Latest news with #CoffsHarbour
News.com.au
5 minutes ago
- News.com.au
Sergeant Paul Matts, 37, farewelled following sudden death
A police officer aged in his 30s who died suddenly in front of his children has been farewelled at a funeral on Thursday. Paul Leslie Matts, 37, died of a medical event on July 8 while at the beach with his children. The sergeant's family and friends said goodbye at a ceremony at Coffs Harbour on the NSW North Coast on Thursday. An official police portrait of a young, beaming Sergeant Matts was displayed on televisions as wellwishers entered. A video message from Sergeant Matts' father David was played. The speech was prerecorded so his dad could keep his composure. 'Paul talked about coming back to the coast once he worked further up the chain of command. You got here a little sooner than you thought,' David said. 'Your mother and I truly, madly, deeply love you. You might be gone but not forgotten. We'll miss your daily calls, just to chat or, as you would say, 'talk sh*t'. 'When he passed he was doing what he absolutely loved; spending time at the beach with his children.' David said growing up, his son was almost on first-name basis with medical staff at the local clinic, being an adventurous but tough kid. Family friend Jenna spoke at the funeral on behalf of Sergeant Matts' wife Danni. 'You could just tell he was born to be a dad,' she said. 'He stepped into the role of being a stepfather with nothing but affection. He never tried to replace anyone, just showed up.' Younger sister Rebecca said her cheeky, charming brother was a mischievous kid: 'We're just glad he ended up enforcing the law not breaking it.' Sergeant Matts' career began in Penrith in 2009 with undercover work. He went to the mounted police in Sydney and bonded with a horse that was in attendance at the funeral. He then went west to Burren Junction, adopting a horse and a pig. Friends had travelled to the service from the town of Orange. 'He packed more into 37 years than most do in 90,' Rebecca said. He trained racehorses and greyhounds, farmed cucumbers and raised animals. 'That was Paul. Loud in life but quiet in his achievements,' Rebecca said. 'His favourite role to play by far was being a dad. 'Paul's final moments were spent running and playing with his children.' His police medals and patches stood framed at the front of the funeral home. Attendees wore blue ribbon pins. His police hat was placed on his coffin and saluted by colleagues. Acting Superintendent Jason Darcy told the service that Sergeant Matts had received a certificate of merit for professionalism demonstrated during a suicide in 2016. Sergeant Matts was known for particularly caring about the mental health of colleagues, Superintendent Darcy said.
News.com.au
3 days ago
- News.com.au
Loving father Paul Leslie Matts, 37, dies suddenly while playing with his children on holiday
A family's seaside holiday has ended in heartbreak after a devoted father died suddenly. Police officer Paul Leslie Matts, 37, suffered a fatal medical episode on July 8 while playing with his children on the beach. He is survived by his wife, Danni, their children Harlow and eight-month-old Xavier, as well as his stepchildren Archer and Jasmine. A sergeant with the NSW Police, Mr Matts had served the force for more than 16 years and was previously stationed in Coffs Harbour. Close family friends Jenna McAtamney and Sarah Wilkinson described the loss as devastating. They have launched a GoFundMe page to support his wife and children, who are now 'facing life without their loving dad and stepdad.' 'This loss has left the family devastated and in need of support as they begin to navigate this new reality,' the fundraising page reads. Mr Matts is also mourned by his parents, David and Julie, and his sisters Catherine and Rebecca. During his career, Mr Matts also served as the local officer in the small town of Burren Junction. In 2020, local MP Roy Butler publicly thanked him in parliament for organising a community fun day. 'To repay Burren for being so welcoming, Paul organised a family fun day for the town,' Butler said. 'He moved heaven and earth to put on an afternoon and evening of entertainment – from slip 'n' slides, a visit from Santa, and a raffle for a family holiday. The purpose of the event was twofold: to say thank you and to help people take their minds off the drought. On behalf of Burren Junction, thank you.' McAtamney and Wilkinson said Mr Matts was a 'great father' who 'will be very missed by his children.' They added that Danni is doing everything she can to stay strong for the family but cannot do it alone as she adjusts to the loss and the financial challenges it brings. Friends and loved ones have expressed their grief on social media. 'A beautiful soul gone way too soon. RIP buddy,' one wrote. 'So sorry for your loss David and Julie, thinking of you both,' another shared. 'Thinking of you Julie, David and family, sending my deepest condolences,' a third commented. 'So very sad to see someone so young pass away. RIP,' another added.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Yahoo
Aussie driver in hysterics after spotting strange sight in ute: 'Best thing ever'
