The Northern Rivers Times Edition 122

Wandering 6000 kilometres for mental health awareness

page cover photo: Bailey Seamer in Yuraygir National Park last week

By MARGARET DEKKER

This is no walk in the park. Nor is it an average day-hike or overnighter on a clearly marked trail.

The Wandering Minds Walk is a 6-thousandkilometre trek (more or less) over a year, solo, carrying 18-kilograms of everything needed for survival with not everything going to plan, on a huge open trail from southernmost Wilsons Promontory in Victoria to northernmost Cape York in Queensland, and all that vast, changing country in between. Doing it is Bailey Seamer, a 23-year-old Newcastle woman whose mission it is to raise awareness, education and important funds for mental health, step by determined step.

“I see it as going for a hike every day for a year,” Bailey laughed when The Northern Rivers Times caught up with her, shortly after walking the length of Yuraygir National Park from Minnie Water to Yamba and the big stretch from Woody Head to Evans Head, where Bailey was catching her breath.

“My walking’s not really measured in kilometres walked but hours walked each day, and usually I walk between eight and ten hours a day, most days,” Bailey Seamer said.

Starting May 18 from remote South Point at ‘The Prom,’ Bailey’s extraordinary feat is made all the more remarkable as hers is a

path neither signposted nor contained whole in a guidebook, and far exceeds the 4-thousandkilometre distance by road.

“It’s kind of a course of .. just walk North!”

Bailey laughed. .. Over beaches and bushland, river crossings and scrub .. and the dreaded impassable headland requiring the dreaded “backtrack.”

“I have to all the time!” NRT - wandering minds starting out Bailey said.

“It’s not all fun, some days I absolutely hate it because of physical injury or psychological stress or environmental factors I face.

“But I do get these windows of absolute positivity and beauty which make it all worth it. Let’s just say it’s 90-percent grind and

10-percent pleasure,” Bailey Seamer said.

This third-year nursing student has already raised $30-thousand dollars for the Black Dog Institute to help fund research, resources, and services for better mental health. 1 in 5 Australians will experience symptoms of mental illness in any one year.

“ .. that’s around 5

million people. And roughly 60% of these people won’t seek help,” the Blackdog Institute states.

Now 2100 kilometres into her northern ascent, it’s also a personal journey for Bailey Seamer who experiences bipolar disorder.

“I was in psych hospitals as a young adult, but I got to a crossroads in my life where I said, ‘this can’t be it’ - I was told I’d struggle to ever work, hold down a relationship, fnish a Uni. degree and it really did feel like an absolute sentence,” Bailey Seamer said.

“But then I thought ‘this suffering can’t be everything I ever have.’ There had to be more to life, and I realised I could help others.

“You could say, I was more scared of living the life I was then living .. than to take the jump to do something that may actually kill me!” Bailey said.

And mid-way along her quest, Bailey Seamer is living proof anything’s possible.

“You could say, I’m taking my mental illness on the road. It would seem impossible, managing a mental illness while simultaneously walking, that that’s where the problems would lie, but starting was the hardest thing to do. And it’s shown me that I can show others with mental illness that you can have a life and passions, you can do it,” she said.

It’s a journey complete with unique coping strategies, to keep this one-woman show on the road, including her ‘Tantrum Timer’ when feelings ‘bubble’ and

stress builds.

“I set the Tantrum Timer to six minutes, throw the pack down whether it’s bush or beach, I scream, cry, let it all out like a toddler at the shopping centre and when the timer goes off, I pick myself up, brush myself off and get going,” she smiled.

Because when the going gets tough, the tough get going, inspiring others.

“People have contacted me saying ‘You’re the reason I got out of bed in the morning, because of what you’re doing, given what you’ve overcome to do this,’” Bailey Seamer said.

As she draws her own inspiration from her late Grandma’s mottos:

“If you’re brave enough to try, you’re brave enough to succeed ..”

And: “Courage is not the absence of fear but deciding something else is more important than fear itself.”

As Bailey treks ever north, parallels are drawn between her and American woman Cheryl Strayed who, at a similar 22 years of age, hiked 1770 kilometres up the Pacifc Crest Trail on America’s West Coast, inspiring a best-selling book and movie.

“People do say, ‘you’re that ‘Wild’ movie person and I go ‘yeah, kind of, but I don’t have the endless views and I have a lot of mud!’” Bailey Seamer laughed.

“But it’s a similar thing, giving up everything to try and create a better reality.”

From here, the reality is at least 700 more kilometres of coastline to Seventeen Seventy near Gladstone in Queensland, where

Bailey Seamer starts her “WANDERING MINDS WALK” a one-woman trek along the east coast of Australia.

Bailey fnally turns in.

“From there up, there are crocodiles! So, I’ll have to turn inland to get to Cape Tribulation,” she conceded.

Her father, greatest supporter, and former Newcastle Knights player Scott Seamer will join his daughter for the last leg of this epic adventure, all the way to the Cape.

“I know once it’s over, I will refect on this trip with a lot of fondness, like any adventure, once it’s done, I will be like ‘I can’t believe I did that.”

“This will be with me for the rest of my life, to take with me wherever I go, that I walked the East Coast of Australia. It’s good to have this in my back pocket, that my own capability is immeasurable,” Bailey Seamer said.

Just don’t tell this walking warrior to ‘live in the moment ..’

“These people haven’t tried a river crossing!” she laughed.

.. before I ask the obvious question to the one woman who’s walking the entire East Coast of Australia solo and carrying a heavy pack: “How are your FEET?”

“Haha! My body is refusing to grow skin now on certain parts because it just comes off again anyway .. But my Soloman boots, they’ve been phenomenal, they’re my Four-WheelDrives,” she said, while still on her original pair!

And her Top-3 highlights this far?

• Jervis Bay “beautiful weather, no people, sunrises and just dolphins everywhere ..”

• Yuraygir National Park “was gorgeous coming up through Yamba and Iluka ..”

• Taronga

Zoo’s

‘Roar

and Snore’ experience

As Bailey Seamer laces up for yet another leg of this one-woman triumph.

“From here at Evans Head, I’ll zip up to Ballina by the beach .. it’s 40-something K’s (kilometres) then to Lennox to Byron Bay. Yes, a big couple of days!” she said.

It’s almost a marathon. In more ways than one. “Yeah I do think of that sometimes .. But if I stop, I don’t get anywhere,” Bailey Seamer opined. Infnite wisdom already, from this 23-year-old’s infnite journey of a lifetime.

“I didn’t expect this trip would harden me the way it already has, make me more cynical in fact, that it’s not this whimsical walk in a fowy dress but that out there, there are real life or death challenges.

“My perception on reality is now very different, what’s important now are safety, shelter, food, and water. I have a whole new understanding of what is a problem.

“And if change is going to happen, you can’t dictate how it will happen, and it’s likely to have both positive and negative aspects but that’s just what comes with it,” Bailey Seamer shared from her wandering and wondering mind.

“And I have a whole new appreciation for something as simple as a bench seat!

“You could say I had my ‘Forrest Gump’ moment,” she laughed.

Indeed, ‘Walk Bailey Walk’ - for another 2000 kilometres, and more.

From Bailey’s website, Wandering Minds

“It takes true courage to navigate journeys into the unknown, And taking a frst step of thousands often does not make us feel any closer to home, Wandering minds aims to provide solidarity when our mental health seems as though falling apart. We shall create each other’s light, as we wander together through the dark.”

Wesley Mission Jacaranda Festival

By SAMANTHA ELLEY

For Stu Cameron, CEO of Wesley Mission, Grafton’s Jacaranda Festival is more than celebrating the beautiful purple flowers that are making their annual appearance right now.

“(Wesley Mission) has been in the area just on eight years,” he said.

“Our services have significantly expanded, and we know it has been tough up here with the floods, so we are wanting to be a part of contributing to and helping the area.

“With the Jacaranda Festival it has contributed to the community cohesion and making people feel like they belong.”

Mr Cameron said it is why Wesley Mission has become a sponsor of the festival.

“We will also be

visiting all the region over the next few days especially Ballina, Lismore and Woodburn that were heavily affected by the floods,” he said.

“We have 95 staff in the region, and I have been listening to them and their stories and

working out how we can best support them.”

More than ever Mr Cameron has seen the significant uptick in the need for Wesley Mission services.

“The regions have felt it become particularly tough,” he said.

“In the areas of

By MARGARET DEKKER

When invited to a big potty party, the frst thought could be .. well .. ew! ‘who’d want to party in one of those?!’

But for the good residents of Pottsville at the southern end of the Tweed Coast, they know exactly what a big Potty party is; the chance to rally for one of their own with one helluva local party - and who better than Skyler Levy and the Brainchild Foundation to do it for.

In 2019, then 3-year-old Skyler was diagnosed with advanced brain and spinal cancer.

In the past three years, he’s endured multiple surgeries, steroids, chemotherapy, radiation, isolation and much, much more .. to combat the grade-4 Medulloblastoma after a series of misdiagnoses led to its late but eventual detection.

The Northern Rivers Times caught up with Skyler Levy this time last year when Pre-School, camping trips, the ocean and the slide were front and centre of this little Legend’s mind.

Today Skyler’s in Big School and thriving .. but years of intense treatment and therapy have taken some toll.

emergency relief and support and demand for employment services.

“Home care services demand has increased and a huge challenge for us is workforce availability.

“More people are asking for services than we can deliver.

“We could do a lot more with a bigger workforce.”

Mr Cameron said these issues were exacerbated and magnified by the circumstances of the present economy, where inflation was causing the cost of living to rise.

“There are less people

The Big Potty Party!

facing.

“The Big Potty Party is hosted at the one and only Pottsville Sport Club, grab some food and drinks whilst the kids roam free in the enclosed kids’ area,” organisers invite.

trained to be care workers than a few years ago,” he said.

“This is because less people are immigrating to the country that were in the services arena.”

Mr Cameron said their Lifeline service has also seen a spike in calls for assistance as people have become more isolated and lonely.

“This is another reason the Jacaranda Festival has been so good,” he said.

“Anything that brings people together.

“We are recruiting lots of volunteers to Lifeline, but we need more.

“We believe that we should do all the good we can, as every life matters.”

If you are interested in volunteering with Lifeline or helping the Wesley Mission out in any way, you can find out more at wesleymission.org.au

“Unfortunately, the treatment has left Skyler with an acquired brain injury, and we are raising funds for the ongoing medical costs his family are

There will be live music by Dylan Wright, fun with Shorty the Clown, barefoot bowls, kids face painting, games on the lawn and a live auction of an allinclusive Ski Package to Hakuba Japan, estimated value $11,500 (!) plus other staycations and boat hires.

A big raffe promises $7k worth of prizes from a huge range of local sponsors including: Berger House Boats, Blue Dolphin

Yamba, Crystal Castle, Pottsville Yoga Studio, Tweed River House, Lolita’s Casuarina, Number 35 kitchen and bar, The Eltham Hotel. Arcaa, Spell, Tweed Eco Cruises, Fun House Tweed Heads, Kalm Springs, Zephyr Horses, Palace Cinema Byron, BOK dance, Kakes and Biscuits, Polemi Studio, Baker and Farmer, The Hut, Fins, Earth Beer Company, Fusion Wellness, Naked Aesthetics, Stone and Wood, Soak Bathhouse, The Adventure Club, Kido store, Wandering Folk, The Little Company Byron, Billabong Swim School, Wandana Brewing, Loft Pilates, Kido Store,

Pottsville Village Meats, Stitch & Hyde, Absolute Tattoo, The Corner Collective, Brunswick Picture House “and a few more beauties.”

“We thank every one of these beautiful businesses who have been so generous, what a special Tweed/Byron coast we live in,” organisers stated.

“Bringing you an arvo full of family fun at the Pottsville Bowlo! With the biggest raffe Pottsville has seen to be drawn at 4pm.”

