The multinational owners of the Clarence Correctional Centre, Serco, profit from short paying its employees and chronic understaffing says the union representing prison staff.
The assistant secretary of the Public Serviced Association, Troy Wright, made the claims during a rally of prison officers on Friday during a 24 hour strike at the jail over pay and conditions.
Staff walked off the job demanding an improvement on their $26.88 an hour pay rate, making CCC prison officers the lowest paid in the country.
About 50 prison officers rallied at the Truckers Memorial in South Grafton, listening to addresses from Mr Wright and the recently endorsed ALP candidate for Clarence, Leon Ankersmit.
Clarence MP Chris Gulaptis was invited to speak, but declined, citing a prior engagement.
The union said the poor pay rate was behind chronic understaffing at the jail and safety concerns arising from high inmate to officer ratios.
Mr Wright said prison officers were right to be angry at the way Serco was paying them in the Clarence Valley.
“Serco seem to have a problem with numbers” he said.
He said prison officer pay varies across States
and between the public and private sectors, but Clarence was lagging well behind everyone else.
The jails and pay rates he listed were:
• Public sector $34/hr
• Fulham CC (Vic) $31.68
• Ravenhall (GEO) $31.14
• Acacia (Serco WA) $30.96
• Junee (GEO) $29.32
• Park Lea (NSW) $29
Mr Wright said Clarence prison officers were getting $26.88 and hour and had been offered $28, which he said Serco described as a “competitive” offer.
“Any pay offer you should be looking at must have a 3 in front of it,” he said.
Mr Wright said Serco was a company on the British Stock Exchange valued at £2 billion.
In Australia in 2021 it made $40 million after tax
“Do you know where that money came from? It came from you,” he said.
“Serco doesn’t make money out of prisoners,
Serco makes money out of you.
“They say, we need this many officers and pay them this much so you need to give us this much money.
“So every day you’re not getting that amount of money, that’s their profit.
“Every day there is a shift that’s vacant, that someone doesn’t show up and they don’t have to pay them, that’s their profit.
“That’s $40 million profit coming out of your pockets, yet they can’t afford to pay you.”
Mr Wright said Serco has this deal sewn up for a long time.
“The other inconvenient number they don’t like to talk about is that this contract is for 20 years.
“The NSW Government is paying them $2.6 billion over 20 years to operate Clarence.
“Our call is: where is your share of that $2.6. billion? How much of that is going into your pockets as hard-earned wages to spend in your
town and how much is being squirrelled away and sent overseas as profit?”
Mr Wright said for pay similar to a Bunnings worker, Clarence prison officers were dealing daily with some of the most dangerous criminals in the state.
“Which would you prefer; dealing with murderers, rapists and pedophiles or guiding customers through the latest drill range?” he said.
“These officers have been bargaining in good faith with Serco for two years, yet the only offer they have, $28 an hour, will still see them the lowest paid prison officers in the country.
“These men and women working in some of the most difficult conditions imaginable are being dudded $30 or $40 a day. After a while that starts to add up.”
He said low pay had created a dangerous workplace for them.
“Because of the dismal pay Serco can’t recruit staff, or retain them, which means the jail
is regularly alarmingly short staffed,” he said.
“At night-time up to 15 prison officers can be onsite, some nights there are four.
“And it affects the whole community.
“We estimate if Serco did the right thing, it’s another $2 million a year going into the local economy.”
A group of prison officers at the rally, speaking anonymously, said they all knew people who had quit because they feared for their safety.
“Some nights you are working with two staff watching 100 inmates,” one said.
“You’re getting paid fast food wages for putting your safety at risk.
“We all know people who’ve just thought about what’s facing them coming to work and decided, no way, I’m not doing that again.”
Another, who had been working at the centre since it opened, said the staff turn over was frightening.
“Some people last a day and don’t come back. Everyone I know says they’re looking for a job somewhere else.”
They all said the prisoners were aware of the short staffing and became bolder and more difficult to manage.
“They seem to know when the numbers are down,” one said.
“Things happens and you go into lockdown pretty quickly.”
He said it was a shame, because people looked
at a prison officer’s job as a good career.
“I’m here for the long haul. I’m hoping we can get Serco to back up all the talk they made before they opened the jail,” he said.
Another said she been attracted to the job by the prospect of rehabilitation programs, which she said were not working at the jail.
“Because we’re so short staffed it just can’t happen,” she said. “You only have time to do the basics, anything extra is out of the question.”
They said “abatements”, where the jail locked down and prisoners were put in their cells, occurred daily some weeks.
They said they were called abatements because they were basically fines from the government for Serco failing to provide services.
“I don’t know how Serco makes money with all the abatements that happen,” one officer said. “It might be better for them to pay us more than having abatements nearly every day.”
Serco said it has a “proactive industrial action operational plan” in place to make sure order and security would be maintained.
“Serco’s priority is to maintain the security and good order of Clarence Correctional Centre by continuing to deliver essential services that keep our staff, visitors and the inmates in our care safe,” the spokesperson said.
The Clarence river is about to become a Mecca for Australia’s marathon canoe races with the Marathon Paddle hitting
the water later this week. A Friday more than 100 of Australia’s fnest long-distance paddlers will enter the river at
Copmanhurst for Stage 1 of the their three-day trip, titled the Clarence 100, down to the river’s mouth at Yamba.
On day one the competitors paddle from Copmanhurst to Grafton. On day two they go from Grafton to Maclean and
they complete the fnal leg from Maclean to Yamba on day three on Sunday.
The paddlers kick off early and aim to fnish
around 1pm each day. They would love to a see good crowd of people on the banks cheering them on.
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Amid all the professional signs a little girl makes a special plea for her dad at a rally of striking prison officers in South Grafton on Friday.You may not have as impressive a skill as Kyogle Show’s 2019 Young Women’s Competition winner, Tiarra Birkbeck who competes in the woodchopping events, or you may have an even better one.
Either way, if you are a young 18-25 year old woman in the Kyogle area, now is your chance to showcase your skills, your community and your passion for agriculture.
Entries are open for the frst time since Covid for applicants to the Young Women’s Competition.
“Part of the judging process is at the luncheon, where three judges interview each entrant,” said Young Women’s Competition coordinator Kym Rose.
“They are asked questions in regards to hobbies and interests, their knowledge of the agricultural industry and general knowledge.
“They are judged on their interaction with
people, they could be asked to make a speech on a subject in agriculture.
“On the day of the show they have duties to spend presenting ribbons at different events.
“They are part of the grand parade and that is where the winner is announced.”
From there, the winner goes to represent Kyogle Show Society at the Zone 1 (QLD border to Taree) competition.
The winner of Zone 1, then represents her area
in Sydney at the Royal Easter Show.
“Previous to Covid we would have on average about two applicants, but since Covid we haven’t had any shows or any young women’s events,” said Ms Rose.
“The advantage of being part of the competition is you not only promote yourself, but your industry and passion, your town and the benefts that our area has to offer to people.
“It broadens your horizon and opens up avenues, you meet people and have plenty of community involvement.
“Alot of show society people are on the older spectrum so without younger people becoming more involved, it will become a dying industry.”
If you feel you have what it takes to showcase your local area and share your passion of agriculture contact Kym Rose on 0421 823 782 or Tiarra Birbeck on 0419 025 568.
It’s the glorious sub-tropical setting with ‘chilled’ vibe and sumptuous menu that’s kept ‘em coming back to Chillingham Store for well, a century now!
And Tweed Ranges locals weren’t letting the milestone pass, turning on a birthday bash for the ages in the sleepy, heritage village north-west of Murwillumbah over the long weekend.
“There was standing room only! We’re just so proud of our community and the occasion has really brought everyone together,” Loren Lees, owner of the Chillingham Store told The Northern Rivers Times.
Built in 1922 by Mr. F. Love to support the area’s growing beef, dairy, banana and fruit growing sectors, the Chillingham Store has survived the test of time, droughts and certainly fooding rains.
Today, this “family run heritage-listed general store/ bottle shop/café/post-offce and fuel-stop .. is truly a one stop shop,” the Chillingham Store proudly advertises. To mark the centennial occasion, owners Loren and Gaz Lees turned up the live music over 3-days. It was a nod too, to Chillingham’s legendary Bush Week complete with
village market, ‘after-party’ in the Chillingham Hall and “cattle moved to make way for camping in the paddock!”
“The centenary was incentive to bring back the ‘Bush Week’ which was so popular here, there are photos from every year and people still talk about it today,” Loren Lees said.
Northern Rivers Soul guitarist Jason Kafoa headed the ‘chilled’ long weekend celebrations in the Chillingham Store’s revamped grounds which now feature an outdoor stage and tables in the lush alfresco setting. Mojo Webb, Hipshooters, Floyd Vincent, The Temple Dogs and local outft The Wartz completed the line-up with centenary merchandise on offer and many, many pizzas enjoyed from cook Richard, as well as the best BLT (Bacon, Lettuce, Tomato toastie) this side of Wollumbin!
“We’re a very familyoriented community and store and for us to provide a place, space and delicious,
affordable food for families to come together is really special,” Loren Lees, Chillingham Store owner said.
Loren and husband Gaz took on the store in its 97th year, transforming the tired shop-space and bar into something very special – “we have not stopped improving it since” – which today is a ‘destination’ for Sunday drivers, crews of motorcyclists and locals along the Tweed-Ranges Tourist Drive.
“We really are catering for as many people as we can. It’s such a usable space now, for music, families .. dogs, and we’re enjoying it immensely,” Loren Lees, Chillingham Store owner said.
And true to its ‘familyorientation,’ three of Loren and Gaz’s four children – Riley, Liam and Kaitlin (who travelled all the way from Cairns to be there) –were on hand for this very special 100th birthday party.
“It’s all about keeping it together, it’s great,” Loren Lees said.
A new coalition of ratepayers, private accommodation providers and business owners called ‘Byron Deserves Better’ says Byron Shire Council’s proposed 90-day annual cap on Short Term Rental Accommodation in the hot tourist town will crush local service providers fnancially.
Coalition spokesperson Sarah Workman said Byron is still in ‘recovery-mode’ from Covid-19 restrictions and capping overnight visitation by ‘high-value’ family groups to non-hosted properties would devastate myriad accommodation, cafe, food, shopping, and activity small-businesses in the Shire.
“The business community IS the community of Byron Shire. It’s vital we stand up and protect the future of the community and call out this deeply fawed, short-sighted policy,” Sarah Workman Byron Deserves Better said.
Council’s plan for the 90-Day cap - in certain, yet-to-be-determined ‘precincts’ across the Shire - is now on public exhibition until October 31. The planned cap would see the number of days property owners could lease their non-hosted, private accommodation slashed by 75% on the existing, year ‘round model.
Sarah Workman said the new ‘Byron Deserves Better’ coalition is made up of ratepayers, families, and business owners who are becoming increasingly nervous as the STRA cap inches nearer.
She told The Northern Rivers Times the coalition believes Byron Shire Council has made ‘multiple false claims in its bid to push the policy through.’
Discrepancies between the parties include:
• Council claims STRA properties make up 35% of total housing stock in Byron Shire with
5,249 non-hosted STRA properties / Byron Deserves Better Quotes Planning NSW’s lesser fgure of 1,136 registered nonhosted STRA properties in Byron Bay or 6.5% of total housing stock.
• Council claims the STRA cap will not signifcantly impact overnight visitation levels or retail spending which are both predicted to grow between 2021 – 2027 /
Byron Deserves Better claims a report by ‘Urbis’ estimates the cap will cost 1500 jobs within 4-years and infict an annual economic hit of $267m.
“We live here. We work in local businesses, employing other members of our community.
The mayor is playing politics with our future and the worst thing is he won’t actually get the outcomes he is promising the community,” Sarah Workman Byron Deserves Better said.
In response, Byron Mayor Michael Lyon told The Northern Rivers Times housing fgures ‘are never static’ and stressed the whole point of the proposed cap was indisputable; that it made investment for ‘shortterm’ letting purposes less attractive.
“This policy will arrest
the trend of long-term lets turning into short-term lets,” Michael Lyon, Byron Mayor said.
“It’s designed to make the overall investment equation less attractive.”
And the objective could already be working.
“We’ve already been hearing that investors have not been buying here because of the prospect of this policy and that frees up houses for residents,” Michael Lyon, Byron Mayor told The Northern Rivers Times.
Tourism giant Norm Black, co-founder of booking juggernaut TripADeal, said the proposed 90-day cap is a ‘knee-jerk’ reaction to fxing Byron Shire’s housing crisis.
“Being one of the biggest employers in town, we have a clear perspective on this issue. We do not believe this Council proposal will have a positive effect on housing availability or affordability. What it will do is have an adverse impact on tourism which the town’s employment is built on. This is a knee jerk response. They won’t get the outcome they are seeking but they will do a lot of damage to Byron Bay,” Norm Black said.
Grant Mofftt, who owns
and manages several holiday cottages in the area, said short term accommodation is very important to the Byron market and visitor economy.
“Byron Bay is built off the back off a strong tourism economy. That industry is reliant on having a diverse mix of private short term accommodation options.
If the Shire Council effectively wipes these out, they’re going to hurt a lot of businesses and put people out of work,” Grant Mofft, private accommodation provider said.
Byron Mayor Michael Lyon believes the iconic tourist town won’t lose huge visitation, rather its traditional accommodation providers will take on more bookings ‘and become more full.’
“It’s unfortunate, there may be some impact, but the large point is there will be far more economic activity because we’ll actually have houses for workers to live. At the moment, businesses can’t get staff because there is nowhere for staff to live,” Michael Lyon, Byron Mayor said.
Sarah Workman from Byron Deserves Better believes the looming 90day cap would not result in more permanent rentals,
as the remaining 275 days of the year would be left sporadically vacant and short, 6 or 9-month leases aren’t attractive.
She also question’s the plan’s impact on owners’ rights to use their property as they choose.
“The mayor thinks this policy will see homes surrendered to the permanent rental market, that won’t be the case. It’s not going to solve the affordable housing crisis,” Sarah Workman said.
Ms Workman also pondered the future affordability and serviceability of short-term rental accommodation in Byron Bay if properties are available just 90 days of the year.
“What happens to cleaning and other staff, no one can operate on restricted trade times like this.
“The basic law of supply and demand means many of these Short-Term Rental Accommodations will become too expensive and won’t be as accessible to everyday families wanting to come to Byron Bay. It just means only the super wealthy can afford to come to Byron Bay.
“What we want is for Council to scrap its proposed policy and
provide something that will provide real housing solutions. This is just a smokescreen for the lack of planning at local and state levels for more new housing in the shire, for not releasing land for affordable housing in past decades, we’re absolutely being used as a scapegoat,” Sarah Workman from Byron Deserves Better said.
With less than four weeks remaining on the 2-month public exhibition period, Byron Mayor Michael Lyon said most public submissions he’s read supported Council’s planned STRA cap.
“The broader community opinion is in favour of this policy,” Michael Lyon, Byron Mayor said.
“Holiday-letting has been unregulated for far too long,” he added.
Sarah Workman said the coalition had received “70 submissions opposing the cap,” and urged concerned stakeholders to visit www. ByronDeservesBetter.com “before it’s too late.”
“Every submission we receive before the closure date of 31 October 2022 will be sent directly to our Shire Councillors so they can see just how much damage this will cause,” Sarah Workman said.
Byron Shire Council would become the frst authority in the country to cap STRA on non-hosted private accommodation at 90-days.
“It makes sense, we are the most highly impacted shire in the state when it comes to Short Term Rental Accommodation,” Michael Lyon Byron Mayor said.
Mayor Michael Lyon believes Council will vote 7/9 in support of the 90-day cap on non-hosted STRA, when the proposal is motioned later this year.
Ballina Shire has a 180day annual cap on STRA and Tweed Shire Council has none.
Applications close 30 November 2022. For more information, eligibility and to apply go to https://www.create.nsw.gov.au/funding-and-support/arts-and-culture-priority-needsprogram/
Australia’s oldest man, 109-year-old Kenneth Weekes, will celebrate his birthday today in Grafton.
Ken, who has lived all but one of those years in Grafton, will enjoy a small family get together at Whiddon Grafton.
Website Gerontology Wiki put Ken at the head of this list just three weeks ago, following the passing of Frank Mawer, aged 110, on the NSW South Coast.
While Ken topped the list of male centenarians, he was ninth on the overall list headed by Queenslander Gwen Moore, who is less than two months shy of her 111th birthday.
His son, Ian Weeks, from Melbourne, can’t make it to the birthday, much to his regret.
Unlike his dad, known locally for his long walks around Grafton and South Grafton streets well into his 90s, his 81-year-old son has “a few mobility issues”.
“We were able to get up there in June this year, so that will have to do,” he said.
“A couple of family cousins will come to Whiddon to have a birthday lunch with dad and the staff and other people there will help him celebrate.”
From his birth to Darcy and Dorothy Weeks at the home “Braylesford in Dovedale St on October 5, 1913, Kenneth Loxton Weeks has lived most of his life in Grafton.
Ken was the eldest of fve children and is the last surviving one.
His two brothers and two sisters married and raised their families in the Grafton area, until later moving away, except for his sister Marjory,
who raised a family with Mervyn Bultitude on a Carrs Creek farm.
Ken did his early schooling at Carrs Creek, where he shared classes with another Grafton centenarian, Irene Crispin, who died in 2018.
In 2016 Ken and Mrs Crispin – then aged 102 were invited to tea by the new owners of the school, Deborah and Herman Claassens, who had renovated the historic building, converting it into short-stay accommodation.
He completed his secondary schooling at Grafton High, where he had the honour in 2012, as the school’s oldest surviving male pupil, to cut the school’s centenary
cake with the oldest surviving female student, and another Grafton centenarian, Winifred Jeffries.
After school Ken began his wide and varied
minded he followed that up with operating a service station in Brisbane Then, in partnership with Charles Alvey, he operated a car dealership in Grafton.
During the war drove his own tip truck to help build airfelds at Nabiac, Coffs Harbour and Evans Head.
He also married his wife, Swan Creek girl, Jean McPhee around this time. The couple had two boys, Noel (dec) and Ian, who were both educated in Grafton and left the region for education and work.
Ken had developed an interest in radio during the war and opened a radio and electronics sales and
repair shop in Prince St.
And when he’d had enough of that, he and Jean converted the shop into a milk bar which they ran successfully for several more years.
His electrical know-how, which encouraged him to build a tall tower that enabled him to receive faint television signals from Brisbane and put him and his family among the frst people to watch TV in Grafton.
Ken was also a keen sailor and interested in boats and boat building.
He built a “VS” class sailing boat in the garage of his grandmother’s house who lived next door to him in Greaves Street.
Ken raced this boat against the likes of Salty Sellers, who was the local champion in the late 1940s-50s.
The Weeks’ bought a house in Greaves St, where they lived from the early 1950s until 2016, when their home had to be resumed to make way for the new Grafton bridge.
The sprightly Ken held a garage sale at the home, helped by family and friends, moving around with a change belt and dealing with customers.
He moved into another home in Clarence St, before the advancing years caught up with him and he moved into Whiddons Aged Care in Grafton around the time of 105th birthday.
His son said his father remains mentally alert and still fond of his walks, although they tend to be around the corridors of the age home, rather than Grafton’s streets.
“He’s full of beans and knows what’s going on,” he said. “Recently he went on a trip on the mini-bus with the other residents and was telling us all about the trip to Copmanhurst.
“But he’s having a few troubles with his hearing and his vision, which makes reading diffcult.”
Ian said his dad had taught himself to use a computer and until recently was actively maintaining his share portfolio.
“Dad doesn’t like to have a fuss made over him,” Ian said. “A couple of cousins will come in on Wednesday to have lunch with him and celebrate his birthday. He will enjoy that.”
working life.
First up he worked for the Model Homes Company that did road constructing work, but as he was mechanically
At the start of World War 2 Ken had been taking fying lesson and applied to join the RAAF, but was not accepted for medical reasons.
“Cosmetic
By MARGARET DEKKER
Morning showers could not deter a band of local green-thumbs from celebrating the offcial opening of Pottsville’s new Community Garden on the grounds of St Mark’s Anglican Church on Saturday.
Brian Wyver, church warden and member of the ‘Pottsville Community Garden Club,’ told The Northern Rivers Times the new garden is part of the Church’s modern vision to connect more closely to the tight-knit community.
“It’s having the community be a part of this and the Church is trying to move along, have that connection to the community because the little church is so close to everything here,” Brian Wyver Church Warden said. Inspiration for the community garden came from further south at Maclean, where the St James Anglican Church Garden is now a prized part of the Clarence Valley town. “Just the involvement
of the Maclean community really, and that’s the whole idea of the garden, there’s no money involved, nonproft, it’s just sharing the produce that’s made here and any excess will go into a stall out the front of the church and that’s available to the public,” Brian Wyver said.
The Pottsville Community Garden was kickstarted by a $7k State Government grant and much support from Pottsville Beach Bowling Club, Bunnings Warehouse, Pottsville General Store and Pipit Restaurant with hands-on help from the Pottsville Men’s Shed, people performing Community Service, and Wes and his friendly team from The Village Butcher.
“The butchers down the road, whenever heavy things need to be lifted up like these benches, they just come out of the shop and lift things up for us ‘cause they’re all big blokes,” Bryan Wyver, Church Warden smiled.
Across the four planter boxes and raised
beds is a garden flled to brimming with vegetables planted as companions - “the mint and the potato seem to like each other – with natives, citrus and fowering shrubs and fruit trees all part of the horticultural plan and complemented by the site’s own composting system, worm farm, running water and soon a hive of native bees.
“Everything!
Everything you could possibly grow is in here,” Brian Wyver said as he extended a broad invitation to all greenthumbs along the Tweed Coast, young or old, to visit.
“The garden’s open for anyone to come in the week, and dig around, or people just come and sit on the benches. And if someone does some damage, we’ll just repair it, it’s easy, you’ve just got to have some trust in people at some stage,” Brian Wyver said.
There’s just one problem.
“Our biggest enemy is the bush turkey!” Brian laughed.
PRIMEX is excited to announce the organisers will be offering North Coast and Northern Rivers residents’ free entry on opening dayThursday 10 November, T&C apply.
Visitors will enjoy the event’s vibrant mix of market stalls and exhibits showcasing our primary industries, home and outdoor leisure alongside kid’s activities, machinery, and cooking demonstrations.
What to Expect: This year is dedicated to celebrating the connection between farmers and foodies through the Paddock to Plate program and we welcome restaurantowner and gourmet chef, Darren Robertson on stage in the Paddock to Plate marquee for People’s Day.
Darren was trained in the UK under acclaimed Chef Mark Raffan at the Michelin starred ‘Gravetye Manor’. Planting the seed for his cooking philosophy, he learnt classic techniques using produce picked from the restaurant’s
own garden.
Moving to Australia in 2001, his skills were further honed working at globally acclaimed Sydney institution ‘Tetsuya’s’, rising to the position of Head Chef. Tetsuya’s held three chefs’ hats and was voted the 5th best restaurant in the world in 2007.
With the time ripe for Darren to set up his own business, he joined forces with several likeminded friends at ‘Three Blue Ducks’, a humble café in the relaxed beach suburb of Bronte. Now as a chef and co-owner he could co create dishes that represented his ethical food practice philosophies. ‘Three Blue Ducks’ has received multiple accolades including one hat in the
2015 ‘Sydney Morning Herald (SMH) Good Food Guide.’
With that success, several more “Blue Ducks” have been born including ‘Rosebery’, ‘W Brisbane’ and what has become one of the Australia’s most iconic and visited restaurants, ‘Three Blue Ducks on The Farm at Byron Bay’, which was awarded the 2015 ‘Regional Restaurant of the Year’ by ‘Gourmet Traveller.’
Darren is an experienced TV host and author of several cookbooks.
When: Norco Primex 2022, 10 - 12 November 2022
Where: Richmond Valley Events Centre, Cassino Dr, Casino NSW For more information visit: primex.net.au
The smiles said it all –access from Bilambil Heights to Tweed Heads via Scenic Drive was restored today, much to the delight of local residents.
From 9 am today, residents were once again able to travel along the full length of Scenic Drive – the frst time since the devastating food of February-March caused 2 major landslips, forcing the roadway to be closed and traffc diverted via Terranora Road.
The opening of one lane of traffc allows Bilambil Heights residents to again connect with Kennedy Drive, providing quicker access to Tweed Heads and surrounds, just in time for the Labour Day long weekend.
Motorists queuing ahead of the road opening this morning expressed relief and were eager to use the road once again.
“Having this road
back open now is great for our family - we’ve been spending a lot of time in the car driving from Bilambil to Tweed Heads,” said Matt (pictured).
Another Bilambil resident, Natasha, also welcomed the shorter commute.
“It’s a relief for locals – it will save us time, money and our cars,” she said.
“The timing before the school holidays is great because we can
get to the beach much quicker.”
The road had been closed to through traffc since the end of February when the record downpour caused 2 landslips on Scenic Drive.
After geotechnical assessment and a tender process, Council appointed contractor Australian Marine and Civil Pty Ltd (AMC) to undertake the repair of the road. After completing initial
stabilisation works, AMC gave the green light for one lane of the drive to operate past both slip sites, under traffc control.
Traffc controllers will remain on site during the working week to monitor traffc fows and meet the needs of peak demand.
Council’s Director of Engineering David Oxenham said providing safe access for motorists using Scenic Drive had been a
high priority.
“Scenic Drive suffered signifcant damage during the food and we were forced to shut the road to ensure the safety of motorists until testing and stabilisation of the road could be completed,” Mr Oxenham said.
“We know how inconvenient this has been for residents and are sure today’s opening of one lane of Scenic Drive will be welcome news for residents and
marks another step forward in our food recovery works.
“There is still a lot of work to be carried out before we are able to open both lanes and this may cause delays while contractors bring in materials, so we encourage motorists to be patient and allow for extra travel time.”
Over the weekend, when traffc volumes are expected to be lower, traffc lights will be in operation at both slip sites on Scenic Drive.
The single lane is open to all vehicles with no load limits in place.
Residents are advised that with one lane in use, queuing can be expected in both directions.
Due to the opening of one lane to traffc, pedestrian access has been removed in the interest of public safety. For more information on these and other repairs, visit Flood recovery works.
Some of the frst vehicles travelling between Bilambil Heights and Tweed Heads after one lane was reopened on Scenic Drive today. Traffc lights and controllers will be in place to direct traffc fow.It’s the annual, dreaded ‘swooping season’ by magpies everywhere and according to some Murwillumbah locals, this spring’s attacks are showing no sign of letting up.
Tweed Community Facebook pages have been swamped by “scary” tales of swooping by the protective male magpie in nesting season.
“For two months we have been getting attacked by a magpie. We have tried feeding it, it doesn’t matter where we are on our 6-acres it will constantly go for us, we have never been mean towards it, it has gotten more constant and severe over time .. We literally can’t leave our house,” one Bray Creek Rd resident posted.
Melbourne traveller Vicky Natoli has been staying on the Tweed Coast and told The Northern Rivers Times she hadn’t been swooped by a magpie since she was a teen. Her experience last week, while taking a leisurely bike ride in the Seabreeze Estate, took her completely by surprise.
“All of a sudden, I felt something come close to my head and I thought ‘wow, that bird was a bit
low, not thinking, but then it came back again and I thought ‘hang on a minute, that’s a magpie’ and then I tried to go to shelter and it came back again and it actually knocked my cap off my head,” Vicky Natoli said.
“So I stood under a tree in someone’s front yard and broke a branch off the tree and stood there and the bird just sat there, looking at me, and I was too scared to move and I was thinking ‘I’m going to be here for the rest of the evening!” she added.
Vicky said it was the relentless nature of the magpie’s swooping - “scary and loud and it was right
on top of me, it was one swoop after the other after the other” – that rattled her for days.
