The Northern Rivers Times ED159

BYRON MAYOR BACKS RAIL TRAIL

BY SARAH WATERS

The Byron section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail is likely to be constructed next year - if Council give it the go-ahead next month.

Byron Shire councillors are expected to decide whether to give the rail trail the green light or not at the August 24 council meeting.

There has been much deliberation by Byron Council over whether to turn its old railway corridor, into a bike path that would provide the central link in the Northern Rivers Rail Trail.

A multi-use rail corridor, which combines a form of public transport such as a light rail commuter service with a bike path next to it, has been investigated instead.

Byron Shire Mayor Michael Lyon said he expected Council would resolve to go ahead with

the rail trail exclusively at the council meeting.

Council have been waiting on feasibility reports for both rail and rail trail which are due back in August.

“My recommendation will be to be push ahead with Mullumb (Mullumbimby) to Crabbes Creek (where the Tweed section of the rail trail ends) and get that part built first,” Mr Lyon said.

“It’s definitely going to be a split decision - at the last council meeting they were in favour of multi-use rail, which is about having rail with a (bike) trail next to it.

“I support the rail trail because it’s more about the likelihood of getting something up and running.”

The cost to reinstate some sort of rail service in Byron, is estimated to be about $100 million or more.

The hilly and winding geography between

Byron and Bangalow, has also put question marks over the multi-use railway proposal.

If the rail trail, alone, gets approved by Council, Mr Lyon said next year would be a reasonable time frame for construction to start.

“I’ve had conversations with certain members of state government … they’re definitely supportive of the region being an economic driver through tourism, so I expect they’ll be very keen to get the Byron section up and running.

“If we can secure funding quickly, I don’t think it will be a very long time for us to be able to start building one of the sections - but without a shadow of doubt though the one we’ll prioritise first will be Mullum to Crabbes Creek.”

Mr Lyon said eventually he would like to see the entire Byron section - 63kms

from Crabbes Creek to Eltham - built.

But he also pointed out his Shire had to find more funding than the other councils due to the length of the Byron section.

Separate trails within the Byron Shire that deviate from the Northern Rivers Rail trail were also being explored.

“We’re also very keen to see Mullumb to Brunswick Heads as a separate trail,” he said.

“I’m also keen to look at Brunswick to Byron along the beach.

“We also know that Ballina Council is keen to join up with the rail trail.”

Recently, Mr Lyon and his family rode the Tweed Section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail, which he said was a ‘fantastic’ experience.

The success of the Tweed section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail was revealed earlier this month with data

showing 70,500 people had used the trail since it opened four months ago.

The Richmond Valley section, 13.4km from Bentley to Casino, is under construction and due to open this year.

The Lismore section, 31.8km from Eltham to Bentley is partially funded and in the planning phase.

If the entire Byron section is constructed, the Northern Rivers Rail Trail will stretch 132kms from Murwillumbah to Casino via Byron Bay, Bangalow and Lismore. A railway service may not be completely out of the question either.

Mr Lyon said he still wanted to investigate a multi-use railway service - such as light rail or a tram - from Mullumbimby to Byron as he thinks the straight and flat landscape between the towns would make it a possibility.

He also said it would service three big

population centres.

Supporters of a reinstated Byron railway service have argued railway is needed in the Shire to give people in towns, such as Ocean Shores and Billinudgel, a public transport option besides a limited bus service.

They have also stated a rail service, with a bike trail next to it, is a transport model used in Europe and is ‘the future’ of public transport. A business case for a multi-use rail service is also expected to be put forward by representatives of Northern Rivers Rail Ltd at the August Byron Shire council meeting.

Byron Shire Mayor Michael Lyon now supports the rail trail being built in almost all sections of the Shire’s old railway corridor

FORGING AHEAD: Next year it is likely the Northern Rivers Rail Trail will extend past Crabbes Creek to Mullumbimby

BY TIM HOWARD

Tenders for two of the Clarence Valley’s most contentious projects, the Regional Aquatic Centre at Grafton and Yamba’s Treelands Drive Community Centre have been recommended for refusal.

In reports to this week’s Clarence Valley Council meeting staff have recommended refusal of the tender because prices quoted were higher than expected.

Two companies, Ballina-basd Bennett Constructions P/L and Bathurst company

Hines Constructions

P/L tendered for both projects.

Queensland company

Alder Construction

P/L tendered for the Treelands Drive project.

In both cases staff have advised not to invite fresh tenders and delegate authority for the general manager to negotiate with the companies already involved and bring the

result of the talks to an extraordinary council meeting.

A vocal opponent of the Treelands Drive proposal, Yamba resident Bob Cairns said he would speak against awarding any tender for that project.

Mr Cairns said GIPA requests to the Department of Regional NSW and council revealed information that

cast doubt on the process leading up to the call for tenders.

He said the BLER funding deed signed by council staff stated:

“Any changes to the scope of works requires a written request to the Department and the Department will consider whether to approve the request and make a decision in its sole discretion. No variation

is approved unless and until the Department approves the variation in writing.

“The Department has informed in writing five days ago that all documents in relation to variations had been provided.

“It appears requests for changes have not been sought.”

For the Regional Aquatic Centre, one of

the tenderers submitted an alternate submission for the aquatic centre, an option to build a Myrtha pool.

It said the Myrtha Pool was a 60 year old proven technology for pool construction based on stainless steel. Their chromium-rich alloy offered both the strength and resistance to chemicals and corrosion needed in a pool

environment.

To ensure long life, structural elements like clamps, guides, panels and ducts are securely bolted together – not welded as steel welding can leave the framework susceptible to corrosion. This system was used internationally in FINA compliant competition pools.

There were cost and time advantages to the system, specifically realised in stage 2 of the project, with an anticipated reduction in construction of 11 weeks in the overall project. The report noted the Treelands Drive project was funded through a Bushfire Local Economic Recovery grant of $11.1 million.

Clarence Valley Mayor Ian Tiley was asked for a comment on these items, but did not reply.

The Northern Rivers Times will report on the outcome of these items and other matters from the council meeting in the next issue.

ARTWORK SET TO TRANSFORM BALLINA

BY SARAH WATERS

Ballina’s CBD could get a whole lot brighter.

The Northern Rivers Community Gallery (NRCG) and Ballina Shire Council want to hear from artists who would like to participate in a public street art project.

Expressions of Interest (EOI) are being sought from artists who can paint a mural at a specific site or reproduce a piece of existing artwork, which could be pasted up on buildings or sheds.

The artwork will be

displayed around the Ballina CBD at locations which could do with a makeover, including the car park behind the main street, Holden Lane and buildings which are often graffitied.

Council’s Sustainability Planner Skye McNamara said the street art project provided an opportunity for both businesses and artists to get on board.

“The CBD would benefit from a bit of a spruce up and some vibrancy,” Ms McNamara said.

“It’s a demonstration to property owners in the CBD that street art can also work in limiting the amount of unwanted

tagging and graffiti that goes on.

“A lot of effort goes into removing graffiti and this has been shown to really reduce the amount of tagging and graffiti in many places.

“It’s also a way to support our talented local artists and get recognition for their work.”

Ms McNamara said Council was not only looking for mural art, but paste-up pieces which could be put up temporarily.

Limited funding is available to install painted murals and

paste-up artwork on sites in the CBD area.

All artists are encouraged to enter their EOI by August 14.

A number of artists will then be shortlisted and invited to submit artwork for the project.

All art projects will need to be completed by October 14.

For further information please visit the Northern Rivers Community Gallery website nrcgballina.com.au/ v1/public-programs/ public-art

I love working with our local communities to make a difference.

T T I N G T H I N G S D O N E

The completed mural at Lennox Head Skate Park

Local artists add their piece of artwork to Lennox Head Skate Park

Youth Enterprise Trust’s own Woodstock Farm are pleased to present an afternoon with a fundraising concert for In-Tent For Change Intervention Program assisting disadvantaged youth within our local community.

JohnSundayWilliamson 10th September

Gates open from 12:00pm with main show starting at 2:10pm.

Join us for an afternoon in the country overlooking the mystique of the Tamborine Mountain Range on our evergreen grass amphitheatre while John Williamson with Jef McCormack and special guests, perform all his hits. Sing along with the family or friends or that special someone.

A range of food trucks and drinks are available onsite, bring a picnic blanket or chair and settle in for an afternoon you won’t forget. If you’re after something a little special, join us in our VIP marquee, overlooking the Tamborine Mountain Range, for a pre-show meet & greet and Q&A with the man himself, John Williamson; plus a 3.5hr beverage and canape package, and private seating area with the best view in the house for the main show!

John Williamson is a true legend of Australian music, With honours including the ARIA Hall of Fame, an Order of Australia, 28 Golden Guitar Awards, Australian Roll of Renown induction, 52 albums–including 20 original studio albums, over 5 million albums sold and thousands of shows performed. At the age of 77 and with a life very well lived, John Williamson has opted to take slower pace these days, with opportunities to see the icon live far less than they once were. Opportunities this special, even less so. Joining John Williamson will be Brisbane’s own Briana Dinsdale, Tamworth’s CMAA 2022 Keith Urban Scholarship award winner and rising international star.

CONCERN OVER FIRE STATISTICS THIS WINTER

BY SARAH WATERS

SENIOR NSW firefighters have expressed concern over a sharp rise in residential fires in the state this winter urging the public to end the complacency over household smoke alarms.

There were 337 residential fires in June this year - an increase of 24 fires compared to the same period last year. Reports show there has been a 28 per cent rise in kitchen fires from 117 to 150.

While fires in bedrooms have risen 19 per cent from 26 to 31 and fires in loungerooms have risen 12 per cent from 17 to 19.

FRNSW Acting Deputy Commissioner of Field Operations Trent Curtin said fire crews still turned up to house fires where smoke alarms weren’t working, or they didn’t exist at all.

“That’s true in 44 per cent of home fires so far this winter,” Mr Curtin said.

“This time last year, it was 45 per cent - people are still not heeding our warning - smoke alarms

save lives.

“An affordable smoke alarm, purchased at a hardware store, can provide you with peace of mind that you and your loved ones are protected.

“If your loved ones or neighbours are elderly, give them a helping hand and ensure they’re protected,” he said.

Mr Curtin said the number of kitchen fires was a worry.

He urged the public to keep ‘looking when cooking’ and invest in a fire extinguisher and fire blanket to store near the kitchen.

“Throwing water over a stove fire will only make it worse, use a fire blanket to smother the

Finding a WayAhead through mental health

flames if you can,” he said.

“Don’t try to put out a kitchen fire if it becomes overwhelming, escape the home and ring Triple Zero (000) - don’t go back inside a burning home.”

A record number of 16 people died as a result of fires in NSW last winter.

Mr Curtin advised residents to test smoke alarms regularly and to book a home safety visit with FRNSW through its website.

Firefighters are able to install free smoke alarms if necessary. For further information visit: www.fire.nsw.gov. au

BY SAMANTHA ELLEY

It was a full house at a forum entitled ‘Let’s Talk About Anxiety

Northern Rivers’ last week, which was held at the Ballina Byron Islander Resort in West Ballina.

Facilitator Caryn Shipp said the forum was free and being run by WayAhead, a registered Australian charity that works to educate people on mental health.

“We want to help normalise the conversation around mental health,” she said.

The forum was launched by Ballina mayor Sharon Cadwallader who acknowledged the very strong demand on the Northern Rivers for mental health support, especially after Covid and natural disasters

such as bushfires and flood that have occurred.

“Events like this (forum) will help start to break down the stigma of mental health issues,” she said.

Ms Shipp introduced her niece Monique Shipp, a clinical psychologist registrar who specialises in anxiety disorders, especially select mutism, and the key speaker at the forum.

“Connecting is an important part of good mental health,” said Ms Shipp (jr).

With figures of 1.2 million males and 2.096m females in Australia who suffer from anxiety disorders, knowing the difference between normal anxiety and an anxiety disorder is important, said Ms Shipp.

“Normal anxiety can be helpful and motivational,

such as before going on stage,” she said.

“It disappears when the situation is over, however, an anxiety disorder is where the feelings come out of nowhere.

“They are intense and disproportionate and can interfere with life.”

After Ms Shipp’s talk there was a break and attendees heard from speakers with real life anxiety issues and also had the chance to speak to representatives from mental health services such as Carers NSW, Headspace Lismore, Head to Health – Open Minds, Interrelate, Lives Lived Well and New Horizons.

Visit wayaheaddirectory. org.au and type in your postcode to find mental health services in your area.

NSW firefighters are concerned about the increase in residential fires this winter - especially in the kitchen.

THE

August 11th 8pm

Jimeoin, Blake Pavey and Mandy Nolan Headline Show To Raise Money for Koala Homes

Get ready to ROFL as comedy legends Jimeoin, Blake Pavey and Mandy Nolan join forces to host Koala Roast, a one-off comedy night to raise funds for Bangalow Koalas to plant more trees to create koala habitat.

The event will be an unforgettable evening of laughter, with each performer bringing their unique style and banter to help Bangalow Koalas reach its target of planting 500,000 trees by 2025. 300,000

trees have already been planted to create a wildlife corridor across the Northern Rivers of NSW. Jimeoin, Blake and Mandy all share a passion for environmental conservation and love for our furry friends, with each performer donating their time to help.

Blake Pavey is a talented comedian known for his wit and resilience, turning his terminal illness into a source of laughter with nearly a million

followers on Tik Tok. “Koalas are like the face of Australia so it’s key we protect these iconic little fellas. Combining comedy with conservation is a win-win. Let’s have a few laughs to encourage everyone to do what they can to help.”

Internationally acclaimed comedian known for his off-beat humour and hilarious take on everyday life, Jimeoin is raring to go, “Laughter is universal and has the power to

bring people together to create positive change. I can’t wait to have a bit of a craic and team up with Blake and Mandy to help raise money and ensure my kids and generations to come can enjoy these animals in their natural habitat.”

Mandy Nolan, a beloved Northern Rivers comedian and Greens candidate said, “I’m excited to share a stage with these legends. I hope we can combine our talents to protect Koalas and their habitat

while delivering the laughs. Mandy will introduce her protege, Alexandra Hudson to the stage. Alexandra’s comedy is about her experiences as a disabled woman and her observations about the mostly foreign non-disabled world she lives in.

ALL money raised from Koala Roast will go directly to Bangalow Koalas to help save these much loved animals from the brink of extinction.

Tickets are $45 and are available at www. bangalowkoalas.com.au/

Koala Roast details

Where: Bangalow A&I Hall, Station Street, Bangalow 2479

Date: Tuesday 29 August 2023

Time: 6.30pm to 9.30pm (performance 7 to 9pm)

Tickets: From $45 available at www. bangalowkoalas.com.au/

Police operation concludes at Splendour in the Grass 2023

Offcers have commended the behaviour of festival attendees at Splendour in the Grass this weekend, as the police operation concludes.

A high-visibility police operation was conducted over the fourday event, targeting illicit drug use and supply, alcohol-fuelled violence and anti-social behaviour.

The operation commenced on Thursday 20 July 2023, fnishing on Sunday 23 July 2023, and involved offcers from Tweed/ Byron Police District, Northern Region general duties offcers, the NSW Police Dog Unit and other specialist commands.

NSW Police also worked closely with the organisers of the festival and other stakeholders to ensure the safety and wellbeing of festival attendees.

Overall, those who attended the Splendour in the Grass music festival were well behaved, with the vast majority of people complying with police directions.

During the operation, police detected and seized a number of drugs with assistance from the Dog Unit, including cannabis, MDMA

capsules, psilocybin (mushrooms), ecstasy tablets, methylamphetamine and white powder believed to be cocaine.

As a result of these detections, 42 Future Court Attendance Notices were issued, as well as 36 Criminal Infringement Notices and 31 Cannabis Cautions.

Incidents of note include:

On Saturday 22 July 2023, police received information in relation to illicit drugs allegedly contained within a vehicle.

Following inquiries, police attended a camp site nearby, where they executed a search of a vehicle, where they allegedly located MDMA, cannabis, ketamine, and $6500 cash, as well as suspected drug paraphernalia, including scales and resealable bags. A 23-year-old Mooball woman was charged with two counts of supply prohibited drug, possess prohibited drug, possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit, and recklessly deal with proceeds of crime. She was granted conditional bail to appear before Byron Bay Local Court

Mums and their bubs groove to mainly music

on Monday 14 August 2023.

Also on Saturday 22 July 2023, a 40-year-old Surfers Paradise man was charged with sexually touch another person without consent. He was granted conditional bail to appear before Byron Bay Local Court on Monday 21 August 2023.

On Sunday 23 July 2023, a 43-year-old Victorian man was charged with three counts of sexually touch another person without consent. He was granted conditional bail to appear before Byron Bay Local Court on Monday 14 August 2023.

Tweed/Byron Police District Commander, Superintendent David Roptell, praised the good behaviour of the vast majority of festivalgoers.

“While most of the attendees were compliant, it’s disappointing that we continue to detect the possession and supply of prohibited drugs,” Supt Roptell said.

“The safety of music fans attending the festival is and continues to be our number one priority, and we make no apology for coming down hard on drug possession and supply.” Meanwhile, police are urging people returning home to travel safely on the roads.

“With thousands of festival goers leaving today, allow extra travel time, expect delays and make sure you take regular rest breaks,” Supt Roptell said.

“Our Traffc and Highway Patrol offcers will be cracking down on motorists who refuse to obey the road rules.”

BY SAMANTHA ELLEY

Little ones had a chance to kick up their feet and move around last week with the frst session of mainly music held by The Village Playgroup in Evans Head at the Presbyterian Church.

Established in 1990, mainly music is a fun, faith-based, educational music program for children from 0 to 5 years old and their parents and carers to enjoy together.

“Sessions are around

30 minutes followed by a provided morning tea and play time for the kids while the adults sit back and enjoy a cuppa,” said mainly music coordinator Lynne Fernance.

Last week’s launch saw around 9-10 children with their parents and carers dancing and doing actions to some favourite songs, using scarfs, searching for pictures, playing with puppets and generally having an educational and fun time together.

“The weekly sessions

will continue to be full of songs and rhymes, actions and movement, designed to engage the parent or carer and the child,” said Ms Fernance.

“You’ll be creating memories together with the one-on-one attention you give, which will have them responding and developing as well.” You can fnd out more about mainly music at their Facebook page, Mainly Music Evans Head or Instagram at eh_mainly_music.

There has been a bit of rain across the area. Went to take the dog for a walk this morning and turned back as I saw bank of dark clouds being blown our way.

We did get caught but

Diary of a Flood Survivor

all, not everyone has experienced what we have gone through in the past 17 months.

It is wonderful to know, however, that we have not been forgotten.

their homes in one day, by putting up walls, ceilings, skirting boards and so much more.

at least he had his new little jacket on and I had big thick coat that kept me dry.

I was wondering how people are dealing with the sound of rain.

Was it comforting

knowing our gardens were getting a drink, or did it stir up bad memories and cause unnecessary anxiety?

If the latter and you are fnding it diffcult to deal with, I strongly

NOW is the time to buy

encourage you to talk to someone.

If not a professional, then at least a friend, to start.

There is nothing wrong with admitting you are struggling, after

I have been checking out some Facebook pages showing an army of tradies who have volunteered their time and material to rebuild the Northern Rivers one house at a time.

This is what the Hands and Hearts Project have been doing and continue to do.

Over the last weekend they managed to get three people back in

While there is always more to do, I know the difference such basic jobs would have made to these people whose homes were repaired. They aim to get 100 hundred houses built in 10 days.

If you are a tradie who can help, or someone with supplies you can donate, contact handsandheartsproject. com.au

Little steps

Courtesy Rebuilding NR 2022 Connecting and Supporting the Flood Affected.

Offcial Opening of Sandy Beach Youth Space and Community Hub

The Sandy Beach Youth Space and Community Hub was offcially opened on Sunday 23 July at 11am.

It includes a playground with a dual-fying fox with an accessible option, slides from a cubbyhouse tower, accessible carousel, balance beams and posts, a seesaw and other play elements aimed at toddlers to young kids.

In addition, there is a mini skate park, multi-purpose basketball court, shade sails, a shared cycle/pathway, barbecues, seating and shelters – all linked by connecting pathways and landscaping.

The $1.325m project was jointly funded by the

Woodwind, Piano, Brass, Strings. Troupes, Ballet, Tap, Song & Dance, Hip-Hop, Jazz, Contemporary, National Character.

“I’m delighted to see this fantastic new Youth Space and Community Hub at Sandy Beach,” said City of Coffs Harbour Mayor Paul Amos. “Not only is it a vibrant, fun and welcoming meeting place for Sandy Beach families, youth and visitors, but it’s the very frst community facility this lovely village has ever had.

“I’ve been blown away by the quality of the new facilities - and the people who can be most proud of this achievement are the Sandy Beach residents. They have been involved with this project from the get-go and provided heaps of input.

“Locals of all ages – from the Sandy Beach Public School students right through to seniors – have been engaged and supportive at every stage of the consultation process. And the local community

Coffs Harbour and the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service on behalf of the Board.

Chairman of the Regional Park Trust Board Rod McKelvey echoed the Mayor and said the Youth Space and Hub design was very much a result of the community’s ideas.

“The fnal outcome brings together the types of elements, facilities and design themes that were put forward by the many local adults and children who gave their time to take part in the consultation process for the whole Sandy Beach Reserve Masterplan,” he said. “They did a great job.”

Sandy Beach Action Group (SANDBAG) also deserves our thanks.

Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh said the offcial

“This has also been very much a partnership of the City, Sandy Beach locals, the Coffs Coast Regional Park Trust Board and the NSW Government – and shows what can be achieved when we all work together with a positive attitude.”

Sandy Beach Reserve forms part of the Coffs Coast Regional Park. The Trust Board is responsible for control and management of the Regional Park. Implementation of park management is shared between the City of

opening is another proud moment for the Northern Beaches.

“The Sandy Beach Youth Space and Community Hub refects the true meaning of working together to achieve an outstanding facility for everyone in our community to enjoy,” said Mr Singh.

“This communitydriven project has transformed Sandy Beach Reserve into an inclusive, activated and fun public space for people to come together, to relax, and to play, now and into the future.”

City of Coffs Harbour, NSW Government and

the Coffs Coast Regional Park Trust.

City of Coffs Harbour Mayor Paul Amos, Coffs Coast Regional Park Trust Board chairman Rod McKelvey and Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh.

Get ft together at GSAC this Saturday

Lismore City Council and the Goonellabah Sports & Aquatic Centre invite the community to visit on Saturday, 29 July for a range of free and fun ftness activities at GSAC.

The Fit Together program is designed to encourage families to have fun and get active. Families can drop into GSAC anytime between noon and 3pm this Saturday and take part is a variety of activities.

Between noon and 2pm, Jono Miller will facilitate free family social sports and games, where kids can take on their parents or work as a team to hit the highest score. During this free session light refreshments will be provided.

From 2pm to 3pm Fitness Kidz will be

pumping up the action with their suite of active entertainment games. During this time parents can choose to stay with

their children or take some time for themselves to enjoy either boxing or a women’s wellness class.

The free women’s wellness class will be facilitated by mumsafe trainers who can help women exercise safely,

aware of the various life stages that may have impacted their bodies. Alternatively, there will be a free boxing class

delivered by Switch Gym available for men and women.

Teens attending the day with their family can participate in the family social sports and from 2pm access a free swim pass or attend one of the classes with their parent. There is limited creche available for those up to 4-years-old.

You can register online to secure a spot or sign up on the day - Scan the QR Code to register. More Fit Together family fun days will be held on 26 August and 16 September. Fit Together is funded by the NSW Government and supported by Council.

LETTERS & OPINIONS NEW PLAN TO SHAPE THE FUTURE OF TOURISM IN THE TWEED

Have your say on how you would like the visitor economy to develop

We’d love to hear from you!

letters@heartlandmedia.com.au

VENDOR ISSUES WITH RVC & NRLX

In the initial stages of Richmond Valley Council considering the sweeping changes to how the Northern Rivers Livestock Exchange is run, and agents contracts, perhaps they should have asked the vendors/ farmers how they feel and what possible ramifcations of the changes could follow on?...