The Big Potty Party is on this Sunday, November 13, 2:00-6:00pm at Pottsville Sports Club, 61 Tweed Coast Road, Pottsville.

Saffin

L to R: Wesley Mission CEO, Stu Cameron, Jacaranda ambassador Amanda Daffey, Jacaranda Festival Manager, Mark Blackadder, Jacaranda Festival Secretary Amanda Brotherson, Wesley Mission Carolyn Taylor, Jacaranda Festival President Desan Padayachee.

Skyler Levy in his happy place in 2021

Jacaranda Thursday veteran racks up 30th show

By TIM HOWARD

With 30 Jacaranda Thursdays behind him and at least nine Gold Cups in the cupboard, Westlawn accountant Greg Watkins has become a centre stage fgure on Jacaranda Thursdays.

He traces his involvement “acting the goat” from 1991, when he turned out as a young gun with the Trimble Ensbey outft.

“Over the years we’ve won four Gold Cups with Trimble Ensbey & Associates and another fve with Westlawn,” he said.

While all performances have been special there have been standouts.

“I reckon the best one we did was in 2010,” he said.

“The Westlawn Circus, was something special.

“It was great because everyone involved picked a character and they put in great performance.”

This year was a departure for Mr Watkins, who has been a pioneer for live performance for Jacaranda Thursday performances.

“I didn’t get the chance to be involved this year until this week, so I didn’t have the chance to learn the lines,” he said.

He said Westlawn staff were inspired by the life of Australian music legend Olivia Newton John, who died earlier this year.

“It was a shame we chose the same idea as the council, but given the infuence she had on music, it was hardly surprising two of us went that way,” he said.

Despite the high energy performance, Westlawn had to be content with the silver cup and $400 second prize this year.

He said he was inspired by another Jacaranda stalwart, the late Greg Ryan, to make every show live.

“When I started out with Trimble Ensbey, Paul (Trimble) and Dave (Ensbey) were musicians who wanted to put on a live show,” Mr Watkins said.

“It gives everyone a chance

to really get into their part and its something people in the audience really enjoy.

“Plus I think it’s good for you to perform in public and put on a show and not get typecast as a dull, old accountant.”

He said Jacaranda Thursday has changed a lot since those heady days in 1991.

“There’s not as many performances now as there was back then,” he said.

“But for every business or offce that puts on a show they know they’ve done their best.

“When you come back to the offce the next day it’s a great feeling to know you’ve done something half decent.”

Novice fnds inspiration in hardwood

By TIM HOWARD

Wood worker Richard Nichols has discovered two things which have inspired him to create a winning entry for this year’s Clarence Valley Woodworkers Association Jacaranda exhibition.

Mr Nichols, the former district librarian had been an invaluable member of the association when it came to keeping its records and cataloguing its wok over the six years he had been a member. But he admits his woodworking had not kept pace with his other work.

“I had plenty of things I would ‘get around to’,” he said. “But then this lovely old lady let me know that getting around to things wasn’t going to get them done.

“I had to get off my bum and follow it right through to the end.”

Mr Nichols said once he’d worked out that part of the equation, another, more mystical part of the craft became apparent to him.

“People say they can

see the fnished item in a block of wood and all they have to do is get it out,” he said.

“For a long time I didn’t understand what that meant.

“But with this project, I would say the wood did most of the work. I just did a lot of sanding.”

He didn’t pick the easiest materials to work with to create his hardwood table.

The outback Australian wood gidgee, also known as ‘stinking wattle’ is rated the third hardest wood on the planet.

Carvers love its dark colour and beautiful grain, but it’s notorious for blunting tools and being diffcult to shape.

Richard said the block he had was also worm infested, which meant uncovering some surprises as he kept sanding.

“You couldn’t just keep sanding, because you just found more worm damage,” he said.

Instead he mixed some resin with a black colouring to fll the holes

Novice winner Richard Nichols points out some of the quirks of the wood in his winning exhibit at the Clarence Valley Woodworkers Association Woodcraft Display.

Westlawn employee Greg Watkins believes he has notched up 30 Jacaranda Thursday performance since his frst outing in 1991 for Trimble Ensbey & Associates.

JACARANDA BLOOMS AGAIN

people ‘decorating’

The 2022 Royal Party have worked tirelessly fundraising and helping at every event.

“The Purple Army is growing and are the backbone of the festival.

Carroll.

“Take a bow, incredible job. I could not wish to work for a more inclusive, dedicated and hardworking crew,” he said.

By TIM HOWARD

Jacaranda Thursday returned to Grafton streets with a bang this year with most judges rating it the biggest in recent memory.

The usual stalls and entertainment spilled out of Prince St into the side streets for the frst time in many years.

And best of all, the Jacaranda Thursday vibe was back in full swing as thousands of locals and visitors took in the sights and sounds.

While the contest for the coveted Jacaranda Gold Cup was down to just a few business houses, the quality of the performances more than made up for the shortage of quantity.

The Clarence Valley Council staff took the honours this year with a high-energy show featuring the songs from the musical Grease.

The contest turned into

Mark Blackadder was delighted with the public response to the countless hours of effort his team put into the ten days of

the carnival.

“The Festival would not be possible without the sponsorship and support of Wesley Mission, all the amazing sponsors, Destination NSW, Clarence Valley Council and the incredible collaborations with Clarence Valley Conservatorium and Grafton Regional Gallery,” he said.

“The hard work and dedication of these passionate volunteers is next level.”

Mr Blackadder’s said the Grafton Jacaranda Festival Committee was made up of eight volunteers: Desan Padayachee, Wendy Gibbs, Gerelle Blanchard, Amanda Brotherson, Gemma Moore, Kerrie DiMattia, Hanna Craig & Angela

“I could not be prouder of what has been achieved, 37 events with with more than 50 entertainers with amazing support over a two-week period.”

He said planning for Jacaranda 2023 was already underway and he expected to announce a date for a community feedback meeting in the coming weeks.

a Grease-athon when rivals Westlawn revealed they too had chosen the musical for their show this year.

Festival manager

Grafton’s Jacaranda Thursday celebrations spill into Fitzroy St from Prince St to accommodate the stalls and crowds who turned out last week.

The tradition of dressing up for Jacaranda Thursday can lead to some spectacular results.

The tradition of young

each other with shaving cream continues at the Jacaranda Thursday celebrations in Grafton.

Members of rock band Hometown Revival entertain the Jacaranda Thursday crowds in Prince St Grafton, from the giant stage erected over the Fitzroy St roundabout

Skate-Of-The-Art in Byron Bay

By MARGARET DEKKER

Construction of a new, world-class skate park and recreation precinct in the lesser-known ‘Sandhills Estate’ area in central Byron Bay is well underway with its main ramp and bowl now taking shape since work started in August.

The $2.6 million dollar precinct, to sprawl across existing scrubland beyond the

Byron Youth Service and behind the Byron Bay Library and Courthouse on Middleton Street, is expected to open to skater boys and girls by March next year.

Convic, “one of the toprated skate park design and build companies in the world,” is behind the construction of the state-of-the-art facility, in this big overhaul of the underutilised site in the heart of town.

“To make it a vibrant

public space that recognises the important cultural values of the site,” Byron Shire Council states.

The frst stage of the project is a skate park and recreation hub connecting the town centre, environmental zones, and existing facilities such as the Byron Youth Activities Centre (YAC) and Library.

It’s also hoped the vastly reimagined space

will discourage antisocial behaviour in the bushland area.

The State Government has provided the bulk of the funding for the skate precinct under its $25m Government Road and

Infrastructure Election Commitment for Byron Bay projects.

“It is a considerable asset for the town that an environmental and cultural space such as this exists so centrally.

The site’s ongoing management and use will be important for environmental and social health in the immediate and broader context,” the design brief reads.

Community consultation on water sharing and management in the Far North Coast New South Wales

The New South Wales government is currently undertaking consultation in the Far North Coast NSW region on several key water programs to give communities a clear understanding of how future water programs align and interact. The department is now consulting on the following:

Draft Far North Coast Regional Water Strategy (RWS)

• Richmond River Area Water Sharing Plan (WSP)

• Tweed River Area Water Sharing Plan (WSP)

There are several ways you can learn more and have your say by:

1. Attending a webinar

Tuesday 8 November: 5.00 pm – 6.30 pm. Update on Tweed River Area Water Sharing Plan

• Wednesday 9 November: 5.00 pm – 6.30 pm. Update on Richmond River Area Water Sharing Plan

• Tuesday 22nd November: 5.00 pm – 6.30 pm. Update on the Far North Coast Regional Water Strategy

2. Attending a face-to-face drop in session

• Monday 14 November, 12 pm – 4 pm: Kyogle Golf Club, 102 Summerland Way, Newpark – Far North Coast RWS and Richmond WSP

• Tuesday 15 November, 10 am – 2 pm: Murwillumbah Services Club, 10 Wollumbin Street, Murwillumbah – Far North Coast RWS and Tweed WSP Wednesday 16 November, 10 am – 2 pm: Casino Returned Servicemen’s Memorial (RSM) Club, 162 Canterbury Street, Casino – Far North Coast RWS and Richmond WSP

Thursday 17 November, 10 am – 2 pm: Department of Primary Industries 1243 Bruxner Highway, Wollongbar – Far North Coast RWS and Richmond WSP

• Friday 18 November. 10 am – 1 pm: Ballina RSL Club, 1 Grant Street, Ballina – Richmond WSP

To register your interest and to fnd out more information, please visit: dpie.nsw.gov.au/water-management-in-far-north-coast-nsw SB0126

The Sandhills Estate skatepark is taking shape

Sandhills Estate Skatepark – Open for a push, kick, roll in March 2023

Woodworkers carve out their Jacaranda niche

By TIM HOWARD

From a baby’s cot to a realistic medieval sword via a book of dragons, the 2022 Clarence Valley Woodworkers Association Jacaranda exhibition is back, breaking records.

The association’s Jacaranda Committee chair, Colin Lang, said after a threeyear break due to Covid-19 restrictions, the association’s 50plus members along with entries from local schools had created around 1800 pieces for the exhibition.

“It’s an unbelievable output,” Mr Lang said. “When you think its only around 25 members who exhibit and some of them only enter the competitive categories, it’s amazing.”

As well as the sheer volume of works on display, the variety of woodwork from practical everyday items to whimsical fantasy pieces has amazed visitors who pay $2 to enter the wonderland of wood.

Mr Lang picked out the winner of the free

expression category, Ray Ellery’s Log Book of Dragons, as an example of where a wood worker’s imagination could run.

He said Mr Ellery had turned a block of wood into a page turner, with each turn revealing a new carved fantasy creature.

“Ray actually wants people to pick it up and turn the pages to look at the carvings,” he said.

“And the way it’s made, it’s nearly unbreakable.”

Mr Lang said the medieval sword had attracted a lot of comment.

“People say, ‘what’s that sword doing here, this is wood work?’” Mr Lang said.

“We have to explain it’s made entirely of wood, without any metal, but it still looks totally realistic.”

Mr Lang while the free expression items encouraged “pure woodworking” skills, the same skills were also on display in the everyday

items on display and for sale.

“In the association we always encourage each other to look for new ways to work with wood,” he said.

“It doesn’t matter if its a pragmatic item or a fantastic carving, it can be the same techniques involved.”

Mr Lang said the association had weathered the Covidinduced break brilliantly.

“Considering we could hardly meet at all in 2020, the guys

have obviously been working at home pretty consistently.

“We’re thinking the 1700 items, plus some from the schools, is a record for this exhibition.”

Mr Lang, a former high school principal, was not surprised at the drop in output from the schools.

“Online lessons have not led to a lot of woodworking projects,”

More than a splinter group

By TIM HOWARD

It’s tempting to describe the group of dedicated Clarence Valley woodworkers, who opened began displaying their wares at the Jacaranda Festival, as a splinter group.