“And I’m not scared of birds, at all, but for a couple of days afterwards when I saw magpies, I was like argh!”
Vicky is convinced her pink cap threatened the magpie .. and indicated too how close danger came.
“When it knocked the cap off that’s when I really got scared because the cap’s a tight ft, so it had to come close enough to my head, and I felt it, so if I hadn’t had the cap on, it may’ve got my head, defnitely,” Vicky refected.
While theories abound
on social media on how to best to deal with the problem - “I’ve had success by just looking them directly in the eye ..” the offcial explanation and advice from WIRES (Wildlife Information Rescue Education Service) Northern Rivers on swooping magpies is this:
“For a few weeks each year during breeding season, nesting Magpies defend their territory to protect their young. They beat their wings, clack their beaks and swoop upon perceived intruders. During this period the natural behaviour of the male magpie is to protect their young from what they see as threats. Male magpies demonstrate defensive behaviour only when they have eggs or chicks in the nest, and this usually lasts from 4 – 6 weeks. Most magpies are giving us a warning and rarely cause harm. Research suggests only 10% of male magpies actually swoop.
“Strategies to avoid being swooped:
• During breeding season, avoid the area where the magpies are nesting.
• If you see a warning sign, walk a slightly different route.
• Avoid
approaching or trying to look into the nest
• Avoid making eye contact
• Wear a hat and glasses or use an umbrella while in the area
• Respect their warning signals and move further away
WIRES stresses the importance of not behaving aggressively towards magpies by waving sticks or throwing stones as this only reinforces their perception of humans as threats.
Cyclists should dismount and walk their bike away (most cyclist injuries result from trying to avoid the magpies.)
And stay calm.
“If you need help with magpies most local councils have magpie policies in place. In some areas your
local council, NPWS and WIRES collaborate to put warning signs up in problem areas. There is also an independent website ‘Magpie Alert’ where locations of magpie attacks are recorded. This is a national data base submitted by the readers.
“The majority of Australian Magpies are
not dangerous and outside of nesting season they are friendly visitors to our garden and help in pest control, eating a variety of insects and pests. When they are being protective parents, we need to show them respect, be cautious and fnd a way to live in harmony.” WIRES Northern Rivers advised.
For more information, contact WIRES Northern Rivers on 1300 094 737
“ .. it was one swoop after the other after the other,” Vicky Natoli said Male magpies may swoop intruders on their young
LATE last month, I attended the AsiaPacifc Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction in Brisbane, retelling our region’s experience of catastrophic fooding earlier this year and lobbying on the sidelines for a more comprehensive package to ‘build back better’ and to prepare for future foods.
Hosted by the Australian Government and convened by the United Nations Offce for Disaster Risk Reduction, the conference attracted 3000 delegates from more than 40 countries.
The UNDRR aims to reduce the damage caused by foods, droughts, bushfres, cyclones and earthquakes.
Disaster risk reduction is everyone’s business; how we grow our food, where and how we build our homes, how we invest, and what we teach in our schools, and it all comes back to local and community, backed in by government.
These are all valid discussions we will be having on the Northern Rivers and Northern Tablelands in our food recovery.
NSW Labor commits to 500 new regional paramedics
A MINNS Labor Government will begin repairing and structurally reforming the delivery of health care services across New South Wales, beginning with a boost to rural and regional paramedics. The frst phase
The NSW Government will contribute $15 million to repair crucial Crown land features, damaged during the recent foods.
Minister for Lands and Water Kevin Anderson said 62 local councils can now apply for a grant under the Crown Land Flood Recovery Funding.
“The February and March fooding events were disastrous for many communities. The record rain caused landslides, erosion, roads to collapse and signifcant damage from overfowing rivers and creeks,” Mr Anderson said.
“This $15 million will be used to help cleanup, repair and restore smaller community assets on Crown Land, such as parks, playgrounds, reserves, visitor and cultural sites and Crown roads, bridges, drains and other structures.”
Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience and Minister for Flood
Recovery Steph Cooke said the funding will also ensure local infrastructure in foodaffected communities is built back to a more resilient standard to help withstand future natural disasters.
“62 local government areas were impacted by this fooding and I encourage each council to make the most of this funding opportunity so we can be better prepared for future severe weather events,” Ms Cooke said.
Applications are open until 14 October, after which they will be assessed by the Department of Planning and Environment – Crown Lands to determine the amount of funding to be allocated to each local council.
Local councils can contact the Crown Lands Flood Recovery Program team on foodrecovery@ crownland.nsw.gov.au or phone 1300 886 235.
is a $150-million commitment to fund an additional 500 paramedics in Labor’s frst term, to ease the burden of chronic paramedic shortages and the strain on our rural and regional health system.
I will be making sure that local communities across our Electorate of Lismore get our fair share of these new paramedics.
This new workforce will be spread across areas with the most need – to be determined following signifcant consultation with healthcare professionals.
Ambulance response times have been trending down in NSW for a decade.
The latest data from the Bureau of Health Information (BHI) for the April to June 2022 quarter found that patients waited longer even for an ambulance, than any time since reporting started.
Kinship Festival starts season of community events
IT WAS a great turnout for The Kinship Festival in Murwillumbah’s Knox Park recently, a lovely event which brought joy to the diverse mix of people who came together.
I spied a police offcer serving tea to an Elder, which brought a tear to my eye.
There was something there for everyone.
This is just one of 13 community events lined up under Tweed Shire Council’s Together Tweed: Let’s Reconnect program for 2022-2023.
In our Electorate of Lismore, they include:
• A Tiny Taste of Tyalgum -- a festival to display Tyalgum’s local food and products, reconnect and revive Tyalgum as a tourist destination following the signifcant impacts from the foods earlier this year and from Covid-19. Date to be confrmed but likely to be held in 2023.
• James and the Giant Peach Pantomine, nine
free performances by Murwillumbah Theatre Company of Roald Dahl’s family pantomime at Murwillumbah Civic Centre Auditorium, 14 October to 30 October 2022.
• Uki Festival –Resilient Uki showcase a range of local creatives, local and high-profle performers, local food establishments and other regional artisans on the Uki Village Green. It will also support resilience of the local community following the foods, 22-23 October 2022.
• Poets Out Loud Community Voices Program – Two curated performances at Murwillumbah’s Regent Cinema on 2 December 2022 and 24 February 2023, preceded by workshops teaching participants how to express their experiences through writing, storytelling and spoken word. Workshop dates to be confrmed.
• Band, Burgers and Beer Night – Tweed River Agricultural Society hosts a family-friendly music event with a band,
food and bar available at the Murwillumbah Showground, 14 January 2023.
• Nights at the Museum – ‘Capturing Nature’ is Night 5 in a series of fve night-time activations of Tweed Regional Museum Murwillumbah, and various locations throughout Murwillumbah town centre. Night 5 is an open access, free community event with a street party, after-hours access to the exhibitions, performances, live music, and food trucks and beverages on offer, 28 January 2023.
Tweed Shire Council received a $392,221 grant under the NSW Government’s $25-million Reconnecting Regional NSW – Community Events Program.
Critical Producer Grant open THE Critical Producer Grant has been announced and applications are open from mid-September through to 30 June 2023. Funding amounts are between $10,000 to
$100,000.
The objective of the program is to help primary producers and primary production enterprises impacted by the February and March 2022 NSW Severe Weather and Flooding events to rebuild and recover in the medium to longer term with the aim of supporting job security, future resilience and enabling future production.
Primary producers and primary production enterprises who have been approved for the full value of the $75,000 Special Disaster Grant in the agriculture, horticulture and aquaculture industry sectors are considered eligible for additional recovery support through the Critical Producer Grant.
Forestry support is available for private native forestry leaseholders and timber plantation owners.
Guidelines for each targeted industry and application information are available at https:// www.nsw.gov.au/grantsand.../critical-producergrant
TOP DROP: Lismore MP Janelle Saffn recently joined NSW Opposition Leader Chris Minns and NSW Shadow Minister for the North Coast John Graham MLC for a visit to Husk Distillers in Tumbulgum. Hosting them was co-owner Mandy Perkins who founded the distillery with husbandPrivate landholders are being supported to restore 200 hectares of koala habitat in the Northern Rivers through a new initiative that is planting 250,000 tree seedlings, backed by the NSW Koala Strategy.
Minister for Environment James Griffin said the landmark program is restoring koala habitat on private land, increasing biodiversity and providing an additional revenue stream for landholders through carbon farming.
“We know that more than 50 per cent of koala habitat is on private land in NSW, which is why private landholders are a big part of the solution when it comes to conserving and protecting koalas,” Mr Griffin said.
“Through the Koala Friendly Carbon Farming Project, we’re helping landholders plant hundreds of thousands of koala food and shelter trees to restore koala habitat and create corridors for them to move safely through areas.
“Landholders will be able to diversify their income through carbon farming, while creating
new habitat for koalas and other native species on their properties.
“This is part of our NSW Koala Strategy, which delivers the biggest commitment by any government to a single species in Australia, and it will help us reach our target of doubling the number of koalas in NSW by 2050.”
The NSW Government is working in partnership with the World Wide Fund for Nature Australia, and Climate Friendly to deliver the project.
The project is working to kick-start carbon farming in koala habitats by developing carbon farming projects that deliver Australian Carbon
Credit Units. WWF-Australia Landscape Restoration Project Manager Tanya Pritchard said the project is addressing some of the major threats facing koalas.
“We can’t turn around the decline of east coast koalas without bold actions to tackle habitat loss and fragmentation,”
Ms Pritchard said.
“This project provides incentives for landowners to be part of the solution and will help us to restore and connect large areas of koala habitat.”
Climate Friendly Co-CEO Skye Glenday said the initiative demonstrates how rural land managers can
sustainably manage their environment while benefiting native species.
“Our partnership with landowners, WWF-Australia and the NSW Government will replenish important feeding and safe living areas for koalas and potentially attract other wildlife such as greater gliders, while building biodiversity and flood impact mitigation,” Ms Glenday said.
“The new trees will also provide benefits in capturing carbon to help Australia meet its greenhouse gas emissions targets.”
The NSW Koala Strategy is backed by more than $190 million and delivers a range of targeted conservation actions to secure more habitat, support community conservation, address threats to koala safety and health, and utilise science and research to build our knowledge.
Landholders can apply for a property assessment to determine if there are koalas close by and if their land is suitable.
For more information, visit www.environment. nsw.gov.au/koala.
Open Monday to Friday from 5am to 4pm and Saturday 6am to 1pm, closed Sundays.
Open Monday to Friday from 7am to 6pm and Saturday 8am to 2pm, closed Sundays.
Casino
NSW Koala Strategy population and habitat estimate
The national beef cattle herd and sheep fock is expected to increase for the third straight year as it recovers from the drought conditions of early 2020.
After reaching record lows in 2019–20, in 2022–23, the national beef herd is expected to reach 24.2 million head and the national sheep fock is forecast to reach 71.1 million head.
Consecutive La Niña events and above average rainfall between June and August 2022 in key production regions saw increased pasture growth across eastern, western and southern Australia, driving the positive outlook for livestock production in 2022–23.
However, climatic conditions have not been favourable for all agricultural regions.
Between May and July 2022 rainfall was extremely high across much of the Australian east coast and caused a second round of localised fooding.
In the worst affected
Average to above average between June 2022 and August 2022 supported average to above average pasture growth across large areas of eastern Australia.
areas this resulted in a lack of feld access, inundation of pastures and livestock losses for producers. A relatively poor fnish to the
2021–22 northern wet season also resulted in lower-than-normal pasture availability across large areas of northern Australia.
During August, average to above average soil moisture levels, adequate rainfall and mild temperatures provided a boost to pasture
production across most grazing regions in eastern, western and southern Australia.
This has likely enabled farmers to continue fock
and herd rebuilding and provided opportunities to lower reliance on supplementary feeding to maintain current herds and focks.
NSW Farmers is urging motorists to keep an eye out for spikes in fuel prices with the excise discount ending at midnight.
While the federal government says the end of a 22 cent cut to fuel taxes shouldn’t trigger an immediate spike in prices, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission will be keeping a closer eye on potential price gouging.
NSW Farmers Business, Economics and Trade Committee chair John Lowe said a simple way to avoid being ripped off at the pump was to use the
FuelCheck app.
“The state government requires fuel prices to be updated to the app in real-time, so you can easily fnd out if there are savings to be had just down the road,” Mr Lowe said.
“Particularly for the larger operators who carry our food and freight around, the end of the excise discount is going to signifcantly increase the cost of transport.
“If you’re heading out and need to top up at some point, check ahead to see if you can save some money.”
On Tuesday, there were differences of up to 47
cents a litre for diesel in the New England; while it could be purchased for 198.9 at Manilla, 100km away at Kentucky it was retailing for 245.9.
Mr Lowe said shopping smarter was going to be critical in the coming months with everyone –from farmers to families – paying more for essentials such as fuel.
“Things are getting dearer and we need to fnd savings because of those cost-of-living pressures,” he said.
NEWS12 The Northern Rivers Times October 6, 2022 “Buying local inseason produce is a great way to save, it’s just a case of being deliberate about what you purchase.
Dozens of new businesses have signed up to the NSW Seniors Card program to offer seniors discounts on everything from retail to travel and health services.
NSW Treasurer Matt Kean said more than 140 new firms have joined the Seniors Card program, which will help ease cost of living pressures on seniors while providing a boost to many small businesses.
“This is one of several NSW Government
initiatives to help seniors with cost of living pressures including toll relief and energy rebates,” Mr Kean said.
“The Seniors Card for over-60s has thousands of discounts covering groceries, tradies, holidays, insurance and services such as accountants and medical care. Businesses signing up to the program get more people through the door so it’s a win-win.”
Among the new businesses joining the program are dental surgeries, pubs and
hotels, health and wellness centres and home cleaning service providers.
Minister for Seniors Mark Coure said the over 140 new additions join more than 6,500 businesses already helping ease the cost of living for seniors across retail, food and beverage, travel, and professional services.
“Each and every one are offering a range of discounts to cardholders, some even up to 30 per cent. This means seniors are able to take
The state’s peak tourism organisation, NSW Tourism Industry Council, is thrilled to announce the finalists for the prestigious NSW Tourism Awards for 2022.
“The NSW Tourism Awards are a celebration of the extraordinary achievements of the NSW tourism industry over the past twelve months and is a reflection of the hard work of the thousands of tourism operators across the state, “ said NSW Tourism Industry Council Senior Director, Paula Martin.
“Domestic tourism is definitely on the rise with many operators telling us that their forward bookings are at capacity as Australians seek out authentic and unique experiences. It is impressive to see the number of operators and regions who made the most of lockdowns and restricted travel to build new visitor experiences in anticipation of the return of international travel and worked together to attract domestic visitors to their regions,” Ms Martin said.
Managed by the NSW Tourism Industry Council in partnership with Destination NSW, the NSW Tourism Award Winners will be announced at a Gala Dinner on 17 November 2022 at one of our states most
iconic venues, Luna Park Sydney. Winners in the designated national award categories will represent NSW at the Australian Tourism Awards hosted by NSW Government and Destination NSW to be held in Sydney, 17 March 2023.
“On behalf of NSW Tourism Industry Council, I extend a warm congratulations to all nominees as we celebrate our tourism industry and the path to recovery. With so many incredible tourism businesses in NSW, the competition is tough, and our judges were truly inspired by the finalists’ achievements.”
NSW Minister for Tourism Ben Franklin said the exceptional calibre of finalists in the 2022 NSW Tourism Awards was a reflection of the professionalism and dedication driving the recovery of the NSW visitor economy.
“These finalists represent our state’s world-class tourism
offerings. From our vibrant cities to our stunning coastal towns and from our breathtaking hinterlands to our awe-inspiring outback, the visitor experiences offered in NSW are unmatched.”
“The NSW Government has outlined its strategy to achieve $65 billion in overnight visitor expenditure for the state’s economy by 2030, and the calibre of operators recognised by these awards gives me great confidence that we will achieve and exceed this target.”
About NSW Tourism Industry Council Powered by Business NSW, the NSW Tourism Industry Council helps businesses operating in the Visitor Economy maximise their potential to ensure New South Wales remains the number one tourism destination in Australia.
some pressure off the household budget and keep more money in their back pocket,” Mr Coure said.
“I encourage more businesses to sign up and open their door to more than 1.9 million seniors across NSW.”
Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said that over 120,000 customers had already opted in for the Digital Seniors Card since its launch in April, with a customer satisfaction rate of about
90 per cent.
“Importantly, seniors will be able to make their dollar go further by accessing great discounts and savings, adding to the almost $7 billion NSW customers have already saved through the savings finder,” Mr Dominello said.
“We are working to improve and uplift the experience for all seniors across NSW through the Digital Seniors Card program and we will have more to share next month.”
For a full list of
discounts available via the NSW Seniors Card, or for businesses to join the program, visit seniorscard.nsw.gov.au.
In addition to the NSW Seniors Card, there are more than 70 discounts and rebates available through the Savings Finder Program available on the Service NSW website. Those without internet access can make an appointment with a savings specialist at a Service NSW centre or by calling 13 77 88.
keep legal refugees in offshore detention when they have committed no crimes and are no threat to our country.
letters@nrtimes.com.au
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The Federal Government needs huge amounts of money to implicate its policies on the broken Education and Aged Care Systems, as well as assist with the rise in the cost of living and the development of renewable energy.
How disappointing it is to hear then that they intend to scrap the third stage of tax cuts. Just think of how much revenue would be raised if those that could afford it paid more tax, if Shortens policy on negative gearing and
franking was enforced.
Negative gearing should only be used to buy a home you intend to live in. As for franking, why should people be given money to which they are not entitled.
I for one couldn’t give a toss about broken promises if the money raised from taxes is used to deal with the issues above.
I am not completely disappointed by the Government, however. It is good to see they are changing the refugee policy. $9 Billion plus a year has been used to
If these refugees were allowed onto our shores and given work visas, not only would we save $9 Billion, but they could pay tax and help fill job vacancies in areas such as farming and hospitality.
L. Clarke. Ballina
The replacement of QE 2 on the $5 note is bringing about much time-wasting debate.
Of course, this is an obvious smoke screen to keep the people off the track of incompetent politicians making Australian workers and aged pensioners financially poorer.
Perhaps Her Majesty’s picture could be replaced with a photo of bread and dripping sandwiches and a two-person tent to represent the hunger and lack of housing in our Commonwealth.
A pair of scissors could
The NSW Government is ofering a new way to assist people on low incomes with their power bills by installing free solar systems for eligible households in place of their Low Income Household Rebate. This program aims to improve energy afordability by helping households unlock long terms savings on their electricity bills. While this means you will no longer receive the $285 annual rebate on your electricity bill, you could receive up to $600 in savings per year from your new solar system!
The ofer is only available to households that live in the specifed regions and meet the eligibility criteria. When participating in this program households will receive a free, fully installed 3kW solar system in place of their Low Income Household Rebate.
SAE Group are the approved provider, designing and installing solar systems to eligible homes in your region.
To be eligible you must:
Currently be receiving the Low Income Household Rebate
Agree not to receive the rebate for ten years
Own your own home
Not already have a solar PV system
Hold a valid Pensioner Concession Card or a Department of Veteran Afairs Gold Card
If you are not the registered homeowner, but your spouse is, you may be considered eligible collectively as a household
A 3kW system is designed to generate an average of 12.6kwh per day, which will deliver electricity savings depending on each household’s energy consumption. Managing Director of SAE Group Glen Ashton comments “We know electricity bills continue to place a lot of pressure on households, and we are pleased to be working with the NSW Government to help ease the pressure on low income households.”
SAE Group are an Australian owned and operated organisation with over ten years’ experience in the solar industry. SAE Group are a Clean Energy Council Approved Retailer, and hold accreditations ISO 9001, ISO 45001 for safety and quality systems. Safety is paramount to us, and it our goal to ensure we provide quality solar systems to eligible households that will deliver ongoing savings for many years to come.
Want to fnd out more?
Visit: https://energysaver.nsw.gov.au/solar-low-income-households to check your eligibility and apply online or visit www.saegroup.com.au or call us on 02 66 389 439. The Solar for Low Income Household Ofer is supported by the NSW Government.
be shown to remind us of the tax cuts politicians are giving themselves and their rich buddies who give them donations at election time.
Skeletons to show the plight of the aged pensioners who have to live alone or suffer pension cuts.
A teaspoon to remind what items are valued in the disgusting Pension Assets Test
Some holiday resort advertising to depict politician, government business, travel.
Perhaps cartoon caricatures of our Ministers of the Commonwealth where not one of them are making Wealth Common. Claire De Ellae Urbenville
How many people on the North Coast are aware of the Richmond Valley Council’s plans for a Waste to Energy Incinerator located in or near Casino MSW, without any public discussions, people are concerned about the very
real risk of pollution to our Air, Land and Water as well as general community health for present and future generations.
These incinerators release dangerous pollutants such as Dioxins, Furans, Mercury, Nitrogen Oxides, Carbon Monoxide, and Hydrochloric acid, for our farming communities and many businesses including The Northern Co-Operative Meat Company, Norco and others who benefit from our clean green image on the North Coast, it would be a disaster.
This is the most expensive and polluting way to manage waste or to generate energy, “Waste to Energy” is a public relations term used to promote incineration but waste is not magically transformed in to energy, for every 100 tons of trash burned about 70 tons becomes air pollution and the other 30 tons becomes toxic ash that is typically dumped in landfills, making them
more harmful than if all the waste went there unburned. Plastic and metals are the major source of Calorific value of the waste and the combination of plastics like poly vinyl chloride (PVC) give rise to these highly toxic pollutants. (From Desert Green Waste to Energy) there is a great deal of information online for people to check out for themselves.
There are other methods of disposing of waste and plastics, recycling and composting create 5-10 times as many jobs per ton of waste than incinerators and reducing emissions at source, there are many alternatives to Zero Waste Strategies towards Carbon Neutrality, there should be a full discussion with the Community.
Sydney has rejected a proposal for such incinerators, and it should be rejected on the North Coast Carole Stewart JP Casino
The NSW State Emergency Service (SES) is adopting the new Australian Warning System as the official Storm Season begins, with an increased risk of damaging weather in the months ahead.
Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience and Minister for Flood Recovery Steph Cooke said while storms and floods are experienced year-round, the highest period of danger stretches from the beginning of October to the end of March.
“With Storm Season now upon us, there’s no reprieve for New South Wales communities and the SES, which has been engaged in operations in some parts of the State for almost 12 months,” Ms Cooke said.
“The annual increased
frequency of storms, strong winds and rain will coincide with a third consecutive La Nina, which means communities right across the State will remain on high alert.
“News of more rain and wild weather is hard to hear, particularly for our flood-fatigued communities in the Northern Rivers, Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley and Western NSW, but it’s important that we’re not complacent.
“For the first time the SES is rolling out an updated warning system, which will deliver more localised and targeted communication of risks, and clearer warnings about the action people need to take to stay safe.”
The new Australian Warning System
includes the following three tiers of warnings:
1. Advice;
2. Watch and Act; and
3. Emergency Warning.
Warnings during storms and flood events will continue to be distributed through text message alerts, the SES website, SES social media channels, ABC radio stations and media outlets.
SES Commissioner Carlene York said volunteers have experienced their busiest year on record, responding to more than 50,000 flood and storm jobs in the 12 months to June 2022.
“It’s been an extraordinarily wet year and SES volunteers have been operational somewhere across the State every single day of 2022,” Commissioner York said.
“We are heading into a period where there is a greater chance of storms and floods, and it’s essential to take simple steps now like preparing an emergency evacuation kit in case you need to evacuate your home.
“Making safe decisions including evacuating when you are told and not driving through flooded roads and causeways will help protect yourself and your family this Storm Season.”
The NSW Government is supporting the SES with a $132.7 million Budget investment in facilities, hiring new staff, acquiring more resources and restructuring the agency’s operations.
The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) today released new data showing more than half of insurance claims related to the February and March foods have been closed.
The latest fgures reveal a 10 per cent increase from last month in claims closed, with $2.81 billion or 54 per cent of all claims now fnalised for those customers impacted by Australia’s costliest food.
Insured losses have increased slightly from last month to $5.45 billion from about 234,000 claims.
The time required to settle or resolve a claim depends on the type of claim, the assessment and analysis that’s required to make a claim decision, and the complexity of the repair or settlement. The more complex the analysis, assessment and rebuild required, the longer a claim will take to process.
Claims closure times are being impacted by the high volume of claims, a shortage of experts required to assess and manage food claims, building labour and materials constraints, and the complexity of recovery and resilience programs delivered by both the Queensland and New South Wales governments.
The data update follows the release of the Insurance Council’s Insurance Catastrophe Resilience Report 2021-22 and research from the McKell Institute, which found extreme weather events over the past 12 months cost every Australian household an average of $1,532.
McKell’s The Cost of Extreme Weather report shows that over the last 10 years the average annual household cost of extreme weather has been $888, but that this fgure is expected to jump to more than $2,500 a year by 2050.
Comment attributable to Andrew Hall, CEO, Insurance Council of Australia:
Insurers have been working hard to see claims settled and closed following the devastating February and March East Coast Floods, and we are confdent this momentum will continue leading into summer.
While we remain concerned that summer forecasts a continuation of La Niña conditions, insurers are geared up and working through the current claims as quickly as possible.
We encourage Queensland, New South Wales and the Federal Government to continue to expedite their build back and buy back programs as soon as possible to give those communities certainty.
Our recent reports and research show that these events are becoming increasingly costly for Australian households, and clearly demonstrate the impact of worsening extreme weather.
To ensure Australians continue to have access to affordable insurance protection, we must increase investment in the resilience of our built and natural environments, and, in parallel, address the underlying cause of more severe weather events.
The Tweed community has responded to calls to work together with Council to plan ahead so the Shire grows and evolves in well-managed and sustainable way.
Residents, representatives from local resident and ratepayer groups, community groups and local urban planning consultants attended interactive community briefng sessions in August and September to share their views on how they would like to see the Tweed grow. They also looked at what should be considered when planning for the future of housing and employment land in the Tweed.
The early-stage consultation forms the frst phase of the development of a Growth Management and Housing Strategy which aims to guide growth in a way that maintains the Tweed’s
desirable lifestyle, strong community, unique character and environment and continues to offer opportunities for residents to thrive.
Tweed Shire Council Unit Coordinator, Strategic Planning and Urban Design, Iain Lonsdale said he was pleased with the community’s response, with more than 900 visits to Council’s online engagement website, Your Say Tweed, during this early-stage consultation.
“Almost 300 local people of all ages, from many parts of the Tweed, completed the online survey,” Mr Lonsdale said.
“Interestingly, 40% of survey respondents have lived in the Tweed more than 20 years, 39% between 10-20 years and the remainder moved to the Tweed in the past 10 years.”
Some of the community’s feedback
includes:
• The natural environment, access to the coastline and rural landscapes are part of what makes the Tweed a great place to live.
• Local people value our open, green space and scenic views, our lifestyle and the convenience of living close to services and facilities.
• People want to see bushland, tree-lined streets and the Tweed’s heritage, character and identity preserved. They also want to see improved transport infrastructure and services (roads, public transport, walkways and cycleways). Housing affordability is also highly valued.
• The majority indicated they think population growth should be accommodated either as redevelopment within existing residential areas of the Tweed or as a combination of
existing and outside existing residential areas. Many accepted this might mean medium to higher density dwellings such as residential fat buildings and townhouses, or smaller-sized suburban blocks with detached or semi-detached houses and smaller yard space may be needed to accommodate this growth.
• The vast majority of people felt it was very important for the Tweed to have bushland/rural/urban breaks to separate our built-up urban areas and our rural towns.
