Coffs Harbour

Complacency warning for Rebels

Published

10 months ago

14 July 2023

Liam

Rebels rugby player running with the ball from opposite team

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.

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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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Anzac Day Services Northern Rivers – Comprehensive Guide for the Region

Published

2 weeks 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

Saffin commissions Marine Rescue Woolgoolga vessel

Published

2 months ago

6 March 2024

Liam

Saffin commissions Marine Rescue Woolgoolga vessel

NSW Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Recovery Janelle Saffin today (Tuesday, 27 February) welcomed a new $862,930 Marine Rescue NSW vessel, which provides a significant boost for the Woolgoolga community.

Ms Saffin, the State Member for Lismore, was joined by Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell to officially commission Woolgoolga 30 to the Marine Rescue NSW fleet.

The new vessel, funded by the NSW Government, was today also named the Tamieka Lee.

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Ms Saffin said it was an honour to commission the new vessel, which is a vital addition to support the life-saving work of Marine Rescue NSW volunteers.

“This rescue boat has the speed and technology to quickly and safely get rescue crews where they are needed when vital seconds count,” Ms Saffin said.

“This outstanding rescue vessel is a valuable investment in the safety of the region and the active users of our local waters.

“On behalf of the people of Woolgoolga, and visitors to our local waters, I thank all the dedicated, hardworking Marine Rescue volunteers.

Ms Saffin also encouraged all boaters to Log On and Log Off with Marine Rescue NSW either by the free Marine Rescue app or via VHF channel 16.

“Using the Marine Rescue app or establishing contact through VHF Channel 16 ensures that a search will be initiated for boaters who don’t return from a voyage as planned,” Ms Saffin said.

Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell said the new rescue vessel is a much-welcomed asset for the community.

“Boaters at Woolgoolga can rest easier knowing that this state-of-the-art vessel is at the ready should they run into trouble,” Commissioner Barrell said.

“Volunteer crew members at Marine Rescue Woolgoolga have been fully trained on the operation of the new vessel and are ready to respond to people in need.”

NSW Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Recovery Janelle Saffin officially commissions the Tamieka Lee joined by Marine Rescue NSW’s top brass.

The 9.5 metre Naiad Hamilton jet boat is powered by a 575 horsepower Cummins engine and features a specialist Raymarine suite of maritime navigation equipment and FLIR (forward looking infrared camera).

Commissioner Barrell said the replacement rescue boat was designed and built to meet demanding local operating conditions and would prove a reassuring presence for locals and visitors alike.

“This vessel is launched and retrieved from the beach which was a major factor in the design phase,” Commissioner Barrell said.

“Woolgoolga 30 can quickly deploy up to 30 nautical miles out to sea to rescue boaters who find themselves in trouble offshore.

“Marine Rescue Woolgoolga is a vital part of the Marine Rescue NSW network and we are fortunate to have 45 dedicated volunteers here committed to saving lives on the water,” Commissioner Barrell said.

Marine Rescue Woolgoolga Unit Commander Brian Taylor thanked the NSW Government for funding the cost of the new vessel.

Unit Commander Taylor said the new vessel was a significant improvement over the unit’s former Ellis jet rescue boat.

“It is a superior vessel and an important asset for the community.

“The upgraded search and rescue technology on board has improved our search capability, which is vital to our mission of saving lives on the water.

“This vessel has many important features including improved handling, manoeuvrability and greater volunteer comfort allowing our crews to operate more safely for longer periods and in a wider range of weather and conditions.

“It is much lighter and easier to control than the former vessel and can essentially turn on dime,” Unit Commander Taylor said.

“This vessel, the Tamieka Lee has been named in honour of two young people with a strong connection to our Deputy Unit Commander Shirley Teague who has dedicated more than 13 years to Marine Rescue NSW at both the Coffs Harbour and Woolgoolga units.

“Shirley’s daughter Tamieka lost her life to ovarian cancer in 2016 and Lee lost his life not long after Tamieka passed.

“Lee is the son of Ursula and Trevor Kirby, long-time supporters of Marine Rescue Woolgoolga and close family friends of Shirley.

“We are proud that this new vessel bears Tamieka and Lee’s names and that their memories can live on while it carries out its vital life-saving work on the region’s waters,” Unit Commander Taylor said.

For more Coffs Harbour news, click here.

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