The Grafton Community Shed Inc has been in existence since 2020, but a combination of the Covid-19 and wet weather has kept a launch on the back burner.

But for this year’s Jacaranda Festival, the group collected a stunning collection of artefacts generated from its 25-strong membership and put together a display in the Grafton City Tennis Club clubhouse for the second half of the festival.

The group has members who have been drawn to groups like the Clarence Valley U3A Men’s Shed and Clarence Valley Woodworkers Association, but felt those groups restricted

their creativity.

Foundation member Lindin Ross said the people who formed the shed loved wood work, but wanted to incorporate other materials in their work.

Others loved the idea of the Men’s Shed, but found the rules limiting membership to ‘men only’ too restrictive.

Mr Ross said the club’s membership includes men, women and teenagers who meet weekly to practise their crafts and as a chance to get together.

“Most members come to work on projects and help other people, but other members come to sit around and have a chat,” he said.

“One of our members is a teen on the NDIS, who has been working with some members to pick up skills.”

He said the social aspect of the club has been as important as developing crafts.

“We had groups come to visit from the Grafton

Nursing Home and it was life changing for them,” Mr Ross said.

“They came in and could take up a project or sit around and have a chat with us.

“It was great for them even if they didn’t do

anything but have a talk with us.”

Mr Ross said this had shut down with Covid-19 restrictions, but hoped to get it going again soon.

The group have access to a shed in Hoof St, which is part of a

Clarence Valley Council depot.

“Since we started the council has been very supportive of us,” Mr Ross said.

“They wanted us to have access to the building and have been very helpful to us.”

He said the shed has been adequate for the group’s woodworking projects, but they have been on the hunt for another building to house some of the other crafts members are doing.

The club meets on Tuesday mornings between 9am and noon and on Saturday mornings for the same hours.

Members also crank up the barbie outside Bunnings for a fundraising sausage sizzle every Monday.

The club provides new members with access to a wide range of wood working tools and training to give them accreditation to use them.

As well it provides

he said.

“But with students back in the classrooms there’s a lot of interest and the school section will recover.”

The exhibition is open from 11am to 5pm until Saturday. Opening hours on Sunday are 11am to 1pm.

access to materials they can buy for the projects.

“Generally we can provide timber for people to purchase, but a lot of members have their own wood they work on,” Mr Ross said.

The group has also been hard at work in recent times working with the Grafton Poultry Club to build replacement cages at the Grafton Showground and at Ferry Park to replace shelving destroyed in the recent foods.

“We’re available to do work for community projects for not for proft groups,” he said.

“It’s important we don’t want to take away work from trades people.”

To make contact, you can turn up at the shed on Tuesday and Saturdays or phone president Eric Fuller 0427 028 353 for more information. The group has a Facebook page and its email address is graftoncommunityshed@ gmail.com.

Clarence Valley Woodworkers Association Jacaranda Committee chair Colin Lang demonstrates the prize winning Log Book of Dragons to Leonardo Laender, of South Grafton at the associations Jacaranda Exhibition at the South Grafton Ex-Servicemen’s Club.

Just one table containing some of the 1800 exhibits of the The Clarence Valley Woodworkers Association Jacaranda Exhibition

Grafton Community Shed members Lindin Ross, Don Nethercott, John Philipsi and Michael Jameson with a section of their display in the Grafton City Tennis Club rooms for this year’s Jacaranda Festival.

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By MARGARET DEKKER

She’s the self-confessed Halloween Queen of the Tweed and Deslee Barker reigned supreme again this creepy season with a pirate-themed bash to rival the best of her annual escapades.

This typically mild-mannered, local check-out-chick turned ‘Halloweenie’ (come late October!) opened her ‘Haunted House’ once more on Monday evening with families lining the street and waiting hours in various degrees of garb for a terrifying trick or treat at Deslee’s now-legendary home of skeletons, skulls, spooks, severed limbs, superstition, sorcery, zombies, and spiders.

Mums, dads, kids and grandparents travelled from Tweed Heads, Cabarita Beach, Ocean Shores or simply around the corner in Pottsville Waters to behold this truly remarkable tribute

Hallo-Q-ween!

Deslee as hundreds wove through her and hubby Jeff’s heaving home. But for this 57-year-old ‘Hallo-Qween,’ it’s Christmas, Easter, Valentine’s Day and New Year’s Eve all rolled into one and at once.

“Arrgh, I was so incredibly happy with it,” she said heartily, me hearties, as the clock ticked ten o’clock.

enthusiasm, face paint, fake eyeballs, costume and character .. before

Vampire

in ancient

speak, ‘the night before the new year, where the boundary

became blurred ..’

It was all a blur for

bidding a fond farewell to her fans for yet another year: “Stay spooky everybody!” Until next Halloween.

.. ah hah hah hah.

Application for Appointment of Board Members

Dunoon Public Recreation & Public Hall Reserve Land Manager Ever wondered who is responsible for keeping Crown reserves operating?

Countless facilities like showgrounds, local halls and parks are run by Statutory Land Manager Boards, made up of people just like you. People who understand the need and have a desire to manage public land and assets for the beneft of the entire community.

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

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

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

The Dunoon Public Recreation & Public Hall Reserve Land Manager manages the Reserve No. 85191 at Dunoon notifed on 15-Jan-1965 for Public Hall, Public Recreation. The term of appointment will be for a period not exceeding 5 years.

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

All applications are required to be lodged by 12 December 2022.

For further information contact: Chrissy Haslem on (02) 6642 9213 or go to reservemanager.crownland.nsw.gov.au

to All Hallows Eve or

Celtic

between the worlds of the living and the dead

With Fluffy the skeletal Parrot on her shoulder for support, Des greeted each ghoulish guest with her trademark

Deslee Barker’s already dreaming up her 2023

vamp and just how to best ft those false fangs by October 31

Fear not! The Tweed’s Halloween Queen, Deslee Barker (and the tattoo is real!)

Enter if you dare ..

Worth the 2-hour wait to enter Pottsville’s Haunted House

Diary of a flood survivor Part 16

Not sure if other flood survivors have noticed it but there are some floodrelated quirky features happening around our community. One of them is, because about 90% of residents lost their cars in February, new ones are popping up, but all with similar number plates.

Makes sense that if you buy a new/secondhand car and need to reregister it, you will get the latest plate. I have been making a game of how many number plates I’ve seen that start with ‘DD’ around the streets.

The people I’ve spoken to have also taken a different approach as they make their homes liveable again. One person I spoke to said she is only going to buy

secondhand pieces of furniture. It didn’t sit well with her, the amount of rubbish that ended up being thrown out, and rather than using new resources, she was going to recycle.

Another resident said no longer would her house be cluttered. Everything would be streamlined and only what was necessary was going back into the house. That happens when you’ve seen most of your worldly possessions piled up on top of each other.

We have finally brought all our salvaged goods back under the roof. We had wonderful family and friends storing many items that had stayed dry…and even some that

didn’t.

As we go through the memorabilia and items we probably will never use, it is tempting to donate those books that just sat on a bookshelf, or get rid of those photos that now have people in them you no longer do life with. I even found some letters from an ex-boyfriend that had been tucked away in an old sewing basket. Then there are the baby books that have measured and recorded all the kids’ milestones.

Maybe we will get a few tubs and put these items up high again, out of the way of any future floods.

GET YOUR GARAGE

SALE

ORGANISED FOR SECOND HAND SATURDAY ON 19 AND 26 NOVEMBER

The North Coast’s biggest day of garage sales - Second Hand Saturday - is bigger and better than ever this year with not one, but two main event dates on Saturday 19 November or Saturday 26 November (or both!) But you need to register your garage sale by Friday 11 November.

“We’re calling on the whole Byron Shire community to get behind this awesome opportunity to reduce and reuse, make some cash and show the rest of the North Coast what we’re made of,” Council’s Resource Recovery Strategy and Engagement Officer, Sarah Child said.

“Byron Shire is known for its pop-up second hand sales, so let’s all get out in force for one or both days to show the north coast we’re the recycling and garage sale boss!” Ms Child said.

All you have to do is register your garage sale online at www. secondhandsaturday. com.au and your free

online advertising and promotion will be taken care of.

“It’s like Old & Gold and other all town garage sales our Shire’s famous for that are held during the year - but Second Hand Saturday is held across the whole of the North coast for residents of Tweed, Byron, Ballina, Kyogle, Lismore, Richmond Valley and Clarence Valley Council areas.

“It’s a great opportunity to get more people to your garage sale and the perfect time before Christmas to sell your pre-loved items for some much needed cash or find the perfect gift!”

“In addition to hosting your own garage sale, it’s an opportunity for a joint garage sale in your street, with your local school, preschool, community organisation or church and you can make an event of it.

“We need to move away from a throw away culture and actually look around to see what we have close

by – and this is such a great opportunity to do that,” Ms Child said.

“Buying second hand, reusing and repairing is a great way to reduce waste going to landfill and to also reduce the amount of new waste we create,” she said.

All registered garage sale listings will appear on the Second Hand Saturday website and the free Second Hand Saturday App, which can be downloaded from the Apple App Store or Google Play.

Once again, residents can register their own home garage sale, or coordinate a joint garage sale in their street, with their local school, preschool, community organisation or church.

For more information visit the Second Hand Saturday website www. secondhandsaturday. com.au, follow the @ my secondhandsaturday Facebook page or contact your local council. Registrations close on Friday 11 November

The world’s largest marketer of macadamias

Marquis Marketing announces leadership changes

ADVOCACY FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING PAYS OFF

The world’s largest marketer of macadamias, Marquis Marketing, has recently announced several changes to its leadership team.

The company has announced the appointment of Charles Cormack as Chief Executive Offcer of Marquis Marketing, following the decision of current Marquis Group CEO, Larry McHugh, to resign from this position.

This internal succession of Mr Cormack was carefully planned and considered, with Mr Cormack having served as the General Manager of Marquis Marketing for the past four and a half years and bringing more than 20 years

of senior executive experience to the role.

“I am taking on the mantle of CEO at a challenging time for the macadamia industry, with global economic headwinds, supply outstripping demand and low farm gate prices,” Mr Cormack said.

“We have a lot of hard work ahead of us over the next 12 to 18 months to stimulate new global macadamia demand and bring it back into balance with supply, but with a great team behind me, I am confdent we can stabilise the market through 2023 and return to steady, sustainable growth beyond that.”

Before joining Marquis, Mr Cormack spent

fve years as Chief Operating Offcer for an international dairy trading business. He started his career in the engineering sector before spending 20 years in general management and managing director roles across Asia with a large multinational sales and customer service focused business.

Marquis Marketing’s Board of Directors has also welcomed a new Chair, Donald Ross. Mr Ross brings more than 30 years of experience in the macadamia industry to his new position, after developing several farms in the northern rivers of New South Wales and the Bundaberg, Queensland region.

“Charles is well placed to drive the established strategy and mission for Marquis Marketing with the support of the board and the wider executive team,” Mr Ross said.

Marquis Marketing is in a solid position under Charles Cormack’s leadership. He will continue to drive the development and nurturing of partnerships with blue-chip customers and distributors worldwide, as well as open and develop new international markets.

Fashion that looks good on you

Lismore MP Janelle Saffin has welcomed today’s announcement of 64 new affordable houses for Lismoresaying it’s fantastic to see advocacy pay off.

“This affordable housing project is something I have championed since early last year when I invited then Landcom Chief John Brogden to visit our region to explore potential housing projects.

“Last December I hosted Mr Brogden’s visit which included consultations with Lismore and Tweed Councils, roundtable discussions and visits to possible development sites.

“I thank the Councils for getting on board and working up their housing proposals with Landcom.

“I thank Lismore Council for stumping up the land in East Lismore and Goonellabah to make this possible.

“The Lismore

housing project was already on the books pre-flood, and then I drove it post flood. We needed to get this done.