Mr Lonsdale said the information would be used to draft an Issues Paper to guide Council’s planning moving forward.
“We will now work with our consultants to prepare an Issues Paper that is informed by the community’s feedback and input from the Project Reference Group, other stakeholder engagement and research,” he said.
“We invite the community to review the draft Issues Paper when it is placed on public exhibition in the next month or so and make comments before it is fnalised.”
For more information visit yoursaytweed.com. au/growth-managementand-housing-strategy.
The community’s views on how they would like the Tweed to grow in a well-managed and sustainable way will inform a new Issues Paper currently being drafted. NEWS16 The Northern Rivers Times October 6, 2022 Representatives from local community groups at one of the briefng sessions held at Murwillumbah in August to discuss future growth in the Tweed.
“Leemo Cat’ back. It’s raining, but not to worry. Cognizant I would get damp, I made a most cunning plan and rested ‘outside’. I knew ‘Mum Jane’ wouldn’t be able to help herself. She’ll warm a towel for me, come out & pick me up, dry me softly, give me a treat and gently place me on a warm snuggy ‘inside’ resting place. Whoohoo! So, I’m inside now. I will arise for brushing time, dinner treats and an episode of ‘Bluey’. Ooooh. HEAVEN But eeek, I woke with a start. Something was bothering me. Mum had given me a book called ‘Domestic Wisdom. Things a Lady KNEW in 1862’. Stirring from my restful slumber, I KNEW I had to speak with her about ‘our house’ and stuff ASAP. I DID honestly read that book, and, according to the contents, Mum is NOT conducting our home & lives to acceptable standards. I’m going to ‘rank’ her conduct from l (BAD) to 10 (GOOD). For example, when Mum talks to ME she can be quite dismissive. THE BOOK says one should NEVER speak rudely, as it is a gross breach of etiquette. (1). When eating, Mum sometimes slurps, chews noisily, and smacks her lips & licks her fngers uttering ‘YUMMY’.
THE BOOK says these habits are GROSS and a sign of low breeding. (1) She sometimes looks like she forgot to dress properly when she
goes to visit someone. THE BOOK says one should dress in simple but smart attire with hat & gloves. (Mum’s hat doesn’t qualify it’s so ugly and her gloves are rubber with big CLAWS on the fngers for weeding.) (l). I also read that parents must not overwork their children. SO, how come “I” have to pick up leaves & stuff? (1). Hmmm, she’s not ranking very highly so far. As for household cleaning, oooh, what a nightmare. THE BOOK says one must sweep with a broom held evenly, be moved with long strokes, taking care not to fing refuse around or raise dust. A quantity of fresh wet, cut-up grass or weeds can be spread over polished foors, and oil cloths used to take off the dust.
As for carpets, THE BOOK recommends they be shaken & beaten vigorously, laid on the foor & tacked down frmly. THEN, get a warm fannel and wash them with 1qt. of bullock gall & ‘soft’ cold water.
REALLY dirty spots can be rubbed clean with PURE Ox Gall or grated potatoes made into a paste. I read out loud stuff on ‘household furnishings’ ‘Mum, did you know “There is Nothing More Changeable or Delusive than that Ineffable Something... called STYLE, so how come it’s missing in OUR House?’ I continued, suggesting there is too much stuff in it, refective of confused disorder, not STYLE’. CRIKEY ... the ‘Mum Jane stare-glare’ would knock out a camel. She droned on “Leems, if I discard your 28 stuffed animals & birds, your 3 plush blankies, your brushes & combs, ALL your food, your bowls, dining mats, laser lights, feathers on a stick, woolly balls, QSB, Doona & pillows, litter tray & ALL your STUFF, our house MIGHT just refect some style. Think about it and DO let me know. Perhaps I could also chop down your climbing tree? You want STYLE, Leems, I can arrange it ... OK?’ OMG ... time for a Bex & a lie down. Purrsies, Leemo.
Calling all budding doctors and nurses... from potion making in a lab to scrubbing-in for surgery, children will get to explore the weird and wonderful world of medicine these coming holidays as part of the Tweed Regional Museum’s Cure All exhibition.
On offer every Tuesday and Thursday throughout the break is the Kid’s Potion Making Workshop, which will give children the chance to invent their very own potion using simple science and a healthy dose of creativity.
During the workshop, children are given a guided tour of the Cure All exhibition to gather inspiration before entering a laboratory to create their own concoction from natural
ingredients – they will get to bottle their recipe and design a label with a description of its special powers!
Throughout the length of the exhibition, there is also the Cure All Kids Surgery Station – this offers a fun interactive experience where children can pop on a
The kid’s holiday program is only part of the Tweed Regional Museum’s latest show, Cure All – an extraordinary insight into the intriguing history of medicine and health in the region.
Museum Curator Erika Taylor said viewers can marvel at more than 200
frst aid kits, cure-oil concoctions, and potions.
“It’s always exciting at the Museum – over the holidays we love to encourage families to get involved. We have a range of activities children can explore that will open their minds to a world of curiosities,” Ms Taylor said.
“For parents wanting to get the kids away from screens and into something really fun and interesting, our holiday schedule is perfect.”
The Cure All exhibition runs at the Tweed Regional Museum in Murwillumbah until 15 October.
coat and stethoscope and explore the human skeleton and other surgery activities.
fascinating objects from the Museum’s collection, including surgical equipment, vintage
For family-friendly events, kids’ programs and workshops at the Museum, visit: museum. tweed.nsw.gov.au/whatson.
Planning is underway for a major upgrade of the Bruxner Highway between Goonellabah and Wollongbar.
Transport for NSW North Region Director, Anna Zycki, said the Australian Government had allocated $6.81 million and the NSW Government $1.7 million to assess options to improve this increasingly busy and important link between Lismore and the coast.
“Lismore is an important regional administrative centre and is increasingly providing services like health, education and governance to the ever-growing coastal
communities around Ballina, Byron Bay and Lennox Head,” Ms Zycki said.
“As these coastal centres grow, the number of customers travelling between the coast and Lismore is increasing.
“The aim is to create a transport network that facilitates access to regional centres surrounding Lismore by increasing network capacity to meet network growth and improve road transport effciency, productivity and reliability.
“A key section of the highway is between Sneaths Road, Wollongbar, and Kadina
Street, Goonellabah, which has a fatal and serious injury crash rate that is more than eight times higher than similar roads across the State and we must bring this down.
“We will investigate a range of options including the construction of a section of dual carriageway on a new alignment between the two centres.
“During the planning process we will look at how the highway connects with other sections of the road network and how construction might be staged.”
Ms Zycki said Transport for NSW had been planning
improvements along the full length of the Bruxner Highway following the development of a comprehensive highway corridor strategy.
“Safety and the effcient movement of traffc are the key considerations,” she said.
She said the Goonellabah to Wollongbar section of the proposed upgrade was still in planning, so no construction timeframe or budget had been set.
“We will continue to progress the project and present a preferred option to the community in the coming months to view and provide feedback,” she said.
Cure All exhibition adds some unique experiences for the upcoming Spring break Children can learn all about the history of medicine and health at the Tweed Museum’s Cure All exhibition. Children will be able to make their own potions in the Kid’s Potion Making Workshop these school holidays.
With all the changes happening in the Disability Employment sector, it’s important to know who is available to support you and how.
With over 30 years of industry experience, Enterprise and Training company ETC is skilled in helping participants reach their goals.
“We are a high performing provider, and our kind, caring and supportive team are here to support DES participants across the region,” said ETC Disability Employment Services Program Manager, David Cameron.
The not-for-profit company has a proven track record of helping people with an injury, illness or disability find meaningful employment. They’ve already helped thousands of DES participants improve their circumstances.
How? Because their approach is simple. They
find a job that fits each individual participant.
Plus, they’re genuinely passionate about connecting job seekers with employers, across a variety of industries.
At ETC it’s not a one size fits all approach – their team of dedicated advisors take the time to really understand participants individual needs in a nonjudgemental and respectful way. Their background, experience, barriers, and aspirations.
Then they support them to achieve their goals.
“Our organisation is built on the values of respect, integrity, success and empowerment,” said Mr Cameron.
“We are passionate about helping people in many different situations to overcome their personal challenges and develop the skills they need to find sustainable employment.”
As a Registered Training Organisation (RTO 6998), ETC can also assist with
training or up-skilling. Plus, they have a range of short courses available to build employability skills, confidence, and resilience.
With an extensive network of local employers, the communityoriented company gives participants the best possible opportunity to secure a career that they love.
The Australian Government funded Disability Employment Services sector allows participants to chose which DES provider they would like to support them – and you can switch at any time.
It’s important to choose a provider that is going to help you achieve your goals.
Finding you meaningful work that supports your injury, illness or disability
We’ve helped thousands of people find work, and our approach is simple.
No matter where you are on your employment journey, ETC can help!
Pictured: Megan, a Disability Employment Services Team Leader, ETC Tweed HeadsOUT of all the utterances that have reverberated down through the years, perhaps the most famous and ‘lasting’ in terms of cliché, is ‘carpe diem’. A turn of phrase meaning ‘seize the day’, that was first conjured by the Roman poet Horace in 23BC. It originally appeared as: “In the moment of our talking, envious time has ebbed away. Seize the day; trust tomorrow even as little as you may.”
In other words, be on guard, and let no portion of time escape you; make a point of putting all 1,140 minutes of your day to good use. As Dolores Huerta once said: “Every moment is an organising opportunity, every person a potential activist, every minute a chance to change the world.”
Whether we realise it or not, our lives are made up of moments, moments that eventually add up to the ultimate sum, if not accumulated reason for our being.
The American sage of simplicity itself, Henry David Thoreau once enthused: “You must live in the present, launch yourself on every wave, find your eternity in each moment.” Similarly, this was something the Ancient Greeks knew full well. In the original stadium at Olympia there was an altar set aside for a deity called Kairos, the god of opportunity and luck. The fleet footed little god was associated with archery, and the ‘opportune’ moment in which an arrow passes through the air towards its target.
For whatever reason our distant ancestors seem to have had a far deeper appreciation, albeit perception and understanding of time, and the overall purpose it serves. Virgil,
another Roman poet, and contemporary of Horace himself, coined the expression ‘tempus fugit’ (or ‘time flies’).
Little wonder we have the modern-day term ‘fugitive’ for someone on the run.
Not that any of us can stop or even slow time down in any remote fashion, but we can extract the most from what time in a literal sense – has to give.
Deeply appreciating our moments as they pass, and giving all of ourselves to everything we do, is one way of maximising the value of the things time affords us.
As Richard Bach once noted: “The best way to pay for a lovely moment is to enjoy it.”
At no point in any of our lives is it ever too late to start savouring moments we consider very special in some way. One of the greatest classics of modern literature is Marcel Proust’s ‘In Search of Lost Time’, a work commenced in 1909 and refined right up until 1922, the year of the author’s death at the age of 51. Appropriately, “Love is,” once said Proust, “space and time measured by the heart [with the addition perhaps of a nibbled madeleine cake after being dipped in tea].”
Ironically, nothing we have done, or will go on to do ever compares to what we can directly manufacture in the limitless amphitheatre of the here and now. As if channeling the spirit of Kairos, Deepak Chopra once exclaimed: “Life gives you plenty of time to do whatever you want to do if you stay in the present moment.”
Grafton will not have an olympic swimming pool inside three years says a group of protesters angry at a Clarence Valley Council decision to shut Grafton Aquatic Centre for the summer.
Around 40 placard-waving protesters gathered outside the council chambers in Grafton last week ahead of the monthly meeting.
They had come because an item on the business paper called for the closure of the pool for the entire summer and its replacement with a two-stage development including an indoor heated pool, an olympic pool, paddle pool, water slide, dive pool and ancillary buildings.
A representative for the protesters, GDSC Swimming Club vice president Stephen Donnelly, said it would be at least three years before Grafton would have an olympic pool.
He cited the experience of Ballina, where the council closed the pool, promising to build a new one in a year.
“They had everything nearly ready to go and said the pool would be open in 12 months,” he said.
“It took two years before it was open.”
Mr Donnelly said while there was a “shovel-ready” plan in place for a new pool in Grafton, there were some signifcant issues for the council to deal with rebuilding on the site of the old pool.
“The council has known about the leak at the pool for a long time and hasn’t done anything about it,” he said.
Mr Donnelly said that this had led to pool now being in danger of a “catastrophic collapse”.
“How long will it take them to fnd out the extent of the problems? Six months at least I would think,” he said.
“And that’s before they even start to build anything. And we know from the Ballina experience these things take at least two years to build.”
Mr Donnelly made these comments after he had watched councillors settle on a nine-part motion to begin construction of the two-stage pool development which included council stumping up $3,830,545 of its own money and looking to fund the rest of the estimated $21-$25 million cost with state and federal
government grants.
The council confrmed the pool would close for the 2022-23 season and council would do more geotechnical studies of the site.
It will also look into the viability of retaining the dive pool in the development, look at funding construction of a grandstand from other council funds and form a community focus group to work with the council over the life of the project.
This last point was an amendment from
attempting to tap those funding sources.
Instead she proposed council borrow the funds.
Cr Toms said it was imperative the council moved on this project quickly, particularly not waiting for possible state government election promises which could be months away.
“I’m serious about delivering this project in the next two years if possible,” she said.
“We’ve done the planning, we need to move on the tendering and procurement
olympic pool and adding additional stages of the project later.
While he was able to make the argument for his foreshadowed motion, the council voted to accept the offcers recommendation, with the addition of a community focus group, 5-4.
Outside the meeting opinion was divided.
None were in favour of Cr Johnstone’s proposal, but Cr Toms gained some grudging admirers, who were concerned about the level of borrowing required.
But the prospect of a focus group able to push the idea of increasing the size of the olympic pool from eight to 10 lanes excited some.
One, Amy Morgan, said if Grafton built a 10-lane olympic pool it would be the only of that that kind between the Gold Coast and Newcastle.
“When the Olympic Games are in Brisbane in 2032 we would have teams coming here to prepare,” she said.
“And it would also bring other top level competition to the region which would be an economic boost for local businesses.”
Mr Donnelly said another
Cr Debrah Novak, which a number of the protesters seized on as a way to introduce some modifcations for the plan. But to get to this stage the council rejected a more ambitious proposal from Cr Karen Toms who put up a 12-point plan, which included a council contribution of $5 million plus the prospect of the council borrowing a further $15 million.
Cr Toms also wanted to remove the dive pool from the plan immediately, claiming it would reduce costs and protect council from possible insurance claims in the future.
She was not confdent the council would receive state or federal funding quickly enough, although her proposal included
Cr Toms argued council borrowing would not be an issue.
“In the last term of council we reduced the council debt from $130 million to about $90 million, so there is no problem with the council’s fnancial situation,” she said.
But the borrowing proposal was a sticking point for a number of councillors, who were cautious about borrowing at a time where interest rates were rising.
Another proposal, a foreshadowed motion from Cr Peter Johnston, which was not considered proposed an even faster start.
Cr Johnson wanted to focus all efforts on building an eight-lane
beneft would be improved usage of the pool for different aquatic groups.
He squad swimmers, water polo and other swimmers could all use a pool of that size at the same time.
Mayor Ian Tiley was more confdent the pool project would attract government grants
“We are in the lead up to a state election,” Mayor Tiley said. “In the last two weeks I’ve had conversations with three politicians about this matter and last Friday signed a submission to our local MP Chris Gulaptis.”
Cr Tiley was also a supporter of the community focus group idea and said the council would consider carefully suggestions that had community support.
Moment to moment by Nigel Dawe The vice president of the Grafton District Services Club Swimming Club, Stephen Donnelly made a deputation to Clarence Valley Council about a replacement pool for the city. Placard waving protesters gather outside the Clarence Valley Council chambers in Prince St, Grafton, ahead of a meeting to decide the future of the local pool.
The NSW Government is calling on eligible Aboriginal community organisations and groups to apply for funding through the new solutions-focused $30 million Aboriginal Community and Place Grants program.
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Ben Franklin said the program is about achieving tangible, community centered outcomes across NSW and drive practical support for Aboriginal communities.
outcome targets under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.
Residents in bushfreprone areas across the Tweed are being urged to attend one of two community workshops on how to prepare for the risk of fre in the future.
The Know Your Risk community workshops will be held on the afternoon and evening of Thursday 20 October at the Murwillumbah Civic Centre and Auditorium.
Some 16,000 residents in the Tweed live in bushfre-prone areas,
are and developing a bushfre survival plan for you and your loved ones.
Council’s Bushfre Resilience Project Offcer Jonathan Lynch said it was crucial residents did not allow the rain to make them complacent.
“If you live near bushland, now’s the time to do a few things around your house and property to help reduce your bushfre risk,” Mr Lynch said.
The workshops will be delivered by Catherine Ryland and Lyn Liston from CR Bushfre. Both are qualifed bushfre consultants with over 20 years’ experience working in the feld of bushfre and environmental management.
Throughout the workshop, residents will learn to be aware of their own property’s bushfre risks and how to develop a bushfre
Tweed Shire Council in partnership with the NSW Rural Fire Service.
The 2 workshops will be held on Thursday 20 October at Murwillumbah Civic Centre and Auditorium from 2 pm - 4 pm or 5.30 pm - 7.30 pm.
For more information and to book your spot, visit bushfre-riskworkshops.eventbrite. com.au or call Council on 02 6670 2400.
“Eligible Aboriginal community organisations and groups can apply for grants of up to $250,000 for one-off projects that will effectively empower Aboriginal communities to drive social, tangible change,” Mr Franklin said.
“This is an exciting and unique program that will invest critical funding into the hands of Aboriginal communities who best know how to deliver culturally appropriate and community centered opportunities and outcomes for their community.
“The grants are targeted to support projects at a grassroots level and may include skills development programs for Aboriginal community members, IT upgrades for organisations, offce equipment and the purchase Infrastructure to enhance accessibility and mobility.
“One of the challenges of Closing the Gap targets on a state and national level is the priority areas are seeing improvements collectively while community members on the ground may not have experienced any change in employment, health or housing outcomes for a number of years,” Cr Dennis said.
“This important State Government funding round is about communities identifying their needs and accessing support in order to experience measurable change locally and sooner. It’s designed to help close the gap at a local level.
“If an Aboriginal Medical Service identifes child development issues in the community, the Community and Place Grants funding can help expand the care offered to Aboriginal children.
“This is a singular opportunity for Aboriginal organisations and groups to obtain funding to drive muchneeded change within their communities.”
meaning at some point their homes could be impacted by fre. And despite the La Nina weather system expected to bring higher forecasts of rain across the region during spring and summer, bushfres will be a reality for the region in coming years.
A crucial step in mitigating the danger from future bushfres is knowing what your risks
“Not knowing your bushfre risk or having a bushfre survival plan ready, places you and your family in danger from the threat of bushfres when they happen.
“Our aim is to build community resilience through knowledge of these types of natural disasters so we can keep people informed, prepared and safe.”
survival plan. Also covered will be the latest bushfre management practices such as water storage, property access and building for bushfre safety.
Workshop attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions during a Q&A session.
The workshop is part of a wider Bushfre Resilience Project currently underway at
To check if you live in a bushfre-prone area, visit tweed.nsw.gov.au/ bushfre-map or scan the QR Code below.
“We know that investing in local community initiatives, we will signifcantly increase the likelihood of NSW achieving our targets under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.”
Coalition of Aboriginal Peak Organisations (CAPO) Co-Chair Cr Anne Dennis said the Community and Place Grants Program will drive local change and contribute towards the 17 socio-economic
Aboriginal Affairs NSW staff will be at this weekend’s 50th Koori Knockout in Nowra and available to discuss the Community and Place Grants Program, eligibility and application process.
The program is open to 5pm on Friday, October 14. For more information, guidelines and to apply, visit the Aboriginal Affairs NSW website at https:// www.aboriginalaffairs. nsw.gov.au/grants/
The Tyalgum unit of the NSW Rural Fire Service responding to a bushfre. The risk of future bushfres and their impact should not be ignored. Bushfres are a natural part of the Australian landscape but have the potential to impact homes and lives.The commencement of a two-stage selective tender process has been approved by Clarence Valley Council for the redevelopment of the Grafton Olympic Pool.
Councillors voted 6-3 to endorse the proposal at the Ordinary Council Meeting held at Grafton Council Chambers on Tuesday 27 September.
The decision will enable staff to immediately commence the procurement process that will get the Grafton aquatic centre ‘shovel ready’. This follows the recent development approval by the Northern Rivers Joint Regional Planning Panel earlier this month.
The nine-part motion included the offcer’s recommendation and the need to establish a community focus group to work with Council for the life of the project. Funding of $3,830,545 has been committed to assist with the delivery of the pool redevelopment.
Council will continue to seek fnancial support from Federal and State governments and Mayor Ian Tiley indicated he was confdent this commitment from Council will help signal more favourable support from these stakeholders.
“We are in the lead up to a state election,” Mayor Tiley said. “In the last two weeks I’ve had conversations with three politicians about this matter and last Friday signed a submission to our local MP Chris Gulaptis.”
Council’s decision also included to not reopen the Grafton Olympic Pool for the
2022/23 season due to increasing structural and safety concerns.
Pool users will continue to have access to Council’s other pool facilities in South Grafton, Maclean, Yamba, and Glenreagh.
During the meeting, councillors also received and noted the petition “Save Grafton Memorial Pool” and referred it to the General Manager to action accordingly.
The petition requested to “take immediate action in regard to prioritising the issues concerning the Grafton Memorial Pool”. This sentiment was echoed in the staff report, which stated the Grafton Olympic Pool “requires urgent renewal”, and by the councillors.
“We’re in a position now where Council needs to fnd money to build it and hopefully get some grants in the future,” Cr Steve Pickering said. “We need to expedite whatever needs to be done to make this pool built in a timely manner and with as little inconvenience as possible to the community.”
The reopening of the Grafton Olympic Pool for the 2022-23 was originally delayed when potential risk and safety concerns were highlighted.
“We understand the impact of the decision not to reopen will cause to the numerous clubs, community groups, schools and residents who utilise the facility every summer. However, the interest of public safety was paramount in this decision,” Acting
Sprung!! is offering two pilot series of dance workshops: in Maclean and Banora Point to give more people access to their unique, fun dancetheatre workshops.
Sprung!! Is a specialist dance-theatre company that trains, nurtures and
Maclean Civic Hall, 50 River St, Maclean NSW
First four Sundays in Term Four: 16 Oct, Oct 23, Oct 30, Nov 6 10am - 1pm
mentors people with and without disabilities to fnd their unique skills and style in movement and character. They have been short-listed for two Australian Dance Awards for outstanding community dance, and over the past decade have run many hundreds of integrated community dance and theatre workshops throughout the Northern Rivers and beyond.
Clarence Valley community was introduced to Sprung!! through their theatre show, French Cafe, which played at the Criterion Theatre in Grafton as part of the recent Plunge Festival, featuring on Channel 10’s The Project (https://www.facebook. com/TheProjectTV/ videos/583721226280013
).
tutors, Katie and Jade, will guide participants through a range of exercises and tasks, to suit their level and discover new ways they can move. Workshops will be held on the frst four Sundays of Term Four, supported by Clarence Valley
series. Sprung!! hopes to build a large enough participant base to continue offering regular
is good for your soul, your body, your mind, and integrates all these parts.
Our friendly specialist
Council.
Banora Point High School are supporting the Tweed Valley workshops. Sprung!! invites all people with and without disabilities, with a focus on school leavers, so that the skills young people learn can be continued in programs after they leave school. Workshops will be held on Saturdays November 12th and December 10th, lead by Tora Crockford, who has had a vast experience of leading dance workshops with people with disabilities and Philippa Williams, who has held the role of Director of Public Act Theatre in Byron.
Now Sprung!! are welcoming new participants from the Clarence and Tweed Valleys to try out the workshops in these pilot
classes in these areas.
Sprung!!’s unique and inclusive style of dance-making, has been developed over 10 years of practice and performance and follows a variety of creative processes avoiding complicated choreography. The workshops are open to persons from age 16 with and without disability, who have an interest in dance or theatre and the ability to engage.
“We all know that dance
Our participants beneft in so many ways from this: socially, emotionally, physical dexterity, balance and ftness ,” says Emma Newman, Sprung’s Administrator and Tutor.
Sprung!! also run school holiday programs, the next one being 4th-7th October, at Tintenbar.
Contact Sprung!! on 0478 879 706 or info@ sprung.org.au for more information.
Charity Feros Care says a new initiative to help people with a disability fnd meaningful employment is an important step in building an inclusive and empowered workforce.
According to a report by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 93 per cent of unemployed working-age people with a disability have trouble fnding employment.
This is despite a massive skills shortage in Australia and businesses crying out for workers.
Following the recent Jobs and Skills Summit, the Federal Government announced a $3.3 million Disability Employment Initiative pilot, aimed at increasing employment and improving career pathways of people with disability.
Jo Field is Feros Care’s Executive Manager of Disability and Community Development. She believes the pilot will make a real difference to the lives of people living with disabilities and strengthen Australia’s workforce.
“The National Disability Insurance Agency has
outlined its commitment to having 30 per cent of people with a disability in meaningful employment by 2023,” she said.
“There are so many benefts for an employer and an organisation – an improved culture of problem solving, better collaboration, improved reliability, less staff turnover, and better attendance at work. That’s on top of the huge social benefts.
“Feros Care has a strong
disability employment strategy. We believe you need to be able to bring your entire self to work. There are so many different parts that make up a person and it contributes to the richness of our teams.
“We are fnally seeing changes in this space, and I feel very proud to be working at Feros Care. It’s fantastic to see the impact daily.”
Chanelle Morris has experienced the benefts
of Feros’ disability employment strategy frst-hand.
She has a rare type of vision impairment – her right eye only sees about 12 per cent, so is legally blind, and her left eye sees about 50 per cent vision.
It wasn’t easy for her to fnd a suitable job.
Chanelle has diffculty reading computers, recognising colleagues, seeing screens at meetings, and navigating
around the kitchen. She also develops a sore back due to her posture at the desk.
But Chanelle’s career is well and truly on track thanks to the supportive environment at Feros Care.
“I had an interview and got a job as a HR assistant in April. And then last month I was moved into a new role as an executive assistant to Jo Field, the Executive Manager of Disability and Community Development. It’s been awesome,” she said.
“The culture and people I work with have all offered their emotional support and physical support.”
Chanelle is also the chair of the peer and carer support network group for people identifying with disability at Feros Care. Their main goal is to come together to share experiences and learn from others.
“My vision is to ensure everyone feels supported and connected. It is very important to me to provide a space where people feel they belong and can freely disclose information,” Chanelle
said.
“I want this group to bring a sense of identity and belonging to individuals to feel included and valued. Another goal of the group is to improve the diversity and inclusion aspect of Feros Care as an organisation to increase staff success and positivity and client satisfaction.”
Chanelle’s tips: How employers can support staff with disabilities
• Listen.
• Do not assume someone with a disability is not capable or might feel or act the same as others with the same diagnosis. Everyone is different and we all experience the world differently.
• Have an open and honest conversation about their individual needs, such as any equipment.
• Educate other colleagues and team members around disability. The work culture is a large infuence in staff satisfaction and there is nothing worse than feeling distant and excluded from colleagues in the workplace.
Firetech Bushfre Consulting offers a range of services including Bushfre Attack Level (BAL) certifcates, preliminary bushfre assessments, bushfre assessment reports and compliance certifcates
to new and existing residential, commercial or industrial properties to assist your project.
We are proud to serve the growing Northern Rivers community and surrounding regions. Our reports meet
government standards, we are locals who know the region and we are experienced in liaising with relevant authorities.
Ongoing communication and timely reporting are essential so your project
remains on track, and we creatively approach any hurdles you may face.