The agents are the source of cattle for the NRLX, not council. I for one wouldn’t consign cattle to be managed by council and I stand behind the agents. RVC mustn’t know all the behind the scenes work the agents do for their clients. I would have thought, surely the management of NRLX know the work agents do leading up to sale days and know the vast majority of farmers are not going to turn their backs on their livestock agents that have been by our sides through drought and food & not to mention some in the area for generations.

For example, our agents come out to our properties and help muster and attend to the health of our herds, drenching, castrating etc..

Since RVC are wanting control of livestock at the NRLX, will they be offering the same service on farms and to the same quality and standard??

Residents, tourism operators and local businesses are being asked to provide feedback on how they would like to see the future of tourism and the visitor economy develop in the Tweed.

Is RVC going to have staff to replace the on-farm work that our agents do? Would not have thought so… you cannot possibly employ staff with the accumulated years of experience, contacts, and cattle breed knowledge that our local agents have.

On the point of NRLX employing their own staff to manage cattle intakes for sales. it takes many years to become experienced at reading and handling cattle, both in the feld and at the saleyards.

The saleyards can be a very dangerous place to work -we have been told RVC are undertaking recruitment and training programs through an out-of-town employment agency. The most concerning thing that has come out of this concept is that staff being trained to handle cattle at the saleyards were told “if you have a beast running towards you in the laneway, don’t jump up on the rails, you might break your leg! Instead lay down fat on the ground”...

Where is the Mayor & Councillors in all this??

This was an email Liz Brown & I (Kelsey Brown) - Iona Speckle Parks- sent, as long term vendors who sell through NRLX - to the RVC… of which we never received any response.

Kelsey Brown

Recognising the importance of tourism to the region’s local economy, Tweed Shire Council and its tourism partner The Tweed Tourism Company (TTC) have commenced a comprehensive review of the region’s Destination Management Plan (DMP).

The region’s inaugural DMP was adopted in 2019 and with signifcant impacts placed on the sector in recent years, an update is underway to ensure the region maintains a relevant strategic planning tool to harness the positive effects of tourism for the local economy.

Mayor of Tweed Shire Chris Cherry said the DMP was an essential strategy for government and industry to guide the Tweed to sustainably leverage and grow the visitor economy while developing as a destination that showcases the region’s strengths.

“The Tweed is a destination that leads with nature, culture and creativity, with a diverse natural beauty and vibrant landscapes that nurture agri-tourism and produce, hold stories of a rich Aboriginal culture and inspire countless local artists and artisans,” Cr Cherry said.

“From developing our destination infrastructure, through to enhancing the visitor experience and marketing of the Tweed as a must-visit brand – a great DMP will help us build a vibrant community to live and visit and support our tourism businesses to thrive for the long-

term.”

Sally Scott, Interim General Manager of The Tweed Tourism Company, said the refreshed plan would be critical to effectively manage the region’s future tourism development and

COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent domestic border closures, to the signifcant opportunities created by new developments including the opening of the Tweed section of the Northern Rivers Rail

2030 and the state-based NSW Visitor Economy Strategy (VES) 2030, with growth targets that aim to increase visitor spend across the region. Following a rigorous fnal consultation round with regional and state tourism partners,

growth.

“This review of the DMP is timely to ensure the region’s strategic plan remains relevant for the Tweed’s tourism sector and is being developed via an extensive consultation process with local businesses and key stakeholders invited to participate,” Ms Scott said.

“The tourism landscape has changed signifcantly since 2019 with challenging recovery periods experienced as a result of fooding, the

Trail.

“While TTC and Council are the architects of this planning tool, it is important that all local tourism stakeholders need to be invested in its success and delivery to ensure the region is collaborating and working cohesively to sustainably grow visitation, length of stay and expenditure across the region.”

The updated Tweed DMP will align with both the wider North Coast NSW Destination Management Plan 2022-

including Destination NSW, Destination North Coast and the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, the fnal Tweed Destination Management Plan 20242028 is expected to be adopted by Council by November 2023.

For more information visit the Tweed’s Destination Management Plan project page on Council’s Your Say Tweed portal: yoursaytweed.com.au/ destination. Submissions are open until 31 July 2023.

The Tweed section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail is a major tourist drawcard, attracting more than 70,000 people in its frst 4 months of operation..

Have your say before 31 July on how you would like the Tweed’s visitor economy to develop. Your thoughts will contribute to the Tweed’s new Destination Management Plan.

Tweed Shire Council is seeking community feedback to help inform the development of a new coastal management program to help preserve and protect the muchloved Tweed Coast and its estuaries.

A Tweed Coast and Estuaries Coastal Management Program will be progressed over the next 18 months, based on research and consultation with experts, stakeholders and community members.

The management

New Tweed Coast and Estuaries Coastal Management Program underway

Have your say on how the Tweed Coast and estuaries should be managed for the future

Coastal Estuaries.

Of these, the Tweed River Estuary CMP was completed in late 2022 and gazetted on 3

February 2023 while the Cobaki and Terranora Broadwater CMP 2011 remains active.

The NSW Government requires that the Tweed Coast and Estuaries

Coastal Management Program considers risks and vulnerabilities relating to:

• beach erosion

• shoreline recession

• coastal lake or watercourse entrance instability

• coastal inundation

• coastal cliff or slope instability

• tidal inundation

stewardship to inform the development of this plan.

“We want the CMP to refect the interests of the community. This includes all those who use, care for, and rely upon our coastal areas. To help us make informed decisions, it’s important to understand what the community loves about the coast, and where there might be concerns or challenges.”

How can you get involved?

program aims to address the challenges faced by our coast and estuaries and will outline a framework to guide actions to help preserve the area for generations to come.

Council’s Manager Sustainability and Environment Jane Lofthouse said coastal management was the planned, strategic management of coastal areas which takes into account social, economic and ecological systems and values.

“We are at the early stages of developing a Coastal Management Program (CMP) for the Tweed Coast and estuaries,” Ms Lofthouse said.

“This means we are building our understanding of what our community loves about the coast, what they would change and their ideas for the future.”

In 2019, a scoping study was undertaken and was the frst of fve stages in the CMP

process. The scoping study reviewed the history of managing the coastal zone and developed a shared understanding of the current situation to identify the focus of Council’s new CMPs.

The scoping study defned that a total of three CMPs would be developed for the different geographical areas of Tweed Coastal Zone: the Tweed River Estuary, the Cobaki and Terranora Broadwaters and the Tweed Coast and

• erosion and inundation of foreshores caused by tidal waters and the action of waves, including the interaction of those waters with catchment foodwaters. Ms Lofthouse said coastal areas and estuaries were invaluable natural resources that supported diverse habitats, provide economic opportunities and offer recreational spaces for local communities.

“We recognise the need for a proactive approach to coastal management and will aim to develop a robust plan that addresses the challenges and opportunities associated with our coastal areas,” she said.

“We are calling on local communities, businesses and residents to actively participate in providing their feedback on coastal conservation and

Whether you’re a resident, visitor or work in these areas, we want to hear what you love about the coast, what you would change and your ideas for the future. You can let Council know what matters to you in a number of ways.

A community survey is open until 31 October to gather community feedback. It can be taken online, or hard copies are available from your nearest Council offce.

You can drop a pin on an interactive online map and tell us more about your local spot or leave a comment.

There will also be a range of opportunities for face-to-face community consultation over the coming months. Full details will be made available on the Your Say Tweed website, Council’s online community engagement platform and promoted in the Tweed Link.

Keep up to date by following the project page at yoursaytweed. com.au/tweedcmp

An aerial image of Cudgen Creek at Kingscliff, looking north towards Tweed Heads and Coolangatta in the distance.

A way of life for the exceptional few

Title: The Drover’s Daughter

Author: Patsy Kemp

Publisher: Selfpublished Price: $30.00

By Samantha Elley

While the droving lifestyle or industry is still in practice today, it is not as proli c as it was back in the early and mid 20th century.

e practice of moving thousands of head of livestock, whether it be sheep or cattle across country, was an immense task to undertake.

Nowadays they are mainly trucked across the vast expanses of Australia to get to their destination.

Add to this droving practice, the complexity of taking your family of seven children along for the ride, and you have a collection of stories about a lifestyle few Australians would understand.

Patsy Kemp was the middle child of Mick and Beryl Kemp and she has written her story of the life of a drover’s child on

Winner of prestigious Olive Cotton Award announced

Tweed Regional Gallery hosts prize for photographic portraiture

the road.

Regardless of drought or ood, cold or heat, the Kemp family lived in a caravan or out of the back of a truck, always pulling up stumps to make it to the next campsite with their army of workers, dogs, horses and of course, the livestock they were delivering to some outback station.

Smoko was on the roadside and lamb chops would be grilled over the open re on an upside-down camp oven lid.

A treat was going to the annual agricultural show and chores such as building sheep breaks, collecting rewood and packing up camp were part of the regular routine of the Kemp children’s lives.

A school education wasn’t given priority, but education in life was and Patsy’s story tells of the resilience of the children and how living a drover’s life made them tough for whatever came their way.

e Drover’s Daughter o ers a rare insight into life in the outback.

Keep an eye on this column for a review of Patsy’s follow up book e Drover’s Daughter Rides Again

You can buy your copy online from www.patsykempdrover. com

Artist Gerwyn Davies’ portrait Replica has won the $20,000 overall prize for the 2023 Olive Cotton Award.

The announcement was made in an offcial opening and presentation ceremony at Tweed Regional Gallery, Murwillumbah on Saturday night (15 July).

The ceremony was attended by many of this year’s fnalists who travelled from across the country to join in the celebrations. The event was also livestreamed for those who could not attend.

Davies’ Replica was selected as the winning portrait from a feld of 72 fnalists, including emerging and established photographers from around Australia. Davies is the 12th artist to win the Award, which was frst presented in 2005.

The Award was judged by artist, curator and critic Dr Daniel Mudie Cunningham. Dr Mudie Cunningham visited the Gallery on Friday 14 July to view all works installed before making his fnal decision.

Dr Mudie Cunningham noted “hiding is not something we associate with portraiture. A conventional portrait requires a subject’s presence and disclosure to connect with the world”.

“Gerwyn Davies is keenly aware that revelation is central to portraiture and

photography, and in Replica he engages with queer visibility politics to interrogate what it means to be seen and unseen, to appear and disappear. Camoufaged within an inventive tableau made from costuming, props, and partially harnessing new AI technologies,

of the Friends of Tweed Regional Gallery and Margaret Olley Art Centre Inc., Ferne Millen’s No Labels Required, a portrait of Dr Todd Fernando, was acquired for the Gallery’s collection, with Director Susi Muddiman OAM awarding it the 2023

change”.

Ms Muddiman also singled out the following works as deserving special attention: Stephen Dupont’s You should take it this way! 2022: A portrait of David Field; Dane Beesley’s Home; Vedika Rampal’s My mother dreams of Ghalib, Matthew Thorne’s Warren Ellis in his garden in Paris 2022, Jaka Adamic’s Chaos / Portrait of Toby, Riste Andrievski’s William Yang, Andrea Francolini’s I am what I am, and Gary Grealy’s Jude Rae_Artist.

Visitors to the Olive Cotton Award exhibition can cast their own vote in the People’s Choice Award. The fnalist with the most votes will receive $500. The exhibition will run until Sunday 24 September 2021.

The Gallery is open Wednesdays to Sundays from 10 am to 5 pm (closed Mondays and Tuesdays). Entry to view the exhibition is free.

he creates a clever and joyous image that speaks to art history and narratives of place and time, with conceptual and aesthetic rigour”.

Dr Mudie Cunningham also Highly Commended Vedika Rampal’s My mother dreams of Ghalib and Meng-Yu Yan’s Another Ruin VI.

Thanks to the generosity

Director’s Choice.

Ms Muddiman said “This work grabbed my attention. The composition and narrative is strong. In creating a photo shoot for her portrait, Ferne frames a sense of potent, positive change. This is a portrait of a proud subject, within a portrait of our society on the brink of hopeful

A full list of fnalists is available on the Gallery’s website at https:// artgallery.tweed.nsw.gov. au/PrizesAndAwards/ OliveCotton.

A strong showing of more than 600 entries were received this year for the biennial award, which is funded by Olive Cotton’s family and dedicated to her memory as one of Australia’s leading 20th Century photographers.

Ferne Millen (b.1978) No Labels Required, 2023 C-type print. Acquired as the Director’s Choice of the 2023 Olive Cotton Award. Courtesy the artist.

Gerwyn Davies (b.1985) Replica 2023 archival pigment print. Acquired as the Winner of the 2023 Olive Cotton Award. Courtesy the artist. Gerwyn Davies is represented by Jan Murphy Gallery, Brisbane; Michael Reid Gallery, Sydney/ Berlin

When work is not what it seems....

by Nigel Dawe

Now time for Local Leadership for Lismore

Lismore City Mayor

Steve Krieg has called on the NSW Government to back the people of Lismore by committing to a local leadership approach to guide Lismore’s recovery from the worst natural disaster in modern Australian history.

The Mayor and Councillors met the Minister for Planning,

leadership. We need a locally led vision for our city, a homes program that meets the needs of individuals and families, a focus on jobs creation and investment into our community over the long term.

“We have waited long enough for the State Government to bring answers and solutions to the table following

needs of our community.

“We believe, Council is best placed to take the lead and partner with the community in our recovery and rebuild.”

Mayor Krieg has written to the Premier and the Ministers requesting a meeting to discuss the Locally led plan.

What’s in the Plan?

to guide people through the available housing options.

Funding for critical infrastructure to accelerate the opening up of food-free land for much needed housing.

Jobs

OVER the course of my days, and my working life in particular, one thing has always tweaked my attention, if not scrutiny, and that is our culture’s obsession with work, albeit working hard compared to its polar opposite – not working at all.

As such, it’s fascinating to observe how some workaholics avoid at all costs being seen as doing nothing, as if working flat chat on pointless undertakings were something exceptional, and not just the superficial and childish application of exertion that it is. Relatedly, the popular turn of last century cartoonist Kin Hubbard once decreed, “Some folks can look so busy doing nothing that they seem indispensable.”

Having a compulsive work ethic that never knows when to switch off or refrain is a tell-tale sign for mine, that something is seriously wrong, however little or a lot, with the subtle inner functioning of a person’s soul. The simple ability to stop is one that has been greatly stigmatised and near on banished in modern times. My pet cringe in life is the expression of “deadline”, as if anything were so serious that associating it with actual death is anything but ridiculously warped and extreme.

In 1932 the Nobel Prize-winning mathematician and author Bertrand Russell wrote a groundbreaking essay called In Praise of Idleness. While the title might imply mirth and humour, the topic itself could not be more serious: doubly so when you fast forward the 90-years to now, and how so many people have since experienced burnout

and crippling fatigue at working way beyond a healthy limit.

Like the consummate visionary and social discerner that Russell was, in the above-mentioned essay he noted, “There was formerly a capacity for light-heartedness and play which has been to some extent inhibited by the cult of efficiency…

I want to say in all seriousness, that a great deal of harm is being done in the modern world by belief in the virtuousness of work, and that the road to happiness and prosperity lies in an organised diminution of work.” Or in other words, getting the work-life balance right for us all should be much more of a focus than working ourselves to death to somehow make ends meet, albeit just for the fickle sake of merely “getting ahead”.

In the very same vein, the self-help practitioner Karen Salmansohn once succinctly stated, “It’s called an occupation. Not a preoccupation. It’s called success, not obsess. And it’s called being in a business. Not being in abyss-ness. It’s called giving yourself a break to avoid a breakdown. It’s called being good to you.” As such, setting aside moments for being constructively idle, and not always compulsively rushed, is a crucial addition we should all factor into our daily lives. Being brave enough to be considered lazy by refusing to partake in the frantic fast lane of life is a small price to pay for ensuring our mental health and having an overall sense of purpose; or quite simply as the wise old wandering Socrates once said, “Beware the barrenness of a busy life

Paul Scully, and the Minister for Emergency Services, Jihad Dib, this week and told them of the need for local leadership for Lismore’s recovery.

“I would like to thank the Ministers for visiting our region and their commitment to re-set the approach for the design and delivery of Lismore’s reconstruction efforts,” Mayor Krieg said.

“The way forward must put the community at the centre, recognise basic physical and mental needs, and have local

the impact of the largest food in modern Australian history. The delays, misinformation and uncertainty has caused further trauma, prevented people from moving on with their lives and has had a fnancial impact on their livelihoods.

“Lismore City Council now calls on the NSW Government to back the people of Lismore by committing to a local leadership approach that is appropriately resourced and supported to create certainty and a future that meets the

Vision and Blueprint

Funding for a community led process to develop the long-term vision and blueprint for the Lismore region to drive growth, investment, homes and jobs.

Homes

A review of the Resilient Homes program to ensure it takes into consideration the impact of the 2022 natural disaster and socio-economic factors.

Funding for the adoption of a casemanagement approach and concierge service

Funding for critical essential road infrastructure to facilitate the development of food-free land identifed for jobs.

Community Investment Extension of funding for local organisations to provide essential support to individuals and families including temporary accommodation, relocation and mental health.

Human Impact Report and Strategy

Funding to undertake a Social Impact Report to examine how the disaster affected the lives of individuals in the community.

Nimbin Central School awarded $15k Sustainable Schools Grant

MEMBER for Lismore

Janelle Saffn MP has congratulated Nimbin Central School, one of the recipients of the latest round of a $10 million NSW grants

scheme supporting students to develop innovative sustainability projects at their schools.

“I’m pleased that Nimbin Central School was awarded the

maximum grant of $15,000 for its studentled program to improve the environment around the school campus,” Ms Saffn said.

“The Nimbin

community is renowned for its focus on environmental

sustainability and it is very gratifying that this ethos is alive and well

environment at schools. Across the state, this round of grants totalled just under $1 million and went to 71 schools.

Grant applications were awarded based on a number of criteria, including the project’s ability to improve the sustainability of the school environment, its connection to the curriculum and the hands-on activities included in the project.

among the school’s student cohort.”

The Sustainable Schools Grants program is in its fourth year and offers all NSW public schools and preschools up to $15,000 for student-led initiatives that improve the

“The grants program inspires and empowers students and school communities to develop ideas and put plans in place that will beneft the environment by helping to save energy or water, reduce waste, or improve biodiversity,” Ms Saffn said.

More than 600 school projects have so far been funded over the past four years, totalling more than $8.5 million.

NEWCOLOUR • NEWCOLOUR

QUICK CROSSWORD

ACROSS

1 Clients (9)

6 Land measure (imp) (4)

10 Insect before butter y (11)

11 Circus (8)

12 Strut (6)

13 Cross-cultural internet joke (4)

14 Disregarded (7)

19 They’re found in laksa or pho (7)

20 Small case for small articles (4)

24 Heavenly body (6)

25 Aligned (8)

27 Diversion (11)

28 River in Hades (4)

29 Sounds made to indicate an incoming call (9)

DOWN

1 Subterranean burial chamber (8)

2 Medical term (8)

3 Flower (6)

4 Apart (9)

5 Slave (4)

SUDOKU

No. 156

4 Bifana (pictured) is a traditional dish of which country?

5 Explorer Vasco de Gama was the rst European to sail to which ocean?

6 Collins-class refers to what kind of sea vessel?

7 ‘Typhoon’ is used to describe weather events in which hemisphere?

8 How many legs does a prawn have?

No. 156

1 China’s last lunar exploration mission and rst lunar sample-return mission was called Chang’e and which number?

2 And what does ‘Chang’e’ pertain to in Chinese mythology?

3 Formosan languages are indigenous languages of which island nation?

9 Which two countries start with an ‘A’ but do not end with an ‘A’?

10 What grape variety is the most grown in the world today?

WORD

ACROSS

1 Unexciting (4)

5 Yesteryear (4)

6 Of all time (4)

7 Work table (4) DOWN

1 Previously coloured (4)

2 Move about (4)

3 Greek god of war (4)

4 Stupid person (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”.

No. 156 21

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

I O Y

O I

S E R

8 Insert the missing letters to make 10 words –ve reading across the grid and ve reading down.

NOTE:

HIDDEN WORD

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

1 See them in the sea; say goodbye

2 Go down this at the park, not up

3 Write to a friend on the computer

4 Timekeeper

5 Force out; expel

6 Pink seafood

7 Throw these birds some bread crumbs

8 Grass for running, cricket, sports

HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW...

1. Who does Jenkinson play in Wentworth?

A. Joan Ferguson

B. Allie Novak

C. Franky Doyle

D. Vera Bennett

2. What does Jenkinson play in Nine’s 2021 drama series Amazing Grace?

A. Police o cer

B. Midwife

C. Teacher

D. Nun

3. In which show did she star alongside Asher Keddie?

A. O spring

B. Love My Way

C. Stateless

D. The Cry

4. Which fellow Wentworth actress plays her mother in Amazing Grace?

A. Pamela Rabe

B. Susie Porter

C. Celia Ireland

As I possess a most excellent memory, I recall ‘Mum Jane’ saying once “I tell you Leems, it never rains but it pours.” I was a little confused ‘cos it was most sunny outside. She explained that it means multiple negative incidents or situations that can occur together within a short time period, (‘Leemo Cat’ here!) Hmmm; well, this is unquestionably what has happened of late in our house. I was most unwell for a while; I got better, but then I had to have 3 teeth removed. Then, Mum Mum became unwell with RSV; which stands for Respiratory Syncytial Virus. Mum told me she had never even heard of RSV until she contracted it. However, after much reading, she found that RSV was actually discovered in 1956. It has since been recognized as one of the most common causes of childhood illness; it also causes annual outbreaks of respiratory illnesses in all age groups. RSV affects an estimated 64 million people and causes 160,000 deaths each year globally.

Crikey, reading all this certainly stopped Mum in her tracks. As RSV is highly contagious she’s basically become very ‘hermit-like,’ only going out (fully masked) for essentials. Our lovely Neighbour ‘Miss Denise’ also checks on her. Mum has been sleeping & reading heaps, and I even read some of Mum’s weekend papers. CRIKEY, what a lot of stories they have in them. I read about a hotel in Sydney’s

Double Bay which is ‘pet friendly’ and suggested that ‘perhaps’ when she is well again we could go stay there for a few nights? (The cost would only be $500 a night for her, and $200 a night for me, including very posh treats on trays!!) She peered at me closely.

‘Leems, did you know that ‘perhaps’ means the same thing as ‘maybe’.

I’ve contemplated your request and to be perfectly frank, there are no ‘perhaps’ or ‘maybes’ in my answer to your farcical suggestion.

NUP, we cannot go stay there as you so blithely put it, ‘for a few nights’. Not even ¼ of a night in fact. Gottit? ‘AND, Leems, if you had read about this Pet Friendly establishment properly, you should have noted that only pets of the Puppy or Dog species are allowed stay. NO CATS or KITTENS!

Well, I ask you, how discriminatory is that?

Mum ‘informed’ me that her research on taking cats to a hotel showed that packing to do so would involve as much packing and preparation as one would have to do when taking a human baby. ‘For instance Leems, I would have to bring your travel carrier, blankies, infatable food bowls, litter tray & scoop, bags for waste disposal, a tarpaulin to put UNDER your litter tray in case you become over enthusiastic; your STUFF; brush, laser light, 2 bears, your squeak mouse & chirping canary, jingle toys, feathers on a stick…on and on it goes. So, Leems, I would be exhausted even before we arrived, So, I reiterate: NUP, we’re not going for a few nights at ANY hotel, EVER! Gottit? And besides, you don’t appear to have taken our budget into consideration one iota?’