“In May this year I made a special request to the NSW Government for $7.5 million for townhouse developments in East Lismore and Goonellabah.

“I told the Premier and Treasurer this was a golden opportunity to build affordable and social housing out of the floodplain.

“Now everyone has come to the party.

“I particularly thank Landcom for responding when I reached out to them and coming up to see the possibilities for development in our region.

“I look forward to seeing 64 keys in the doors of new homes in Lismore and I hope to see similar progress for affordable housing proposals for Murwillumbah.”

Charles Cormack

NORTHERN RIVERS EMPLOYMENT AND INDUSTRIAL LAND BUSINESS SURVEY

Northern Rivers Joint Organisation and RDA Northern Rivers has commissioned HillPDA to undertake an audit of industrial and employment lands in the seven LGAs of Ballina Shire, Byron Shire, Clarence Valley, Kyogle, Lismore, Richmond Valley and Tweed Shire, which will be referred to as the “Northern Rivers”. The Northern Rivers region is experiencing

rapid growth in retail, building and construction, personal services, tourism and hospitality. Promoting economic growth and identifying future employment and industrial lands is critical to the economic wellbeing of the Northern Rivers and its residents.

A survey has been developed to gain the perspective of both local businesses and those

that may be interested in establishing in the Northern Rivers. Your responses will be confidential and used to inform the employment land study being prepared by HillPDA.

We encourage you to have your say here: https://engage.hillpda. com.au/

The survey closes 18th November 2022.

Arts and Creative Industries Forum on Friday 25 November

on areas including:

• Arts and culture infrastructure

• Public art and creative activation of public spaces

• Enabling cultural activity

• Supporting festivals, events and screen industry activity

TAFE NSW STUDENT COMPETES AT INTERNATIONAL WORLDSKILLS CHAMPIONSHIPS

Local Lismore automotive student Nicholas McLaren competed for TAFE NSW at the WorldSkills International Championships in Germany last week, coming in as one of the top 20 mechanics in the world in 18th place.

WorldSkills competitions celebrate excellence while creating opportunities for young people passionate about their skills and training to test themselves against their peers.

light vehicles from various manufacturers, diagnosing complex mechanical problems, and delivering solutions within commercial cost and time constraints.

prospects, and we are amazed after seeing the talent that our local competitors have,” said Ms Frost.

Byron Shire artists and creatives are invited to an Arts and Creative Industries Forum on Friday 25 November from 10am until 3pm at the Brunswick Picture House.

Councillors will be attending and a light lunch will be provided. Attendees are asked to please register for tickets via Council’s website.

“We know it’s an especially busy time of year but we’re hoping our Shire’s creative community will take up this special opportunity to come together and do a bit of future

dreaming,” Council’s Arts and Culture Officer, Melitta Firth said.

“We’ll be brainstorming ideas with creative collaborators and gathering feedback about what you’d like the creative future of the Byron Shire to look like,” she said.

Council is developing an Arts and Culture Action Plan and input from the Forum will guide Council’s involvement and investment in arts and cultural activities over the next 5 years.

The Arts and Culture Action Plan will focus

• Nurturing our creative community

“Join Council, creatives and industry leaders to discuss how we can catalyse new partnerships and work together to support arts and cultural activities around the Byron Shire,” Ms Firth said.

Following comments from the The Arts and Culture Action Plan will be finalised in 2023 and placed on public exhibition for further feedback.

For more information go to Council’s webpage.

Students have been taking part in one of the hundreds of skill competitions held virtually across Australia, in more than 50 skill areas from including IT systems and networking, business, cloud computing, tiling, automotive and 3D game design.

The championships mark a milestone for Mr McLaren’s automotive ambitions, which began as a hobby working on his own cars. Mr McLaren won silver at the 2021 WorldSkills Australia National Championships which led him to the international championships after completing his apprenticeship at TAFE NSW Wollongbar.

Mr McLaren was tasked with maintaining

“The competition was a real challenge and it’s so rewarding to be able to test my abilities in my trade that I’ve learnt through TAFE NSW.

“The industry is growing and demand for skilled electric car mechanics is high. The work is great, we’re flat out so now is the time to get qualified with TAFE NSW. There’s no downside to the trade, I’d encourage people to give it a go.”

TAFE NSW WorldSkills coordinator Jenny Frost said the WorldSkills competition provides trainees with a practical way to test their skills and knowledge against others.

“These competitions develop young people’s confidence and will really help their job

“WorldSkills competitions provide TAFE NSW students with amazing, and potentially lifechanging, learning opportunities. They will learn important life-long skills that will not only help them succeed individually but will help deliver a highly skilled workforce.”

Mr McLaren is following in the footsteps of his employer, Jake Hiscock from Ballina Car Centre who won a gold medal at WorldSkills Australia in 2016. Mr Hiscock said he always looks to hire from TAFE NSW because of the top-quality teaching and development of the highest calibre of graduates.

Mimi Zenzmaier

PRIMEX READY TO SHINE IN 2022

RAIN, hail or shine

Norco Primex 2022 is set to roll out the latest in farm and agribusiness equipment and knowhow from 9am this Thursday November 10 through to Saturday 12 at the Richmond Valley Events Centre on Cassino Drive off the Bruxner Highway at Casino.

Primex Field Days Director Bruce Wright say this year’s event offers everything those in the agri-business sector need to kick their business back into gear after three years many would prefer to forget.

“We have 370 local, national and international exhibitors and more than a thousand suppliers making this year’s event the largest field day east of the ranges and the largest Primex Field Days in a decade,” Mr Wright said.

With one of the largest exhibits of tractors and machinery seen in the last ten years covering agriculture, building, construction, forestry and road transport, attendees will be able to see the latest equipment in action.

“We will also cover every aspect of business and innovation from operational needs through to agricultural technology, business recovery, the education sector, home lifestyle and the leisure market including caravans and recreational vehicles and road transport.”

Norco Primex 2022 will also highlight the paddock-to-plate experience featuring the

Nourish Food Festival showcasing local producers and food in the Paddock to Plate Pavilion.

“We have a great range of high-quality caterers on-site covering every taste alongside cooking demonstrations by our chefs.”

Mr Wright said Primex Field Days also has a strong emphasis on education this year

“We aim to help foster the next generation

Accommodation support after storms and foods

of farmers and agribusiness entrepreneurs,” he said.

“There is an entire range of exhibits covering primary, secondary and tertiary education designed to encourage the next generation to stay within the supply chain of agriculture and ideally follow opportunities within their region.

“The whole family can see what is available from agricultural

studies right through to agricultural careers.”

“Norco Primex 2022 is also focussed on the future with opportunities available to establish on-going relationships with experts and industry representatives along with other producers.”

Mr Wright said this year’s Primex Field Days has something for everyone especially in the run up to Christmas.

“Families will get a lot out of it, we have

live entertainment, the Nourish Food Festival in the big marquee and the beer garden as well as livestock displays and animal nurseries.”

“It’s the last big field day of the year and anyone travelling here might like to find a spot here on the beautiful northern rivers and have a bit of a family holiday in the run up to Christmas.”

Mr Wright said that

Primex Field Days itself was a family-owned business that has faced the same challenges as everyone else over the past five years but was more than ready to forge ahead.

“Norco Primex 2022 is focussed on making a positive impact on our agricultural industries and local communities and we’re ready to gather and help celebrate innovation and the opportunities available in our farming and agribusiness industries.”

NORCO PRIMEX 2022

When: 9am-4pm Thursday 10th November Friday 11th November Saturday 12th November Where: Richmond Valley Events Centre on Cassino Drive off the Bruxner Highway at Casino, NSW.

For information go to: primex.net.au

I your home has been dama ed in the foods you may be able to live in a caravan on your property.

The NSW Government at-home caravan program will provide you with a temporary caravan.

This means you can live on-site while your home is repaired and will help you stay connected to your nei hbours and community.

To fnd out i you’re eli ible or the at-home caravan pro ram and start the application process today. Visit nsw.gov.au/caravan

NORCO PRIMEX 2022 IS PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY

In a first for the region, a Green Living Expo is being staged on Saturday 10 December at TAFE NSW Wollongbar. The community event is an initiative of the Rotary Club of Alstonville, with Ballina Shire Council and Southern Cross University as key partners.

Spokesperson for the Expo, Bob Costello said, “the aim of the event, planning for which commenced before COVID and well before the devastating floods, is to showcase local creativity, products and services that are contributing to the care for our environment and creating a bright future.”

“Our region is known for its green thinking and passion for making a difference. We want to celebrate this passion and hope for a positive sustainable future through this community event” Mr Costello said, “The region has been hit hard by the floods and has other ongoing challenges. We want to contribute in the hope that comes about when we work together and put the spotlight on positive things that are happening. “

Display sites remain available for the Expo. The Rotary Club invites expressions of interest from local Northern Rivers

businesses and groups who would like to participate with a display. Themes for the event include new products, projects and services around water, waste management, food production, cultural knowledge, housing, transport, energy, and habitat. Local food and music will also be a feature of the event, which will staged across a family friendly green space at the TAFE, with a panoramic view north towards the iconic Nightcap Range. Further details can be found at www. alstonvillerotary.org.au or phone Bob Costello on 0410598523.

SCU’s converted electric Kombi will on display at the Expo

TAKE US BACK WHERE WE ‘BELONG’

What joyful tidings! (‘Leemo Cat’ report ing). ‘Mum Jane’ had the needle thingie in her knee last week, and I feel compelled to report the atmo sphere in our house has lightened considerably. Certainly, Mum has a grumble growl every now & then, and ob serving her get out of her armchair wielding her walking stick, is, at times, confronting. e good thing is, she has stopped saying rude words which were due to pain, (so she says).

To me, as a loving feline, this is conducive to a better home calm ness. NOW, moving on. I saw on our TV and read in the news papers about the Dad Lion and his 4 cubs taking a break from of where they live at Taronga Zoo in Sydney. I decided to ask Mum about this scenario. ‘Mum, how come they wandered o ? Do they not get many treats and stu , and warm snuggy caves with plush blank ies & open plains whilst residing at Taronga? Why do you think they wanted to leave?’ Mum kinda stared at me as if I was asking her to oat in the air, like do something implausible. ‘Leems, please sit and listen ‘cos I have some thing to say.’ CRIKEY, she has taken her glasses o ...this is seri ous. ‘Leems, imagine, just for a millisecond, I decided to keep you in your ‘car travel’ con tainer, 24 hours a day x 7 days a week. And, I just poked your treats at you through the bars every now & then. How would YOU feel?’ I had to ponder. e thought was daunting. Ooooh. I truly would HATE it, so I told her

as such. ‘Well, Leems, I AM NOT a believer in keeping animals in captivity, so you are o the hook being caged ‘for now.’ Reading and observation Leems, tells me that the more an animal roams in the wild, the more it will su er in captivity. Whilst some animals MAY well thrive in captivity, other species die young, don’t repro duce, and show bizarre, repetitive behaviours.

So, Leems, I was most heartened to know about the Taronga lions having a wee adventure outside? I don’t blame them one bit. Many years ago I lived in Sydney, and the house I lived in was just across the water from the Taronga Zoo. I would go to bed and hear the animals making sad sounds…kinda like saying ‘take me home’ please. As you know Leems, I also lived for some years in Africa. e beautiful animals roamed and lived con tentedly. Now some are in ‘breeding programs’ at Zoos and other insti tutions, all locked up. No roaming the plains, hunting as a natural instinct, looking out for their young…in other words, they are not ‘living their best lives’ simply for the curiosity (and money making enterprises) of humans claiming ‘extinction’ can be xed.’ e main causes of extinction of wild animals is due to us humans, the loss and degradation of habitat (mainly deforestation), over exploitation (hunting, over shing), invasive species, climate change, and nitrogen pollution.