Give us a call on 0481 588 862 to get your project under way, we will provide your assessment quickly and with no fuss.
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The state’s top university graduates will be the target of a bespoke program designed to attract high achievers into teaching careers in high demand areas across NSW.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said Teach for Australia, which has a successful track record in other states, has created a unique model for our public schools.
“The modern workforce has changed but pathways into the teaching profession have become more siloed, with students spending most of their time at university and unable to earn an income until they complete their placements,” Mr Perrottet said.
“We want to attract the best candidates to our classrooms and this model actively seeks out the best graduates and helps them make the jump into teaching.”
Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell said a particular focus of the program is midcareer professionals, who, once they have completed intensive Masters units, will be supported to work in a school while they complete their study.
“Not only do tailored mid-career programs ease the burden of months of unpaid leave, they also provide future teachers with instrumental
experience in the classroom - which teachers constantly tell us is where their most valuable learning takes place,” Ms Mitchell said.
“This is not about cutting corners; it’s about rethinking the way we do teacher training to ensure future teachers have the hands-on experience they need to build their confdence and improve their practice.”
Under the NSW Teach for Australia pathway, participants complete their Master of Teaching degree at Australian Catholic University while they are employed in a school. They receive holistic coaching, mentoring and classroom observations to provide teaching students with a continuous cycle of feedback and improvement.
As part of the program, Principals will also have greater say in how the model is implemented in their school to ensure it meets the needs of a diverse range of school contexts.
Under the partnership, a pilot cohort will be recruited next year commencing in NSW public schools in 2024.
Koalas are listed as ‘Endangered’ in NSW, QLD and ACT and ‘Vulnerable’ in VIC and SA.
Chair of the Australian Koala Foundation, Deborah Tabart OAM said if the Government continues to watch habitats go down, then the Koala and particularly some of their very vulnerable populations will be lost to time.
“I am calling on the Minister to use her Ministerial powers under the EPBC Act to protect all Primary and Secondary A habitat throughout the Koala’s entire geographic range where she has the power to do so, and to enact the Koala Protection Act,’’ she said.
“The Minister must call a halt to the clearing of habitats that sustain Koalas.
Every day on Twitter you see the community calling for her to do so and well she can in Queensland, New South Wales and the ACT, but does not have the power in Victoria or South Australia.”
Ms Tabart said she wanted to remind the Environment Minister, the 15th in her 33 year career, that the current ‘Endangered’ listing for the Koala does not protect Koalas in either Victoria nor South
Australia and AKF is of the view that it is to protect the plantation logging industry, particularly in Victoria.
She said the current government estimation of Koala populations in Victoria as 450,000 were just not possible.
“There is not enough habitat for that many Koalas. I suspect what has happened is that someone has done a rough calculation like 180,000 of Blue Gum plantations with two koalas per hectare. Truly, if that was the case, Koalas would be hanging out of trams in the Melbourne CBD.
“I do wonder whether the Minister will really want to tell the Australian public that she cannot stop a lot of the logging occurring
right now, because of the Regional Forest Agreements.
“This is a law that gives certainty to logging contractors and those documents are very powerful – which means logging cannot be stopped.”
Ms Tabart has driven thousands of kilometres, mainly through New South Wales this year looking at habitats, creeks and the rivers that should sustain healthy koala habitats with healthy koala populations.
“To be frank, it is all tragic!” she said.
“It appears that even with a new government, bulldozers can work in our forests and urban landscapes with little done to stop them.
“We have had so many
people write to AKF this month seeking support to try and stop clearing and often there is nothing to be done, because it has either been approved in the dim dark past or the damage has already been done.”
The AKF has previously written to the new Environment Minister, offering its expertise, scientific and detailed Koala habitat mapping, population data and carefully considered solutions to save the Koala and its habitat, which they have spent over three decades compiling and she has not replied; instead passing it to the Threatened Species Commissioner to reply with platitudes.
To achieve a 60 per cent reduction of litter in NSW by 2030, and crack down on illegal dumping, the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has today released two new draft strategies for consultation.
As part of the $356 million Waste and Sustainable Materials Strategy 2041, the draft Litter and Illegal Dumping Prevention Strategies are designed to improve source control, education, infrastructure, grow targeted programs, reduce costs and drive more circularity throughout waste systems.
NSW EPA Executive Director, Engagement, Education and Programs, Liesbet Spanjaard said
both strategies introduce new programs and approaches for tackling waste and illegal dumping.
“We know the community wants a clean State now and, in the future, and these strategies are focused on achieving this outcome for our environment and the community,” Ms Spanjaard said.
“Everyone has a part to play, and these strategies outline the signifcant steps that we need to take to together to change our behaviour and reduce litter for the long term.
“They will also help to inform broader circular economy policy to ensure that leakage of materials from the economy in the forms of litter and illegal dumping
can be accounted for and better managed.
“The EPA’s programs have already achieved great results, reducing litter by 43 per cent over the past decade.
“New programs like the Streets to Sea will integrate litter prevention into stormwater management to tackle the whole litter journey.
“We will also work to rollout the global initiative, Operation Clean Sweep which helps plastics manufacturers collect and dispose of small plastic pellets (nurdles) in the environment, as well as integrate singleuse plastic bags and phase-out programs.”
The draft Illegal Dumping Strategy outlines how the EPA will continue to work
with councils and state government agencies to address the diffcult challenges of illegal dumping.
The Waste Crime Taskforce will continue to deter and disrupt waste crime, alongside the successful cofunded Regional Illegal Dumping Squads.
These new strategies build on successful programs such as Return and Earn, Don’t Be a Tosser, the awardwinning ‘Free fll, is it worth it?’ campaign, and litter and illegal dumping prevention grants.
Comment on both Strategies is open until 17th October 2022. For more information visit https://yoursay.epa.nsw. gov.au/.
NEW STRATEGIES TO REDUCE LITTER AND ILLEGAL DUMPINGCouncil is offering fnancial assistance to community organisations across the Tweed who plan to hold small events on Australia Day 2023.
Council’s Manager Corporate Governance Stephanie Papadopoulos said after a challenging year in 2022, frst with the COVID-19 pandemic and then the food, she was looking forward to seeing the community reconnect.
“The Tweed community has pulled together in extraordinary ways – we are lucky to live in a place where people come together and look after each other the way they do,” Ms Papadopoulos said.
“We look forward to
seeing what events our community groups have planned for the public to enjoy.”
Any community organisation requesting fnancial assistance for an event must be Tweedbased and provide an outline of the event.
The organisation must be incorporated and hold public liability insurance.
Funds are not to be used for a social activity for members of the community organisation exclusively and no fnancial assistance will be given to privatelyowned businesses or companies.
The amount of funding available is based on the expected audience size
of the event.
The 3 categories of funding support on offer are:
• Category 1: $300 for events up to 149 attendees
• Category 2: $400 for events with 150 - 249 attendees
• Category 3: $500 for events with more than 250 attendees.
Community organisations applying for the frst time will be assigned to Category 1 grant funding.
Eligible applications will be assessed by the Tweed Shire Australia Day Awards Selection Panel on Thursday 27 October 2022.
Successful applicants will be required to
place event details on Council’s calendar of events whatsontweed. com.au to ensure the public has information of the event.
The successful applicant must also recognise Council’s support for the event on the day and in all promotional material.
All relevant approvals will need to be applied for and must be in place if the event is to be held on Council-managed land such as a park or beach.
To apply, please complete the application form on Council’s Australia Day webpage and return your application to Council by 5pm Friday 14 October.
The NSW Government has delivered on its commitment to boost safety in school zones by appointing 300 additional school crossing supervisors across the state.
Minister for Metropolitan Roads Natalie Ward said the $18.5 million program is a key part of the Government’s commitment to improve student safety around schools.
“Last election we made a commitment to parents and families across the state that we would make our schools even safer by appointing an additional 300 school crossing
supervisors,” Ms Ward said.
“Not only have we met this target but we’re on track to exceed it, with a recruitment process currently underway to appoint an additional 32 supervisors.
“These supervisors play such an important role in our community, helping to keep some of our most vulnerable road users – children –safe on their way to and from school.”
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads said this initiative was one of a suite of measures being implemented by the state government to
“There are now about 1,300 school crossing supervisors across the state, of which 739 are based in regional NSW, helping keep children safe on their way to and from school,” Mr Farraway said.
“By expanding this program, more than 243 schools have received school crossing supervisors for the frst time, including Bathurst Public School and Coonabarabran Public School.
“In addition, more than 6,500 fashing lights have been installed so that every school in the state
has at least one set of fashing lights to improve visibility of school zones and alert road users when they are active.”
The NSW Government is also investing $80 million as part of the School Zones Infrastructure Sub Program to improve road infrastructure at schools such as road markings and elevated pedestrian crossing, in schools across NSW.
For more information on the school crossing supervisor program visit: https://roadsafety. transport.nsw.gov.au/ stayingsafe/schools/
Bush fire-battling capability across NSW is set for a major boost with 18 new Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) state-ofthe-art tankers rolling out across the State ahead of peak danger season.
Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience and Minister for Flood Recovery Steph Cooke said the trucks are funded through the NSW Government’s response to the independent Bushfire Inquiry.
“Replacing Fire and Rescue’s existing 22-year-old fleet of bush fire tankers is a priority for the NSW Government, which is why we committed a further $9 million in this year’s Budget to take the total number of new appliances to 34,” Ms Cooke said.
“The trucks have been locally assembled by Isuzu and are currently being fitted out with equipment before being deployed to some of the State’s most at-risk locations.
“They will enable our firefighters to access bush fires in difficult terrain as well as be used for building fires, rescues and other emergency incidents.”
Each $530,000 multi-purpose fourwheel-drive truck features a water spray system to protect the crew, a compressed air foam system and a 3,500-litre water tank.
FRNSW Acting Commissioner Megan Stiffler said the new appliances will help firefighters where they are needed most.
“We welcome these new trucks as they will provide our firefighters with the best possible equipment and technology to protect life and property,” Acting Commissioner Stiffler said.
“The fleet of modern, advanced and environmentallyfriendly appliances will also ensure our firefighters are safe while undertaking their vital role in the community.”
A total of $80 million has been provided to FRNSW in response to the Bushfire Inquiry’s 76 recommendations.
Groups keen to host an event to bring the community together on Australia Day can apply for fnancial support from Council.
It’s the news many have been waiting for – work to empty and repair the 50-metre outdoor pool at the Tweed Regional Aquatic Centre at Murwillumbah is expected to start by late September.
This involves emptying the water, vacuuming out and disposing of the sludge, cleaning the shell and completing necessary repairs.
The sludge and silt at the bottom of the pool will be pumped into a truck and delivered to Council’s drying beds at Hastings Point Wastewater Treatment Plant before being disposed of at Stotts Creek Resource Recovery Centre.
Following the removal of the sludge, the pool shell will be cleaned and allowed to dry in preparation for Council’s insurance assessor
to inspect for further damage. Depending on the extent of the damage, repairs will commence by mid-October with the pool expected to open in
Coffs Coast households are reminded these school holidays to use any outstanding Stay NSW and Parents NSW vouchers, with new fgures revealing the programs have collectively added hundreds of millions of dollars to the State’s economy.
Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh said the vouchers have provided hip-pocket relief to local families, helping boost their budgets, with both programs set to expire on 9 October 2022.
“The people of NSW have warmly embraced both the Stay and Parent voucher programs, with almost $282 million injected into the State’s economy since their inception,” Mr Singh said.
“I encourage local residents to redeem any outstanding vouchers. Whether you want to book a getaway or take the kids to a movie or a tourist attraction, the
school holidays are an opportune time for people to spend their vouchers. Don’t miss out – with limited time left, use them or lose them.
“The vouchers are a win-win. They provide a boost to household budgets as well as providing muchneeded stimulus for local businesses, with the average spend tracking well above $100 when they redeem a $50 voucher for both programs.”
NSW Government Vouchers are nontransferable and can only be redeemed by the customer who was issued the voucher.
They cannot be used as a gift or donation to a registered business and cannot be exchanged for cash or gift vouchers.
For more, visit https://www.service. nsw.gov.au/stay-nsw and https://www. service.nsw.gov.au/ parents-nsw-vouchers
November.
The pool remains brown and murky following the massive downpour of 28 February 2022, which
saw incredible volumes of storm water pour down Hospital Hill and into the pool.
Council would like to thank the community
and customers for their patience while waiting for the pool to be emptied and repaired and once again providing the community with
opportunities to be active and healthy.
For more information on TRAC’s opening hours and charges, visittrac.tweed.nsw.gov.
I continue to raise in parliament the fact that people living in rural and regional areas have for too long drawn the short straw when it comes to health outcomes and services.
Staff pay and conditions, and underresourcing are at the heart of the problem. Diffculty in attracting qualifed personnel and insuffcient clinical resources were revealed to be at crisis point in regional areas like ours during the Covid pandemic, and starkly uncovered in the aftermath of this year’s fooding disasters.
Right now, staff shortages of nurses and midwives in the Northern Rivers are serious. Many who were food-affected have moved to Queensland where they can earn more and work in better conditions with mandated nurse-topatient ratios. Our local nurses employed full-time are working alongside “agency” casual nurses who get paid about $10 per hour more than they do, but many tell me they don’t care because
they are just so glad that they do not have to work double shifts. Affordable housing for nurses, midwives, allied health staff and hospital administrative staff is an issue across the Northern Rivers.
Our small number of state local ambulance personnel and paramedics spend most of their shift’s taxi-ing non-critical patients to John Flynn Hospital on the Gold Coast. Or they’re transporting them between hospitals because of simple problems like Ballina Hospital not being resourced to employ an on-call radiologist.
Having such a specialist available would allow for the very expensive and highly prized CT scan at Ballina hospital to be used outside of business hours or on weekends.
Once our ambos take non-critical patients to other hospitals, they may have to wait for many hours for the Emergency Departments to be able to take carriage of their patient. This could be remedied with a roll-out of the Patient Transfer system that is in place in the Sydney metropolitan area that transfers patients who do not need a time-critical emergency ambulance. That would
free up our highly qualifed paramedics to be available to assist lifethreatening callouts.
Our front-line nurses, midwives, paramedics, and hospital staff tell me on a weekly basis that better pay that keeps up with infation, the introduction of nurse-to-patient ratios to guarantee safety and better health outcomes for patients, applying Sydney’s patient transfer system across the Northern Rivers, and employing oncall radiologists at all hospitals that have CT scans are what could make the difference for our communities.
TAMARA SMITH SEEKING REGIONAL HEALTH SOLUTIONS Tamara Smith MP for BallinaNBN, 7.30pm
ABC, 8.30pm
Broadcaster and journalist Fran Kelly (pictured) has swapped early-morning breakfast radio for this primetime Friday evening gig in front of a live audience, with a house rock band to boot. There’s an absence of female Aussie chat-show hosts and Frankly promises to capitalise on the veteran interviewer’s vast experience chewing the fat with well-known, interesting and notable people. After 17 years of radio broadcasting, this new venture allows Kelly to spread her wings. Featuring a diverse range of guests, from international and home-grown actors, to musicians, comedians and change-makers, sit back and relax as Kelly res o the funny and thought-provoking questions.
ABC
6.00 News. 9.00 News. 10.00 Q+A. (R) 11.05 Extraordinary Escapes. (PG, R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon.
1.00 Savage River. (Mals,
2.00 Death In Paradise. (Ma,
3.00 Gardening Australia. (R) 4.00 Think Tank. (R) 4.55 Anh’s Brush With Fame. (PG,
5.25 Hard Quiz. (PG,
6.00 The Drum. Analysis of the day’s news.
7.00 ABC News. Takes a look at today’s top stories.
7.30 Gardening Australia. Tino Carnevale visits a tomato sale.
8.30 Frankly. (Premiere) Fran Kelly chats with some of the biggest names and brains in Australia and from around the globe.
9.00 Doc Martin. (PG, R) After Martin rushes a sick Buddy to the vet, he discovers Angela is too sick to operate.
9.50 Annika. (Mav, R) A detective inspector returns to Glasgow.
10.40 ABC Late News. Detailed coverage of the day’s events.
10.55 Summer Love. (Mdl, R) An estranged couple stay at a holiday house.
11.25 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
6.00
SBS
Break out the shoulder pads and bum bags, because Patty Jenkin’s 2020 sequel is bringing back the ’80s with a bang. Last seen on the European battle elds of WWI, 40-odd years have passed and Diana Prince (Gal Gadot, pictured) is now working, living and continuing to save lives in Washington D.C. However, when an ancient wish-granting stone is weaponised by villainous businessman Maxwell Lord (Pedro Pascal), Diana must battle to restore order while distracted by the wish-ful lling return of pilot paramour Steve Trevor (Chris Pine). Pine’s return leads to some delightful of-water moments reminiscent of Gadot’s in the previous lm. Everyone is giving their all to the material but the real standout is Kristen Wiig as shy museum worker Barbara Ann Minerva. Her performance, and rapport with Gadot, are a joy to watch.
TEN, 7.30pm
After exploring the confronting, unregulated world of cosmetic surgery and society’s obsession with looking perfect, appable Todd Sampson
(pictured) turns his penetrating gaze to the pitfalls of the internet. In this new investigation airing over two nights, Sampson examines how the internet is altering the way we think, how our brains are wired, and how we live our lives, with a particular focus on the ways this information highway is potentially derailing children. From in uencer culture to conspiracy theories, Sampson delivers a compelling investigation which plays out something like a horror story. He also asks: is it too late to change our ways?
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.35 Good With Wood. (PG)
Hosted by Mel Giedroyc.
8.30 Secrets Of The Lost
Liners: Queen Elizabeth. (PG) A look at the Queen Elizabeth
9.25 World’s Greatest Hotels: Atlantis, Dubai. (R) A look at the Atlantis The Palm, Dubai.
10.15 SBS World News Late.
10.45 Das Boot. (MA15+a, R)
11.40 Red Election. (MA15+v, R)
3.20 Addicted Australia. (Madl, R)
4.20 Bamay. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Sunrise. Takes a look at the latest news, sport and weather, with business and nance updates.
10.00 Motor Racing. Supercars Cham pionship. Round 11. Bathurst 1000. Day 1. Practice, support races and qualifying. 5.00 The Chase Australia. Contestants race to answer quiz questions correctly to avoid being caught by The Chaser.
6.00 7News Local.
6.30 7News @ 6:30.
7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. Johanna Griggs helps put together some superhero shirt packs for kids.
8.30 MOVIE: Ford V Ferrari. (2019, Ml, R)
During the ’60s, American car designer Carroll Shelby and driver Ken Miles battle corporate interference and the laws of physics to build a revolutionary race car for Ford so they can defeat rivals Ferrari. Matt Damon, Christian Bale, Jon Bernthal.
11.40 MOVIE: The Gumball Rally. (1976, Man, R) A motley group of people takes part in a non-stop car race from New York to Long Beach, California. Norman Burton, Michael Sarrazin. 2.00 Home Shopping.
6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. (PG) 11.30 Morning News. 12.00 The Block. (PGl, R) 1.00 Taronga: Who’s Who In The Zoo. (PG, R) 2.00 Pointless. (PG) 3.00 Tipping Point. (PG) 4.00 Afternoon News. 5.00 Millionaire Hot Seat. (R)
6.00 NBN News. 7.00 A Current A air.
7.30 Taronga: Who’s Who In The Zoo: Lion Cubs. (Return, PG) Lioness Maya gives birth.
8.30 MOVIE: Zookeeper. (2011, PGls, R)
A group of zoo animals decides to break their code of silence in order to help their keeper nd love. Kevin James, Rosario Dawson, Leslie Bibb.
10.30 MOVIE: Liar Liar. (1997, Ms, R) Jim Carrey.
12.10 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 1.00 Destination WA. (R) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Take Two. (R) 4.30 Global Shop. (R) 5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 5.30 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)
6.00 The Talk. (PGa) 7.00 Judge Judy. (PG, R) 7.30 Bold. (PG, R) 8.00 10 News First: Breakfast. 8.30 Studio 10. (PG) 12.00 Dr Phil. (Ma) 1.00 Living Room. (R) 2.00 Ent. Tonight. 2.30 Ultimate Classroom. (R) 3.00 Judge Judy. (PG, R) 3.30 Farm To Fork. (PG, R) 4.00 Everyday Gourmet. 4.30 The Bold And The Beautiful. 5.00 10 News First.
6.30 The Project. A look at the day’s news and events.
7.30 The Living Room. Chris and Miguel indulge in tree-top walking. 8.30 To Be Advised.
9.30 Just For Laughs. (Ml, R) Stand-up comedy performances from Steph Tisdell, Tom Ballard and Two Hearts. 10.00 Just For Laughs Uncut. (MA15+ls, R) Sophie Buddle, Zainab Johnson, Julia Hladkowicz and Luisa Omielan showcase some of their material.
10.30 Melbourne Cup Carnival Preview Show. From Flemington Racecourse, Melbourne.
11.00 The Project. (R)
12.00 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) Late-night talk show. 1.00 Home Shopping. (R)
With Me UK. 10.00 Bizarre Foods. 10.30 Late Programs.
Round 7. St Kilda v Carlton. 8.00 Motor Racing. Supercars Championship. Round 11. Bathurst 1000. Day 1. Pit lane. 9.00 MOVIE: Rampage. (2018, M) 11.15 Late Programs.
NITV (34)
(2009, PG) 9.10 First Nations Bedtime Stories. 9.20 Going Places With Ernie Dingo. 10.20 Cultural Connections Immersion Festival. 11.20 Late Programs.
9LIFE (84)
6am The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. 7.00 Friends. 7.30 Seinfeld. 9.00 Becker. 10.00 The Middle. 11.30 The King Of Queens. 12.30pm Frasier. 1.30 Seinfeld. 3.00 The King Of Queens. 4.00 Becker. 5.00 Frasier. 6.00 Friends. 8.00 The Big Bang Theory. 9.30 Mom. 10.30 Nancy Drew. 11.30 Frasier. Midnight Home Shopping. 1.30 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. 2.30 James Corden. 3.30 Becker. 4.30 Shopping. 5.30 Joseph Prince.
6am Morning Programs. 1pm The World According to Rowan Dean. 2.00 Afternoon Agenda. 3.00 Paul Murray Live. 4.00 Afternoon Agenda. 4.30 Business Now With Ross Greenwood. 5.00 The Kenny Report. 6.00 Peta Credlin. 7.00 Bernardi. 8.00 The Media Show. 8.30 The US Report. 9.00 Hardgrave. 10.00 NewsNight. 10.30 Piers Morgan Uncensored. 11.30 Late Programs.
SEVEN TEN
The NSW Government will invest $30 million to help telecommunications providers deliver shared mobile phone infrastructure upgrades to improve regional mobile coverage.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the funding was part of the NSW Government’s Active Sharing Partnership and would provide more choice and better mobile service to regional NSW.
“We all know how frustrating it can be losing mobile coverage as we travel through a black spot. The NSW Government is leading the way by investing in solutions to ensure our communities get the connectivity they need and deserve,” Mr Toole said.
“Sharing network and mobile infrastructure makes sense, especially in a country of our size, and I’m proud NSW has become the frst jurisdiction in Australia to work with the industry to fund collaborative projects that will provide better outcomes for locals.”
Optus, Telstra, TPG Telecom, BAI Communications, Field Solutions Group, Infrastructure Logic, NEC and Pivotel Mobile all successfully
completed the design phase of the NSW Government’s Mobile Active Sharing Partnership, announced earlier this year.
Mr Toole said these telecommunications providers were now invited to submit funding applications for network sharing projects.
“Projects that deliver coverage in areas with no or poor coverage, including small towns, transport corridors and tourism sites will be prioritised for funding to ensure more people can enjoy living, working and travelling in regional NSW,” Mr Toole said.
Full details of the grant funding opportunity are available on the NSW Government’s grants and funding fnder website at www.nsw. gov.au/activesharing partnership.
Applications close 5.00pm on Monday 14 November 2022.
The Active Sharing Partnership program is a key part of the $300 million Mobile Coverage project, under the Regional Digital Connectivity program.
For more information on the Regional Digital Connectivity program, visit: www.nsw.gov.au/ connectregionalnsw.
Farmers and landholders in the Riverina are having their say on Inland Rail, according to NSW Farmers.
NSW Farmers Treasurer and Inland Rail Taskforce chair Peter Wilson said there must be beneft for landowners and the broader farming community if railway lines were to cut properties in half.
“The idea of a signifcant rail line connecting agricultural areas is good, and has been supported by members, but as always the tricky part is actually making it happen,” Mr Wilson said.
“I spent a couple of days around Narromine last week talking to farmers and landholders up there about their concerns, and we’re seeing some similar themes emerge with the Illabo to Stockinbingal
section.
“We have expert legal counsel helping us with these submissions, but as always, we want to hear from farmers about their specifc concerns too.”
After what has been described as an “extremely poor EIS”, and responses made to public submissions on the Narrabri to Narromine greenfeld route, Mr Wilson said he hoped ARTC had learnt the need to work more transparently and constructively with landowners in this area.
Mr Wilson was recently joined by solicitor Peter Holt for drop-in sessions at Curban and Narromine to discuss progress on resolving issues with the project, and said while NSW Farmers was supportive of Inland Rail, there had been several practical problems along the
SALES 02 6662 6222 sales@nrtimes.com.au
way that needed to be resolved.
“We’ve heard a number of stories from farmers involved in one way or another that are pretty ordinary, and we just need to get it all dealt with so everyone can move forward,” Mr Wilson said.
“NSW Farmers has been speaking with relevant government ministers and departments about the Inland Rail project.
“I know this has been long and arduous for many people, but by coming out and speaking with people in their local communities we can help resolve these problems.”
While the NSW Farmers Inland Rail Taskforce was sunset when outgoing Association President James Jackson left his position, incoming President Xavier Martin
decided that Treasurer Peter Wilson should lead further work.
“The Inland Rail Taskforce has been crucial in dealing with the issues and getting a better deal for affected farmers,” Mr Martin said.
“We are investing the resources to keep this work going through to the end of the year, and establishing a new Modernising Rail Infrastructure Taskforce to look at some broader issues that are emerging.
“There will be more to say about this soon, but this new taskforce refects the intent of resolutions from our members at Annual Conference, and will examine improving rail infrastructure and connectivity to ports – a key issue heading into a state election.”
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The Australian vegetable industry has grown signifcantly by taking advantage of changes in consumer incomes and tastes.
Increased agricultural sector lending activity is an encouraging sign that our farmers are looking to expand and invest in their businesses.
Executive Director of ABARES, Dr Jared Greenville, said an increase in farm debt over the last year isn’t cause for concern.
“Because of higher property values, farm business equity has remained steady,” Dr Greenville said.
“Higher commodity prices and two recordbreaking seasons have meant farmers have higher incomes to pay down their debts in the short term. As a result,
farm incomes are less vulnerable to rising interest rates than they were in the 1990s or the early 2000s.
“Debt is used by farmers for a range of purposes, including purchasing land, plant, and equipment and for providing ongoing working capital.
“The main reason broadacre and dairy farms borrowed money in 2021 was to fund land purchases. That shows Australia’s farmers are taking advantage of two record-breaking seasons and are looking to expand and invest in their businesses.
“Lending to the
agricultural sector increased in all states and territories during 2020–21, although it was highest in New South Wales and Queensland (7 per cent).
“However, it’s good to keep these fgures in context. A high proportion of aggregate debt is held by a small number of very large farm businesses that generate high cash fows to fnance debt.
“In 2020–21, 5 per cent of broadacre and dairy farms accounted for around 47 per cent of aggregate debt, whereas nearly 50 per cent of farms had very little or no debt.”