(PS: TO-DAY’S news is that our sewerage has a blockage. Plumber here tomorrow.) Crikey. To avoid any more of her interminable rabble, I’m off for a small meditative sleep on the warm grass. Nitey, Leemo

PALACE CINEMAS TO PRESERVE BALLINA’S COMMUNITY CINEMA EXPERIENCE

for food and beverages, tickets, and more. Movie Club is free to join for all Ballina Fair customers.

In addition to the Movie Club, Palace Ballina Fair Cinemas will be upgrading its current food and beverage menu. The cinema will offer curated wine lists and gourmet eats, including its famous olive-oil popcorn and connoisseur choc-tops. These improvements will provide moviegoers with a premium experience at the cinema.

Palace Cinemas is pleased to announce the preservation of Ballina’s beloved community cinema, Ballina Fair Cinemas. The cinema will now operate under the name Palace Ballina Fair

Cinemas, but the focus remains on preserving the cinema’s strong sense of community and providing a top-quality movie-going experience.

Movie-goers can expect to see some exciting updates, including access

to Palace Cinemas exclusive Movie Club. Movie Club members will be offered substantial discounts on tickets and can earn reward points for every dollar spent. These points can be redeemed

Palace Ballina Fair Cinemas will continue to showcase the same flm offerings that the local community love. Palace Cinemas is thrilled to be a part of Ballina’s community cinema experience, and looks forward to welcoming movie-goers.

For session times and visitor information, please visit https://www. palacecinemas.com.au/ cinemas/ballina-faircinemas/

New path is the spine of Heritage Park

Lismore City Council Mayor Steve Krieg today offcially opened the newly constructed pathway in Heritage Park, providing an accessible pedestrian link from Molesworth Street through to the river.

The new 2.5m-wide path also includes lighting for improved night-time safety and allows for better access to toilets and play equipment, ensuring the park is an even more attractive and usable destination for locals and visitors.

Lismore Mayor Steve Krieg said he was pleased that the path highlighted one of his favourite park elements.

“One of the best features of the new path is the well-designed raised deck around the glorious 90-year-old fg tree that offers visitors a variety of shaded-seating options,” he said.

“The fg tree was planted in one of the city’s streets in the mid1930s and transported to Heritage Park 25 years

ago. It now provides shade for the new seating so the community can relax and enjoy all the park has to offer.

“The new path also allows visitors to enjoy a stroll from Lismore City Hall on Molesworth Street through the centre of Heritage Park to Riverside Park and the Wilson River.”

The path also connects users to walking trails

outside the park.

The $682,000 pathway upgrade is one of three projects totalling $1,500,000 undertaken through the Revitalisation of the Lismore CBD program funded by the NSW Government.

Member for Lismore Janelle Saffn congratulated the Council on a successful outcome to a key part

of the Revitalisation program.

“It’s great to see the amenity of Heritage Park enhanced, given it is such a beloved feature of our downtown area that has been enjoyed by local families for many years,” Ms Saffn said. “Our community has been through a lot over the past 17 months and projects such as this are a welcome tonic.”

“Leemo has views on just about anything” IT NEVER RAINS…. but it POURS!!

Cutting the ribbon is Lismore City Mayor Steve Krieg with Lismore City Council Project Offcer Stephanie Pym and Lismore Heritage Park Train Railway owner and driver Brian Grey. Along with them are project contractors (left), Council Park’s crew (centre back) and the Lismore City Council General Manager Jon Gibbons (right).

Help shape food resilience at Tweed Heads South and Banora Point

Residents of Tweed Heads South, Banora Point and surrounding areas are encouraged to share their past food experiences and records as part of a new food study of the area.

Tweed Shire Council is undertaking a comprehensive Levee and Drainage Study of Tweed Heads South with support from the NSW Department of Planning and Environment and in collaboration with independent food specialists Catchment Simulation Solutions.

The Tweed Heads South Levee and Drainage Study aims to build on the Tweed Valley Floodplain Risk Management Study completed in 2014 by completing a localised, detailed analysis of fooding and an options assessment for the Tweed Heads South area.

Council’s Engineer –Flood and Stormwater

Leon McLean said the input of residents would play a vital role in shaping food resilience in the community.

“By collecting comprehensive information about past food events, we can gain a deeper understanding of food patterns and risks in the region,” Mr McLean said.

“This knowledge will enable us to develop effective food management strategies, including the design of any future upgrades for the Tweed Heads South Levee and Drainage System.

“Over the years, our community has witnessed signifcant food events, including in 2005, 2017 and 2022. These events have caused widespread impacts on our community, properties, businesses, industries and public infrastructure.

“Your contribution to this study is of great importance. By sharing your personal experiences and records

related to past foods, you can provide crucial insights into food-prone areas and contribute

help us make informed decisions that prioritise the safety and well-being of our community.”

consultation, focusing on gathering historical food information to calibrate the food

to provide initial feedback on food risk management options that will be explored in

The Tweed Heads South Levee and Drainage Study survey is now open. Current and past residents of Tweed Heads South, Banora Point and surrounding areas are encouraged to participate in the survey by Sunday 6 August 2023.

Residents who live within the study area should soon receive information about the study and a printed survey.

To participate in this important study and share your past food experiences and records, visit yoursaytweed.com. au/ths-levee-drainagestudy to access the online survey. Paper versions of the survey can be collected at Council’s customer service counters at Murwillumbah and Tweed Heads, or download and complete the printable version of the survey off the Your Say Tweed page and return it to one of our offces.

to the development of robust food mitigation plans. Your input will

Council is currently in the initial stage of community

models accurately. This stage also provides an opportunity for residents

more detail later in the project, involving further community input.

Any additional information, photographs, or other relevant materials that may contribute to a better understanding of past food events in the area are most welcome.

Aerial map of the Tweed Heads South Levee and Drainage Study area.

Flooding on Greenway Drive, Tweed Heads South in 2005. Residents are encouraged to share their fooding experiences at Tweed Heads South and Banora Point as part of a new food study for the area.

A welcome inquiry into insurers’ response to the 2022 foods

MEMBER FOR

Lismore Janelle Saffn

MP has welcomed the announcement of a Federal parliamentary inquiry into insurers’ response to the 2022 foods across Australia and reiterated her call for a government-based insurance program.

The joint announcement by Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Financial Services, the Hon. Stephen Jones, and Member for Calare, the Hon. Andrew Gee, said the inquiry will take a whole-of-economy view of the ongoing challenges faced by intense and frequent food events.

“As the announcement correctly points out, the devastating 2022 foods in south-east Queensland and northern New South Wales are the costliest natural disaster for insurers in Australian history, with the Insurance Council of Australia recently

estimating the cost to insurers at $5.87 billion,”

Ms Saffn said.

Ms Saffn said that in the aftermath of the Northern Rivers foods she had called for the establishment of a food reinsurance scheme for the Northern Rivers similar to the Northern Australia Cyclone Reinsurance Pool, which is backed by a $10 billion government

Lismore residents are receiving letters from their insurers informing them that they are now uninsurable,” she said.

“Not only does this

decide the risk is too great for them and thus foreclose on houses still mortgaged.”

Ms Saffn pointed to the US’s National Flood

insurance capped at a certain amount, which then allows the private market to step in and offer affordable ‘top-up’ insurance.

of the insurance challenge, including the preparedness of insurers to respond to increasingly frequent disasters, supply chain issues, skills and labour shortages, claims handling and communication with policyholders.

Ms Saffn said she supported all aspects of the inquiry but reiterated the paramount need for a national governmentbacked insurance scheme.

guarantee.

“Lismore was the epicentre of the Northern Rivers foods and right now we are seeing a situation unfold where a large swathe of South, North, East and Central

leave homeowners carrying all the risk if something happens to their homes, it also leads onto a situation where their houses will become unsellable, unrentable and cause banks to

Insurance Program as another example of a scheme that could be adapted for Australia’s needs.

“This program has many great features including incentivising mitigation and resilience measures by homeowners and local councils to reduce risk in the event of disasters. It offers affordable

“The need to implement a scheme such as this is urgent and necessary, and the Federal Government is best placed to implement it given they have the ability to raise the necessary revenue needed to fund it.”

In his announcement, Minister Jones said the inquiry will investigate all aspects

“It would help promote and give certainty to members of the public along with the private sector, it would encourage appropriate mitigation and resilience measures to be taken and would signifcantly reduce the cost to governments who currently bear the majority of the risk and fnancial burden of recovery post disasters,” she said.

New Director of Planning and Regulation to steer Tweed into future

Denise Galle has been appointed to head Tweed Shire Council’s Planning and Regulation unit at a critical time for the growing region.

Ms Galle was appointed to the role following a competitive recruitment process conducted by an external agency, with the selection panel including a representative from the NSW Department of Planning.

She replaces longstanding director Vince Connell, who recently stood down from the role after 15 years at the helm to take up a position in the private sector.

The role is a key member of Council’s Executive Leadership team, working with General Manager Troy Green and three other

directors.

Born in the Tweed before moving to the Central Coast as a child, Ms Galle undertook her studies at the University of New England in Armidale. She returned to the Tweed to undertake work experience as a young student at Tweed Shire Council. After graduating, she learned the ropes of town planning at a private planning frm in Sydney, Design Collaborative and in government, working in roles at Ballina Shire Council and Woollahra Municipal Council in Sydney.

Ms Galle returned to the Tweed in 2002 to take up a role as a junior town planner at Tweed Shire Council, working

her way up through the ranks to the position of Manager Building and Environmental Health, where she has led a unit of more than 40 people since May 2020.

“I acknowledge the excellent technical experience of our existing planning staff and look forward to working with them towards strengthening Council’s relationship with the wider community,” Ms Galle said.

“This is a critical time in the development of the Tweed Shire and it is crucial we strike the right balance between managing unprecedented growth in the housing sector, ensuring we get the right mix of development including

affordable housing, while maintaining positive outcomes for the environment we value so dearly.”

General Manager Troy Green congratulated Ms Galle on her appointment.

“I was really pleased with the feld of candidates who applied for the position,” Mr

Green said.

“Through a robust, four-stage process undertaken by an external Queenslandbased recruitment frm, Denise stood out as the leading candidate. I would like to thank all of the candidates who put themselves forward and expressed interest in the role.

“I welcome Ms Galle to the role of Director of Planning and Regulation. This is a key position within our executive leadership team and one which is often under continuous pressure and confict. Denise was able to demonstrate she would be able to work collaboratively with all parties to achieve positive planning and development outcomes in accordance with the NSW Environment Planning and Assessment Act, as well as other strategic and regulatory processes we work within, in addition to Council’s own policies and strategic documents.”

Ms Galle will begin work in her new role on Monday 31 July.

Denise Galle has been appointed the new Director - Planning and Regulation at Tweed Shire Council.

Navigating life with a child that is struggling in a mainstream school: Stories from our MSA families

Written by Ashlee Thomas

Kids attend school during an important part of their development. A time when they are learning the necessary skills to socialise, learn and receive feedback.

Many kids struggle to fnd their place, worth and value as they attend school. They try to connect with their peers, develop their sense of self and enhance their intellectual ability in the schooling environment. If they feel lost or misunderstood in one of these areas, their whole world can feel like it is falling apart. Kids can become stressed, anxious, fearful, and emotional, which therefore encourages them to disengage.

Robyn has a 12-yearold son with dyslexia.

In years three and four, her son developed a facial tic, which started because of his nerves about his ability within a classroom.

Her son’s dyslexia affected his confdence and self-worth as students and teachers made him feel like he was unable to learn.

Robyn’s son said, “I sometimes felt embarrassed about my spelling, and the teachers at my old school never listened to me.”

Robyn would frequently advocate for her son. However, she was constantly let down by teachers that did not care or understand what her son needed in the classroom.

Robyn said, “Every year I would write a letter and then go into the school speaking

to the teachers saying what [my son] needs and what he does not respond well to, and every year nothing would change, and he would be forgotten.”

As a parent, it can be exhausting to advocate for your child against a system that is not as supportive as it needs to be. Robyn knew she had to fnd a better school that could support her son, as she feared she would end up with a child who would not want to leave the bedroom.

“I could see that in school both his confdence and happiness were slipping away, and I just thought I was going to end up with a kid that won’t do anything and won’t leave his room,” Robyn said.

So in 2021, Robyn enrolled her son at Mastery Schools Australia (MSA). A decision that was hard to make, but they are yet to regret.

Robyn’s son said, “I used to struggle to see the words ‘still’ on a page, they would keep moving, and I couldn’t read them right. Now there is less moving, and it’s easier to focus on the words since being at MSA.” Will also lost his nervous tic within the frst few months of attending MSA.

At Mastery Schools

Australia students are made to feel worthy of an education and safe enough to want to invest in their learning. If your child is disengaged or struggling in a mainstream school, get in contact with us today by contacting (07) 5551 4080 or visiting our website https://msa.qld. edu.au/contact-us/

Landholders along Emigrant Creek restoring habitat and creating fsh-friendly farms

Riparian rehabilitation works have been completed on 5.5 hectares across 7 properties to increase the health and productivity of habitats that support fsh stocks along Emigrant Creek.

Landholders in partnership with OzFish Unlimited and North Coast Local Land Services have undertaken works to:

Reinstate native riparian vegetation

Protect riverbanks against further erosion and increase bank stability

Exclude cattle from waterways

Provide instream habitat for a range of different fsh species.

Emigrant Creek is a main tributary of the Richmond River’s lower estuary and is a popular destination for both freshwater and estuarine species. Due to being in an area where the salt water reaches it’s limit, the area is important to both estuarine species and to migrating bass.

Genevieve Maley, Land Services Offcer at North Coast Local Land Services said revegetating the riparian areas will ensure that the bank is protected from erosion and runoff will be fltered, improving the water quality for both fsh and the wider community.

“Once the trees have reached canopy height they will provide shade from overhanging vegetation, provide a food source via terrestrial invertebrate fall and later on create instream woody snags,” Genevieve said.

In addition to the riparian rehabilitation works reef balls have been installed to provide immediate instream habitat.

Reef balls are made from a specially formulated concrete

feeding grounds, and breeding sites for a variety of fsh species, promoting biodiversity and supporting local fsheries.

project include:

Providing habitat and shelter for fsh

Improving water quality through riparian buffer plantings

that is environmentally friendly and resemble a hollow dome with holes and notches. The hollow interior serves as a shelter and nursery for juvenile fsh and provides hiding places,

Ryan Lungu, Program Manger at OzFish Unlimited said it was exciting for the Richmond River OzFish chapter to be involved in providing much needed additional habitat for native fsh in Emigrant Creek.

Outcomes of this

Increasing bank stability and lowering the risk of erosion by excluding cattle from creekbanks

Providing a riparian corridor for species biodiversity surrounded by farmland

This project is part of the Fisheries Habitat Restoration Program in which North Coast Local Land Services will deliver fve projects to restore the health and functionality of fsheries habitats across the region.

To fnd out more visit: https://www.lls.nsw.gov. au/regions/north-coast/ key-projects/naturalresource-management

RECENT CATTLE MARKET REPORTS

LISMORE

LISMORE CATTLE MARKET REPORT BROUGHT

TO YOU BY IAN WEIR & SONS - 02 6621 2768

WEEKLY SALE WEDNESDAY 19TH JULY 2023

1,300 cattle were sold through the ring at Lismore Saleyards on Wednesday.

Most of the bulls on offer were secondary quality and most ranged from $1.80 to $2.48/kg.

TENTERFIELD

BROUGHT TO YOU BY HAROLD CURRY

PH: 02 6736 1344

MARKET REPORT

Cows sell to $1,415.76

Sale Date: 17.07.2023

Number Yarded: 144

Numbers decreased this sale with a total yarding of 144 head, with the market trend in line with last week’s markets. A small yarding of steers reached 268.2 cents whilst no bullocks were yarded.

In the cow section heavy weights sold to 214.2 cents, medium weights reached 198.2 cents with heifers selling

WARWICK

MC DOUGALL & SONS SHEEP & LAMB REPORT

BOOM, CRASH, OPERA might be popular as a band, but for a sheep and lamb sale it is not good when the market hits the crash level as it did today. Agents and vendors combined to present a total of 2184 head to the market. The warning signs were in the sales held in the southern markets and to date the weekly sale has not refected the falls in the south, but it came with a bang. The lambs today topped at $138 to average $74.97($39down), hoggets topped at $100 to average $56.95($25down), ewes topped at $78 to average $41.88($4down), Rams topped at $40 to average $29.60($39down), Lamb rams topped at $82 to average $31.84($31down). The sale average stood at $67.68/head a drop of $22/head week on week.

Hurley & Weiss sold Dorper lambs 68.8kg to Take It

Easy Meats for $134, hoggets 72kg to restockers for $100, ewes to Thomas Foods for $60 Vermont Past Co sold Xbred lambs 57.5kg to Eversons for $100, ewes to Eversons for $78

Clint & Jenny Addams sold Dorper ewe lambs 59kg to restockers for $120, ewes to Thomas Foods for $70

Giltrow Family sold Dorper lambs 54kg to Leslie Lamb for $115 and $111, 47kg to GR Prime for $105 and Leslie Lamb for $116

Greg & Clancy Mc Gahan sold Dorper lambs 48.3kg to GR Prims for $116, ewes to Thomas Foods for $74

Rory & Kathy Frost sold Dorper lambs 44.2kg to Leslie Lamb for $112

A good line up of heavy cows sold at slightly higher rates $1.95 to $2.22/kg. Plain cows sold from $1.50 to $1.80/ kg. Weaner buyers were very selective. Good confrmation steers ranged from $2.70 to $3.56/kg for a line of 200kg Angus. The better lines of heifers ranged from $2.30 to $2.80/kg depending on breed, shape and weight. If the calves were not suitable for weaner orders, they sold at disappointing rates of $1.80 to $2.20/kg.

to 170 cents.

In the trade section weaner steers topped at 316.2 cents, whilst the heifer portion reached 254.2 cents, both returning to the paddock.

The yarding of bulls sold to 196.2 cents.

TENTERFIELD

TOP PRICES

BULLOCKS: No Quote $

STEERS: R Davies & P Hannan $ 1193.49

Bodumba Farming sold Dorper x lambs 45kg to Armac Farming for $79, 41.5kg to DM Luck Meats for $49, hoggets 45kg to restockers for $88

Michael Daggar sold Dorper x lambs 44kg to GR Prime for $81, 40.9kg to Shelley F/T for $60, 52.5kg hoggets to restockers for $88

Geoff & Andrea Fearby sold Border Leicester 1stx ewe lambs 44.5kg to GR Prime for $69.50

Brendan Coupe sold Dorper x ewe lambs to restockers for $55

John Wright sold Dorper lambs 30.3kg to Highchester Meats for $48, ewes to Eversons for $40

Warrenfels Estate sold 1st Dorset lambs 40kg to restockers for $30

Craven Farms sold Dorset x lambs 31kg to restockers for $26, hoggets 40kg to Eversons for $40

LIVESTOCK MARKETS WARWICK REGION

WEEK ENDING 21/07/2023

Markets were softer across all sectors of the livestock markets this week as processors and back to the paddock buyers curbed their spending. The reduced values would normally encourage replacement buyers and feed-on operations to maintain some semblance of normality. The problem being a volume of stock around at the winter periods which as we move forward is looking to go into a dry period that along with the cost of feed and lack thereof is also a problem. The main reason also is common with all other industries, in that the consumer is being subjected to cost of living increases, hence the downturn across the shopfronts.

Vealer steers av 269.2c/kg topping at 345c/kg or $656.37

NEXT SALES

LISMORE SALEYARDS - TOMORROW FRIDAY 21ST JULY FROM 8AM

LISMORE SALEYARDS - WEDNESDAY 26TH JULY FROM 7.30AM

Once again, these sales are being held in conjunction with Casino agents.

Don’t forget the All Breeds Bull and Female Sale NRLX, Casino on Saturday 29th July

COWS: KM & HD Crotty $ 1415.76

HEIFERS: NW & SG Grogan $ 1360.63

YEARLINGS: Jayne Crotty $ 877.50

VEALERS: G & T Hutchings $ 777.75

BULLS: Aiden Moodie $ 1478.88

NEXT SALE: 31st July 2023, 9:00am Start

to $1035.00

Vealer heifers av 212.8c/kg topping at 260c/kg or $516.70 to $905.25

Feeder steers av 299.4c/kg topping at 335.2c/kg or $1238.45 to $1593.87

Feeder heifers av 229.8c/kg topping at 252.2c/kg or $897.54 to $1032.00

Yearling steers av 317.3c/kg topping at 370.2c/kg or $864.58 to $1593.48

Yearling heifers av 234.7c/kg topping at 320.2c/kg or $655.32 to $1335.95

Steers av 258.7c/kg topping at 320c/kg or $1570.82 to $1963.35

Heifers av 240.5c/kg topping at 261.2c/kg or $1228.85 to $1660.56

Manufacturing steers av 189.2 to make $870.32 Cows av 188.6c/kg topping at 215.2c/kg or $1050.60 to $1627.92

Bulls av 224.7c/kg topping at 270c/kg or $1400.58 to $2665.00

Lambs topped at $138 to av $74.97 down $39/head

Hoggets topped at $100 to av $56.95 down $25/head

Ewes topped at $78 to av $41.88 a drop of $4/head

Lamb rams topped at $82 to av $31.84 a drop of $31/ head

The sale total of 2184 head averaged $67.68 a drop of $22/head week on week.

Sows sold from $32 to $58, Boars from $78 to $98, Baconers from $190 to $210, Light Pork from $130 to $163, Stores from $28 to $134

Hens sold to $47.50, Roosters to $22.50, Silkys to $25, Chickens to $10 , Call Drakes to $15, Ducks to $45, Guinea fowl to $22.50

$38 MILLION IN eID REBATES FOR NSW SHEEP AND GOAT INDUSTRY

The Albanese and Minns Governments have joined together to announce more than $38 million to support the sheep and goat industry implement mandatory individual electronic identifcation (eID) across NSW.

From 1 August 2023, the sheep and farmed goat supply chain will be able to access an NSW Sheep and Goat eID Infrastructure Rebate to assist impacted stakeholders in transitioning from the existing visual tag system to an eID one.

The Rebate will frst be rolled out to saleyards and processors, then producers and agents from 3 October 2023.

The New South Wales government is contributing $31.4 million toward the scheme, with the Federal Government chipping in $7.2 million.

Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries

and Forestry Murray Watt said the investment would go towards the cost of transitioning to an eID system.

“Bringing in an eID system has very strong advantages for our farmers,” Minister Watt said.

“When we can tell the story of every animal and prove to our consumers the integrity of our supply chains, we can reassure our trading partners that our products are being produced to the highest possible standards of quality and animal welfare.

“We have a great story to tell of our high-quality produce, and this opens up possibilities for accessing premium markets overseas.

“We know that our produce is sustainable and subject to rigorous standards. With the data and transparency to back it up, the rest of the world will know it as

well.”

NSW Minister for Agriculture, Regional NSW and Western NSW, Tara Moriarty announced the commitment to farmers at the NSW Farmers Conference in

“Better traceability will ensure we can respond faster if there is an outbreak of an emergency animal disease and therefore reduce potential impacts on animals, farmers and

Rosehill today.

The Minister said the funding announced today demonstrates the NSW Government’s commitment to enhancing traceability systems and supporting the industry to meet this objective.

consumers worldwide,” Ms Moriarty said.

“We’ve heard industry – they need support to make the move to eID. This announcement demonstrates that we have listened.”

“Industry has been involved every step of

the way through the NSW Sheep and Goat Traceability Reference group, with additional feedback obtained via direct engagement from stakeholders across the sheep and goat supply chain.”

The rebate scheme, which will be administered by the NSW Rural Assistance Authority (RAA) includes:

• 100% rebate to saleyards (due to high upfront costs)

• 50% rebate to processors

• 50% rebate to stock and station agents

• 50% rebate to producers

The NSW Government will provide additional free eID-specifc training and education to help producers, agents and those working in saleyards and processors to understand their requirements with respect to sheep and goat eID.

Training is expected to commence later this year.

