October 2022 on the formal resignation date of the current General Manager. Clarence Valley Council Mayor, Councillor Ian Tiley said he was pleased on behalf of Councillors to announce the appointment after an extensive recruitment process conducted over

Clarence community loses a true champion

TIM HOWARD

It is a testament to the respect the Clarence had for Bundjalung and Gumbaynggirr woman Irene Daley that so how many bowed their head in silence at the news of her passing on July 21.

Anywhere people gathered in the days following the sad event, it was mandatory for people to stop for a minute in silence to recall what she meant to the local community.

The crowd stood heads bowed before the South Grafton Rebels v Coffs Comets game at McKittrick Park, Clarence mayor Ian Tiley began the July 27 Clarence Valley Council meeting with an acknowledgement of her role in the Clarence community and the celebrations of the Grafton Bridge’s 90th birthday, were paused as a mark of respect to her.

The Gumbaynggirr ad Bundjalung matriarch was one of nine children. She worked on the railway in her early life, until she reached the age of 38 and begin a university degree.

In 1993 became art teacher, taught primary, secondary and TAFE students as well as exhibiting her paintings at numerous local art exhibitions. Over the years she was much sought after to deliver many welcomes to country at local gatherings.

Cr Tiley said Ms Daley exemplified her motto, “live simply so others can simply live”.

Irene’s children Troy Cassar-Daley and Michelle survive her.

“Irene will be sadly missed by all those who knew and loved her,” Cr Tiley said.

Australian country music star Troy CassarDaley gave a moving tribute for his mother on social media:

“Well I have to say this last three days has been an emotional roller coaster/train wreck for me, getting home and not seeing Mum on the veranda waiting for me was truly devastating! Laurel and I started crying from the turn off to Mum’s that’s been the tone of the last two days. People of Grafton have offered their condolences everywhere I’ve walked while down home they have taken the weight off my heavy heart and I thank them for that.

“The public seat that Mum designed with tiles and paint on Skinner Sth Grafton was surrounded by candles with some young people playing music in her honour the night the news broke.

“Also a minute silence at the Sth Grafton Rebels game today and black armbands showed how much love there is for my beautiful Mum in this community.

“Mum lived a simple life and her wishes she had written down for me pretty much reflected that, her letter to me read, ‘Son Boy I do not want a formal funeral. I don’t want an announcement in the paper, I’d like to be cremated and for our immediate Family to have a cuppa to send me off near my beautiful Clarence river’.

“These days have been some of the hardest I’ve faced in my life. Her hand writing, her coffee cup, and her memories all set off emotions everywhere I look.

“I want to say thank you for all these beautiful messages and tributes to Mum they mean so much.

“As I write this I’m Breathing in this beautiful Gumbaynggirr air that Mum loved so much and taking time to reflect and celebrate her life.She said her wish was to pass away on country and head on up to be with my Nan and Pop and her brothers and sisters.

“She is now in the care of the old people and I’m at peace with that.”

Major joint-agency operation targets cross-border organised crime

Police have dismantled a clandestine laboratory and seized prohibited drugs, cash, luxury cars and jewellery, following the conclusion of a joint-agency police operation conducted across Northern NSW and south-east Queensland targeting organised criminal networks (OCNs).

Operation Viking was established by the NSW Police Force, in partnership with the NSW Crime Commission (NSWCC), Queensland Police Service (QPS), Australian Federal Police (AFP), and Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC), to gather intelligence and further disrupt OCN activities across the Northern Rivers and Gold Coast border region.

During the multiagency operation – which commenced at 6am on Monday 18 July 2022 and concluded at 5pm Friday 29 July 2022 – police seized seven frearms, more than $150,000 cash, and a variety of prohibited drugs including methylamphetamine, cocaine and cannabis, with an estimated street value of more than $4.5 million.

Of note; • About 9pm on Monday (18 July 2022), investigators attended a property at Seelands, near Grafton. Upon arrival, police located signifcant quantities of precursor chemicals and equipment consistent with the manufacture of prohibited drugs, as well as around 1kg of cannabis. A crime scene was declared, before the site was handed over to specialist police from the Drug and Firearms Squad’s Chemical Operations Unit, who assisted in the dismantling of the lab and subsequent seizure of the chemicals. Inquiries continue. • About 7.45am on Tuesday (19 July 2022), police attached to Operation Viking attended a home on Parkway Drive at Ewingsdale and served a 44-year-old man with a Firearm Prohibition Order (FPO) notice. Following further inquiries, a crime scene was declared, and police subsequently seized $10,000 cash, numerous luxury watches, and electronic devices for forensic examination. Investigations continue.