ABARES Executive Director, Dr Jared Greenville said the Growing the Australian vegetable industry by diversifying products and improving quality report shows that vegetable industry growth has signifcantly outpaced the overall agricultural sector over the past fve decades.
“The vegetable sector has seen growth through a shift toward higher value products and improvements in the quality and convenience of what is provided,” Dr Greenville said.
Over the period from 1969-70 to 2020-21, the nominal value of vegetable production increased by $4.7 billion.
“Improvements in product mix and quality contributed nearly 60% of that growth while general vegetable price
infation contributed 35% and increased volumes 5%, “Dr Greenville said.
Rising incomes and changing tastes have shifted consumer demand towards higher quality, wider variety, and improved convenience, with only a moderate increase in volumes.
“We are not eating greater quantities of vegetables, rather we are eating a wider range of higher quality vegetables,”
The improvement in quality has come from a variety of sources, including improved packaging, greater consistency, more ready to eat products and greater year-round availability.
“An important experience of the vegetable sector has been the on-farm value created by effectively responding to changes in consumer preferences and the role that close relationships along supply chains have played.
While the experience of the vegetable sector may not be fully applicable everywhere, it seems likely that for a wide range of products in major export markets a capacity to differentiate based on quality attributes will be increasingly important as consumer incomes increase and tastes evolve” Dr Greenville said.
ABARES Executive Director, Dr Jared Greenville
Agents yarded a total of 756 head at the Northern Rivers Livestock Exchange regular prime sale on Wednesday 28 September. There was a good supply of young cattle and a few less cows this week.
Quality was mixed with a large percentage of cross bred cattle weaner steers and heifers through the sale.
Cow prices saw an increase this week averaging
The numbers for both Cattle and Sheep were around the numbers yarded last week as Agents and Vendors sought to get stock to market in the ongoing wet conditions. The yardings were mostly aimed at the feed on and back to the paddock buyers, as we saw many lighter trade and butcher types across all sales. The exporters made sure the stock that suited their orders were not left out in the open to keep the rates frm to a shade dearer for most descriptions.
Vealer steers averaged 569c/kg topping at 665.2c/kg or $1431.55 to $1920.60
Vealer heifers averaged 555.4c/kg topping at 800.2c/ kg or $1432.52 to $1903.68
Feeder steers averaged 530.3c/kg topping at 636.2c/
Agents today yarded a total of 1162 head of sheep and lambs for the weekly sale. The yarding consisted of a few selected lines of trade and export lambs with the majority falling into the feed on and light trade sections. The lambs today topped at $220 to average $136.16(par), hoggets topped at $168 to average $106.07($18down), ewes topped at $110 to average $68.56($16down), wethers topped at $159 to average $115.89($7up), rams topped at $150 to average $134.80($39up), lamb rams topped at $176 to average $128.60($48up), ewe lambs topped at $199 to average $135.55($23up). The total sale average of $125.34 was $1/head up on last week.
348c/kg and reaching a top price of 394c/kg. Heifer prices were also stronger with lighter stock up to 250kg averaging 587c/kg and topping their category at 722c/kg. Heavier heifers over 250kg averaged 464c/kg and reached a top of 640c/kg.
Bull prices held frm to slightly dearer this week with 17 head sold averaging 345c/kg and 713kg. Lighter steer prices saw a drop with those up to 250kg averaging 612c/kg and reaching a top of 786c/kg. Heavier steers over 250kg were stronger averaging 496c/kg and topping their market at 652c/ kg. A good number of bullocks sold on the day averaged 398c/kg and reached a top of 444c/kg.
kg or $2040.78 to $2245.99
Feeder heifers averaged 458.5c/kg topping at 506.2c/kg or $1621.56 to $2076.00
Yearling steers averaged 544.6c/kg topping at 654.2c/kg or $1923.67 to $2358.87
Yearling heifers averaged 505.6c/kg topping at 612.2c/kg or $1450.49 to $1900.76
Steers averaged 449.5c/kg topping at 536.2c/kg or $2647.29 to $3040.96
Heifers averaged 414.1c/kg topping at 490.2c/kg or $1998.08 to $2982.24
Cows averaged 347.5c/kg topping at 403.2c/kg or $1771.23 to $3137.88
Bulls averaged 423.4c/kg topping at 622.2c/kg or $2002.28 to $3686.48
Agents yarded a total of 1162 sheep and lambs for the weekly sale, with the majority of the yarding falling into the light trade and feed on types. The few better butcher and export lines were well supported by the processors.
Lambs topped at $220 to average $136.16 par on last
Peter Brahim sold Xbred lambs 65kg to Thomas Foods for $200
Ian & Pat Mapes sold Dorper lambs off feed 48kg to Elliots Butchery for $186, hoggets to restockers for $140
Gooroo Grazing sold Dorper x lambs 67.8kg to Thomas Foods for $210, 55.5kg to Elliots Butchery for $206, 61kg White Dorper lambs to Thomas Foods for $212, 50.3kg Dorper lambs to Elliots Butchery for $188, rams to Eversons for $122
JCD Rural sold Dorper wether lambs 48 kg to Elliots for $188, 49.2kg ewe lambs to Grants for $199
Rory & Kathy Frost sold 45kg Dorper lambs to GR Prime for $188, 51.2kg hoggets to Take IT Easy Meats for $160
Wes Sloan sold B/Leicester x lambs 50.55kg to Thomas Foods for $155, Merino lambs 52.5kg to
Vealer prices were dearer this week with those up to 250kg averaging 645c/kg and reaching a top of 820c/kg. Heavier vealer over 250kg averaged 580c/ kg with a top price of 648c/kg.
RURAL NEWS34 The NR Times Rural News October 6, 2022 Ian Weir & Son will hold a store sale on Friday 7 October kicking off at 10am with further bookings welcome. NSW Rural Fire Service will be attendance on the day to assist with the new fre danger ratings, permits and fre season preparedness.
week
Hoggets topped at $168 to average $106.07 down $18/head
Ewes topped at $110 to average $68.56 down $16/ head
Wethers topped at $159 to average $115.89 a rise of $7/head
Rams topped at $150 to average $134.80 a rise of $39/head
Lamb rams topped at $176 to average $128.60 a rise of $48/head
Ewe lambs topped at $199 to average $135.55 a rise of $23/head
Sows sold from $58 to $360, Gilts sold to $260, Baconers sold from $182 to $250, Pork sold from $200 to $210, Stores sold from $26 to $210
Hens sold to $65, Roosters sold to $70, Pullets sold to $20, Quails sold to $10, Hen & Chicks sold to $75, Ducklings sold to $30, Ducks sold to $20
Thomas Foods for $164
Catherine Dyson sold Dorper ewe lambs 42.8kg &34.3kg to restockers for $124 and $102, rams to Whites Trading for $138
Shields Past Co sold Dorper x lambs 46kg to Thomas Foods and Elliots for $135, 41.5kg to Wilbury Past for $90, 38.2kg to restockers for $74, 34.6kg to restockers for $82, 50.7kg hoggets to restockers for $85, 44kg hoggets to ALQ for $102, 64kg wethers to ALQ for $150, 65kg and 56kg wethers to restockers for $142 and $139
Moody Grazing Co sold Merino lambs 39.2kg and 30kg to restockers for $112 and $76, rams to Eversons for $124
John & Regina Henry sold Xb ewes to Eversons for $110 and Dorper ewes to restockers for $122
The next stage in the fght to keep NSW Varroa mite free starts next week, with the commencement of destruction of wild European honeybees in the red eradication zone of Jerry’s Plains, in the Hunter region of NSW.
NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI) Chief Plant Protection Offcer Dr Satendra Kumar said ensuring wild European honeybees are removed from the red eradication zones is the next signifcant step as part of the national Varroa mite response plan.
“Wild European honeybees, which are the same species as honeybees kept in managed hives, build their nests in tree hollows and other enclosed spaces,” said Dr Kumar.
“Removing these bees from the environment of red zones is necessary to reduce any chance of the Varroa mite parasite existing undetected within wild hives.”
Dr Kumar said the
baiting program has been developed to include strict guidelines to protect and ensure the safety of all people, animals, livestock, and the local environment.
“NSW DPI has been authorised by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority to use fpronil to remove wild European honeybees.
“The bait stations are designed to exclude other animals and insects, and to prevent contamination of soil and water.
“Bait stations will remain in place for up to 12 months, but only in active use with insecticide for very short periods of time, to a maximum of 3 hours each session.
“During active use, bait stations will be monitored by trained staff, to minimise the risk of off-target impacts. Trials to date have shown zero feeding in stations by off target species.”
Dr Kumar said bait stations are placed at
least 2 kms away from the edges of the red eradication emergency zones to prevent attracting honeybees from outside zones.
“To reduce the risk of bees in the purple zone being affected by this baiting program, there will be a minimum 2km buffer area between bait stations and from the edge of the purple surveillance emergency zone, to reduce the risk of European honeybees from outside the eradication zone interacting with the bait stations.”
Beekeepers in red eradication emergency zones in the Hunter, Nana Glen, and Narrabri areas whose hives have been euthanised continue to be eligible for compensation.
“We have heard from beekeepers working with our response teams, that the application process for reimbursement is a smooth process and is working well,” Dr Kumar said.
“I strongly encourage any beekeepers in those
zones to make sure they’re a registered beekeeper in NSW.
“In line with the program guidelines set by the NSW Rural Assistance Authority, only registered beekeepers will be eligible for reimbursement.
“We don’t want beekeepers in the red eradication zone to miss out.”
Planning and preparation of the baiting program has been conducted by NSW DPI in consultation with the Environment Protection Authority and NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service.
NSW DPI has also worked closely with industry representatives of the Australian Honeybee Industry Council, NSW Apiarists’ Association, Amateur Beekeepers Australia and the Australian Native Bee Association.
More information on the NSW DPI Varroa mite emergency response can be found at www. dpi.nsw.gov.au/varroa.
A new workshop on 7 October 2022 will present research fndings and seek stakeholder feedback on how design of ports and selection of building materials can support marine pest management.
Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Deputy Secretary of Biosecurity and Compliance Dr Chris Locke said ports and marinas are the main locations of introduction for marine pests, via shipping and recreational vessels.
“The materials used in construction of ports and jetties, surface complexity and light availability, can all have big implications for the ability of invasive marine pests to fnd a foothold.
Smart design can save costs and protect our waterways,” Dr Locke said.
“Marine pests are a key threat to Australia’s marine ecosystems,
blue economy, and coastal way of life.
“This workshop on 7 October will provide recommendations on the design of port infrastructure to improve marine pest biosecurity outcomes.
“The department has funded three years of research into the use of eco-engineering to prevent or reduce the introduction and colonisation of marine pests on marine infrastructure. This will reduce management costs for the facility and potentially for vessels using the facilities due to reduced marine pest biofouling.
“Preventing the introduction of invasive species is much cheaper and more effective than dealing with their arrival.
“Ecological engineering involves using ecological principles in the design of infrastructure to produce benefts to the environment and or humans.
Servicing the Clarence Valley & Beyond. For all your Livestock & Property Needs Contact the team 50 Armidale Street, South Grafton 02 6643 4411
NSW will beneft from the production of more local seafood, thanks to a multi-million dollar upgrade to one of Australia’s largest specialised fsheries and aquaculture research facilities.
Minister for Agriculture Dugald Saunders said the $5.7 million investment in the Port Stephens Fisheries Institute includes a new Marine Fish Hatchery and major upgrades to the Fisheries Nutrition research facility and Mollusc Hatchery, forming part of the NSW Government’s $100 million research infrastructure package to support our world-class food and fbre industries.
“This investment in aquaculture research helps our industry put
more NSW-grown seafood on Australian plates,” Mr Saunders said.
“Investing in research and the necessary infrastructure to undertake industryspecifc research projects is one of the most effective ways to ensure our seafood producers have proftable and sustainable businesses.
“The Institute conducts marine and freshwater ecosystems research, aquaculture research, threatened species research, fsheries resource assessments and aquatic biosecurity and aquatic environment protection and management.
“Previously, fsheries and aquaculture research and development took place in ageing
infrastructure, so this investment has been welcomed by seafood producers locally and across NSW.”
Research at the improved facilities is anticipated to:
• Double marine fnfsh fngerling production capacity over the next fve years;
• Support the oyster industry with continued selective breeding, while assisting the emergence of new industries based on seaweeds and microalgae;
• Attract an additional three new research partnerships in the next three years; and,
• Ensure the continuity of spat
and fngerling supply for existing and developing aquaculture, and for marine fsh stocking exercises, including Mulloway and Dusky Flathead.
Investments under this program will help deliver a new generation of scientifc breakthroughs like drought-tolerant crop varieties, data-driven on-farm decision making, fast-tracked genetic improvements in cattle and sheep and improved biological control of pests.
For more information, visit: https://www.dpi. nsw.gov.au/about-us/ research-development/ projects
Women from across regional and rural NSW will convene in Glen Innes for the 29th annual Rural Women’s Gathering next month, ahead of the International Day of Rural Women 2022.
The Gathering will be hosted by Glen Innes Natural Resources Advisory Committee (GLENRAC) and Guyra Evening Country Women’s Association, with support from the NSW Government and Rural Women’s Network.
Minister for Women, Regional Health and Mental Health Bronnie Taylor said the theme for this year’s event is ‘restoring your colourful self’, with a focus on rebuilding connections after COVID lockdowns.
“It’s important to remember when COVID-19 reached our shores, many rural communities were recovering from drought and devastating bushfres. Since then, many of the same communities have sadly also suffered unprecedented foods and even a mouse plague,” Mrs Taylor said.
“After all the challenges faced over the past few years, gatherings are even more important for rural women, both personally
and professionally. They help women feel connected and supported, inspired and empowered. They provide an opportunity to learn, grow and celebrate the richness of each other’s experiences.”
Minister for Agriculture and Western NSW Dugald Saunders said the Gathering is a great opportunity for the host region to showcase its talent, produce and environment.
“Events like these are such a source of pride in regional NSW; they’re a chance to bring people together, boost the local economy and shine a light on what makes our communities so special,” Mr Saunders said.
“Glen Innes has a proud history of organising engaging events for rural women, from their annual International Rural Women’s Day event to hosting previous Gatherings, so it seems ftting for them to host the frst one back after COVID postponements.”
This year’s Gathering includes a Rural Women’s Evening on Thursday 13 October and Rural Women’s Day on Friday 14 October. For more information or to register, visit: www. glenrac.org.au/events-all
Thanks to FRRR’s Strengthening Rural Communities (SRC) program, 130 projects across remote, rural and regional Australia will share in $1,663,531 in grants.
These projects are all community-led initiatives that will have a direct beneft to the people living in the local area.
For the frst time, the SRC grant recipients have been divided into three streams: the Small & Vital stream, 2019/20 Black Summer bushfre recovery and a new Rebuilding Regional Communities stream, which focuses on recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic in remote, rural and regional Australia.
Funding to support COVID-19 recovery
In this round, 50 of the projects receiving funding are helping to support their community’s ongoing recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Through the Rebuilding Regional Communities (RRC) stream, these projects will share in $834,892. This includes initiatives like the Texas Country Music Festival, who will receive funding that will help to bring community members together again and improve social connectedness after extended periods of isolation.
Black Summer grants
This round will also see 25 projects receive funding to support the ongoing recovery from the 2019/20 Black Summer bushfres.
These projects will share $410,519, with organisations like Kingscote Men’s Shed using the grant for a project focussed on empowering the men of the bushfre impacted region, as well as a coastal habitat rehabilitation.
Small and Vital stream
Through the Small & Vital stream, 55 initiatives will share $418,120 in grants. This stream funds projects that locals prioritise to take advantage of opportunities, address gaps in services or generally enhance the vitality of remote, rural and regional communities. For example, the Akurra Walking Trail will get bilingual signage, which will expand opportunities to learn about First Nation’s history, language and connection to the environment.
Jill Karena, Place Portfolio Lead at FRRR, said that this round of applications really highlighted the need for initiatives to tackle the negative impacts of the pandemic.
“This is the frst SRC round where we’ve received applications for COVID recovery support through the RRC stream and there were some obvious trends. A large majority of the applications we received were related to mental health issues and social dislocation, which is a strong indicator of how remote, rural and regional Australia is faring in the wake of the pandemic and successive disaster events including fres, foods and drought. This is often exacerbated by the housing crisis and increased costs of living.
“We also clearly saw the impacts of COVID on the sustainability of these backbone organisations, with 30 percent of applications seeking support to ensure they can continue their day-to-day work, providing critical services and support, often to the most vulnerable members of the community.
“When it came to the Bushfre Recovery stream this round, a lot of the applications were focused on reducing the burden on volunteer, whereas in
previous rounds we’ve seen more of a focus on infrastructure. This aligns with the fndings of our Heartbeat of Rural Australia survey, which showed that volunteers in rural Australia are feeling more fatigued than ever. There was also a strong trend toward greater community connection, with projects to help bring the community together to share their experiences and support one another in their ongoing recovery.
“Meanwhile, in the Small & Vital stream, we continued to see a focus on projects that address food security, although many now also incorporate multiple community-building aspects, such as a community garden also acting as the base for training horticulture students, boosting vocational skills and employment readiness.
“The fact that we’re seeing such distinct and varied trends in each stream of the SRC program really speaks to how important it is that rural communities have access to more fexible funding that can be used
as local groups see ft,” Ms Karena said.
Some more of the 129 projects funded include:
• ShoreTrack Ltd - Nambucca Heads, NSW – ShoreTrack Recovery - Improve employability and civic participation levels of disengaged youth through work experience with the SES and RFS, including gaining essential qualifcations. $25,000 (Bushfre Recovery)
• Isolated Children’s Parents’ Association Alice Springs Branch – Alice Springs, NT - First Aid Training for Home Tutors - Upskill home tutors and station workers in remote communities with frst aid training. $5,000 (Small & Vital)
• Steaming on the Downs Inc. - Oakey, QLD - Community Skills Workshop / Mechanical Skills Demonstrations
- Gazebos and Banners
- Expand organisational capacity by purchasing a trailer and three teardrop banners, enabling wider social engagement and broader mechanical skill development. $4,110 (Small & Vital)
• Copley & Districts Progress Association Inc –Copley, SA - Copley Bicycle Repairs Program - Boost physical health and community engagement, and foster new skills in young people through the delivery of a bicycle repair program in a very remote region. $7,886 (Small & Vital)
• Squid Theatre Incorporated – Wynyard,
TAS - Saturday Radio Theatre 2023 Season - Sustain the creative activities of a community theatre company by supporting a weekly radio drama, providing a vital point of connection for isolated community members.
$2,842 (Rebuilding Regional Communities)
• Culgoa Development Group Inc – Culgoa, VIC“Reconnecting Culgoa”
- Reduce social isolation and foster a more resilient Culgoa through establishing a landscaped outdoor space for community gatherings and events. $50,000 (Rebuilding Regional Communities)
• The Nintirri Centre Incorporated
– Tom Price, WA
- Midwife ServicesSustain antenatal and postnatal care and support for very isolated remote communities in the Pilbara. $10,000 (Rebuilding Regional Communities)
A full list of grant recipients is available on FRRR’s website.
The SRC program is collaboratively supported by many generous donors, which are acknowledged on FRRR’s website.
This program always accepts applications. Local NFPs and community groups are encouraged to review the expanded program guidelines and apply.
More information about the SRC program is available at www.frrr. org.au/src.
To support grants like this through FRRR, make a tax-deductible donation at frrr.org.au/ giving/.
The Safety Lights for Seniors cam paign is a project of the Rotary Club of Lismore West as part of a broad initiative to reduce falls in Australia.
A fall at home can have terrible con sequences for an elderly person, their family and the community.
The national information campaign will share a very important commu nity health message – promoting falls prevention and the value of automatic night lighting within the home for older people.
“It would be great if the campaign could help to get falls prevention into the national consciousness as much as road safety and obesity” said Bob Barnes, who is helping to spearhead the campaign.
The campaign is being organised by several Rotary Clubs in consultation with health agencies, with funding from Rotary and the NSW Department of Communities and Justice. Formal endorsement for the campaign has been received from Occupational Therapy Australia, Assistive Technology Aus tralia and the NSW Fall Prevention and Healthy Ageing Network with support from NSW Minister for Seniors, Mark Coure.
In short, falls can be awful for the individual with a domino effect on the family and the community. There is huge value in staying healthy and in all falls prevention measures.
Causes of falls can be both health and hazard - one of these causes may simply be, poor lighting.
The likelihood of falls may be re duced with a simple, LED night light which provides a soft glow and either comes on automatically when it’s dark (dusk to dawn) or illuminates when movement is detected. The night lights plug into power points or are battery operated. They are a soft LED sensor light which can help give one bearings and some security.
They retail between $6 and $26 each and cost about 2 cents a night to run, and some as low as 5 cents per month to run. They can be located in the bath room and hallways to assist in moving about the house when it’s dark.
tary “Safety Lights for Seniors” 10 day pop-up display staffed by Rotarians and carrying a range of quality night lights and falls awareness information in all their stores, nationwide. (It would ideal if this could be an annual promo tion, nationwide, at the same time each year.)
5. With cooperation from health agencies and endorsees, the cam paign will include falls prevention recommendations and links to further night light product infor mation. We also anticipate linking with aged care services to support getting night lights to the elderly who have no transport or family support. “This coordinated effort could improve the wellbeing of Australians and relieve mounting pressure on our health system.”
“Falls prevention strategies, such as an inexpensive night light and balance
exercises, may help an elderly person avoid signifcant trauma and an expen sive public hospital bed.” Said Bob “This is not a money making activity, it is a public education service to the community of Australia, encouraging people to get active, get informed, and to purchase a simple, automatic night-light for themselves and others” said Bob. As our population ages, pro moting nationwide safety in the home through falls prevention strategies, seems such a simple action we can take together for a positive impact - sup porting individuals, friends, families and the community.
• Falls are the most common reason for premature admission into an aged care facility and they are the leading cause of injury-re lated hospitalisation and mortality in older people.
• Almost 4 million Australians are aged 65 and over and one third of them have a fall one or more times a year. That’s 1.3 million falls, mostly at home.
• One in 5 falls requires hos pitalisation. Nine out of 10 hip replacements are due to a fall.
• This represents hundreds of thousands of hospitalisations and a huge cost to the economy every year. As far back as 2008, the average cost of a fall requiring hospitalisation was up to $18,000 per stay and today, falls among those aged 65 and over cost our health systems $2.5 billion every year.
We are preparing a nationwide commu nity information campaign promoting safety night lights and falls awareness for seniors.
1. After a trial in Bunnings Lismore and Ballina from Oct 14th to 23rd, the campaign aims to be rolled out across the country in 2023 through Australia’s 1100 Rotary Clubs with support from a national retailer and in consulta tion with health agencies.
2. The campaign will be sup ported by marketing material, a website, video, media package, endorsees and hopefully a wellknown Australian as champion for the cause. Promotion will be supported by Rotary Head Offce, Rotary Down Under and major media outlets.
3. Australia’s 1100 Rotary Clubs, in collaboration with Rotary District Governors, will be provided with an action package to promote safety night lights and falls awareness to their communi ties and local media.
4. To help actually get night lights and falls prevention into people’s homes, we have liaised with a national retailer with a view to having a tailor-made Ro
Janelle Saffn, State Member for Lismore and Bob Barnes, President of the Rotary Club of Lismore West, promoting the Rotary Safety Lights for Seniors.
Hyundai Palisade is a large Korean-built SUV, or people mover to use the older defnition for a vehicle in this class. It has received major upgrades as well as substantial styling changes for the 2023 model year, so it’s worth us taking a look at it again with a full road test.
A major feature in the Palisade is the Hyundai Bluelink system that can be connected to the from anywhere via a smartphone. Owners can send planned routes and receive emergency assistance automatically after an accident.
They can even remotely lock or start their car with their preferred climate settings, therefore have their Palisade sitting waiting for them all warmed up and ready to go.
Palisade is a large vehicle with styling that is in the look-at-me class – nothing subtle here. Styling changes for 2023 include a parametric shield grille design fanked by vertically stacked LED headlights.
The Highlander variant we reviewed has exclusive design touches, including a satin chrome fnish to the grille with matching logo badge and skid plate fnishes. There are hidden-type turn signals, body-coloured cladding and exclusive 20-inch wheels with a 15-spoke turbine design.
Hyundai Palisade can be optioned with either a seven-seat or eightseat layout, the former offering two individual captain-type chairs in the middle row. This was our test vehicle and it has a real feeling of luxury of the type normally only offered in a limousine.
Additional luxuries for Highlander variants include heated and ventilated front and second-row seats now for both seven- and eight-seat variants.
Highlander also gains exclusive interior fnishes, quilted seat inserts, quilted and perforated door trim
inserts, suede headlining and stainless-steel front speaker grilles, and door/ cargo area scuff plates.
Every Highlander variant is available with Black Nappa leather with luxury quilting and Gloss Black/Pinstripe trim, with the further options of Warm Grey and Dark Khaki Nappa leather with unique wood-look trim dependent on the exterior colour.
A 12.3-inch touchscreen multimedia system is now standard on all Palisade models.
Features include wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto; six USB-C and one USB-A ports;
Bluetooth message playback; embedded satellite navigation with live traffc updates; wireless smartphone charging; and a voice memo function with up to 70 minutes recording time; There’s also AM/FM and DAB+ digital radio although the latter cuts out when driving through cuttings or when there’s multiple trees in the centre island or simply in country driving.
The 12-speaker Infnity audio system in our Palisade produced excellent sound quality and could be adjusted to suit our needs.
The recently revised Hyundai Palisade is offered with a choice
of a 3.8-litre petrol V6 with front-wheel drive, or a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel with four-wheel drive.
Both have a recently updated eight-speed automatic transmission. Ours test vehicle was the turbo-diesel.
SAFETY Hyundai Palisade has lap-sash safety belts for all occupants. This isn’t as common as it should be because too many competitors have a laponly belt in the centrerear spot.
An expanded suite of SmartSense driver assistance and advanced active safety features is used in the 2023 Palisade. It now incorporates forward collision-avoidance assist with junction turning function, intelligent speed limit assist, a multi anti-collision braking system.
There’s a surround view monitor, a reverse light guide function as well as reverse parking collision-avoidance assist. The latter a real bonus when you’re reversing a large people mover out of a tight spot in a shopping centre. It was also handy in the underground carpark in our apartment block where roof pillars and other vehicles are pretty close.
With Bluelink, the 2023 Palisade has automatic collision notifcation and SOS emergency call function.
There’s a natural language server-based
voice control and serverbased connected routing navigation.
Getting into the front and two middle-row seats is easy. As you would expect the rearmost seats are a bit of squeeze to get in and out. But as that’s the area normally used by the littlies in your family there’s little hassle. And the juniors are more than happy to be as far from mum and dad as possible… Yet again I had problems seeing the information that’s displayed on the windscreen. My polarising sunglasses could not see it unless I tilted my head slightly to one side or the other. Obviously, I could look at the instruments in their normal position, but that’s a little less safe than having a view of the forward traffc and the dials at the same time. Other car brands have solved this problem so it’s time Hyundai did.
Palisade is impressive in the way that it drives, all the more so when you remember this is a fve-metre-long vehicle where its main aim in life is to carry up to eight people. It’s certainly not sporty but you do feel that it wants to follow your directions through the steering wheel and throttle pedal.
There’s some bumpthump over the joints on the road but we have felt worse. And some road roar on concrete surfaces, but on bitumen it’s nice and refned.
Fuel consumption was in the nine to 11 litres per hundred kilometres around town in the suburbs and on hilly and winding roads. This dropped dramatically to just fve to seven litres during easy paced driving on level roads and on 110 km/h motorways.