So, Leems, round up your buddies, take the bus to Taronga Zoo, nd a way to release the Lions, and bring them to our place. We shall nd a way to send them back safely from whence they came.’ (PS..Leems, you will have to SHARE!) Crikey, there is much for me to do now. With contemplative worry ing purrsies, Leemo.

Banks ready to help food impacted communities

The Australian Banking Association said banks stand ready to support Australian communities hit by rain and devastating foods.

“We know more rain is on the way and this event has already affected many tens of thousands of Australians, it is a terribly diffcult time for those in regional areas affected,” Chief Executive Offcer, Anna Bligh said today.

“The message from

banks is clear: don’t tough it out on your own, call your bank as soon as you are able to, they are ready to help. “Banks have very experienced hardship teams. They’ve worked with families who have experienced foods before and have a range of very practical measures to support people to get through these experiences,” Ms Bligh said. ABA member banks offer a

range of measures to help customers affected by natural disasters.

Depending on individual circumstances, assistance may include:

• A deferral of scheduled loan repayments, on home, personal and some business loans for up to 3 months

• Waiving of fees and charges, including for early access to term deposits

• Debt consolidation

to help make repayments more manageable

• Restructuring existing loans free of the usual establishment fees

• • Offering additional fnance to help cover cash fow shortages

• Deferring upcoming credit card payments

• Emergency credit limit increases

Cane toad problem to be tackled again this season

For the third year running, Council is focusing on reducing cane toad popula-tions on the Tweed Coast with a suite of educational events and community toad busting initiatives.

Council has once again joined forces with not-forproft community environment group Watergum to run the Tweed Toad Busters program, aimed at stop-ping the advance of cane toads on the Tweed Coast before they have a chance to breed and multiply.

The citizen science program runs from now until April 2023 and will target cane toads at every life stage, from tadpole trapping through to toad busting.

The frst free event of the season will be held at the Kingscliff Community Hall on Wednesday 9 November from 6:30 pm to 8 pm (NSW time). This highly engaging event will teach the community about cane toads, their impacts, and effective techniques to

reduce their numbers.

A special focus will be on the use of Watergum’s cane toad tadpole traps and lures, which can catch up to 4,000 tadpoles at a time.

Council’s project offcer - wildlife protection Emily Clarke said the aim this year was to build on the momentum gained during last season.

“We know that when we work together, we achieve greater results and our ef-forts will help to reduce our impact on the natural environment in the Tweed,” Ms Clarke said.

“The events are designed to be fun and easy for people to get involved in, with week-long toad busting challenges that include prizes and more

convenient drop-off points, so residents don’t have to keep the toads in their freezers.

“We are also launching a new educational video which will help novice toad busters identify and humanely rid cane toads from their properties.”

Watergum’s cane toad program began on the Gold Coast in 2018 and was brought to the Tweed in 2020. Last season, the program successfully engaged 174 community members and resulted in the removal of around 2,223 cane toads from the environment.

Watergum’s invasive species manager Emily Vincent said research showed regular and

thorough toad busting activities were the most successful way to control cane toads.

“Each female cane toad can lay up to 70,000 eggs per year, so removing adults from the environment before they can breed can have a big impact on their breeding capacity,” Ms Vincent said.

“Cane toads are now well established in 4 Australian states including Queens-land, NSW, the Northern Territory and Western Australia so it’s important the community bands together to fnd and eradicate this invasive pest.”

To register to attend the free cane toad trapping and information session at Kingscliff on Wednesday 9 November, and to watch the new educational video on this program, visit tweed.nsw.gov.au/canetoads.

For more information, email canetoads@ watergum.org or vis-it watergum.org/canetoads/.

“Leemo has views on just about anything”

Don’t tough it out on your own, call your Bank as soon as you are able to, they are ready to help.

Banks ready to help food impacted communities

ASK A WASTE EXPERT LAUNCHES FOR NATIONAL RECYCLING WEEK

This National Recycling Week, Ballina Shire Council is launching a new community initiative, ‘Ask an Expert’.

The aim of the ‘Ask a Waste Expert’ service is to be a tailored resource recovery learning tool, supporting residents to recover resources and reduce contamination in kerbside bins.

Simple everyday actions like recycling can contribute to a better environment and National Recycling Week (7-13 November) is a great opportunity to think how we can keep improving.

Now in its 27th year, National Recycling Week

provides an opportunity for councils, workplaces, schools and individuals to improve recycling knowledge, develop better recycling habits and build greater trust in recycling.

Reducing, reusing, and recycling waste isn’t always straight forward, particularly with new and innovative types of packaging and some questionable marketing claims.

“Ballina shire is tracking well above the state average, with a 68% recovery rate from our kerbside recycling and organics bins,” explained Lloyd Isaacson, Manager Resource Recovery.

“We’re proud of

our recycling efforts and want to continue implementing programs that further support residents now and into the future”.

Residents who’d like to ask what to do with a certain item or how to reduce or reuse waste safely can send their question via a simple form (with a photo of the item where benefcial) and a resource recovery team member will reply directly as soon as possible.

Ask a Waste Expert is accessible via the button on Ballina Shire Council’s homepage or at ballina.nsw.gov.au/ recycle-right

MORE TRANSPARENCY ON FLOOD GRANTS BEING TAXED

Over a week has past and there has still been no clarifcation from the Minister for Emergency Management on whether victims of recent fooding across eastern Australia will be taxed on food assistance grants they receive.

Shadow Minister for Emergency Management, Senator Perin Davey, said the Prime Minister and Minister Watt need to be more transparent on the taxing of payments to food victims.

“Prime Minister Albanese told a press conference in Lismore there was no suggestion food grants would be taxed; however, on the same day, Minister Watt told Senate Estimates food grants would be taxable,” Senator Davey said.

“We called this out the day it happened and yet the Government has not clarifed the confusion.

“Flood affected communities are struggling to get back on their feet and the last thing they want to hear is they may get taxed on food grants.

“Following past disasters such as the black summer bushfres, the Liberals and Nationals in Government took action to ensure grants were treated as Non-Assessable, NonExempt (NANE) grants.

“The Labor Government needs to ensure grants paid out to small business and primary producers following this year’s

foods are given the same treatment.

“With all the worries and fears food affected communities are facing, they should not have to chase what grants and assistance might be taxed and what might not.

“For the sake of all of our food affected communities, I hope the Prime Minister was on the right page and I hope he will correct the Minister for Emergency Management. Flood grants must not be taxed,” Senator Davey said.

ADOPT-A-FAMILY BE THE REASON SOMEONES SMILES THIS CHRISTMAS

THE JOY OF GIVING.

For many years now our wonderful local community has been involved in Adopting a Family for Christmas. e gi of giving, thanks to the generosity of many locals families that don’t have a lot of support around them or are signi cantly disadvantaged this program gives them special moments that they would have never been able to have. Please contact one of the many Community Organisationsthat are involved this year to o er to make a di erence in a families life. We ask presents not to be wrapped as this allows for carers/parents to be apart of the special process. Hamper/Vouchers such as local supermarkets/cinema/swimming pool is also suggested.

Drop o presents by the second week of December to your organisation of sponsor.

TO paraphrase arguably the western world’s first martyr to sound logic, if not clear thought, Socrates once implored, “All you need to be a good philosopher, is a sense of wonder.” I’d go even as far as to say: that the sense of wonder is outright essential to being the most well-rounded person we can be.

Nothing, when you think of it, transcends our response to something more than ‘wonderful’, there is no word or sensation that climbs higher or reaches further into the world than wonder. And equally, nothing is more reductive than an abject lack of being able to find wonder in our surroundings. Or as G.K. Chesterton once stoutly observed, “We are perishing for want of wonder, not for want of wonders.”

None other than the original moon-leaping astronaut himself, Neil Armstrong once said, “Mystery creates wonder and wonder is the basis of humanity’s desire to understand.” To know, deeply feel and fathom as well. Wonder is the metaphysical master key that unlocks all doors, difficulties, deeds and demands. There is no force that can more clinically topple, albeit see right through the petty self-absorption of dictators and the empires they forge through their own obsessed and pampered idiocy.

Aptly, the American scholar Huston Smith once surmised, “The larger the island of knowledge, the longer the shoreline of wonder.” Not to mention an appreciation of the rights, differences, beauty, place, and presence of others. Ironically, the greater the sweep of someone’s ignorance, the smaller

their world becomes, reduced to the point of containing nothing more than their own miniscule self.

As if prescribing the ultimate remedy for inserting, albeit insisting that wonder be a feature in our lives, Friedrich Nietzsche once chided, “Is life not a thousand times too short for us to bore ourselves?” And boredom, whilst being the mangey antithesis of wonder, is also its ultimate shady nemesis. It lethargically pulls the blinds down on all that wonder looks upon, celebrates, and sees clearly.

Boredom is often a deep cry for help when it isn’t a clear death cry of the soul; Winston Churchill himself, entered this rather gloomy ballpark by making, “I’m bored with it all,” the last thing he ever said before slipping into a coma and passing away some nine days later. Maybe the Nobel Prize winning author, Saul Bellow touched on something beyond dispute when he once gleaned, “Boredom is the conviction that you can’t change ... the shriek of unused capacities.”

Alternately, the final words of the ultimate computer supremo and doyen of wonder, Steve Jobs were heard to be, “Oh wow, oh wow, oh wow!” You can only imagine what was streaming through the heart and mind of this innovator to the very end. Though, when it comes to ‘parting’ words of polish, no one could ever surpass Humphrey Bogart’s cracker, “I should have never switched from Scotch to Martinis.” With the possible exception of Karl Marx, “Go on, get out – last words are for fools who have not yet said enough!”

Life Lessons: Bernadette Trela – All in the name of art

IN an age and era that elevates and spruiks everything it considers exceptional, but which often only amounts to little more than what other generations would’ve scoffed at. It is reassuring to know that there are still people cast from the most authentic, non-fckle of molds.

One such individual is Bernadette Trela, the Grafton-born and Sydney-imbued artist with the unfabricated personal distinction of having a last name that spells ‘alert’ backwards. Which is a handy twist of fate when it comes to etching a name for yourself in a feld that relies so heavily on your ability to notice – what others don’t.

Fittingly, the German fgure of culture par excellence, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe once said, “You select a pattern and with that you mix your individuality: that’s the sum total of your art.” And when it comes to the pattern, added individuality and sum total of Ms Trela’s art, what you get is the refned accumulation of a life lived in absolute sync with artistic inclination and conviction.

Having left her hometown of Grafton for the bright lights of Sydney at the age of 17, returning many years later, Ms Trela said, “I’d always known I was an artist and told my father this from an early age. He would tease me with his thick Polish accent and humour, “Study Journalism, you will travel the world, Bernadette!”

But travel the world she did and refne her talents and artistic sensibilities every step of the way. One major highlight of her career was being invited to Ukaria Art Convention Centre in Mt Barker by the Sydney Symphony Orchestra’s Diana Doherty to visually interpret the mood and atmosphere of live classical music in 12 pieces.

As for other highlights, Ms Trela is quick to reference meeting her partner Tim Lewis, who

lived in the house of renowned artist Martin Sharp when they frst met. “Meeting some of my Australian ‘Artist Heroes’ was exciting, inspiring, encouraging and made anything seem possible for a time. These artists were mostly very real people, humble, gentle, vulnerable, and non-conformist; ‘my people’ and I felt comfortable, in awe but supported,” Ms Trela said.

Very graciously, Ms Trela is quick to defect attention away from herself, “I have painted a few paintings that I am happy with, and the collections they have

gone into. But I’m most happy with the success of some of my very young students and the amazing older students from incredible backgrounds, they themselves are inspirations.”

When it comes to the ultimate advice, Ms Trela said, “Be kind to yourself, if you really want to do something fnd the people doing it! Go to University and gain as high an education as you can. Travel, seek out and fnd the good people rather than feel you have to fnd the good in people. Don’t settle for less! Stay curious and stay away from negative people who tell you what

you can’t do.”

