The Northern Rivers Times Edition 136

By MARGARET DEKKER

It’s the big ticket, un-costed promise by a Chris Minns’ Labor team to create the long-touted Pottsville Beach High School, that’s giving Pottsville locals de ja vu.

Tweed ALP candidate

Craig Elliot joined NSW Deputy Labor Leader Prue Car in the quaint coastal village last Friday, February 10 to announce if elected, a new high school would be built there by NSW Labor to cater for a perceived future growth in student populations on the southern Tweed Coast. It’s an idea that’s been around for more than twelve years.

“A Chris Minns Labor Government for New South Wales will deliver a high school for Pottsville. It’s been long talked about but when it actually comes to delivering, everyone knows Labor Governments deliver,”

Craig Elliot ALP candidate for Tweed said.

“How ridiculous is it that there is not a high school for this community where we have primary schools that are growing rapidly?” Prue Car, NSW Deputy Labor Leader and Shadow Minister for Education said.

Prue Car estimated current primary school numbers are “in the area of five, six, sevenhundred children .. “They’re not small

schools, that actually tells you that there’s demand for a high school in this area,” she said.

However, no formal data on future student numbers/growth on the Tweed Coast was supplied by the party to substantiate the bid for the new high school. At the local primary school, kindergarten class numbers fell (from six to four classes) in 2023.

NSW Labor did not nominate a preferred location for the new high school, the party instead vowing to work with the community on a preferred site. A 65-lot block of land on Seabreeze Boulevard in Seabreeze

Estate in Pottsville or crown land north of the current Pottsville Beach Primary School on Tweed Coast Road have both previously been touted as potential options.

In 2013, Tweed Shire Council voted to retain the vacant Seabreeze site as a potential future site for a high school rather than turn it over to developers for housing.

“If we’re elected on March 25, one of the first jobs of School Infrastructure, the Department of Education, will be to get to work to start planning for a high school at Pottsville. “I’m very happy to sit down if I was the

elected member to work with community to identify the best location for their new high school,” Craig Elliot, ALP candidate for Tweed said. It’s a case of history repeating itself with NSW Labor making the same pledge in 2015 by then ALP candidate Ron Goodman to “build a new $40 million high school at Pottsville which for years locals have campaigned for,” press reports stated at the time.

A potential Pottsville Beach High School could also serve large new estates in various stages of development along the Tweed Coast including Dunloe Park near Pottsville-Mooball

and Kings Forest near Kingscliff plus Bogangar.

“If we don’t plan and if we don’t actually get ahead of what’s coming, we will be left with an area that not being serviced with adequate high school, adequate teachers, we actually have to do the fundamental groundwork now to get it right for the future,” Craig Elliot, ALP candidate for Tweed said.

As the countdown continues to the March 25 election date, Craig Elliot would not be drawn on preference deals with The Greens and Tweed candidate, Ciara Denham. “I’ll leave preferences

to other people, but I met Ciara at a function the other night and she is a very very astute woman who has some good qualities,” Craig Elliot said.

“We know that local Greens when it comes to preference negotiations do like to speak to local campaigns, particularly on local issues, we would hope that the Greens across New South Wales would also be motivated by the desire to get rid of a Perrottet Government after twelve years and nothing but a privatisation agenda to go ahead for the next four,” Prue Car, NSW Deputy labor Leader said.

ALP Tweed candidate Craig Elliot met local children Ivy and Gia in Pottsville with Deputy NSW Labor Leader, Prue Car

HAPPY PAWS FOUNDER FINALIST IN REGIONAL WOMAN OF THE YEAR

By TIM HOWARD

Clarence Valley animal rehoming centre founder Sally Rogers has been named as a fnalist in the NSW Regional Woman of the Year quest.

Sponsored by the Minerals Council of NSW, the Regional Woman of the Year is part of search for the 2023 Women of the Year.

The quest organisers received more than 400 nominations from around the state for the contest which seeks winners in a six categories

• NSW Woman of Excellence

• NSW Aboriginal Woman of the Year

• Aware Super NSW Community Hero

• NSW Minerals Council Regional Woman of the Year

• NSW Young Woman of the Year

• The One to Watch Award proudly supported by the

Advocate for Children and Young People.

From those 400 nominees the judges have whittled the numbers down to 34 fnalists, from which the winner of the Premier’s Award for NSW Woman of the Year will come.

Ms Rogers has been a passionate spokesperson for animal welfare since she established Happy Paws Haven in Grafton

in 2006.

Originally located in a suburban home in Grafton, the sanctuary outgrew those premises and in 2011 she moved to the more spacious location it now operates from at Eatonsville, west of Grafton.

Happy Paws Haven is a not-for-proft rehoming sanctuary for companion animals, which also provides opportunities

for the community to gain work experience and volunteer.

Ms Roberts supports people and helps care for their pets when their situation makes it temporarily impossible for the owner to do so.

Animals have been housed during situations of illness, incarceration, family violence, family relocation, even death. Fires, and more

recently the foods have created an even bigger demand Happy Paws with anxious owners bringing their animals to its gates to help in times of need.

As a former business high fyer with companies including IBM, Ms Roger knew it was impossible to rest on her laurels.

She ensured Happy Paws built a pathway for the future based on the needs of animals and the community, continuously upgrading skills and resources so new programs can be put in place.

In the early days Ms Rogers and Happy Paws had to win over a sceptical public, but in the past decade it has gained respect for their commitment and excellent care of companion animals.

Happy Paws welcomes visitors to observe the work carried out, and to see how the centre works for the greater

good of animals and the community.

Ms Rogers took to social media to thank people for helping her get this far, describing the accolade as a “wonderful surprise”.

On March 8-9 I will be attending the NSW Woman of the Year Event for 2023,” she said.

“I feel very humble regarding the nomination, let alone being a fnalist.

“Thank you to everyone who has enabled this opportunity, it is wonderful to have the recognition for the work we do at Happy Paws Haven which is not possible without the support of my wonderful team of volunteers.”

The NSW Women of the Year Awards is part of the NSW Women’s Week (6-12 March), coinciding with International Women’s Day on March 8.

Sally Rogers has been named as a finalist in the NSW Regional Woman of the Year awards.

BROADWATER RESIDENTS MEET WITH DEVELOPERS

Weapons seized and 3 charged following police pursuit south of Tweed Heads

By MARGARET DEKKER

A man and two teenage boys appeared in court last Friday, February 10, charged with traffic and property offences following an alleged cross-border pursuit in the state’s north on Thursday afternoon.

By SAMANTHA ELLEY

A good sized contingent of Broadwater residents attended an updated meeting, regarding the plans to develop flood prone land, last week.

Resident Jemma Donnelly said the 30-40 residents were able to ask questions of the representatives of the developers.

“The developers did well to try and answer the questions,” she said.

“They did put a lot on the council (such as) planned green spaces. They said ‘no’ but that’s because Richmond Valley Council won’t allow it.”

Concerns about the koala corridor were also addressed but while the developers said they had suggested building another koala corridor south of the development, council had rejected that idea as well.

Ms Donnelly said the developers had no answer for the accuracy of the flood studies

done in the area but did acknowledge that stormwater drainage issues they had at another development site were addressed and wouldn’t be an issue at Broadwater.

“They acknowledged and agreed that their current development had issues with dust,” said Ms Donnelly.

“..that is a big concern if that development gets approved.”

Other information shared at the meeting included the height of the houses to be built.

“They are allowing nearly a metre above what legislation states house heights need to be to account for any higher flooding,” Ms Donnelly said.

“So the houses and development are going to be extremely high and our existing houses are going to be very low.”

A petition has been established for residents to have their say. Readers can go to change.org and type in ‘Broadwater koala’ to see the petition.

About 12.20pm on Thursday, 9 February 2023, officers attached to Tweed-Byron Police District commenced a pursuit of a stolen Mercedes SUV after it crossed the border from Queensland and allegedly failed to stop when directed to by police.

Road spikes were deployed at the Cudgen Road Tunnel, near Tweed Valley Way, before the vehicle stopped on the M1 Motorway at Cudgera Creek.

Three males from Queensland – aged 28, 17 and 16 – were arrested at the scene and several items were seized from the vehicle including two swords, a knife, tomahawk, cannabis, and cash.

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They were taken to Tweed Heads Police Station where the 17-year-old driver was charged with police pursuit – not stop –drive dangerously, drive motor vehicle while licence suspended, two counts of receive property stolen outside NSW and possess prohibited drug.

The 16-year-old passenger was charged with receive property

stolen outside NSW, use offensive weapon to prevent lawful detention, and travel in/ on part of vehicle not for passengers/goods.

The 28-year-old passenger was charged with two counts of receive property stolen outside NSW. All three were refused police bail, with the teenagers appearing before a children’s court and the man appeared

before Tweed Heads Local Court.

All three were refused bail by the Court and remanded in custody. The teenagers next appear before the Court on 22 March 2023 and the man on 13 February 2023.

Motorists southbound on the Pacific Highway experienced lengthy traffic delays south of Tweed Heads during the alleged pursuit.

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A scene from the alleged police pursuit on the Pacific Motorway south of Tweed Heads last Thursday

Richmond Valley Growth Strategy plan

NSW SENIORS FESTIVAL CELEBRATED IN THE TWEED

By Margaret Dekker

It’s been eleven days of fun, frivolity and of course ‘sconeversations’ as part of this year’s Seniors Festival in the Tweed, all part of NSW Seniors Festival, the largest celebration of its kind in the southern hemisphere.

The theme for the Tweed’s 2023 festival was ‘Celebrate Together, promoting the goal of fostering an inclusive community that cares for each other.’

Following the opening ceremony in Murwillumbah on February 1, the “jam-packed program” included activities, tours, workshops, concerts and morning teas at venues across the Tweed Shire.

A ‘plantation safari’ at Tropical Fruit World, social sailing day on the Tweed River, a visit to Hinze Dam via

the Numinbah Valley, a virtual singalong morning, croquet and a fun run in Knox Park, artmaking session at the Tweed Gallery, a Country Music Concert, even exploring Council’s waste management centre were all part of this increasingly popular festival.

Even the sensitive and deeply personal choices on burial or cremation options were explored

in a special forum held by the Tweed Valley Cemetery Chapel. The Tweed Shire has twice the New South Wales average of residents aged over 65. It supports older members of the community through a Community Development Offcer who can be contacted via the Community Development Team on 02 6670 2400 or email tsc@tweed.nsw.gov.au

By SAMANTHA ELLEY

It’s no secret the Richmond Valley has experienced its fair share of natural disasters.

From drought, bushfires, Covid and flood, the Northern Rivers LGA is fighting back to ‘reclaim our vision of a vibrant, thriving community’ in the words of mayor Robert Mustow and general manager Vaughan Macdonald.

This has started with the process of developing the Richmond Valley Growth Management Strategy (GMS), on display on council’s website.

“The catastrophic floods of 2022 have changed the dynamics of our region and our main population centre

of Casino is emerging as a strategic centre for the future,” said the mayor and general manager’s introductory message to the strategy.

Other changes, including plans to create an additional 600+ jobs in Casino and the surrounding areas, along with housing pressure from tree-changers initiated by the Covid-19 pandemic, have helped reshape the region’s future.

Such changes are key drivers that will impact on the demand and supply of land for jobs and homes, according to the GMS.

To gain some context, as at 2021 the population of the Richmond Valley was around 23,550 projected to grow to 27,650 by 2041.

With a total of 10,970

dwellings in 2021 there is a minimum implied demand for 13,550 dwellings in 2041. With these predicted changes the council knows, to meet baseline needs it has to find an increased volume of housing supply while also providing the right structural changes.

The council is looking for input from Richmond Valley residents, regarding needs in the communities, types of housing etc.

To find out more in the draft Growth Management Strategy go to https:// richmondvalley.nsw. gov.au/exhibition/ draft-richmond-valleygrowth-managementstrategy-casino-placeplan/

SYPHILIS CASES INCREASE CONCERN ON NORTH COAST

By TIM HOWARD

A sharp rise in the number of cases of syphilis on the Mid North Coast and Northern Rivers among young people has begun to worry health authorities.

Director North Coast Population and Public Health Dr Valerie Delpech said syphilis had been largely limited to Aboriginal communities and gay men, but a spike in young people and those who engage in unprotected casual sex, was concerning on two fronts.

Dr Delpech said the spread of the disease into new parts of the community was worrying but equally concerning was the high probability there were many more undiagnosed cases of the disease in the community.

She said since 2020, infectious syphilis cases in the North Coast have increased each year, with 29 cases in 2020, 41 cases in 2021 and 85 notifications in 2022.

Dr Delpech said syphilis infections sometimes presented no symptoms, or were so mild they were ignored.

“We suspect there are many other cases of infectious syphilis in the community that are undiagnosed, so early testing and treatment is key to helping us control this outbreak,” she said.

She said there was also a stigma associated with sexually transmitted infections and which might make people reluctant to seek a test.

“People might think they’re only having

sex with their partner, but there’s always the possibility their partner might be having sex with other people,” she said.

“The best thing for people to do is have a routine sexual health check up at their GP or at a sexual health clinic.

“They will guarantee confidentiality and it will give people peace of mind.”

She said early treatment was also very simple, often requiring nothing more than an injection of penicillin.

“For such a dangerous disease, the cure is actually remarkably quick and effective,” she said.

Dr Delpech said the spread of the disease into younger members of the community could be linked to relaxation of the Covid-19 restrictions.

“Now restrictions have been relaxed young people are going out, there’s mixing and more people are having casual sex or meeting new partners.

“Where the majority of cases we had came from Aboriginal communities or the among gay men, we’re now getting a significant number of cases in young heterosexual people or people who have casual, unprotected sex.

“It’s something that has never really gone away, but has not been prevalent in a long time, since probably during the time of world wars before the 1950s.

“The one thing we know is, syphilis is back.”

While the initial symptoms of the disease can be mild, leaving

it untreated long term was disastrous, said Dr Delpech.

She said initial symptoms were small sores or ulcers that broke out at the site of the contact with the infected person, often around the genitals, anus or mouth.

“While those symptoms are present the person if infectious,” Dr Delpech said.

She said there was a second chance for an infected person to notice the disease, the outbreak of a rash on the body, often accompanied by flu-like symptoms.

“That’s another chance to people to get treated and clear themselves of the disease,” she said.

While the symptoms might disappear, left untreated the disease lay dormant for as long as 30 years, reappearing sometimes as a form of dementia, causing cardio vascular disease or bone problems.

In its final stages syphilis posed serious, life-threatening health issues including blindness, tumours, paralysis, extensive damage to the nervous system, and death.

In pregnant women the disease was able to be transmitted to the foetus, resulting in stillbirth or permanent mental disability in the baby.

Confidential testing for and treatment of sexually transmissible infections is free of charge through your GP, Aboriginal Medical Service or local Sexual Health Clinics at Tweed Heads, Lismore, Grafton, Coffs Harbour, Kempsey or Port Macquarie.

For sexual health support and information, call the NSW Sexual Health Infolink on 1800 451 624 (weekdays 9am to 5.30pm), go to www. shil.nsw.gov.au or visit NSW Health’s Play Safe website at https:// playsafe.health.nsw.gov.

au.

Syphilis symptoms

1. Visible sores (the primary stage)

The first visible sign of syphilis (if you get any) is a sore – known as a ‘chancre’. These sores are very contagious and if you believe you may have syphilis sores you should avoid sex and get tested.

They’re usually firm

and round, painless, and appear in the anus, on the penis, front hole, balls, or sometimes on or around the mouth.

Chancres usually appear around three weeks after infection but it could be anywhere from 10 days to three months.

They’ll usually disappear again after around six weeks, but even if the sores go, you’ll still be positive for syphilis until you get treated and a medical professional confirms that the infection is no longer present.

2. Rashes (the secondary stage)

Another sign of syphilis is a rash that appears on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, or other parts of the body. This rash often appears after the chancres, but sometimes it might appear before (STIs like to be unpredictable, hey?). It doesn’t usually itch and – like the sores – rashes can easily be mistaken for another illness or ailment, so it’s not always obvious it’s syphilis.

3. Flu-like symptoms (the secondary stage)

If you do get a syphilis rash, be prepared for some flu-like symptoms as they often go hand in hand. They’re usually pretty mild though and might include a bit of a fever, sore throat, fatigue, headache and/or some aches and pains in your muscles.

4. The latent stage

If a person isn’t diagnosed during the primary or secondary stages, then they may progress to the latent stage. During this stage, symptoms might disappear on their own, and the infection will remain latent. This stage lasts indefinitely, unless tested, treated and cured, however after two years you will no longer be infectious. If you aren’t treated at this stage you can experience further health issues in the future, such as with your heart, brain and bones.

5. Severe and ongoing health issues (the tertiary stage)

If syphilis is left untreated for a long time it can cause some serious, life-threatening health issues including blindness, tumours, paralysis, extensive damage to the nervous system, and even death. Today this is uncommon, as regular testing means cases are detected early and can be treated effectively with antibiotics, well in advance of such serious symptoms developing. Syphilis can stay latent for up to 30 years, which is why it’s so important to get tested for STIs regularly, regardless of whether you are experiencing symptoms or not.

Yamba residents fight to save community centre

By TIM HOWARD

A Yamba residents group has raised a petition seeking to save the Treelands Dr Community Centre from demolition.

The Yamba Community Action Network is gathering signatures on the petition to take to the Clarence Valley Council’s first meeting for 2023 on February 28.

The petition reads: We, the undersigned, request the Mayor and Councillors of Clarence Valley ensure:

1. The expansion of the existing TDCC to at least include a library, commercial kitchen, and carpark.

2. Council undertakes community consultation for Option B inviting residents to group gatherings and exhibitions.

3. Residents’ suggestions for the expansion are fully considered in consultation with residents.

The council appeared to have changed its mind on saving the centre a few weeks ago when it learned the State Government would not allow the council to switch an $11.5 million Bushfire Local Economic Recovery grant from the Treelands Dr Community Centre project to help pay for the Grafton Aquatic Centre project.

Clarence Valley Mayor Ian Tiley said once the government put a stop to the switch, the council needed to go with the council’s original option to demolish the hall and replace it with an expanded centre

including a library at a cost of around $15 million.

“There is no way the council should countenance losing a $11.1 million grant,” Cr Tiley said.

Yamba CAN has also called a community meeting for Tuesday, February 21 February at 6.30pm at the Wooli St Hall Yamba

Mrs Cairns said Yamba CAN will be providing an outline of achievements since its inception on September 28, 2022.

“Those attending will be able to voice their suggestions about what they would like Yamba CAN to focus on,” Mrs Cairns said.

She said a short video would provide updates on a number of matters.

The proposal, that originally included the sale of the Wooli St Hall, next to the current library, annoyed many in the community.

They said the proposed Treelands Dr Community Centre was a “Taj Mahal” and it was a waste of money to knock down a relatively modern building and build another.

Group secretary Lynne Cairns said Yamba

INVESTIGATION CONTINUES INTO HORROR BIRD DEATHS AT KINGSCLIFF

By MARGARET DEKKER

An investigation by New South Wales Parks and Wildlife Service continues into the deaths of at least 30 native birds in Kingscliff scrubland between December and January.

CAN was a forum for community to articulate peoples’ concerns.

She said it had 52 paid up members and a further 201 followers on its Facebook page.

“We are providing an opportunity for the community to consider whether they want the existing Treelands Dr Community Centre demolished or not,” she said.

“Why demolish a 22 year building – extend it. If you want extra space in your home you don’t demolish the whole building, you extend it.”

Mrs Cairns said the feeling in the community was against the council’s original plan, known as Option A.

“Why give Yamba something the community don’t want,” she said.

The funds could be better spent on other priorities in the Yamba area.”

To help us get as many signatures as possible, please share the petition to other groups and others via your own social media and emails using the Facebook link or use this direct linkhttps://www.change.org/ YambaTreelandsDriveCo mmunityCentre

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It’s believed the birds – young and adult magpies and a bush stone curlew chick – were deliberately poisoned or beaten to death in an area near the Kingscliff High School. Kingscliff locals raised the alarm on community social media, advising of seven cases of maltreatment in just three days.

The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) soon wrote to residents addressing the bird deaths.

“Almost all of the birds have displayed symptoms of being poisoned, either accidentally or deliberately,” the letter read.

“Several carcasses have been sent off for toxicological testing to identify the poison. NPWS is awaiting the results. Many of the birds also had fractured

spines or other broken bones consistent with being hit by a stick or club,” the NPWS letter stated.

All native birds, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals in New South Wales are protected under the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016.

Tweed Valley Wildlife Carers received a total of 29 birds over the harrowing month, none of the birds collected alive survived their injuries or were euthanised.

Bird Coordinator with

Tweed Valley Wildlife Carers, Corrina Lever was contacted for comment.

A furious Mark Pearson, Animal Justice Party MP, took to Twitter to express his disgust.

“50 birds have been found dead and dying around Kingscliff High School in NSW, poisoned, and bludgeoned to death. ... Australia’s culture of cruelty to wildlife allows incidents like these to occur all over the country ..” - Mark Pearson AJP MP posted.

An endangered bush stone curlew chick was among the birds found dead at Kingscliff

By SAMANTHA ELLEY

Nearly 12 months after the February/March 2022 floods Blooms, The Chemist Lismore is open for business again.

Located in new premises at Shops 22 & 23, Wyrallah Road Shopping Centre, 62 Wyrallah Road, Lismore, Head of Retail Operations, Zane Matthews, acknowledges the overwhelming

‘BLOOMS’ AGAIN

support received from the Lismore team and wider community.

“The floods had a truly devastating impact on the people of Lismore and surrounding communities,” he said.

“Many people lost their homes, their businesses and for many, the future was uncertain for a long period of time.

“Blooms The Chemist Lismore is honoured to be part of a community that supports each

other. Strangers helped strangers and it is because of the community spirit of Lismore that the store is bouncing back, and businesses can rebuild to where they were before the floods hit.

The re-opening last Saturday saw mayor Steve Krieg cutting the ribbon to signify the long and tough road that was overcome.

“The Lismore community is still

struggling with the ongoing consequences of the floods, and with people under greater financial pressure and the stress that can create, it can lead to a number of other health issues. As such, it’s important that the pharmacy can reopen and they are all looking forward to connecting with the community and supporting them in these tough times,” said Mr Matthews.

Help us clean up the Byron Shire

Clean Up Australia Day is back on Sunday, 5 March and Byron Shire Council is urging the community to get together to help us tidy up our local environment.

Council and Positive Change for Marine Life have organised a cleanup event at Main Beach in Byron Bay. The event will take place from 9am until 11am.

Zoe White, Council’s Resource Recovery Education and Compliance Officer, said that it is one of her favourite days of the year.

“I am looking forward to the event this year and encourage everyone to get involved in this fantastic day,” Ms White said.

“You get to spend the morning outside with your community and know you have made a difference to our

local environment and waterways.

“We will provide everything you need, and you will even get a free coffee as a little thank you, just bring your own cup.

“As well as cleaning up Main Beach in Byron Bay, there are several other clean-ups happening across our shire, and registrations are still open for you to run your own event,” she said.

Over 800kg of litter

was picked up from events held across the shire in 2021.

Unfortunately, last year’s events were understandably cancelled due to the floods. This year is a great opportunity to come together again and clean up areas that need our help.

Council will be helping with rubbish disposal and collections for registered events. If you are organising a clean, it is recommended you

do so by Sunday 19 February and contact Zoe White* to organise rubbish pick-up or for advice on suitable locations.

To register or join an event please visit Clean Up Australia Day website. Further information on the Main Beach event can be found on Council’s What’s On page. *Zoe can be contacted on email: zwhite@byron. nsw.gov.au

Lismore mayor Steve Krieg cuts the ribbon to Blooms the Chemist, Lismore store which reopened last Saturday, with owner Elaine Unsworth (right of Steve) and staff.

CALLING ALL YOUR PEOPLE STARTING AND CONTINUING THEIR CAREERS

apprenticeship, or just wanting to establish your own business.

The Mid Richmond Education Fund wants to help you.

DIARY OF A FLOOD SURVIVOR PART 28

And the kindness continues.

Are you a young person just starting out or in a career and living or working on the MidRichmond?

Or you come from the Mid-Richmond and have moved away to work or study?

Are you needing some cash to get you established or to continue your studies/career path?

It doesn’t matter if you are at university, TAFE or a private course, or if

you are in a cadetship,

With a new round of grants opening last week, we are inviting eligible applicants to apply for a possible cash injection to help reach their goals. If this is you, scan the QR code and apply today or until March 14.

A beautiful reader got in touch with me to say she also had an old sewing machine and cabinet she would like to give me.

When I looked at the photos she sent, again I got teary. It was the same brand of sewing machine my grandmother’s had been. And while there were some differences, it was basically the same. This time I accepted her generous offer and raced out over the weekend to pick it up.

I had to do some fast convincing for her to let me take a photo of her with the cabinet, but I wanted readers to know about such thoughtfulness.