“The northern border zone has the state’s largest OMCG population with a signifcant crossover between NSW and QLD,” Acting Assistant Commissioner Weinstein said.

“Alongside our law enforcement partners, we have now gathered suffcient intelligence on OCNs functioning across this area and will be well-equipped to deal with any organised criminal activity moving forward.

“We know criminal organisations were establishing themselves across the north coast because of its lucrative drug market and a perceived idea the area is relatively free of scrutiny from law enforcement.”

Real Estate CEO predicts peak of 6-7% for home loan rates

SAMANTHA ELLEY

On a flying visit from Melbourne to the Northern Rivers, CEO of First National Real Estate, Ray Ellis visited Ballina, Casino, Yamba and Coffs Harbour last week. The Northern Rivers Times caught up with him at the First National Casino office.

“It’s taken this long to get here, Victorians weren’t allowed to leave Victoria,” he said.

“I haven’t been to Casino for at least 6 or 7 years so it’s great to be back in town.”

In the company of First National Casino principal Mark Formaggin, Mr Ellis opened up about some of the issues that are unique to the Northern Rivers, as well as what is happening on the larger national stage.

“Rentals are very low here and that’s not unique to Casino,” he said.

“Prices have been good without being exorbitant, there is good turnover of people buying.

“There’s people returning to Casino and that’s happened all around regional Australia.”

It’s no secret people have been moving to the country post-Covid due to the ability for many to work from home, without the necessity of going into the office.

Mr Ellis sees this as a great opportunity for regional communities.

“All these things add up to good news for real estate in the town, but also good news for the town,” he said.

“That means there are more children in the classrooms, the shops (have more customers).”

The age old debate of whether new blood into the town drives the price of housing up for the locals is easily dealt with by Mr Ellis.

“Unless you have growth of population, of services, of taxation base, towns can’t progress,” he said.

“It is always a fine balance between, how do we keep what is unique about Casino, unique? Then also how do we continue to grow Casino that stops young people from leaving and makes it an attractive place to bring up children?

“I don’t think we have seen such huge prices that the locals are unhappy.”

Mr Ellis said Australians see the value of their home.

“It was reinforced during Covid and it’s been a great thing for our industry but it’s also been a great thing for the asset base of Australians, because the major asset we have is our home or our investment property,” he said.

“There’s been a slight decline in prices of homes in Sydney or Melbourne, but in reality that doesn’t affect people in Casino.

“I don’t see it as a price drop, I see it as a plateauing. This town has a solid base of agriculture and work in town.

“Just walking up and down the street this morning, I saw no ‘For Lease’ signs, virtually every shop is still operating.”

The Future

And what does the future hold in real estate, according to Mr Ellis.

“We are all average Australians,” he said.

“During Covid times, it’s been reinforced, the value of our home.

“We love our home more than what we’ve ever done, even if we’re renting, we love it.”

He sees the value of the Australian home and Australian dream will continue and it will increase as more people want access to it.

“There’s a belief young people can’t afford homes, because of housing affordability,” he said.

“I see it as not a housing affordability, it’s a location affordability.

“I can sell you a home for $850,000 or I can sell you one for $230,000, it depends on where you want to live, access you want and lifestyle.”

Mr Ellis said the Australian economy, while not excellent, is in reasonable shape.

“One million Australians have never seen an interest rate rise since they bought a house,” he said.

“It’s been 11 years since interest rates had risen at any stage in Australia, but we are well prepared for that as we have saved money during Covid.

“The average Australian household budget is wellpositioned to take advantage of any interest rate rises.”

While the Reserve Bank has taken the step to increase the cash rate to curb the growing inflation rate, Mr Ellis sees it as a necessity.

“Mortgage rates are probably going to peak around six or seven percent maybe the middle of next year and that will be a shock for a lot of people,” he said.

“My advice there is look at your household budget.

“We all have a finite amount of income and we all have an expenditure.

“So we have to decide what is important with our expenditure and I have great confidence in the common sense of the average Australian household to not spend above their means.

“Unless we crush inflation, the average (household) will not be in a good position, so higher mortgage interest rates to kill inflation is a good outcome for the average household budget.”

The Local View

Post-flood First National Casino principal Mark Formaggin said, while Casino wasn’t as badly affected as surrounding areas, he has noticed people who weren’t affected, feel very comfortable about where they live.