SUMMING UP Hyundai Palisade is a reasonably priced, highquality people mover
that’s does everything it’s intended to do with plenty of aplomb. It’s signifcantly cheaper than upmarket European vehicles in the same class and certainly deserves a place on your short list of models to consider.
Palisade Elite 3.8-litre petrol 2WD: $65,900 Palisade Highlander 3.8-litre petrol 2WD: $75,900 Palisade Elite 2.2-litre diesel AWD: $69,900 Palisade Highlander
2.2-litre diesel AWD: $79,900
Note: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your local Hyundai dealer for drive-away prices.
(Hyundai Palisade Highlander 2.2-litre diesel AWD)
ENGINE: Capacity: 2.199 litres Confguration: Four cylinders in line
Maximum Power: 147 kW @ 3800 rpm
Maximum Torque: 440 Nm @ 1750 rpm
Fuel Type: Diesel Combined Fuel Cycle (ADR 81/02): 7.3 L/100km CO2 Emissions: 193 g/ km
DRIVELINE: Eightspeed automatic
STANDARD WARRANTY: Five years / unlimited kilometres
nothing subtle about the styling of the
The 5008 is the largest of French carmaker Peugeot’s three SUV models ahead of the compact 2008 and the mid-sized 3008.
With its relatively long low profle and seven seats the 5008 is effectively a crossover between an SUV and a people mover. Indeed, from its debut in 2009 through until 2016 it was tagged as an MPV before switching to the more marketable SUV name-tag.
The current (second generation) model was released in 2017 with the current facelifted version arriving in early 2021.
The 5008 is aimed at the top end Japanese and Korean models although Peugeot is also keen to tackle the similarly-sized premium European SUVs such as Audi Q5, BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC. To this end only the high-specced GT and GT Sport variants have been brought here.
Our test vehicle was the GT Sport which was added to the range with the MY22 update in October 2021. It joins the 2008 GT Sport and 3008 GT Sport which were launched here earlier this year.
The 5008 shares much of its styling with its smaller stablemate, the 3008. The standout feature in both vehicles is the eye-catching chequered grille which stretches seamlessly past the air intake and blends into the bodywork. Topping off the great looks are long thin vertical daytime running lights which fash when the doors are unlocked.
At the rear there are LED taillights, ‘3D lion claw’ brake lights and scrolling indicators. The GT Sport also gets puddle lights in the shape of the Peugeot Lion.
A panoramic sunroof is standard in the GT Sport and optional in the GT.
Wheel sizes are 18-inch with the GT and 19-inch on the GT Sport.
The 5008 comes with
Peugeot’s i-Cockpit system which combines a 10-inch highdefnition infotainment touchscreen; confgurable multi-mode 12.3-inch instrument panel and a compact sports steering wheel which allows an unobstructed view of the controls for most drivers.
There are also neat aircraft-style fold-down tables on the back of the front seats.
folded and 2150 litres with the second-row seats down and the third row removed.
The three centre-row bucket seats can be adjusted in various ways and there’s a real luxury feel when travelling there.
With the front passenger seatback folded the 5008 can to cater for long narrow items of up to 3.28 metres.
engines are mated to an eight-speed torqueconverter automatic and both are front-wheel drive.
The 10-inch colour touchscreen sits in the centre of the dashboard and, very sensibly, is angled slightly towards the driver. Less sensible, in our opinion, is the need to adjust temperature and fan
with a comprehensive list of safety features. This includes six airbags; electronic braking distribution; blind spot detection; emergency braking assistance: electronic stability programme; speed limit recognition and recommendation; adaptive cruise control; advanced driver attention alert; forward collision warning; lane keeping assistance; lane positioning assist; lane departure warning; road edge detection; autonomous emergency brake with low light cyclist and pedestrian detection; high beam assist; and Isofx child seat anchors on the outer rear seats.
One glaring omission is rear cross traffc alert, an important feature that is becoming standard in most vehicles and which we are increasingly relying upon.
The turbo-petrol engine in the GT Sport is smooth and refned. If you’re looking for a bit more torque the slightly more expensive turbodiesel GT model might be more suitable.
A highlight is the sports steering wheel which really adds to the drive experience.
Road holding is very good, though it’s obviously aimed more at the family wagon buyer than the sporty SUV segment. You can choose between several driving modes.
On good roads the 5008 was extremely smooth and quiet. Perfect for long distance cruising with the added bonus of relatively low fuel consumption.
On some rougher surfaces there was more noise than we anticipated, but it still felt stable and secure.
The cruise control stalk is awkwardly positioned below and behind the gear shift toggles on the steering column.
Fuel consumption in the turbo-petrol GT Sport that we tested is listed at a very optimistic 5.6 litres per 100 kilometres. We averaged 7.6 L/100km which is still impressive for a relatively large vehicle.
The 5008 GT Sport has Nappa leather appointed upholstery (Alcantara in the GT), while both models get heated front seats and 8-way electronic adjustment and massage function for the driver, plus a panoramic opening glass sunroof as standard.
As is the norm, the rearmost seats are best suited to children.
With all seven seats in place the storage capacity is 237 litres.
That expands to a maximum of 1670 litres with the third-row seats
Two engines are offered. The GT Sport has a 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol with maximum power of 133 kW at 5500 rpm and torque of 260 Nm at a very low 1650 rpm.
The 5008 GT is powered by a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbodiesel with common-rail direct injection and develops 131 kW at 3750 rpm and 400 Nm at 2000 rpm.
Both petrol and diesel
speed with multiple taps on the screen rather than with the much easier and safer knobs.
The various controls are of the piano key variety with a small audio volume knob on the far left.
Both 5008 models come with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto; DAB radio; wireless smartphone charging; and 3D satellite navigation.
Both the 5008 GT and GT Sport come
Parking is helped by front and rear parking sensors; semiautonomous parking assist; and 360-degree reversing and front cameras.
Our test car was the 5008 GT Sport priced at $65,670 plus on-road costs.
Access to the front seats is easy and they are large, comfortable and supportive with the added bonus of slide-out thigh support. The sunroof does infringe into headroom.
Peugeot 5008 is a stylish, well-equipped and versatile seven-seat SUV. multi-purpose French vehicle at a price that should give food for thought to the makers of premium product rivals.
Peugeot has a long and distinguished history in Australia so it was disappointing to see it drop off signifcantly in recent years. Fortunately, both it and its French sibling, Citroen, have now joined the Subaru brand at Inchcape Australia. Now, some improved marketing push means that dealers will be keen to attract new sales so make sure you do some serious haggling.
Grand Touring is offered in its true meaning in the Peugeot 5008 GT Sport.
The new MercedesAMG C 63 S E
Performance is a real game changer in the 55-year history of AMG. With knowhow from Formula 1, it brings state-of-theart technologies from motorsport to the road.
A two-speed electric motor positioned on the rear axle supports the 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine that is mounted longitudinally at the front. This is the most powerful production four-cylinder in the world. Power delivery and torque build-up occur without delay.
The electric support of the exhaust gas turbocharger eliminates the turbo lag of the combustion engine, while at the same time the electric drive pushes powerfully from a standstill.
The electric powertrain and the high-performance battery with 400 volts are AMG-exclusive, in-house developments.
The battery is designed for fast power output and draw with innovative direct cooling of the cells. The combined system output is 500 kW (680 hp), the combined maximum system torque 1020 Nm.
The electric range of 13 kilometres allows a practical operating radius, for example in the city or in residential areas.
A distinguishing feature of the C 63 S is the slim air outlet in the centre of the bonnet that transitions elegantly into the two power
domes.
For the frst time on a Mercedes-AMG production model a round badge with a black AMG emblem replaces the Mercedes star with laurel wreath on the bonnet.
There is an AMGspecifc radiator grille with vertical struts and the AMG front apron in a ‘jet-wing’ design.
The rear apron with large diffuser as well as the two trapezoidal, externally ribbed dual tailpipe trims round off the design.
The C 63 S rolls on 19-inch AMG lightalloy wheels and mixed tyres as standard.
Optional wheel/tyre combinations are available in 20-inch size, likewise with mixed tyres, among them a new forged wheel.
The AMG matt paint fnish graphite grey magno is available exclusively for the C 63 S. The exterior design can be further accentuated with the AMG Exterior Carbon Fibre packages I and II, the AMG Night packages I and II or the AMG Aerodynamics Package.
AMG sports seats with special upholstery layout and a distinctive stitching patter add to the refned impression.
Exclusive colours and various Nappa leather upholsteries with an embossed AMG emblem in the front head restraints.
The MBUX infotainment system includes various AMG- and hybridspecifc displays and
functions. These include special displays in the instrument cluster, on the portrait-orientation multimedia central display in the centre console and on the optional head-up display.
The appearance of the instrument cluster can be personalised with different display styles and individually selectable main views.
The AMG-specifc Supersport style offers the option of displaying various contents via a vertical menu structure. These include a menu with hybrid-specifc temperatures or a setup menu that displays the current settings for the suspension or transmission.
The head-up display offers AMG-specifc display styles such as Race and Supersport. These can be accessed via the main menu in the instrument cluster.
The multimedia display also visualises in an AMG-specifc manner such details as the power fow of the entire drive system, engine speed, power, torque and temperature of the electric motor, as well as the battery temperature.
The AMG-specifc E PERFORMANCE hybrid drive lets the Saloon and Estate accelerate from a standstill to 100 km/h in 3.4 seconds. Acceleration only ends at an electronically governed 280 km/h (Estate 270 km/h, in both cases with optional AMG Driver’s Package).
By EWAN KENNEDY
Ahead of its offcial market launch Mazda Australia is commencing an intensive local testing program for the all new CX-60.
Two pre-production vehicles are undertaking a series of comprehensive on-road assessments that will last for up to six months.
The program will
worldwide vehicle testing regime due to its unique road composition and climatic conditions. It also represents the ideal environment for validation of Mazda’s acclaimed Jinba-Ittai driving experience, a core philosophy in the development of the Mazda CX-60.
Welcoming the arrival of the two development vehicles domestically,
of the very frst to come off the production line, yet despite their early build schedule, the quality of ft and fnish is already indicative of the authentically premium offering that the Mazda CX-60 model range represents.
“This rigorous and informative testing program is the ideal opportunity for our market to contribute to
measure key data in a series of high- and low-load scenarios that include powertrain stress-testing, towing capability, quality assurance, in-depth analysis of real-world driving range and other performance-related criteria. More than 30,000 kilometres will be covered during the testing phase and all data collated will be shared with Mazda’s Hiroshima Research and Development centre in Japan for analysis.
Australia is considered a key market for contributing to the
Mazda Australia Managing Director, Vinesh Bhindi said: “We are fully invested in ensuring our groundbreaking SUV will also masterfully deliver on the specifc needs of our Australian customers.
“Our engineering team will consistently push the cars to their extremes, and these strenuous evaluations are a vital step in our absolute commitment to customer experience and continuous brand improvement.”
Director of Marketing, Alastair Doak added: “These cars are some
the future success of this landmark model from the very beginning.”
The two development vehicles will also be utilised to reinforce and progress the comprehensive training schedule already being rolled out internally and across the 140-strong dealer network, strengthening local knowledge and understanding in readiness for the arrival of the Mazda CX-60.
Pricing and local specifcation of the Mazda CX-60 will be confrmed closer to launch.
Mazda’s stylists have given the CX-60 a semi-sleek look.
Some of Australia’s best known wine labels are located here such as Tyrrell’s, Tulloch and McGuigan to name just a few. You can visit the cellar doors yourself or join a guided tour. Alternatively, hire a bicycle and explore the pretty rural roads and enchanting scenery on your way to the cellar doors, including:
Brokenwood winery’s stunning new cellar door is the largest in the Hunter Valley – a
must-see experience.
Piggs Peake winery is a popular cellar door for a tasting and discovering some delicious surprises as well as the classic varieties.
e picturesque Audrey Wilkinson winery has been making ne wine for over 150 years and their cellar door is rated as one of the best in the country. e Hunter Wine eatre and the Hunter Valley Wine School o er fascinating insights into the winemaking
process from vineyard to the bottle. You’ll watch a 30-minute lm in the theatre before tasting wines, while the wine school is a two-hour tour, including a cellarmaster tutorial.
Fine wine and food are a winning combination, and you’ll nd acclaimed and hatted restaurants here, such as Muse Restaurant. Celebrate the ner things at the annual Hunter Valley Wine and Food
Festival. Visit the Pokolbin Farm Shop for local produce or browse the delicious stalls at the Hunter Wine Country Markets.
Time your trip with a con cert, like Opera in the Vine yards in October and Jazz in the Vineyards in November. ere are rock concerts too. Fun things to do with the kids include the magical Storybook garden in the Hunter Valley Gardens, trail riding with
Hunter Valley Horses and a visit to the Hunter Valley Zoo.
Pokolbin is in the heart of the Hunter Valley, a two-hour drive from Sydney and 50min west of Newcastle Airport. Trains also depart from Sydney for Maitland, Morriset and Singleton, where you can catch connecting buses to Wine Country or hire a car to explore. Places to stay include vineyard cottages, boutique hotels and luxury retreats.
Australian startup triiyo is partnering with the Department of Regional NSW to offer a customised, online platform for employees on parental leave.
The new program kicks off in October 2022, with the goal of providing employees an all-in-one tool where they can access information, communicate with their colleagues, get paired with a buddy on their team, and stay on track in their career – all at their own pace.
Donna Mcleod, Director Workforce Capability and Talent at Department of Regional NSW, said, “We’re looking to partner with triiyo because we understand that life and work go hand in hand. It’s no longer you leave work to go and have a life, people are living at work and working at life.
“So, we really want to make sure our teams have support, and that they’ve got a means of staying connected at a cadence that suits them. Being able to access information on the triiyo platform, regardless of gender, will help all parents on their journey.”
Donna emphasised the importance of open communication between managers and their employees at every stage of parental leave – from fnding out that they’re pregnant to putting together a communications plan whilst they’re away, to career planning for when they return to work.
“I think in the early days, it’s about creating a safe space for employees and managers to have an open conversation. Because in the early stages, there are a number of scans, blood works, and doctor’s appointments that need to happen – and a number of women feel unwell through the frst trimester.
“So, it’s about talking to employees and asking, ‘How can we support you? What can we put in place?’ And being really adaptive,” said Donna.
The triiyo platform offers a safe and confdential place for employees to access the
information they need to prepare themselves for that frst conversation and navigate the other stages of their parental leave journey with their manager when they’re ready.
Companies can upload their policies and procedures and create community channels where employees can connect with their colleagues who are also on leave to share
phases.”
Employees who opt in receive guidance and reminders with what they need to do and what they need to think about at each stage. All of the journeys are aligned to company policy and best practice and delivered in real time – according to each individual’s personal timeline.
Donna from Regional NSW shared that, “triiyo is going to be
questions.”
Donna said return to work is also a key focus, explaining that, “When employees integrate back into the workplace, it’s about us helping them and their managers to have transparent conversations about the hours they’re going to be available, about where they’re going to do the work, and about the role that they were doing before they went
them – especially when they’re on parental leave.
“I think by not having a keeping in touch platform or not keeping in touch with parents on leave, you’re running a very real risk that these people might not engage at the end of their leave,” Donna shared.
NSW public sector employees can now access up to 14 weeks of paid parental leave –regardless of gender.1
“The Government anticipates that it will help families to better balance work and family life, support both parents to be involved in raising children, and support women in their return to the workforce.” 1
The triiyo team is honoured to support this innovative government department in reinforcing a culture of trust, safety and support through parental leave.
“By partnering with triiyo, organisations are showing that they care about their people. Plus, it supports diversity and inclusion initiatives with actionable and tailored advice not just for employees, but also for the managers providing support,” shared triiyo’s founder Rebecca Grainger.
Donna summed up why they chose triiyo, saying, “We investigated a few platforms. When we were looking, we had some criteria: It had to be customizable, and it had to have a journey.
they are connected, even when they’re not working – to feel that they have the support they need personally. And through triiyo, through the chat functions and through all the information, that’s accessible.
“Also professionally, we want them to feel that they’ve got colleagues and friends that they can check in with and that everything’s okay.
“It gives our employees access to drive how they want that communication to be. And it gives them a peer network with other parents and carers for when they come back to work.
“They can share some of those challenges about how they’re settling in or if they’re struggling – if their baby is getting sick often in daycare. And they’ll have somebody who can say, ‘Hey, that’s okay, that’s completely normal. I’ve been there.’ Or ‘That’s all right, try this.’
“So, we think it really gives a good end-to-end support.”
experiences and seek advice.
Employees also have access to a resource hub curated by experts to support them through every stage of every life event – from miscarriage and infertility, all the way through to balancing work with parenthood, and everything in between.
Rebecca Grainger, founder of triiyo, said, “We specifcally designed triiyo to exist outside of company HR systems, so employees can access a safe and confdential space that ensures people get support early-on in what many employees fear are career-limiting life
great for us, because at frm or agency level, there’ll be a lot of things happening. Our secretary has recently retired, and that’s a good example – those who are on parental leave, unless they check their email or read the news regularly, probably wouldn’t see that.
“So, we’ll have a company page on triiyo where employees can see major changes happening at the agency without having to get into the details –headlines only. If they want to know more, they can connect with their colleagues, or they can communicate with their boss and ask any
away on parental leave to make sure that it is adjusted to be, say, a part time role, or to play to their strengths when they return.”
83% of the Department of Regional NSW workforce is located in the regions, where Donna said they enjoy all the modern infrastructure and amenities but without the congestion of a big city. She shared that she and her colleagues love the fresh air and freedom so much they feel like it’s a bit of an #OpenSecret.
But having employees in remote areas means that it’s critical they build a sense of care and community around
“So, it needed to support people from the time they fnd out they are going to be parents and have a keeping in touch mechanism that could be driven by the employee – that was really important to us.
“We met with Rebecca [Grainger, founder of triiyo]. And it ticked all those boxes. She really understood what we wanted to achieve.
“The level of customization that you can have within triiyo, the level of information it contains. And the number of partnerships – we felt it was exactly what we wanted for our people.
“We want our people, and particularly our women, to feel that
If you’re a manager looking for tips on how to develop or improve your parental leave program, you can download this Best Practice Guide for free from the triiyo website here: https://triiyo.com/ download-parentalleave-best-practiceguide.
And if you’d like to see a demo, please reach out to the triiyo team at hello@triiyo.com
References 1. NSW Government 2022, New South Wales Government website, accessed 20 September 2022, https://www.nsw. gov.au/media-releases/ nsw-governmentexpands-parental-leave
Rebecca Grainger, founder of triiyo
Now Out - DC League of Super-Pets is 2022 American 3D computeranimated superhero comedy flm based on the DC Comics superhero team Legion of Super-Pets. It is directed by Jared Stern, who co-wrote the script with John Whittington, and starring Dwayne Johnson as the voice of Krypto alongside Kevin Hart, Kate McKinnon, John Krasinski, Vanessa Bayer, Natasha Lyonne, Diego Luna, Thomas Middleditch, Ben Schwartz, and Keanu Reeves. It was CGI-animated by Animal Logic. It tells the story of Superman’s pet dog Krypto and shelter dog Ace who work with other animals to save the captured superheroes from Lex Luthor and Lulu.
The plot: During the destruction of the planet Krypton, a Kryptonian Labrador Retriever comforts fellow
infant survivor Kal-El as they head in an escape pod toward Earth. Years later, now known as the famous superheroes Krypto and Superman, they live in the city of Metropolis under their dual identities Bark and Clark Kent. Clark is a reporter and journalist at the Daily Planet, a newspaper company, and dating Lois Lane, a fellow journalist whom Krypto is jealous of.
Thinking that Krypto needs a friend to distract him, Clark heads to an animal shelter to fnd one for him. A Boxer named Ace try’s to escape the shelter, but Krypto decides to stop him. Later, Superman and Krypto spot their archenemy, LexCorp CEO Lex Luthor, reeling in a meteor strapped with orange kryptonite with a tractor beam, intending to gain superpowers. He is easily defeated as the two are aided by the Justice League.
Meanwhile, Lulu, a
guinea pig test subject from LexCorp sent to the shelter, manages to reel in a piece of orange kryptonite with her own tractor beam, which gives her fight and telekinesis.
Unbeknownst to her, everyone else in the shelter also gains superpowers. Ace is now super-strong and indestructible; PB, a potbellied pig, can change size; Merton, a nearsighted turtle, becomes super fast; and Chip, a squirrel, gains electrokinesis. While at home, Superman and Krypto have an argument when the former plans to propose marriage to Lois.
However, Clark is captured by Lulu. Krypto tries to save him, but due to a piece of Jarlsberg cheese inside a Batman toy he ate laced with green kryptonite, he loses his powers. Later, Krypto comes across the shelter pets who agree to help him, with Ace only agreeing after Krypto blackmails him.
Meanwhile, Lulu recruits a group of guinea pigs, captures the Justice League, and heads to Stryker’s Island to free Luthor. The shelter pets try to stop her but fail miserably. They regroup in the Hall of Justice where Ace tells a distraught Krypto he used to be the puppy of a family with a toddler. One day, the toddler nearly fell down the stairs when Ace bit her arm and pulled her to safety.
Upon seeing the bitemarks, the parents assumed Ace attacked her and sent him to the shelter. However, Ace stands by his actions and ideals. Encouraged, Krypto leads the pets to LexCorp.
While there, a kitten named Whiskers, whose power allows her to create weapons and explosives at will, tries to kill them. The pack works together and trap her after Krypto gives Merton eyeglasses, before heading to Stryker’s Island to try and stop Lulu.
Once there, the shelter pets confront Lulu, but put themselves in prison cells when she threatens to harm Krypto. Lulu frees Luthor, who betrays her and locks her in his cell. She breaks out easily and decides to destroy the Justice League and Luthor herself.
The kryptonite fnally passes through Krypto’s system, restoring his powers. Fearing for their safety, he asks his friends to stay out of harm’s way and heads to LexCorp. He defeats the guinea pigs while Lulu captures Luthor and launches a rocket from the building.
This forces Krypto to choose between the Justice League or Lois, who is in a nearby helicopter. He decides to save Lois while his friends help the League. Enraged, Lulu puts the orange kryptonite in her brain, becoming a kaijusized version of herself.
The Justice League and the pets team up to stop her.
Realizing she has become too powerful, Krypto decides to use the “Solar Paw Punch”, a move that can defeat any supervillain but will likely kill the user. The attack removes the kryptonite from Lulu’s brain and traps her in a hot dog stand. Krypto accepts his fate, but Ace uses his invulnerability to save him.
In the aftermath, Krypto allows Clark to marry Lois, and the shelter pets, minus Lulu (who is kept by Luthor’s assistant Mercy Graves), get adopted by the rest of the Justice League. Sometime later, the pets have formed their own superhero team called the “League of Super-Pets”. In a post-credit scene, Krypto and Superman encounter Black Adam and his dog Anubis, and Krypto tricks them into fying to Pluto.
Bandicoots are known as the gardeners best friend. ey eat cockroaches and spiders and relish the black beetle and beetle larvae (known as curl grubs) which cause die-back in suburban lawns. Brown patches in the lawn may indicate an infection of these pests. Bandicoot activity,indicated by the appearance of small conical holes in the lawn, should be a welcome sign, it means that bandicoots are at work, eating these destructive insects before they ruin your lawn! If you use pesticides, you could also poison bandicoots, as they ingest some soil while they are feeding. By digging, the animals are also aerating your lawn for free, so in the Spring, your lawn will grow back with renewed vigor.
Diet - Bandicoots are omnivorous, with a diet that includes some native fruits, berries and fungus, but basically are dependant on protein. ey consume a wide variety of surface and soil dwelling invertebrates - earthworms, earwigs, cockroaches, crickets, grasshoppers, spiders, adult beetles, beetle larvae and pupae, moths, ants and termites.
ey usually dig for food but are opportunistic feeders and will also eat small mammals such as mice.
Ticks - All mammals can be hosts to ticks. While some people mistakenly think bandicoots spread Lymes Diseases, in truth the tick which carries the disease can also use dogs, cats, foxes and even reptiles as hosts. Furthermore, the bandicoot home range is very limited, whereas introduced and domestic ani mals are frequently known to range over large areas.
ey are protected and are currently under threat due to both habitat loss and predation. If you live in a bandicoot territory and you have a suitable food source, you will have bandicoots in your yard. Once the food source has gone, they will move on. If you wish to deter bandicoots from an area in your yard, you could oodlight that particular area, as they do not like bright lights. You could also try Dynamic Li er or chicken poo, as these products have a strong ammonia smell which most ani mals dislike. A combination of both bright light and smell appear to have the greatest e bandicoot deterrents.
Predators - Cats, dogs, snakes and especially foxes are all serious threats to bandicoot survival. Keep your cat and dog inside at night, or restrained at night when bandicoots are active. If we are to co-exist with, and take pleasure in our wildlife, we must make an e ort to maintain habitat and endeavor to make our gardens safe refuges for the native animals which live with us in suburbia.
The Centenary Institute and the University of Sydney, together with collaborators, have been awarded an AU$19 million contract from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, part of the US National Institutes of Health (NIH), to develop the next generation of tuberculosis (TB) vaccines.
TB, a disease that primarily affects the lungs, is caused by infection from the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Approximately 1.5 million people die from TB each year. It is a leading cause of death globally.
The NIH contract, Advancing Vaccine Adjuvant Research for TB
(AVAR-T) will fund, over five years, the research and development of new TB vaccines, to the point that they can then be tested in human clinical trials.
Professor Warwick Britton AO, Head of the Centenary Institute’s Tuberculosis Research Program and lead investigator on the project,
said that a more effective TB vaccine was urgently needed.
“There’s only one licensed TB vaccine – the Bacille CalmetteGuérin (BCG) vaccine which is over a hundred years old. BCG is effective in reducing the risk of disease for infants but performs poorly in preventing infection in older children and adults,” said Professor Britton. “A new and improved TB vaccine with increased efficacy rates is required to help decrease the global TB burden and to save lives around the world,” he said.
Professor Angelo Izzo, a principal investigator on the project at the Centenary Institute, said that a unique aspect of the research will be the head-to-head comparison of critical components – antigens and adjuvants – necessary to create a successful new TB vaccine.
This will see three specific antigens (proteins from the tuberculosis bacterium) tested, together with up to eight separate adjuvants (molecules which are added to vaccines to help create a stronger and more potent immune response).
“The optimal antigen and adjuvant combination will be used as the basis for the new advanced TB vaccine,” said Professor Izzo.
Professor Jamie Triccas from the University of Sydney Institute for Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine and Health, also a principal investigator on the project said the scope of the research project is highly significant.
“Our research and development will take place over five years with investigation and analysis of TB models occurring in Sydney and three other leading research centres located in Copenhagen, Oregon and New Orleans,” said Professor Triccas.
“The successful development of a new vaccine could be an absolute game-changer in terms of reducing the spread of TB and reducing deaths globally.”
Centenary Institute
Professor Warwick Britton
Professor Jamie Triccas
Professor Angelo Izzo
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1
How many limestone pillars currently make up the Twelve Apostles on the Great Ocean Road in Victoria?
2 Is limestone an igneous, sedimentary or metamorphic rock?
3 In which US city is the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame located?
4 Which river connects the Great Lakes of North America to the Atlantic Ocean?
5 What was the full name and rank of T.E. Lawrence, known famously as Lawrence of Arabia?
6 Which Islamic holiday is celebrated earlier in the year, Eid al-Fitr or Eid al-Adha?
7 Who wrote the 1958 novella on which the lm Breakfast at Ti any’s is based?
8 Who played James Bond in 1971’s Diamonds are Forever?
9 From which part of the UK is singer Dame Shirley Bassey (pictured)?
10 Which species of whale has the scienti c name Monodon monoceros?
Karenina
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Monday to Friday brings positive change and excitement that spices up your life. You want to fnd new and stimulating adventures, work, and relationships. This is an excellent time to follow your passionate desires and act on your instincts. You can fully express your kinky side now and have some fun with it. You may wear crazy clothes or try something different in the bedroom. Flashes of insight or experimentation could lead to fantastic new opportunities in your life. Saturday and Sunday, you will likely feel more protective of your family and partner and can carry out your duties and responsibilities with care and patience. You could show how much you care for them in practical ways, not through public displays of emotion. This is a good time for sharing your deep and profound emotions with a loved one. This is also a good time for discussing commitment, loyalty, and your family home.