As I drove home with my precious prize, I was trying to imagine where I would put it. The old machine had been a telephone table with photos and our old landline.

This time it may take up space in my office, so I can be reminded daily of the thoughtfulness of

people.

The one year anniversary of the floods draws nearer and a couple of creative people have made a film entitled ‘Tinny Heroes’ to be screened the day after February 28. There has been a mixed reaction amongst residents about watching it. The trailer has sparked many memories and emotions.

There are those who feel it is too raw for them to go back to watch the footage of such a

devastating day. Others are keen to see it and want to honour those who risked their lives for others.

I admit I’m a bit nervous about what emotions it may bring up, but I also believe anything that honours the bravery and downright pluckiness of those who jumped in their boats to rescue my neighbours who were stranded, deserves some viewing time.

Little steps.

1300 791 677

AMBER ALERT FOR BLUE-GREEN ALGAE IN CASINO’S RICHMOND RIVER

AN amber alert for blue-green algae in the Richmond River at Jabour Weir Casino and upstream has been issued, with a warning for locals not to come into contact with the water.

Blue-green algae occur naturally in our waterways. Blooms occur when conditions are favourable with high temperatures, high nutrients, and low flow. Blooms appear as a thick paint like accumulation on the water’s surface, or as small green floating dots. Blooms are normally green or blue-green in colour and have a distinctive earthy smell.

When in bloom, blue-green algae can

be harmful to humans and domestic animals.

Blue Green Algae can contain neurotoxins, liver toxins and skin irritants.

Residents and visitors are advised not to enter the water to undertake recreational activities where they may come into contact with the water, such as swimming, bathing, boating, water skiing, sailing, kayaking and fishing.

Richmond Valley Council is reassuring residents the town water supply is fully treated and safe to drink.

Warning signs have been erected at a number of locations due to the high risk to recreational use,

NEW ACTION PLAN TO HELP SENIORS AGE WELL

including fishing and swimming which could lead to primary contact with the water.

If people believe they or their animals have been affected by blue green algae they should seek medical attention.

Council will continue routine testing at its water extraction points while the algal bloom season continues..

For more information on algal alerts currently in place, please call the NSW Government’s toll free algal information line on 1800 999 457 or visit water NSW website https:// www.waternsw.com. au/water-quality/ algae To report algal blooms email RACC@ waternsw.com.au

As part of its continued effort to ensure there is a focus on helping seniors live happy, health and fulfilling lives, the NSW Government has launched its new Ageing Well in NSW Action Plan 2023-24.

The plan, which supports the Ageing Well in NSW: Seniors Strategy 2021-2031, outlines more than 90 different initiatives and programs to support seniors across the state for the next two years.

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Your role as a Board Member is voluntary, but the rewards of giving something back to the community are priceless.

We are looking for a good mix of people with a variety of skills, however, sound business and fnancial management skills and objective decisionmaking expertise would be a distinct advantage.

Don’t let this opportunity to do something for yourself and your community pass you by – contact us today.

The Meerschaum Vale Hall Land Manager manages the Reserve No. 90719 at Meerschaum notifed on 4-Mar-1977 for Public Hall. The term of appointment will be for a period not exceeding 5 years.

Application for membership can be made via portal.crownland.nsw.gov.au

All applications are required to be lodged by 17 March 2023.

For further information contact: Joe Endean on (02) 6642 9204 or go to reservemanager.crownland.nsw.gov.au

we have so that others may enjoy the time they have,” Mr Coure said.

“We want to ensure that any policy decision, change or introduction of services has seniors front and centre to ensure they can continue to be active members of society.”

Advisory Council on Ageing (MACA) was among many organisations, stakeholders and peak bodies included in consultation.

Minister for Seniors Mark Coure said the plan shows the NSW Government’s commitment to ensuring there is a whole-ofgovernment focus to enable seniors to live their best lives.

“The NSW Government believes it is our responsibility to

The new plan forms part of five, two-year action plans that make up the NSW Government strategic focus on supporting seniors. The new 2023-2024 Action Plan has an increased focus on seniors in harder-to-reach communities, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people from diverse backgrounds, people living in rural, remote, and regional areas, and LGBTIQ+ communities.

“This plan demonstrates the commitment to bringing harder-to-reach communities together with other NSW seniors. We are very proud of the Action Plan and the activities, initiatives and goals outlined to improve and enrich seniors’ lives,” MACA Chair Kathryn Greiner AO, said.

Focus areas of the plan include living in agefriendly environments; participating in inclusive communities; staying safe, active, and healthy; and being resilient and informed.

CELEBRATING FIELD DAYS AWARENESS WEEK AND PRIMEX’S 39TH YEAR

STATE Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin

this week is recognising the 40-strong field days network which injects up to an estimated $100 million a year into regional economies across Australia and New Zealand.

Celebrating Field Days Awareness Week 2023 – from 13 to 17 February – Ms Saffin says she is proud of her long association with one of the very best, Norco Primex, which from 11-13 May this year will mark its 39th anniversary at the Richmond Valley Events Centre in Casino.

“Primex’s success has a lot to do with its Director Bruce Wright and his highly professional team, and Bruce’s other hat is Chair of The Association of Agricultural Field Days of Australasia (AAFDA),” Ms Saffin says.

“Primex always showcases the latest and greatest products, services and technologies

for our farmers and rural communities, and after the challenges of supply chain disruption from natural disasters and the Covid pandemic, it is coming back better than ever.

“Agricultural field days are about to start their 2023 season in the next few weeks and run through towards the end

of the year, so check out the AAFDA’s website https://www.aafda.com.

au/ for the full range of events.”

Here are some interesting statistics worth noting:

• Field days present more than 24,000 businesses and almost 100,000 suppliers, representing products

from local, national and international-based manufacturers and distributors. Primex presents and works with over 300 local businesses from throughout the Northern Rivers.

• Field days generate an estimated $2 billion in sales from the immediate staging of their events. Primex

generates $47 million in sales.

• The economic impact of field days held at regional venues injects revenue estimated between $80-100 million a year into rural and regional communities. Primex’s economic impact to the region is estimated at $3 million a year.

• The AAFD estimates almost 1 million visitors attend field days, with most of them investigating and/ or purchasing due to attending these events. Primex is expecting 30,000 visitors who travel infra-interstate for the largest and most diverse coastal-based field days in Australia.

New Store Open next to Aldi!

LETTERS, FEEDBACK AND OPINION

ISRAELI SETTLEMENTS

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced a series of punitive steps against the Palestinians, including plans to beef up Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank.

Israel has been doing this since 1948, when the terrorists of the stern gang went on a killing spree throughout Palestine, well before the state of Israel was established. That’s why the stern gang, who were funded and supplied arms by the American Jews.

Now Netanyahu, who should be in jail for corruption? Wants to go in harder into the West Bank against Palestine’s who are trying to protect their homes. I don’t support one side or the other when it comes to one side shooting & bombing the other. Even though Israeli Settlers on the West Bank can obtain weapons & shoot Palestinian, just like the Stern Gang did back in 1948, when the British left them to it.

Paul Brecht Location withheld

PELL AND THE ILLEGAL DOCUMENT

I was astonished to see the pomp and ceremony given to such a person as Pell, whose first

consideration appeared to be to the wealth and wellbeing of the Catholic Church. I am astonished that there is no legal action taken by government against the document he drew up with the Catholic Church legal team, where children victims were given money if they signed a secrecy pact. How is it possible that illegal action be kept hidden by the offenders in exchange for money? There is printed evidence that this document existed and was used, and this document is an insult to the victims and yet no legal action has happened against the church. Surely, we need to question why the church is protected for producing this document, it is surely as illegal as the acts that happened to the children? Not only to coverup but it allowed the paedophile acts to be kept secret and so prolonged further illegal acts against new victims, when offenders were moved to a new area. This document is evidence that keeping the church protected far outweighed the protection of victims and I plead that legal action be taken to address this seemingly overlooked illegal document. Why have both sides of government overlooked this one document that Pell instigated, is it helping

to protect religious organisations? As far as I’m aware Pell never apologised for this document and now, he never will. This has bought a stain against the church and Pell that can never be erased but surely must be fixed. How many others will use a similar document to coverup illegal acts in exchange for money? Do we have an honest legal system, is there true justice or is it only just us? The document shows that a precedence has been set by a global organisation who aspires to be worshiped, honoured, and obeyed, with what surely must be an illegal agreement. It’s way past time illegal documents like this are challenged by government, if not by the church itself. We deserve better behaviour toward victims of crime.

J Hunt, Alstonville Plateau

DIRTY DEALS

I see that a dirty deal between the state government and Byron council has been done to use disused rail land for housing even.

Which is outrageous considering the plans to extend the solar railway to yelgun to cater for music festivals. Furthermore the fact that Byron bay and Mullumbimby both are two of the biggest tourist towns in Australia with train stations in the centre yet no train is insane

furthermore extending the solar to train south would benefit Lismore in their flood recovery.

The fact that the landscape has changed since the railing was closed and thousands more live in the northern Rivers and millions more visit is insane not to have a railway to assist locals tourists and freight. We can only hope if labour win the next election they overturn this dirty deal.

Alan Mosley Yamba

ELECTRIC VEHICLES

I don’t agree with our NSW Treasurer and Energy Minister, Matt Kean’s spending incentives for businesses to buy Electric Vehicles as I think it is a waste of money trying to reach zero carbon emissions, see NRTimes 9/2/23, page 4 for article.

I’d rather see Matt give incentives for people to buy diesel vehicles than EVs as diesel vehicles are cheaper, can go long distances and carry heavy loads without refueling and don’t need a battery costing around $10,000 every 100,000+ kms like EVs do, however, the price of EVs usually determines these factors and how far they go on one charge.

EVs may not pollute the air like other vehicles but their batteries cost more to make as they use precious mined metals such as cobalt, nickel

and manganese and then once their life is over, they have to be recycled otherwise they will pollute landfill. One study says that building a 500kg EV car battery or bigger will result in 74% more carbon emissions than producing a traditional vehicle.

Matt thinks that if corporate and govt fleets have incentives to buy EVs then when these vehicles are sold second hand will make it affordable for more private buyers to buy them. But look at LPG vehicles today, LPG was supposed to be a cheaper and cleaner fuel but you don’t see many LPG vehicles anymore.

EVs may be ok for around town/cities as they can be recharged from home but unreliable if the power goes off and where does Matt think all the extra electricity is going to come from to power these vehicles? Hopefully from roof top solar panels and their storage batteries

rather than more solar and wind farms that cover our valuable farmland. Otherwise, I hope charging EVs doesn’t make the lights go out.

Lynette Evans NUMULGI

A HISTORY

LESSON

Australia’s history on colonization is not pretty, from 1788 onwards the longest continuous culture in history began a rapid decline, Aboriginal people lost their entire way of life and suffered horrific injustices and it’s time all Australians recognize that. But the reality is that Australia is now a shared country and it’s going to stay that way no matter what radicals on both sides say, going back to the of the pre-colonial world that once existed is not an option for anyone, so solutions have to be found to make it work where Aboriginal people are awarded equal status and equal opportunities in

LETTERS, FEEDBACK AND OPINION

this shared country. The second great “invasion” happened after the second world war when immigrants from war torn Europe flooded into OZ and eventually made Australia home. The third great “invasion” started after the Vietnam war when Asian immigrants flooded to our shores to escape communism. The fourth great “invasion” occurred during and after the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan when many of the population fled to OZ to escape war and religious persecution. One could say that on each of these four occasions the “invaders” were not always warmly received, in the first occasion that would be an understatement. So here we are 2023, all these people and their descendants are now

“Australians” and live in the most successful multicultural country in the world. It is so important that the Albanese Govt’s referendum to give a “Voice” to first nations people to allow them more say in the issues that are important to improving their lives. If demolition Dutton and the right-wing the Liberal party had an ounce of empathy, they would stop playing politics and support this vital initiative.

Keith Duncan Pimlico

RAMPANT CAPITALISM

Our current financial crisis of rising interest rates and overall cost of living demonstrates the way capitalism has gone out of control. Many statistics are revealing over and over again, the rich

are getting richer (and the super-rich are ruling the world) and large corporations, especially in mining, banking and food supply are making record profits. How does the capitalist system try to rein in inflation. Well in Australia, the Reserve Bank raises interest rates, that particularly effects the average person, be it through mortgages, rent or living costs. Wages, which have been stagnant for 9 (Coalition government) years, no longer meet the workers’ needs.

If the Reserve Bank’s only hammer is to belt the general population with rate rises why doesn’t our democratically elected government step in to charge the price gouging corporations, who are taking

advantage of the situation, and apply a super profit tax. Surely if we can look at previous years’ profits of companies and can see a trend which indicates record profits year on year some equity should apply, so not only shareholders, but the general community, either gets a share or at least aren’t ripped off.

Fuel at the bowser is a classic example.

From December 2014 to April 2021 the barrel price was below $62, from January 2022 to December 2022 it sharply rose to $116 then quickly fell back to below the 10-year average of $78. The bowser price during those 10 years has gone up and up, not at all indicatives of the barrel market price. What a rip-off! Today there are so many examples

of greed, where corporations, super rich individuals or new start-ups such as AirBNB and Uber, are given red carpet treatment with total disregard to the majority of the population. Trickledown effect, as if!

Richard White East Ballina

STOCK MARKET

Getting rid of the stock market would force business to look after customers instead of shareholders and board of directors. Furthermore, companies would have to raise their own capital and therefore be more careful with their money in addition there would be more competition and big business would not have monopolies there would be lots of small business competing for

customer dollars.

Alan Mosley Yamba

BROKEN GLASS

This is a message to all the people in Evans Head who walked around Bare Footed. I am constantly picking up Broken Glass all over the place. This Broken Glass is deliberately done by a person/s at night. The Glass is usually from beer bottles. So, it’s by these people coming home intoxicated or otherwise. The straw that broke the camels back was when I found smashed glass in the kids play ground near Stan Payne Oval. What sort of mentality is that? I hope someone see’s these people doing this and do something about it.

Paul Brecht Evans Head

George Watts, known to his father as Jumbo, travels back to his childhood during the era of the Great Depression where men did whatever they could to scratch a living out of a lapsed economy. Born to a mother who wasn’t interested and a dad who was a bottle-o in the backstreets of the Melbourne suburbs of Fitzroy and Collingwood, George’s life was off to a rough start.

His dad, King Bob, took over the rearing of the little boy and as a baby, would carry him in a pineapple box and ask lactating women if they could feed him! We travel on the journey of George’s early life through the lens of his childlike memories which are always honest and often very raw.

From living in rentals where they would have to leave the lights on or the rats would attack, to taking ferrets on their camping trips to hunt

$5 MILLION TO IMPROVE NORTHERN RIVERS RURAL DRAINAGE SYSTEMS

DAMAGED rural drainage systems will be cleaned out, repaired, and ftted with mechanisms that will reduce the impacts of future fooding, thanks to the Australian and NSW governments’ $5-million Northern Rivers Drainage Reset Program.

The program is part of the $150-million Primary Industry Support Package, co-funded under the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

State Member for Lismore Janelle Saffn stated, “I welcome this modest grant as will our local farmers, as it can start to address a longterm legacy issue.

“It is recognition that this is a major issue that needs to be addressed in the overall mitigation

plans yet to come. A welcome small reset,” Ms Saffn said.

“I also look forward to seeing future announcements on residential drains action across the Northern Rivers.

“I have advocated on this matter across all local government areas of the Lismore Electorate. Here in Lismore alone, Lismore City Council in 2016 had a drains maintenance backlog of some $23 million.”

Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Murray Watt, said the program will support the recovery of Northern Rivers primary producers in the sugarcane, horticulture, rice, soybeans, beef and dairy industries who continue to be impacted

ELIGIBLE RICHMOND

by food-damaged drainage systems.

“This program will provide an injection of funds to improve priority drainage channels, reducing the immediate risks to agricultural assets and surrounding communities in future food events,” Minister Watt said.

“The funding will focus on the cleaning and treatment of sediment in drains to assist in the movement of water through these river systems.

“This represents the practical and tangible ways we’re improving the longer-term food resilience of this region.”

Deputy Premier Paul Toole said the Northern Rivers Drainage Reset Program is a direct response to fndings and

recommendations from the Independent Flood Inquiry.

NSW Minister for Agriculture Dugald Saunders said an immediate solution was required to address this longstanding issue.

“Having a clean and healthy drainage system in our Northern Rivers is critical to running productive farms and mitigating future fooding events,” Mr Saunders said.

The $5-million Northern Rivers Drainage Reset Program is being administered by Regional NSW in partnership with the Northern Rivers Reconstruction Corporation and will be rolled-out by local councils.

VALLEY SENIORS

rabbits for their meat and skins. From going to the local church to beg for food, to guiding his father home from the pub when he has drunk the day’s takings and unable to walk on his own two legs.

The reader gets an insight into a forgotten era when the bottle-o would roam the streets and pick up whatever valuable scraps they could, such as bottles and metal and whatever else they were able to get their hands on. George’s father Bob was king as he knew how to scam and had the gift of the gab.

There are moments of comic relief, warm father-son times, drama and even a bit of action.

George has captured his life in detail and crafted it into an engaging read. Not bad for someone whose schooling didn’t start until late in life.

King Bob and his boy Jumbo is on sale at www.booktopia.com.au

Many seniors living in the Richmond and Clarence Valleys will again save $250 on fuel and taxis in 2023 thanks to The Nationals in NSW Government’s Regional Seniors Travel Card, with applications now open, Clarence Nationals candidate Richie Williamson has announced.

“This is a classic NSW Nationals initiative that would never happen under Labor: the principle is that city seniors get discounted travel on a massively subsidised public transport network we

don’t have here, so our local seniors deserve help to get around too,” Mr Williamson said.

“Applications have now opened for the Regional Seniors Travel Card, a $250 pre-paid Visa card that can be used on fuel, taxis, and pre-booked NSW TrainLink regional trains and coaches.

“We know how much seniors value this card –it can mean a few extra visits to the grandkids, or make seeing friends locally, getting to the shops or attending medical appointments much easier.”

Nationals Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said he wanted the number of cards issued this year to break the 2022 record, when 362,000 cards were issued.

“I really encourage all eligible seniors to get their applications in and save themselves $250 on travel costs for this year,” Mr Farraway said.

The Regional Seniors Travel Card has injected $196 million into regional economies, with more than one million cards issued since the scheme started in 2020.

Mr Williamson said that in broad terms, to be eligible people needed to be of age pension age and receiving some form of support from Services Australia or the Department of Veterans Affairs or hold a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card.

“To check if are entitled to this card and to apply please go online at service.nsw.gov.au, visit your local Service NSW shopfront or call 1800 569 070,” Mr Williamson concluded.

AND CLARENCE

URGED TO APPLY FOR THEIR 2023 $250 TRAVEL CARD, RICHIE WILLIAMSON ANNOUNCES

Celebrities favourite Australian gin – now in a can Ink releases premium canned gin & tonic

Ink Gin, Australia’s best-selling independently owned gin, has released a zzy & refreshing Ink Gin and Tonic for your next summer adventure. is premium G&T showcases the multi award winning Ink Gin in a convenient, low-sugar, pre-mixed serve. e taste is full of vibrant citrus notes complimented by warm native pepper berry and so butter y pea blossom paired with a tailor-made tonic. It even has the iconic, all natural, blush

pink colour of your regular Ink Gin and Tonic. Australia’s most loved gin is still handmade and bottled on the fam- ily-owned and operated Husk Farm Distillery in Tumbulgum and sold in 10 international markets. Made famous by Margot Robbie in 2017, Ink was also recently featured in George Clooney and Julia Roberts’s lm Ticket to Paradise. “We are incredibly proud of our gin and wanted to make sure we came up with the best G&T

possible.” says Head Distiller Quentin Brival. “We didn’t rush the process, working for over a year to perfect a recipe which is delicious, easy to drink, bright & clean. We put a healthy dose of gin in every can to create the perfect balance between the botanicals and our tailored tonic.’ Spark your next BBQ conversation with the world’s rst patented butter y pea gin, now in a convenient G&T cab and just in time for those hot summer days.

e all new Ink Gin & Tonic RTD is available from all BWS & Dan Murphy’s stores and online from www.inkgin.com

Opinions, opinions.....by Nigel Dawe

$1 BILLION TO BUILD BETTER BUSH ROADS AND RAIL

“OPINION,” the ancient Greek observerextraordinaire Plato once noted, “is the medium between knowledge and ignorance.” A pendulum that rarely swings beyond the shadows of ignorance might be a more apt way to explain the great verbal divide that fills many a silence between two people.

I’ve always found it apt that the word ‘pin’ occupies a central position in not just the word, but the very concept of opinion itself. Relatedly, there is an old Roman adage, “Opinions are like nails, the harder you hit them the deeper they go in.” Which somehow captures the painful facet of having to endure the verbal diarrhoea of your classically opinionated bore in closed confines.

Something that seems to have crept into popular culture over the last decade or two, is the prevalence of overconfident sods with a forceful opinion about everything. As if being repulsively assertive were an acceptable compromise for being clueless. Every field seems riddled with self-righteous types that afford no hoot to being correct as long as they appear to be right at all times.

As if holding a mirror up to the ever-expanding ranks of society’s shallow pig-headed brigade, the astronomer Phil Plait once said, “I’m tired of ignorance held up as inspiration, where vicious anti-intellectualism is considered a positive trait, and where uninformed opinion is displayed as fact.” And it is the seeming, or made to seem factual stance, that our present world has been lulled and led most astray. Unwilling or unable to get to the bottom of anything thanks to the ever-present spin of opinion and ulterior motive.

Relatedly, the French

Nobel Prize-winner

André Gide once gleaned, “Most often people seek in life occasions for persisting in their opinions rather than for educating themselves.” The inclination of wanting to be informed, albeit develop views that are firmly reinforced by fact, seems a personality trait that is waning, not that there’s ever been a period defined by people who have demanded accuracy above all else.

It is interesting to note that the origin of our modern-day word opinion is derived from the old Latin word opinionem which meant “fancy, belief; or simply what one thinks.” Which is very apt, because at the end of the day, three-quarters of anyone’s opinions are usually the simple sum of their personal take on any specific subject. Or as Idries Shah once said, “Opinion is usually something which people have when they lack comprehensive information.”

A lack of comprehensive information, or any willingness to make an effort to learn has ever defined the common variety of know-it-all. Waltzing around with every answer: opinionated people should have some kind of fluoro symbol (like a loudhailer) on their clothing to warn the rest of us what we’re in for should we unsuspectingly engage in conversation.

So, the next time you find yourself waxing in a ridiculously opinionated manner, reflect and ask yourself – am I merely being a parrot to my inner senseless self, or am I imparting something of worth that reflects reality as objectively as possible? And, depending on which side of that ultimatum you fall, it will shed a tremendous amount of light on what you’re all about.

A re-elected Liberal and Nationals Government will invest $1 billion in the regions to upgrade the roads communities use every day, fasttrack freight and rebuild transport infrastructure after disaster.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the landmark commitment would improve the resilience of the road and rail network right across NSW, beneftting the regions for generations to come.

“This is a state-building initiative that will drive safety and drive productivity, ensuring people and products get where they need to –and that when disaster strikes, communities and supply chains remain connected,” Mr Toole said.

“In 2019, we made history with a $500 million investment to help regional councils fx their local roads. It’s improved thousands of kilometres of the local roads our communities use every day and beneftted every regional LGA in the State.

“We’ve heard loud and clear that there’s more to do which is why we’ll inject an extra $400 million into the Fixing Local Roads program so we can help councils

turbocharge their efforts on road maintenance.

“We’ll also invest a further $600 million in the road and rail network through a new Fast Tracking Freight program and a Build Back Better program.

“We want a road and rail network built for the long-term with the capacity and strength to survive fre and foods, to meet the growing freight task and to get product to market cheaper and more effciently.

“As anyone in the bush knows, we can’t keep replacing these roads and rail lines and expecting something different the next time a disaster rolls through – we have to put in the money now to keep our State moving forward.”

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said on the back of the Covid-19 pandemic and recent foods forward thinking was needed to strengthen the state’s supply chain.

“Betterment isn’t a last minute thought bubble or cash splash. This has been a 12-month journey since I signed the frst co funded betterment pilot in the country to rebuild infrastructure in the northern NSW post foods,” Mr Farraway said.

“This is what the

community expects and this is the policy direction we need to move in when it comes to disaster recovery.

“International studies have shown for every $1 spent on mitigation, you save $10 in recovery.

A NSW Liberal and Nationals Government will invest that dollar now when others won’t, because we are serious about delivering the projects that matter to regional communities.

“Freight is worth $66 billion a year to the NSW economy and the freight task is only growing.

“Our new Fast Tracking Freight program will make it easier for rail freight projects to get off the ground and get our food and fbre from paddock to port.”

