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,