Monday to Friday increases your desire for fun and excitement. Your sex drive is stimulated, and you will be physically, sexually, and intellectually attractive to others. So this is an excellent time for dating, and you will attract people who are somehow different. They may be from a different race or culture or be eccentric or stunning. Above all, they will excite you and spice up your life. Experimentation and kinkiness in the bedroom can reinvigorate an existing romance. Saturday and Sunday bring increased mental activity focusing on your interactions with others. But your thinking may not be in balance with your goals and your ego. Confict and arguments could result if you push too hard because you are likely to speak without thinking and stir up opposition. The key to handling this problematic polarity is listening more than talking and thinking twice before making statements or expressing personal opinions that might offend.
GEMINI MAY
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Monday to Wednesday, you will be presented with many unique opportunities to experience new activities, feelings, and relationships. Your need for freedom or new selfexpression will not result in signifcant upheaval as it sometimes can. This is an excellent time to get new projects off the ground with a burst of daring energy. An exciting new romance is possible as your sex drive and physical attractiveness enjoy a boost.
From Thursday to Sunday, a relaxed and peaceful atmosphere makes this a great time to have fun and smooth over any diffculties in your relationships.
When socializing, you could be the center of attention, and a new love interest could come into your life.
Any new personal or business partnership will most likely be enjoyable and mutually benefcial. This is also an excellent time to buy art, fashion, jewelry, and cosmetics.
Monday to Friday brings harmony to your relationships. You will likely be friendly and outgoing even if you are shy. This is the right time to tell someone special you love, ask them out on a date, or even propose. This is also an excellent time to talk with a loved one and bring up sensitive issues without causing embarrassment or defensive reactions. Creative skills are enhanced, especially with your hands and your voice. Saturday and Sunday increased creative thought, and mental activity energizes your communications and interactions with other people. This is likely to be a hectic period but benefcial because you can project yourself powerfully and clearly without upsetting anyone. This would be an ideal time to write down your thoughts in a diary or on the internet, renew old friendships, and write and send applications.
Leo Jul 23 - Aug 23
LEO JUL 23 - AUG 22
From Monday to Friday, you can expect to be more outgoing, optimistic, generous, and lucky. Increased confdence and self-belief make this an excellent time to push the limits and experience life to the fullest. Generally, things started now will turn out well in the long run. This especially applies to things that make you healthier, wealthier and happier. Such things as travel, studies, investments, business and legal matters. You deserve to feel proud of your achievements. Saturday and Sunday could bring disagreement because of parochialism or moodiness. Your emotional biases might infuence your thoughts, and your intellectual reasoning can infuence your feelings about a person or subject. The best use of this tense energy is hard mental work. You can take a critical look at both sides as you perfect your ideas. Otherwise, this is an excellent time to tidy up at home.
Monday to Friday, companionship becomes more important as you feel a longing to share the love with someone special. If you are single, you may become obsessed with someone and not be able to get them out of your mind. Any new romance now would be a whirlwind experience and signifcantly change your life. Deeper feelings of love in an existing relationship can evolve it to a more profound or spiritual level. Saturday and Sunday make thinking, communications, and short-distance travel more signifcant. It brings mental alertness, quick thinking, adaptability, and curiosity. Expect more personal interaction in your neighborhood, with siblings, schools, and the internet. This is a good time for sharing ideas, making plans, buying and selling, negotiating, and meeting new people.
LIBRA SEP 23 - OCT 22
Monday to Friday, you have the ability to focus on complex and detailed work with great effort and concentration. Your strong work ethic and perseverance can lead to marked achievements that earn your respect and recognition. Increased patience and self-control mean it will not bother you if results do not appear immediately. This is a good time for repairs, renovation, building, gardening, and work with stone and steel. Saturday and Sunday, an all-around good feeling makes you want to enjoy life and be around friends and family. This is an ideal time for all sorts of relationships but especially for bonding closer with a partner or starting a new love relationship. You should feel beautiful and affectionate and will attract the same. A good time to beautify the home or offce and to pamper yourself with lovely things like jewelry, clothes, or a makeover.
SCORPIO OCT 23 - NOV 21
Monday to Friday brings curiosity, concentration, and singlemindedness. You can thoroughly understand profound, mysterious, or troubling issues. This is an excellent time to resolve complex relationship problems because you can perceive them at the non-verbal level. A more profound and infuential communication style makes this a good time to ask for favors, promote your ideas, and seek support for your plans. Saturday and Sunday will be such a hectic weekend it may become challenging to make sense of everything. Information overload can lead to scrambled thinking, so you may have trouble expressing yourself clearly. This could lead to misunderstandings or arguments if you do not make sense or say something you do not mean. Listening is better than talking, and take extra care when making important decisions.
Sagittarius Nov 22 - Dec 21
SAGITTARIUS NOV 22 - DEC 21
Monday to Friday brings the determination and endurance to succeed at almost anything. You can methodically plan out your course of action in the most effcient way.
A strong work ethic and attention to detail mean you can attack complex and challenging tasks. This is an excellent time to make solid progress with a long-term project. It won’t bother you that the results will not appear instantly. Saturday and Sunday bring good cheer, optimism, and plenty of love. Others will fnd you more attractive as you relax and express your personality’s more affectionate and welcoming side.
This is an excellent time for dating and mending stressful relationships. Luck in love can be matched with some fortune elsewhere in your life. Gifts, compliments, and good offers may be in store.
Monday to Friday, a fun-loving and friendly infuence makes this a great time to relax and unwind. Socializing should be more enjoyable because of less stress and more harmony in your relationships. A greater ability to express love and affection helps your intimate relationships beneft from closer bonding. Extra charm and social skills make this an ideal time for asking for favors. Saturday and Sunday are ideal for having fun but not so good for working hard. You should be feeling happy, optimistic, generous, and very sociable. However, problems will arise if you need to attend to more serious matters in which a responsible or conservative attitude is needed. Care must be taken not to lower your standards if dating as this could lead to wrong choices or embarrassing situations.
AQUARIUS jan 20 - feb 18
Monday to Friday is a time of good feelings and well-being when you will likely want to bask in the pleasures of doing nothing as challenges seem to fade away. But increased confdence and good fortune make this the perfect time to make the effort to get ahead. Don’t let this lucky streak go to waste because you could become happier and wealthier through business deals, the law, new partnerships, education, or long-distance travel. Saturday and Sunday bring peace and harmony as you feel more emotional, caring and loving. This is a great weekend to relax with loved ones or party with friends. This is a great time to socialize because of increased popularity and charisma. You should feel more at ease around other people and comfortable in public. Making friends comes easy, and you could easily begin a new love relationship.
PISCES FEB 19 - MAR 20
Monday to Friday, you should become more passionate about love and the things that you love. Whether it be another person, a hobby, or anything else, you will become more deeply involved in whatever you love. You should enjoy increased popularity due to an intense level of subconscious attraction felt by others. A new profound relationship is possible. This is an excellent time to test the level of loyalty and commitment in a love relationship and friendships.Saturday and Sunday balanced thinking, and easy-fowing communications make this an excellent weekend for business deals, studies, social media, asking for favors, and self-promotion. It will be easier for you to understand things and make sense of your goals and how to achieve them. You can express these thoughts and plans very well. This is also a good time to relax with a book or enjoy entertaining or visiting friends.
MACARTHUR, Ronald Hannibal
23rd July 1935 – 22nd September 2022
Passed away peacefully in the care of his family and the wonderful sta at Villa Serena, Gold Coast.
Proud father of Jane and Scott, and much loved grandfather of Gemma, Zac and Josh
Formerly of Kyogle. Late of Bupa Aged Care, Ballina. Passed away peacefully on Friday, 23rd September, 2022.
Beloved husband of Lola (dec). Much loved father of Denise Shipley, Wayne, and Paul. Loved grandfather and great grandfather. Aged 88 years. ‘Sadly Missed’ A private cremation has been held.
Late of Eatonsville. Dearly loved Husband of Beverley. Beloved Father of David and Bernard, and Father-in-law of Michelle.
Adored Grandpa of George, Ayden, Jessica and Jake. Dear Brother of Ron (deceased), Don and Fay. Passed away 27 September 2022
Relatives and friends of Kevin Holmes are respectfully invited to attend his funeral service to be held at St Patrick’s Catholic Church, Skinner Street South Gra on on Saturday 08 October 2022, commencing at 11:00am.
Burial will follow at Mylneford Cemetery.
Carey
To help us realise our vision, Richmond Valley Council needs the right people. We are committed to o ering a range of rewarding career options for sta who are passionate and dedicated to delivering the highest standard of services.
When you become an RVC employee, you join an organisation charged with delivering the very best outcomes
and
and
community. From corporate and community
there are many ways to make
Our Governance team is looking for an exceptional team member to support our goal of achieving great outcomes for the community. The primary purpose of the role is to provide a high level of support to Council’s Governance Department.
Salary Range: $60,512 to $69,591 pa + 10.5% super
Governance Coordinator
Applications close 11.30pm, Sunday 16 October
For further details about the Richmond Valley and to apply please visit Council’s website www.richmondvalley.nsw.gov.au
ALSTONVILLE BRANCH OF THE RED CROSS
The Alstonville Red Cross branch meets on a monthly basis in Alstonville. As meeting dates sometimes vary, please call Carol on 0424 742 774 for details of our next meeting.
ALSTONVILLE QUOTA CLUB
A local women’s service club that meets on the 1st Tuesday of the month at the Plateau Sports Club. Quota is committed to supporting and improving the physical and mental wellbeing of the disadvantaged in our community through local projects. Contact: quotaalstonville@gmail.com for more details.
ALSTONVILLE ROTARY CLUB
Interested in contributing to community? Local and international? The Rotary Club of Summerland Sunrise meets every Friday at 7.05am for Breakfast at Options Cafe, Main St. Alstonville until further notice. Join us at Options please. Phone 0435 990 919 for more details.
CRAWFORD HOUSE MUSEUM
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The noticeboard is a place for residents and community organisations to fnd the latest news from community and social services in The Northern Rivers.
All content is submitted by community organisations. The Northern Rivers Times provides the noticeboard facility and approves submissions before publication.
All Notices submitted must be no longer than 300 WORDS MAX and supplied via email on an attached word, pages or PDF document.
Photos will not be accepted.
AGM’s (annual general meetings) are not part of the community pages and if required to be published you must submit your AGM for the Classifeds Section of the newspaper, an advertising fee will be charged. Call Sharon on 02 6662 6222 for all AGM’s.
The Northern Rivers Times management has the right to refuse and/or not publish any content not following the above guidelines.
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It’s Alstonville Plateau Historical Society’s 21st birthday and the latest exhibition at Crawford House Museum celebrates the Society’s achievements, with photos and videos of functions and exhibitions held over the past 21 years. It runs until Friday 4 November. Crawford House Museum is at 10 Wardell Road Alstonville and is open Fridays 10am-4pm and Sundays 1pm4pm or at other times by appointment for groups. Enquiries (02) 6628 1829, aphs2477@yahoo.com.au or www. aphsmuseum.org.au.
P 6688 6136
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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.
BALLINA ARTS & CRAFTS CENTRE INC. (BACCI)
We are a diverse group of Artists and Crafters that participate in wonderful group exhibitions. 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. New members are always welcome. For more information - info@bacci.com.au or phone Deb on 0432105540
BALLINA BRIDGE CLUB
“Social play every Monday 9-11.30am”. Sessions for all levels of players on Mon, Wed, Sat from 1pm to about 5pm. Be seated at 12:45. Restricted session (under 300 Masterpoints) Thu 1pm – about 5pm. Friday mornings –Help with Play – open to anyone who
All Community Notices must be submitted each week on or before 11am every Monday for the next edition to be published.
would like some help with their game from teachers on duty. 9am to about 11:15pm. Sessions are $5 for members and $7 for visitors. Everyone entering the club must be fully vaccinated. 13 North Ck Rd, Ballina Please call Judy Forsyth (president) on 0407664337. www.ballinabridge.org.au
Ballina CWA Handicraft and Friendship mornings have recommenced Wednesdays from 9am in our rooms on River Street, wearing a face mask is mandatory. Please ring our Handicraft offcer Barb 0428116668 for more information. Mah-jong is continuing to be played from 12.15pm on Wednesdays and Thursdays, for more information please ring David 0435323079. This year CWA of NSW is 100 years old. This tea towel, being held by Ballina member Robyn Stewart, historically depicts branches in our Far North Coast area since 1922 and is being sold as a fund raiser for our Branches and Group. They are $15 each and can be purchased in our CWA rooms on a Wednesday morning or by ringing Barb.
BALLINALocally owned and independent
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 members support the education of disadvantaged children in Australia by fundraising activities and social events in our local community for The Smith Family - by sponsoring 5 Learning for Life students. Contact President Julie Stephan 0434988770.
There will be a Craft Stall at the Plaza, Alstonville on Friday 7th October, from 9 till 2.
Our Christmas Raffe will commence on 24th October for six weeks. Venues will be announced soon following confrmations. First prize $500, second prize $100. Just in time for Christmas”
Has activities every day for Senior Citizens. Monday – Line Dancing 9:30am, Art 1 pm. Tuesday - Line Dancing 9:30am. Wednesday - Tai Chi 8:30am, Bridge 1pm, Ballroom Dancing 6:45pm. Thursday - Yoga 7:30am 4. Line Dancing 9:30am, Indoor Bowls 1pm. Friday – Nothing as yet. Saturday - Bridge 1pm. Contact Bonnie 0414927361
We are now pleased that our hot brunch centre can be held twice a month, the 1st and third Saturday. Everyone is welcome, so come and enjoy a free sausage sizzle, hot dogs, tea, coffee or juice or just come for a chat. This is held at the Ballina Presbyterian Church Hall, on the corner of Cherry and Crane St 10am to 12pm for more information call Chris on 0411510430
Welcomes families from Ballina Shire. 9 Regatta Avenue, Ballina. Open Saturdays 10am – 1pm. Ph. 0411 719 074 for enquiries
How about trying something different? If you would like to improve your communication and leadership skills or simply make new friends and have fun, you are warmly invited to attend the In Focus Toastmasters Club. We meet the 3rd Wednesday evening of each month. You may attend either from the comfort of your own home via zoom or join us in person at the Cherry Street Sports Club, Ballina. For more, contact our President via email at: president-3209990@toastmastersclubs. org or our PR offcer at: vppr3209990@toastmastersclubs.org
This association was formed to attract veterans for companionship, wellbeing and to supply advocacy to veterans. We hold an informal gathering every Friday, 2.30pm at Ballina Angling Club (families are welcome). Contact Allan Watt for more information on 0402 749 582 or email jakknco@bigpond.net.au
The next meeting will be held at Ballina RSL Club on Friday the 7th of October 2022 at 9.30 am for a 10.00 am start. Morning tea will be available at this
meeting.
Guest Speaker: Dr John Parker. Dr Parker was born in UK and medically trained at Edinburgh University. He commenced medical practice in Airlie Beach QLD and later following a passion in diving medicine at Caloundra. He has worked as a SMO in refugee detention centres in Nauru, Manus Island and Christmas Island and medical offcer in an Ebola Treatment Centre in Sierra Leone. Author of “Cholera to Ebola-confessions of a humanitarian Doctor.”
Enquiries to 0437 509 618
Bill Silvester is the guest speaker at the next luncheon of Brunswick Valley VIEW Club on October 13. He is the author of Down Under Byron. The venue is Ocean Shores Country Club. Please advise Wenda on 0449 563 580 or email wjhunt@yahoo.com if you are not attending. Casual members need to advise if they are attending, for catering purposes. VIEW stands for Voice, Interests and Education of Women. The club supports seven students in The Smith Family’s Learning for Life program. For more information on VIEW clubs, visit view.org.au or call 1800 805 366.
Windara Volunteers will be hosting their annual MELBOURNE CUP LUNCHEON at Windara on Tuesday 1st November, 2022. More info to follow.
ART at the CASSINO GALLERY. The Casino Art Group meets here every Saturday 10am - 3pm. The Gallery is also open Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 10am to 3pm. Interested in promoting YOUR medium? Come to the gallery for information. Cassinoartgallery@gmail.com
Casino Evening CWA
Ladies!! Don’t forget Casino Evening CWA is holding its monthly meeting on Thursday at 6pm in the Uniting Church Hall. Tea, coffee, and nibbles before our meeting. Looking forward to meeting and making friends with new members.
Saturday Casino Evening CWA will be at the Farmers Markets with their wonderful cooking and amazing craft from a very talented member. We are there from 8am so be early to see all the cakes, biscuits, chutneys, and craft.
Casino Lions club now meets each 4th Wed at the RSM.
CASINO CHARITY CASH BINGO We welcome newcomers and supporters – come along and join our fun evening. We are upstairs at the Casino RSM Club each Thursday with ‘eyes down ‘at 7pm. We now have ‘Play-Mates’ (electronic tablets) and if you play a Play-Mate during July we are giving you one free book. BUT if you prefer to play books, we still sell paper games. Looking forward to seeing new people!! Any questions don’t hesitate to call Jan on 0414625680.
CASINO COMMUNITY MEN’S SHED
Mon, Tues, Wed, attendance limited to 50 members, 8am-1.30pm. Contact 66626423 DH or casmenshed@live. com.au
CASINO HOSPITAL AUXILIARY needs volunteers to work in the hospital kiosk. Roster days are negotiable and can be discussed with the Kiosk Supervisor by contacting Barbara on 0439607788 or phoning the hospital kiosk during the day on 66600539.
CASINO LADIES AND FRIEND CRAFT GROUP
Meets 1st & 3rd Tuesday of each month. Bring your own morning tea. Names to be in by lunch time Monday. Phone Vivian on 66621838 or Jan on 66626424.
CASINO MEALS ON WHEELS
WEEK 4
MONDAY
D. Armitage & J. Corocher
TUESDAY M. Benn D. Coleman
WEDNESDAY D. Winkler
THURSDAY
R. & D. Lee J.Yates
W & P. Edwards
Richmond Valley Council staff
CASINO MINI RAIL
Every Sunday 10am to 4pm. Weather permitting. West Street Casino. Phone 0472638044.
CASINO MIXED PROBUS CLUB Meeting 4th Thursday of the month. For more information call the secretary on 0419886119. New Members most welcome. Call Fran on 0419 886 119 for more information.
CASINO / RICHMOND VALLEY BLIND CITIZENS AUSTRALIA BRANCH
Casino /Richmond Valley BCA Branch October meeting is in the Casino Baptist Church Hall on the corner of Canterbury and West Streets Casino on Monday 10th October at 10am. Come along for a cuppa and a chat with other people who have sight problems. Guest speaker from Service NSW will be talking about benefts available to clients. New members are very welcome. Free transport is available. Phone Denise on: 0448 014 682 Email: deniseg.vip@outlook.com
CASINO SENIOR CITIZENS All welcome, our activities currently held at Casino RSM, Wednesday Hoy at 1pm. Contact Jan 0414625680
CASINO VIEW CLUB Monthly luncheon meeting at Casino RSM Club at 11am, second Thurs of every month. Contact Jan on 0418 715 374.
Beginners are welcome – Casino, every week Weds 5pm. All interested phone Lorraine 0418264489.
Line Dance Intermediate Classes onlyEvery Monday night
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.
Casino Lion’s Club Inc Cordially invite you and your partner to our 70th Anniversary Dinner to be held at the Casino RSM Club in Canterbury Street Casino. Wednesday 26th October 2022 @ 6.30pm for 7.00pm. $30 per person. Dress Smart Casual RSVP 3.10.2022. Secretary: Denise Green 0448014682 Email:deniseg.vip@outlook.com 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.
Meets bi-monthly at Casino RSM, new members welcome. For more information phone Chris 66293269 or Jim 0427400625.
THE CASINO & DISTRICT HISTORICAL SOCIETY MUSEUM Sun, Mon, Wed and Fri 10am to 2pm. Email casinohistorymuseum@outlook. com for further information. Check us out on Facebook.
THE CASINO HIGH SCHOOL class of 1967 to 1972 is holding a 50 Year reunion on 15 October 2022 at 6pm at the Casino RSM Club. If you started in 1967 or joined us anytime in between, come and join us. Tickets cost $32 for a 2 course meal.
Please call the Casino RSM Club on 6662 1600 or call in to 162 Canterbury Street, Casino to buy a ticket. You can also use the stickytickets website to buy a ticket on-line at https://www. stickytickets.com.au
If you have allergies or other food issues, please tell the club when you buy your ticket.
We are also putting together a story about what we have been doing since we left school.
If you would like to provide a story or photos please email Cherryl Mison (nee Macqueen) at m.c.mison@bigpond.com or call Cherryl on 0490 149 905 or Jann Rowe on 0429 235 866.
Casino R R Country Music Club will be holding their next social upstairs at the Casino RSM Club on Sunday the 16 October from 10.00am - 4.30 pm.
Come along and enjoy some great country music and take advantage of the meals offered by the RSM Club. New Artists always welcome. Free entry, raffes and lucky door prizes More Info contact Carole 0438641500
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.
CORAKI BRUNSWICK CASINO CORAKIWe are excited to announce that the Coraki Art Prize will be going ahead for 2022 hosted by Club Evans RSL, Evans Head (due to food damage in Coraki this year) Saturday 5th Nov 10am until 8pm and Sunday 6th 10am until 3pm. Our Gala night and prize presentations on Saturday 5th of November with live music, nibbles, and bar service available. There are many people who are excited that the prize will be going ahead after having to cancel for the past 2 years due to COVID restrictions and the foods that have devastated Coraki and surrounds we aim to bring people and community together with joy through the arts. The members of our committee are working hard to make the Coraki Art Prize a successful celebration in 2022, whilst gaining wider recognition for our wonderful local and regional artists and bringing our communities back together. So, get creating or pull out a piece you have created in the last 2 years and enter it! If you have any queries as an artist, sponsor or would like to help with The Coraki Art Prize we could really use your help this year, please check out our website: www.corakiartprize. wordpress.com or contact Tania at goodevansartstuido@ outlook.com or drop into Good Evans Art Studio – Oak Street Evans Head.
EVANS HEAD CWA BRANCH meets every third Tuesday for lunch at noon. New members welcome. More info Roz 0427825560
The Evans River RSL Day Club meets each Monday in the Remembrance Room at Club Evans RSL Evans Head from 10am until 2pm Cost $10 includes Morning Tea and Lunch. We have several vacancies for volunteers and members, anyone who is feeling in need of some company are welcome to attend. Come along and join in the fun. Contact Merilyn on 0401493316 for more details.
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 or visit website www. fnctabletennis.com.au
THE PROBUS CLUB of Goonellabah meets on the 3rd Thursday of each month at the Workers Sports Club in Oliver Ave. All welcome.
Goonellabah Probus is solely a social club. We have a guest speaker each month and go for outings throughout the year. Meetings on Thursday commence at 10am and fnish at midday. For further information, please contact Gloria Francis on 02 6629 1442.
Women’s health Matters are offering a free 6 week group for women, called “Decisions! Decisions!”.
If you often have diffculty making decisions or feel that the decisions you make often turn out badly, this may be the program for you. In this small confdential group, we focus on all the skills of achieving good decisions and problem solving, which will then support the growth of your confdence and wellbeing.
Activities include discussion, mindfulness and relaxation practice, how to mind map a problem, and case studies.
When: Monday24th October – 28th November 9.30a.m. 12.30p.m.
Where: The Child and Family Health Centre, 37 Oliver Ave., Goonellabah
Leaders: Pamela Craven, Health Educator and Ann Lardi, Social Worker Bookings: 66202999
Grafton and District Garden Club
What a successful day on Saturday. The cool weather meant the Working Bee was comfortable.
We completed our two projects by lunchtime with a lot of help, good company and a fun morning had by all.
The Petunia Project was completed with 300 white and purple Petunias being potted up for use by the Jacaranda Festival Committee. Along with the painting of a couple of 44 gallon drums and potting up of some little Jacaranda trees.
Thanks to Scott Baker for all his hard work in organising and sharing his equipment and expertise. Thanks to Clarence Valley Council for providing an area big enough for us to use for them to be cared for and grow over the next few weeks. Keep an eye out for these pretties during our beautiful Jacaranda Festival.
The Grafton Base Hospital entrance garden bed is also now home to a new native garden. They are all just settling in at the moment and we will put a couple more plants in soon to fll in some gaps. I can’t wait to see what
it looks like after some good sunshine and a bit of rain in a few months. Thanks to the hospital for funding the plant purchases. Thanks to MI Organics for their donation of the garden soil. Thanks to Tony Dougherty for donating some lovely Tea Tree mulch. And, of course, thanks to our members for giving up your Saturday morning just to get your hands dirty. We hope you all enjoy watching it grow. My apologies for all the people I accidentally wet with the hose…
Next meeting is Thursday 6th October, members please check your emails for details of location etc.
Happy Gardening, Jane Rhodes 0438 593032
Recently successfully completed 8-day Queensland coach tour.
Next day trip, 14 Oct, to Byron Bay & solar train ride, to be fnalised at Sept Meeting.
Bookings for barbecue, 26 Sept, being taken Day trip to Byron Bay, 14 October, including solar train ride, just on sale. Final bookings required by September meeting.
Scams: Emails from Telstra requesting password & pin number are genuine, but only apply if paying accounts through Telstra App. Phone call from Do Not Call Register? then requesting bankcard expiry date is scam. Be alert. Barbecue: Due to races, date changed to Monday, 26 September, with morning tea, activities, lunch, $10. Bookings now open.
Enquiries: Sandra, 6642 7720, mobile 0417 464 946
Every Friday at the Uniting Church , Prince Street
Join us for gentle exercises designed for Seniors We meet at 10.30 a.m. for a cuppa and a chat with the exercises commencing at 11. All equipment is provided and there is no cost to the participants
Further information can be obtained from Joan or Brian on 6644 7347 or 0416 067 315 , or from Dot on 66423248 or 0477 213 017
Our October meeting will be a very special Jabberfest as we will be celebrating the Twentieth Anniversary of the U 3 A in Grafton. All members are assured that this will be a momentous occasion with contributions from Past Presidents and Members and a display of artefacts produced by the members of the Men’s Shed with a talk also of their contributions over the years to
the Community, both in kind and monetarily. The Jabberfest will commence at the usual time of 10 a.m. and will be held as usual at the New Life Church in Arthur Street on Monday 10th October. This promises to be a highlight of the year and one certainly not to be missed, so we hope for a bumper turnout of Members to celebrate this 20th Anniversary meeting
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!
GRAFTON’S MIGHTY CLARENCE TOASTMASTERS CLUB Perhaps it’s time to fnd out what it’s all about! If you would like to improve your communication and leadership skills. Make new friends and have fun, you are warmly invited to attend the Mighty Clarence Toastmasters Club. We meet on the 1st & 3rd Wednesday evening of each month. You may attend either from the comfort of your own home via zoom or join us in person at the Joan Muir Community Centre: 194 Turf Street, Grafton. For more information please contact: Vice President on email Jan Coleman janetlcoleman@ gmail.com or Facebook page:https://www.facebook. com/graftontoastmasters
Former Royal Colts cricketers and supporters will gather in Grafton for their 50th Year Reunion on 8/9 October weekend. In season 1972/73 these talented young teenagers from the four junior clubs in Grafton at the time- Norths, Souths, Easts and Westlawn initiated necessary change and opened a new pathway for junior cricketers to be able to enter 1st Grade. These 14,15 & 16 year-old players went about forming their own club, the Royal Colts so they could be given the opportunity to advance and develop their cricket skills at the highest level.
