Bellingen High School has taken out the Mid North Coast final of the Bill Turner Trophy with a three goal win over Coffs Harbour High. Coffs opened the scoring in this morning’s match played at Connell Park in Bellingen with this goal from Georgia Welsh. Bellingen was quick to reply and never looked in doubt after taking the lead in the first half. The Bill Turner Tournament, played across the eastern states, is now in its 40th year. “it’s one of the few competitions that includes both private and public schools in it, so it is truly representative of all of the best teams on the east coast of Australia.” Bellingen High will now play the winner of the Hunter area in the next round of the tournament in July.

In Group 2 rugby league yesterday Macksville moved into the top five after a resounding win over the more fancied Axemen. South Grafton thrashed the winless Roosters by a century while the Ghosts had a solid win over the Panthers.

The Member for Oxley, Melinda Pavey, says tomorrow’s state budget is set to deliver for the north coast with major spending on education and infrastructure projects. She says the decision to scrap TAFE fees for apprentices will see more people in the region take up a trade.

In group 2 women’s league tag, the Sawtell Panthers claimed a narrow win over the Grafton Ghosts. The game came down to the wire…with a chance to level the scores on the full-time bell just falling short.

A perfect winter’s day has seen a record crowd turn out for Coffs Harbour’s Caravan and Camping Expo. Thousands of people all keen to see the latest offerings for lovers of the outdoors.

On the north coast there were a number of locals who featured on the Queens Birthday Honours list. Among them, Bowraville man and Vietnam Veteran, Jim Cameron, who received an OAM for his services to veterans and their families.

Hundreds of young football players from across Northern New South Wales have been in Coffs Harbour over the weekend, taking part in the boys state championships. The 11 and 12-year-olds have been focusing on skills development and received some expert coaching, all while competing against some of the state’s best junior players. “they get to play in a very well organised tournament at a fantastic venue, obviously that in itself is very rewarding for them, very satisfying” (ends: very satisfying, runs: 13 secs) There was a big emphasis on encouraging young players to play possession-based football as opposed to simply looking to win games.

Local driver Troy Brown has taken out the Australian Masters Go-Kart Championship this afternoon in Coffs Harbour. Brown was the comfortable winner, finishing well ahead of the rest of the field.

A wave of literary flare has reached Bellingen…with thousands attending the largest ever local Writer’s Festival. Today’s theme celebrating voices from the turn of the century.

n Group 2 women’s league tag the South Grafton Rebels have continued their unbeaten run with a win over cross river rivals the Grafton Ghosts.