“People who are deciding to sell are saying, ‘make sure you tell them we weren’t flood affected’,” he said.

“Of course, there are people who are flood affected and they are moving forward.

“They are not walking away, they’ve got the walls redone, plasterers have been and they are picking carpets and paints.”

While more houses are coming onto the market, meaning more choice for buyers, it is not the same for the rental market.

“Rental is tight and it will stay that way,” he said.

“I can’t see it changing for the foreseeable

Pay parking fees to increase

From Monday 8 August, pay parking charges will increase from $4 an hour to $5 an hour in Byron Bay.

There is no increase to the cost of the annual parking permits available to members of the Byron Shire community including residents and eligible businesses, workers and volunteers.

“Residents and everyone eligible for the annual permits that start at $55 per year will not experience any increase in fees and that’s because the aim of our pay parking system remains the same – to improve the availability of parking spaces in the town centre while recouping money from the large numbers of visitors each year,” Council’s Director Infrastructure Services, Phil Holloway said.

“Revenue made from the meters is still divided and spent in the same way it has been since 2018, with half of the net income spent on projects in Byron Bay and the remaining half used to fund shire-wide projects as a way to equitably distribute the funding to address impacts on infrastructure from tourism,” he said.

“This is the first time Council has increased the hourly rate at the meters since 2017,” Mr Holloway said.

“We have more than $180 million worth of flood damage to repair on our roads and revenue lost over the years thanks to COVID 19 and at this point in time, every dollar counts towards works and upgrades that bring benefits to our local community,” he said.

Pay parking generates $2.8 million on average annually (after operating costs) and this is used primarily to fund infrastructure work.

Diary of a flood survivor

SAMANTHA ELLEY

It’s hard not to go through the flood inventory sometimes.

That’s the list of items I have in my memory that we lost to the flood waters.

I’m sure I’m not the only one doing it. It’s hard to stop. And what really hurts is those precious belongings that were in the flood waters’ way, were those we used most often, or cherished enough to have easily at hand.

There were some things that by the grace of God, didn’t get wet and mouldy, and were important. My wedding dress is still safely in its box, having been stored away on the top shelf of my closet.

But then, so were the replacement bags for our now obsolete vacuum cleaner. So, yay for that.

On the morning of the flood I had stacked a number of framed photos that hung on my ‘family history wall’ downstairs, in a plastic tub and placed them at the foot of my bed, on the floor.

I had packed my one small bag to go and stay with friends to wait out the flood for a few days (we have now been living with them for five months) and as I was about to leave the room, I picked up the plastic tub and put it on our bed.

That action alone saved those photos. They were irreplaceable and I am thankful every day that I still have them. I lost others, but I want to train myself to be thankful, rather than always sorrowful.

I lost a lot of my clothes, but, hey, I’ve been doing some pretty intense op-shopping these past five months, thanks to the generosity of so many who donated to the hub and various pop up charity stores for the flood survivors.

I think my style has changed. Gumboots are in, right?

I lost my favourite heels but a very sweet girlfriend insisted she buy me a replacement pair, so I shopped online, sent her the link and they arrived a few weeks later. Everyone comments on them, as they aren’t gumboots.

After my mother-inlaw died, her beautiful sequined clutch purse came into my possession. Another girlfriend found it in the mud as we cleaned out our house, took it home, cleaned it up and presented it back to me. I was in tears.

While I know they are just things, they will have that added layer of history with me now, once we are able to give them a home again.

They survived, just like we did.

South Ballina Beach: fox and wild dog control to protect priority threatened species

Free Messages for DAD on Father’s Day

A fox-baiting program, using 1080 bait products, will run from Monday 8 August 2022 to Monday 19 December 2022 on Crown land (Lot 7303 DP 1163711) near South Ballina Beach, between Richmond River Nature Reserve and Boundary Creek. We will place signs at all beach entrances where we have laid baits for foxes at this location. We remind all neighbours and visitors to the beach area to keep pets and dogs restrained during and after the fox baiting as baits are lethal to cats and dogs. The NSW Department of Planning and Environment – Crown Lands is undertaking this program to protect breeding, threatened shorebirds. It is a priority initiative of the NSW Fox Threat Abatement Plan.

Keep dogs and pets safe

We encourage residents and visitors to restrain their domestic dogs, working dogs and pets. Keep them away from the baiting location during poisoning operations for their safety. If dogs and pets must enter the baiting location during and after poisoning operations, we recommend that you muzzle them. If accidental poisoning happens, seek veterinary help immediately.