Drivers are often lucky to spot incredible wildlife while travelling along Australian roads, but we don't expect to find the animals inside a vehicle. However, that was the case last week for Arielle Dimech, who was treated to an unusual encounter while visiting her friend in Coffs Harbour. The 30-year-old was visiting from Tamworth, a rural town in northern NSW, and was travelling in the car when her friend started laughing hysterically behind the wheel. Something was peeking its head out of another vehicle's passenger window. "I was just saying how different it was to Tamworth, which is very rural. Then I saw it," Arielle told Yahoo News. "Fair to say I've never seen a bird hanging out a window like that." A native galah was spotted cruising along the road with its owner, feeling the wind in it's feathers. Arielle was quick to pull out her phone and record, capturing the moment that left the friends in stitches. "It was the best thing ever... it was so Australian," she said. 🎥 Incredible phone footage leads to rediscovery of lost species after 46 years 👀 600 kgs of 'hardcore weeding' done to save rare bird from invasive plant 🥲 Shocking find inside bird highlights worrying beach trend More than one million Aussies have a pet bird Arielle explained to Yahoo she had previously trained as a vet nurse and was relieved to spot a safety mechanism attached to the bird to stop it from flying off, or getting injured while travelling in the car. "You could see on the back [of the bird] it had this little random thing, it's a weighted safety pouch," she explained. "It's a good reminder that some people do actually take care of their pets, and you can have a good adventure with your pet whilst keeping them safe." More than one million Australian households have a pet bird, and due to increased apartment living, it's believed birds are becoming more popular as pets, according to the RSPCA. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Driver stunned by galah spotted cruising along Aussie road
Arielle Dimech, 30, spotted a pet galah cruising in a car along a Coffs Harbour road. Video transcript Oh hello, and it's the best thing I've ever seen in my life. Oh man, please.
News.com.au
3 days ago
- Sport
- News.com.au
Prolific NSW jockey Darryl ‘Digger' McLellan retires due to shoulder injury
Darryl 'Digger' McLellan has announced his retirement due to an ongoing shoulder problem. The 54-year-old said 'it wasn't the way' he wanted his career to finish but 'not everyone gets to finish on their terms'. 'The shoulder has had enough,' McLellan said. 'It's the same shoulder that forced me to retire last time.' McLellan suffered the injury to his left shoulder in a 2011 race fall at Newcastle. His last winner came aboard his second last ride aboard Zelestial in a Class 1 Handicap (1400m) at Coffs Harbour on June 29. McLellan admitted his comeback hadn't played out how he would have liked but he remained grateful to have been able to return to the saddle and ride for another eight years. 'It didn't go how I'd hoped but I still rode winners and I've very happy that I got to have a career as a jockey,' he said. 'I don't want to dwell on things and now it's time for the next chapter.' • McLellan's career started in 1989 and he rode more than 1700 winners including 28 black-type races (two Group 1 s, seven Group 2 s, five Group 3 s and 14 Listed races). 'Obviously winning my first Group 1 aboard Magic Of Money in The Galaxy and the Sydney Cup on Henderson Bay were big thrills,' he said. 'But the win that meant the most to be was winning the Newcastle Cup on Silent Impact in 2000. 'It was during the Olympics and it was a stand-alone Saturday meeting. 'I never saw more people at Newcastle than I did that day.' • Via Sistina, Fangirl, Tom Kitten and others set to ramp up spring prep with Tuesday trials In 1992/93, McLellan was crowned Champion Sydney Apprentice. Being a natural lightweight rider, McLellan experienced some great opportunities during his career aboard the best horses he ever sat on. 'Lonhro and Saintly without a doubt were the best,' he said. 'I won the Warwick Stakes on Lonhro at three and I got to win a race aboard Saintly at Newcastle early in his career. I know what a good horse feels like.' • Robusto too tough in Winter Challenge as Baker eyes Group 1 Among his other career highlights, McLellan recalled a horse he believes was a special talent, but his career ended before he got the chance. 'Court Command could have been something special too,' he said. 'He won the Golden Rose, but he was never the same after his spring three-year-old campaign. 'I won the last-ever Peter Pan aboard Sportsman and a few mates were in the ownership so that was a great day, and I also went close in a Doncaster aboard Lease. It took Sunline to beat him. 'When you think about it I should have won three more Group 1s. 'The Peter Pan became the Golden Rose a year later and I won that race twice before it became a Group 1 and the Warwick Stakes is now the Winx Stakes and it's a Group 1 too. 'Maybe I'll just tell people I won five. 'I consider myself lucky that I get to retire with some great memories.'