Ms Moriarty encouraged all possible applicants to visit the RAA website for more information about what support is available to them.

For more information on the implementation of eID for sheep and goats in NSW visit www.dpi. nsw.gov.au/eid and sign up to the NSW sheep and goat eID newsletter.

Hendra virus confirmed in unvaccinated horse near Newcastle

A 24 year old unvaccinated horse has died from Hendra virus at a property near Newcastle, NSW.

The detection of the virus was confrmed late on Tuesday 18 July 2023, through testing at NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute.

NSW DPI Chief Veterinary Offcer, Dr Jo Coombe said a private vet attended to the affected horse.

“The horse was depressed, uncoordinated, had a nasal discharge and high temperatures, so the attending vet collected samples for testing and notifed the DPI Emergency Animal Disease Hotline,” Dr Coombe said.

“NSW DPI and Local Land Services are working with the

private vet to undertake a risk assessment on the property. At this stage, no other animals are showing any signs of ill health.

people who have had contact with the infected horse.

“Hendra virus infection is notifable in NSW under the NSW

property is now in place for at least 21 days.”

This is the frst confrmed detection of Hendra virus in NSW since October 2021.

frst case in 2006.

There have been no human deaths from Hendra virus in NSW.

NSW DPI is urging horse owners to remain

is the most effective way to help manage Hendra virus,” Dr Coombe said.

“Owners should also keep their horses away from fowering and fruiting trees that are attractive to bats.

“Do not place feed and water under trees and cover feed and water containers with a shelter so they cannot be contaminated from above.

“If your horse is unwell, keep people and animals away from the horse and call your private veterinarian immediately.”

Owners or private vets with concerns about a horse that may have Hendra virus, should call the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.

“Public Health Offcers from Hunter New England Health are also undertaking risk assessments of any

Biosecurity Act and an Individual Biosecurity Direction to control the movement of animals and people on and off the

Previous to this case, there have been 25 horse deaths in NSW as a result of Hendra virus on 24 properties, since the

vigilant as the signs of Hendra virus infection are very non-specifc early on.

“Vaccination of horses

For more information on Hendra virus visit, www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/ hendra.

CASINO TRUCK SHOW 2023 10 years of trucking through Casino

Despite the loss of the North Coast Petroleum Casino Truck Show in 2020 and 2021 due to Covid, the event has been coming back better than ever with the 10 year celebrations happening on Saturday, 5th August.

“The truck show is far bigger than the Casino district,” said show coordinator Darren Goodwin.

“It is a true national event.

“If you go to Karratha and ask a truckie if he has heard of the Casino Truck Show, he will answer ‘yes’.”

The growth of the show has almost been exponential with 220 trucks in 2019, 375 in 2022 and an expected number of over 400 for

SATURDAY 5TH AUGUST 2023 - CASINO CBD

2023. A good problem to have, but Darren has been wondering how they are all going to ft in the town.

“Hence the reason for my lack of sleep,” he joked.

Registration is $30 per truck, including a competition entry and parking in the event precinct.

Online registrations go into the draw to win an amazing Engel prize pack, which includes a 40-litre anniversary fridge.

Entries can be made online at https:// casinotruckshow.com.

au/ or by registering on the day from 6am at the Casino industrial estate.

The 2023 North Coast Petroleum Casino Truck Show will start at 10am

with the Legendary Highway Lights truck parade.

From there will follow lots of family fun, including live music and entertainment including freestyle motorcross riders, children’s

amusement rides, food and drink and much more.

Trophies are sponsored by the Brown & Hurley Group and they will be presented to more than 80 winners and placegetters in 16

categories. The premier award for the show, the Tiny Lollback Rig of the Show, comes with $1000 in prizemoney along with some unique, oneoff 6061 Billet goodies, crafted by Monkey

Spunk Fabrications, as well as the towering Rig of the Show trophy and the winner’s name etched on the plaque. There is something for everyone at the 2023 North Coast Petroleum Casino Truck Show.

By Samantha Elley

“Our service is what sets us apart. Need fuel and oil? ..... “It’s all good”

A message and welcome from the show coordinator Darren Goodwin.

The 2023 North Coast Petroleum Casino Truck Show will be held in the Casino CBD on Saturday 5 August.

Celebrating its 10th year, organisers are busily setting the scene for what is shaping up to be the best-ever NCP Casino Truck Show - an event which proudly celebrates those who carry our great nation.

Starting at 10am with a legendary Highway Lights truck parade, the NCP Casino Truck Show will feature fabulous fun for the whole family including live entertainment, amusements rides for children, food and beverage vendors, and lots more.

The Casino Truck Show was started in

IN CELEBRATION OF THE 10TH NORTH COAST PETROLEUM CASINO TRUCK SHOW 2023

Casino Truck Show

SATURDAY 5TH AUGUST 2023 - CASINO CBD

2011 by locals Darren Goodwin and the late Tiny Lollback, who both loved the industry and their hometown of Casino. The idea was borne following the demise of the Lismore Show.

The inaugural Casino Truck Show was held in the Primex grounds and remained there for three years before moving to the town centre. Once the show moved into the CBD it just blossomed. Every year there seems to be more and more trucks and the quality just seems to get better and better. In 2019 the number hit 251 trucks, up from the 207 of 2018. Last year that number rose to 375 trucks, and attracted a crowd of around 8000 people. Organisers are expecting

more entries and more people to attend this yea’s 10th anniversary event.

The Casino Truck Show hosts plenty of kid-friendly activities such as amusements rides, face painting, as well as Australia’s top professional freestyle motocross team, market stalls and live entertainment.

North Coast Petroleum continues to support the Casino Truck Show as naming rights sponsor. Highway Lights has naming rights for the truck parade, Tyrepower is sponsoring Airtime FMX, Robuk Engineering is sponsoring the Country Mud band and a new category of trophies, Toowoomba Truck Centre Specialists

has contributed to the Elite Series category, general trophies are sponsored by the Brown & Hurley Group and will be presented to more than 80 winners and placegetters in 16 categories.

Event Ambassador Jon Kelly, from Heavy Haulage Assets, is Event Ambassador and will set the wow factor with an elaborate display of trucks. Jon has been attending the Truck Show since its inception; his support and recent promotion via his Discovery TV series, Aussie Truck Rehab, has been immeasurable.

The TTSC Group is sponsoring the exclusive Top Five Judged Elite Series awards, where each winner receives $500, and the Dawson’s

Haulage Best Fleet Series offers $800 for frst place, $600 for second and $400 for third.

Truckwriters and MasterArt Designs have teamed up to support the Best Paint trophies, while the Royans Group has come on board to deliver the Industry Pride and Passion awards – a new category for 2023. The premier award for the show, the Tiny Lollback Rig of the Show, comes with $1000 in prizemoney along with some unique, oneoff 6061 Billet goodies, crafted by Monkey Spunk Fabrications, as well as the towering Rig of the Show trophy and the winner’s name etched on the plaque.

Other sponsors include: All Bulk Trans; All

American Custom Chrome; Casino RSM Club; FEDC; Engel Australia; Grafton & Coffs Heavy Towing; Jim Pearson Transport; Wickham Freight Lines; Levanta; Mactrans; The MJ Smith Group; Retriever Towing; S&S Heavy Haulage; SLS Group; Southside Truck Centre; Training 4 Transport; V-DAQ; Yatala Truck Wash; AO Industries; Chambers Bulk Transport; Clydesdale Motel and Steakhouse; Lelox; Londy’s Takeaways; MBM Insurance Solutions; Midcoast Trucks; Pearl Craft Steering Wheels; RC Metalcraft; Shoebridge Transport; TBI Insurance Services; Walkers Towing; Zephyr Pro Australia.

IN CELEBRATION OF THE 10TH NORTH COAST

PETROLEUM CASINO TRUCK SHOW 2023

The 2023 cane crushing season is underway after months of maintenance work in the harvesting and milling sectors.

Clarence growers are expected to cut some 500,000 tonnes of sugarcane and the Tweed crop is estimated to come in at 405,000 tonnes of sugarcane. With the Richmond crop still impacted by the 2022 food events, the total crop is forecast to come in at 350,000 tonnes and

is being processed at Broadwater sugar mill on a 5-day crushing week.

Despite the reduced crop, growers are set to receive $54 per tonne, which is a record cane price. This positive price, along with favourable weather conditions, is expected to drive a major planting effort across the Tweed, Richmond and Clarence Valley regions later in the season.

The sugarcane industry has been a stalwart of agriculture

in the northern rivers for over 150 years. Sugarcane is such a hardy and reliable crop for this area. Add to that an industry model that is set up to support growers with the best pricing outcomes, farm productivity advice, variety development and a sales and marketing network for fnished goods – and you have an industry that is strong and vibrant enough to handle not just the good seasons, but also the not-so-good seasons.

REGISTRATIONS

Registration is $30 per truck, including competition entry and parking in the event precinct. Online registrations go into the draw to win an Engel prize pack, which includes a

SATURDAY 5TH AUGUST 2023 - CASINO CBD

40-litre anniversary fridge. Last year saw 375 trucks register. Tipping 400+ this year. Entries can be made online at casinotruckshow.com. au or by registering on the day from 6am at the Casino industrial estate.

MERCHANDISE

Merchandise for sale this year includes shirts, hoodies, hats, stubby coolers, and

FOOD AND BEVERAGES

key rings. They will be available from the Truck Show merchandise tent on the day as well as online.

will be scattered throughout the CBD, and an impressive market place will be set up in the car park behind the Community Centre.

ENTERTAINENT

Confrmed entertainment as follows:

Country Mud BandPlaying from 11:30am to 2pm.

Airtime FMXThree shows between 12pm and 3pm.

Wildlife Show - Two Shows.

Sacred Circus - Stilt walkers, a mime, a juggler and a balloon twister between 12pm and 3pm.

SATURDAY

NCIS: LOS ANGELES

TEN, 8pm

SUNDAY THE 63RD TV WEEK LOGIE AWARDS

SEVEN, 7.30pm

Your run-of-the-mill Sunday evening is set to get glamorous with the Logie Awards beaming into lounge rooms nationwide. From The Star in Sydney, it’s the annual event that celebrates our homegrown TV talent, kicking o course – with the not-to-be-missed red carpet spectacle at 7pm. Hosted by Dr Chris Brown and Sonia Kruger, expect a swarm of satin, sparkles and bow ties. After the nominees have waxed lyrical about their fancy out ts, playful comedian Sam Pang (pictured) will take to the stage as host. Lego Masters’ Hamish Blake is a hot chance to nab the coveted Gold Logie for the second year in a row, but could Mystery Road: Origin’s Mark Coles Smith steal his thunder?

MONDAY MY BRILLIANT FRIEND

SBS, 11.05pm

bamboozled by the late-night scheduling: this vivid coming-of-age drama is close to perfection. Based rst book by author Elena Ferrante, this Italian series –produced by HBO – is gorgeously crafted and impeccably acted. Exploring many issues, including sexism, motherhood and oppression, through the eyes of a group of girls as they grow into women, it’s gripping and insightful. If you haven’t discovered this series or Ferrante’s books, you’ll soon nd yourself unable to resist a bingeing marathon. Tonight, in “The Metamorphoses”, Lila (Gaia Girace and Ludovica Nasti) nally stands up to her rich bullies, the Solara brothers.

2807 With great selection of leather shoes. New AUTUMN ARRIVALS in now. 114 Main St, Murwillumbah. 0266 721224 Belle M Boutique

FRIDAY, July 28

6.00 News. 9.00 News. 10.00 Invisible Wars. (PG, R) 11.00 The Poles Revealed. (PG, R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Bay Of Fires. (Mal, R)

2.00 Gruen. (R) 2.35 The Greek Islands With Julia Bradbury. (R)

2.55 Gardening Australia. (R)

5.30

6.00 The Drum.

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 First Weapons: Kodj. (PG) Hosted by Phil Breslin.

8.00 Death In Paradise. (PG, R) Jack faces a life-changing decision while investigating the murder of a man found in a boat.

9.00 Utopia. (Final, PG, R) Nat and Ash work on deciphering who owns the title on an historic project.

9.30 Gold Diggers. (Mls, R) Gert goes on a bender.

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

10.15 The Split. (Final, Ma, R) Nina confesses her past misdeeds.

11.15 Miniseries: Why Didn’t They Ask Evans? (Malv, R)

12.15 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

6.00 Morning Programs.. 8.00 WorldWatch. 10.00 Paul O’Grady: For The Love Of Dogs. (PGa, R) 11.00 Tour De France Femmes: Bonjour Le Tour. (R) 12.00 Tour de France

Femmes.

Mastermind Aust. (R) 3.00 NITV News: Nula. 3.35 The Cook Up. (PG, R) 4.05 Jeopardy! (R) 4.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

5.00

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.35 World’s Most Scenic River Journeys. (PGa, R)

8.30 Legends Of The Pharaohs: Hatshepsut, The Pharaoh Queen.

9.30 Iceland With Alexander Armstrong. (Ma, R)

10.25 SBS World News Late.

11.00 Cycling. Tour de France Femmes. Stage 6.

1.50 Nine Perfect Strangers. (Malv, R)

3.40 Destination Flavour Down Under. (R)

4.40 Bamay. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

World Cup. Group B. Australia v Nigeria. Replay. 2.00 FIFA Women’s World Cup Highlights. 2.30 Highway Cops. (PGa, R) 3.00 The Chase. (R) 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia. 6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. (PG) 11.30 World Aquatics Championships. Fukuoka 2023. Day 6. Heats. 2.15 9Honey: He Said She Said. (PG) 2.30 Pointless. (PG, R) 3.00 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 4.00 Afternoon News. 5.00 Millionaire Hot Seat. (R) 6.00 Morning Programs. 7.00 Farm To Fork. (R) 7.30 GCBC. (R) 8.00 Everyday Gourmet. (R) 8.30 Ent. Tonight. (R) 9.00 Judge Judy. (PG, R) 9.30 Bold. (PGa, R) 10.00 Studio 10. (PG) 12.00 10 News First: Midday. 1.00 Dr Phil. (Masv) 2.00 Location, Location, Location Australia. (R) 3.00 Ent. Tonight. 3.30 Judge Judy. (PG, R) 4.00 Everyday Gourmet. 4.30 Bold. (PGas) 5.00 News.

6.00 7News Local.

6.30 7News @ 6:30.

7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. Johanna Griggs catches up with Simmone Logue.

8.30 MOVIE: This Means War. (2012, Mlsv, R) Two CIA operatives and close friends nd themselves vying for the a ections of the same woman. They decide to hide the fact they know each other, giving her the chance to choose between them. Reese Witherspoon, Chris Pine, Tom Hardy.

10.30 The Rookie. (Mav, R) The team searches for a missing boy.

11.30 Autopsy USA: Mindy McCready. (MA15+av, R) A look at the suicide of Mindy McCready.

12.30 Home Shopping.

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 A Current A air.

7.30 Rugby League. NRL. Round 22. Melbourne Storm v Parramatta Eels. From Marvel Stadium, Melbourne.

9.55 Golden Point. A wrap-up of the Melbourne Storm versus Parramatta Eels match, with news and analysis.

10.40 Cricket. The Ashes. Fifth Test. England v Australia. Day 2. Afternoon session.

3.30 It’s All Greek To Me. (PG, R) George Diakomichalis meets the Kontopoulos family.

4.00 Postcards. (PG, R) The team delves into Newport’s railway history.

4.30 Global Shop. (R) Home shopping.

5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

5.30 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)

6.30 The Project. A look at the day’s news and events.

7.30 Location, Location, Location Australia. Property experts search for homes.

8.30 Have You Been Paying Attention? (Malns, R) Amanda Keller, Aaron Chen and Kitty Flanagan compete to see who can remember the most about the week.

9.30 The Graham Norton Show. (PGa, R) Graham Norton is joined by Paul Mescal, Michaela Coel, Winston Duke, Emma Corrin and Richard Ayoade.

11.30 The Project. (R) A look at the day’s news and events.

12.30 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG)

6am WorldWatch. 10.00 Beerland. 11.30 The UnXplained. 12.20pm Curse Of Oak Island. 1.05 WorldWatch. 2.00 Tour De France Femmes: Bonjour Le Tour. 3.00 Cycling. Tour de France Femmes. H’lights. 4.00 WorldWatch. 5.00 Forged In Fire. 6.40 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 Hoarders. 9.25 My Granny The Escort. 10.25 Ina Loves Porno. 11.20 The Good Fight. 1.10am South Park. 2.40 NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera. 6am Morning Programs. 7.30 Room For Improvement. 8.00 Shopping. 8.30 Million Dollar Minute. 9.30 NBC Today. Noon Better Homes. 1.00 Escape To The Country. 2.00 Harry’s Practice. 2.30 The Aussie Property Flippers. 3.30 Room For Improvement. 4.00 Medical Emergency. 4.30 Better Homes. 5.30 Escape To The Country. 6.30 Bargain Hunt. 7.30 Border Security: International. 8.30 Escape To The Country. 10.30 The Aussie Property Flippers. 11.30 Late Programs. 6am Home Shopping. 8.00 Snap Happy. 8.30 Destination Dessert. 9.00 What’s Up Down Under. 9.30 Jake And The Fatman. 10.30 JAG. 12.30pm NCIS. 1.30 Bull. 2.30 Jake And The Fatman. 3.30 Diagnosis Murder. 5.30 JAG. 7.30 Bull. 8.30 NCIS. 9.25 NCIS: Los Angeles. 11.15 Star Trek: Discovery. 12.15am Home Shopping. 2.15 Diagnosis Murder. 4.05 JAG. 6am TV Shop. 7.00 Cre o. 7.30 TV Shop. 10.30 Pointless. 11.30 My Favorite Martian. Noon Days Of Our Lives. 12.55 The Young And The Restless. 1.50 Explore. 2.00 Dr Quinn. 3.00 Antiques Roadshow. 3.30 MOVIE: It’s Great To Be Young! (1956) 5.30 Yorkshire Auction House. 6.30 Antiques Roadshow. 7.30 Cricket. The Ashes. Fifth Test. England v Australia. Day 2. Morning session. 10.40 MOVIE: Ronin. (1998, M) 1am Late Programs. BOLD (51) 9GEM (82) 7TWO (62) VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 6.45pm The Adventures Of Paddington. 6.55 Shaun The Sheep. 7.05 Andy’s Wild Adventures. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Spicks And Specks. 8.00 Hard

Quiz.

LONG ESTABLISHED FAMILY FREIGHT BUSINESS

Darryl McMullen comes from a long established family in the Northern Rivers area. As the eldest boy of six, he was schooled in Casino. “It was compulsory to go to school, but not compulsory to learn,” laughed Darryl. With that he left school at 16 and went to the south coast where he built up a transport business. “I’ve been in

the transport business now ON the North Coast Since 1979,” said Darryl.

“We have had long associations with Hurfords, Richmond Waste and a timber merchant in Brisbane for over 30 years.”

With the expansion of the business to include West Of The Range

Transport and Hensley

Carriers we strive to maintain a high standard of service to our clients and the North Coast / Northern Rivers region. As a business owner i am especially proud of my team of 20 Fulltime employees and the job we have done through the hard times of the last 5 years and are continially moving forward.

Darryl’s youngest daughter Jodie McRae is the founder of Jodie’s Inspiration, so it is no surprise to nd advertising for the charity on the back of his trucks. “We also raise money at our Christmas parties for the organisation,” he said.

IN CELEBRATION OF THE 10TH NORTH COAST PETROLEUM CASINO TRUCK SHOW 2023

Categories.

Best Restoration - First and Runner Up

Best Historic - First and Runner Up

Best Classic - First and Runner Up

Notable Company Representation x 3

Best Rig 0-1 years

Best Rig 1-5 years

Best Rig 5-10 years

Best Rig 10-15 years

Best Rig 15-20 years

Best Rig 20-25 years Best Rig 25 plus years

Best 2470 Local Truck

Best Service Vehicle

Best Specialised

Best Tilt-Tray

Best Rigid - First and Runner Up

Best Day Cab

Best Bonnetted

Best Cabover

Best Custom Truck

Best Engine Bay

Best Sponsors Display

Best Car Carrier

Best Tipper – Bulk

Best Tipper - Civil

Best Tanker

Best Refrigerated

Best General Freight

Best Heavy Recovery - First and Runner Up

Best Log Truck - First and Runner Up

Best Livestock Truck - First and Runner Up

Best Heavy Haulage - First and Runner Up

Best Japanese

Best European - First and Runner Up

Best Ford/Stirling

Best Freightliner - First and Runner Up

Best Western Star - First and Runner Up

Best Peterbilt - First and Runner Up

Best Mack - First and Runner Up

Best Kenworth - First and Runner Up

MasterArt Designs and Truckwriters

Best Airbrush and Artwork

Best Traditional Paint

Best Signwriting, Line and Scroll Best Overall Paint

Impressive Owner Operator x 3

Royans Group

Industry Pride and Passion x 5

Robuk Engineering

She’s Done A Bit

The Things A Banga

That’s Smick

It’s Phat

Sharp As

Looking Large

Dawson’s Haulage

Best Fleet - 3rd, 2nd, 1st

TTSC Group Judged Elite x5

The Tiny Lollback Rig of the Show

If El Niño is expected, why hasn’t it yet been declared in Australia?

UNSW Sydney

A UNSW Sydney scientists explains exactly how an El Niño event manifests and why it can be diffcult to predict.

The world recorded its hottest ever week two weeks ago. At the same time, the UN’s weather agency declared a global El Niño.

Following the declaration from the UN, the World Meteorological Organisation and the US Government weather agency also confrmed that the climate event is happening – but despite these announcements, Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology is yet to issue a statement confrming El Niño.

Associate Professor Andrea Taschetto, a climate scientist from UNSW Science’s Climate Change Research Centre, explains why there’s some discrepancy in the declarations, what a year of El Niño means for Australia and the different ways El Niño can manifest.

“After three years of wet La Niña cycles, it looks as though we’re headed for a strong El Niño event,” says A/ Prof Taschetto. “But confrming an El Niño event requires persistent measurements of a number of metrics that the Australian Bureau of Meteorology is still waiting to see.”

What is El Niño?

“The simple defnition of El Niño is a warm condition in the tropical Pacifc. The tropical Pacifc has cycles that happen every three to seven years that we call the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO). The warm phase of the cycle is called El Niño and the cool phase is La Niña.”

What causes El Niño?

“Under what we would call ‘normal’ conditions we have trade winds in the equatorial Pacifc, blowing from South America to Australia. And these winds pile up warm water around Australia while you have

upwelling of cold water close to South America.

“During an El Niño event the trade winds, that blow east to west, weaken – and this leads to less water being pushed to Australia and less upwelling of cold water near South America. This means that the central and east Pacifc warms more than expected.”

How do these ocean changes impact atmosphere?

“Importantly, if there are changes in the ocean, then the atmosphere responds to it. And that reinforces the circulation in the ocean, like a positive feedback loop.

“So when sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacifc Ocean become substantially warmer than average, this causes a shift in atmospheric circulation.

“The region of cloud development, thunderstorms and rainfall that we associate with the north of Australia move eastward to the central Pacifc, leaving drier conditions than usual in Australia.”

How will an El Niño impact Australia?

“An El Niño event results in an increased chance for dry weather, meaning the frequency of droughts can increase due to below average rainfall, especially in the eastern half of Australia, over a region spanning from the Northern Territory going south to Victoria and Tasmania.

“Due to the lack of cloud cover, it also means there is an increased chance of frost, but the rain defcit is the main characteristic of an El Niño event.”

How does El Niño affect other places globally?

“El Niño causes a shift in what we know as The Walker Circulation, which is the vertical movement of air along the equatorial Pacifc, where warm air rises over the Indonesian Seas and descends over the east Pacifc. The shift in this circulation can trigger massive waves in the atmosphere. And

those waves can travel towards the poles and affect other regions globally. This means it can have an impact, even, for example, in sea ice cover in Antarctica.