The funding commitment

includes:

· A $400 million injection for Fixing Local Roads to help regional councils continue their work to repair, maintain and seal the roads their communities use every day;

· $300 million for the establishment of a new Fast Tracking Freight program to tackle freight pinch points on the road and rail network, better connect road and rail with key and emerging freight hubs and increase the capacity and reliability of the network; and

· $300 million for a Build Back Better program to invest in more resilient State, regional and local road and transport infrastructure across regional NSW.

-

Casino Showground and Racecourse Upgrade: Construction Begins

delight that the Casino Showground was receiving this major investment of public funds. He said it would be transformed into a “world-class facility”, which would bring more visitors to the Northern Rivers region and be a huge boost to the local economy.

60 Individuals Facing Charges After Mid North Coast Property Crime Investigation: Strike Force Kinnereth

By J. WILLOW

By J. WILLOW

Wednesday 8th February 2023, marked a monumental occasion for the Casino Showground and Racecourse with construction officially underway on the $8.2 million upgrade project.

Federal Member for Page, Kevin Hogan and State Member for Clarence, Chris Gulaptis, have proudly turned the sod on the longawaited redevelopment.

The upgrade includes the construction of an indoor arena for equestrian and other agricultural events, the upgrade of the racing stable complex to provide 80 to 100 new stables, the rehabilitation and upgrade

of the sand-based training track, the upgrade of the race track proper and the establishment of a cross country equestrian course.

In addition, new day yards, holding yards and pens will be installed to support equestrian events. Mr Hogan said the project would give the muchloved community asset a much-needed overhaul, creating a high-quality facility suitable for major equestrian competitions and other high profile events. He also noted that the redevelopment would create jobs and be a great economic driver for the community.

Mr Gulaptis echoed this sentiment, expressing his

Richmond Valley Council Mayor Mustow was equally happy to see the project finally happening, saying it would be a great benefit to the community’s health and wellbeing. He thanked both Mr Hogan and Mr Gulaptis for their support in making the project a reality. The project is being funded through the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund, co-funded by the NSW and Federal Governments. With construction now underway, the Casino Showground and Racecourse is on track to be transformed into a modern and world-class facility suitable for major events. This redevelopment will no doubt be a great benefit to the local community and the Northern Rivers region.

Free solar - savings up to $600 on electricity bills

The NSW Government is ofering a new way to assist people on low incomes with their power bills by installing free solar systems for eligible households in place of their Low Income Household Rebate. This program aims to improve energy afordability by helping households unlock long terms savings on their electricity bills. While this means you will no longer receive the $285 annual rebate on your electricity bill, you could receive up to $600 in savings per year from your new solar system!

The ofer is only available to households that live in the specifed regions and meet the eligibility criteria. When participating in this program households will receive a free, fully installed 3kW solar system in place of their Low Income Household Rebate.

SAE Group are the approved provider, designing and installing solar systems to eligible homes in your region.

To be eligible you must:

- Currently be receiving the Low Income Household Rebate

- Agree not to receive the rebate for ten years

- Own your own home

- Not already have a solar PV system

- Hold a valid Pensioner Concession Card or a Department of Veteran Afairs

Gold Card

If you are not the registered homeowner, but your spouse is, you may be considered eligible collectively as a household

A 3kW system is designed to generate an average of 12.6kwh per day, which will deliver electricity savings depending on each household’s energy consumption. Managing Director of SAE Group Glen Ashton comments “We know electricity bills continue to place a lot of pressure on households, and we are pleased to be working with the NSW Government to help ease the pressure on low income households.”

SAE Group are an Australian owned and operated organisation with over ten years’ experience in the solar industry. SAE Group are a Clean Energy Council Approved Retailer, and hold accreditations ISO 9001, ISO 45001 for safety and quality systems. Safety is paramount to us, and it our goal to ensure we provide quality solar systems to eligible households that will deliver ongoing savings for many years to come.

Want to fnd out more?

Visit: https://energysaver.nsw.gov.au/solar-low-income-households to check your eligibility and apply online or visit www.saegroup.com.au or call us on 02 66 389 439. The Solar for Low Income Household Ofer is supported by the NSW Government.

Strike Force Kinnereth has been a significant success and has resulted in 145 charges being laid against 60 people. The charges include three counts of break and enter, two counts of larceny, 10 counts of stolen property, seven counts of drug possession and 11 counts of traffic offences.

In addition to the charges, four people were arrested for outstanding warrants, and 11 people were apprehended for other matters and released without charge.

The results of Strike Force Kinnereth have been a positive outcome for the Mid North Coast Police District and the community. The strike force has demonstrated that police are committed to tackling criminal activity and will continue to investigate and charge those responsible for

crimes on the Mid North Coast. The Mid North Coast Police District encourages members of the community to report any suspicious activity to police and to provide any information they may have in relation to this investigation.

Strike Force Kinnereth was an important initiative of the Mid North Coast Police District and has successfully resulted in 60 people being charged with a total of 145 offences.

The strike force was established in October 2022 and comprised officers from the Mid North Coast Police District, supported by the Dog Unit, Highway Patrol and POLAIR.

As a result of the inquiries made by investigators, four people were arrested for outstanding warrants, and 11 people were apprehended for other

matters and released without charge. In addition to the arrests, 81 people were dealt with, and a 14-year-old boy was arrested and charged with 38 offences allegedly linked to 13 different incidents. He has been granted strict conditional bail to appear before a children’s court. The success of Strike Force Kinnereth has shown that police are committed to tackling criminal activity and will continue to investigate and charge those responsible for crimes on the Mid North Coast. This has been a positive outcome for the Mid North Coast Police District and the community, and members of the community are encouraged to report any suspicious activity to police and to provide any information they may have in relation to this investigation.

“Leemo has views on just about anything”

UNCOVERING THE HIDDEN GEMS OF GRAFTON

THE ‘BLISS’ OF A NIFTY FELINE BOOK!

Mum, Mum..you know the book called ‘Mrs Chippy’s Last Expedition’ your buddie Suzie gave you long ago, WELL, I’ve been truly properly reading it! It has an introduction by Lord Mouser-Hunt. Oooh, I love it heaps. What enviable adventures Mrs Chippy had. (It’s ‘Leemo cat here). ‘Mum Jane’ looked at me and told me that she just KNEW I would enjoy ‘Mrs Chippy’s Last Expedition’ and looked exceedingly smug with herself for her most ‘rare’ excellent choice for me. (Normally she gives me crappy books like…‘Teaching cats to herd Chooks, Sheep, Cows or Fish’, or ‘CATS CAN KNIT.’ (OMG…THEY go right into my ‘Back to the Library’ Bag, which is, right now, FULL!) Not to worry…back to ‘Mrs Chippy’. ‘Oooh, what an astonishing feline. It is unquestionable, Mum, that we are related. AS has been revealed in my reading of this thrilling book, Mrs Chippy turned out (because of a mix up by her Master, Henry ‘Chippy’ McNeish, Carpenter and Master Shipwright from Glasgow) to be MR Chippy, but that’s not at ALL important. Humans or cats, are simply humans or cats irrespective of their gender. It doesn’t matter if they change gender somewhere along their journey in life does it? Back to my story. ‘Chippy

continued however, to be called Mrs. Chippy and was allowed to accompany Henry on an expedition to the Polar regions aboard Sir Ernest Shackleton’s boat ‘Endurance’ in 1914, and was bestowed the title of Carpenter’s Mate, or sometimes, even FIRST Mate to Capt. Shackleton. Ooooh Mum, WHAT a journey. Chippy was preeminent to the well being of the crew. As a ruggedly handsome and natural ‘born’ feline sailor, he loved the breeze in his resplendent whiskers and dreamed of adventures ahead on the horizon. He patrolled the decks in true Vigilante style, had mousing duties below in the night, and devoted whole days to vital rest and sleeping. Whilst there were also 69 Husky Dogs and 2 Pigs on board, Chippy was the most highly regarded by his human crewmates and the camaraderie they shared was to be envied. (Chippy ‘privately’ thought the silly barky dogs did absolutely no useful tasks whatsoever on the boat, and were a costly waste of meat. As for the pigs, Chippy had no opinion AT ALL!) Mum interrupted my reverie. ‘Leems my Lil Buddie, I feel so much happiness in my heart that you are enjoying the adventures of Chippy. It is indeed unusual for you to like books I recommend to you. I vividly recall how you hated another boat kinda related book I gave you called ‘Tres Hombres en una Barca’ written by Jerome K. Jerome, 1889.’ Ooooh. I was indignant. How was I ‘sposed to enjoy a book with such a dumb title. It was only when I sneaked on to our PC one night and slowly typed it in I found it meant ‘Three Men in a Boat’. Well, I JUST KNEW there was no way I would enjoy such a stupid book and I’m not at ALL nonplussed it is high on the list of The Silliest Books Ever Written. No way can it compare to ‘Mrs Chippy’s Last Expedition, EVER!! I’ve gotta go, I have many adventures yet to read about (and treats along the way.) Contented Purrsies, Leemo.

By J. WILLOW

This week, Clarence Valley Council representatives, Member for Clarence Chris Gulaptis, and Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway gathered at Prince Street, Grafton to launch Rediscover Grafton, a project funded by a $495000 grant from the NSW Government’s Streets as Shared Spaces Program.

The initiative, which is a collaboration between CVC and a number

of organisations including Transport for NSW, the Department of Planning and Environment (DPE), and the Grafton Chamber of Commerce, is designed to make Grafton more accessible and connected, and to support local businesses by increasing pedestrian traffc and enabling evening activities in the CBD.

To this end, footpaths along Prince Street have been widened, front-

to-kerb parking has been implemented, and new plant boxes, shade, lighting, and seating have been installed. At the launch, Clarence Valley Council General Manager Laura Black commented on how wonderful it was to see the space, movement, and life in Prince Street, and how the project will help to bring more people to Grafton to enjoy what the town has to offer.

However, a small group of Clarence Valley residents

Director MAIBS MAIEH AMAIB

Ph: (07) 5523 1344

Fax: (07) 5523 1296 marks@coastlinecertification.com.au www.coastlinecertification.com.au

2/47 Greenway Drive Tweed Heads South NSW 2486 PO Box 243 Banora Point NSW 2486

expressed their concerns about the project, noting that the nose-in parking creates dangerous situations for parents and carers getting prams and wheelchairs out of their cars, as well as for children getting out of cars. Member for Clarence Chris Gulaptis acknowledged these concerns, but encouraged people to give the project a chance as it will bring more people to Grafton.

Move over Parklane, Ballina’s Big Prawn makes the Monopoly Board

NEW KINGSCLIFF FIRE STATION FULLY OPERATIONAL

By J. WILLOW

North Coast communities will be better protected with a state-of-the-art fre station at Kingscliff now open and fully operational.

By J. WILLOW

Roll the dice on some of your favourite locations across the region with the special edition Ballina-Byron Monopoly game.

A local twist to the family favourite game gives players the opportunity to buy up their favourite locations around the Ballina-Byron area including the Big Prawn, Richmond River

and Lake Ainsworth. Offcially launching 11 February 2023, the game is already gaining signifcant interest.

“Growing up monopoly was always a family favourite, so to see our local area come to life through board is very exciting” said Alanah Ward, Team Leader Visitor Services at Ballina Shire Council.

“The game not only makes a wonderful

souvenir for visitors, but it also a great keepsake for locals and those with strong connections to the region”.

Stocks are extremely limited and once sold, cannot be restocked. To purchase the BallinaByron Monopoly game, pop into the Ballina Visitor Information Centre at 6 River Street Ballina from Saturday 11 February 2023.

Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience Steph Cooke joined Member for Tweed Geoff Provest and Fire and Rescue NSW Commissioner Paul Baxter to offcially open the $4.7 million facility.

“It’s a very important day for the Kingscliff community and surrounds, with this new fre station providing a much needed boost to emergency response capability,” Ms Cooke said.

“The two-storey station has been built

on the existing Marine Parade site and includes a large dual-vehicle engine bay, dedicated ‘clean frefghter’ zones to guard against carcinogen contamination and separate male and female amenities.”

Mr Provest said the station will provide the 18 on-call frefghters based at Kingscliff with ft-for-purpose facilities, including dedicated spaces for training, living and storage.

“This new station will give our frefghters the facilities and resources they need to keep the North Coast community stronger and safer in future emergencies. It’s taken three years to complete and has been built to allow for possible expansion in the future as our region

continues to grow,” Mr Provest said.

Commissioner Baxter said the station has been designed to withstand the local weather conditions.

“The crew had to work out of portable buildings for a while as the construction work was carried out. But it’s paid off when you look at this exciting new building that will serve and protect the people of Kingscliff and the surrounding areas well into the future,”

Commissioner Baxter said.

As a tribute to one of Kingscliff Fire Station’s founders, Charlie Gilmont, a bottlebrush tree that was carefully removed during construction has been replanted at the new station.

NSW FARMERS CALL FOR ACTION ON FAR NORTH COAST ISSUES

By J. WILLOW

The launch of the NSW Far North Coast Branch (NSWFFNC) was held on Tuesday, 7 February at the Murwillumbah Services Club. The event was attended by the frst elected Chair of the new branch Burringbar farmer Craig Huf and immediate past president of NSW Farmers James Jackson.

Mr Huf discussed the issues faced by local farmers, such as land use confict with the affuent from Sydney’s north sharing full size operating farms to use as lifestyle blocks, leading to the prices paid for farms being well past the point of achieving an economic return for any

neighbouring farmer seeking to expand.

He also highlighted the importance of farmers having a secondary income and the opportunities for agritourism operations to help future proof the farm.

The NSWFFNC is also seeking to address issues around weed control, farm access roads and safety, with Mr Huf noting that rollovers are ‘by far our greatest workplace risk’. He explained that a DA and wait time for two years to move forward with addressing road safety meant that addressing worksafe obligations in a timely way was ‘almost impossible to achieve’ under current

regulations. Mr Huf concluded by calling for a reduction of the burden of compliance on farmers, and a need for policy makers to take part of the responsibility for the exit of farmers in the region in order to ensure the availability of local produce.

The NSWFFNC is focused on working with all parties in order to get the right outcomes for farmers with a primary goal of ensuring that local produce is available to all.

For more information on the NSW Farmers Far North Coast Branch email: farnorthcoastNSWF@ gmail.com or register at NSW Farmers

PRIVATE DEALS CONCERNING MULLUMBIMBY RAIL CORRIDOR REVEALED

By J. WILLOW

Without consulting the Mullum Chamber of Commerce, the town’s Residents Association, or the community at large, the Byron Council and the New South Wales Liberal-Nationals have announced a nonbinding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop the town’s disused railway land into affordable housing and associated infrastructure such as public spaces, car parks, and footpaths. This announcement was made on Friday, with supporting comments from Mayor Michael Lyon. It has since emerged that the MoU was signed by Council’s General Manager, Mark Arnold, in a closed-door meeting with the mayor on the 24th of November 2022, with councillors now being asked to ‘note’ the MoU at a meeting this Thursday.

Questions have been raised about why the MoU was not made public until now, and why Council is not

MUCH-NEEDED FUND TO BOOST THE WELLBEING OF CASINO’S COMMUNITY

seeking flood advice prior to the MoU, given that the area is flood-prone. Mayor Lyon has said that he has been lobbying the state government for some time, and that the proposal is in alignment with existing Council resolutions, the Mullum Masterplan, and his election commitments.

However, former Mayor Jan Barham has said that the Mullum Masterplan should be revisited, as the sites proposed for housing are flood-affected.

Local Greens MP Tamara Smith has also raised concerns that the affordable housing SEPP does not deliver much affordable housing, and that any project proposal where public land is lost must benefit the community 100%, go through democratic processes, have flood and environmental studies conducted, and be designed for the future in terms of extreme weather and social amenity.

Momentum Collective has been awarded funding of over $450k for the Casino Neighbourhood Centre Renovation and Expansion Project under Round 5 of the Stronger Country Communities Fund (SCCF).

The SCCF was established in 2017 by the NSW Government and has since provided over $400 million for more than 1,500 local projects that enhance the lives and wellbeing of regional communities.

The Casino Neighbourhood Centre, managed by Momentum Collective, has provided a range of support and services for the local community since 1979. The additional fund is

welcome by the residents as the demand for its service continues to increase due to the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and the series of

flooding last year.

Momentum Collective’s CEO, Dr Tracey Mackie, says that the grant will be used to open up over 250 square metres of

inaccessible space in the second story of the building.

“We want to create a safe environment for vulnerable clients and expand the community areas. Installing new accessible facilities to assist community members affected by natural disasters and homeless clients will ensure we provide higher standard amenities for our clients”, says Dr Mackie. By upgrading the centre and introducing new activities, Casino Neighbourhood Centre will be able to support and expand its services to local residents with a disability, homeless people and Domestic Violence victims and Support Groups.

Locals star in national red meat processing campaign

CASINO locals are starring in the latest National More to Meat campaign promoting red meat processors’ role in regional communities which was launched first week February.

AMPC has been running the More to Meat campaign since August 2022 to highlight the important role red meat processors play in regional communities, the national red meat supply chain and the industry’s significant contribution to the national economy.

The campaign features Casino Food Co-op employees, Benjamin Benn and Kalani Moss, highlights the job opportunities and lifestyle benefits of working in red meat processing.

Benjamin Benn started at the Casino Food Co-op 22 years ago on the processing floor in customer services. He is participating in the More to Meat campaign to inform the community about the different jobs and skills available in red meat processing

Mr Benn said, “I started here when I was just a teenager and have learnt numerous skills way up has helped me to buy a house and raise a family in the beautiful community of Casino”.

“The industry is a good place to start your career; you can find a many pathways where you can work your way up and stay in the industry as long as you want,” said Mr Benn.

Kalani Moss started at the Casino Food Co-op more than two years ago and now works in quality assurance. After experiencing a range of different jobs at the Co-op in her first two years wanted to take part in the More to Meat campaign and encourage others to consider giving the meat industry ago

Ms Moss said, “I wish people knew about the career options and opportunities involved in red meat processing, there are so many parts needed to deliver a final product.”

“I’ve experienced the opportunities and have had the support of the Co-op to study a Bachelor degree online. The company has allowed me study time and has assisted me with assignments,” said Ms Moss.

AMPC Chief Executive Officer Chris Taylor said the More to Meat campaign was launched to tell the stories of people who work in red meat processing and the proud part they play in regional rthern Rivers.

op said, the Co-op has been supporting the local community for 90 years and is a great example of a local red meat processor that creates opportunities for its employees. -op team are some of the thousands of Australians, including farmers, retailers and truck drivers, who work together to deliver high-quality red meat on the map,” said Mr Taylor.

More to Meat advertisements featuring Casino Food Co-op employees will be displayed across the Northern Rivers region.

For more information on the More to Meat campaign, visit moretomeat.com.au.

For More Information on this Opportunity, Please Contact:

Adam Grbcic 0404 087 772

adam@kollosche.com.au

Assi Dadon

0415 598 588

assi.dadon@realspecialists.com

13-17 Wharf Street,

Murwillumbah NSW

AUCTION ON - SITE, FRIDAY 24 FEBRUARY AT 2:30PM (1:30PM

Freehold Mixed-Use Investment in the Heart of Murwillumbah

)

Adam Grbcic and Tony Grbcic from Kollosche Commercial, and Assi Dadon from Real Specialists Commercial are proud to present to the market 13 Wharf Street, Murwillumbah, NSW. This is a historic and iconic building in the centre of Murwillumbah, which offers the investor the security of a 100% leased investment with long term and well trading tenants as well as the longevity of very thorough workmanship and a completely refurbished building. The property is situated in the core and centre of the Murwillumbah township, which has seen high levels of capital growth, new development and a 19% population growth since 2016 (Census data 2022). Murwillumbah is also recognised as a popular tourist location and known for its art deco facades, organic markets, M/Arts Precinct and local breweries.

The Key Property Attributes Include:

- Land Size: 1,650m2*

- Total Retail Area: 787m2* (currently configured into ten retail shops which range from 42m2* to 193m2*)

The Key Investment Attributes Include:

- Gross Lettable Area: 1,196m2*

- Total Residential Area: 409m2* (comprising nine-studio and one-bed apartments)

- A 100% leased investment offering a total of 19 tenancies

- Passing net income: $406,491.26* + GST per annum

- Wide range and spread of tenancies which reduces the risk profile of the asset, currently offering:

- Ten retail tenants including a café, Italian and Indian Restaurants, a kebab shop and a variety or boutique retail stores

- Nine residential studio and 1-bed apartments, which are leased on either 6 or 12 months agreements

*approximate

kollosche.com.au kollosche.com.au

APPETITE FOR LAND DRIVES

After just four weeks in the market, developer Clarence Property is pleased to announce that strong buyer demand has resulted in the sell-out of all 14 homesites in The Pocket, its most recent land release in Epiq Lennox Head.

The Pocket is a collection of just 14 generous homesites which feature wide street frontages, close

to Epiq Marketplace, right in the heart of the popular Epiq Lennox Head, in the idyllic northern NSW region. Epiq, the soughtafter masterplanned community centrally located in Lennox Head, has defed recent reports of a property market slowdown.

Elders Lennox Head agent Nick Bordin said whilst rates of sale

have not been in line with previous stages, which had sold out in a single day, the strong sales result in The Pocket demonstrates that appetite is still high for quality, welllocated property if appropriately priced.

“With supply of coastal land still incredibly low, as well as limited rental vacancies for family homes in the area, a

backlog of strong local demand for readyto-build homesites resulted in the frst 12 lots in The Pocket selling only two weeks after launch.

“At Epiq, buyers were able to secure a homesite less than 3 kilometres to the beach for $615,000 and build a brand-new home for a complete house and land price from around $1 to

1.1 million, which is simply not achievable in many other popular coastal areas.

“For example, in Byron Bay, a 20-minute drive from Lennox Head, the most recent median property price is still $3.15 million, according to realestate. com.au (January 2023).”

Premium lots in The Pocket precinct range

in size from 450 to 657sqm and were sold at prices from $615,000 to $739,000.

To continue to meet the need for new homes in this area, developer Clarence Property is now selling vacant land, as well as newly launched house and land packages, in its latest release in Epiq, where demand has already seen several homesites

DRIVES SPEEDY SELL OUT

placed under contract.

Stage 7 features 33 homesites available to build your dream home in a premier location, a stone’s throw to the retail amenity of Epiq Marketplace (including Woolworths, medical centre, cafe, gym and much more)

and opposite one of Epiq’s open space conservation areas, never to be built on. It is just a short 150m stroll to the Harmony Early Learning Journey childcare centre, and less than 3km into Lennox Village or the beach.

The Ballina/Byron Gateway Airport is just a 14km drive, making that soughtafter remote beachside work/life balance a truly genuine alternative to the capital city commute. One and two storeys, three and four bedroom

turnkey homes are now available for the frst time in Epiq, with designs from a range of local builders to streamline the home building process, and save time and design/ planning costs. Stage 7 homesites range from 366sqm

to 897sqm, and new homes are anticipated to start at around $1M. Earthworks are already complete in this precinct, meaning buyers can settle within months and commence building their dream home in the frst half of 2023.

For more details on land and house and land packages available for sale in Epiq, contact exclusive agent, Nick Bordin of Elders Lennox Head on 0423 238 062 or visit www.epiqlennox.com. au.

Off Grid? No Worries! Introducing the Rainbow Power Co SolVA Range.

By Jacob Ford

Rainbow Power Company are pleased to announce new products in our SolVA Power System range. In addition to our SolVA 800 and 1200, we now have the SolVA 3000, 5000 and 8000.

What is a SolVA? A SolVA is an off-grid power system in a box. The SolVA 800, launched in 2021, is a portable plug-and-play power source, suited to camping, worksites or tiny-home applications.

Coupled with a battery and one or two panels, it can power a couple of lights and charge your laptop, power tools and phone. It is designed to be kept out of the weather and does not require specialist installation.

For our 1200-8000 models, we have taken our famous off-grid systems - developed over many years and installed on thousands of households and businesses across the country - and placed them in rugged, verminproof and IP rated boxes, enabling them to be installed outdoors.

These systems use high quality Victron inverters and charge controllers paired with modern CAN BUS controlled Lithium batteries to ensure they provide reliable power to your home. These larger systems require installation by a licenced electrician.

Whether your power needs are big or small, there will likely be a SolVA perfect to power your off-grid home or cabin. The 1200 will support an energyeffcient fridge, TV, lights and appliance charging. The 3000 is designed for a small family home with

the ability to run more power-hungry appliances in your kitchen, laundry and living areas. The 5000 will allow you to power all of your modcons including an air conditioner, dishwasher, washing machine and drier, kitchen appliances and entertainment. The 8000 adds the ability to run more of these devices concurrently. Gone are the days of forgoing the comforts and luxuries of modern life in order to live off-grid. Our solar specialists will help you to assess your power requirements and choose the system best suited to your needs. For those wanting large-scale private or commercial off-grid

systems, please get in touch to discuss your options. To date our largest off-grid system was a massive 100kWp backed by 320kWh of storage, it seems the sky is the limit when it comes to RPC’s off-grid power solutions.

