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VETERAN CRICKETERS COMING TO LISMORE/BALLINA

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VETERAN CRICKETERS COMING TO LISMORE/BALLINA

The NSW Veterans Over 65’s cricket championships are being held in Lismore, Ballina and Lennox Head during the week commencing 12th December, with 10 teams from across NSW joining the local Lismore Emerging Greys (LEGs) cricket team in competition.

The Championships will consist of 2 Divisions, with the 8 teams in Div 1 playing a 40 overs per team competition, while the 3 Div 2 teams will play a 25 overs per team competition, with 2 matches each day.

Matches will be played on the Monday, Tuesday and Thursday at Oakes Oval, Mortimer Oval and Neilson Oval in Lismore and Fripp Oval in Ballina and Megan Cresc. in Lennox Head, commencing at 10.00 am each day.

This is the 2nd NSW O/65s championships and LEGs are the current joint trophy holder with Port Jackson from Sydney.

Veterans Cricket started with only an Over 60s competition, but the rapid growth has led to O/40s, O/50s, O/55s, O/60s, O65s and O/70s tournaments at regional. State and National levels.

LEGs President, Roger Boyd said ‘It will be great for the local area to have many visitors supporting local businesses, and thanked Lismore and Ballina Councils for their enthusiastic support for the carnival’. ‘It reflects the growing trend of our older generations living a healthy and active lifestyle’ he added.

All matches will be controlled by local and visiting umpires.

For further information regarding the Championships  or Veteran’s Cricket on the Far North Coast, contact Wayne Garrard on 0429 990 879.

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Recognising Our Local Sporting Champions

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Kevin Hogan with Northern Rivers Sporting Champions
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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

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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.

Coffs Harbour 2025 Australia Day Awards

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.

 

For more local news, click here.

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Cricket community backs McGrath Foundation

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The Easts cricket team decked out in their pink caps ahead of their opening game in the CRCA Pink Stumps day at McKittrick Park, South Grafton for the McGrath Foundation
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Cricket community backs McGrath Foundation

 

By Tim Howard

The Clarence River Cricket Association has been able to donate more than $1700 to cancer charity the McGrath Foundation after the association’s Pink Stumps Day.

The carnival of T20 cricket was held at the McKittrick Park complex in South Grafton on December 21 and featured some stunning cricket as well as great support from the cricket community.

CRCA president Anthony Dickson thanked the clubs who played and those who came to support the event.

“We think it was a successful day, we hope all who came down and supported the event had a great time socialising and watching some great cricket,” he said.

“With donations, the barbecue and the raffles we raised a total of $1726.80.

“That money will go to the McGrath Foundation to support those individual’s  and their families who are impacted by breast cancer.

“We thank all the local businesses and members who dug deep and gave generously to support a great cause.”

Dickson also thanked the local businesses who dug deep to provide prizes for the raffles held at the ground during the carnival.

They were:

  • Content Stone
  • The Book Warehouse Grafton
  • Naeco Blue Seafoods
  • Dan Murphy’s
  • @ Bunnings Grafton
  • Horseshoehooky
  • @harveyjewellersgrafton
  • South Grafton Ex Servicemens Club
  • Full Function Remedial Therapy
  • Sportspower Grafton

The McGrath Foundation raises money to fund McGrath Breast Care Nurses in communities across Australia and invests in their professional development to ensure people with breast cancer receive the highest standard of care.

The foundation has 233 McGrath breast care nurses, who help people and their families experiencing breast cancer by offering medical expertise, clinical care and psychosocial support, for free.

From the time of diagnosis and throughout treatment, the foundation’s nurses are available to help.

So far more than 143,000 families have been supported since 2005, but the foundation looks to build on that record.

More nurses are needed to meet the growing rate of breast cancer diagnosis in Australia.

McGrath Foundation nurses work across Australia including many regional and rural centres, where breast cancer treatment and support may be harder to reach.

The McGrath Foundation has become one Australia’s most recognised and respected charities since Jane and Glenn McGrath’s very public experience with breast cancer.

When Jane was diagnosed with cancer for a second time, she had the support of a breast care nurse, who both empowered and comforted her, and her family.

This experience set the mission for the foundation, which has become an enduring commitment: to ensure every family experiencing breast cancer has the support of a Breast Care Nurse, no matter where they live – for free.

 

For more local news, click here.

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Cricket reduced to one dayers

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Cricket reduced to one dayers

 

By Tim Howard

The Clarence Valley’s first grade cricketers get a chance of playing one day cricket on Saturday after rain washed out the first day of the first game of 2025.