“And most importantly if people tell you to toughen up... don’t! Honour your sensitivity. A successful life is a life devoted to doing what you love and loving what you do. The freedom that comes with creating something that gives meaning and beauty to yourself and others.”

As such, you deeply sense that the trail Ms Trela has followed has been one of genuine meaning and beauty –both sought and found, for not just herself – but for everyone she has met along the way.

Bernadette Trela

National Award for Local Gardens

Sawtell Catholic Care’s ‘The Link’ community gardens have been named as the best in Australia, having received the coveted National Green Space Regional Award at the Australian Institute of Horticulture’s Awards Ceremony, held at Melbourne’s Rose Street Artists Markets on Friday 28 October 2022.

Sawtell Catholic Care CEO, Michael Darragh, said the Awards Ceremony featured a diverse range of national and international green space projects and celebrated the commitment and professionalism of those who have made a significant contribution to the horticultural industry.

“These awards are recognised as the pinnacle of achievement in Australia, so it has been both very exciting and humbling that our community gardens were selected as the winner amongst a very competitive nation-

wide field of regional nominations.”

Mr Darragh said the journey to develop The Link began with a local team of industry professionals coming together to design and create a beautiful, thriving and sustainable natural environment where people could

connect with nature to support their physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing.

“Firstly, I would like to thank our Board Members and Sawtell Catholic Care’s Leadership Team for their continued support over the past five years, as it was a challenging

Free solar - savings up to $600 on electricity bills

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

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

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

To be eligible you must:

Currently be receiving the Low Income Household Rebate

Agree not to receive the rebate for ten years

Own your own home

Not already have a solar PV system

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

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

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

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

Want to fnd out more?

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

project to deliver given the scale of works required to realise our ultimate vision for the five-acre site.”

“Thanks must also go to Garden Expressions’ Senior Landscape Designer Claudia Nevell, Design Professional Jim Booth from Casa Koala Architecture, F. M. Glenn Constructions and Lisa Daniel from The Design Cupboard for their collective input towards creating such an engaging environment.”

“What the team have managed to deliver is

a natural destination which is also a physical expression of our mission in action, because it is a safe place where we can grow together as a community and nurture a shared understanding of care for our land, our environment and each other.”

“And it is vital during these busy and challenging times that we are able to connect with nature, as research recognises that horticulture can play an enormous role in our lives by creating nature-

based experiences, which in turn promote healthy lifestyles and support our physical and mental wellbeing.”

The Link is located at 631 Hogbin Drive, Toormina and is open to the public for free, Monday to Saturday between 8:30am and 3pm, so you can connect with nature and explore the gardens, or simply sit back and relax with a coffee and a light meal or snack at The Link’s new Nyanggan Gapi Café.

Costa and Steve

Perkins Caravans are open and operating our offce out of a shipping container in Union Street. Like most people we were affected by the food, but we have bounced back and have some massive savings on stock. Spare parts and accessories

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If you want to sell your caravan we are interested in buying, or we can have your van on consignment. Get out on the road in one of our new

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caravans, or choose a quality pre-loved camper or caravan. We have lots of popular brands and also have swag trailers and golf carts. Check out our website: www. perkinscaravans.com.au

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Being a mobile service, there is no need to worry about getting your project into the shop, Glenn will come to you and provide a quote in a timely manner. We can help with solar panels, electric brake units,

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batteries isolators, starter isolators, dc to dc chargers and more. We are focused on delivering high quality work and exceptional customer service, meeting all quality standards. The team has a dedicated approach

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and pies from us for your special event, or as a treat for someone sweet.

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Hello Clean, Goodbye Mould. Keeping your home clean and mould free isn’t easy, especially as the humidity of the summer kicks in. Bunji Mould Services offers cleaning and regular mould maintenance to all home spaces and with

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If you have any questions or want to book a service give us a call on 0499 306701.

ENERGY CONCESSIONS FAILING TO REACH LOWINCOME AUSTRALIANS

LOCAL PROJECTS BOOST YOUTH WELLBEING

At least 1 in 5 eligible low-income households in the National Energy Market are not receiving their energy concession, a new report from the Consumer Policy Research Centre (CPRC) has found.

CPRC, CEO, Erin Turner, released the report today and called on state and federal governments to review the concessions system to ensure it works for the people who need it most.

“With the rise in costof-living and electricity prices tipped for a 50 per cent increase over the next two years, energy concessions can offer immediate cost-of-living relief for many low-income Australian consumers.

“We found a significant gap between the number of people eligible for energy concessions and those receiving the concession on their energy bill,” Ms Turner said.

“State and federal governments need to work together to make the system work for people on lowincomes doing it tough, rather than have consumers jump through many hoops to access their entitlements.”

The CPRC report analysed states in the National Energy Market and Victoria, with the largest gap in the ACT, with 41% missing out on their energy concession, followed by 38% of South Australian consumers, 35% of NSW consumers and 29% of Queensland consumers.

In Victoria, which operates under a

different regulatory regime, 7% were missing out on energy concession, but more consumers were found to be missing out on critical cost-of-living supports on their water bill (22%) or their gas bill (12%).

“The difference between utilities, different regimes and states is not easily explained - part of the problem is piecemeal reporting about consumer outcomes.

Governments and regulators need to bring together better data about the concession system.”

But why are lowincome households not receiving their concession?

“Ultimately, the onus lies with consumers to navigate the administration required from government and energy retailers to get the rebate or discount they’re due.

“There can be low awareness, difficult systems, and sometimes consumers have done the hard yards, and their energy retailer still fails to apply their concession to a bill.

The CPRC report includes six key recommendations to bridge the concession gap – led by a joint review of the concession framework at the different levels of government.

More information, including the full report, Mind the Gap - Identifying the gap between energy concession eligibility and concession received is available at: www.cprc.org.au/ mindthegap

Programs championed by Coffs Coast community organisations are among the latest projects funded by the NSW Government’s Children and Young People Wellbeing Recovery Initiative.

Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh said the projects will help support recovery and boost resilience for young people in our region following the impacts of natural disasters and COVID-19.

• GREAT (Girls Resilience-Education Art Time) - Boambee East Community Centre $49,671

• Building Youth Volunteers -

Volunteering Coffs Harbour $10,000.

“I’m thrilled to announce support for these projects which will help young people in our community bounce back stronger than ever in the wake of COVID-19 disruptions and natural disasters,” Mr Singh said.

“Projects like these are outstanding examples of how we can help young people recover, build resilience and improve wellbeing by providing them with the tools and resources they need.”

Other Coffs Coast projects to receive funding from this program in 2022 are:

• Mental Strength and Resilience Building

in Young Sporting Athletes – Uniting NSW.ACT $48,749

• Brush n Boost

– Coffs Harbour Neighbourhood Centre $10,000.

Minister for Regional Youth Ben Franklin said the $10.3 million Children and Young People Wellbeing Recovery Initiative offers large grants between $10,000 and $50,000 and small grants for up to $10,000.

“The large grants fund projects such as community events, peer support groups, cultural connection or partnership programs, while small grants are to enable initiatives like

sporting programs and barbecues,” Mr Franklin said.

“Our Regional Youth Community Coordinators will help connect young people with the projects that best support their wellbeing and recovery and foster resilience and connection.”

The Children and Young People Wellbeing Recovery Initiative is funded through the NSW COVID-19 Economic Recovery Initiative and the co-funded NSW and Australian Governments’ Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements. Visit nsw.gov.au/ YouthWellbeing.

FITCH REAFFIRMS TRIPLEA CREDIT RATING FOR NSW

Global ratings agency Fitch has reaffirmed NSW’s triple-A credit rating with a stable outlook, the latest vote of confidence in the State’s financial management.

NSW is the only state in Australia with two triple-A credit ratings, with Moody’s also assigning a triple-A rating in September.

Last month, S&P Global maintained the State’s double-A plus rating with a stable outlook.

Treasurer Matt Kean, who will this week meet with Moody’s in London to discuss the economic outlook and Environmental, Social

and Governance (ESG) risk factors, said the result was proof of the State’s strong fiscal management.

“New South Wales remains the only state in Australia with a Moody’s and Fitch triple-A credit rating,” Mr Kean said.

“The State’s strong financial management

has supported our credit rating and enabled the Government to continue to deliver on its record $112.7 billion infrastructure program.

NSW remains on track to return to surplus in 2024-25.”

The State’s net debt is projected to stabilise at about 14 per cent of

Gross State Product by June 2026, compared with a projected 26.5 per cent for Victoria at 30 June 2026. Mr Kean, in his meeting with Moody’s, will discuss the direction of fiscal policy post-COVID and the most pressing credit risks for NSW.

Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh at today’s announcement with facilitator of the GREAT program, Sharon Swinton (left), and parent Joanne Swadling.

NEW BRIDGES TO BOOST ACCESS ACROSS LISMORE AND KYOGLE

Two new bridges that are stronger, more resilient to natural disasters and allow more freight to be transported through the region were offcially opened in the Kyogle and Lismore districts today.

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said the new bridge replaced an 83-year-old concrete structure that had been operating under a 20-tonne load limit for the past two decades.

“Today we’ve unveiled a brand new bridge which will be able to better withstand future weather events and support the region for

years to come,” Mr Farraway said.

“Further effciencies will be realised for local freight including diverting timber, dairy and agricultural products away from the Omagh Road route, saving truck drivers a 10-kilometre detour. The project supported 20 local jobs over the three months construction was carried out, including fve full-time positions.

“This new larger single span concrete structure, founded on steel driven piles, has been designed and constructed to achieve a 100-year design life while improving food

MORE QUALITY HOUSING FOR TEACHERS IN THE BUSH

More public school teachers are being encouraged to move to the bush thanks to a signifcant NSW Government investment to improve the supply and quality of teacher housing.

An additional $23.5 million housing investment has been provided on top of the $174 million key worker housing investment already announced as part of the 2022-23 Budget.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said providing housing is one of the most tangible ways we can attract and retain workers in the regions.

“We know housing is one of the biggest factors in attracting workers and driving further growth in the regions,” Mr Toole said.

“It is vital that teachers who work in the regions, especially in our more remote and rural schools, have access to comfortable, modern housing close to their workplace.”

Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell said $8.4 million of the additional investment will be spent on new housing in towns including Bellata, Broken Hill, Coolah, Gilgandra and Ivanhoe. “While we have generous fnancial incentives for teachers

to go to a country school, many teachers considering a regional move have told us that housing is just as important a factor in their decision-making, if not more so,” Ms Mitchell said.

“Ensuring teachers have quality housing options available to them will attract and retain quality teachers to some of our more remote schools.”

Construction work on new housing has already started in the State’s north this term.

Teacher housing improvements will include $12.3 million of funding for renovations to approximately 50 Teachers Housing Authority managed properties in areas including Stuart Town, Mumbil, Ellerston, Girilambone and Adaminaby.

Around 100 teacher houses will have new heating and cooling installed, worth almost $2 million, and $800,000 is being invested in increasing housing supply by taking out head leases, with the properties to be occupied by country teachers.

Investment in teacher housing is part of the Government’s delivery against the recommendations of the 2021 Regional and Remote Incentives Review.

immunity and safety for local farmers and truck drivers.”

The project received $2.1 million through the NSW Government’s Fixing Country Roads program as well as $300,000 from Kyogle Council and a $212,000 in-kind contribution in materials supplied by Grahams Quarry.

Parliamentary Secretary to the Deputy Premier Gurmesh Singh said it was fantastic to offcially open the new $2.6 million Cedar Point Bridge with Kyogle Council Mayor Cr Kylie Thomas.

“The Fixing Country Bridges Program is

delivering real benefts to regional communities and it is great to be here today to open the bridge alongside Mayor Kylie Thomas,” Mr Singh said. “After the weather events of this year this new bridge will help build resilience back into this community and ensure our road network remains strong for years to come.”