All of our systems are backed by Rainbow Power Company’s industry leading customer service and tech support. We install the 12008000 systems within 4 hours of Nimbin, and can supply Australiawide or overseas. For an obligation free quote call 66891430 and ask speak to one of our off-grid specialists today.

We’ve Got You Covered!

At Tweed River Marine, we offer a wide range of services from boat repair, truck and boat storage and more. Whether you’re looking for a wellpriced boat yard to store

your boat or a place to have maintenance carried out, we are the ones to call.

Located on the Tweed River at Chinderah our boat storage options are ideal for vessels of any size. Storing your boat at Tweed River Marine with access to our private boat ramp makes it easy to utilise the ski lanes and recreational areas of the beautiful and diverse

Tweed River.

We provide the freedom and fexibility for DYI or you can bring the professionals in for a helping hand. You will fnd easy access to all amenities needed for the job. Our costs are low and well under our competitors rates, this we can guarantee. Give us a call on 1800 427 246 with any questions you may have.

BEST ON THE BOX

SATURDAY NCIS: LOS ANGELES

TEN, 9.30pm

FRIDAY

BETTER

SEVEN, 7pm

HOMES AND GARDENS

Reliably enthusiastic and jam-packed with home and lifestyle inspiration, this stalwart series is back with its 29th season. Tonight, there’s something sweet, something spicy and something furry. Fried rice is given a twist with Karen Martini’s (above) rice-savvy new dish. We’ve all gone a bit gung-ho before and wound up with too much cooked rice, but Karen turns it into a win with a unique take on the Chinese staple: pink sh fried rice with nori. It’s quick, easy and oh-so pretty. Dr Harry Cooper helps a family with an 18-month-old boxer that levels their backyard every time they leave, while Graham Ross is in the Apple Isle to try a tasty new variety of strawberry.

FRIDAY, February 17

6.00 News. 9.00 News. 10.00 Australia’s Ocean Odyssey. (R) 11.00 Australia

(R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Les Misérables. (Final, Mav, R)

2.15 QI. (PG, R)

2.45 Back Roads. (PG, R)

3.15 Gardening Australia. (R) 4.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

Hard Quiz. (PG, R)

6.00 The Drum. Analysis of the day’s news.

7.00 ABC News. Takes a look at today’s top stories.

7.30 Gardening Australia. Sophie Thomson talks garden ties.

8.30 Van Der Valk. (Final, Mlv, R) Part 3 of 3. Piet van der Valk and his team investigate the murder of a fashion vlogger.

10.00 The Larkins. (PG, R) With the imminent arrival of her sister and her family, Ma is beside herself and cleaning like a demon.

10.50 ABC Late News. Coverage of the day’s events.

11.05 The Larkins. (Final, PG, R) Pop meets the glorious Angela Snow.

11.55 Adam Hills: The Last Leg. (R)

12.35 Unforgotten. (Final, Malv, R)

1.25 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

For almost 15 years, agents Callen (Chris O’Donnell), Kensi Blye (Daniela Ruah) and Marty Deeks (Eric Christian Olsen) and their team have instilled a sense of justice for avid crime series fans – as well as a remarkable sense of routine and consistency. As the world changed and got just that little bit older, LA was that comforting weekly viewing staple; that’s what makes news of its cancellation a shock. Tonight, in this season’s halfway point, Rountree (Caleb Castille) and Fatima (Medalion Rahimi) are ambushed while searching for Kilbride, and soon discover that every team member has a substantial bounty on their head.

WorldWatch. 9.00 Home Of The Year: Scotland. (Premiere) 10.05 Confucius Was A Foodie. 11.05 The Story Of Chocolate. (PG)

WorldWatch. 2.00 Cook Up Bitesize.

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (PG)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.35 Scotland: A Wild Year: Winter. Part 4 of 4.

8.30 Megadams. Takes a look at three dams.

9.30 Lighthouses: Building The Impossible: The Longstone. (PGa, R) Part 3 of 3.

10.25 SBS World News Late.

10.55 Gomorrah. (MA15+av, R)

1.45 Das Boot. (Manv, R)

3.50 Mastermind Australia. (R)

4.55 Destination Flavour: Japan Bitesize. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

MOVIE: Mom Wars. (2017,

6.00 7News Local.

6.30 7News @ 6:30.

7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. Johanna Griggs and Charlie Albone explore the green side of Vancouver. Adam Dovile looks at ways to improve bathroom lighting. Karen Martini cooks pink sh fried rice with nori.

8.30 MOVIE: Kingsman: The Secret Service. (2014, MA15+lv, R) A troubled young man must prove his mettle, and save the world from a billionaire set on killing millions of people, after he is recruited as a candidate to join a secret British spy organisation. Taron Egerton, Colin Firth, Samuel L Jackson.

11.15 To Be Advised.

1.00 Home Shopping. (R)

TUESDAY INSIGHT

SBS, 8.30pm

In a world where social media helps falsehoods and antisocial opinions go wild, this current airs stalwart is a breath of intelligent, thoughtful and civilised fresh air. Presenter Kumi Taguchi (right) returns to lead a new season of educational and thought-provoking exploration and analysis. A stand-out amongst news shows thanks to its unique rst-person stories and lively audience debate, it’s no surprise Insight has gripped audiences for more than a quarter of a century. Set to explore a wide range of topics this season including identity crime and mid-life sexual awakenings, the stalwart kicks o by probing political correctness, and whether it has gone too far.

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 A Current A air.

7.30 For The Love Of Pets. (PGam) Vets rush to help two Maltese terriers.

8.30 MOVIE: Muriel’s Wedding.

(1994, Mls, R) A young woman, who dreams of marriage, leaves her small town to nd romance in the big city. Toni Collette, Bill Hunter, Rachel Gri ths.

10.40 MOVIE: My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2. (2016, PGs, R) A family reunites for a wedding. Nia Vardalos.

12.30 Tipping Point. (PG, R)

1.20 He Said/She Said. (PG)

1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Take Two. (R)

4.30 Global Shop. (R)

5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

5.30 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)

6.30 The Project. Special guest is Lincoln Younes.

7.30 The Graham Norton Show. Guests include Salma Hayek.

8.30 Taskmaster Australia. (PGl, R) Comedy game show featuring comedians Danielle Walker, Jimmy Rees, Julia Morris, Luke McGregor and Nina Oyama performing a series of tricky tasks. Hosted by Tom Gleeson.

9.30 To Be Advised.

10.30 Just For Laughs. (Mls, R) Hosted by Nick Cody.

11.00 Just For Laughs Uncut. (Mls, R) Hosted by Nikki Osborne.

11.30 The Project. (R)

12.30 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG)

1.30 Home Shopping. (R)

REBOOT YOUR FARMING FAMILY

Is it time to reboot your family farming operations?

If your grazing or farming family business needs an injection of new information and skills to become more climate resilient, the Farming Family Reboot in Armidale this April could be just the ticket.

The SQNNSW Innovation Hub’s Armidale

2023 Sale D

16th

March - Fe

Node Manager, Lu Hogan, from the University of New England’s SMART Region Incubator, said the free three-day event was a chance for members of farming families and businesses to improve their critical decision making and teamwork skills.

“When you are part of a family-run livestock, cropping or mixed

enterprise, being able to work together is critical to not just the success of the business but the family as well,” she said.

“The Farming Family Reboot workshop (Armidale, April 18-20), is a chance for people to take some time out from the daily work of the farm, to think, plan, review their goals and build

some new skills that will help in managing future climate related business challenges.”

This free event features high quality guest speakers and hands on in-paddock sessions. Accommodation and meals are included, thanks to the support of Rural Aid, the University of New England (UNE) and the SQNNSW

Innovation Hub, through funding from the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund. Childcare may also be available at the UNE campus (bookings required).

“This is the second year we have offered the Farming Family Reboot, after overwhelmingly positive reactions in

2022. We heard excellent feedback about not just the quality of our speakers and hands on activities, but about how much beneft there was when the whole family could attend,” Ms Hogan said.

CONTINUED PAGE 32

NATIONAL VOTE OF CONFIDENCE IN FIGHT AGAINST

All States and Territories across Australia have reached a unanimous agreement declaring the NSW General Emergency (Blue) Zone Varroa mite free.

Minister for Agriculture Dugald Saunders said the agreement means states will reopen their borders in the coming weeks for the movement of bees and hives for pollination.

“This is a signifcant step in the fght to eradicate the mite, and for our beekeepers and pollination-reliant industries that have done it tough over the past seven months,” Mr Saunders said.

“I want to thank them because it is their diligence in reporting and testing their hives and DPI’s strong surveillance work that has put us in the position we are today.

“It’s also testament to the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government’s

response to the Varroa mite incursion that other jurisdictions are satisfed the outbreak has been well contained.

“But this is not the time for complacency; now more than ever, we need beekeepers to make sure they continue to do the right thing and maintain their alcohol wash surveillance so we continue to move in the

right direction.”

The Consultative Committee on Emergency Plant Pests (CCEPP) recently endorsed a paper presented by NSW providing epidemiological data supporting the proof of freedom requirements.

NSW will now work with South Australia, Victoria, and

Queensland to develop a set of conditions to facilitate inter-state movement.

Australian Honey Bee Industry Council CEO Danny Le Feuvre said this is a major milestone for the response and the beekeeping industry.

“While the industry will continue to be impacted by the Varroa mite’s incursion,

endorsement of this paper is a critical step forward in achieving business continuity, as best we can, for the industry,” Mr Le Feuvre said. “Endorsement of this paper demonstrates the confdence all the affected parties have in the response. It gives us great confdence that eradication is achievable in the current situation.”

The response included surveillance on around 32,000 hives with beekeepers completing alcohol washes on more than 85,000 hives.

Beekeepers in the blue zone are reminded they can only move their bees or hives if they fll out a hive movement declaration.

There are no changes to rules in the eradication (red) zone or surveillance (purple) zone and all beekeepers must ensure they are aware of the requirements for each zone as non-compliance can result in signifcant penalties and fnes.

It is also mandatory for all beekeepers to carry out alcohol washes at least every 16 weeks and to report these results to DPI by flling out the online form at dpi.nsw.gov.au or calling DPI on 1800 084 881.

For more information visit: https://www.dpi. nsw.gov.au/varroa

RURAL AID: PROVIDING CRITICAL SUPPORT AND PREPARING FARMERS FOR NATURAL DISASTERS

FROM PAGE 31

Rural Aid CEO John Warlters said 100% of the pilot cohort agreed that they were likely to use the provided material again, that the content was relevant to their needs, and it was easy to understand.

More than 90% strongly agreed they were likely

to either make practice changes or consider making changes because of attending.

“Rural Aid is wellknown for the critical support it provides farmers affected by natural disaster, but we also have an important role to play in helping producers prepare for those challenges,” Mr

Warlters said.

The three day program covers: the way decisions are made on the farm; understanding and using critical decision points and weather forecasts in the livestock and cropping cycle to better manage climate challenges; matching stocking rate to feed supply; supplementary

feeding of livestock to meet production goals; considering investment in new infrastructure to better manage drought and other climate challenges; relationships within the family and making better decisions as a family; and research and development at UNE SMART Farms.

The Farming Family

Reboot will be held at the University of New England, Armidale on April 18-20, and all accommodation and meals are included.

To express your interest in attending (places are limited), register via bit. ly/FFR2023.

For more information about the program contact Lu Hogan on

lhogan22@une.edu.au or 0427 687 432.

The Southern Queensland and Northern New South Wales Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub receives funding from the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund. Find out more at unisq.edu.au/ sqnnswhub.

CASINO

WEEK ENDING SATURDAY 10 FEBRUARY

Agents yarded a total of 1312 head at the Northern Rivers Livestock Exchange regular prime sale on Wednesday 8 February. The yarding consisted of larger numbers of both young cattle and cows. Young cattle were comprised of a fair percentage of good quality vealer steers and heifers, however there were also increased numbers of plain cattle throughout the sale. The market varied considerably which was mainly quality driven.

WARWICK

MC DOUGALL & SONS SHEEP & LAMB REPORT

Agents today yarded 1680 head for the weekly sale, with 1223 head in the lamb, hogget or ram lamb categories, this left 457 in the mutton or ram categories. The market was frm to a shade dearer for the fnished lambs and the fresh, feed on types. Mutton continues to hold back our markets the processing industry as well as re-stockers are keeping a low rate on re-stocker products.

Shelley F/T sold Suffolk lambs 61kg to Thomas Foods for $203, Dorper lambs 56.4kg to Thomas Foods for $200,55kg ram lambs to Eversons for $110, 50kg hoggets

WARWICK

LIVESTOCK MARKETS WARWICK W/E 10/02/2023

Agents saw numbers increase slightly for the Cattle sections and fall slightly for the Mutton and Lamb markets; the prices were frm to a shade dearer for most descriptions. The good quality and well-presented stock continued to outperform the unfnished article.

Vealer steers averaged 462.4c/kg topping at 564.2c/kg or $1170.21 to $1470.32

Vealer heifers averaged 433c/kg topping at 506.2c/kg or $1136.68 to $1530.82

Feeder heifers averaged 349.6c/kg topping at 414.2c/kg or $1206.71 to $ 1428.99

Feeder steers averaged 377.9c/kg topping at 429.2c/kg or $1515.27 to $1881.00

Cow prices held frm on last week averaging 268c/kg and reaching a top price of 307c/kg. Heifer prices saw an increase with lighter stock up to 250kg averaging 421c/ kg and topping their category at 524c/kg. Heavier heifers over 250kg averaged 378c/kg and reached a top of 458c/ kg.

Bull prices remained steady with 35 head sold averaging 249c/kg and 660kg. Lighter steer prices saw little change with those up to 250kg averaging 495c/kg and reaching a top of 594c/kg. Heavier steers over 250kg were dearer averaging 421c/kg and topping their market at 544c/kg. A small number of bullocks sold on the day averaged 325c/ kg and reached a top of 336c/kg.

to re-stockers for $90, Dorper lambs 56.4kg to Thomas Foods for 200, ram lambs 5kg to Eversons for $110 McNamara Family sold Poll Dorset lambs 71.6kg to Thomas Foods for $210, 64kg to Thomas Foods for $213, 85kg 4th wethers to re-stockers for $144

Gordon Donovan sold Xbred hoggets 60kg to Eversons for $136, rams to GR Prime for $40

John & Marion Skinner sold Dorset lambs 61.66kg to Thomas Foods for $198, 48.3kg to Eversons for $172

Warren & Wendy Schelbach sold Dorper lambs 43.75kg to Jock Young Meats for $173

Peter Jones sold Dorper lambs 46.6kg to GR Prime for $181

Dave & Wendy Rodgers sold Dorper x lambs 40.3kg to GR Prime for $97, re-stockers for $78 & $66

Yearling steers averaged 416.5c/kg topping at 502.2c/kg or $1332.26 to $1995.95

Yearling heifers averaged 363.6c/kg topping at 440.2c/kg or $1154.40 to $1720.00

Steers averaged 358.8c/kg topping at 384.2c/kg or $1830.00 to $2758.04

Heifers averaged 317.3ckg topping at 349.2c/kg or $1526.79 to $2264.58

Cows averaged 270.4c/kg topping at 297.2c/kg or $1497.68 to $2342.52

Bulls averaged 267c/kg topping at 438.2c/kg or $1437.29 to $2592.00

Sheep & Lamb numbers saw the prices getting stronger as people seek to fold their tent’s and open the public to reality markets.

The market was improving with the exception of replacement stock or the back to the paddock which didn’t draw too much interest in the various sales.

Vealer prices were easier this week averaging 414c/kg and 236kg and reaching a top of 600c/kg.

Ray White Rural held a store sale at the NRLX on Friday 10 February with 1,689 head going under the hammer. Steers topped their category at 608c/kg and averaged 468c/kg and 277kg whilst heifers reached a top of 500c/ kg and averaged 420c/kg and 234kg. Cows reached a top price of $1,480 whilst Cows & Calves topped their market at $2,520.

T&W McCormack and Ramsey & Bulmer will hold a breeder sale this Friday 17 February with 500 head expected. Further bookings are welcome!

Sarah Virtue sold Aussie White x lambs 50kg to Eversons for $161, ram lambs 40kg to Highchester Meats for $68

Landers & Little sold Dorset lambs 43.4kg to Eversons for $140 Banaba Past Co sold Dorper x lambs 48.6kg to Leslie Lamb for $184, 48.2kg to Jock Young Meats for $184, 43.4kg to Leslie Lamb for $169, 43.4kg to Eversons for $98

Dugald & Vicky Marshall sold Xbred ewe and wether lambs 52.8kg to Eversons and Thomas Foods for $172 Carmichael & Galloway sold Dorper ewes to Eversons for $116, rams to re-stockers for $86, 60kg ewe lambs to Warwick Meats for $170, 47.3kg to Eversons for $172

Lambs topped at $213 to average $137.29($27up)

Hoggets topped at $142 to average $84.89($40up)

Ewes topped at $116 to average $44.55($11up)

Wethers topped at $165 to average $91.98($10up)

Rams topped at $95 to average $61.23($28down)

Lamb rams topped at $110 to average $76.63($22up)

Ewe lambs topped at $172 to average $123.29($20down)

Sale total was at $113.85 over the yarding and was $21/ head dearer than last sale.

Poultry were inundated with numbers and very little movement forward as far as prices were concerned.

Chicks sold to $27.50, Guinea Fowl to $32.50, Quails to $20, Ducks & Ducklings to $45, Hens & Chicks sold to $45, Roosters sold to $17.50 with hens achieving $10 Pork numbers eased with the movement out of the Xmas cycle. Sows sold from $100 to $320, Boars sold to $40, Pork sold from $110 to $152, stores sold from $40 to $140

School farm program to boost healthy living

All public school students in NSW would be taught where their food comes from under a program put forward by NSW Farmers.

With food and groceries being top of the agenda for families heading into the state election, NSW Farmers has proposed a suite of school-based measures to encourage children to learn how to grow their own food, fnd out where food comes from, and potentially take up a career in agriculture.

NSW Farmers Rural Affairs Committee chair Deb Charlton said it was concerning that children didn’t understand the basics with food, but there were some simple solutions.

“According to a 2020 study by the Primary Industries Education Foundation Australia, a third of young people aged 12 to 19 didn’t know yoghurt is an animal product and just under two thirds didn’t know cotton is derived from a plant,” Mrs Charlton said.

“Over the past couple of years NSW Farmers has delivered a successful Kids to Farms program for primary school students and we’ve seen them really enjoy learning about this practical, everyday thing that many take for granted.

“We’re hoping to see

all sides of politics commit to bolstering agricultural education in our schools from kindergarten right through to Year 12, because there are great opportunities out there for young people.”

While NSW already had agriculture as part of the curriculum up to Year 8, Mrs Charlton said expanding that focus would help restore

Australians’ connections to where food comes from. Furthermore, she said exposing older students to modern agricultural practices would open the door to more job opportunities, particularly for those students who wanted to work with nature.

“At the moment there are six jobs to every one agriculture graduate in Australia, and these are

in a range of disciplines from shearing and dairying through to IT and piloting drones,” Mrs Charlton said.

“Agriculture is not just a ‘manual labour’ sort of career, it’s a modern and ever-evolving industry that requires a range of skills across the entire state.

“Many lifelong careers start with a childhood passion, and it makes

sense to get students switched on to farming from a young age.” NSW Farmers has called for:

1. Establishment of an ‘Ask A Farmer’ program to strengthen conversations about agriculture.

2. Dedicated funding for teachers’ professional development to improve specialist agriculture

delivery for all students in K-12.

3. Funding for an industry-led agriculture awareness, engagement and career program available for all school students in K-12.

4. Additional funding for TAFE NSW towards local delivery of agriculture and agriculture-dependent qualifcations across rural NSW.

HONOUR ROLL RECOGNISES THE ‘UNSUNG HEROES’ OF REGIONAL, RURAL AND REMOTE NSW

Sixty-nine new names have been added to the 2021-22 Hidden Treasures Honour Roll which pays public tribute to the girls and women across regional, rural and remote NSW who have given their time and energy to helping others in their community.

Coordinated by the NSW Rural

Women’s Network, the 2021-22 Hidden Treasures Honour Roll recognises volunteering contributions made in those years.

Minister for Women

Bronnie Taylor said more than 1,000 women have been enshired on the honour roll since 2010, each nominated by a member of their local

community.

“Women play an important role in community development and making rural NSW a great place to live and it is important we honour their contributions to ensure that voluntary work is valued and respected,” she said.

“Whether it’s supporting individuals

or groups within their communities through volunteering in aged care, emergency services, environmental management, health, sport, education and tourism, women are often the unsung heroes behind the scenes who keep our communities connected.

“They do this freely

and without fanfare but they are the backbone of our communities and our society simply wouldn’t function effectively without them, so it’s incredibly important to take the opportunity to sing their praises and celebrate their signifcant contributions.”

Hidden Treasures is a project of the Rural

Women’s Network, a state-wide initiative of Women NSW that is funded by a $3.7 million investment from the NSW Government.

For more information and a full list of the 2021 and 2022 Hidden Treasures Honour Roll awardees, visit nsw.gov. au/women-nsw/ruralwomens-network.

Private landholders are the key this World Wetlands Day

This World Wetlands Day, the NSW Irrigators’ Council (NSWIC) is urging leaders to recognise the role of private landholders in managing wetlands, and the many success stories of collaboration, to inspire the next chapter of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan.

With 93% of the Murray-Darling Basin’s 30,000 wetlands on private property, partnerships with landholders are the main game to restore and protect these vital habitats,” said NSWIC CEO, Claire Miller.

“There are many great examples out across the Basin showcasing what’s possible when private landholders are supported to manage wetlands.”

Coleambally Irrigation in the Murrumbidgee Valley, for example, has delivered 33 watering events over 13 sites in the last seven years.

Similarly, Murray Irrigation Ltd has an estimated 2000 private wetlands and around 2000km of ephemeral creeks and rivers within its footprint, and has delivered more than 205 billion litres of environmental water to wetlands, ephemeral creeks and rivers since 2001.

And Murrumbidgee Irrigation has delivered more than 11 billion litres water to sites

since 2015, including the Ramsar-listed Fivebough and Tuckerbil swamps.

“Irrigators delivering water to wetlands has become common practice,” said Ms Miller, “Their efforts often ensure sites are watered at times they may otherwise miss out.

Partnerships with private landholders are increasingly recognised as water management best-practice, following similar thinking in the biodiversity and conservations felds.

NSWIC is calling on Basin ministers to better support landholders to do more when ministers meet later this month to discuss the direction of the Basin Plan.

“The Plan so far

has been all about recovering water from farmers,” said Ms Miller.

“With one in three litres of irrigation water now redirected to the environment on top of river fows, now we need to focus on working with our farmers to ensure that extra environmental water reaches wetlands across the landscape.

“We fnd almost everyone out there would be keen to do more to manage their wetlands, but are limited by a lack of resources, time, or knowledge of exactly what to do. That can all be fxed.”

“But the biggest barrier is a lack of political will, and an underestimation of the biodiversity and

conservation role our farming community plays.

“We need to move beyond the simplistic ‘just add more water’ from farmers, to catchment management, and that includes working in genuine collaboration with landholders.

“What’s needed is the Basin Ministerial Council to fund a package of measures to support landholders to be part of the solution for wetlands.”

For example, funding free environmental science extension services, and even cultural knowledge, to advise farmers on managing wetlands on private property would go a long way,

alongside funding for landholders to act on their recommendations.

“This is the industry’s vision to be part of the solution, and we urge Ministerial Council to share that vision too,” said Ms Miller.

“If we work together, we can form a mosaic of wetlands across the Basin that are watered with natural inundations, topped up with the existing environmental water, and managed on the ground.”

NSWIC also called for improved monitoring and evaluation of wetland inundation.

While one study concluded only 2% of wetlands are regularly watered using Commonwealthheld environmental

entitlements, it did not account for watering through natural inundation, rules-based water in NSW, Stateheld entitlements and private landholders’ efforts – all of which ensure a much greater proportion of the Basin wetlands are cared for.

“We can’t manage what we don’t measure,” said Ms Miller. “The Murray Darling Basin Authority and other agencies must do better in understanding the true extent of wetland watering now.

To fnd out more success stories, see the NSWIC Working Together Campaign.

SURVEY REVEALS HUGE SPENDING GAP ON eID

NSW Farmers is calling for a substantial investment from the state and federal governments to make their traceability reform achievable.

A move to electronic identifcation (eID) for sheep and goats will far exceed the $20 million offered by the federal government, and with a timeline set for mandatory tagging,

farmers are in the dark on what fnancial support will be made available.