“An El Niño event also impacts South

Pacifc ocean.

“The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) hasn’t declared annual Niño yet because one of the metrics, which is the difference in atmospheric pressure between Tahiti and Darwin, is still not

an El Niño, and the trend needs to persist for weeks before we can be sure an El Niño is happening.”

What does El Niño have to do with climate change?

“ENSO is a natural

always occurred and will continue occurring. However, the way that it will manifest in the future might be slightly different, because there is this background warming.

“There are a few

America. So not only the countries that are close to the warming waters, such as Ecuador and Peru, which tend to see increased rainfall, but also Northeast Brazil, on the other hand, which then experiences dry conditions with less rainfall.”

Is every El Niño the same?

“It was the beginning of the 2000s that scientists discovered that El Niños can manifest in different ways.

“A strong El Niño event would result in the maximum warming in the eastern side of the tropical Pacifc, closer to South America, but these strong events don’t necessarily have the biggest impact on the Australian climate.

What are considered ‘moderate’ El Niño events on the other hand – also known as El Niño Modoki events – seem to have a greater impact on Australian rainfall.

Why hasn’t the Bureau of Meteorology declared El Niño yet?

“The reason that forecasting agencies have discrepancies in announcing ENSO events is that there are a number of different metrics they monitor –from subsurface water temperatures to cloud cover in the western

behaving in the way that we’d expect a classic El Niño to. This pressure difference, which is linked to the weakening of the trade winds, is a key metric for measuring

phenomenon in our climate system. So it’s not related to the extreme weather changes that we’ve seen last 100 years due to climate change. ENSO has

studies showing that extreme El Niño events and extreme La Niña events can become more frequent in the future, due to the increase in greenhouse gases.”

An El Niño event results in an increased chance for dry weather, particularly on the eastern side of Australia. Photo: Shutterstock/ArliftAtoz2205

Wind and solar remain the lowest cost new build electricity generation sources despite infationary pressures

Renewables, led by wind and solar, have retained their position as Australia’s cheapest new-build electricity generation despite a 20 per cent average rise

the 2022-23 report marks the frst time that all technology costs have increased from the previous year since GenCost commenced in 2018.

This is attributed to the immense scale of manufacturing, raw materials and labour required to develop and deploy clean energy technologies consistent

transformation of our existing energy system, while ensuring the continuing delivery of sustainable, reliable and affordable energy as we strive to achieve net-zero

moderation, however there is an expected delay due to future price uncertainties and the robust demand associated with the global energy transition,”

Merryn York, said collaborating with CSIRO to deliver GenCost, which is Australia’s most comprehensive generation cost

in technology costs, according to the latest GenCost report.

Released today by CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency,

The report highlights industry concerns that the rapid pace of the global energy transition will contribute to escalating cost pressures.

with net zero goals.

GenCost modelling projects that technology cost pressures felt in Australia will revert to normal levels by 2027 but are delayed to 2030 in global scenarios where the speed of the energy transition is highest.

GenCost is an annual collaboration between CSIRO and the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) that actively consults industry stakeholders to revise domestic electricity generation and storage, as well as hydrogen production costs.

CSIRO’s Director of Energy, Dr Dietmar Tourbier, said GenCost’s rigorous scientifc and engineering analysis represents Australia’s most comprehensive projection of electricity generation costs.

“Australia’s energy challenge lies in the

emissions by 2050,” Dr Tourbier said.

“This imperative is not only essential for environmental stewardship, but also to maintain Australia’s economic competitiveness in the global market,” Dr Tourbier said.

CSIRO’s Chief Energy Economist and GenCost lead author, Paul Graham, said that the COVID-19 pandemic had resulted in lingering global supply chain constraints which impacted the prices of raw materials required in technology manufacturing as well as freight costs.

The Ukraine war exacerbated the global supply chain infationary pressures by raising energy input costs for all industries.

“During the recovery from these global events, various input costs are showing signs of

Mr Graham said.

“GenCost analysis anticipates that technology costs have mostly peaked and the risk of cost pressures extending beyond 2030 will be mitigated, as the global manufacturing capability established by that time will adequately meet deployment needs.”

The updated analyses also found that:

• Technology cost rises were not uniform due to variations in material inputs and exposure to freight prices

• Globally, renewables led by wind and solar are the fastest growing energy source

• Batteries are set to play a crucial role in supporting both variable renewable generation in the electricity sector and the rapid expansion of electric vehicle deployment in transport.

AEMO’s Executive General Manager –System Design, Ms

projection report, is an important input for the transition to net zero in the energy sector.

“As coal fred power generation leaves Australia’s grids, we need investment in generation to fll those gaps,” Ms York said.

“And as more variable renewables delivers our energy for consumers and decarbonisation, we need investment in frming - which is on-demand energy to smooth out the peaks and troughs from renewable generation.

“GenCost is important data for AEMO to plan the least-cost investments needed to fll the gaps from coal generation that is reaching end of life.

“This is important to deliver the transition while maintaining reliable, secure and affordable energy supply for consumers,” she said.

NSW landholders asked to be vigilant with rock fern causing toxicity in cattle

Local Land Services is urging livestock owners in north western NSW to be on the lookout for rock fern in their grazing paddocks, which can cause toxicity.

Rock fern is a hardy plant that survives dry conditions and reshoots readily after rain and is most toxic when new fronds are reshooting or growing which occurs during the autumn and winter.

Containing the toxin ‘ptaquiloside’, rock fern depresses bone marrow production of platelets and white blood cells in cattle, reducing the affected animal’s immune system and causing bleeding.

District Veterinarian

– North West Local Land Services, Dr Judy Ellemsaid we have had a few cases of deaths in young cattle over the past few weeks in the Gunnedah district.

“These deaths are suspected to be caused

by rock fern toxicity. Unfortunately, in most cases there has been multiple deaths,” said Dr Ellem.

“It takes two to four weeks before the effects

Landholders are asked to keep a close eye on their cattle and watch out for symptoms. Cattle that are affected by the toxin will be off colour, out on their own, and

include heavy breathing, demonstrating weakness and swaying when walking. If examined closely there maybe spot bleeding in their mouth, gums, or eyes.

A lack of vitamin B1 damages the brain which results in a condition known as polio encephalomalacia or PEM.

“Sheep can be found

have their head pointed upwards, or they may froth at the mouth and possibly seizure,” said Dr Ellem.

Horses are also susceptible to thiaminase toxicity, and can be seen to go off their food, become uncoordinated, they may carry their head low, be head nodding, ear twitching, yawning, and can also become excitable. Like sheep, they may also appear blind.

“Sheep and horses that are affected by the thiaminase can be treated with thiamine if found early enough,” she said.

of the toxin are seen in the animal, with recent affected animals being found dead in their paddocks. They have had blood from the nose and, or the anus.”

they may have a fever, or other signs of infection. They may have blood in their faeces, dark wine-coloured urine, or a nasal discharge.

Other signs can

Sheep are also affected by rock fern, however, are more susceptible to a different toxin, ‘thiaminase’, which destroys vitamin B1 or thiamine in the rumen.

dead, or they may be out on their own, appear blind, run into fences, or press against obstacles. They sometimes exhibit a syndrome called ‘stargazing’ where they

“I would urge producers to check their paddocks and remove livestock from paddocks where rock fern is growing, to reduce the risks of toxicity in livestock”.

If you have deaths or signs of toxicity in your livestock, please call your veterinarian for treatment and advice.

The hunt for true

There are no shortcuts, no quick fixes. More a matter of doing lots of small things well... Relentlessly!

We’re in this for the LONG GAME!

Only highly adapted cattle can, and do reproduce on time, every time. Reproduction is the major arbiter of true adaptation and profit.

CBV focuses on what we can influence, what we can change –measuring by meaningful metrics.

CBV analyses TOTALLY on low-cost grazing.

In genetic and genomic terms, the results of tight management have delivered – a REAL GAME CHANGER!

43 years of super selection. 43 years with no tolerance of freeloaders.

Located on the northern coast of Australia, Darwin is a vibrant and captivating city that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and thrilling outdoor adventures. With its tropical climate, stunning

clear lagoon or relax in one of the waterfront restaurants and cafes.

Don’t miss a visit to the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, where you can discover Aboriginal art and learn about the region’s natural and cultural

Exploring Darwin and Its Enchanting Surrounding Areas

and lush landscapes. Experience the cascading beauty of Florence Falls and Wangi Falls,

their inviting waters. Marvel at the intriguing magnetic termite mounds or explore the ancient

its numerous walking trails and picnic spots, Litchfeld National Park offers a delightful day trip to immerse yourself in nature’s tranquillity and witness the region’s unique fora and fauna. Just a few hours’ drive from Darwin lies Kakadu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its awe-inspiring natural and cultural treasures. Immerse yourself in the ancient stories and rock art of the Aboriginal people, who have inhabited the area for thousands of years. Cruise along the Yellow Water Billabong,

across the Arafura Sea to the Tiwi Islands, a remote Aboriginal community rich in traditions and art. Discover the vibrant art scene, as the Tiwi people are renowned for their intricate paintings, ceramics, and traditional Pukamani burial poles. Engage in a cultural tour, where you can witness traditional dances, explore ancient burial sites, and learn about the Tiwi’s connection to the land and sea. Take part in a fshing excursion or simply relax on the pristine beaches, soaking in the tranquillity of this untouched paradise.

landscapes, and diverse wildlife, Darwin and its surrounding areas provide an exceptional experience for visitors. In this article, we will delve into the highlights of a visit to Darwin, exploring its renowned attractions and venturing into the picturesque regions nearby.

Darwin, the capital of the Northern Territory, is a thriving multicultural hub that boasts a fascinating history and a lively atmosphere. Start your exploration at the iconic Darwin Waterfront, where you can swim in the crystal-

history. For an insight into the devastation caused by World War II, explore the historic site of the Darwin Military Museum and East Point Reserve. Additionally, the Mindil Beach Sunset Market is a must-visit, offering a vibrant mix of local cuisine, arts, and crafts against the backdrop of a breathtaking sunset. A short drive from Darwin, Litchfeld National Park is a pristine natural playground that enchants visitors with its stunning waterfalls, crystal-clear swimming holes,

where you can take a refreshing dip in

sandstone formations at the Lost City. With

where you can spot crocodiles, birds, and other wildlife in their natural habitat. Explore the stunning waterfalls of Jim Jim and Twin Falls, and take in the panoramic views from Ubirr Rock, where you can witness breathtaking sunsets over the vast foodplains. Kakadu’s diverse ecosystems, from wetlands and savannahs to rugged escarpments, make it a haven for nature enthusiasts and a true refection of Australia’s natural wonders.

For a unique cultural experience, venture

The Tiwi Islands offer an immersive and authentic encounter with the rich Aboriginal culture, providing a deeper understanding of Australia’s diverse heritage.

A visit to Darwin and its surrounding areas is a journey of discovery, combining breathtaking natural beauty, cultural immersion, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re exploring the city’s vibrant atmosphere or venturing into the wild, Darwin has something to offer every traveller.

Max Crus is a Clarence Valley-based wine writer and Grape Expectations is now in its 26th year of publication. Find out more about Max or sign up for his weekly reviews and musings by visiting maxcrus.com.au

Pulling a Swiftie…on a commission basis. Grape Expectations by Max Crus

Who knew there were so many ‘Swifties’ in Australia?

They were queuing up for yonks, even overstepping the line of criminality to get what they wanted, which in the end seemed such a feeting beneft.

Oh, no, I’m not talking about people falling over themselves for Taylor Swift tickets, I’m talking about the now notorious Gang of Four - Morrison, Tudge, Porter and Roberts (sounds like a legal frm…how apt)

Quilty and Gransden, Orange, Cabernet Sauvignon 2018, $19. Another good name for a legal frm, and a tricky one to say following post-Royal Commission celebrations. “Elegant, cool climate” stuff says the label and I have every reason to believe this is the truth, and it’s good value, Your Honour. 9.4/10.

Quilty and Gransden,

- and the Robodebt Royal Commission, although unexpectedly, there are many similarities. Incredibly, 800,237* tickets were sold for Taylor’s upcoming Aussie concerts, exactly the same number as were “incorrectly”, “illegally”, “immorally” and “incompetently” targeted by Morrison’s invention, Robodebt, and that’s the language of the Commissioner btw, not Ticketek and Fair Trading

Orange, Sauvignon Blanc 2021, $19. 2021 is a bit older than your average SB and your Taylor Swift fan, which is appropriate because the latter are too young to drink anyway, and dare I say it, a bit brighter? No, that would be rude. 9.2/10.

Medhurst Yarra Valley Chardonnay 2021, $50. Yellow on white is a diffcult combination

talking about scalpers.

Astonishingly, fve times more people wanted Taylor Swift tix, which coincidentally is precisely the number of people indirectly affected by Robodebt.

Uncanny.

But the co-incidence doesn’t stop there. The cheapest Taylor tix were about $359 (standing room outside the toilets), the same amount as the minimum computergenerated ‘Robo’ debt of people who didn’t have a

when it comes to readability which is why all the Robodebt legislation was written in yellow. However the wine itself stands out like beacon of balance of everything one could want in a chardonnay. Lovely stuff.

9.5/10.

Eloquesta (by Stuart Olsen) Mudgee (Special 10th Anniversary) Shiraz Petit Verdot 2018, $45. The sweet

job or a home*. Gosh.

Anyway, who would begrudge Taylor the $2billion she will earn during 2023? Spookily, this is the same amount the Coalition hoped to reap from welfare ‘bludgers’ but instead was the extra cost to taxpayers, minus the legal bills, and believe me, Taylor Swift tickets are cheap compared to a KC’s hourly rate.

Taylor’s Swifties have got nothing on Coalition swifties, all of whom now

fruit and aroma of this makes it dangerously alluring and easy to drink, so keep away from Swifties. A lovely warm, bright red perfect for the VIP tent, but I bet they would be too stingy even at VIP ticket prices.

9.6/10.

Shaw and Smith Adelaide Hills Sauvignon Blanc 2023, $32. This has gone up a dollar since last vintage,

say the Commissioner is wrong and ignored the facts. Were these the facts provided by, surprise, PWC? At least PWC had the good grace (or knew they would ultimately be compelled) to pay back the $853,859** they received for the power-point concocted for the purpose.

Unbelievably that’s precisely what the most expensive Taylor Swift tickets cost! Minus the scalpers margin but including the hotel and

that’s 3.3 percent, which is exactly what Philip Lowe has been asking for. Now if only everyone could do that. Every year I taste this it’s worth another dollar and will undoubtedly be excellent value at $62 in 2053. Benchmark stuff.

9.7/10.

Homefullness Barossa

Shiraz 2021, $22. This is a ‘collab’ - as the label says - between Forage

Max Crus

meal package, and spot on the amount generated by Robodebt crooks before the scheme was fnally, begrudgingly shut down.

Yep, gotta hand it to the Coalition for their money management skills, although they could perhaps take a lesson from Taylor on that.

Now, I wonder what wines came with the VIP package?

Built and Yalumba, each bottle raising funds for innovative, sustainable housing for people who don’t have any. So the marketers are likely 2030 something Swifties, and the benefciaries Robotdebt survivors. Is it altruistic if you get thoroughly decent shiraz for your donation?

9.2/10.

SMALL GESTURES, ENDLESS WONDERS: EXPERIENCE SITE LAB IN LISMORE

The city of Lismore is set to come alive with a celebration of art and creativity as the eagerly anticipated SITE LAB // Small Gestures Towards Infnity project launches.

From 29 July to 17 September 2023, this series of temporary public art projects will transform the Lismore CBD into an immersive space with a thoughtprovoking program of experimental art forms.

Co-commissioned by Arts Northern Rivers and Lismore

Regional Gallery, SITE LAB presents an array of public artworks, including foating sculpture, experimental sound, living installations, and community-engaged works. Complementing this artistic showcase is a free program featuring artist talks, live listening events, and engaging sculptural activations.

At the heart of this project is the vision of esteemed artists Peter Faulkner, Michael Donnelly and Betty Russ, Merinda Davies,

Belinda Smith, and Chris Bennie. These artists aim to activate public spaces through their thoughtprovoking installations, bridging the gap between art and community. The exhibition invites residents and visitors to embark on a journey of discovery and offers fresh perspectives on our regional, post-food landscape.

SITE LAB is supported by the NSW Government through Create NSW’s Visual Arts Commissioning Program, designed

to bolster bold and ambitious new work. Developed in response to the loss of signifcant cultural infrastructure during the 2022 food events, SITE LAB aims to spark continuous dialogue in the public arena, establishing temporary spaces that foster community connection and critical discourse. By positioning contemporary art practice at the forefront of the region’s recovery, SITE LAB brings hope and renewal to Lismore’s artistic landscape.

Ashleigh Ralph, Director of Lismore

Regional Gallery, said, “SITE LAB is a special project to deliver in Lismore. It brings together the power of art and community resilience. As the Regional Gallery currently exists without walls, our commitment to fostering a shared journey of contemporary art engagement remains unwavering. SITE LAB embodies our vision to create meaningful opportunities for artists and uplift our community through artistic expression.”

Join any or all of the free events weaving through the streets of Lismore, leaving behind a trail of small gestures and endless wonders. For more information about SITE LAB, visit artsnorthernrivers.com.

au/project/site-lab

OPENING EVENT

– Welcome to Country, Discussion, Artwork

Tour & Cake Cutting

Saturday 29 July | 2-4pm at the Lismore Quadrangle

NOISE XHURCH | weekly experimental noise collaborations

Thursdays from 3rd August | 5 – 7 PM at 86 Woodlark Street

Artist Talk & Live Listening with Merinda Davies

Saturday 2nd September | 11.30 AM at The Quad Artist Talks & Sculpture Activation with Chris Bennie & Belinda Smith

Saturday 19th August | 11.30 AM at The Quad

Artist Talk & Sound Performance with Michael Donnelly & Betty Russ

Saturday 16th September | 11.30 AM at 86 Woodlark Street, Lismore.

Belinda Smith ‘Pop’ 2020 – Photo by AJMoller

Chris Bennie ‘A Likely Coalition’ 2019 - image courtesy the artist

Spaghetti Circus set for world premiere

PH: 6686 9600

ballinafaircinemas.com.au

Thurs June 27th - Wed August 2nd

INDIANA

• Barbie (PG)

• Oppenheimer (MA 15+)

Insidious: The Red Door (M)

• Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning (M)

• Elemental (PG)

MISSION:

OPPENHEIMER MA+ 180 Min

Spaghetti Circus has partnered with Brunswick Picture House to co-produce a breathtaking new show Monumental. Directed by Spenser Inwood from award-winning company A Good Catch Circus, Monumental will feature the extraordinarily talented Spaghetti Circus Performance Troupe.

Monumental is an ensemble-based work that explores the missing moments in history, the under-recognised achievements of scientists, social advocates, and artists. Audiences will be spellbound, moved and inspired as these creative young performers build spectacular monuments to the unsung trailblazers in our shared history. A celebration of Spaghetti’s community and unique process, Monumental allows the troupe to build trust and curiosity while fying in the air, holding each other up and diving through hoops.

JON STEVENS: THE NOISEWORKS & INXS COLLECTION

Saturday September 9, 2023 @ 7.30pm

Home Shows

6, 2023 @ 6:30 pm

THE JOHNNY CASH SPECIAL

Saturday August 12, 2023 @ 7:30pm

RHYTHMS OF IRELAND

Monday August 14, 2023 @ 6:30pm

BJORN AGAIN: THANK ABBA FOR THE MUSIC 2023

Friday August 25, 2023 @ 8:00pm

MUSIC OF THE NIGHT TRIBUTE TO ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER

Sunday August 27, 2023 @ 2:00pm

MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL

Saturday, September 2, 2023 @ 7:30pm

HANS: DISCO SPEKTAKULAR TOUR

Thursday, September 21, 2023 @ 7:00pm

SOWETO GOSPEL CHOIR: HOPE

Friday, September 22, 2023 @ 7:30pm

SHE WILL ROCK YOU “THE STORY OF WOMEN WHO DARED TO ROCK THE WORLD”

Friday October 6, 2023 @ 7:30pm

THE AFTERNOON AT THE POPS: THE MUSICALS OF BROADWAY

Sunday October 29, 2023 @ 2.00pm

THE AUSTRALIAN INXS SHOW

Saturday December 9, 2023 @ 7.30pm

• Indiana Jones & the Dial of Destiny (M) R

Spenser Inwood, from Melbourne based company A Good Catch Circus, is directing Monumental with associate direction from fellow company member Debra Batton. With more than 45 years’ experience in the circus industry between them, the development of this new work provides a great opportunity for the Spaghetti Performance Troupe to be mentored to develop new skills and be involved in the process of creating an innovative and groundbreaking new work.

at Brunswick Picture House - 16-27 August

“We are excited and thrilled to be creating this new work with Spaghetti. We have been working together since January developing a range of new skills, including creating monuments or giant pyramids, and exploring new ways to present this classic circus skills set. We are curious about under recognised people in society and what monuments are missing,” said Director Spenser Inwood. This will be Spaghetti’s frst

new work in four years, and it is set to impress.

“The opportunity to co-produce and present the work with our good friends at Brunswick Picture House has allowed Spaghetti to feature exciting additions to this show such as a live band, bigger stage, new costumes and outstanding production elements,” said Spaghetti Circus General Manager Alice Cadwell.

Local musicians Sue Simpson and Melia Naughton will be

creating an original score to be presented live using keyboard, violin, voice and percussion. With costumes designed by Chloe Rowland, this show will see Spaghetti’s crazy talented kids take their much-loved shows to a whole new level. You can expect things you’ve never seen before as Spaghetti Circus and Brunswick Picture House work in partnership to produce Monumental.

Do not miss this show, it will sell out.

Event Details: Monumental by Spaghetti Circus

16 - 27 August

Brunswick Picture House

$20 - $40 All ages. Tickets at www. brunswickpicturehouse. com

Performance times:

Wednesday 16 August @ 7pm

Friday 18 August @ 7pm

Saturday 19 August @ 2pm (Auslan Show) & 7pm

Friday 25 August @ 7pm

Saturday 26 August @ 2pm & 7pm

Sunday 27 August @ 2pm

Running time: 55 minutes (no interval)

Doors: 20 min preshow

Age restriction.:

None.

Ticket prices:

Adult: $30

Child: $20 (ages 3-17)

Family of 4: $80 +booking fees

Tickets www.brunswickpicture house.com

More info www.spaghetticircus. com

MUSICAL BINGO

In June 2023 Roy Morgan Business Confidence was 88.8 (down 1.5pts since May). This is the lowest Business Confidence reading for nearly three years since September 2020 during Victoria’s second wave of COVID-19 when the index was at only 85.6. The survey followed the Reserve Bank of Australia’s (RBA) second consecutive interest rate hike to 4.25% but preceded the RBA’s decision to keep rates unchanged after May’s 5.6% annual inflation (down from 6.8% in April).

Business Confidence has now spent five consecutive months below the neutral level of 100, the longest negative stretch since the pandemic’s early stages in October 2020.

While 41.1% of businesses expect improved financial conditions in the next year, 25.7% anticipate a decline. Concerns loom over Australia’s economy in the next five years, with 61.6% expecting difficulties compared to 32.8% expecting favourable conditions—a net negative of 28.8% points in June.

Business Confidence stands 23.2 points below the long-term average (112.0) but remains 14.7 points higher than the latest ANZ-Roy Morgan Consumer Confidence (74.1) from June 25 to July 2, 2023.

Business Confidence is over 50pts higher in Western Australia compared to all other States

In June, Business Confidence experienced a slight decline of 1.5 points to reach 88.8, marking its lowest level since September 2020 (85.6). However, compared to a year ago, the index is significantly down by 8.5 points (-8.7%).

Notably, WA is an exception to this downward trend, with Business Confidence soaring by 42.3 points

Roy Morgan Business Confidence drops to

(+42.8%) to 141.1 in June, the highest in the state since June 2021. Throughout the first half of 2023, WA has maintained strong Business Confidence, averaging 128.0, nearly 30 points higher than TAS.

