hours of operation will be 8 am to 6 pm, Monday to Friday, with provisions for targeted/appointment-based services for up to four hours on Saturdays.
Accessibility: Residents can visit the centre without prior appointments, and services are free of charge.

Wheeler explained the community’s enthusiastic response to the new centre, noting its welcoming space and easy accessibility. She also encouraged those unable to visit in person to utilize the free Head to Health service by calling 1800 595 212 for phone-based support.

Additional Information

Crisis Services: The Medicare Mental Health Centres are not intended for crisis or emergency services. For urgent support, individuals should contact Lifeline at 13 11 14 or the Mental Health Access Line at 1800 011 511. For immediate help or if at risk of harm, calling 000 is advised.

For more information and updates, visit here.

For more Coffs Harbour news, click here.

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Coffs Harbour

LOCAL CONCRETE GIRDERS MAKE THEIR WAY UP THE HIGHWAY FOR BYPASS

Published

2 months ago

22 May 2024

Liam

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LOCAL CONCRETE GIRDERS MAKE THEIR WAY UP THE HIGHWAY FOR BYPASS

The Coffs Coast community will soon see locally-produced concrete girders making the trip from Macksville to Coffs Harbour where they will form part of 15 of the 17 bridges on the Coffs Harbour Bypass alignment.

Transport for NSW Director Region North Anna Zycki said the project team is working with Australian Precast Solutions, which is casting the massive 260 Super T girders, which measure from 18 metres to 35 metres long and weigh up to 90 tonnes.

“This demonstrates our commitment to investing in local businesses and local jobs,” Ms Zycki said.

“The ongoing program of work from the Coffs Harbour Bypass has ensured longevity for the 65 staff already employed at the precast yard, with further opportunities for an additional ten casuals in the future.”

Ms Zycki also said the girder movements will cause occasional delays for some road users and urged motorists to be extra mindful when sharing the road with these oversize loads.

“Each girder is classified as an Over Size, Over Mass (OSOM) load and will be escorted to site with a pilot vehicle,” Ms Zycki said.

“To minimise impacts, only approved heavy vehicle haulage routes will be used and deliveries will be made during off-peak periods, where possible.

“When driving near these vehicles, be mindful that they take up more space and are unable to stop quickly. Please remember to ACT – be aware, use caution and allow more time to get to your destination,” Ms Zycki said.

Doug Nimmo, Precast Superintendent from Australian Precast Solutions said the bypass is providing a great boost for local companies.

“We’ve worked with Transport for NSW for many years, helping deliver structural elements for the Pacific Highway duplication including for the Woolgoolga to Ballina upgrade a few years ago,” Mr Nimmo said.

“We’re pleased they keep coming back to us and we’re delighted to be part of the team that’s bringing the long-awaited bypass to Coffs Harbour.”

The Australian and NSW Government are funding the 14 kilometre Coffs Harbour Bypass. When complete, the project will save motorists 12 minutes travel time, bypass up to 12 sets of traffic lights and remove thousands of vehicles from the Coffs Harbour CBD.

More information about the bypass is available here.

For more Coffs Harbour news, click here.

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