According to NSW Farmers President Xavier Martin, 80 per cent of NSW sheep and goat producers were not using eID at present, meaning there would need to be signifcant state and federal fnancial assistance to assist in the transition.

“Farmers are rightly becoming increasingly concerned about the costs associated with implementing eID for sheep and goats, following Minister Saunders’ mandating of the traceability system last year,” Mr Martin said.

“While the NSW Government’s timeline is public, it remains

unknown what fnancial support will be made available to farmers so they can implement eID as they are now required to do.

“We asked farmers how much this will cost them and what training, education and support they need, and it’s clear both levels of government will need to open their wallets.”

NSW Agriculture Minister Dugald Saunders announced the state would join a national traceability effort in July 2022 following an outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease in Indonesia. Under the National Livestock Identifcation System, sheep and farmed goats born after January 1, 2025 will require an

electronic tag before leaving a property, and from January 1, 2027 all farmed sheep and goats will require an eID tag.

The federal government announced $20.1 million over three years to help the states transition to mandatory electronic tags.

ALFRED AND JEANETTE BULMER

Robert Alfred (known as Alf) was born 13th

May 1896 to parents Malcolm and Ellen Bulmer at Numulgi. They moved to Boatharbour after a few years where Malcom worked clearing timber in the big scrub. Malcolm along with William Smith were the frst men to spread gravel in Molesworth Street, Lismore using a tip dray. The Smith Pavilion at the Lismore Showground was named after William Smith. Malcolm and Ellen Northan were married at Wingham before moving to Numulgi. The family moved in 1870 by a wagon pulled by two horses with a horse and dray following.

Their Family: Thomas, Alice (both died as infants) Malcolm, Ada, Emma, Caroline, Alice, Ellen, Arthur, Ruby, Robert Alfred, Hughie, Escott, Albert, Hopetown and Alexander.

In 1896 the family moved to Shannon Brook to start dairying. Malcolm had the frst milk run delivering around Casino. He also raised pigs and sold smoked bacon to the hotels and shops in Casino.

Alf worked on a cream coach from Hogarth Range to Leeville. The cream was picked up from the farms and delivered to the Leeville Railway Station to be transported to Norco in Lismore.

At the age of 19 years, Alf enlisted in the Army on 12th August 1915 where he saw service in Egypt and France. Christmas 1915 he was in Egypt. He was No 155 and joined 31st Battalion (Royal Queensland

Regiment) as a driver. The 31st Battalion arrived in Egypt in December 1915 and proceeded to France and the Western Front in Jun 1916 remaining there until March 1919. Their frst battle was at Fromelles in July 1916, a disastrous introduction to battle suffering 572 casualties. Other major battles in which the 31st Battalion participated in were Polygon Wood, Amiens and the Hindenburg Line. Alf was admitted to Northampton War Hospital in 1917 with trench feet and remained there for 3 months, returning to France in May. The War ended on 11th November 1918 and Alf returned to Australia on 7th April 1919. He disembarked at Brisbane and was unable to return home to Woodview due to fooding. When he was able to return, he found his mother seriously ill with the fu epidemic. She died a few days later.

On 7th April 1920, Alf married Jeanette Yates. Jeanette being the daughter of Joseph

People Product Partnerships

By Helen Trustum

now belonging to Allan and Helen Trustum). The water had to be carried up for use. After the trees were felled on the property the creek rapidly formed. Alf started off

Railway Station and loaded on to the train for Lismore. Alf remembered going down to the Siding and opening 11 gates to do so. There was no sale for bobby calves till about

and Emily Yates of Codrington.

Their family: Ellen born 11th January 1921, Phyllis born 2nd February

Manifold in 1917 for soldiers from the First War. Mr Manifold gave three thousand acres of rich scrub land on the

1924 and Lorna born 3rd November 1927.

They began farming at Hogarth Range then Woodview before moving to Bentley 1925. Alf was allotted No 13 on the Runnymede Soldiers Settlement Scheme set up by James Chester

eastern side of the Station, to be developed into 20 dairy farms. On his 144 acres, Alf had to clear the land and grass had to be planted. The only watering place at the time around the area was a well which was three farms down (the property

in Bentley with two cows and one horse.

Apart from dairying they grew bananas. Alf and Jeanette built up a milking herd of 50 cows all milked

1930. Ralph Cosgrove would come around and buy calves and give 18 pence a hide.

To earn extra money, Alf obtained work with

the PMG (Post Master General’s Department) digging holes for the

by hand. The cream had to be taken down the Bentley

Lorna

Original home built in 1925 and still standing.

Lance and Lorna’s wedding - 1952

Lorna on her horse

ALFRED AND JEANETTE BULMER

By Helen Trustum

Phyllis married John Robson on 29th September 1945. John had a cream run from Eden

Family: Trevor, Ann and Bruce (twins).

On Lance’s retirement from the Council, Lance

telephone poles. He had to dig six holes a day and was paid 50 shillings a week.

Ellen attended One

crowds at the annual Manifold picnic day was held. After the class races were completed, amusement was caused

Tree Farm School for a few years then Manifold School with Phyllis and Lorna when it opened in 1929. The girls rode horses to school. Children Lorna remembers from school days at Manifold School: Leila and Eileen Roberts, George and Valmai Ball, Audrey and Trevor Ball, Jack, Ernie, Joyce and Jean Doman, Reg and Jean Hartley, Joyce and Clare Moroney and the Donnelly Family.

An article printed in the Northern Star 17th December 1941 stated that one of the largest

by many novelty events. All the children received prizes, ice cream, cordial, oranges and sweets. The results of these events were: Married Ladies Race: Mrs J. Knapp, Single Ladies Race: Jean Hartley, Throwing the Coins: Dorothy Ball, Throwing at the Wicket: Grace Cox. Prizes for the events were donated by Mrs Steele and Mrs Hartley. At the conclusion of the day Lorna Bulmer presented Mr and Mrs Steele and their children Ross and Robyn with a gift from the school

Beekeeping Supplies

children. Mr Charlie Steele was the Manifold School teacher.

The avenue of mango trees on the property were planted in the late 1940’s. Ellen’s son Ray, remembers helping Alf plant and water them. Over the years Ray would ride his bicycle out from Casino every Saturday to help Alf with the farm work. He would be paid 10/- a day.

Alf and Jeanette remained on the property until 1950 where they moved to Close Street, Kyogle. Alf gained employment at the Veneer Factory opposite Norco. He would travel down to the farm every Saturday.

Ellen married William Arthur Phelps on 30th August 1941. They frst

lived on the Gilmore property in Roberts Road, Bentley. The children attended Manifold School.

Creek through to Kyogle. They moved into Kyogle to live in the 1950’s.

Family: Judy and Jeffrey.

Lorna married William Lance Jorgensen on 2nd November 1952. They frst lived in Kyogle where Lance worked in a garage, then in 1961 Lorna and Lance moved to Hotham Street, Casino.

and Lorna travelled extensively through Australia. In 2001 at the age of 74 they decided to take a camping trip to Central Australia and onto the Kimberly’s and Darwin.

Trevor and wife Colleen took on the farm at Bentley from 1978 when they were married until 1991. This is where Trevor and Colleen established the Bellview Brangus Stud. They are now living at Bingara. Lance passed away 3rd September 2015 and Lorna who recently turned 95, still lives on in the home that they moved to in 1960. A big thank you to Lorna and Enid (Ellen’s daughter) for their help in compiling this story.

A stock dip “Runnymede” on the property was used for the Runnymede Station. Family: Ray, Enid, Allan and Lyndal.

Lance worked for the Tomki and Richmond River Shire Council driving bulldozers and other plant equipment.

Ref: Lorna Jorgensen (Casino), Enid Taylor (Ocean Shores) and Ray Phelps (Casino)2/1/2023.

Helen Trustum

Alf and Jeanette’s 60th wedding Anniversary April 1980

Alf and Alf Canning working on farm - 1938

Lorna standing in front of her father Alf’s photo at the Bentley Hall - 2015

Alf and Jeanette with Ellen and Phyllis at Bentley

Lorna taken at her 95th birthday - November 2022

New fnancial packages will make it easier for teachers to take jobs at regional schools and settle in communities. The incentives will include $10,000 to help cover stamp duty costs when buying a home in their new school community.

NEW PAY PERKS FOR REGIONAL New red meat industry educational resources out for the 2023 school year

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government is committed to removing barriers for teachers and helping them make the move to a country town.

“Regional, rural and remote communities are an incredible place to live, work, and raise a family,” Mr Toole said.

“That is why we are providing additional support to help cover the costs of teachers moving to our communities, and support to help them buy a home so they can put down roots.”

Treasurer Matt Kean said the stamp duty incentive was another way to attract teachers to the regions and help them buy their dream home.

“Teachers will be able to claim back up to $10,000 in stamp duty, helping them buy a home close to where they work,” Mr Kean said.

“This is another incentive for teachers to take up a position in the bush on top of other frst home buyer assistance.”

Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell said offering additional support for teachers after they’ve relocated was the logical next step.

“Once we’ve helped a teacher move to a regional, rural or remote school, we need to do everything we can to make sure they become part of the community,” Ms Mitchell said.

Ms Mitchell said a new Support for Rural Beginners program has also been introduced to provide hundreds of early career teachers with access to a range of supports to help them settle into their

community and make local connections.

“We want to reduce the level of social isolation experienced by new teachers who have moved to the country and improve retention by encouraging them to build a sense of belonging in their communities,” Ms Mitchell said.

“The program includes a one-off fnancial incentive of $600 to be used towards building social connections such as registering with a local sporting team, signing up for art classes or even having coffee with new friends.”

To be eligible for the program, teachers must be within their frst fve years in the classroom and have recently moved to teach in a regional, rural or remote school in the principal networks of Barwon, Deniliquin, Far West, Griffth, Gundagai, Mitchell, Mooki, Narrandera, Temora, Wagga Wagga, West Wyalong, Western Plains, as well as selected Connected Communities schools.

Expressions of interest in the program are now open on the Support for Rural Beginners program page.

NSW has the most comprehensive rural and remote incentives scheme in Australia and, subject to eligibility, teachers can access up to $40,000 on top of their base salary annually, plus an additional $20,000 recruitment bonus.

The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government has also invested more than $20 million in teacher housing in priority areas. In 2022, the incentives program supported 1,700 teachers in regional, rural, and remote schools.

Teachers who are frst home buyers already receive stamp duty relief under the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government’s First Home Buyer Assistance scheme and the First Home Buyer Choice scheme, and may receive an additional $10,000 under the First HomeOwner Grant scheme.

Senior and primary school teachers across Australia have access to a range of new resources for their students, covering key aspects of the red meat and livestock industry.

The in-depth Australian Good Meat Education resources have been developed by Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) for the 2023 school year, covering all grades from Foundation/Prep to year 10.

MLA Group Stakeholder Collaboration Manager, Samantha Jamieson, said that the resources are linked to the current version 8.4 of the curriculum and the new version 9.0 of the

curriculum. “These resources are free and easy to access on the Australian Good Meat website and are designed to be used in both print and digital format,” Ms Jamieson said.

The crosscurriculum resources are designed to meet curriculum outcomes for Design and Technologies, Science, Mathematics, English, and Humanities and Social Sciences. Sustainability is a large focus across the resources to support this as a focus area in the Australian curriculum. In all, there are 178 new resources available for teachers.

Ms Jamieson said the education resources were designed to be interactive and engaging for students, being created in consultation with teachers to ensure the materials were practical and resulted in the best possible outcomes for students.

“By accessing the teaching resources on the Good Meat website, teachers will fnd resources such as instructional videos for teaching support, lesson plans, student activity worksheets, and supplementary classroom materials such as posters and more,” Ms Jamieson said.

Primary Industries

Education Foundation Australia (PIEFA) CEO, Luciano Mesiti, said there was huge value in bringing agriculture into the classroom.

“Agriculture is innovative and evolving and full of exciting opportunities around maths, sciences, technology, and much more,” Mr Mesiti said.

“PIEFA is excited to have worked with MLA on these resources. It’s great to be able to help provide these resources for teachers, and we encourage teachers all around the country to visit the website and make these resources work for them and their students.”

NSW Farmers brings environment debate to Goulburn

NSW Farmers is giving politicians a chance to make their pitch to voters on key issues with its Regional Debate series.

Designed to focus on agricultural and regional issues ahead of the state election, the frst Regional Debate will be held in Goulburn on Tuesday night and feature Minister for Environment and Heritage James Griffn, Shadow Minister for Environment and Heritage Penny Sharpe, Greens spokeswoman for environment Sue Higginson and Shooters,

Fishers and Farmers spokesman Robert Borsak.

NSW Farmers Head of Policy and Advocacy Annabel Johnson said fnding the right balance between agricultural productivity and environmental outcomes would be important in the next term of government.

“We want to hear from all sides of politics regarding the important issue of the environment,” Ms Johnson said.

“As land managers, farmers have a critical role in environmental

conservation; but historically, farmers have faced a changing landscape of confusing legislation and environmental targets.

“Environmental conservation is incredibly important, but food certainty is another important objective and the two are not mutually exclusive; it’s all about fnding balance.”

Polling commissioned by NSW Farmers revealed the number one issue for voters was the cost of living with high food and grocery costs likely to make an

impact at the ballot box. Ms Johnson said savvy politicians would be fnding ways to secure food production in NSW, and this meant getting the balance right on the environment.

“Farmers grow healthy plants and healthy animals to make the food and fbre we all need, and we have seen the pain that supply chain disruptions can cause for people,” Ms Johnson said.

“The message we are getting out to decisionmakers and voters is that investing in agriculture now will save a lot of

stress down the road, whether it’s better road and rail infrastructure, stronger biosecurity, more research and development, clear workforce strategies, or effective land use planning.

“We want to highlight that in order to keep food affordable, we need a sustainable and functioning agriculture sector.”

The Regional Debate: Environment will be held at the Goulburn Soldiers Club from 6pm to 8pm on Tuesday, January 31. Visit https:// form.jotform.com/

holleyt/regional-debategoulburn-rsvp-form to register for the event.

Future Regional Debate events are scheduled for the following dates and locations:

Water – Wednesday, February 1 – Bega

Regional NSW –Tuesday, February 14 – TBC

Infrastructure –Wednesday, February 15 – Muswellbrook Agriculture –Wednesday, February 22 – Dubbo

Energy and Land Use

– Wednesday, March 1 – Wagga Wagga

NEW HOME FOR AUSTINMER RURAL FIRE

The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government, the Rural Fire Service (RFS) and Wollongong City Council have reached an agreement to relocate Austinmer Rural Fire Brigade to a permanent new home at Thirroul.

Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience Steph Cooke said the Brigade’s current station is ageing, damp and located on a steep and narrow street on the Illawarra escarpment, making it diffcult for crews to negotiate the street if other vehicles are parked along the side of the road.

“The RFS has worked tirelessly with the Transport Asset Holding Entity and Wollongong City Council to secure a site to build a new, ft-for-purpose home for the Brigade,” Ms Cooke said.

“The new station’s facilities and amenities represent an investment of more than $1 million

and will consist of dedicated male and female change rooms and bathrooms, a training and meeting room, drying racks for uniforms and storage space.”

Member for Heathcote Lee Evans said the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government

and local council are working together to support volunteer frefghters.

“This 3,687-squaremetre parcel of land owned by the Transport Asset Holding Entity is vacant but can now be put to good use in support of our community,” Mr Evans

said.

“Finding a suitable location on the narrow strip of land between the escarpment and the coastline has been a challenge, and I want to acknowledge everyone who has played a role in ensuring our volunteer frefghters get the facilities they deserve.”

RFS Commissioner Rob Rogers said the existing station, built in the 1970s, was no longer suitable for modern emergency response operations.

“This new station will provide our frefghters with ft-for-purpose facilities and enable them to deploy more

rapidly to protect their community,” Commissioner Rogers said.

“The Sea Foam Avenue site will provide an enormous upgrade for our members in their work for protect Austinmer, Thirroul and surrounding suburbs for decades to come.”

BIG BOOST FOR BUSH TEACHER TRAINING

An innovative approach to teacher training in regional NSW has proven wildly successful and is now being doubled to accommodate demand from aspiring teachers.

While the Grow Your Own Teacher Training program initially planned to support up to 100 School Learning Support Offcers (SLSOs) to upskill and study teaching degrees while working in local schools, its popularity now means the program will double to 200 participants in 2023 alone, with another 300 set to commence in 2024 and 2025.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the program’s success

was no surprise and was a big win for regional students.

“Our regional support staff have strong ties to their local community and are already doing fantastic work supporting students in our country schools,” Mr Toole said.

“This program is removing barriers for them to pursue their dream of becoming a teacher without having to travel away from home, so it’s no wonder it’s proving so popular.”

Minister for Education and Early Learning

Sarah Mitchell said the program is part of a range of programs to diversify teacher supply, with SLSOs remaining employed in their school

while they complete their study.

“Our regions are incredible places to live and work, and now thanks to this program more people can train to become teachers without leaving their local communities,” Ms Mitchell said.

Ms Mitchell said there are about 45,000 support staff across NSW schools, representing a large proportion of the workforce and a rich talent pool.

“This program is about modernising teaching pathways in NSW and encouraging people already working in our schools to take the next step by becoming a teacher,” Ms Mitchell said.

The NSW Department of Education has partnered with Charles Sturt University and Western Sydney University to deliver the Grow Your Own Teacher Training program.

Charles Sturt University ViceChancellor Professor Renée Leon said the University is excited to partner with the NSW Government to expand the Grow You Own Teacher Training program.

“Providing School Learning Support Offcers with a supported and streamlined pathway that recognises their prior learning will help them to achieve their career goals while addressing the demand

for teachers in the regions,” Professor Leon said.

“With three-quarters of Charles Sturt University graduates starting their careers in regional Australia, this program will put more teachers in rural and remote classrooms.”

Participants receive a $10,000 training allowance per year (up to $30,000 for the degree) and can work part-time as an educational paraprofessional in their fnal four semesters of study.

The Grow Your Own Teacher Training program is complemented by the Grow Your Own Community Entry Pathway, which

encourages year 12 students and community members living in rural and regional areas to explore a career in teaching.

The Grow Your Own program is part of the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government’s Teacher Supply Strategy. Building on our existing successful pipeline of teachers, the strategy will deliver 3,700 teachers with the right subject qualifcations placed in locations of need over the next 10 years. In just over a year, the Strategy has delivered 460 current and trainee teachers.

For more visit: https:// education.nsw.gov.au/ teach-nsw/become-ateacher/grow-your-own.

Flooded farmers face ‘fre bomb’

NSW Farmers says time is running out to prevent mass bushfres at the end of the year.

Former Fire and Rescue commissioner Greg Mullins told The Daily Telegraph “the summer after a triple La Nina you get major bushfres in NSW” and major bushfres would ravage the state by the end of the year.

But the lessons of Black Summer had not been learned, according to NSW Farmers Head of Policy and Advocacy Annabel Johnson, who called for a swift crackdown on public land managers letting weeds grow out of control.

“During Black Summer we saw horrifc fres as

a result of the disastrous ‘lock it up’ approach to land management,” Ms Johnson said.

“We’ve seen huge parts of the state converted into National Parks and just locked up in the name of conservation, and this is where the next fre risk will come from!

“The decision makers need to come to their senses and listen to the people who experience these natural disasters frsthand, and make sure there is an embedded strategy that will effect change in the short and long term.”

Australia had a long history of wet years followed by fres, Ms Johnson said, which would race from town

to town consuming everything in their path.

“You hear the stories of fres outrunning vehicles, and you just hope it never happens to you,” Ms Johnson said.

“I’ve heard of whole farms being incinerated and the people only barely making it out alive, and that was before we had these huge National Park tinderboxes everywhere.

“For the most part farmers and private landholders are actively managing their properties, but there simply are not enough resources to do the same on public lands and this will surely lead to catastrophe.”

ALBO MUST RULE OUT TAX HIKE ON FARMERS

NSW Farmers says the Prime Minister must completely rule out any change to farm fuel taxes or risk major protest action.

The Grattan Institute’s proposal to impose road users charges on farm vehicles would drastically increase the cost of producing food and fbre when families can least afford it, James Jackson from NSW Farmers says.

“After nine consecutive interest rate rises all Australians are feeling the pinch, and here come these ‘experts’ with a

plan to make food more expensive!” Mr Jackson said.

“Fuel is one of the most expensive input costs in producing food, and making it more expensive for farmers means families will pay more at the checkout.

“If the Prime Minister does not immediately rule out adopting this foolish plan and pushes ahead with this madness, he can expect to see 10,000 tractors in Canberra.”

Mr Jackson hosted a visit from the Prime Minister at his Guyra

farm last year, and said the issue of farm fuel taxes was raised.

“People can choose to drive an electric car –they don’t pay this tax by the way – but farmers cannot choose not to use diesel to produce our food,” Mr Jackson said.

“The very idea of imposing a road user charge on off-road vehicles is silly to start with, but in this case it will hurt all Australians and our farm businesses.

“We need a frm commitment from the PM to rule out taxing farm fuel.”

Farmers threatened with gas exploration on critical agricultural

Farmers and communities in the Gunnedah Basin and Liverpool Plains have again had to resort to blockade roads to protect some of the State’s most productive farmlands from fossil fuel development.

This week roads near Gunnedah were blockaded by the community as gas giant Santos continued their seismic testing for coal seam gas despite commitments that these gas resources would not be developed.

Santos in lockstep with the Government is determined to exploit the land and water of NSW’s most productive agricultural area.

Greens MP and spokesperson for coal and gas, Sue Higginson, said “Once again the Coalition Government has thrown farmers into

confict with fossil fuel bullies. Coal seam gas development on the Liverpool Plains and Gunnedah Basin cannot be allowed to proceed.

Agriculture and gas development are not compatible and I call on the Government to support the community over bullies in the fossil

fuel industry, “I visited with farmers and landholders last month and they were shocked at the plans for seismic testing by Santos and gobsmacked that the Government was backing corporate bully Santos. These communities have already fought over a decade long battle

to protect farmlands against fossil fuel development and if Santos and the Government think they can get away with thisthey are dead wrong, “The NSW Government needs to rein in Santos now, buy back these exploration licences and extinguish them. The contribution

to climate change that these new gas developments would make is a reckless and dangerous mistake. We need a decarbonisation plan in NSW, not new gas, “Local councils, industry and individuals are all moving away from gas as public awareness catches up

with the science of climate change. The domestic market for gas is shrinking, we do not need new gas. This is all about monetary gain for Santos’ shareholders, which will be very short lived, “We have to stop this short sightedness. Coal seam gas development on these critical agricultural lands is bad land use planning, poses an unacceptable risk to their agricultural capacity and creates confict.

“The brave action by farmers this week to block the seismic testing is a testament to their commitment to protect land and water from Santos’ fossil fuel profteering. These communities deserve to have the backing of their Government. “

Farmers welcome road repair plan

NSW Farmers Vice President Rebecca Reardon has welcomed a billion-dollar funding commitment for regional roads from the Coalition.

On Friday Deputy Premier Paul Toole announced an extra $400 million for the Fixing Local Roads program, along with $300 million each for new ‘Fast Tracking Freight’ and ‘Build Back Better’ programs.

Mrs Reardon said it was a positive announcement that committed a longer-term pipeline of funding for roads and rail.

“There are many communities that have spent the better part of a year dodging potholes and dealing with damaged vehicles as a result of our foodaffected roads,” Mrs Reardon said.

“NSW Farmers called on the NSW Government to spend $1 billion on regional roads, and while we’d rather see it this side of an election, this is a promising announcement.

“What we need now is a strategic approach to the fow of this funding to local government; state and federal governments need to improve the current grant application

process to increase effciency and the delivery outcome of every dollar invested.”

Local councils across the state are facing a backlog of repair works as a result of ongoing extreme weather and fooding, and Mrs Reardon said there were signifcant challenges in accessing suitably skilled and experienced contractors and supplies.

“There is enormous pressure on the state

road system, and it’s a problem that could be improved by giving councils ongoing certainty of funding for upgrades, maintenance and repair,” Mrs Reardon said.

“This current system of competing for contractors who try to do a job within funding constraints has led us to this point, we need a new way forward.

“Our farmers and their communities need and

deserve the safest and most effcient road and rail network, just as our customers need the certainty of affordable food.”

Mrs Reardon also said the focus on improving rail lines was good news, and called for the government to adopt a minimum standard of 25 Tonne Total Axle Load while removing pinch and choke points.

“Regional freight movements rely on

cost effective options to get food and fbre from farm gate to dinner plate – especially during high demand period such as our grain harvest – and local road and rail improvements must meet the same standard for access,” Mrs Reardon said.

“Road and rail funding priorities should not be seen in isolation –without a connected system from road to rail to port we run the risk of roads that look good but don’t improve freight costs or enhance freight distribution.

“There was so much rail line damaged due to food waters – the rail funding must also allow for future-proofng by ensuring adequate and regular draining points to ensure storm-water can move and not take the rail with it.”