WA’s strong performance has propped up the national average, being the only state with an above-average rating. If WA were excluded, the remaining five states would only have a rating of 82.3 in June.

This good performance in WA can be attributed to the ongoing commodities boom in iron ore and gas exports, which heavily concentrate in the state. This boom is reflected in the Federal Budget’s record high surplus of nearly $20 billion for the 2022-23 financial year.

Conversely, Business Confidence has declined in all other states compared to a year ago. NSW stands at 87.9, down 13.4 points (-13.2%), while QLD is at 86.1, down 8 points (-8.5%). The Southern States have even lower measures, with TAS at 79.6, down 24.7 points (-23.7%), and SA at 79.2, down 15.8 points (-16.6%). VIC has the lowest Business Confidence in the country at 74.5, down 16.1 points (-17.8%) from a year ago.

The first half of 2023 has seen the lowest average Business Confidence on record, with 83.0.

Education & Training and Mining are clearly the two most confident industries in mid-2023

Among various industries, only five sectors—Education & Training, Mining, Community Services, Public Administration & Defence, and Information Media & Telecommunications— had Business Confidence levels exceeding the national average of 89.6 by over 20% in the past two months.

Once again, the Education & Training industry demonstrated the highest confidence with

a Business Confidence rating of 125.8, marking a substantial increase on last year of 19.1 points (+17.9%. This industry experienced a rise in Business Confidence over the past year. The reopening of Australia’s borders, the return of international students and relaxation of pandemic restrictions played a significant role in driving this soaring confidence.

Following a close second is the Mining industry, with a robust Business Confidence rating of 120.4, indicating a yearly growth of 14.3 points (+13.5%). High commodity prices, particularly for coal, gas, and iron ore, have resulted in record trade surpluses and a $20 billion Federal Budget surplus for 2022-23—the first surplus in 15 years.

Community Services came in third with a rating of 108.6, up a yearly 5.9 points (+5.7%).

Public Administration & Defence followed closely behind at 107.6, with an increase of 23.6 points (+28.1%), while Information Media & Telecommunications stood at 107.5, more than 20% above the national average despite a decline of 14.4 points (-11.8%) from a year ago.

On the other end, the Electricity, Gas & Water industry recorded the lowest Business Confidence of just 26.5 in May and June 2023, experiencing a significant decline of 79.3 points (-74.9%) compared to a year ago. Additional industries with low confidence include Recreation & Personal at 78.7, down 27.3 points (-25.8%) from a year ago, and Administration & Support Services at 82.7, down 23.6 points (-22.2%) over the same period.

Business Confidence down 1.5pts to 88.8 in June as businesses grow more worried about the prospects for the Australian economy going forward:

• A third of businesses, 33.6% (up 0.5 points),

reported being in a better financial position compared to last year, however, 46.4% (up 1.4 points), stated that their now worse off, marking the highest figure since October 2020.

• Despite the overall economic concerns, businesses remain optimistic about their own prospects in the coming year. Around 41.1% (up 0.9 points) anticipate being financially better off, while 25.7% (up 0.6 points) expect to be worse off.

• Views on investing in business growth showed a slight decline. Approximately 45.0% (down 1.3 points) believe the next 12 months will be a good time to invest, while 48.3% (up 1.3 points) consider opposite.

• Pessimism regarding Australia’s economic performance over the next year increased, with 62.2% (up 1 point) anticipating bad times, while only 35.6% (down 2.4 points) expect good times.

• Long-term outlook for the Australian economy also suffered, with 61.6% (down 0.4 points) of businesses expecting bad times over the next five years, marking a new record low. Meanwhile, 32.8% (down 1.7 points) expect good times.

Michele Levine, CEO of Roy Morgan, says Business Confidence was dropped to its lowest in nearly three years in June as the RBA raised interest rates to an 11-year high of 4.25%:

“Roy Morgan Business Confidence was down 1.5pts to 88.8 in June, completing a period of five straight months in negative territory. This is the longest stretch below 100 since October 2020 at the end of Victoria’s second wave of COVID-19 – almost three years ago.

“Business Confidence is 8.5pts (-8.7%) lower than it was a year ago in June 2022, just after the RBA started raising interest rates. The RBA raised interest rates to an

11-year high of 4.25% in June before pausing and leaving interest rates unchanged last week.

“A look at the key indicators shows that businesses are still broadly confident about their own circumstances with 41.1% expecting the business will be ‘better off’ financially this time next year compared to 25.7% who say they will be ‘worse off’ financially.

“The real concern businesses have is about the fortunes for the Australian economy going forward. Over three-fifths of businesses expect ‘bad times’ for the Australian economy over the next year, 62.2%, and over the next five years, 61.6%.

“On a State-byState basis Business Confidence continues to fly high in only one State – Western Australia – at 141.1 in June – and up 42.3pts (+42.8%) on a year ago. So far this year Business Confidence has averaged an exceptional 128.0, almost 30pts higher than any other State.

“The mining-dependent State has had consistently higher Business Confidence than other States in recent years as the mining industry has outperformed other industries with high prices of commodities including iron ore and gas – which have continued during early 2023.

“Business Confidence in other States remains weak and is below the national average in NSW (87.9), Queensland

(86.1), Tasmania (79.6), SA (79.2) and lowest of all in Victoria (74.5). Business Confidence in Victoria has averaged only 83.0 during the first six months of 2023 – the lowest for the first six months of a year on record and lower than any of the pandemic years of 2020-22.

“At an industry level there were two industries flying high in May-June 2023 with Business Confidence above 110 – over 30% higher than the national average. Leading the pack are Education & Training on 125.8 and Mining on 120.4. Also performing well are Community Services on 108.6, Public Administration & Defence on 107.6 and Information Media & Telecommunications on 107.5.

“In contrast, there continues to be very low Business Confidence for the Electricity, gas & water industry at only 26.5 and Recreation & Personal at 78.7 – both well below the national average.”

The latest Roy Morgan Business Confidence results for June are based on 1,494 detailed interviews with a crosssection of Australian businesses from each State and Territory. Detailed findings are available to purchase on a monthly or annual subscription as part of the Roy Morgan Business Confidence Report.

88.8 in June – lowest since September 2020

ROY MORGAN MONTHLY BUSINESS CONFIDENCE -- AUSTRALIA

BUSINESS

FOR TOP 5 AND BOTTOM 5

IN MAY – JUNE

Hyundai Kona Review: A Versatile and Stylish SUV for Australian Roads

BY JEFF GIBBS

The Hyundai Kona has quickly become a popular choice in the Australian SUV market since its introduction. With its sleek design, extensive features, and strong performance, the Kona has proven to be a well-rounded vehicle that appeals to a wide range of drivers. In this review, we will explore the key aspects of the Hyundai Kona and how it fares on the roads of Australia.

Exterior Design: The Hyundai Kona boasts a distinctive and modern design that sets it apart from its competitors. Its bold front grille, sleek LED headlights, and sculpted body lines give it a sporty and eye-catching appearance. The SUV’s compact size makes it agile and easy to manoeuvre through busy city streets, while its raised ground clearance allows it to handle rougher terrains with ease. Additionally, the Kona offers a variety of attractive colour options, allowing buyers to personalize their vehicle to suit their style.

Interior Comfort and Features: Step inside the Hyundai Kona, and you’ll fnd a well-designed and comfortable cabin. The materials used are of high quality, and the overall ft and fnish feel premium. The supportive seats provide ample comfort for both short commutes and long journeys, making it an excellent choice for daily

use and road trips. The Kona offers a wellequipped infotainment system, with an intuitive touchscreen interface that is responsive and easy to use. Apple

CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, allowing seamless smartphone integration for navigation, music, and communication. Depending on the trim level, the Kona also offers advanced features like a head-up display, wireless charging, and a premium sound system, enhancing the overall driving experience. Space and Practicality: Despite its compact exterior, the Hyundai Kona impresses with its spacious interior. The rear seats offer enough legroom for adults, and the 60/40 split-folding rear seats allow for fexible cargo space. With the rear seats folded down, the Kona provides a generous cargo capacity, suitable for carrying sports

equipment, groceries, or luggage for weekend getaways.

Engine Performance and Driving Experience: In the Australian market, the Hyundai Kona is available with a choice of petrol and electric powertrains. The petrol variants are powered by a fuel-effcient 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine or a more potent 1.6-litre turbocharged engine, both of which deliver satisfactory power and acceleration. The 1.6-litre turbo engine, in particular, offers an engaging driving experience with its responsive performance. For eco-conscious drivers, the Kona Electric is a standout option. It features an electric motor with various battery capacities, providing impressive electric range and zero-emission driving. The instant torque delivery of the

electric motor makes the Kona Electric feel zippy and responsive, making it an enjoyable and environmentally friendly choice for city driving.

Safety Features: Hyundai has prioritized safety in the Kona, equipping it with an array of advanced safety features. All variants come with essential safety technologies like a rear-view camera, lanekeeping assist, forward collision avoidance, and driver attention warning. Higher trim levels offer additional safety

features, such as blindspot monitoring, rear cross-traffc alert, and adaptive cruise control, enhancing the overall safety of the vehicle.

Fuel Effciency: The Hyundai Kona boasts competitive fuel effciency, especially with the petrol variants. The 2.0-litre engine delivers impressive mileage fgures for both city and highway driving, making it an economical choice for daily commuting and long trips.

Conclusion: The

Hyundai Kona is a versatile and stylish SUV that excels in various aspects, making it a strong contender in the Australian market. Its modern design, comfortable interior, ample features, and solid performance make it a well-rounded choice for urban dwellers and adventure seekers alike. With its competitive pricing and excellent warranty coverage, the Hyundai Kona is undoubtedly worth considering for those in the market for a compact SUV in Australia.

Harley-Davidson Unveils Next-Generation Premium Motorcycles in Australia

BY JEFF GIBBS

Harley-Davidson has offcially revealed its latest offerings in the premium motorcycle segment, introducing the 2023 CVO Road Glide and CVO Street Glide models. These two mid-year additions from Harley-Davidson’s Custom Vehicle Operations (CVO) lineup come with enhanced performance and cuttingedge technology.

Powerful Engine:

The standout feature of these 2023 CVO models is the Milwaukee-Eight VVT 121 engine, a 45-degree V-Twin powerplant that delivers an impressive 86kW of power and 183Nm of torque. This 121 cubic inch motor, with a displacement of 1977cc, incorporates advanced technologies such as liquid-cooled cylinder heads with an effcient cooling system, variable valve timing (VVT), and an optimized intake tract. The addition of a single counter-balancer further minimizes undesirable vibrations, ensuring a smoother ride.

Selectable Ride Modes:

For the frst time in the CVO Street Glide and CVO Road Glide, riders can enjoy selectable ride modes, electronically controlling the motorcycle’s performance characteristics and level of technology intervention. These modes include Road, Rain, Sport, and two

customizable options, each offering specifc combinations of power delivery, engine braking, cornering ABS, and cornering traction control settings. This feature enhances the versatility and adaptability of the bikes to various road conditions and rider preferences.

Stylish Design:

The engine played a pivotal role in the overall design of both CVO models. The bikes feature a newly

designed fairing, fuel tank, side covers, and saddlebags, resulting in a visually striking transformation while still retaining elements reminiscent of previous Harley-Davidson Grand American touring motorcycles. Additionally, buyers can choose from two paint/fnish choices: Dark Platinum with Bright Smoked Satin pinstriping and colourmatched inner fairings, or Whiskey Neat/Raven Metallic two-tone

with hand-applied accents, adding a touch of sophistication and personalization.

Improved Performance:

The CVO Street Glide and Road Glide have undergone a weight reduction compared to their predecessors, leading to improvements in braking, handling, and acceleration. Rider comfort has also been enhanced, offering better balance at a stop and easier manoeuvring in

tight spaces. The highperformance suspension components contribute to confdent handling and a signifcant improvement in rider comfort during long journeys. The rear suspension travel has been increased by 50 percent, providing a smoother ride courtesy of SHOWA dual outboard emulsion technology shock absorbers with a remote hydraulic preload adjustment knob.

State-of-the-Art

Technology:

The 2023 CVO models boast a host of technological upgrades. The infotainment system, powered by Skyline OS, features a 12.3-inch TFT screen, replacing traditional analog instrumentation and switches. The screen offers three distinct views (Cruise, Sport, and Tour) and seamless compatibility with Apple and Android devices. Additionally, the system comes with Wi-Fi connectivity, new voice recognition functionality, DAB+ digital radio, and an improved Bluetooth

receiver for wireless headsets. Furthermore, the motorcycles are equipped with a premium Harley-Davidson audio system, powered by Rockford Fosgate, delivering an outstanding audio experience with a new 4-channel, 500-watt RMS amplifer.

Conclusion: With the introduction of the 2023 CVO Road Glide and Street Glide models, HarleyDavidson continues to push the boundaries of performance and innovation in the premium motorcycle market. The potent Milwaukee-Eight VVT 121 engine, selectable ride modes, advanced technology, and stylish design elements make these bikes stand out among their peers. Whether on the open road or cruising through the city, the CVO Road Glide and Street Glide promise an exhilarating and enjoyable ride for Harley enthusiasts seeking the pinnacle of performance and luxury.

Commencements of detached houses continue to decline into 2023

“Australia commenced 26,265 new houses in the frst quarter of 2023, down by 16.4 per cent on the same quarter last year and 39.1 per cent fewer houses commenced than during the peak in the June Quarter 2021,” stated HIA Senior Economist, Tom Devitt. The ABS today released its building activity data for the March Quarter 2023. This data provides estimates of the value of building work and number of dwellings commenced, completed and under construction across Australia and its states and territories.

“This decline in detached housing

commencements is part of the ongoing cooling of the market that is expected to continue well into next year,” added Mr Devitt.

“New home sales have declined sharply since the RBA started increasing interest rates last May. This is compounding the high volume of earlier projects that are being cancelled across the nation as home buyers struggle to secure fnance in the face of ballooning home building and fnance costs.

“This produced the frst quarter in almost three years that Australia has completed more

houses in a threemonth period than it has commenced. Unfortunately, this was driven by the decline in

28,094 detached houses completed in the frst quarter of 2023, 9.6 per cent fewer completions than in the same quarter

make it very diffcult for builders to complete the signifcant volume of work taken on during the pandemic.

“There remains almost 104,000 houses under construction in the frst quarter of 2023. This has been a broadly stable volume over the last 18 months and almost double the 57,500 that were under construction heading into 2020.

“Costs and supply uncertainties are also holding back the multiunits sector.

way down from the 2530,000 multi-units that were commenced each quarter during the 20152018 apartment boom.

“There are still 136,000 multi-units under construction around Australia. These need to be completed in order to help accommodate the rapid return of overseas migrants, students and tourists that Australia has seen since it re-opened its borders in late 2021.

commencements, not a pickup in completions.

“There were only

last year.

“Ongoing labour constraints continue to

“Just 19,981 multiunits were commenced in the frst quarter of 2023, and 17,266 completed. This is a long

“Incredibly tight rental markets around the country require concerted efforts to increase the supply of housing,” concluded Mr Devitt.

Anticipated Interest Rate Decline Under New RBA Governor

In approximately two months, when Michele Bullock assumes her role as the incoming Reserve Bank governor, borrowers might have already witnessed the last increase in interest rates. Rather than continuing with rate hikes, her leadership is expected to initiate a new cycle, with forecasts suggesting that Ms. Bullock will likely implement interest rate cuts shortly after taking charge.

Despite previous rate hikes, home prices have continued to rise. However, some relief may be in sight for borrowers, as certain economists predict that the cash rate will likely return to the low 3s by the end of 2024. This should provide some

respite to borrowers who have experienced nearly a 60% increase in their monthly repayments since May 2022.

The announcement of Ms. Bullock’s appointment as the successor to the current RBA governor, Philip Lowe, came from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Treasurer Jim Chalmers. Philip Lowe is known for leading the fastest tightening cycle in a generation, having raised the cash rate by 4 percentage points in just 13 months. Nevertheless, economists speculate that the major work in this regard might already be accomplished by the time Ms. Bullock assumes her position.

The recent minutes of

the July RBA meeting indicated a close decision to maintain the cash rate at 4.1%. The board considered both a pause and a 25-basis point increase but ultimately decided to keep the rate steady until the August meeting when they will reassess the situation.

The RBA acknowledged that further tightening

might be necessary to bring infation back to target, but it will depend on the evolution of the economy and infation. Economists hold varying opinions on the future path of interest rates. While some expect one or two more rate hikes in August and September, followed by cuts in

the next year, others anticipate earlier rate cuts, possibly beginning as soon as February. Leading economists from ANZ, Westpac, CBA, and NAB offer different perspectives on the expected cash rate, ranging from low 3s to 3.1% by the end of 2024.

For borrowers with variable home loans, the recent rate hikes have led to signifcant fnancial impacts. If the predicted rate cut to 3.1% occurs next year, it could save borrowers hundreds of dollars per month on their mortgage repayments, providing some relief from the current fnancial strain. However, the RBA minutes also caution that mortgage interest payments are already at a record high of 9.4% of income and may continue to rise, even without further interest rate hikes, as fxed-rate

loans transition to higher variable rates.

While the rate hikes appear to be infuencing various aspects of the economy, there are still potential impacts to come from interest rates. The high proportion of fxed-rate mortgages has caused a delay in the full impact of the rate changes. As approximately 800,000 fxed-rate home loans are set to expire in 2023, the transition to higher interest rates could affect borrowers further. Nevertheless, economists believe that the rate decisions have already started to affect consumer spending, business conditions, and infation, with more impacts likely in the future.

In summary, under the new RBA governor Michele Bullock, interest rates are expected to decline, potentially bringing relief to borrowers facing increased mortgage repayments in recent times. Economists offer differing opinions on the future path of interest rates, but the RBA remains vigilant in assessing economic developments to determine the best course of action.

Promising results of new Alzheimer’s drug published – early diagnosis is key

Dementia Australia

Dementia Australia has welcomed the publication of the results of a trial showing that a new drug, donanemab, has been able to slow the progression of symptoms of early Alzheimer’s disease.

Dementia Australia

CEO Maree McCabe AM said this drug was an exciting new development and another step forward in expanding the number of treatments for dementia.

“These results provide much needed hope for people who are developing symptoms, have mild cognitive impairment or who are in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease,” Ms McCabe said.

“With dementia the second leading cause of death of Australians, and the leading cause of death of Australian women, we welcome any steps taken towards improving the lives of people living with dementia, their families and carers.

“This research also highlights the importance of early diagnosis so people can access treatment and support as soon as possible.

“We need to raise awareness and

understanding of dementia to reduce discrimination and stigma so we can ensure people with concerns about their cognition are seeking information and support as early as

memory or changes in cognition, please do contact the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500.”

The drug, developed by pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly, works

is very promising,” Professor Stephan said.

“This research also highlights the need to ensure that healthcare services are equipped to deliver the intervention as well as make sure that

“For me it’s that ‘ray of hope’ that I believed would happen one day, where people living with dementia can have a future. One where you can lead a better life, one that you value.”

in Amsterdam.

possible.

“We know the earlier people access support and services the better their health, care and lifestyle outcomes.

“Donanemab will need to be approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) for use in Australia. It also comes with possible side effects that need to be carefully monitored by health professionals.

“If this news raises any questions or concerns for anyone about their

by inducing antibodies designed to attach to and remove amyloid plaques from the brain.

Chair of Dementia Curtin University and Dementia Australia Professor Blossom Stephan said the results of the trial were encouraging.

“The trial found that for participants with mild cognitive impairment and mild dementia, donanemab slowed cognitive decline by up to 35 per cent which

access to treatment is equitable and available to everyone.”

Dementia Australia Dementia Advocate Bill Yeates, who was diagnosed with youngeronset-dementia in 2019, said the results were remarkable.

“This demonstrates that it is possible to signifcantly slow down the rate of cognitive decline through the removal of amyloid beta (plaques) from the brain,” Mr Yeates said.

The results were published today in a leading international journal and presented the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference

Dementia Australia is the source of trusted information, education and services for the estimated more than 400,000 Australians living with dementia, and the more than 1.5 million people involved in their care. We advocate for positive change and support vital research. We are here to support people impacted by dementia, and to enable them to live as well as possible. No matter how you are impacted by dementia or who you are, we are here for you. For support, please contact the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500. An interpreter service is available. The National Dementia Helpline is funded by the Australian Government. People looking for information can also visit dementia. org.au

Practicing Bowen Therapy

The Therapeutic Power of Gardening: Nurturing Mental Well-being

In the modern world, where stress and anxiety seem to permeate our daily lives, fnding effective ways to enhance mental well-

demands of modern life. Spending time in a garden, whether tending to plants or simply immersing oneself in the natural surroundings,

being has become increasingly important. One such powerful remedy lies right outside our doors—gardening.

Engaging in gardening activities not only cultivates a vibrant and beautiful environment but also nurtures our mental health. In this article, we will explore the numerous benefts that gardening offers to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and improve overall mental well-being.

Gardening provides a valuable opportunity to reconnect with nature, allowing us to escape from the fast-paced

has a profound impact on mental well-being. Research suggests that exposure to nature can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, enhance mood, and improve cognitive function. The sights, scents, and sounds of the garden create a sensory experience that soothes the mind, promoting a sense of calm and tranquillity. The act of observing the growth and transformation of plants also instils a sense of hope and renewal, fostering a positive outlook.

Gardening encourages a state of mindfulness—an

intentional focus on the present moment—by engaging all our senses in the task at hand. The rhythmic movements of planting, weeding, and watering can be meditative, promoting a sense of relaxation and stress reduction. As we immerse ourselves in the act of gardening, our

worries and anxieties take a backseat, allowing us to fnd solace and peace within the natural rhythm of the garden. The physical exertion involved in gardening releases endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals, which further contribute to stress relief and emotional

well-being. The sense of accomplishment and satisfaction that comes from nurturing plants and watching them fourish also boosts self-esteem and confdence, fostering a positive mindset.

Gardening provides an opportunity to create a personal sanctuary—a healing space tailored to our preferences and needs. Designing and tending to a garden allows us to express our creativity and individuality, resulting in a space that refects our unique personality. Whether it’s a small container garden on a balcony or an expansive backyard oasis, the process of planning and nurturing a garden can be therapeutic in itself. This personal oasis becomes a refuge from the outside world, a place where we can fnd solace, introspection, and restoration. Being

feelings of loneliness and isolation. Additionally, community gardens often serve as spaces for cooperation, where people from diverse backgrounds come together to cultivate and maintain shared green spaces. The collaborative effort involved in tending to a community garden strengthens social connections and promotes a sense of collective well-being.

Gardening offers therapeutic benefts across all age groups. For children, it fosters curiosity, patience, and responsibility, while also providing an opportunity to learn about nature and the environment. For older adults, gardening provides a sense of purpose, physical activity, and a connection to the past through traditional horticultural practices Individuals dealing with

surrounded by the beauty of fowers, plants, and greenery elicits a sense of serenity and contentment, providing respite from the chaos of daily life.

Gardening can also foster social connection and a sense of community. Participating in community gardens or joining gardening clubs and associations allows individuals to bond over a shared interest. Engaging in group gardening activities provides an opportunity to exchange knowledge, learn from others, and build relationships. Sharing experiences, tips, and produce with fellow gardeners creates a sense of belonging and camaraderie, reducing

mental health challenges can also fnd solace in gardening, as it provides a sense of control, achievement, and a distraction from negative thoughts.

Gardening is much more than a hobby; it is a powerful tool for promoting mental well-being. From reconnecting with nature to cultivating mindfulness, reducing stress, creating healing spaces, and fostering social connections, gardening offers a range of therapeutic benefts for individuals of all ages. So, grab a shovel, plant some seeds, and watch as your garden blossoms alongside your mental health.