Most of those junior players involved in in the formation of the Royal Colts CC will be in attendance at the weekend celebrations. Graeme Payne, now a well renowned Grafton
artist and former Royal Colts, will register at the Crown Hotel at 11.30 am for the Welcome Lunch on Saturday 8th October followed by a visit to Ellem Oval Pavilion and barefoot bowls at Grafton Services Club in the afternoon.
The dinner for Saturday night will be held at the same venue starting at 6.30 pm.
The plan for Sunday 9th October is to open with a breakfast at Vines, 9 holes of golf at Grafton Golf Club and a farewell lunch.
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 7 pm – 8.30pm Where: Tricare Residential Village Community Room Tweed Coast Road, next to Shell Petrol Station. For more information, contact Jean Berry 0414 794 380
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.
The Tweed Hospital, it recognises that the new hospital will be located south of Tweed Heads and residents in those areas may be interested in volunteer work when the new hospital opens. The branch welcomes the opportunity to talk to those who are retired, unemployed or simply looking for a chance to give back to one of our most critical services – our hospital. There is a range of jobs that can be performed. The branch runs raffes, a gift shop, fashion parades, jumble sales and luncheons. People with cars are very important to the running of these operations to transport material to the various venues. The branch meetings are held monthly, and the cost of membership is only $5 per year. There are some procedures that must be processed, such as police checks. Full vaccination is required for those volunteers who are working in the hospital. So, the public in the Kingscliff area and surrounds are invited to talk to our volunteers about our UHA branch of The Tweed Hospital.
EVANS HEAD GOONELLABAH KINGSCLIFF GRAFTON HASTINGS POINTFor more information contact John on 0421 085 985.
Kyogle Country Music’s next day is on Sunday 9th October at Kyogle Bowling Club commencing at 11am. Club will have food and drinks available. Including lunch and afternoon tea. Everyone is most Welcome.
St James Anglican Church Op Shop is an integral part of the shopping and social community in Kyogle. We have been proud to have been able to accommodate people with this special shop for our community. As our “Team” are becoming older and not as able to continue with the needs the Op Shop requires, we are asking for men and women who would like to volunteer and to join our “Team” at the Church Hall on Mondays and Tuesdays from approx. 8.30am to 1.30pm. Normally the clothes are brought up to the hall from the Op Shop to be sorted, washed, ironed, and prepared for sale, then taken back down to the shop. Our helpers, also care for the garden and outside upkeep of the Hall and Church grounds. We are a friendly group of people who also enjoy a lovely morning tea together and great fellowship, during our time at the hall. If you are interested in joining our “Team”, please contact Charlie Lehman –Phone 0429 321 395, Margaret Armstrong 66 321 021 or M. 0487 330 284.
KYOGLE SUNSHINE CLUB
Meets every Thursday at 9.30am. For more details contact 0499824274.
Held every Saturday morning in Stratheden Street from 8am -12. Come along grab some local fruit & veggies, experience all Kyogle has to offer. New Stall Holders welcome. Enquiries Anne 66321 851
Beginners are welcome –Kyogle every week Friday 5.30pm. All interested phone Lorraine 0418 264 489.
LION’S CLUB OF KYOGLE
Meeting is held on the 1st & 3rd Tuesday each month at the Kyogle Lion’s shed from 6.30–7pm For more information contact Neville Moon on 66322233.
Meet on the 2nd Wednesday of every month at Kyogle Showgrounds in the luncheon room at 7pm. For more details
Phone Jan on 0427293455.
Handy Craft Mornings on Mondays 9.30am-12noon in the community centre at Lennox Head. Call Jan on 66816150.
The Lennox Head Day VIEW Club meets on the frst Monday of each month at the Lennox Head Community Centre with the meeting starting at 11am and includes an interesting speaker and concludes with a light lunch. An informal Coffee and Chat meeting is held on the third Monday of the month. The Club sponsors three students through The Smith Family Learning for Life scholarship program that provides educational items for disadvantaged Australian children. New members and guests are most warmly welcomed, and enquiries may be made to Enid 047187511 or Dawn 0466717435.
LENNOX HEAD EVENING VIEW CLUB
Meets on the second Tuesday of each month upstairs at the Lennox Hotel at 6.30pm for dinner at 7pm. Guests are welcome. “VIEW members support the education of disadvantaged Australian children by raising much needed funds for The Smith Family. Through fundraising activities and social events in local communities, members raise money that goes directly to The Smith Family’s learning and mentoring programs for disadvantaged students.”
Lennox Head Evening VIEW Club currently sponsors two Learning for Life students. Contact Sue Brennan 0409728814.
LENNOX HEAD LIONS CLUB
New members welcome to join our close-knit club where the emphasis is on community service in a fun environment. Meetings are on the frst and Third Wednesday of each month at Club Lennox starting at 6.30pm. Members do what they can, when they can to facilitate the needs of our club.
PROBUS CLUB OF LENNOX HEAD
Meets 9.30 for 10 at Club Lennox, 10 Stewart Street, on the frst Thursday of each month. Visitors are welcome, also retired or semi-retired people wishing to join our nonservice club to hear interesting guest speakers and to join in trips and outings are invited along. Phone Jan 66876859.
LISMORE
CWA LISMORE DAY BRANCH “STILL” WANT
“YOU’’ in 2022. Our Branch Meetings are held on the frst Thursday of each month at 9:30am for a 10am start. We want “YOU” to join us for the chance to be involved with an amazing group of friendly, fun, interesting women of all ages. You will make new friends and be involved with wonderful opportunities to contribute to worthwhile Community causes assisting Women and Children. PLEASE THINK ABOUT it and come along as a ‘GUEST’ to see what you think. You will experience for yourself the difference being a CWA Member will bring to yourself and your life. For MORE INFORMATION contact our President ALIISON KELLY on 0428 216 079. WE ALSO RUN A WEEKLY CRAFT MEETING each Friday from 10am. This provides a great opportunity for you to learn new and wonderful Craft, and once again meet a group of new friends. Tea & Coffee are available for a very small donation. We always have nifty Craft projects underway and love helping anyone new to Craft learn, whilst creating beautiful items in great company. For MORE INFORMATION call HELEN DARGIN on 0438 828 619. WE SO MUCH LOOK FORWARD to welcoming you.
EAST LISMORE BOWLING CLUB Community Bingo Tuesday night 7.30pm start. 20 games of bingo + progressive jackpot Neilson Street East Lismore. Everyone Welcome
Lismore Base Hospital Auxiliary Shop is BACK in the newly renovated Foyer of the Hospital. We will be opening every Thursday to start with increasing days each month. Anyone wishing to join our Auxiliary please contact the Secretary Rhonda on 0427251600. We meet at the Goonellabah Workers Sports Club at 2pm on the second Thursday of each month. We welcome new Members.
Rehearsals are held during school terms on Mondays, 6.15-7.45pm at Southern Cross University. If you can play a concert band instrument: brass, woodwind, or percussion, please come and join us! All ages welcome. We have some instruments available for loan. For more information, Tel: 0432 575 911/ visit: www. lismorecityconcertband.org. au, and our Facebook and Instagram pages.
Embroiderers Group. Meetings are 9.30am-2.30pm 1st and 3rd Wednesdays and 2nd Saturday of each month, at
Crawford House, 10 Wardell Road, Alstonville. This is our new venue where we welcome embroiderers of all ability levels to meet, share and learn. For more information see our Facebook page ‘Lismore Group – Embroiderers’ Guild NSW’, or simply turn up.
LISMORE ORCHID SOCIETY INC. Lismore Orchid Society now meets 3rd Wednesday each month, 2 - 4pm at Richmond Tweed Regional Library, 6 Centenary Drive Goonellabah, (corner of Oliver Av and Centenary Dve). Contact Bev on 0400 326 289
“LISMORE PARKINSON’S SUPPORT GROUP
Lismore Regional Parkinson’s Support Group will gather at Summerland House Farm, 253 Wardell Rd, Alstonville at 11 am on Friday, 21st of October for a shortened meeting prior to attending our special celebration for Carers’ Week , a lunch that commences at 12 noon at the same venue. We are looking forward to honouring our carers, such a valued part of our membership. Please note the change of time for our shortened meeting. All members of the Parkinson’s Community are most welcome to attend. Contact Di 0423941119.”
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 TARGET RIFLE CLUB for .22 calibre rifes, meets Wed nights from 6.30 pm & 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).
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: 02 6621 3200
NR U3A LISMORE INC.
(UNIVERSITY OF THE THIRD AGE)
Retired? Make new friends, gain knowledge, laugh and learn, enjoy a richer retirement. U3A offers over 30 classes and activities each week. One yearly fee of $50 entitles you to attend all classes/activities of your choice. Interested? Check out our webpage http:// www.u3anriv.org.au for course list, times and venues or contact 66227408 Follow us on Facebook.
Our mixed group meets on the 1st Tuesday of each month at the Lismore Heights Bowling Club in High St.
Our brief meeting is followed by morning tea and a guest speaker. Senior’s lunch for $15 at noon is optional. Guests and visitors are welcome. Ring/text Pam on 0418766247 for details of our other monthly social gatherings and outings.
ROTARY CLUB OF LISMORE NETWORKING
Want to be part of an innovative, interesting and inclusive networking group who meet fortnightly to share ideas, meet other professionals and work together to make a difference in your community? Then Rotary Club of Lismore Networking could be the answer for you! Meets fortnightly at The Sherwood Hotel (75 Molesworth Street Lismore) on Wednesdays at 5.30pm. For more information contact Rita on 0413300578 or Gae 0412742095.
Is in its 60th year and meets at the East Lismore Bowling Club each Thursday at 6pm. New members would be made most welcome. Further information available on 0428151934.
Sprung!! is a registered charity and a not-for-proft community organisation that offers Dance, Theatre & Movement workshops and training to people with disabilities. We are currently looking for volunteers to assist our organisation in a number of ways including supporting our Tutors and Disability Support Workers; transcribing; catering; professional skills; technical support and backstage support. Our workshops and performances run in Lismore, Mullumbimby, Tintenbar and Lennox Head expanding to Ballina and the Tweed. Any interested volunteers can reach us here and for general information please contact us on info@sprung.org.au
Meetings of the club are normally held on the second Sunday of each month at
Locally owned LENNOX HEADthe clubrooms: 412 Richmond Hill Road, Richmond Hill at 1pm. Visitors are welcome. The clubrooms are usually open on Sunday afternoons from about 1pm onwards. We are primarily amateur radio enthusiasts and welcome persons interested in radio, electronics, astronomy and similar subjects. For more details about the club and its activities see the club’s website: https://sarc.org. au/
Monthly meetings again, after months of lock down. It will start as usual 3rd Thursdays of each month at 11am. Contact Ruth Toyer on 0409844212 by Mondays, no later than 7pm. Numbers are required for catering purposes
“Mullumbimby Branch of CWA of NSW (Country Women’s Association of New South Wales) is holding its’ Annual General Meeting on Wednesday 12th October 2022. The meeting will commence at 9:30 AM. Please arrive at the Mullumbimby CWA Rooms at the Cnr Gordon & Tincogan Streets Mullumbimby at 9:00 AM. For further information contact Jenny - 66847282.”
Fine art printmakers. Meet at studio space 224 Stokers Rd, Stokers Siding. Prints, gallery, workshops and more! E: cpmmurwillumbah@ hotmail.com - T: Peter 0498399640 or Sue 0408493253. Find us on Facebook & Instagram.
MURWILLUMBAH
COMMUNITY GARDEN
Members and visitors are invited to join the group for activities and gardening tips most Sundays. Time 3-5pm (NSW time, street parking, BYO, covered footwear, comfy clothing, hat and water. Children ok with strict supervision. Covid plan operating. Enquires: phone Bob Johnson (02) 6622 5792.
CROQUET CLUB
Meets at Black Rocks Sports Fields on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8.30am. New members are welcome to come and join us for a hit and a bit of fun. For any further enquires please call Jean on 0431606375. We will have a new starting time at the end of daylight saving. We play at Black Rocks Sports Field. New members are welcome. For further enquires please ring Jean on 0431606375.
Every Thursday morning 9.30am to 11.30am.
Pottsville Community Hall, $5 per session includes morning tea. No joining fees. For enquiries, please call Jan 0431909760.
Poets and writers on the Tweed meet every Tuesday at the South Tweed Sports Club 1.30-3.30pm. Beginners welcome. Phone 07 5524 8035.
Probus Club, Coolangatta/Tweed Heads. Be at Club Tweed at 10-00am on the frst Wednesday of the Month. Visitors and new members are very welcome.
TWEED PATCHWORK GROUP meet the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month at South Tweed Community Center from 9-1pm at 18 Heffron Street Tweed Heads south all beginners welcome phone Moira on 0418686643. A friendly group of people with common interest in seeing, quilting and related craft.
Twin Towns Evening View Club’s next meeting is on 12th October in the Glass Room of the CLUB TWEED from 6:00 pm to 6:30 pm start. This will be our 33rd Birthday meeting themed “Think Pink” so make sure you come along and join us for some evening of fun.
Visiting club members or ladies of all ages are welcome. Call Trudy on 07 5524 1770 with guests and apologise by 1 pm
on Monday before the meeting.
TWIN TOWNS DAY VIEW CLUB will be Thursday October 6th at 10.30 for 11 DST at the South Tweed Sports Club. Following a short talk on current matters and a lot of camaraderie, luncheon will follow from either the bistro or bar areas. Some members have recently attended the National Convention held in Adelaide and it will be interesting to hear of their adventures plus an update on VIEW matters and our sponsors THE SMITH FAMILY for which our club proudly contributes to the education for 7 ‘Learning for Life’ students. Further information can be sought from President Kathie on 0407 709 629.
Members of [TWIN TOWNS DAY VIEW Club are calling on the community to give generously this AntiPoverty Week [16-22 October] and sponsor a child through the nation’s leading children’s education charity The Smith Family.AntiPoverty Week is a week where all Australians are encouraged to organise or take part in an activity aiming to highlight or overcome issues of poverty and hardship here in Australia or overseas. It was established in Australia as an expansion of the UN’s annual International Anti-Poverty Day on October 17. In 2022, Anti-Poverty Week will be held from the 16th to the 22nd of October. Visit www.antipovertyweek. org.au
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’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.
Could you please include the following in your next issue of the Northern Rivers TimesThe next meeting of the Northern Rivers Day Prostate Cancer Support Group is to be held on Wednesday October 12th 10am until 12 noon at the Alstonville Plateau Sports Club (previously known as Bowling Club), Deegan Drive, Alstonville 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 present 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 –Enquiries phone Bob Corney 0400 747 630
Are you interested in exploring the beauty that our region contains. The Northern Rivers Bushwalking Club offers a variety of activities for people of all abilities and ages in bushwalking, cycling, kayaking, abseiling, qigong and social interaction. Visit our Facebook page or our website nrbc.org.au for more information.
The Northern Rivers Community Foundation (NRFC) is inviting Northern Rivers women to play an active role in empowering vulnerable women and girls in our region. The newly formed NRFC’s Women’s Giving Circle brings Northern Rivers women together to achieve equality and human rights for women and girls in our region and enable them to realise their full potential. Visit the Women’s Giving Circle nrcf.org. au/womens-giving-circle/ on the NRFC website for more information and to join the Women’s Giving Circle. murbah communitygardens@ gmail.com - follow us on Facebook
The NORTHERN RIVERS HASH HOUSE HARRIERS is a non-proft community group that is part of a
worldwide organisation. The Hash House Harriers meet every Monday at 6pm for a run/walk from various locations around Lismore, Alstonville and Ballina. The run/walk lasts for approximately an hour, followed by friendship, banter and grub.
We are very friendly and welcome new members. For more details email: nrhhh@freelists.org.
Covering Wollongbar to Ocean Shores. Meets 2nd Friday of each month at Summerland Farm, Wardell Road, Alstonville. 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.
On Sunday the 18th of September a group of oldies from the Casino Community made a trip to Ettrick Hall to see Kyogle Village Players ‘Exit Laughing’ Play.
A number of the group had never been to a live play before, despite their ages ranging from
15 to 100 years. It was a very memorable experience and enjoyed by all. Mind you the bus trip out of Ettrick was quite a memorable experience too.
Thank you to the Ettrick Hall committee for their hospitality and afternoon tea,
comprising of scrumptious home cooking. This was an added highlight for all.
Also, a huge thank you to Jason Davis for his bus! Jason’s contribution to assist our aged community enjoy an outing is greatly appreciated.
YAMBA MACLEAN ALL NORTHERN RIVERS TWEED HEADS MURWILLUMBAH MULLUMBIMBYWarnings
See www.bom.gov.au/australia/warnings
Northern Rivers District:
Partly cloudy. Medium (60%) chance of showers, most likely in the evening. Light winds becoming easterly 15 to 20 km/h during the afternoon then becoming light during the evening.
Thursday. Cloudy. High (80%) chance of showers, most likely in the morning and afternoon. Light winds.
Northern Tablelands District:
Partly cloudy. High (70%) chance of showers on and east of the ranges, medium (40%) chance elsewhere. Winds easterly 20 to 30 km/h.
Thursday. Cloudy. High (80%) chance of showers on and east of the ranges, medium (50%) chance elsewhere. Winds east to northeasterly 15 to 25 km/h.
New South Wales: Rain and the chance of storms across the west. A shower or two in the east, mainly the southeast. Localised heavy rainfall is possible with storms. Daytime temperatures below average. Mostly east to northeasterly winds.
Thursday. A few showers, mainly in the southeast. The chance of a storm in the southwest. Daytime temperatures below average in the east and near average in the west. Winds east to northeasterly in the east and northeast to northwesterly in the west.
Byron Coast: Winds: Easterly 10 to 15 knots turning northeasterly during the evening. Seas: Below 1 metre. 1st Swell: Southeasterly 1 to 1.5 metres, decreasing to around 1 metre during the morning. 2nd Swell: Southerly around 1 metre. Weather: Partly cloudy. 60% chance of showers.
Coffs Coast:
Winds: Easterly 10 to 15 knots turning northeasterly during the evening. Seas: Below 1 metre. 1st Swell: Southeasterly 1 to 1.5 metres, decreasing to around 1 metre during the morning. 2nd Swell: Southerly around 1 metre. Weather: Partly cloudy. 60% chance of showers.
Gold Coast Waters: Winds: Easterly 15 to 20 knots. Seas: Around 1 metre, increasing to 1 to 1.5 metres offshore during the morning. Swell: Southeasterly around 1 metre inshore, increasing to 1 to 1.5 metres offshore. Weather: Cloudy.
Low:3:10am0.1m
world-class female surfng talent for years, Australia still lacks more of a female focused flm festival to truly celebrate thisculture. The ‘She Surfs Film Tour’ brings a fresh new approach to sharing surf stories and changing the
new surfers were female according to the Australian Sports Commission), the disparity between women in the water and female surfers in flms, Festival Founder, Jemima Robinson was prompted to launch the
the stories of wave riding women and shine the spotlight on the talented female surfers and female flmmakers sharing their stories.“This year we are stoked for the level of talent displayed by both flmmakers and surfers within the flms, it
Tour for working to showcase important stories and thank the all female team behind ‘Below Surface’”, says Surfer and Activist, Lucy Small. The She Surfs Film Tour aims to inspire all through amazing stories of skill,
disparity between women and men in the surf world. After consistently producing
of female interest in surfng during the Pandemic (a staggering 60 percent of all
for a second session with all new flms, the 2022 She Surfs Film Tour is poised to share
women possess”.
Next General Meeting 6th October 11am. Club House.
Jeanette Henwood 1, Jan Small, Pauline Kearney 2, Gladys D’Anna, Val Heinritz 4, Sally Lowry 6, Kath Hubbard 7, Susan Allan 8, Janene Jarvis, Shirley Atkinson 9, Coral Lavelle 11, Shirley Colman 12, Lorna Simpson 13, Ronda Taylor 14, Coral Meyer, Diana Auret 15, Susan Scott 17, Jan Boardman 18, Valda McLerie 19, Rosemary Russell 20, Lisa Wong 21, Jan Henley 22, Shirley Henry 23, Deborah Green 24.
Services Casino will be a single stroke on the top 11 holes for the monthly medal and visitors are welcome to play with hit off from 6-30am till 7-30am.
Tournaments: Gold Coast Tweed Ricochet Croquet Singles Tournament.
Results from Wednesday 28/9:
L. James, A. McLean & M. Mead def T. Maxwell, R. Skirrey & A. James
“Watching talented wave riding women like Paige Alms, Izzi Gomez, and Australia’s own Lucy Small, Tru and Jesse Starling, Vittoria Farmer and Josie Prendergast is a real treat and an inspiring display of creativity, skill and unity. With surf flms historically being so male dominated, it is refreshing to see female surfers sharing their skills and stories on the big screen - ready to inspire a new wave of female surfers”, remarks Robinson on the display of talent featured in this year’s line up.
Mahjong is played on Friday at 12:30pm at the Ballina Bridge Club North Creek Road.
Enquiries for new players phone Vanessa on 66874181.
Division 1: David Luxmore 1, Ray Chapman 2, David Scott 3, Gaye Pitman 4, Geoff Hull 5.
Division 2: Robert Smillie 1, Wayne McFie 2, Eunice Frater 3, Gary Purcell 4, Gavin Clarke 5, Val Smith 6.
The other rink winner was: C. Doyle, C. Haynes & K. Jonsson def J. Dwyer, H. Lavelle & I. Watson
Winners for the day were: L. James, A. McLean & M. Mead
Results for Friday 30/9 were: J. Dwyer, I. Watson & A. McLean def J. Dwyer, C. Haynes & A. James
cinematography invites you on a journey of self discovery as Sunny Coast girl, Vittoria Farmer explores the Irish ocean during winter, or follow the plight of female surfers in Sri Lanka as they forge to fnd their place amongst the waves, or as Paige Alms, Izzi Gomez and Wrenna Delgado brave 30-foot waves on Hawaii’s North Shore, or connect with relatable sisters Tru and Jesse Starling as they compete in competitions along the Tweed Coast of Australia alongside their loyal canine companion, Bill the Bulldog. Offering something for all ages and genders, the tour kicks off on the 19th October in Perth, and makes its way around the country to fnish off in Byron Bay on the 24th November. Tickets can be found at: https:// shesurfsflmtour.com.au/
The She Surfs Film Tour returns to Australian screens this October and November with a key disparity between women and men in the surf world. After consistently producing world class surfing talent for years, Australia still lacks more of a female focused film festival to truly celeb culture The ‘She Surfs Film Tour ’ brings a fresh new approach to sharing surf stories and cha status quo
CASINO SOCIAL GOLF RESULTS 02-10-2022
No social golf was played last Sunday but next weeks event sponsored by Newstead Automotive
Division 3: Malcolm Campbell 1, Penny Scott 2, Julia Tai 3.
Division 4: Doug Turner 1, Marion Robertson 2, Joy Manning 3, Donna Phillips 4.
The other rink winner was: T. Maxwell, J. Carthew, D. Skinner & K. Jonsson in a very close game def L. James, D. Grice, C. Doyle & M. Mead
But it’s not all sunshine and barrels, the She Surfs Film Tour is proud to be sharing Lucy Small’s campaign in achieving gender equality throughout sport in Australia. Small was catapulted to the role of accidental activist in 2021 when she highlighted the disparity in prize money for her winning surfng performance versus the male competitors. The story of her journey since her sudden rise to activism is shared in the flm, Below Surface.
Winners of the day were: J. Dwyer, I. Watson & A. McLean
“Below Surface started as a student project and it has grown into a critical part of our campaign for gender equality in sport. I commend She Surf’s Film
Seeing the dramatic increase of female interest in surfing during the Pandemic (a staggering 6 of all new surfers were female according to the Australian Sports Commission), the disparity b women in the water and female surfers in films, Festival Founder, Jemima Robinson was prom launch the first She Surfs Film Tour in November 2021. Now back for a second session with a the 2022 She Surfs Film Tour is poised to share the stories of wave riding women and shine th on the talented female surfers and female filmmakers sharing their stories.
Summer sport registrations are offcially open and families are being encouraged to take advantage of the State’s enormously successful Active Kids Voucher program, so children can get back to playing sport without breaking the family budget.
Minister for Sport Alister Henskens said there is an exciting summer ahead and families are being reminded to use these excellent NSW Government cost-saving measures.
“Getting kids out of the house to be active is vitally important for health and wellbeing. Signing your child up for sports allows for them to make new friends, learn important skills and stay healthy,” Mr Henskens said.
“Whether it’s, tennis, dance, cricket or nippers there are over 11,000 Active Kids providers across the State, so now is the perfect time to download your voucher and register your child in their favourite sport or active recreation activity.”
School-enrolled children in NSW can access two $100 Active Kids vouchers each year towards the cost of sport and active recreation fees.
Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said
NSW families have embraced the Active Kids program, and is one of more than 70 Government savings to help ease cost of living and boost household budgets.
“We are improving the application and redemption process for parents and providers, with a digital version of the voucher on the Service NSW app now available,” Mr Dominello said.
“Active Kids has been an overwhelming success, with almost 100 per cent of parents giving it the thumbs up.”
Cricket NSW CEO Lee Germon said the program offered greater opportunities for kids to play sport.
“Our Cricket NSW purpose is to inspire everyone to play and love cricket and the Active Kids Voucher program makes it easier for families to do that,” Mr Germon said.
“Anything we can do to provide greater access to the game is a positive, particularly in that 5-12 year old age group that we are focused on, so our thanks go to the NSW Government for this program.”
More information about Active Kids is available: https://www.sport.nsw.gov.au/ active-kids
Australian sports fans hoping to secure tickets the Paris 2024 Olympic Games could get a head start in the Games’ ticket program by signing up early for an offcial Games membership.
Games’ organisers have created Club Paris 2024, whose members will receive the opportunity to win priority access when sales open, as well as receive regular updates from Paris 2024.
Australian fans can sign up to Club Paris 2024 immediately at no cost, well before the ballot process begins.
https://www.paris2024.org/en/tickets/#sign-up-to-the-club
Under a new system, tickets will be allocated via a global ballot.
First, fans must register for the ballot - Monday 22 December 2022 is the opening day for registration.
Then a series of ballots will be held. The frst in February 2023, then May 2023 and fnally all remaining tickets will go on sale at the end of 2023.
However, the Club Paris 2024 program gives fans who become members the opportunity to win an advantage once the process begins in December.
AOC Chief Executive Offcer Matt Carroll says with less than two years until the Games, the Club Paris 2024 program provides Australian Fans an opportunity to receive tickets as well as keep them informed of key dates and activities.
“Because of the pandemic, it was disappointing that fans couldn’t travel to Tokyo to support the athletes and enjoy the Olympic experience. Paris will be different and something quite special for the athletes and Australians fans looking for that unique experience.
“The Club Paris idea aims to increase the chances of fans receiving tickets, and ensure you remain fully informed of everything Paris 2024 between now and the Games.
“In Paris and elsewhere in France, iconic venues will be hosting the world’s greatest athletes. Our beach volleyballers will be competing under the Eiffel Tower, equestrian events at Versailles, sailing at Marseille on the Mediterranean, not to mention an Opening Ceremony with athletes travelling by boat down the River Seine.
“Paris 2024 will be unique and tickets highly sought after. Most importantly, our athletes will thrive on the support coming from Australians in the stands at all the events”, Mr Carroll concluded.