Experience the future of driving in the newly unveiled 2024 Mazda CX-90!

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 model has been unveiled to the public

HUDSON ITALIA

By FRANK LEE

By FRANK LEE

Mazda Australia has confrmed that the new CX-90 will arrive locally later in 2023, with the 3.3-litre turbo-petrol engine to be joined by the same turbo-diesel and PHEV powertrains as seen in the CX-60.

Pricing and exact specifcations are yet to be revealed, but the CX-90 is expected to start around $70,000 and reach well into the $80,000 bracket. Indeed, a CX-90 PHEV could well breach the $100,000 barrier to become the most expensive model ever sold in Australia by Mazda.

The CX-90 is bigger in every dimension than its predecessor, the CX-9, and is built on the same Large Product Group platform as the CX-60. It has a classic long-nose, cab-rearward stance like European rivals such as the Audi Q7 and BMW X7, and rides on 21-inch wheels.

Inside, the CX-90 features Nappa leather, maple wood and a fabric dash created using a traditional Japanese weaving technique called Kakenui. It has a 12.3-inch infotainment screen and can be had in both six- and seven-seat confgurations. Those in the last row will be better accommodated than usual, with USB-C charging ports, airconditioning vents, and lighting.

There is also decent cargo space with the rearmost seats in place and they fold fat to create a vast boot. The CX-90 will beneft from

every available active safety feature, including autonomous emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear crosstraffc alert, adaptive cruise control and park assist. It also features Mazda’s Kinematic Posture Control, a system frst introduced on the MX-5 that gently brakes the inside rear wheel during turns to increase stability.

The CX-90 is the latest in a long line of big new models from Mazda, following hot on the heels of the CX-30, CX-40 and CX-60. It continues the brand’s march

upmarket and will be the most powerful production car ever built by Mazda when it arrives in Australia later in 2023. The CX-90 will be powered by an inline 3.3-litre turbopetrol engine producing 254kW and 500Nm, while a 187kW/550Nm turbo-diesel engine of the same capacity is expected too also be available.

A plug-in hybrid CX-90 has also been confrmed for the US – likely the same 241kW/500Nm 2.5-litre petrol-electric powertrain we’ll see in the CX-60.

It’s clear that Mazda has designed the new CX-90 with luxury in mind, and the company has a real opportunity to make a statement in the large SUV segment. With a comprehensive suite of features and the latest in active safety technology, the CX90 looks set to be a real contender when it arrives in Australia later in 2023.

In the early 1950s, American car manufacturers turned to Italian coachbuilders for some fresh design ideas to help boost their sales. In 1954, Chrysler sought

the Jet had some innovative features such as an aluminium body, wraparound windscreen and body-hugging bucket seats.

assistance from Ghia to create the GS 1 Ghia Coupe, and Hudson’s chief stylist Frank Spring worked with Carrozzeria Touring to design the Italia. It is believed that the increasing demand for European car concepts among US soldiers after World War II was the inspiration behind this. Hudson attempted to revive its sales with the introduction of the Hudson Jet, a small car designed to rival the Nash Rambler. Unfortunately, its boxy design and outdated policies meant it sold poorly. Despite this,

To appease Spring, Hudson allowed him to work with Touring Body Works to create a radical sports car concept. The Italia prototype was ready by the end of 1953 and received a positive response, leading to the production of 25 cars. The Italia was distinct from the Jet, with a lower profle and features such as scooped front mudguards to cool the brakes, an inverted ‘V’ covering the grille and quarter scoops for the

rear brakes. However, the cars’ high selling price and Hudson’s desire to remain independent contributed to the Italia’s demise and the subsequent merger between Hudson and Nash in May 1954.

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QUICK CROSSWORD

ACROSS

1 Melodious (7)

5 From Stockholm, say (7)

9 Herald (9)

10 Donated (5)

11 Amazement (6)

12 Oral doctors (8)

14 Creations (6)

15 Scottish island (4)

19 Idly lounge (4)

20 – scholar (6)

24 Clouded eye (8)

25 Immune system organ (6)

27 Get to (5)

28 Incapable of being seen (9)

29 Territory ruled by an Islamic monarch (7)

30 Settle (7)

DOWN

1 Native American hairstyle (6)

2 Thread (6)

3 Yardsticks (8)

4 Records (4)

5 Image taken of an electronic display (10)

SUDOKU

No. 133 No. 133

1 Which footballer famously scored o an unpenalised handling foul that became known as the ‘Hand of God’ in the 1986 World Cup quarter nal?

2 The Rio de la Plata forms the border between which two South American countries?

3 Which revolutionary gure was known as El Libertador?

4 Which country gifted the Statue of Liberty to the US?

5 In what style is the statue?

6 In which region of Italy is the city of Naples?

7 In which country are the endangered eastern lowland gorilla (pictured) found?

8 Which African capital city is found on the opposite shore of the Congo River from Kinshasa?

9 What is the primary ingredient of the Iranian dish pilaf?

10 Who directed the 2012 lm Argo?

1 Ceremony (4)

5 Analogous (4)

6 Want (4)

7

DOWN

1 Declaim bombastically (4)

2 Swedish furniture retailer (4)

3 Row (4)

4 Purposes (4)

Using the nine letters in the grid, how many words of four letters or more can you list? The centre letter must be included, and each letter may only be used once. No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural words ending in “s”.

Secret

puzzles

Safety Corp RTO 91694

Tweed Heads

Each number corresponds to a letter. Can you crack the code?

CROSS MATH

HIDDEN WORD

Solve all the clues and an eight-letter word will be spelled out.

1 A fun TV show which starts with Yo!

2 Batman does not nd this man very funny

3 Australia is known as Down what?

4 Ralph Wiggum’s dad is called this

5 Younger Mr. Baggins, the hobbit

6 She has a little brother called George

7 This girl has a purple plastic purse

8 A ying elephant with big ears

HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW...

1. What is Paulson’s character’s job in Netflix’s series Ratched?

A. Asylum nurse

B. Fighter pilot

C. Surgeon

D. Magazine editor

2. She won an Emmy and a Golden Globe for which series?

A. Deadwood

B. The People v. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story

C. American Horror Story: Asylum

D. American Horror Story: Freak Show

3. Paulson appeared in which Nancy Meyers film?

A. It’s Complicated

B. What Women Want

C. Something’s Gotta Give

D. The Intern

4. Her partner Holland Taylor starred in which hit sitcom?

A. Curb Your Enthusiasm

B. The Big Bang Theory

C. Two and a Half Men

D. Arrested Development

In Memoriam

Lois Gayle Fisher

“Gayle” nee Follent.

Formerly of Casino, Late of Upper Coomera.

HARRIS, MARY ELLEN

9.4.1923 – 6.2.2023

Mary passed away peacefully a er a long illness on Monday, the 6th of February 2023, aged 99 years. Late of Goonellabah.

Dearly Loved Wife of Raymond Fisher (decd)

Mother of Peter, Mark, Tracey and Audrey. Mother-in-law of Jenette, Maureen and David. Grandmother of Jacob, Sam, Daniel, Jack, Harry, Lewis, Joe and Madison. Dear Sister of Lucy Polkinghorne.

Passed away peacefully 7/2/2023.

Aged 87 years.

A funeral service has been held in Gayle’s honour at the Casino Cemetery.

Ph: 02 6632 1720

McKENZIE Elaine Fay

03.08.1933 – 08.02.2023

Passed away peacefully at St. Vincent’s Hospital Lismore aged 89 years.

Loved and loving wife of Bob for 67 years.

Cherished mother of Robert, and Christine Magarry and their partners.

Adoring grandmother and great grandmother to their families. Loved by the extended Savins & McKenzie families.

Family and Friends are invited to the Memorial Service of thanksgiving and celebration for the life of Elaine to be held at St. Andrew’s Anglican Church, Zadoc Street, Lismore Friday 17th February 2023 commencing at 11:00 AM

e family wish to thank the sta at Lismore Base Hospital, St. Vincent’s Hospital Oncology & Palliative Care, and also Elaine’s many doctors, for the care extended to her over the past 6 months.

Dearly loved sister and sister-in-law of Roland (dec), Doris & Fred (dec), Cecil (dec), May & Ted (dec). Very much-loved aunt, great aunt, and great-great aunt to all their families.

Family and friends are warmly invited to attend Mary’s Funeral service to be held at e Wilson Chapel, Parkview Funeral Home, 43 Holland Street Goonellabah, on Friday, the 17th of February 2023, commencing at 1:00 pm. In lieu of owers, a donation to the Westpac Rescue Helicopter would be appreciated, and may be brought with you to the service.

In Memoriam

THOMAS, Mary Elizabeth

Late of Laurieton, formally of Uralla and Casino. Passed away peacefully on 7th February 2023 Aged 96.

Loving wife of Archdeacon Brian, mother and mother-in-law to John & Kitty, Peter (D) & Gale, David & Jenny, Bruce, Janet & Ross, grandmother, great mother and great great grandmother.

A private cremation has been held and a family interment will take place on 11th March 2023 in Armidale.

This page is dedicated to all those that have passed

This page is dedicated to all those that have passed

STATE OF THE ART WELL MAINTAINED GEAR

SIGN ON BONUS FOR EXPERIENCED APPLICANTS

IN-FIELD MACHINE OPERATORS

Qube Forestry is a leading presence in 14 ports throughout new zealand, as well as locations in austr.alia, including Tasmania. Qube has over 1,000 experienced employees operating across its various sites and handles in excess of 12 million tonnes of cargo annually. Services provided to the forestry sector include marshalling services, stevedoring, haulage, infield chipping and harvesting and other services. Qube’s marshalling services are supported by our industry leading scaling and inventory management software, LMS

QUBE FORESTRY IS A LEADING PRESENCE IN 14 PORTS THROUGHOUT NEW ZEALAND, AS WELL IN AUSTRALIA, INCLUDING TASMANI A. QUBE HAS OVER 1,000 EXPERIENCED EMPLOYEES OPERATING ITS VARIOUS SITES AND HANDLES IN EXCESS OF 12 MILLION TONNES OF CARGO ANNUALLY. PROVIDED TO THE FORESTRY SECTOR INCLUDE MARSHALLING SERVICES, STEVEDORING, HAULAGE, CHIPPING AND HARVESTING AND OTHER SERVICES. QUBE’S MARSHALLING SERVICES ARE SUPPORTED INDUSTRY LEADING SCALING AND INVENTORY MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE, LMS.

THE ROLE

The position involves operating Cut to Length Harvesting equipment in Sustainable Plantation Eucalyptu in the Northern NSW Region, the role is full time or casual and various positions are available. The roles are part of Qube’s expansion in the region.

THE ROLE

We currently operate machinery that includes John Deere, Caterpillar, Hitachi. General maintenance operations will be required. The work is infield and can be challenging and work hours can be demanding, on bonus and generous above award hourly rate of pay is being offered, as well as opportunity for within the company.

Qualifications and Experience

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• Previous experience in a similar role is preffered

• Ability to work autonomously using proactive approach to task resolution

• Ability to work well within a team environment

• Trainees welcome

Key Competencies/Skills

• Sound communication skills (both written and verbal)

• Customer focused and responsive to customer requirements

• Performance and task driven

• Integrity

• Good time management

• Knowledge in COR, Load Restraint and NHVR Requirements

• Positive Health and Safety Culture

Working at Qube

• State of the art well maintained gear

• Sign on bonus for experienced applicants

• Benefit from the latest in cab technology and our commitment to safety first

• Job security and excellent career progression opportunities

• Access to our employee well-being program.

• Committed to promoting workplace diversity

• Encouraging the next generation

• Committed to providing a safe work environment for our employees

Guest

8x8 Hereford Cross Heifers & Calves, 2½ years

A/c Jizzy Genetics

7x7 Brangus Cows & Calves, 5-7 years, PTIC (Black Simmental Bull)

A/c IM& JL Fahey

5x5 Brangus Cows & Calves, 3-5 years

A/c J & FL Buchanan

5x5 Angus Cross Heifers & Calves

A/c M McGuren

2x2 Brangus Cows & Calves, PTIC (Angus Bull)

A/c T Payten

3x3 Charolais Cows & Calves, 3-6 years,

2x2 Santa Gertrudis Cows & Calves, 6 years,

(Cows Running back to Palgrove Charolais Bull)

A/c DW Morgan

4x4 South Devon Cross Cows & Calves, 4 years

2x2 Droughtmaster & Simmental Cross Cows & Calves

(Cows Running back to Angus Bull)

Unjoined Heifers

A/c Cinnabar Station

40 Charbray & Charolais Cross Heifers, 14-16 months, Unjoined

A/c Edwards Livestock - Nettle Creek

28 Simbrah & Brangus Heifers, 16 months, Unjoined

A/c JA & KA Clancy

20 Angus & Brangus Cross Heifers, 18 months, Unjoined

A/c DW Morgan

6 Angus Heifers, 18 months, Unjoined

A/c Wakehurst Investments Pty Ltd

5 Angus Heifers, 16 months, Unjoined

A/c J & FL Buchanan

5 Angus Cross Heifers, Unjoined

A/c IM & JL Fahey

20 Brangus Heifers, 15-20 months, Unjoined

15 Brangus Heifers, 8-10 months

A/c GR & JA Pigg

8 F1 Angus/Brahman Heifers, 12-14 months, Unjoined

A/c TL & JM Atkinson

11 Angus/Droughtmaster Heifers, 16 months, Unjoined

A/c Farmer Pastoral

13 Brahman/Santa Gertrudis Heifers, 18 months, Unjoined

A/c TA & NL Heyman - Riverstone

3 Droughtmaster Heifers, 16 months, Unjoined

A/c Hillview Herefords

6 Hereford Heifers, 12 months

10 F1 Brahman/Hereford Heifers, 7 months

A/c Lanbruk Stud

4 Charbray Heifers, 8-9 months

Preg Tested Heifers

A/c Edwards Livestock Nettle Creek

22 Grey Brahman Heifers, 2½ years, PTIC (Angus Bull)

14 Red Brahman Heifers, 2½ years, PTIC (Angus Bull)

A/c B & BH Guest

8 F2 Brahman/Hereford Cross Heifers, 2½ years, PTIC

11 Brangus/Hereford & Hereford Cross Heifers, 2½ years, PTIC

8 Black Baldy Heifers, 2½ years, PTIC (Heifers PTIC LBW Speckle Park Bull)

A/c T McLennan

20 Brangus Heifers, 3 years, PTIC (Angus Bull)

A/c GR & JA Pigg

12 F1 Angus/Brahman Heifers, 24-26 months, PTIC (Clarence Park Angus Bull)

A/c C Bloch

12 Angus/Brangus Heifers, 2 years, PTIC (Angus Bull)

A/c McGrath Cattle Co.

15 Angus Heifers, 18 months, PTIC (Angus Bulls)

A/c J & FL Buchanan

6 Angus Cross Heifers, PTIC

A/c Jembrae Droughtmasters

10 Droughtmaster Heifers, 26 months, PTIC (Droughtmaster Bull)

A/c MF & SL Searles

15 Black Simmental/Angus Cross Heifers, 2½ years, PTIC (Angus Bull)

A/c BA & MJ Moran

10 Simmental Heifers, 2½ years, PTIC (LBW Simmental Bull)

A/c AMG Grazing

18 Santa/Hereford Heifers, 2 years, PTIC (Angus Bull)

A/c Brett Ellem

8 Santa Gertrudis Heifers, PTIC (Angus Bull)

4 Charbray & Angus Heifers, PTIC (Angus Bull)

A/c Hidden Valley Grazing

3 Santa/Hereford Heifers, 3 years, PTIC (LBW Clarence Park Angus Bull)

A/c Lanbruk Stud

2 Charbray Heifers, 20 months, PTIC (Charbray Bull)

A/c Tully Guest

4 Droughtmaster Heifers, 2½ years, PTIC (LBW Speckle Park Bull)

A/c TA & NL Heyman - Riverstone

2 Droughtmaster Heifers, Rising 2 years, PTIC (Droughtmaster Bull)

A/c M McGuren

7 Charbray Heifers, PTIC (Angus Bull)

Preg Tested Cows

A/c T Payten

10 Charolais Cows, 3-6 years, PTIC (Palgrove Charolais Bull)

A/c Jizzy Genetics

9 Brangus Cows, 5-7 years, PTIC (Black Simmental Bull)

A/c M McGuren

6 Brangus Cows, PTIC (Wakefield Angus Bull)

A/c RL Donoghue

2 Angus/Hereford Cows, 4 years, PTIC (Doctors Creek Speckle Park Bull)

3 Speckle Park/Charolais Cows, 5 years, PTIC (Doctors Creek Speckle Park Bull)

A/c Lanbruk Stud

2 Brahman Cows, 2nd Calvers, PTIC (Charbray Bull)

A/c DW Morgan

2 South Devon

NOTICES

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The noticeboard is a place for residents and community organisations to fnd the latest news from community and social services in The Northern Rivers. All content is submitted by community organisations. The Northern Rivers Times provides the noticeboard facility and approves submissions before publication.

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The Northern Rivers Times management has the right to refuse and/or not publish any content not following the above guidelines.

NOTE

ALSTONVILLE ALSTONVILLE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY

Alstonville Agricultural Society Inc. invites all members and interested persons to their Annual General Meeting to be held on Thursday 9th March 2023 at 6pm at the Alstonville RSL Hall in Bugden Ave. Any enquiries to 0423 368535.

ALSTONVILLE BRANCH OF THE RED CROSS

The Alstonville Red Cross branch meets monthly in Alstonville. As meeting dates sometimes vary, please call Carol on 0424 742 774 for details of our next meeting.

ALSTONVILLE COMBINED CHURCHES ANNUAL WORLD

DAY

The Alstonville Combined Churches annual World Day of Prayer service will be held this year at the Alstonville Uniting Church. The service has been prepared by the women of Taiwan and the theme is I have Heard About Your Faith.

Details: Friday 3 March, commencing at 1.30 pm in the Uniting Church, Cnr Main Street and Bugden Avenue, followed by Afternoon Tea in the Hall. Men and women from all churches and the community are very welcome to attend.

Contact Person: Olwen King, 6628 0522.

ALSTONVILLE LADIES BOWLS

Championship 4’s over for another year, with skip, Denise Vaughan, Joy Lowien, Pam Basso and Thelma Warr the victors over Orlees Souter, Jan Jones, Nola West Newman and Lorraine Keppie, in a tightly contested game. Scores were neck n neck throughout the game even being 11 all at 11am. The fnal result being 18 -14. Congrats to both teams on a great game. List is up for C’ship Triples to start on 21st Feb and will be followed by Singles. Please check board for upcoming Gala days in the district.

ALSTONVILLE PLATEAU

HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Liz Ellis, one of our local national icons, will be the speaker at Alstonville Plateau Historical Society’s monthly meeting at 2pm on Sunday 19th February. Liz is best known for her stellar career as an Australian netball player and is the most capped international player for Australian netball. She was awarded an Order of Australia for her services to netball as player, coach and advocate for young women. The meeting will be held in the Community Resource Centre at Crawford House Museum, 10 Wardell Road Alstonville. Visitors are very welcome, entry is free and no booking is required. Enquiries (02) 6628 1829, aphs2477@yahoo.com.au or www. aphsmuseum.org.au.

ALSTONVILLE PROBUS

This month’s meeting will be held at the Alstonville Plateau Bowls & Sports Club on 23 February, commencing with a cuppa and chap at 10.00 am. The guest speakers will be some of own members telling us of some special times in their lives. Visitors are always welcome.

ALSTONVILLE

QUOTA CLUB

A local women’s service club that meets on the 1st Tuesday of the month at the Plateau Sports Club. Quota is committed to supporting and improving the physical and mental wellbeing of the disadvantaged in our community through local projects. Contact: quotaalstonville@gmail.com for more details.

ALSTONVILLE WORLD DAY OF PRAYER

This year’s World Day of Prayer will be held at the Uniting Church and the service has been prepared by the women of TAIWAN. The service will be held on FRIDAY, 3 MARCH, commencing at 1.30 pm in the Church, followed by Afternoon Tea

in the Hall. Men and women from all churches in the community are very welcome. Contact Olwen King: 6628 0522.

CRAWFORD HOUSE MUSEUM

The latest exhibition at Crawford House Museum is “Signifcant Stories and Items from the Alstonville Historical Society Collection”. It will introduce you to some amazing historical objects which have been identifed during the Society’s Signifcance Assessment Project and have state and national heritage signifcance. The exhibition runs until Friday 31st March. The museum also has facilities for research about Ballina Shire families, as well as books about local history and commemorative wineglasses and keyrings for sale. The museum is at 10 Wardell Road Alstonville and is open Fridays 10am-4pm and Sundays 1pm4pm or at other times by appointment for groups. Enquiries (02) 6628 1829, aphs2477@yahoo.com.au or www. aphsmuseum.org.au. By the way, there are openings for people of any age to volunteer in administration or in the museum and if you’re on a JobSeeker payment and 55 or older, it’s a great way to meet your mutual obligation requirements. If you’re interested, visit us at the museum or phone or email us.

MCLEANS RIDGES CRAFT

GROUP meet at the McLeans Ridges Hall, Cowlong Road, McLeans Ridges on the 2nd Saturday of each month from 9.30am to 3.30pm. Scrapbooking, card making, paper craft, knitting whatever takes your fancy. Come along for an enjoyable day. Bring your own morning tea and lunch. Coffee, tea, milk provided. A small fee to cover hall hire. Ph 0401 047 513.

SQUARE DANCING

Summerland Larrikins Squares

Alstonville, Fridays 7.30pm-9.30pm at Uniting Church Hall, 59 Main Street, Alstonville. Contact 0407663017 for further information. New dancers welcome.

THE RETURNED AND SERVICES LEAGUE OF AUSTRALIA (NSW Branch) ALSTONVILLE SUBBRANCH

Alstonville RSL sub-Branch hold their monthly meetings on the second Saturday of the month at 0900 at the RSL Hall, 13 Bugden Ave (next door to the Alstonville Medical Centre). All ex-Service persons are welcome to attend, and we have a convivial morning tea on completion of the meeting.

Alstonville RSL sub-Branch have a ‘Lower Deck Luncheon’ at 1200 each Friday, everyone is welcome, we sit out the back of the Hall, order lunch from local suppliers, and have great conversations with good mates. There is always plenty of support & advice on any issue! (But not much sympathy)

BALLINA

BALLINA ARTS & CRAFTS CENTRE INC. (BACCI)

We are a diverse group of Artists and Crafters that participate in wonderful group exhibitions. Over 50 members are from all over the Northern Rivers. Meetings are usually on the 1st Monday of every month at the Cherry Street Sports Club. Social gathering at 5, for a 5.30 start.

For more information - info@bacci. com.au or phone Deb on 0432105540

BALLINA BRIDGE CLUB

“Social play every Monday 9-11.30am”. Sessions for all levels of players on Mon, Wed, Sat from 1pm to about 5pm. Be seated at 12:45. Restricted session (under 300 Masterpoints) Thu 1pm – about 5pm. Friday mornings – Help with Play – open to anyone who would like some help with their game from teachers on duty. 9am to about 11:15pm. Sessions are $5 for members and $7 for visitors. Everyone entering the club must be fully vaccinated. 13

North Ck Rd, Ballina Please call Judy Forsyth (president) on 0407664337. www.ballinabridge.org.au

BALLINA CWA

Ladies that are at a loose end on a Wednesday morning, might like to come and join our happy band of members. We meet every Wednesday from 9.00am to noon and can learn many crafts from fellow ladies. Barbara, our Handicraft’s Offcer (0428116668) is there to lend a hand when help is needed. She also teaches us new handicraft techniques. Why not call in to see us for the morning? Morning tea is served at a cost of just $3. All are welcome. Mahjong is played in our rooms Wednesdays and Thursdays from 12 noon until 4.00pm at a cost of $4. Everyone is welcome.

BALLINA EVENING VIEW CLUB

Meets on the second Wednesday of each month at the Ballina RSL Club at 6.30 for dinner at 7pmGuests are always welcome. Our members support the education of disadvantaged children in Australia by fundraising activities and social events in our local community for The Smith Family - by sponsoring 5 Learning for Life students. Contact President Julie Stephan 0434988770.

BALLINA HOSPITAL AUXILIARY

Our summer break is nearly over, and we will be holding our frst meeting for 2023 on Tuesday 21st February at 1.30pm. Our meetings will now be back in the Solarium at Ballina Hospital. Our frst event for this year will be catering for the Motorcycle and Swap Show to be held at Alstonville Showground on Sunday 19th February from 8 till 2. Where we will once again be the chosen charity.

BALLINA SENIOR CITIZENS

BRIDGE CLUB

Social Bridge Play in Seniors Hall. Swift Street Ballina on Wednesday & Staurdays @ 12.05 pm Enquiries Phone: 0493425002 for details.