Cr Thomas said the Cedar Point Bridge was a showcase for what can be achieved through partnership between all tiers of government, the community and industry.

“We’ve been able to achieve an innovative solution, getting the

best value for money, increasing the capacity of local contractors, and maximising the beneft to the local economy from external grant funded projects such as this,” Cr Thomas said.

In the Lismore City Council area, a new $517,000 Keerrong Road Bridge at Keerrong was also offcially opened today by Mr Singh and Lismore Mayor, Steve Kreig.

The bridge replaces a food-damaged culvert that washed away in fooding earlier this year and was jointly funded by the NSW and Australian governments under Disaster

Assistance Arrangements

for the March 2022 food event.

Cr Kreig said the opening of the bridge was great news for the community.

“The new bridge will ensure our farmers can get their produce to markets and improves the connectivity across our whole local government area,” Cr Krieg said.

“Importantly, Council has ‘built back better’ by improving the resilience of the bridge to fooding.

UP TO $5 MILLION TO ASSESS FLOODCONTAMINATED LAND

Northern Rivers residents and small businesses will be able to access food support with a new NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) program supporting the management of contaminated lands following the devastating foods in early 2022.

NSW EPA Chief Executive Offcer Tony Chappel announced the new program in Lismore and said the EPA is committed to doing all it can to help the region recover.

“Our role at the EPA is to protect the community and environment, and this program is about ensuring contaminated land is addressed so people have peace of mind about their land,” Mr Chappel said.

“I cannot begin to imagine how hard it has been for the community to return home after the fooding only to face a painstaking clean-up.

“We want to give Northern Rivers communities who have made that extraordinary effort the certainty that the land they live on is healthy and safe.

“This program will provide free, independent assessments for eligible properties, which will reveal if soils have been contaminated.

“If a property is deemed to be contaminated, we will also provide landholder assistance in cleaning-up soils and returning the environment to the best state possible.

“I want to thank all our EPA offcers who have been working with

other agencies to remove waste and debris from across the region.

“The volumes have been enormous and in the past week alone, we have removed 3 cubic metres of debris from our waterways, equal to that of three semi-trailer trucks.

The funding will also support the seven eligible councils (Lismore, Richmond Valley, Ballina, Kyogle, Tweed, Byron, Clarence) to assess any food contamination to public areas as well as providing resources to manage contamination from future natural disasters.

The NSW EPA runs a number of programs to help regions impacted by foods, with the Shoreline Clean-up Program removing

more than 17,800 cubic metres of food debris from waterways in an area extending from the Queensland border to the Illawarra.

The Flood Recovery Program for Contaminated Lands is jointly funded by the State and Commonwealth disaster recovery funding agreement (DRFA).

Residents can now apply on the Service NSW website website.

The EPA has also launched an interactive visual food debris map which demonstrates the scale and scope of the clean-up effort, as well as sharing stories from the community and EPA offcers.

A totally Strawesome Festival not to be missed!

Indulge in an iconic strawberry ice-cream, feast on freshly picked produce, take part in the berry delicious journey in the Jamworks cooking demonstration marquee with Celebrity Chef Alastair McLeod, explore the boutique market patch and delicious food stalls, kick back with live music on the Strawberry Field, join a sip sesh with a local vintner and brewer and if that’s not enough, we are bringing the BBQ, with our Festival BBQ PIT crew, Shank Brothers!

If you love a good amateur eating challenge, we have you sorted with a festival

exclusive scones and jam challenge, amateur hot wing challenge and if you have Grannies best Strawberry Jam, bring it along and enter it into the Festivals Free Jam competition.

We are crushing on Berry Vibes and we are ready to get the Festival started so, don your favourite berry inspired dress-up and join in the fun, we even have some great prizes up for grabs!!

Local artist Sue Hamlet will also be joining the Festival with an exclusive & free Van Grow Strawberry paint session.

What to bring...

- Your appetite for all things berries & paddock to plate.

- Your best Berry inspired outft and accessories (who doesn’t love a dress-up!)

We can’t wait to see you out at the Stanthorpe Berry Festival with a program sooo yummy, you’ll be rolling out the gates. www.berryfestival.com.au

Tickets: https://www.eventbrite. com.au/e/stanthorpeberry-festivaltickets-297637510807

Festival Program

We are Berry excited to bring you a totally strawesome event for 2022!!

A full day’s programming, packed with interactive experiences, master classes, taste testings, demonstrations, competitions, meet the farmer, live music and don’t forget a fan favourite..... the BERRYinspired Dress Up!

There is something for everyone to enjoy, so grab your family, friends and partners and head on out to the Stanthorpe Berry Festival for a totally strawesome time!

Jamworks Marquee

The Jamworks marquee will be a hive of activity during the festival with

Celebrity Chef, Alastair McLeod on stage throughout the day. Food demos, taste testings and a heap of laughs are on offer with the crew from Jamworks and Cooked from Scratch Chef, Lizzy Sabo.

BBQ Crew

The great Aussie BBQ is back with the Festival BBQ crew, Shank Brothers in action from 11am in the BBQ Marquee. The lads will take good care of you with their tips and tricks on perfecting your bbq along with mouthwatering tasters for the meaty meat lovers and a amateur hot wing competition to round out the program.

Fruit, Fruit, Fruit

The festival will be fowing with the regions best summer strawberries as

the district celebrates the harvest season.

Not only strawberries, but we will be spoilt with raspberries and blueberries, both locally grown in the region. Make your way to the Festival Fruit marquee.

BERRYinspired Dress Up

We are feeling festival vibes with the Berryinspired dress-up party of the year! Come dressed-up in your best Berryinspired getup & you may even win a prize!

Jam Competition

Think you have what it takes to be this years Festival Jam Champion? Get the pot stirring and enter your Strawberry or mixed berry Jam! FREE to enter.

Eating Competitions

The scones & jam eating competition is back for the 2022 festival, will you take the crown at this years festival??

NEW! NEW! NEW! Meat eating challenge... think you have what it takes? The BBQ boys will have your plate served up and ready to demolish.

Live Music

Take time out on the Strawberry Fields and chill out with live music on the main stage from 11am.

Sip Sesh

NEW! NEW! NEW! Meet some of the regions Vintner’s and Brewers with an interactive sip sesh, where they take you on the journey of their craft.

Boutique Market Wander through the

regions market boutique and explore locally made produce and products. You will also be spoilt with a number of food stalls, with berry inspired menus.

Eats & Drinks

Graze your way around the food stalls with a variety of delicious menus on offer. Local Wineries and Breweries will also be there with all your favourite drops.

Meet a Farmer

Catch up with the regions Farmers and fnd out why growing Berries on the Granite Belt is totally Strawesome!

Find our Farmers in the Booth sessions throughout the day in the Strawberry Zone.

Golden cket

We've got a golden ticket... We've got a golden ticket!! 1 Golden ticket will be randomly wrapped under a FESTIVAL STRAWBERRY ICE-CREAM serviette... will you be the lucky winner??

Kids

Children visiting the Festival will be entertained by a variety of fun activities. Hosted by BushKids, activites will be available for all ages to participate free of charge.

NEW WILDLIFE CORRIDOR SYSTEM TO OPEN VITAL LINKS FOR NATIVE PLANTS AND ANIMALS

New Wildlife Corridor System to open vital links for native plants and animals

Council has a new draft Wildlife Corridor System that maps out the key links or ‘corridors’ between patches of habitat to help native animals move across the landscape and thrive.

The draft Wildlife Corridor System and interactive maps are on public exhibition and the community is invited to provide feedback by Monday 28 November.

“Byron Shire has high biodiversity so it is important for us to help our native plants and animals to survive and thrive in our increasingly man-made environment,”

Byron Shire Council’s Biodiversity Team Leader, Liz Caddick said.

“One of the ways we can do this is to help them move safely between patches of habitat, so that they can

find mates, food and seek refuge in times of natural disaster,” she said.

“Council’s new draft Wildlife Corridor System aims to do just that – by mapping out the key links, or ‘corridors’, between patches of wildlife habitat, that allow native wildlife

to move across the landscape where they were previously hindered or unable.

“We hope that the map will inspire landholders in the Byron Shire to take steps to help protect or improve wildlife corridors on their property. These steps could include planting

trees, restoring degraded habitat or replacing old fences with wildlifefriendly fencing. Even in suburban areas there are many things landholders can do to help, including planting native shrubs, putting up a nest box, keeping pets indoors, or leaving out clean water for wildlife,” Ms

Caddick said.

The new Wildlife Corridor System is not an overlay in Councils Local Environment Plan, so it doesn’t impact on existing land use activities. For example, rural and urban land use activities that are permitted under the Local Environment

Plan can still occur on land within a wildlife corridor.

“However, we are encouraging landholders to use the Corridor System to help make decisions that can benefit native wildlife on their properties,” Ms Caddick said.

Council has developed a wildlife corridor map and the community is encouraged to get online and have a look at where their property fits in our natural landscape.

“Even if you don’t live in a wildlife corridor, you can still help by being aware of where they are, and driving through them especially carefully between dusk and dawn when wildlife are most active,” Ms Caddick said.

For more information and to have your say on the Wildlife Corridor System, go to Council’s website and provide your comments by 28 November 2022.

MORE WAYS FOR SENIORS TO STAY CONNECTED

Minister for Seniors Mark Coure said 21 programs have been funded with a share of more than $600,000 through the third round of the Reducing Social Isolation for Seniors program.

“Following this round, we have now supported 71 different programs with some $2 million to support seniors and keep them connected with their local communities right across the state,” Mr Coure said.

“Seniors are an integral part of our society and we want to make sure they don’t run the risk of falling into social isolation.

“These programs are about making sure everyone can participate no matter their background, language or abilities.”

Camden Council is one of the local councils receiving funding through the program, which will go towards the running of its Café Connect initiative.

“Camden Council is focused on providing all our residents with the best opportunities to participate and engage in a range of local activities,” Camden

Council Mayor Therese Fedeli said.

“This funding goes a long way in assisting Council to continue providing our Café Connect program,

which provides our local seniors with the opportunity to participate and receive information about health, social and service provisions, lifelong learning and

wellbeing activities and the opportunity to socially connect on a regular basis.”

North Shoalhaven Meals on Wheels also received funding to

help expand its Meals Together program.

“The past few years have been extremely challenging for many members of our community, with some feeling lonely or isolated. With this funding from the NSW Government,

North Shoalhaven Meals on Wheels is excited to expand Meals Together to better engage and support these members of our community,”

North Shoalhaven Meals on Wheels Director and Deputy Chair Luke Sikora said.

Funding of up to $50,000 was on offer in the third round of the Reducing Social Isolation for Seniors Grants program. Projects must run through 20222023.

For more information on the grants program, visit: www.dcj.nsw.gov. au/rsis

As the frst month of storm season comes to an end, the wet weather isn’t relenting any time soon, with further rain and renewed river rises forecast next week.

Since the start of October, NSW SES volunteers have responded to 7,473 requests for assistance, with the majority of work helping communities with sandbagging, resupply and evacuation assistance.

Volunteers will have busy weeks ahead with the Bureau of Meteorology forecasting widespread storms across inland and coastal NSW starting from Monday and moving across the state on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Chief Superintendent Ken Murphy said while rain is expected to be moderate, communities need to monitor the

situation and follow the advice of emergency services, as the situation can change quickly.

“With eight rivers currently at major level across the state, the forecast rain will exacerbate river conditions in locations already affected by major fooding, particularly across southern and western NSW,” Chief Superintendent Murphy said.

“There are six emergency warnings in place for Murray River communities, with more emergency warnings likely to be issued next week for areas west of the Great Dividing Range.”

With the soil already saturated there is an increased likelihood of trees falling due to the strong winds, the NSW SES urges members of the public to prepare

now.

“Isolated storms can create dangerous conditions, including falling trees and fash fooding, so we encourage people to repair roofs, tie down loose items and park vehicles away from trees now to reduce your risk,” Chief Superintendent Murphy said.