The shortened format can suit some teams and hamper others, but most interest remains on the clash between South Services/Westlawn and Lawrence at Ulmarra Showground.

Souths Westlawn tops the competition table while Lawrence is in third spot and looking to improve its position.

Lawrence had the best of the corresponding game at the start of the season when we weather enabled Souths/Westlawn to secure a draw despite being well behind in the game.

The shortened format should not affect the barn storming Harwood outfit which has been in devastating form in the first half of the season.

Clarence Cricket

Easts left arm spinner David Bruton-Duroux is one of the players his team needs to perform to lift them further up the CRCA competition ladder.

Despite trailing Souths/Westlawn, they have been the form team of the season, boasting century makers in Coby Tabor – with two – and Adrian Turner as well as match-winning legspinner Jacob McMahon, who already has 30 wickets for the season.

Harwood line up against Coutts Crossing at Lower Fisher Turf on Saturday and it is hard to predict anything but another big win for the premiers.

It’s hard to believe that GDSC Easts and Tucabia Copmanhurst are battling each other to get off the bottom of the table at Ellem Oval, Grafton.

Both are fairly recent premiers in the CRCA first grade competition and have a wealth of talent in their playing ranks.

Easts all-round Shannon Connor is one player who has not disappointed this year, but needs more support from the rest of the team.

For Tucabia it’s a matter of getting the best players on the paddock week in, week out.

 

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Classic Ashes Series

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Classic Ashes Series

 

By The Sportzologist

Although Australia were victorious in the Border-Gavasker Trophy, winning the series 3-1, India’s premier fast-bowler Jasprit Bumrah, was an unstoppable force against Australia this summer.

The way that Bumrah dominated our batsmen, reminded me how Englands John Snow did a similar dismantling operation for his country on the infamous Ashes tour of 1970-71.

As a wide eyed eleven-year-old, I was able to watch this series on television, as this was the first time our national broadcaster the ABC, had provided ball by ball coverage of Test cricket, albeit in ghostly, grainy black and white, filmed with a solitary camera behind the bowler from only one end.

John Snow, who had reinvented his action in his mid-twenties, became a bowler of genuine speed and with his habit of targeting batsmen with short deliveries, he found the pace and bounce of Australian pitches much to his liking.

Snow’s aggressive and hostile bowling, which had all the Australian batsmen ducking and weaving, was a decisive factor in England winning back the Ashes by a 2-0 margin.

The Sussex fast-bowler, finished with 31 wickets at 22.83, the best return by an England bowler in Australia, since Harold Larwood’s 33 wickets at 19.51 in the 1932-33 Bodyline series.

By winning that series, Ray Illingworth became the only English captain, to win the Ashes in Australia without losing a match, in a series of five Tests or more. Also, in another rare occurrence, England did not receive one single LBW decision from the Australian umpires, during the six completed Tests matches.

Australian opener Keith Stackpole, through his powerful stroke play, was the only batsman to weather the snowstorm. If the first ball of a Test match was there to be hit, then Stackpole’s solid frame would launch into it.

In the series, Stackpole accumulated 627 runs at 52.25 with a top score of 207, however, that 207 scored in the first Test at the Gabba, was clouded in controversy when he was not given runout on 18, by Australian umpire Lou Rowan.

Stackpole, who was a master of the hook and cut shots, was the first aggressive opener I saw and he set the blueprint for Australian players like Michael Slater, Matthew Hayden and David Warner to follow.

In a controversial move by selectors, 36-year-old Victorian opener Ken Eastwood, on the back of 737 runs in the Sheffield Shield at an average of 122.83, was selected to replace the incumbent Australian captain Bill Lawry, for the historic seventh and final Test at Sydney.

Lawry was reportedly told of his sacking from the captaincy and Test side by a radio broadcast, as the Australian selectors headed by Sir Donald Bradman, apparently couldn’t get in touch with him.

In this his one and only Test for Australia, Eastwood scored just 5 and 0, however, in an error by officials he has two baggy green caps. In an interview many years later Eastwood stated, “They gave me two caps to try on for size, and nobody asked for the other one back, so it stayed in my bag.”

Famously the third Test of this series at Melbourne was washed out without a ball being bowled, resulting in the hasty arrangement of the first One Day International (ODI) on the scheduled fifth day, January 5, 1971.

The 40 eight ball over a side match attracted 46,000 spectators through the MCG gates to watch Australia defeat England comfortably by five wickets on the same ground they had won the first Test match in 1877.

With England having to win the 1970-71 series to take possession of the Ashes, the final result was in doubt till the last session of the seventh Test.

 

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