BALLINA TOY LIBRARY

Welcomes families from Ballina Shire. 9 Regatta Avenue, Ballina. Open Tuesdays 1pm - 3pm, and Saturdays 10am - 1pm. Ph. 0411 719 074 for enquiries

FREE COMMUNITY BRUNCH

BALLINA

We are now pleased that our hot brunch centre can be held twice a month, the 1st and third Saturday. Everyone is welcome, so come and enjoy a free sausage sizzle, hot dogs, tea, coffee or juice or just come for a chat. This is held at the Ballina Presbyterian Church Hall, on the corner of Cherry and Crane St 10am to 12pm for more information call Chris on 0411510430

IN FOCUS TOASTMASTERS CLUB

How about trying something different?

If you would like to improve your communication and leadership skills or simply make new friends and have fun, you are warmly invited to attend the In Focus Toastmasters Club. We meet the 3rd Wednesday evening of each month. You may attend either from the comfort of your own home via zoom or join us in person at the Cherry Street Sports Club, Ballina. For more, contact our President via email at: president-3209990@ toastmastersclubs.org or our PR offcer at: vppr-3209990@ toastmastersclubs.org

NORTHERN RIVERS NAVAL & MARINERS ASSOCIATION

This association was formed to attract veterans for companionship, wellbeing and to supply advocacy to veterans. We hold an informal gathering every Friday, 2.30pm at Ballina Angling Club (families are welcome). Contact Allan Watt for more information on 0402 749 582 or email jakknco@ bigpond.net.au

RICHMOND-TWEED FAMILY

COMMUNITY NOTICES

HISTORY SOCIETY

Meeting will be held at the Players Theatre, 24 Swift Street Ballina, Saturday 4th March from 2.00pm4.00pm. The topic at this meeting will be “When Accidental Drowning” is written on a Death Certifcate/Death Transcript. All enquiries to Richmond -Tweed Family History Society Chairperson Richard Goss on mobile 0418 356 527.

BRUNSWICK HEADS

BRUNSWICK HEADS

BRUNSWICK VALLEY VIEW CLUB

Brunswick Valley VIEW Club’s monthly luncheons are held at Brunswick Heads Bowling Club on the 2nd Thursday of each month at 10.30am for 11am. The frst meeting for 2023 is on February 9. It will be followed by the AGM. Casual members need to advise if they are attending. Apologies to Wenda on 0449 563 580 or email wjhunt@yahoo.com no later than the Monday before. VIEW stands for Voice, Interests and Education of Women. The club supports seven disadvantaged students in The Smith Family’s Learning for Life program. Info: view.org.au, call 1800 805 366 or email view@thesmithfamily.com. au.

CASINO

CASINO & BONALBO UPPER

CLARENCE LIONS CLUBS

Casino Lions club now meets each 4th Wed at the RSM.

CASINO COMMUNITY MEN’S SHED

Mon, Tues, Wed, attendance limited to 50 members, 8am-1.30pm. Contact 66626423 DH or casmenshed@live. com.au

CASINO & DISTRICT FAMILY HISTORY GROUP INC

We are open Tuesday to Friday from 10am to 2 pm, Wednesdays from 12pm to 4pm and 3rd Saturdays from 9am to 11.30am. We are in Room 5, upstairs in the School of Arts Building, Walker Street, Casino. Meetings: 2nd Wednesday of each month, at 10 am. Closed: late January (can open then by appointment).

Memberships: January to December: single $40, family $50 (2 people same address), student $30, pensioner $35, pensioner couple $45.

Address: P.O. Box 586 Casino, NSW, 2470. Phone: 6664 1118. Email: casinofhg@gmail.com Website https://sites.rootsweb. com/~auscdfhg/index.htm

CASINO GALLERY-ART at the CASSINO GALLERY.

The Casino Art Group meets here every Saturday 10am - 3pm. The Gallery is also open Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 10am to 3pm. Interested in promoting YOUR medium? Come to the gallery for information. Cassinoartgallery@ gmail.com

CASINO HOSPITAL AUXILIARY needs volunteers to work in the hospital kiosk. Roster days are negotiable and can be discussed with the Kiosk Supervisor by contacting Barbara on 0439607788 or phoning the hospital kiosk during the day on 66600539.

CASINO LADIES AND FRIEND CRAFT GROUP Meets 1st & 3rd Tuesday of each month. Bring your own morning tea. Names to be in by lunch time Monday. Phone Vivian on 66621838 or Jan on 66626424.

CASINO R R COUNTRY MUSIC CLUB

Casino R R Country Music Club will be holding their next social upstairs at the Casino RSM Club on Sunday the 19th February from 10.00am - 4.00 pm. Come along and enjoy some great country music and take advantage

of the meals & drinks offered by the RSM Club.

New Artists always welcome. Free entry, raffes and lucky door prize

More Info contact Carole 0438641500

CASINO MEALS ON WHEELS

If you would be interested in volunteering your time to help with meals on wheels give the offce a call on 66621217.

WEEK 4

MONDAY

J.Whittaker & J.Whittaker

D. Armitage & J. Corocher

TUESDAY M. Benn

WEDNESDAY H.Hurst J.&J. Boyd

THURSDAY R. & D. Lee J.Yates

FRIDAY W & P. Edwards Richmond Valley Council staff

CASINO MINI RAIL

Every Sunday 10am to 4pm. Weather permitting. West Street Casino. Phone 0455673722.

CASINO MIXED PROBUS CLUB

Meeting 4th Thursday of the month. For more information call the secretary on 0419886119. New Members most welcome. Call Fran on 0419 886 119 for more information.

CASINO VIEW CLUB

Monthly luncheon meeting at Casino RSM Club at 11am, second Thurs of every month. Contact Jan on 0418715374.

FAIRY HILL HALL

Fairy Hill Hall Committee meeting Thursday, March 2, 12.00 noon at the Fairy Hill Hall on Summerland Way. All interested community members are invited to attend this meeting to ensure the continuation of the committee and to see the hall improvements which have been completed in the last couple of years.

AA-LIVING SOBER MEETING is held every Tuesday 12:00-1:30pm At the Casino Baptist Church Cnr. West & Canterbury Streets Casino Each week the group will discuss a chapter on living sober out of the AA Living Sober Book. Contact George on Ph: 0427133372 (due to so many scam calls) please leave your name and number and I will call you back.

LION’S CLUB CASINO

Lion’s Club meeting is held on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday each month at Casino RSM Club from 6.30pm for a 7.00pm start.

Secretary: Denise Green 0448014682

Email: deniseg.vip@outlook.com

LISMORE CASINO NAVAL ASSOCIATION

Meets bi-monthly at Casino RSM, new members welcome. For more information phone Chris 66293269 or Jim 0427400625.

THE PLATYPUS RSL DAY CLUB operates every Tuesday at the Community Centre from 10am to 2pm. The day consists of gentle exercises, mental stimulation, games and entertainment. Members are asked to pay $7 for their morning tea and lunch. Transport can be provided within the town limits. If you are feeling socially isolated or just need a day out, please contact Robyn on 66623871. New members are welcome.

EVANS HEAD

EVANS HEAD

EVANS HEAD CWA BRANCH meets every third Tuesday for lunch at noon. New members welcome. More

ALSTONVILLE

BALLINA

CASINO

info Roz 0427825560

EVANS RIVER RSL DAY CLUB

The Evans River RSL Day Club meets each Monday in the Remembrance Room at Club Evans RSL Evans Head from 10am until 2pm Cost $10 includes Morning Tea and Lunch. We have several vacancies for volunteers and members, anyone who is feeling in need of some company are welcome to attend. Come along and join in the fun. Contact Merilyn on 0401493316 for more details.

EVANS HEAD SEAGULLS

CRAFT & QUILTERS GROUP

Meet every Tuesday 9am-12noon in the Recreation Hall (opposite the Kiosk). We invite you to join us for a relaxing morning of crafting, friendship and sharing ideas. Beginners are very welcome. Finishing UFO’s, Embroidery, Gold Work, Hexagons, & Group Projects are just some of the crafts done.

GOONELLABAH

TABLE TENNIS AT GOONELLABAH

Tuesday and Thursday mornings social playing: 9am-12noon; Monday and Wednesday nights social playing: 7-9pm; Training Monday mornings: 9am-12noon; Junior coaching after school Wednesday 3.30pm-4.45pm, $6 a session. Everybody is welcome –all levels. Phone centre on 66251602. Mon-Thurs 9.00am-1.00pm or visit website www.fnctabletennis.com.au.

THE PROBUS CLUB of Goonellabah meets on the 3rd Thursday of each month at the Workers Sports Club in Oliver Ave. All welcome. Goonellabah Probus is solely a social club. We have a guest speaker each month and go for outings throughout the year. Meetings on Thursday commence at 10am and fnish at midday. For further information, please contact Gloria Francis on 02 6629 1442.

GRAFTON

GRAFTON AND DISTRICT

GARDEN CLUB

Our thoughts are with everyone struggling with Level 4 water restrictions and hot days. As I write this there is no end in sight yet but hopefully by the time of print it will all be resolved.

Thanks to Annette Cook we have members keenly installing nesting boxes, water spots for birds and insects and reptiles and thinking more broadly about what it means to be the custodian of a garden.

Our next meeting will be our Annual General Meeting on Thursday 3rd March at the Joan Muir Centre, 194 Turf St Grafton. 10am to midday.

$2 entry at door to cover the venue. Please bring morning tea to share if you are able.

We will have our Bring and Buy table so if you have some plants, cuttings or produce you would like to donate, they are greatly appreciated.

Hope you can make it.

Jane Rhodes Publicity Offcer 0438 593032 graftondistrictgardenclub@gmail.com

GRAFTON CWA

The 1st meeting of Grafton CWA for 2023 was held on 10th February. Guest speaker at the meeting was Raiti Collins, who spoke about the Justice Advocacy Service.

The Justice Advocacy Service supports young people and adults with cognitive impairment in contact with the NSW criminal justice system, including victims, witnesses and suspects/defendants, and helps them to exercise their rights and fully participate in the process.

They arrange a support person to be with them when they are in contact with police, courts and legal representatives. The Service consists mainly of volunteers, who are trained online and with a buddy, and they need more volunteers.

The talk was very informative, and

Raiti was presented with a small gift. Our meetings are held on 2nd Friday of each month, at CWA rooms, corner of Duke and Pound St, starting at 9.30 with morning tea, followed by the meeting at 10am. New members are always welcome.

Anne McLellan Publicity Offcer

GRAFTON’S MIGHTY CLARENCE TOASTMASTERS CLUB

Perhaps it’s time to fnd out what it’s all about! If you would like to improve your communication and leadership skills. Make new friends and have fun, you are warmly invited to attend the Mighty Clarence Toastmasters Club. We meet on the 1st & 3rd Wednesday evening of each month. You may attend either from the comfort of your own home via zoom or join us in person at the Joan Muir Community Centre: 194 Turf Street, Grafton. For more information please contact: Vice President on email Jan Coleman janetlcoleman@gmail. com or Facebook page: https://www. facebook.com/graftontoastmasters

GRAFTON SENIOR CITIZENS

Bus trips: frst for new year Friday, 24 Feb, to Bellingen area, still spare seats. Enquiries: Sandra 6642 7720, or 0417 464 946;’

GRAFTON SENIORS BE FIT

EXERCISE CLASSES

Every Friday at the Uniting Church, Prince Street Join us for gentle exercises designed for Seniors. We meet at 10.30 a.m. for a cuppa and a chat with the exercises commencing at 11.

All equipment is provided and there is no cost to the participants.

Further information can be obtained from Joan or Brian on 6644 7347 or 0416 067 315, or from Dot on 66423248 or 0477 213 017

GRAFTON VIEW CLUB

Grafton VIEW Club meets on the 4th Tuesday each month at Grafton District Services Club, Mary Street, commencing at 10.30am. Please come along, enjoy yourself with a tasty meal, a motivated guest speaker & ultimately disadvantaged children will be helped. Please phone Vorna at 66424719 for catering purposes no later than the Friday before the meeting. As well, a social outing is held each month. You are warmly invited to come along to the next meeting to have some fun & help disadvantaged children. See you there!

CLARENCE RIVER HISTORICAL SOCIETY “Schaeffer House Museum at 190 Fitzroy Street, Grafton. Is in full swing for 2023 with visitors starting to arrive by the busload! What do they see? First and last the pretty gardens with a wide variety of plants, fowers, herbs and sheltering trees for the birds, butterfies, bees, and resident skinks. Inside the cool house they experience time travel as they see how people led their lives on the Clarence over 170 years ago, building for us a rich heritage to value forever! They will also see how to value the knowledge and help given by the original inhabitants on whose land the newcomers settled. Its’s a never-ending story in your “Story House” museum. Our vintage clothing collection will soon be stored away to make way for a new display, so pay a visit soon to Your Schaeffer House Museum! Don’t forget we have nine other great museums in the clarence Valley just waiting for another visit from you! PS: Our resident gnomes can be found somewhere in the garden. Others are tiny and hiding away!! Museum open hours are Tues to Thur and Sunday 1pm to 4pm $12 – Family $5 – Adult and $2 – Child. Research hours are Tues to Thur only from 9am to 3pm. There is a small charge for researching.

Our contact number for special openings is 6642 5212”.

Should you wish to discuss this matter further please do not hesitate to

contact me on either (02)66425212 or 0406397404.

HASTINGS POINT

HASTINGS POINT COMMUNITY

CHOIR

Do you enjoy singing. Our repertoire covers a variety of music styles – both unison and part singing We would love you to join us. New members needed. You will be made most welcome

When: Tuesday Evenings from 7pm – 8.30pm Where: Tricare Residential Village Community Room Tweed Coast Road, next to Shell Petrol Station. For more information, contact Jean Berry 0414 794 380

PROBUS CLUB OF HASTINGS

POINT

The Probus Club of Hastings Point Tweed Coast meets at 10am on 3rd Tuesday each month, in the residents’ lounge at Hastings Point Tricare. Retirees and seniors are welcome to join this happy social group. Phone the Probus president 0409872773 for additional information.

KINGSCLIFF

HOSPITAL AUXILIARY MEMBERSHIP DRIVE AT KINGSCLIFF

The Tweed Hospital, it recognises that the new hospital will be located south of Tweed Heads and residents in those areas may be interested in volunteer work when the new hospital opens. The branch welcomes the opportunity to talk to those who are retired, unemployed or simply looking for a chance to give back to one of our most critical services – our hospital. There is a range of jobs that can be performed. The branch runs raffes, a gift shop, fashion parades, jumble sales and luncheons. People with cars are very important to the running of these operations to transport material to the various venues. The branch meetings are held monthly, and the cost of membership is only $5 per year. There are some procedures that must be processed, such as police checks. Full vaccination is required for those volunteers who are working in the hospital. So, the public in the Kingscliff area and surrounds are invited to talk to our volunteers about our UHA branch of The Tweed Hospital. For more information contact John on 0421085985.

KYOGLE

KYOGLE SUNSHINE CLUB

Meets every Thursday at 9.30am. For more details contact 0499824274.

KYOGLE TIDY TOWNS FARMERS MARKET

Held every Saturday morning in Stratheden Street from 8am -12. Come along grab some local fruit & veggies, experience all Kyogle has to offer. New Stall Holders welcome.

Enquiries Anne 66321851

LION’S CLUB OF KYOGLE

Meeting is held on the 1st & 3rd Tuesday each month at the Kyogle Lion’s shed from 6.30–7pm For more information contact Neville Moon on 0448222334.

RICHMOND RIVER BEEF PRODUCER’S ASSOCIATION

Meet on the 2nd Wednesday of every month at Kyogle Showgrounds in the luncheon room at 7pm. For more details Phone Jan on 0427293455.

LENNOX HEAD

LENNOX HEAD CWA

Handy Craft Mornings on Mondays 9.30am-12noon in the community centre at Lennox Head. Call Jan on 66816150.

LENNOX HEAD DAY VIEW CLUB

The Lennox Head Day VIEW Club meets on the frst Monday of each month at the Lennox Head Community Centre with the meeting starting at 11am and includes an

interesting speaker and concludes with a light lunch. An informal Coffee and Chat meeting is held on the third Monday of the month. The Club sponsors three students through The Smith Family Learning for Life scholarship program that provides educational items for disadvantaged Australian children. New members and guests are most warmly welcomed, and enquiries may be made to Enid 047187511 or Dawn 0466717435.

LENNOX HEAD EVENING VIEW CLUB

Meets on the second Tuesday of each month upstairs at the Lennox Hotel at 6.30pm for dinner at 7pm. Guests are welcome. “VIEW members support the education of disadvantaged Australian children by raising much needed funds for The Smith Family. Through fundraising activities and social events in local communities, members raise money that goes directly to The Smith Family’s learning and mentoring programs for disadvantaged. students.” Lennox Head Evening VIEW Club currently sponsors two Learning for Life students. Contact Sue Brennan 0409728814.

LENNOX HEAD LIONS CLUB

New members welcome to join our close-knit club where the emphasis is on community service in a fun environment. Meetings are on the frst and Third Wednesday of each month at Club Lennox starting at 6.30pm. Members do what they can, when they can to facilitate the needs of our club.

PROBUS CLUB OF LENNOX

HEAD

Meets 9.30 for 10 at Club Lennox, 10 Stewart Street, on the frst Thursday of each month. Visitors are welcome, also retired or semi-retired people wishing to join our non-service club to hear interesting guest speakers and to join in trips and outings are invited along. Phone Jan 66876859.

LISMORE

LISMORE CITY CONCERT BAND

Rehearsals are held during school terms on Mondays, 6.15-7.45pm at Southern Cross University. If you can play a concert band instrument: brass, woodwind, or percussion, please come and join us! All ages welcome. We have some instruments available for loan. For more information, Tel: 0432575911 visit: www. lismorecityconcertband.org.au, and our Facebook and Instagram pages.

LISMORE CWA

IT’S ‘23’ SO COME AND SEE what being a member of the Lismore CWA DAY BRANCH could mean to you. We would like YOU to join us for the opportunity to be involved with a truly friendly group of fun, diverse & interesting women of all ages. You will make new friends who will support you, plus you’ll be part of contributing to the lives of Women and Children in our area through our fundraising endeavours. PLEASE THINK ABOUT IT! Why not come along as a ‘guest’ to see how you feel and experience the difference. being a CWA Member could bring to you and your life. We meet on the frst Thursday of each month at 9:30am for a 10am start. Our 2023 meetings commence in February. FOR MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION call our President Allison Kelly on 0428 216 079. We also run CRAFT meetings each Friday. You’ll learn new things, once again meet new friends, and enjoy creating beautiful craft in great company. FOR CRAFT INFORMATION call Vicki Boyle on 0437 465 642. WE LOOK FORWARD SO MUCH to meeting you.

LISMORE FRIENDSHIP FESTIVAL INC

Lismore Friendship Festival Inc is hosting a community entertainment BEYOND VENICE with a celebration of entertainment with an Italian

twist. Enjoy a welcome opportunity for locals and visitors to return to a great night out that has been on hold because of Covid. It’s time to party!

Beyond Venice is a fun flled masquerade dance party on Saturday, February 18, 2023 (6.30 p.m. –midnight) at the SCU Lismore campus Deck and Lounge. Come dressed for the carnival of masks for prizes and good times with friends.

For information and ticket bookings (essential) contact Julie at 0493631611. Price ($75 per person) includes 3 course dinner, an open bar and dance music by popular Domenico and his Latin Mafa Band! The event is a fundraiser for the free family friendly LisAmore! day of celebration on Sunday, June 18, 2023, at the Lismore Turf Club. There guests will be able to enjoy special kids’ activities, great stalls of yummy Italian food, entertainment, games, dancing, and a chance to learn more about Lismore’s sister city links to cities in Italy.

ZEN AND INSIGHT MEDITATION – LISMORE HEIGHTS INSIGHT (VIPASSANA)

MEDITATION and practice:

This mindfulness-based meditation group sits on Wednesdays from 7:00-8:30pm. The evening includes meditation instructions, sitting and walking meditation, Dharma talks and discussion. For further details, please contact Rosie - 0402 682 925

ZEN MEDITATION and practice

The Zen meditation group sits on Mondays from 6:30pm-8:15pm. The evening includes instructions, sitting meditation, Dharma talks and individual interviews with the teacher. For further details, please phone: 0427778837

Website: https://www. kuanyinmeditationcentre.org/

Beginners and experienced meditations are warmly welcomed at both groups.

LISMORE HOME GARDEN AND EDUCATION CLUB.

For February Cacti or Succulent, please bench by 12.45pm. Membership fees are due now for 2022/2023.

February Morning Tea Sat 25th Feb 1124 Dunoon Road Modanville. Info, please contact Sec,0448294496 dcoles39@outlook.com

LISMORE MEN & COMMUNITY

SHED

President: Don Abrahams 0437576837

Vice President: Bob Greig 0404860504

Email: lismoremcs.contact@gmail. com

Opening Hours: Tuesday & Thursday 9.00am – 3.00pm

We are a community based nonproft organisation. Everybody is welcome: men, women & people with a disability of all ages. We encourage social inclusion. Our aim is to promote the mental, physical & emotional well-being of people in our community.

Shed Activities

Members work on their own projects

Mentoring is available

General woodworking

Welding & light engineering

Repair & restoration of items for the public

Constructing projects, of items for the public

Constructing projects for preschools, hospitals & other organisations

Assembling fatpack

Minor maintenance work for the elderly & disabled

Working with the disabled

Talking with other members or simply having company

Memberships: $40-year

Attendance Fee: $3 tea/coffee

Location: 15 Industry Drive East Lismore

LISMORE ORCHID SOCIETY INC.

Lismore Orchid Society now meets 3rd Wednesday each month, 1:30pm to 4:00pm at Goonellabah Community Centre in the Goonellabah Public Library, 27 Oliver Ave Goonellabah . . .’ Contact Bev on 0400326289

KINGSCLIFF

GOONELLABAH

HASTINGS POINT

GRAFTON

LENNOX HEAD

KYOGLE

LISMORE

“LISMORE REGIONAL PARKINSONS SUPPORT GROUP: NEW VENUE

Lismore Regional Parkinson’s Support Group meets Every Third Friday of the Month, at South Lismore Bowling Club, 25 Wilson St, South Lismore, at 10am, Friday the 17th of February.

All members of the Parkinson’s Community, family and friends are invited to come along, meet with our Parkinson’s Nurses and share in a positive, confdential and supportive setting. Tea and Coffee will be available for a gold coin donation. Bring snacks if you wish to eat. Looking forward to seeing you all there. For further information phone Marie: 0448871290

LISMORE SENIOR CITIZENS

Meet at the Goonellabah Community Centre every second Thursday starting at 9am where we have morning tea followed by games bingo how etc we play cards Monday and Friday and play bowls Tuesdays and craft every second Tuesday afternoons come and join our friendly group you will be very welcome.

LISMORE SPINNERS & WEAVERS

Please join us…... Weaving, Spinning, Felting, Dyeing, Knitting, Crochet, Workshops, Chat…. Sharing Craft & Ideas.

From 10am, on the 1st, 3rd and 5th Fridays of each month. (Formal business meeting is 10.30-11.30 every 1st Friday) McLeans Ridges Hall Cnr Cowlong and McLeans Ridges Rds (off Bruxner Hwy) Morning Tea provided. Bring your lunch (and a mug)

Contac: Kim- 0423935060 Linda0419489987

Email ~ lismorespinnersandweavers@ gmail.com

LISMORE TARGET RIFLE CLUB

for .22 calibre rifes, meets Wed nights from 6.30pm & the 1st & 3rd Sat of each month from 1.00 pm. Air rife shooting for .22 & 177 air rifes will also be available at the Saturday shoots. For more information, please phone Derek on 66282082 (ah).

EAST LISMORE BOWLING CLUB

Community Bingo Tuesday night 7.30pm start. 20 games of bingo + progressive jackpot Neilson Street East Lismore. Everyone Welcome

EAST LISMORE SOCIAL TENNIS

Social Tennis is played at East Lismore Tennis Club, Cnr Neilson St & Oakley Avenue every Tuesday from 8am. We invite social players of all abilities to join us, we are a mixed group who enjoy a morning’s tennis without the commitment of competition. Feel free to call in or phone Fay Ross 0412910487 for more information. Everyone welcome.

MAINLY MUSIC

Fun, interactive, music sessions for young children [birth to school age] and their parents/caregivers in a relaxed setting on Tuesdays starting at 9:30am during School Terms.

Children will be introduced to music, creativity and more. They will develop gross motor skills, as well as socialise with others in a loving, shared family environment. Morning tea with snacks included. Mainly Music at Lismore Anglican Parish Centre, 10 Zadoc Street, LISMORE. T: 0266213200

NR U3A LISMORE INC.

(UNIVERSITY OF THE THIRD AGE)

Have you retired or just about to, from the workforce?