For more information, contact the Department of Planning and Environment – Crown Lands on 1300 886 235 or via email at grafton.crownlands@crownland.nsw.gov.au

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Survey seeks community input for Pottsville Open Space Masterplan

Input from the Pottsville community is being sought to help develop a new Open Space Masterplan for 6 key areas in the popular Tweed coastal village.

Residents are being asked to participate in a short 5-minute survey to help develop a plan that will guide the improvement of public open spaces and recreation opportunities in Pottsville.

Six key areas are the focus of the survey, including Pottsville Environment Centre, Pottsville Memorial Oval, Anzac Park, Phillip St Reserve, Ambrose Brown Park and Hardy Park North.

Council’s Manager Parks & Active Communities Murray Smith said Pottsville was a beautiful coastal town that was wellloved by the local community and enjoyed by the larger Tweed community and holiday visitors each year.

“Pottsville already has some great playgrounds, BBQ facilities, walking tracks, sports fields and tennis courts but it’s time to take a look at the key spaces we have, see what is working well and think about what we can improve,” Mr Smith said.

“We want to hear from a wide range of the Pottsville community so we can rethink how we use the 6 key open spaces and plan some recreational facility upgrades that will benefit the whole community including the youth. We want to hear from as many local residents as possible, including local businesses.

“The project is at the very early stages of the planning process, so this is the best time to put your ideas forward.”

Some ideas that have already been proposed by local representatives include a pump track, a skate park or elements of a pump track and a skate park that would work alongside each other.

This is in addition to a nature play area, tennis courts, walking tracks and other features that connect with the uniqueness of the area.

“This is your chance to have your say and provide input into the future direction of Pottsville’s central open spaces and to help us get it right,” Mr Smith said.

To get involved, visit yoursaytweed.com.au/ pottsville where you can find more information and complete the survey. The survey closes on 24 August 2022.

Red Cross launches three-year Qld, NSW foods recovery plan

Australian Red Cross has launched an $8.6 million community recovery program in the wake of the devastating foods that hit eastern Australia in the frst three months of 2022.

Red Cross Queensland Director Garry Page said the three-year recovery plan would support thousands of people across 19 local government areas, with 15 recovery offcers now working with communities to provide outreach, psychological and social support, capacity building, community-led recovery activities, and advocacy.

“This is on top of distributing more than 66,800 grants to people in foodhit communities,” he said. “The recovery program and grants are the result of $53.9 million donated by individuals, businesses and governments. Our thanks go to each and everydonor, as every single dollar makes a difference.

“We assisted 42,275 people in evacuation and recovery centres with psychosocial support, comfort and connection to other services. And 7120 people registered their locations through Register.Find.Reunite, making it easier for family, friends and emergency authorities to know where they were.”

Mr Page stressed that recovery was only just beginning.

“Early evidence indicates signifcant psychological, social and mental health impacts, particularly in areas affected by previous disasters such as foods and bushfres, and the compounding effects of the pandemic and drought.”

WHAT’S ON

Saturday 6 August 5:30pm – 8:30pm.

Astronomy at Evans Head Bowling Club. Event is free and family friendly. Step ladders are provided for the littlies to reach larger scopes. Telescopes from 8” to 16” diameter will be on-site.

The Collective Studio Casino - 6 August from 2.30pm

Clay hand-building workshop Enjoy an afternoon of connection and creativity in the frst of two pottery workshops. You will be hosted and guided by local artist/ ceramicist. Bookings at www.thecollectivestudio. com.au Join the Casino &

District Garden Club

at Windara on Saturday 6 August, 10am to glean gardening advice and share tips and tricks from the many experienced local gardeners. Visiting gardeners are welcome to enjoy the gatherings. Morning tea is available for $12 per person, followed by a stroll around the nursery. If you would like to join the garden club, membership is $10 annually. For more information Email: narelle.wynn.56@gmail. com

Saturday, August 6

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 well into the night at various venues, amusements rides for children, food and beverage vendors, and lots more. The prestigious Tiny Lollback Rig of the Show honours comes with $1000 in prizemoney.

GRANTS DRIVE COMMUNITY-LED FLOOD RECOVERY

Non-government organisations (NGOs) in food-affected communities will receive $4.5 million in grants this month as part of the $13.3 million NGO Flood Support Program.

Acting Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said this funding supports groups that have been the backbone of the Northern Rivers community.

“When the foods hit and people lost their homes these organisations are the frst places people turned to for support; providing food, clothing and places to live,” Mr Toole said.