SANDWICH PRESS BACON AND EGG MUFFINS

7 INGREDIENTS

• 4 rindless short cut bacon rashers

• 4 English muffns, split

• 4 cheddar slices

• 4 eggs

4 METHOD STEPS

Step 1

Preheat a 4-slice sandwich press. Place the bacon and muffns, cut-side down, on the press hot plate and cook for 2 minutes or until lightly browned.

Step 2

Turn over the bacon and muffns. Place a cheddar slice on 2 of the muffn halves.

Step 3

Crack eggs individually onto the press. Lock the

20m prep

4 servings

• Spinach, to serve

• Rocket, to serve

• Barbecue sauce, to serve

height on the side of the press to just above the top of the press to just above the top of the eggs (see tips). Cook for 5 minutes or until cooked to your liking.

Step 4

Place cheesy muffn halves on serving plates. Top with the bacon, eggs, spinach and rocket. Drizzle over barbecue sauce. Top with remaining muffn halves to serve.

SPICY SMOKY BBQ CHICKEN BURGER

10m cook

11 INGREDIENTS

• 6 Chicken Thigh Fillets

• 40g pkt BBQ Rub

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 cup (80g) shredded red cabbage

• 1 cup (80g) shredded savoy cabbage

• 1 carrot, coarsely grated

3 METHOD STEPS

Step 1

Heat a barbecue grill or chargrill on high. Coat chicken in rub and oil. Cook for 5 mins each side or until cooked through. Transfer to a plate. Cover with foil. Set aside for 5 mins to rest.

Step 2

Meanwhile, place combined cabbage, carrot,

5m prep 10m prep

7 INGREDIENTS

• 60ml (1/4 cup) olive oil

15m cook 20m cook

• 1 spring onion, thinly sliced

• 1/4 cup (75g) Peri Mayo

• 6 brioche burger buns, split, toasted

• 1/2 cup (40g) Tomato Sauce

• Oven-baked chips, to serve

spring onion and mayonnaise in a large bowl. Season. Toss to combine.

Step 3

Divide the bun bases among serving plates. Top with the tomato sauce, chicken, coleslaw mixture and bun tops. Serve with the chips.

ONE-PAN BEEF AND MAPLE SWEET POTATO

4 servings

• 400g can black beans, rinsed, drained

• 500g beef rump steak, excess fat trimmed

• 1 brown onion, fnely chopped

• 500g packet frozen cubed sweet potato

• 1 tbs ground coriander

3 METHOD STEPS

Step 1

Heat half the oil in a large frying pan over high heat. Season the steak. Cook for 2-3 minutes each side for medium or until cooked to your liking. Transfer the steak to a plate and set aside to rest.

Step 2

Heat the remaining oil in the pan over high heat. Add the onion, sweet potato and ground coriander. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 8 minutes or until

• 60ml (1/4 cup) maple syrup

• 2 long fresh green chillies, thinly sliced

• 1/2 bunch fresh coriander, leaves picked

• Lime wedges, to serve

the sweet potato is softened. Add the beans, maple syrup and half the chilli. Season. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes or until heated through.

Step 3

Thinly slice the beef. Place the beef on top of the sweet potato mixture. Top with coriander leaves and remaining chilli. Serve with lime wedges.

Funeral Notice

JONES, MARY PHILOMENA

Passed away peacefully at Cedars Nursing Home Casino, on Tuesday 18 July 2023 surrounded by her loving family – aged 79 years.

Beloved wife of Ray.

Much loved mother & mother-in-law of Catherine & Bertie, Liz & Mandy, Peter, Bernadette, Claire & Shaun. Loved Grandma of Douglas & Ted. Loving sister of Robert and Ann. Loved and sadly missed by all her family & friends.

‘Rest in Peace’

Relatives and friends of Mary are invited to her funeral service to be held Wednesday 2 August 2023 commencing at 1pm at St Mary’s Catholic Church, Canterbury Street, Casino. Followed by private cremation.

Live streaming link: https://vimeo.com/event/3579573

Funeral Notice

BEDFORD, IAN SELBY

12. 05. 1930 ~ 18. 07. 2023

Passed away peacefully in RSL LifeCare, Florence Price Gardens. Formerly of Se on, Ash eld and Rankin Springs. Late of Ballina. Loved father & father in law of Bruce (dec) & Emma and Stephen & Rachel. Adoring, doting grandpa to Cally. A friend to many.

Family and friends are invited to attend a celebration of Ian’s life to be held at Rainbow Chapel, Rainbow Avenue, Ballina on WEDNESDAY (August 2, 2023) commencing at 2.00 pm.

A er the service a private cremation will take place.

Ballina 02 6686 7036

Funeral Notice

ALBERTINI, SALVATORE

24.12.1932 – 15.7.2023

Passed away peacefully at his home under the care of Dr. Brian Witt, with his family by his side. Late of Modanville. Dearly loved husband of Mary (dec). Loving father of Lawrence, David and Robert. Loving father-in-law of Susan. Much loved nonno to Nathan, Rebecca and Kieran “forever in our hearts”

Requiem Mass for the repose of Salvatore’s soul will be celebrated at St Carthage’s Cathedral Lismore THURSDAY (July 27th, 2023) commencing at 10.30am. A er Mass the cortege will leave for Lismore Memorial Gardens Lawn Cemetery, Skyline Road Goonellabah. By request, donations in lieu of owers to Palliative Care Unit at St Vincents Hospital would be greatly appreciated.

Funeral Notice

Joy Balzer (nee Gough)

21.01.1939 ~ 14.07.2023

Passed away suddenly, late of Pimlico. Deeply loved wife of Bruce (dec). Adored mother and mother-in-law of Lyn and Tony. Much loved aunt of Chris & Kevin, Sandra, Paul, Tracey and Lisa. Loving sister of Daphne and family and treasured sister-in-law of Robyn. Joy will be sadly missed by her large group of family, friends and carers that have shared in her wonderful life.

“Forever In Our Hearts”

Relatives and friends are invited to attend Joy’s Funeral Service to be held at the Rainbow Chapel, Rainbow Avenue West Ballina on FRIDAY (July 28, 2023) commencing at 11.00am. A er the Service a private cremation will take place. Please contact Guardian Funeral, Ballina for livestreaming details.

Ballina 02 6686 7036

Funeral Notice

Joyce Mary Coleman (nee Towner) 17/06/1941 – 19/07/2023

Passed away suddenly in hospital at 82 years of age.

Beloved partner of Brian Adam of 40 years.

Dearly loved mother to John, Steven, Barbara and Lorena.

Much loved sister to Anne, Val (dec), Lionel, Victor (dec) and Margaret (dec).

Dearly loved grandmother to 11 grandchildren.

“Your wings were ready but our hearts were not”

Family and close friends are invited to attend Joyce’s funeral service to be held at Parkview Funeral Home, 21 Kalinga Street, West Ballina on Friday, 28th July, 2023 commencing at 12 noon.

This page is dedicated to all those that have passed

number attached (in line with the sequence of selection).

Leading into the reunion celebrations, an ‘Old Mates’ group will meet every month at ‘The Crossing Cafe’ Main Street, Alstonville for a social gathering and beverage to renew old friendships and forming new ones.

For further enquiries for cricket reunion contact Jack Oates (mob: 0429 533 940) or for ‘Old Mates’ contact Garry Ensbey (mob: 0403 033 227)

ALSTONVILLE PROBUS

CLUB

Alstonville Probus Club meets on the last Thursday of each month at Plateau Sports Club at 10.00 am. This commences with a cuppa and chat, with the formal meeting commencing at 10.30 which includes an interesting guest speaker. All visitors are 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.

EMBROIDERERS GROUP

Meetings are 9.30am-2.30pm

Phone numbers only, no email addresses

ALSTONVILLE

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.

CRAWFORD HOUSE MUSEUM

Visit Crawford House Museum, an original farmhouse where you can see many interesting household objects which refect family life from the turn of the century to the 1960s. There are also 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 1pm-4pm or at other times by appointment for groups. Enquiries (02) 6628 1829, By the way, we have 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.

ALSTONVILLE & DISTRICT CRICKET CLUB

Alstonville & District Cricket Club will be celebrating its 50th year of existence since the amalgamation of the two village clubs on the plateauAlstonville & Wollongbar on 10th July 1973.

The reunion of former and current players will take place on Sat 21st & Sun 22nd October weekend. Plans include a Welcome BBQ luncheon at one of the home competition games being played at either Hill Park, Wollongbar or Geoff Watt Oval, Alstonville on the Sat 21st Oct. (Cricket draw for season 2023/24 still to be determined). Drinks will continue to fow from 4:00pm onwards at the Alstonville Plateau Sports Club.

On Sun 22nd Oct, a special luncheon will be held from mid-day onwards at the Sports Club. Guests will be entertained with cricket stories from each decade and all attending former and current 1st Grade players will receive a keyring with their playing

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!

BALLINA ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A NEW HOBBY??? COME AND JOIN THE HEADLINERS CHORUS

We are an all-female group of all ages who love to sing “Acappella” in 4 part Barbershop harmony. We are well known in the Northern Rivers community and would love you to join us. Come along to a rehearsal on Monday nights from 7pm and for more information see our website or enquire to Tracey Ezzy on 0438 446 809

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. Ph: Deb on 0432105540

1st and 3rd Wednesdays and 2nd Saturday of each month except December and January. Our venue is the Resource Centre at the rear of Crawford House Museum, Alstonville. We welcome embroiderers of all ability levels to meet, share and learn.

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 will now hold their monthly meetings on the second Wednesday of the month at 11am 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

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. Ph: Julie Stephan 0434988770.

BALLINA FREE COMMUNITY HOT BRUNCH

Ballina Free Community Hot Brunch, First Saturday of each month.

Everyone is invited to come and enjoy a hot brunch of sausages, rissoles bacon & eggs, cereal, tea and coffee. Or just come for a chat. Frozen take away meals available.

Carol: 0438812235

BALLINA LADIES PROBUS CLUB

The next meeting of the Ballina Ladies Probus Club will be on Wednesday, August 2nd at 10 am at the Ballina RSL Club. The speaker will be Pip Carter, retired CEO of St Andrews, talking on helping people navigate the Aged Care System, The next Friendship Coffee Morning will br on Wednesday, August 16th at 10am at the RSL Boardwalk Cafe, at own cost. Call Wendy to book a place. 0410 560 916

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.

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).

Ph: Allan Watt: 0402 749 582

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.

Apologies to Wenda on 0449 563 580 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. 1800 805 366

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 at 13 North Ck Rd, Ballina. Call Judy Forsyth: 0407664337.

BALLINA CWA BRANCH

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. If you have any UFO’s (unfnished objects) 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 every Wednesday and Thursday from 12.30pm at a cost of $4. Everyone welcome.

BALLINA EVENING VIEW CLUB

Meets on the second Wednesday of each month at the Ballina RSL Club at 6.30 for dinner at 7pm - Guests are always welcome. Our

We are also taking names for our shopping trip to Pacifc Fair on November 29th.

$26.00.

The bus will pick up passengers in Alstonville, West Ballina, and Ballina RSL. To book a place call Wendy 0410 560 916 or Pamela 6681 1022

BALLINA LIGHTHOUSE

RSL DAY CLUB

A Day Club for elderly and isolated people in our community, held every Thursday at the Richmond Room Ballina. Enjoy morning tea and a mental stimulation exercise like Tai Chi, followed by lunch and afternoon musical entertainment. Every Thursday 10am to 2pm cost $10 Richmond Room, Regatta Avenue Ballina RSVP Lorraine Fox 66874350, 0439301249

BALLINA SENIOR CITIZENS BRIDGE CLUB

Social Bridge Play in Seniors Hall. Swift Street Ballina on Wednesday & Saturdays @ 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. 0411719074.

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

CASINO

THE CWA CASINO Day’s next monthly meeting is at the Casino Community Centre 9.00am Thursday August 17th (3rd Thursday of the Month) 2023. All welcome, come and have a cuppa and see what we are about. Enquires Margaret Good 66621746, Jennifer Baker 043892060.

Casino /Richmond Valley

BCA Branch August meeting is in the Casino Baptist Church Hall on the corner of Canterbury and West Streets Casino on Monday 7th August at 10am. Come along and enjoy a “Cuppa” with friends before the meeting.Free transport is available to and from the meeting.

Casino / Richmond Valley Blind Citizens Australia Branch

Casino /Richmond Valley BCA Branch August meeting is in the Casino Baptist Church Hall on the corner of Canterbury and West Streets Casino on Monday 7th August at 10am. Come along and enjoy a “Cuppa” with friends before the meeting.Free transport is available to and from the meeting.

CASINO COMMUNITY

MEN’S SHED

Mon, Tues, Wed, attendance limited to 50 members, 8am1.30pm. Contact 66626423

CASINO & DISTRICT FAMILY HISTORY GROUP INC

We are open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10am to 2pm, Wednesdays from 12pm to 4pm and every third Saturday from 9 am to 11.30 am.

We are in Room 5, upstairs in the School of Arts building in Walker Street, Casino. Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month at 10 am.

For a small fee we can do research for you as well.

Call 6664 1118

CASINO EVENING

BRANCH OF CWA

The Casino Evening Branch of the CWA meets on the frst Thursday of the month at the Casino Uniting Church Hall at 6pm. Come along and have supper and fnd out what we do.

All welcome.

Enquiries to: Jo 0417798622

CASINO FUN DAY OUT FOR SENIORS

A day out for ALL LONELY

PEOPLE of our aged communities from Casino, Kyogle, Lismore, Coraki, Woodburn and Evans Head.

Feel free to get your own group together for a great day.

Where: Casino RSM Club

Date: Friday 15th September 2023

Time: 10.30am-2.30pm

Cost: $10

10.30am: Sandra BinneySolicitor, information on necessity of wills, power of attorney and guardianship.

10.45am: ViviannaPharmacist @ Scrivener & Webb, information about available and supplied services.

11.00am: Gerard DunlopSeniors Right Service, information about rights as older citizens.

11.20am: Lucky Door Prizes and Raffes Drawn.

12.00pm: Light lunch served with tea/coffee.

12.45pm: Entertainment from The Minstrels.

Contact: Jan Danaher0414625680 for Transport, Seating, Catering Purposes and any other Enquiries.

CASINO GALLERY-ART at the CASSINO GALLERY.

The Casino Art Group meets here every Thursday to Saturdays 10am to 3pm

Interested in promoting YOUR medium? Come to the gallery for information.

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 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 3

MONDAY V.Gray & N.Nowlan

J. Yates

TUESDAY S.Forrester

WEDNESDAY

H. Hurst N.& K.Ryan

THURSDAY B. Bennett

FRIDAY Richmond Valley Council B & H.Elford

CASINO MINI RAIL

Every Sunday 10am to 4pm. Weather permitting. West Street Casino. Phone 0455673722.

CASINO MIXED PROBUS CLUB

Our Meeting is on fourth Thursday of each month at Casino RSM Club at 10:00am. Contact Kathleen Griffns, President phone 0427622470 or Daphne Boyd, Secretary phone 0400070085.

CASINO UNITING CHURCH

CAFÉ PRAISE…. Every Wednesday @ 10-11am. All

Welcome

10am Morning Tea

Fellowship. Welcome and Chat

10.30am Praise and Worship

CASINO VIEW CLUB

Monthly luncheon meeting at Casino RSM Club at 11am, second Thurs of every month. Contact Jan on 0418715374

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 0427133372

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

LISMORE CASINO NAVAL ASSOCIATION

Meets bi-monthly at Casino RSM, new members welcome. Ph: Chris 66293269 or Jim 0427400625.

ST MARKS OLD TIME NEW VOGUE DANCE CLUB St Marks Anglican church hall Barker Street Casino.

Old Time and New Vogue. Revision & Beginners.

Every Tuesday from 3pm5.30pm @ $5 per head.

First Saturday night of each month from 7pm -10pm @ $10 per person.

Live music Judy Johnson New members, all ages most welcome. Bring a plate to share in a supper. Contact Ronald: 66623328 / mob: 0449710552

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.

Windara Volunteers are once again holding the popular SOUP AND SWEETS Day with BINGO on Wednesday 2nd August 2023, at 11 am, cost is $18. Tickets are available at Cottage Collection or by phoning Windara no later than 1st August.

EVANS HEAD

EVANS HEAD CWA BRANCH meets every third Tuesday for lunch at noon. New members welcome. More 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.

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.

TABLE TENNIS AT GOONELLABAH

Tuesday and Thursday mornings social playing: 9am-12noon; Monday and Wednesday nights social playing: 7-9pm; Training Monday mornings: 9am12noon; 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

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

“Connecting people with an interest in gardening, plants, fowers and nature.”

My morning walk usually takes me past the magnifcent White Fig on the corner of Prince and Victoria St. It is such a vibrant meeting place for all sorts of birds, I only hear them as they are hard to spot in such dense foliage. It is so big, like a small bird community that needs its own postcode! It would be the basis for a great children’s story for any good writers out there.Our next meeting will be on Thursday 3rd August at the Joan Muir Centre, 194 Turf St Grafton. 10am to midday. Entry is $2, please bring morning tea to share if you are able. We will supply coffee, tea etc.

There will also be the regular Bring and Buy table so if you have some plants, cuttings or produce you would like to donate, they are greatly appreciated. Please label plants and cuttings to help others know what they are buying. All proceeds go to our Club.

Our guest speaker will be speaking on the topic of Bonsai plants. Cheryl spoke on this subject last year and we’re looking forward to learning more about how to pot them up.

GRAFTON CWA

Meetings of Grafton CWA are held on 2nd Friday of each month in the CWA Rooms, cnr Duke and Pound Sts. Morning tea is at 9.30am, followed by the meeting at 10am. Craft mornings are held on 2nd and 4th Mondays at 9.30am-a good opportunity to get together to do some craft, meet other people, have a cup of tea and a chat. Members are looking forward to next year’s CWA Conference in May, which is to be hosted by the North Coast Group in Coffs Harbour. The North Coast Group is made up of 16 branches covering the area from Iluka in the north to Urunga in the south and west to Dorrigo. Members from these branches will be helping with the organisation and running of the Conference, which should attract many visitors to the area and be of beneft to the local economy.

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

COMUNITY NOTICES

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.

Flag – Community

Snake & Hands – Culture

Many thanks to the artists and to Rick who runs the Program. Our next meeting will be on Thursday 3rd August at the Joan Muir Centre, 194 Turf St Grafton. 10am to midday. Entry is $2, please bring morning tea to share if you are able. We will supply coffee, tea etc.

There will also be the regular Bring and Buy table so if you have some plants, cuttings or produce you would like to donate, they are greatly appreciated. Please label plants and cuttings to help others know what they are buying. All proceeds go to our Club. Our guest speaker will be speaking on the topic of Bonsai plants. Cheryl spoke on this subject last year and we’re looking forward to learning more about how to pot them up.

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 10.30a.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 66447347 or 0416067315, or from Dot on 66423248 or 0477213017

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 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. It’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 opening 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.

SCHAEFFER HOUSE MUSEUM, 190 PRINCE STREET, Grafton, NSW

Many items are being ‘rested’ and replaced with different interesting historical photographs, paintings, and objects. Come to see if you can “spot” the changes!

Our museum is constantly changing, just like the lovely garden that surrounds it!

When did you last “drop in?”

All our museums have different collections and are entertaining so check out the opening times for Alumy Creek, Iluka, Yamba, Glenreagh, Maclean, Lawrence and Copmanhurst. Schaeffer House hours: Tues, Wed, Thur, and Sun 1-4pm Admission Family of four $12.00 Adults $5.00 and children $2.00

We have been welcoming many new members lately, if you would like to join our historical society, you too, can receive our quarterly newsletters and receive many benefts in the Research Area.

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 0414794380

PROBUS CLUB OF HASTINGS POINT

COMMUNITY NOTICES

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

TWEED COAST U3A

(University of 3rd Age)

established with the aim of providing a supportive and engaging environment for people over 45 years not working full-time, in promoting active aging, fostering social connections, and empowering older adults to lead fulflling lives.

At the heart of our community are the friendships that bloom and fourish. There are over 44 Classes available for example – art, craft, book chat, yoga, pilates, tai chi, canasta, brain games, languages, writing life stories, walks, cycling.

Membership for Term 3 & 4 (July to Dec 2023) only $40 –No limit on number of classes you can attend.

Join us to create meaningful connections, share stories, laughter, and create lasting memories.

Contact Julia 07 5524 8995

KINGSCLIFF 500 CARD CLUB

Kingscliff 500 Card Club.

Monday and Wednesday afternoons 1pm to 4pm

Cudgen Surf Club

New players WELCOME

Contact: GARY 0499869992

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. Ph: 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.

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. Ph: Jan on 0427293455.

ROTARY KYOGLE BAZAAR

Fourth Saturday of every month.

See Rotary Kyogle Bazaar on social media for all the details

or call 0459512249.

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.

Ph: 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. Ph: June Zentveld on 66871004

LISMORE

LISMORE LIONS CLUB

Please save your used

stamps to raise funds for The Australian Lions Children’s Mobility Foundation. Stamps are collected & forwarded on to be sorted & sold at Auction, to raise money for Children’s Mobility

For further information, please contact Margaret Boxsell on 0427141425

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.

Ph: 0432575911

LISMORE CWA

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.

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 0437465642.

LISMORE LIBRARY NEW LOCATION IN THE CBD

While the Lismore Library is under repair, you can fnd a Pop-Up Library at 146 Molesworth Street (Was Williams Shoes), for all your reading, watching and information needs. The library has a fresh collection of donated community books, DVD’s, Puzzles and more, with weekly programs and events. The library is open 7 days a week.

Free Tech Help Lismore Pop-up Library every Tuesday and Thursday by appointment

Our tech team can help you master your phone, tablet, or laptop. Email, Facebook, Apps, Photos…even how to turn the thing on! Make sure to book a oneon-one, 45-minute session, that can be tailored to your individual needs!

For more information and to book an appointment phone Lismore Pop-up Library on 0266212464.

LISMORE MEN & COMMUNITY SHED

President: Don Abrahams

0437576837 Vice President: Bob Greig 0404860504

Opening Hours: Tuesday & Thursday 9.00am – 3.00pm

We are a community based non-proft 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. Ph: Bev on 0400326289

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, Linda: 0419489987

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).

CO-DEPENDANTS ANONYMOUS (CoDA)

Co-Dependants Anonymous is a Twelve Step Fellowship of people whose common purpose is to develop healthy relationships. The only requirement for membership is a desire for healthy relationships.

The CoDA meeting in the Lismore area meets on Mondays from 6.30pm to 7.30pm at Riverland’s Drug and Alcohol Centre. 75 Hunter Street, Lismore. For further information call 0456178826 or 0408336143

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.

Ph: Fay Ross 0412910487. 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.

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. 66227408

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 on the 2nd & 4th Wednesday of each month at 5.30pm at The Civic Hotel (210 Molesworth Street Lismore). Ph: 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. Ph: 0435990919

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.

SUMMERLAND BONSAI SOCIETY INC.

Come and learn an addictive hobby with us. We provide personal support from experienced teachers as well as demonstrations and Bonsai information. Club days are held on

the second Saturday of every month at 1pm in the Arts Pavillion at Lismore Showgrounds. Be inspired about the art of creating little trees. Ph: 0438103601

ZEN AND INSIGHT

MEDITATION – LISMORE HEIGHTS

INSIGHT (VIPASSANA)

MEDITATION and practice: This mindfulness-based meditation group sits on Wednesdays from 7:008:30pm. The evening includes meditation instructions, sitting and walking meditation, Dharma talks and discussion. For further details, please contact Rosie - 0402682925

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

Beginners and experienced meditations are warmly welcomed at both groups.

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

MURWILLUMBAH

TWEED COAST U3A (University of 3rd Age) established with the aim of providing a supportive and engaging environment for people over 45 years not working full-time, in promoting active aging, fostering social connections and empowering older adults to lead fulflling lives. At the heart of our community are the friendships that bloom and fourish.