Are you looking to exercise your mind and body and keep both well oiled?

Well, Lismore U3A [university of the third age} could be just the place for you. This worldwide organisation has been running in Lismore for the past

30 years and thousands of local people have benefted from its programmes. It’s a great place to meet like-minded people and make new friends. The last three years have been diffcult for us as they have for everyone, and we are on a recruitment drive to meet and greet you! We start 2023 with a choice of at least 30 classes, which include, Languages, Photography, Science, History, Qigong, Genealogy, and many others. We also have a social calendar each term. All our courses are listed on our website www.lismoreu3a.com.au

U3A is entirely run by volunteers, with the committee and tutors coming from our membership. The joining fee Is $50 for 1 year and entitles you to attend any course you choose throughout the year; you can go every day if you wish. Why not peruse our site to see if there is a course that would be of interest to you. There is an online enrolment form that you can complete and any queries you have can be directed to our secretary, Pat, McLaren- Smith Ph. 6622 7408 We look forward to meeting you. On behalf of Lismore U3A committee.

PROBUS CLUB OF LISMORE

HEIGHTS

Our mixed group meets on the 1st Tuesday of each month at the Lismore Heights Bowling Club in High St. Our brief meeting is followed by morning tea and a guest speaker. Senior’s lunch for $15 at noon is optional. Guests and visitors are welcome. Ring/text Pam on 0418766247 for details of our other monthly social gatherings and outings.

ROTARY CLUB OF LISMORE NETWORKING

Want to be part of an innovative, interesting, and inclusive networking group who meet fortnightly to share ideas, meet other professionals and work together to make a difference in your community? Then Rotary Club of Lismore Networking could be the answer for you! Meets fortnightly at The Sherwood Hotel (75 Molesworth Street Lismore) on Wednesdays at 5.30pm. For more information contact Rita on 0413300578 or Gae 0412742095.

ROTARY CLUB OF LISMORE WEST INC East Lismore Bowling Club each Thursday at 6pm. New members would be made most welcome. Further information available on 0428151934.

ROTARY CLUB OF SUMMERLAND SUNRISE

Interested in contributing to community? Local and international?

The Rotary Club of Summerland Sunrise meets every Friday at 7.05am for Breakfast at Options Cafe, Main St. Alstonville until further notice.

Join us at Options please. Phone 0435 990 919 for more details.

SPRUNG

Sprung!! is a registered charity and a not-for-proft community organisation that offers Dance, Theatre & Movement workshops, and training to people with disabilities. We are currently looking for volunteers to assist our organisation in a number of ways including supporting our Tutors and Disability Support Workers; transcribing; catering; professional skills; technical support and backstage support. Our workshops and performances run in Lismore, Mullumbimby, Tintenbar and Lennox Head expanding to Ballina and the Tweed. Any interested volunteers can reach us here and for general information please contact us on info@sprung.org.au

SUMMERLAND AMATEUR RADIO CLUB

Meetings of the club are normally held on the second Sunday of each month

at the clubrooms: 412 Richmond Hill Road, Richmond Hill at 1pm. Visitors are welcome. The clubrooms are usually open on Sunday afternoons from about 1pm onwards. We are primarily amateur radio enthusiasts and welcome persons interested in radio, electronics, astronomy and similar subjects. For more details about the club and its activities see the club’s website: https://sarc.org.au/

WOMAN’S HEALTH MATTERS

Are offering a free 6 week group for women , called “Looking Back Looking Forward”

Are you a midlife or older woman who is taking stock of her life? Are you interested in exploring new directions for the future?

This group offers a supportive place with like minded women to share ideas, experiences and look at new life options.

When: Friday 10th March – 14th April 9.30a.m. 12.30p.m.

Where: The Women’s Health and Resource Centre, Uralba St., Lismore Leader: Pamela Craven, Health Educator Bookings: 66202999

MACLEAN

MACLEAN VIEW CLUB

Monthly meetings the 3rd Thursdays of each month at 11am. Contact Ruth Toyer on 0409844212 by Mondays, no later than 7pm. Numbers are required for catering purposes.

MURWILLUMBAH

COMMUNITY PRINTMAKERS

MURWILLUMBAH

Fine art printmakers. Meet at studio space 224 Stokers Rd, Stokers Siding. Prints, gallery, workshops and more! E: cpmmurwillumbah@hotmail. com - T: Peter 0498399640 or Sue 0408493253. Find us on Facebook & Instagram.

MURWILLUMBAH COMMUNITY

GARDEN

Members and visitors are invited to join the group for activities and gardening tips most Sundays. Time 3-5pm (NSW time), street parking, BYO, covered footwear, comfy clothing, hat and water. Children ok with strict supervision. Covid plan operating. Enquires: phone Bob Johnson (02)66225792.

POTTSVILLE

POTTSVILLE FUN CROQUET

CLUB

Meets at Black Rocks Sports Fields on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8.30am. New members are welcome to come and join us for a hit and a bit of fun. For any further enquires please call Jean on 0431606375. We will have a new starting time at the end of daylight saving. We play at Black Rocks Sports Field. New members are welcome. For further enquires please ring Jean on 0431606375.

POTTSVILLE LADIES LIFEBALL

Every Thursday morning 9.30am to 11.30am. Pottsville Community Hall, $5 per session includes morning tea. No joining fees. For enquiries, please call Jan 0431909760.

TWEED HEADS

Poets and writers on the Tweed meet every Tuesday at the South Tweed Sports Club 1.30-3.30pm. Beginners welcome. Phone 0755248035.

TWEED HEADS PROBUS CLUB

Probus Club, Coolangatta/Tweed Heads. Be at Club Tweed at 10-00am on the frst Wednesday of the Month. Visitors and new members are very welcome.

TWEED PATCHWORK GROUP

Meet the 1st and 3rd Wednesday

of the month at South Tweed Community Center from 9-1pm at 18

Heffron Street Tweed Heads south all beginners welcome phone Moira on 0418686643. A friendly group of people with common interest in seeing, quilting and related craft.

TWIN TOWNS DAY VIEW CLUB is on the lookout for new members who want to give back to their community and make new connections with women in the area.

VIEW, which stands for Voice, Interests and Education of Women, is a network of close to 300 clubs and over 14,000 women throughout Australia. It provides a place for women to connect in the community, enjoy social activities, and develop lasting friendships – all while supporting the work of children’s education charity, The Smith Family.

TWIN TOWNS DAY VIEW Club

President Kathie said this year is the perfect time to join VIEW as social events are back on the calendar after being going into hiatus due to the pandemic. “We have had so much fun organizing upcoming events for our club this year, including a trip to Hobart for the National Convention. These always feature fabulous dinners and speakers, and are a great way to hear about how we help children and young people through The Smith Family.” VIEW is the largest community sponsor of the charity’s Learning for Life program, which provides students with fnancial, educational and personal support. Kathie says this is crucial, particularly in the current economic climate. “We have all been hit by the rising cost of living, be it power prices, food or petrol. But these rises have had an even greater impact on those already doing it tough. Parents shouldn’t have to choose between putting dinner on the table or buying their child a uniform for school. This is why it is so important that we can help children experiencing disadvantage with their education.” TWIN TOWNS DAY VIEW Club supports the education of seven students through the Learning for Life program, ensuring they have what they need for the school year. In addition to their ongoing support of The Smith Family, TWIN TOWNS DAY VIEW Club hosts social events, including return invitations from neighbouring VIEW Clubs and home social functions. “We are always looking for women of all backgrounds and ages to join us and look forward to welcoming new faces at our next monthly meeting President Kathie says. Anyone interested in becoming a member can call Kathie on 0407 709 629] or visit www.view.org.au for further information. The next TWIN TOWNS DAY VIEW Club meeting will take place on March 2nd at the South Tweed Sports Club 10.30 for 11am. Followed by lunch at either the bar or bistro.

TWIN TOWNS & DISTRICT GARDEN CLUB

Twin Towns and District Garden Club meets every second Monday of the month. Meetings Venue: Tweed Heads Civic Centre Auditorium next to Library, Brett Street, Tweed Heads.

Guest Speaker January - Tropical Fruit World “Growing Tropical Fruit”

• We offer raffes, lucky door prize, presidents award, trading tables, cuttings table, members prize draw, Benching of plants and fowers and foral art both novice and senior. Begonia Society, Social Morning teas, bus trips and best of all friendship.

• Come along, bring a mug to share a coffee or tea with likeminded gardeners.

See you there, bring a mug. Gwen: 0468 872 199, (leave a message please).

WOLLONGBAR

WOLLONGBAR PROBUS CLUB

Our next social event is Lunch on 23rd Feb at the Lismore Workers and Sport Club, 202 Oliver Ave Goonellabah. Hope to see you there at 12noon.

YAMBA

YAMBA DAY VIEW CLUB

Yamba Day View Club’s monthly luncheons are held at Yamba Bowling Club on 3rd Monday of month, starting 10am for 10.30am. Acceptance and apologies to President Lyn 66463164 by Friday prior to luncheon for catering purposes. We hold a monthly social outing either for lunch or morning tea and visitors are always welcome.

YAMBA LIONS CLUB

Yamba Lions Club’s meetings are held 2nd & 4th Thursdays of month at Yamba Bowling Club, commencing at 7pm for 7.30pm. For further information, please contact the Secretary Peter 0417546097. Social outings also held at various time and visitors and new members’ welcome.

ALL NORTHERN RIVERS

NORTHERN RIVERS

BUSHWALKING CLUB

Are you interested in exploring the beauty that our region contains.

The Northern Rivers Bushwalking Club offers a variety of activities for people of all abilities and ages in bushwalking, cycling, kayaking, abseiling, qigong and social interaction. Visit our Facebook page or our website nrbc.org.au for more information.

NRCF WOMEN’S GIVING CIRCLE

The Northern Rivers Community Foundation (NRFC) is inviting Northern Rivers women to play an active role in empowering vulnerable women and girls in our region. The newly formed NRFC’s Women’s Giving Circle brings Northern Rivers women together to achieve equality and human rights for women and girls in our region and enable them to realise their full potential. Visit the Women’s Giving Circle nrcf.org.au/ women’s-giving-circle/ on the NRFC website for more information and to join the Women’s Giving Circle. murbahcommunitygardens@gmail. com - follow us on Facebook #MurwillumbahCommunity Garden

The NORTHERN RIVERS HASH HOUSE HARRIERS is a non-proft community group that is part of a worldwide organisation. The Hash House Harriers meet every Monday at 6pm for a run/walk from various locations around Lismore, Alstonville and Ballina. The run/walk lasts for approximately an hour, followed by friendship, banter and grub.

We are very friendly and welcome new members. For more details email: nrhhh@freelists.org.

NORTHERN RIVERS

PARKINSON’S SUPPORT GROUP

Covering Wollongbar to Ocean Shores.

Meets 2nd Friday of each month at Summerland Farm, Wardell Road, Alstonville. A general catch up & chat with the opportunity to join in a casual Q&A session with Rebecca, our Parkinson’s nurse. She will be there to answer any questions that you may have about anything to do with living with Parkinson’s or supporting or caring for a loved one. Maybe you want to know about symptoms, medication, treatments or services etc. Rebecca is there to support us and help you manage your disease so that you live your best life. All those living with Parkinson’s Disease or those supporting them are most welcome. Please RSVP Cheryl 0428286753.

MACLEAN

YAMBA

POTTSVILLE

ALL NORTHERN RIVERS MURWILLUMBAH

Warnings

See www.bom.gov.au/australia/warnings

Northern Rivers District:

Partly cloudy. Medium (50%) chance of showers in the north, slight (30%) chance elsewhere. Winds southerly 15 to 20 km/h tending southeasterly 15 to 25 km/h during the day then becoming light during the evening.

Thursday. Partly cloudy. The chance of morning fog in the south. Light winds becoming southeasterly 15 to 20 km/h during the afternoon then becoming light during the evening.

Northern Tablelands District:

Partly cloudy. Slight (20%) chance of a shower on and east of the ranges. Winds east to southeasterly 20 to 30 km/h. Thursday. Mostly sunny. The chance of morning fog on and east of the ranges. Winds northeast to southeasterly 15 to 20 km/h

TIDES, SUN & MOON Ballina

tending southeast to southwesterly during the morning then tending east to southeasterly during the afternoon.

New South Wales:

A shower or two in the northeast, and possibly about the central ranges. Fine and mostly sunny elsewhere. Daytime temperatures near or just below average in the east, and slightly above average in the west. Southeast to northeasterly winds near the coast, tending north to northeasterly inland. Thursday. Fine and mostly sunny. Daytime temperatures above average, most notably in the west. Southeast to northeasterly winds near the coast, tending north to northeasterly inland.

Byron Coast:

Winds: Southeasterly 15 to 20 knots decreasing to about 10 knots during the evening. Seas: 1 to 1.5 metres. Swell: Southeasterly 1.5 metres inshore, increasing to 1.5 to 2 metres offshore north of Coffs Harbour. Weather: Partly cloudy.

Coffs Coast:

Winds: Southeasterly 15 to 20 knots decreasing to about 10 knots during the evening. Seas: 1 to 1.5 metres. Swell: Southeasterly 1.5 metres inshore, increasing to 1.5 to 2 metres offshore north of Coffs Harbour. Weather: Partly cloudy.

Gold Coast Waters:

Winds: Northwest to southwesterly 10 to 15 knots tending southerly 15 to 20 knots during the morning then tending southeasterly 20 to 25 knots during the afternoon. Seas: 1 to 1.5 metres, increasing to 1.5 to 2 metres during the afternoon. 1st Swell: Southeasterly 1 to 1.5 metres inshore, increasing to 1.5 to 2 metres offshore. 2nd Swell: Southerly around 1 metre. Weather: Partly cloudy. 70% chance of showers. The chance of a storm.

SPEEDWAY Results

Carter Armstrong - Late Models 1

Shane Carlson - RSA Street Stockers 1

NSW Title Podium - Brock Armstrong 2nd - Shane Carlson 1st and Brenden Hayes 3rd

Photos courtesy of Butcher Photography

Competition leaders GDSC Easts have crushed the second placed team on the ladder to affrm their favouritism for the CRCA premier league cricket minor premiership.

Easts swept aside Souths/ Westlawn for 56 and cruised to 5/121 to be in a virtually unassailable position at the end of day one of their game at Lower Fisher Turf.

Easts skipper Shannon Connor had a day to remember taking 5/10 with the ball, then smashing 60 as Easts overcame a shaky start to their run chase.

Joe Pigg’s fghting innings of 32 was the only score of any note as the South’s inning crumbled around him.

Five Souths/Westlawn batters registered ducks as Connor and his opening bowling partner Aaron Macfadyen, 5/46 took all 10 wickets in one ball shy of 26 overs.

Souths/Westlawn looked like making a game of it from ball one when Nathan Blanch dismissed Tom Gerrard with the frst ball of the innings.

In the next two overs South dismissed two more batters and looked to have the Easts

innings in tatters at 3/9

But Connor and Macfadyen doubled down on their efforts with ball, combining in a 101-run partnership to take the game away from Souths.

Blanch was the pick of the bowlers with 3/26 from 13 overs.

At Ellem Oval Tucabia Copmanhurst has Brothers in a

spot of bother at 1/84 chasing the Brethren’s total of 129.

Tucabia skipper Brad Chard led from the front taking 4/46 as Brothers collapsed after a promising start.

After an early wicket opening Beau Sevil, 38, and skipper Jake Kroehnert, 20, took the the score to 1/66.

When the score hit 93 the

trouble began and the next seven wickets fell for 36 runs.

Veteran all rounder Matt Pigg bowled a tight spell of 16 overs and took 3/21 to back up Chard.

The rest of the bowlers were also tight, ensuring the Brothers batters never got on top of the bowling.

Tucabia took to the Brothers

attack chasing down the lacklustre target.

In just 20 overs they piled on 1/84 with Pigg turning back the clock with a blistering innings of 54no.

Off spinner Andy Kinnane with 1/23 was the only wicket taker and most of the bowlers took some stick.

With just one more game before the semi-fnals the result could have a real bearing on who makes the fnals.

Brothers and Tucabia started the game level on points, so a loss will pose problems for either team.

stableford score of 24 points from Fred Bruni with 23. The putting trophy went to J. Rankin with 14 putts and G.Randall won the players draw. Nearest to pins: 1st, W.Jackson. 2nd, T. Jenkins. 3rd, M. Gooding.4th & 7th, G. Randall. 5th, J. Rankin. 6th, K. Ruttley. 18th, B. Yates. Next Sunday’s event sponsored by Just Brakes and Exhaust Casino has not yet been decided but visitors are welcome to play with hit off from 6-30am till 7-30am.

CHERRY STREET

CROQUET CLUB

SPORTS RESULTS

ASSOCIATION

CROQUET:

L.Hardy 13 d

C.Woodlands 9

B.Hardy G.Porter 13 d

G.Drew 12

B.Wellings 21 d M.Field

M.Russell 19

R.Poynting D.Scott 19 d

N.Poynting 14

TWILIGHT CROQUET :

J.Hannigan D.Jones 6 d

M.Russell N.Poynting 5

N.Alfonso J.Hamilton 4 d

R.Hannigan C.Woodlands

J.Huxley J.Taylor 5 d

M.Malony C.Edlund 5

F.Duncan B.Taylor 6 d

M.Rennie C.Gale 4

R.Poynting 8 d W.Gilmore

2 D.Jones M.Rennie 5 d

J.Huxley N.Alfonso 3

J.Hamilton M.Russell 5 d

J.Taylor R.Poynting 3

F.Duncan C.Gale 3 d

R.Hannigan N.Poynting 2

B.Taylor 7 d C.Edlund 3

J.Hannigan C.Woodlands 7

d W.Gilmore M.Malony 4

D.Jones 6 d M.Rennie

R.Hannigan 1

F.Duncan 5 d C.Gale

N.Alfonso 4

W.Gilmore 11 d J.Huxley

CORAKI VETERANS

GOLF RESULTS

THURSDAY 9/2/23

Well what a large feld 54 golfers played an 18 hole single stableford

You beauty, winner S Ormond, 2nd K Osborne, 3rd P Bruggy, free game N Cuppitt, chicken/ball winners R Bowman, S Dawson, A Parr, B McDonald, K Lloyd, P Martin, R Bolger, I Welch, J Perkins, M Perkins, , R Mackay, P Muldoon, R Gacioppa, W Lunnon, A Ganter, W Swindle. Nearest pins 3rd/12th R Webber 6th/15th K Osborne.

This Thursday will be another 18 hole single stableford commencing with a shot gun start at 8.00am.

Till then good golfng

Max

Casino RSM Bowls results

Fours Club Champions for 2023:

K. Jonsson, I. Watson, J Creighton & C. Doyle

On Wednesday 8/2 the fnal for the Fours Club Championship was played & the winners were:

C. Doyle, J. Creighton, I. Watson & K. Jonsson def

J. Carthew, J. Cooke, R. Skirrey & H. Lavelle. Winners of the social game were:

D. Grice, V. Cole & M. Mead def T. Maxwell, D. Skinner & M. Hellyar

A. McLean & I. Watson are rostered for selection for March. BALLINA

MAHJONG 10TH 2023

Pauline Kearney 1. Vanessa Reynolds 2. Joy Lowien

3. Janene Jarvis 4. Val

Heinritz

5. Sally Lowry 6.

Jan Small 7. Lisa Wong 8.

Yvonne Weddup 9. Shirley

Coleman 10. Barabara

Ellan 11. Susan Scott 12.

Kath Hubbard 13. Gail Mc

Donagh 14. Jan Boardman

15. Margaret Bryant 16.

Jeanette Henwood 17.

Lesley Ritchie 18. Carol Meyer 19. Pam Farrell 20.

Valda McLerie 21. Lorna Simpson 22. Janena Bird 23. June Greenaway 24. Shirley Henry 25. Gladys

D’Anna 26. Jan Henley 27. Kathy Pickles 28.

Susan Allan 29. Diana

Auret 30. Coral

CASINO SOCIAL GOLF

RESULTS 12-02-2023

The winner of social golf on Sunday was Stephen Shephard with a

R.Chapman 17 d

M.Gidding 12

RICOCHET CROQUET:

P.Doyle N.Poynting 14 d

G.Kerr J.Hannigan 9

R.Poynting B.Wellings 3 d

P.Scott R.Allen 9

N.Watts 16 d P.Bolte

N.Barnes 14

R.Allen G.Kerr 14 d

N.Barnes P.Doyle 12

N.Watts N.Poynting 9 d

J.Doust P.Scott 7

P.Bolte R.Poynting 15 d

M.Field M.Russell 10

R.Chapman 15 d D.Scott 7

J.Hannigan 13 d J.Doust

P.Scott 11

C.Woodlands 3

N.Poynting 7 d M.Russell 1

J.Hannigan 4 d R.Poynting

C.Edlund 4

TOURNAMENTS:

Australian Under 21 Golf Croquet Championships :

B.Wade1, F.Helmy 2, T. Kiri King 3, J.Steele 4,

L.Francis 5, B.Fields 6.

NSW Association 3 & Under Singles:

A.Sharp 1, T Bassett 2, T.Murphy 3, K.A Organ 4. All new players very welcome Ph : 0439240251

EVANS HEAD

WOMEN’S BOWLS

Major/Minor PairsResults 08-02-23

Round 3 -

Skips only - J. Fernance defeated V. Hart. T. Cselka defeated L. Stratton K. Keevers defeated K. Hickey. E. Gollan defeated P. Freeman. B. Montague Bye. Round 4B. Montague defeated T. Cselka. E. Gollan draw K. Hickey. L. Stratton defeated J. Fernance. V. Hart defeated P. Freeman.

Lavelle, Sally Hudson 31. Wendy Thornton 33. Pauline Bolte

34. Bev Lasater 35. Cindy Smith 36.

The selection of former Grafton hockey player Grace Young in the Hockeyroos squad could put another local star in contention for an Olympic Gold medal.

The former McAuley Catholic College livewire was named in the squad last week for the FIH Pro League home mini tournaments in Sydney and Hobart, which kicked off last Friday.

Hockeyroos coach Katrina Powell said she wanted to see Young perform at this level.

“Grace Young is competitive, tenacious and a wonderful attacking player,” said Powell.

“We like the way she approaches the game, she’s got an attacking mentality which is fts into the way we want the Hockeyroos to play, so she certainly fts that brief.”

It will be the 20-yearold’s debut in the full national team, although she has worn the green and gold in age teams.

She was a member of the Australian Under-18s team that went to the Youth Olympics and last year was selected in the Under-21 Jillaroos team for a three-match series against New Zealand.

Powell said the

selection of Young and a number of other up and coming players was having an eye to the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

“Having these athletes training all together and playing against each other in intra-squad matches has been really benefcial,” said Powell.

“It has allowed us to see what level the junior players are at compared to the seniors…and also look at how athletes perform under pressure.

“You see which players are standing up and who really wants it.”

“We have tried to pick the strongest squad with an eye on Olympic

qualifcation which is the Oceania Cup against New Zealand in August, so that’s the immediate focus.

“We may have named a squad of 22 but we’re in no way set on our team that will represent Australia at the Oceania Cup as we look to qualify for Paris.”

Locally the news has delighted the Grafton hockey scene, particularly the McAuley Catholic College club, where Young played senior hockey from 2014-17.

Club stalwart Mary Day said Young shone from her earliest days as a junior right up until

she played her last game with McAuley, the 2017 A grade grand fnal, where she was voted Player of the Grand Final.

“We knew she was going places even when she was a junior,” said Day.

“When she was young she was tiny, but she was amazingly strong and ft.

“She has always been dedicated and knew that she wanted to achieve.”

She said Young played her early years of hockey with Sailors junior girls and also played in the junior boys competition with Royals Hockey Club with her older brothers.

“She had two brothers, Sam and Zac, who also played for State teams and they wouldn’t let her get away with anything,” Day said.

By the end of 2017 it became apparent to parents Peter and Lisa Young they had a budding international player on their hands.

“Peter got a job in Sydney and the family moved down there so Grace could have a better chance of making it,” Day said.

Grafton Hockey Academy leading coach Rick Sampson, who mentored Young and her brothers, said he was continually

improve her hockey.

“Grace was not only tiny when she was young, but had bouts of asthma,” he said. “But she never let that deter her.

“From an early age she had the work ethic and was always wanting to improve right from the start of her career.”

Day said Young’s selection was the frst time since Brent Livermore played for the Kookaburras that a Grafton player had made a full national team.

Livermore played at two Olympic Games, winning bronze in Sydney and captaining the Kookaburras to their gold-medal drought breaking win over the Netherlands in Athens in 2004.

Day said while the two were different styles of player, both showed the dedication and tenacity needed to succeed at the top level.

“Without those things you don’t get those types of accolades,” she said.

She also noted there was another Grafton player, Jake Lambeth, knocking on the door of full national team selection after his selection in the ‘Burras Under-21 team last year.