“These organisations have spent their time helping others and now it’s our chance to help them to make sure they stay in our communities and continue to assist more people as the road to recovery continues.”

Minister for Families and Communities and Minister for Disability Services Natasha Maclaren-Jones said the grants will support the community-led recovery effort.

“Nobody knows these communities better than the staff and volunteers who work for local non-government organisations,” Mrs Maclaren-Jones said.

“They are there on the ground, working shoulder to shoulder with food-impacted residents doing tremendous work and these grants will help them continue to beneft the entire community.”

Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience and Minister for Flood Recovery Steph Cooke said 16 community-based groups will receive a share of $4.5 million.

“Each of these NGOs already has a long history of working in partnership with the NSW Government to deliver the best possible results for residents in need,” Ms Cooke said.

“We hope these grants will give them some respite as they continue working hard to provide family and youth support services, domestic violence and homelessness support services, as well as support for people with a disability, seniors and local Aboriginal communities.”

Northern Rivers Community Gateway CEO Jenny BeetsonMortimer said the funding would bring huge relief after the Lismore foods hit them hard.

“We provide emergency relief, crisis support and homelessness services, so we have been inundated by people in need of help,” Ms Jenny Beetson-Mortimer said.

The grants have been allocated among the seven highly impacted local government areas.

Core blimey! Look what just opened in Ballina

After 18 years of training thousands of clients (previously) Lennox Head based business, Lifeworks Pilates, has thrown open the doors of a brand new and one-of-a-kind Pilates studio in the Ballina Industrial Estate.

The new Lifeworks Pilates Studio will be open to anyone seeking to get stronger and toned or who have injuries they need help to overcome.

“The new studio has 10 reformers for people seeking to get stronger, more sculpted, more agile and improve their posture.

“We also have a separate range of specialised equipment to help those with back pain, shoulder, knee and hip issues, pregnancy, chronic illnesses, and the elderly and for those wanting a more personal one-on-one.”

The instructors who teach people in the Clinical Pilates room all have a background or are studying a health related filed such as Nursing, Myotherapy, Osteopathy or Exercise Physiology.

“We’re on a mission to help strengthen Ballina’s core!”

Having worked with thousands of clients over the past two decades through the Lennox Head studio with demand growing substantially, Alison Lucas, Founder said it was time to seek out bigger premises. After a five-year search for just the right studio, Endeavour Close in the Ballina Industrial Estate saw the search come to an end.

The new 200m squared studio space will house two rooms, one for Clinical Pilates and the other for group classes: each with their own specialised equipment. Morning attendees also get the added bonus of watching the sunrise over the creek!

LifeWorks Pilates started life on Alison’s kitchen table 18-years ago where the Pilates studio owner would demonstrate to family and friends the power of Pilates which had transformed her own life.

Lifeworks Pilates also runs a mentorship program for student instructors who are matched with more senior instructors.

The new Lifeworks Pilates studio is now open at 10 Endeavour Close, Ballina Industrial Estate, Ballina. Book a session online at www. lifeworkspilates.com.au/ or via the app: search Lifeworks Pilates.

Every day is different for a Council Ranger

To celebrate World Ranger Day last Sunday, we step into the work boots of a Clarence Valley Council Ranger for a day.

Clarence Valley Council’s Regulatory Services department has seven Rangers, one Parking Ranger and two Animal Control Officers whose major tasks include responding to dog attacks, barking dog complaints, pollution incidents and straying cattle.

Ranger Shannon Messer has been a Council Ranger for the past two years and loves her job.

“I love coming to work every day because no two days are the same,” she said. “I work with a really great bunch and I think we all do a great job working as a team.”

Council Rangers often pick up stray dogs and cats and, if they’re unable to find their owner, deliver them to the Clarence Valley Animal Pound.

“They get wormed and vaccinated when they come to council. If they go back to their homes then that’s great, if not then they’re already done before they go to a new home,” Ms Messer said.

“It can be very heartbreaking, but also very rewarding, because if you’re having a really bad day you can go and pat a cat or cuddle a dog.

“I’ll have to admit I have taken one dog and two cats home already so far, and I don’t think anybody else in this place has not taken an animal home.”

At the pound the lost pets are cared for by the Animal Control Officer, who continues to search for the owners and also puts notices on the Clarence Valley Animal Pound Facebook page in the hope of finding the owners of lost pets.

“A lot of the time we find owners that way, and when we don’t they get to stay here and we find them a new home,” Ms Messer said.

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