There are over 44 Classes available for example – art, craft, book chat, yoga, pilates, tai chi, canasta, brain games, languages, writing life stories, walks, cycling.

Membership for Term 3 & 4 (July to Dec 2023) only $40 –No limit on number of classes you can attend. Join us to create meaningful connections, share stories, laughter, and create lasting memories.

Contact Julia 07 5524 8995

COMMUNITY

PRINTMAKERS

MURWILLUMBAH

Fine art printmakers. Meet at studio space 224 Stokers Rd, Stokers Siding. Prints,

gallery, workshops and more!

Ph: Peter 0498399640 or Sue 0408493253.

MURWILLUMBAH

COMMUNITY GARDEN

Members and visitors are invited to join the group for activities and gardening tips most Sundays. Time 3-5pm, street parking, BYO, covered footwear, comfy clothing, hat, and water. Children ok with strict supervision. Covid plan operating. Ph: Bob Johnson (02)66225792.

NIMBIN

OLD TIME NIMBIN CENTRAL SCHOOL REUNION

We are pleased to invite you and your partner to join your fellow classmates for drinks and lunch at the Nimbin Bowling Club Sunday the 10th of September 2023. Club opens at 10am. Bistro opens for lunch at 12pm. Approximately $20. Chefs’ menu will be provided closer to the day.

Photo ID will be required for club entrance.

We will need numbers for catering by the last meeting in mid-August 2023, please reply to an organiser by this time.

Royce Andrews: 0477006140, Rhonda Ryan (Whitney): 0448234254

POTTSVILLE

Alcoholics Anonymous: Is drinking costing you more than money? AA works and is very active in Pottsville. We meet every Thursday 7pm at St Marks 15A Coronation Ave Pottsville and local contact 1800 423 431 or 04019 45671

TWEED COAST U3A (University of 3rd Age) established with the aim of providing a supportive and engaging environment for people over 45 years not working full-time, in promoting active aging, fostering social connections and empowering older adults to lead fulflling lives. At the heart of our community are the friendships that bloom and fourish.

There are over 44 Classes available for example – art, craft, book chat, yoga, pilates, tai chi, canasta, brain games, languages, writing life stories, walks, cycling.

Membership for Term 3 & 4 (July to Dec 2023) only $40 –No limit on number of classes you can attend. Join us to create meaningful connections, share stories, laughter, and create lasting memories.

Contact Julia 07 5524 8995

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.

POTTSVILLE LADIES LIFEBALL

Every Thursday morning

9.30am to 11.30am. Pottsville Community Hall, $5 per session includes morning tea. No joining fees. Ph: Jan 0431909760.

TWEED HEADS

Gardeners or Potters

Twin Towns and District Garden Club meets every second Monday of the month. December is awards and presentations. Our next meeting is Monday 14th August 2023. Time: Meeting starts 10 am. Doors open 8.30 am NSW time. Meetings Venue: Tweed Heads Civic Centre Auditorium next to Library, Brett Street, Tweed Heads. Guest Speaker: August - Anne Whittingham - Feng Shui in garden design 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 like-minded gardeners. See you there, don’t forget to bring a mug.

TWEED COAST U3A

(University of 3rd Age) established with the aim of providing a supportive and engaging environment for people over 45 years not working full-time, in promoting active aging, fostering social connections and empowering older adults to lead fulflling lives. At the heart of our community are the friendships that bloom and fourish.

There are over 44 Classes available for example – art, craft, book chat, yoga, Pilates, tai chi, canasta, brain games, languages, writing life stories, walks, cycling.

Membership for Term 3 & 4 (July to Dec 2023) only $40 –No limit on number of classes you can attend.

Join us to create meaningful connections, share stories, laughter, and create lasting memories. Contact Julia 07 5524 8995

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.

RICHMOND-TWEED FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY INC

The Society holds its monthly general meeting on the frst Saturday of every month at Players Theatre, 24 Swift Street, Ballina, from 2pm-4pm and at each meeting we have a presentation of a topic at that meeting we hope you will continue to support us announcing this through your relevant media outlet, I have listed some upcoming meetings:

Saturday 5 August Meeting: AGM plus talks on The Black Sheep in the Family co-ordinated by Joy Conlon

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

V I E W as in Voice, Interests, Education of Women (not many people are aware of what ‘VIEW’ club stands for!) AND NOT ONLY IN NAME: We are a group of ladies who care what will become of our youth! Our heritage – Their heritage – It is sad but true that many of our young people have no direction in their lives. Every morning we wake to the news that violence has occurred overnight in what was once considered a safe neighborhood. How do these offending children/ youth feel the next morning knowing they have caused so much heartache - is this why we also hear of youth harming themselves so they can spread the pain? So, this is where VIEW Clubs and other similar clubs are starting from the bottom of the ladder by providing much needed funds to educate our youngsters so they will WANT to become the very best person they can not only in education but in their community and being proud of themselves and giving their parents hope for their child’s future. We at TWIN TOWNS DAY VIEW CLUB PROVIDE THE NECESSARY FUNDS to educate just 7 of these

children. We know not where they come from, but someone in their community has contacted THE SMITH FAMILY and they in turn contact VIEW CLUBS OF AUSTRALIA who anonymously contact a VIEW Club who in turn take over the responsibility for these worthy children’s fees and so year after year their tertiary fees are paid. These fees are raised by VIEW Club members who attend meetings, listen to interesting guest speakers and regularly have days out at each other’s homes – so FUN and a tremendous satisfaction of knowing we are helping our future generation. More information can be gleaned by contacting our President Kathie on 0407709629.

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

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. Ph: 0499862886

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.

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.

NORTHERN RIVERS EVENING PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT GROUP

The next meeting of the Northern Rivers Evening Prostate Cancer Support Group is to be held on Wednesday 2nd August - 7pm until 9 pm at the LISMORE WORKERS SPORTS

MAIN CLUB 202 OLIVER AVENUE, GOONELLABAH

Meals available at the Club if required -Men previously and newly diagnosed with prostate cancer are urged to join with the group to experience the personal cancer stories told which give a great opportunity for all to share, learn and beneft from each other - Partners and Carers are also most welcome to attend as family are very much involved with the process and treatment of those with this diagnosis. GUEST SPEAKER

Josephine Saunders –Summerland Sunrise Rotary Lismore Enquiries phone Bob Johnson (02) 6622 5792

Parkinson’s NSW Lismore Regional Support Group. We meet every third Friday of the month. Next group Meeting is Friday, 18th of August. Commences at 10am to 12pm at the South Lismore Bowls Club, 25 Wilson Street South Lismore. New members welcomed. Snacks & cold drinks available.

Tea and Coffee with a Gold Coin Donation Social Networking with Tea and Coffee, Companion Support Group, and the rescheduled Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month Bowls Day. Any inquiries contact Marie 0448871290

Warnings

See www.bom.gov.au/australia/warnings

Northern Rivers District:

Partly cloudy. Medium chance of showers in the north, slight chance elsewhere. Light winds becoming south to southeasterly 15 to 20 km/h during the day then becoming light during the evening.

Thursday. Partly cloudy. The chance of morning fog inland. Slight chance of a shower. Light winds.

Northern Tablelands District:

Partly cloudy. Areas of morning frost on and west of the ranges. The chance of morning fog in the south. Slight chance of a shower near the Queensland border. Winds east to southeasterly 15 to 20 km/h becoming light during the morning.

Thursday. Mostly sunny. Areas of morning frost in the south. The chance of morning fog. Light winds.

TIDES, SUN & MOON Ballina

New South Wales:

A few showers about the northeast, most likely about the coastal fringe. Dry and sunny elsewhere. Areas of morning frost about the south and southeast. Daytime temperatures near average about the northeast, tending above average elsewhere. Thursday. Showers easing in the northeast, while showers developing in the far southwest. Dry and sunny elsewhere. Morning fog and frost possible about the ranges and slopes. Daytime temperatures near to above average. Southwest to southeasterly winds about the coast, tending north to northwesterly inland.

Byron Coast:

Winds: Southeasterly 15 to 20 knots. Seas: 1 to 1.5 metres. 1st Swell: Southeasterly 1 to 1.5 metres inshore, increasing to 1.5 to 2 metres offshore north of Yamba. 2nd Swell: Southerly around 1 metre. Weather: Partly cloudy.

Coffs Coast:

Winds: Southerly 10 to 15 knots tending southeasterly during the morning. Seas: 1 to 1.5 metres, decreasing to 1 metre during the morning. 1st Swell: Southerly below 1 metre, increasing to 1 to 1.5 metres during the morning. 2nd Swell: Southeasterly 1 to 1.5 metres. Weather: Partly cloudy. 50% chance of showers. Gold Coast Waters:

Winds: Southeasterly 15 to 20 knots. Seas: 1 to 1.5 metres. 1st Swell: Southeasterly around 1 metre inshore, increasing to 1.5 metres offshore. 2nd Swell: Southerly below 1 metre inshore, increasing to around 1 metre offshore during the afternoon. Weather: Partly cloudy.

By Tim Howard

The South Grafton Rebels have seized top spot in the Group 2 Rugby League competition and local derby bragging rights with a devastating 80-minute display to down the Grafton Ghosts 34-0.

In what most were saying was their best 80 minutes of football this season, the Rebels piled on fve unanswered tries and dominated feld position for much of the game. If it had not been for the Ghosts willing defensive effort, the scoreline could have passed 50.

The game opened with both sides trading big shots as the forward packs struggled for dominance.

The Ghosts big boppers Adam Slater and Mitch Garrett were also busy in attack with Slater running powerfully and Garbutt fnding some space to offoad.

But the Rebels defenders held the line with some breathtaking hits which forced some key turnovers and kept the Ghosts pinned in their half for most of the frst half.

After about 17 minutes of softening up, the Rebels fnally punished the Ghosts for a handling

Rebels top table after crushing win

error with a skilfully worked play from the base of a scrum about 35m out and slightly to the left of the uprights.

A slick pass from the scrum base put centre James Torrens on the outside of his defender which pulled the Grafton winger to him.

Torrens timed his pass to winger Jamal Laurie to perfection and he sprinted down the sideline and around to the posts to score. Nick McGrady converted for the 6-0 scoreline.

The Ghosts came close to a quick reply when a penalty for a late tackle put them on attack on the Rebels line.

Gun centre Dylan Collett had a shot at the line but some resolute defence forced the ball loose on the line.

Both teams hurled themselves at the line and the defenders responded with some tackles that had the referee reaching for his whistle.

Slater and Garbutt were penalised for inverting Aidan Hyland and a few minutes later Collett was penalised for fipping Nick McGrady in a tackle which saw him land heavily on his neck and stay down for a few minutes.

The Rebels were also guilty of similar offences, but the referee

chose to keep the sin bin empty.

Although defending for the most of the half, the Ghosts would have been happy with the 6-0 scoreline as half time drew near.

But the Rebels were not to be denied and when winger Liam Bloomer fumbled a well-judged kick from Hugh Stanley, Torrens found the ball in his hands and raced around behind the sticks to score.

Ahead 12-0 at half time, the crowd were waiting for the Ghosts comeback and Collett came close again when a chip kick from fve-eighth Rhys Hambly almost stuck as it bounced awkwardly in the left corner.

But it was the Rebels who struck next when fullback Keiron JohnsonHeron broke through some fimsy tackles and found Torrens backing up on his outside.

Put into the clear Torrens raced 40 metres to score under the posts, giving McGrady another easy shot at conversion.

Despite the scoreline, there was still plenty of sting going into the defence as the Ghosts tried to fght their way back into the game

But it was the the Rebels who benefted when a hard shot from Garbutt slipped up,

giving McGrady a shot at goal from in front to make the score 20-0.

The decision nearly backfred when the Ghosts found touch from the kick off and second rower Dan Shipman was held up over the line a few plays later.

But some dropped ball and penalties gave up feld position to the Rebels and their best on feld Stanley had the team’s supporters cheering when a deft pass put favourite son Grant Stevens over for a try to the right of the posts.

At 26-0 in front the game was out of reach for the Ghosts, but with 20 minutes to go, the Ghosts were desperate to avoid a blow out.

Typical of their day, the Rebels last try came when the Ghosts charged down half back Keaton Stutt’s kick ahead, but it bounced straight into his hands and he ran under the posts waving his hand in the air in triumph before touching down.

The Rebels continued to press until the end when the Ghosts defence was caught offside, McGrady slotted a penalty right on full time to make the score 34-0.

After the game a delighted Stevens said the Rebels were fnally putting together a full 80

minute effort.

“We’re starting to get back to the feeling we had at the back end of last season,” he said.

He was proud of the way the Rebels improved their discipline from recent games, which kept pressure on the Ghosts.

“It was very fast and physical game,” he said “Our game plan was to suffocate their attack and that’s what were able to do.”

Rebels coach Ron Gordon said rated the effort equal to the 30-6 win over highly rated Macksville in May.

He sang the praises of Stanley who ran the game faultlessly in the number 6 jersey.

“That was the best game I’ve seen from Hughie in a couple of years,” he said. But the Rebels were well served across the park, beginning at the back when new team captain Keiron JohnsonHeron was masterful with his catching, kick returns and backing up.

Gordon said he appointed JohnsonHeron to the role when Stevens was injured against the Ghosts and decided to leave him in the role as Stevens resumed playing off the bench.

Teenage half Stutt was again dynamic in

defence and attack and in the centres Torrens and Nick McGrady nullifed the threat from Collett and did plenty of damage themselves.

In the forwards there was not a weak link with the back row of Hyland, Luke Walker, Stevens and Nick Torrens smashing their opposite numbers.

Up front hooker James Olivero was always a threat around the ruck and props Bailey Sinclair and Lionel Johnson were rock solid in attack and defence.

For the Ghosts, who have now conceded 80 points in the last two games, the soul searching will begin next week and there won’t be an easy answer as the Coffs Comets await them away.

The Rebels will host Macksville at McKittrick Park on Saturday and will be looking to put some shaky home ground form behind them.

The Rebels win also gave them their frst silverware of the season picking up the Viv Hodge Memorial Trophy, up for grabs every time the Ghosts and Rebels meet at Frank McGuren Field.

Ghosts fullback Cooper Woods gets airborne as he attempts to catch a Hugh Stanley bomb during Sunday’s local derby clash with the South Grafton Rebels at Frank McGuren Field. Rebels centre Nick McGrady was competing for the ball.

Rebels defenders shut down dangerous Ghosts forward Mitch Garbutt during Sundays 34-0 win over the Ghosts at Frank McGuren Field on Sunday.

By Tim Howard

One of the Clarence Valley leading umpires and administrators has decided to stand down from representative duties.

CricketNSW head of competitions and offciating, Darren Goodger, said Grafton umpire Bruce Baxter had decided he would not longer stand on the Country Umpire Representative Panel.

Goodger said the decision had been typically “selfess” and made to give up and coming umpires a chance to offciate at the highest levels of country cricket.

Goodger said Baxter, a principal member of the NSWCUSA, served on the Country Panel since season 2017-18. Prior to that he had been a member of the Supplementary Panel.

But he said Baxter’s service to cricket in the Clarence, North Coast and NSW Country Cricket began in 1973 from the time he arrived in Grafton to take up a teaching post at South Grafton High School.

Selfess decision from leading umpire

He listed some of the role has undertaken in that time:

• Serving as either president or secretary of South Services Cricket Club

• Serving as an executive member of the Clarence River

• Being delegate to the North Coast Cricket Council

• President of Clarence River District Cricket Umpires’ Association

• President of North Coast Cricket Umpires’ and Scorers’ Association

• Being appointed on

president of four cricket organisations (SSCC, CRCA, CRDCUA, NCCUSA).

Good described his commitment and longevity as “exceptional”.

“In all his roles in cricket, Bruce has

“He has been involved for 50 consecutive cricket seasons, a respected life member of South Services Cricket Club and Clarence River Cricket Association.”

But Baxter has hung up his counter and will continue to be involved

carnivals,” Goodger said.

“Players, coaches and staff enjoy Bruce’s company and his common sense approach to umpiring at the various carnivals.

“They also respect and appreciate the quality of his umpiring.”

Goodger, who also hails from Grafton, has known Baxter since he became involved as a player and offcial in the 1980s.

“I have learnt much from others about the spirit of cricket over the years and what it means to play hard, fair cricket within the spirit of the game,” he said.

“Bruce Baxter and Graham Rose, both heavily involved in north coast cricket, have been wonderful role models in this regard.

Cricket Association, including several terms as president

• Bruce has, for 40+ consecutive seasons, coached the South Services Cricket Club under-14 team

fve occasions to umpire the Regional T20 Bash Men’s Final at the SCG In season 2021-22 duty called and at an age that many cut back their commitments, Baxter found himself

displayed outstanding values and integrity being a most humble person and selfess servant of our game as a player, administrator, coach and umpire,” he said.

in cricket as an umpire, coach and administrator.

“We look forward to him continuing to umpire in underage Country Cricket NSW programs and CNSW State Challenge

“It has been a pleasure to have Bruce Baxter involved as a member of the Country Umpire Representative Panel for six years.

“We extend our thanks to Bruce along with congratulations on a sterling contribution and very best wishes for his future involvement in cricket.”

MAHJONG 20th July, 2023

1.

Lang,

15. Susan Scott, 16.

Greenaway, 17. Jan Henley, Vanessa Reynolds, 19. Lorna Simpson, 20. Sarah Bull, 21. Barbara Ellan, 22. Pam Farrell, 23. Susan Allen, 24. Shirley Henry, 25. Lynda Lovett, 26. Kath Hubbard, 27. Jane Fenech, 28. Yvonne Weddup, 29. Gladys

CASINO WOMENS BOWLS RESULTS

On Wednesday 19/7 it was the semi-fnal for the Open Club selected Pairs championship.

C. Doyle & C. Haynes def L. James & R. Skirrey

J. Cooke & H. Lavelle def N. Moran & I. Watson Congratulations to the winners, they will play the fnal on Wednesday 26/7.

The winners of the day in a social game were:

T. Maxwell, D. Grice, D. Skinner & A.James def T. Maxwell, J. Creighton, J. Dwyer & M. Mead.

CHERRY STREET CROQUET CLUB

SPORTS RESULTS

ASSOCIATION

CROQUET:

G.Drew 16 d C.Woodlands 10

G.Porter 17 d L.Sampson 10

TOURNAMENTS :

NSW Ricochet Croquet Division 2 Singles : C.Williamson 1, S.Cook 2, P.Waters 3, B.Munns 4, B.McAlister 5, C.Gill 6, P.Gordon 7, R.Mulvaney 8, R.Hughes 9, M.Sawers 10.

Jenny OSullivan Club Champion Advantage Handicap Golf Croquet Singles

Runner Up Gloria Drew.

CORAKI VETERANS GOLF RESULTS

THURSDAY 20/7/23

A poor feld of 38 golfers played the single stableford, Winner D Knox, 2nd J Celich, 3rd J Kelly free game J Weaver, chicken/ball winners W Swindle, M Fairfull, A Parrr, G O,Connor, R Gacioppa, S Redell. Nearest pins 3rd/12th J Weaver

6th/15th T Doyle.

This Thursday will be another single stableford for the golfers not travelling to Woodburn Evans Head with an 8.30am hit off.

Golfers don’t forget Coraki Veterans Open Golf Day Tuesday 22/8/23. Place names on sheet on notice board if you intend playing.

AS USUAL TILL THEN GOOD GOLFING

GRAFTON DISTRICT ANGLERS CLUB

JULY OUTING

RESULTS

Grafton District Anglers Club held their July Rock, Beach, and Estuary outing on 22/23 July.

There were 21 nominations with 11 members weighing in fsh.

Matthew Pigg weighed 19 Tailor, 3 Luderick, 2 Bream and a Drummer, to take out 1st place in the senior competition, with a whopping 251 points.

2nd place went to Craig Hinterholzl with 7 Bream and 2 Flathead. Coming in 3rd place was the evergreen Tom Grantham. Tom caught 9 Flathead for 3.600kg. 2 juniors nominated but unfortunately couldn’t catch a fsh to weigh in.

Next Rock, Beach and Estuary outing will be held on 12/13 August. Weigh in at Apollo park, 12 noon, Sunday 13th.

Leading umpire Bruce Baxter, left, flling at least two roles at the conclusion of the 2021-22 season. He umpired the match and as CRCA president awarded the trophy to winning captain Brad Chard from Tucabia Copmanhurst.

Joy Lowien, 2. Shirley Atkinson, 3. Sally Lowry, 4. Jan Small, 5. Lesley Ritchie, 6. Jeanette Henwood, 7. Pauline Kearney, 8. Rosemary Russell, Shirley Coleman, 11. Pauline Bolte, 12. Val Heinritz, 13. Jenny

Valda McLerie,

June

D’Anna, 30. Lisa Wong, 31. Coral Lavelle, 32. Cindy Smith, 33. Diana Auret

By Tim Howard

There were not a lot of dry eyes at Grafton Racecourse when The Big Goodbye stormed home to win the $200,000 Listed Ramornie Handicap (1200m).

But it was not the gutsy win for the Rob Heathcote-trained runner that had hardened race goers rubbing their eyes, but the horse’s back story that got the crowd’s emotions going.

A little over a year earlier Grafton girl Leah Kilner was injured in an horrifc race fall on the opening day of the 2022 carnival.

With severe brain and head injuries plus multiple fracture around her body, she was placed in a coma and there

Ramornie win brings the tears

were grave fears for her future.

To describe her recovery as a miracle probably sells it short.

Kilner, who has vision problems as a result of the fall, is unlikely to ride again, but the Heathcote stable, where she was apprenticed, has found a role for her as an assistant racing manager.

It was in that role Kilner and the Heathcote team brought The Big Goodbye to Grafton on race eve.

The fve-year-old bay gelding and Kilner have history.

Two weeks before her fall she had ridden him to a win at Ipswich and was forming a strong bond between horse and rider.

Kilner described how strong that bond had

become in an interview given to justhorseracing. com.au after she was released from hospital.

“We’ve got The Big Goodbye with Rob. Obviously, I won so many races on him and had such an affnity with that horse,” she told reporter Graham Potter.

“You know what … when I left the hospital I never cried. I actually started thinking to myself, maybe I don’t cry anymore. What’s wrong?

“When I got out of the hospital, The Big Goodbye was in the paddock having a spell and then, one day, a couple of weeks later, I went around to the stables and he had come back in from a spell that day. It was the frst time I’d seen him since my

accident … and I bawled my eyes out.

“And when I cried, everybody thought there was something wrong with me. They came running and said, ‘what’s wrong, what’s wrong’ … and I said ‘nothing.’ He was the only horse to make me so emotional.” So it was no surprise when Kilner watched him in the closing stages of the Ramornie it was through teary eyes.

“It was very special,” she said. “I thought I could not be on him, but this is the next best

thing.”

Kilner said she brought The Big Goodbye to Grafton confdent he could win the Ramornie.

“He’s a tough horse,” she said. “Martin (Harley)rode hime perfect, better than perfect, 11 out of 10.

“He got to sit outside Ranges and ease up beside him. When he pressed the button, there was no-one that could catch him.”

It was a win that that brought wonder back even for veterans of the sport, like CRJC

“That’s the sort of things the sport can do,” he said. “It can bring you so low, but then lift you up to give you the best day of your life.

“That’s what it’s done for Leah Kilner and I think she’s got a long way to go yet.”

The Big Goodbye took out the Ramornie Handicap fnishing a quarter length ahead of Far Too Easy and early leader Ranges was less than a length further back.

executive offcer Michael Beattie.

The Big Goodbye crosses the line to win the 2023 $200,000 Listed Ramornie Handicap (1200m) ahead of Far Too Easy and Ranges.

A little over a year after nearly losing her life in a horrifc race fall at Grafton, local girl Leah Kilner was back celebrating the win representing winning trainer Rob Heathcote. Members of the Queensland Rogues owners syndicate helped her celebrate.Far Too Easy and Ranges.