The Bureau has advised that snowfall is likely across the southern Alps

on Wednesday, with unseasonable snowfall possibly extending further north over the Central Tablelands and as far north as Barrington Tops.

“Snowfall can result in slippery and hazardous driving conditions; members of the public are urged to slow down and drive to the conditions” Chief Superintendent Murphy said.

Throughout October, NSW SES members have responded to 258 food rescues, and have sadly witnessed dangerous situations where people have driven or played in foodwater.

“Entering foodwater not only puts yourself at risk, but your passengers and our volunteers who are called to rescue you,” Chief Superintendent Murphy said.

Regular storms and fooding will continue throughout November until at least the end of the year, so we ask communities, commuters, and travellers to plan ahead, understand the risk of fooding in your local area, and to never drive through foodwater.

“If you do come across a fooded road - stop, turn around and fnd a safe alternative. There’s always another way.”

Fundraiser for the Cancer Council

THE SUMMER 2023 SH!TBOX RALLY

Russell Wilson has been the local mechanic in town with Dunoon Automotive for close to 14 years now, he’s founded Nut Capital Motors Incorporated, a not-for-proft historic car club that was pivotal in getting the Dunoon Village Blues back on its feet after an over 3-year hiatus after a 13-year history of successful events, due to the bushfres, Covid and foods killing off all public events, even our 150th village anniversary party last year.

We’ve frantically tried to get public funding from bushfre and Covid recovery funds as well as local grants earlier in the year, sadly and bizarrely all to no avail, so the decision was made to fund the event ourselves, through villagers donating their money, time, expertise and work to bring the show back and they sure managed, even paying the musos, who all have had such a particularly hard time during Covid.

The Dunoon Village Blues, a free, familyfriendly all day outdoor music event at the Dunoon Sports Grounds & Club will now be a regular annual event in late October again and we’re always looking out for sponsors and offcial funding, but that is another story for another time...

The little red car was centrepiece in the Village Blues roadshow, the classic car show out back and we managed to rustle up a few gold coin donations as well as some big donors,

most of all of course we managed to raise awareness, which is the whole reason for us to do this rally - to

and give emotional support for the ones going through it, their friends and families and the ones left behind

with cancer and illness taking such a toll on people’s lives.

We’re hoping to provide a bit

this space.

The Holden 1989 model, identical to the Suzuki Swift and actually made in Japan, happened to be my frst ever car which I bought when I had only just arrived in Australia as a junior doctor in 2002 - in the big cities where I grew up, studied and trained I never needed a car because I could cycle, walk, take the tube or bus or public transport of whatever kind. So, it’s going full circle for me...

The team name ‘Dunoon’s Nut Cap City Limits’ is born out of Dunoon being offcially called the ‘Nut Capital’ of Australia on our village signs (Macadamias), add to

verbal thumbs up from Two Mates Brewery, Lismore, and Tyrepower Lismore has come on board sponsoring us with 6 brand new tyres (as we need 2 spares for the rough roads), We’ve also received a very generous donation from Rocky Creek Designs, a local motorbike accessory designer and inventor and a pledge of sponsorship from Jonathan Pickering of Ecosparx, a local electrician that specializes in Solar and off-grid for domestic and commercial customers, and we’ve written to quite a few other local, Australian, and international companies last week, currently awaiting response.

support people and their loved ones going through cancer and raise awareness for their plight, their suffering, encourage open talk and camaraderie, supporting them through their hardest ride with showing that we’re prepared to ride for them and with them, in a crappy car, in rough conditions, but nowhere near the rough journey that this illness puts one through.

Russ has friends and family affected by cancer, the urge to support cancer research

come natural to a bloke who’s always looking after others as witnessed in his workshop I’ve worked in the health system for 30 years and have accompanied many patients on their journey, witnessing the solitude and isolation that often comes with such a diagnosis and treatment, something that I want to address more than anything with taking part in this Shitbox Rally.

Sometimes life hands out a real shitbox of a ride and nobody asks us whether we want to ride it yet having to ride it on your own is what breaks people - knowing that you’ve got a co-pilot, a support crew, followers, and a team of 250 other riders or people to talk to, that often is the difference between hardship and despair.

Having a fun adventure in the middle of whatever drama might be happening can shift the focus from looking at the pain to seeing the community rallying behind a good cause, be that the Village Blues after the bushfres, Covid and the foods having taken such a toll on us, or be that the Shitbox,

of happiness and laughter riding the 1989 Holden Barina, our Red Roadrunner, from Dunoon up to Rockhampton QLD where the Rally starts, then down the dirt tracks of the outback via Tambo, Eulo, (both QLD), Cobar, Tooleybuc (both NSW), through VIC via Bass Strait to Strahan (Tas) ending in Hobart.

The car has been sitting dead by the side of the road in our village for 6 years, in accordance with Shitbox rules cars cannot cost or accrue repair bills of more than $1500, we bought it for $1, Russell managed to bring the motor back to life and it’s in need of quite a few spare parts and repairs yet but it’s already running on all 4 cylinders and local Country Punk legend and artist Jimmy Willing added a bit of extra horse power and a horse with no name for our ride through the desert, hence and we’re cautiously optimistic that we’ll not only get it from to Rocky and all the way to Hobart on the iconic rally, but that we’ll manage to even drive it back, watch

that a bit of Nutbush, City Limits by Tina Turner, and the nuts, bolts and hubcaps of a mechanics workshop at the end of the world and you’ve got the gist of a small town having a laugh at its own insignifcance, which is all we can say about our own lives in the end, right?

Some sponsors have already taken us under their wings, you are being the top one, there’s Thunderpants from New Zealand, a small local organic fairtrade cotton undies & shirts company, we’ve got a

We’re looking predominantly for local sponsors of high-quality wares or products that we’re using and happy to endorse ourselves, doesn’t have to be big money, but needs to be a company that has proven itself to be fair to customers and staff, that supports the region and that has fair work practices - no Aussie companies that have transferred their production to sweatshops in dictatorships need apply if you catch my drift...

If you would like to donate and help Russ and Ulf on their treck and help them raise money for the Cancer Council Scan the QR Code below. If you would like to sponsor the boys you can email Ulf on ulfsteinvorth@ hotmail.com

FRIDAY

THE LIVING ROOM

TEN, 7.30pm

It was only a matter of time. After years of fruitless irting, are the writers behind one of the longestrunning forensic crime dramas in Britain nally giving into the romantic pressure? In tonight’s season 24 nale, Nikki (Emilia Fox) and her sidekick Jack (David Caves) share a moment that will have fans either all or covering their eyes. It’s a bold move for a series’ two main characters to cross the irting boundary: once done there’s no going back. Despite Nikki declaring that their romance would be “totally unethical,” temperatures rise, with the background emergency situation edgeof-your-seat stu Season 25 can’t come quickly enough.

WEDNESDAY COUNTRY HOME RESCUE WITH SHAYNNA BLAZE

NBN, 7.30pm

Aussies have been struck down with renovation bug incessantly: if we aren’t excitedly doing up our own homes, we are fervently watching someone else do it. Now that The Block has wrapped up for another year, its star judge, the straight-talking Shaynna Blaze, invites us on a personal a bringing her own country homestead in Kyneton, Victoria, back to life. It’s yet another on-trend renovation series extolling the virtues of regional living, but this one is more homely than most because Blaze’s two grown-up kids, Carly and Jess, are on board for the huge project. Tune in to see how the reno queen with a penchant for storage solutions does it her way.

Have you ever wondered how the fun-loving presenters on this long-running lifestyle show manage to whip up their vibrant and inspirational segments week in and week out? The Living Room has been a reliably jovial Friday evening stalwart for the past 11 years, but the word is out that the show is taking a year-long break so that Amanda Keller, Miguel Maestre (above), Barry Du Bois and Dr Chris Brown can have a breather. While fans fret about whether they’ll temporarily defect to Better Homes and Gardens, lap up these nal episodes. Tonight, Miguel helps throw a 60th anniversary seafood lunch and Chris lands in Fiji to explore the secret behind the locals’ smiles. 1111

FRIDAY, November

6.00 News. 9.00 News. 10.45 Remembrance Day Memorial Service. 11.30 News. 12.00 News. 1.00 Signi cant Others. (Madl, R) 1.50 Doc Martin. (PG, R) 2.40 Poh’s Kitchen. (R) 3.10 Gardening Aust. (R) 4.10 George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces. (R) 4.55 Back Roads. (PG, R) 5.25 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)

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

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

7.30 Gardening Australia. Costa picks perfect citrus.

8.30 Frankly. Fran Kelly chats with some of the biggest names and brains in Australia and from around the globe.

9.10 All Creatures Great And Small. (PG) It is a very important day for Tristan, but a painful secret threatens to ruin celebrations.

9.55 Fisk. (PG, R) Helen meets with two estranged brothers.

10.20 Annika. (Final, Mav, R) A young woman is murdered.

11.10 ABC Late News. Detailed coverage of the day’s events.

11.25 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 Peer To Peer. (R) 10.00 Living With The Boss. (Premiere, M) 11.00 Hugh’s Wild West. (PG) 12.10 WorldWatch. 2.00 An Australian Hero: Keith Payne VC. (Malv, R) 3.00 NITV News: Nula. 3.30 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R) 3.35 The Cook Up. (R) 4.05 Paradise Soldiers. (PGa, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R) 6.30 SBS World News.

7.35 Jerusalem: Builders Of The Holy City. A look at Jerusalem’s iconic monuments.

8.35 Good With Wood. (PG)

Hosted by Mel Giedroyc.

9.30 Back To The Titanic. (R) Follows experts as they revisit the wreck of the RMS Titanic for the rst time in almost 15 years.

10.30 SBS World News Late.

11.00 Das Boot. (MA15+a, R)

11.55 The Sleepers. (Malv, R)

2.10 Atlanta. (Madlv, R)

4.00 French Food Safari. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 11.30 Seven Morning News. 12.00 MOVIE: Maid Of Honor. (2006, Mv, R) 2.00 House Of Wellness. (PG) 3.00 The Chase. (R) 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia.

6.00 7News Local.

6.30 7News @ 6:30.

7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. Johanna Griggs and Charlie Albone cruise around Alaska. Adam Dovile looks at the golden rules of tiling. Fast Ed createst the perfect pavlova.

8.30 MOVIE: We Bought A Zoo. (2011, PGal, R) Based on a true story. In the wake of the loss of his wife and despite nancial pressures, a single father moves his family to a run-down zoo where he and the sta set out to renovate and reopen the facility. Matt Damon, Colin Ford, Scarlett Johansson. 11.05 To Be Advised.

6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. (PG) 11.30 Morning News. 12.00 MOVIE: Calling For Love. (2020, PGa) 1.50 Talking Honey. 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 Pride. (PGm) Keepers discover the sex of ve lion cubs.

8.30 MOVIE: The Shawshank Redemption. (1994, MA15+lv, R) A unique friendship develops between a banker convicted of murder and one of his fellow prisoners. Tim Robbins, Morgan Freeman, James Whitmore.

11.20 Reported Missing: Jean. (Ma, R) Police search for a missing pensioner.

12.40 Tipping Point. (PG, R)

1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (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. (PGa) 1.00 Living Room. (PG, R) 2.00 Ent. Tonight. 2.30 GCBC. (R) 3.00 Judge Judy. (PG, R) 3.30 My Market Kitchen. (R) 4.00 Farm To Fork. 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. Miguel Maestre helps throw a surprise 60th anniversary seafood lunch.

8.30 The Graham Norton Show. (Mal) Guests include Geena Davis, Stephen Graham, Motsi Mabuse and Stormzy.

9.30 To Be Advised.

10.30 Just For Laughs. (Mdls, R) Hosted by Nick Cody. 11.00 Just For Laughs Uncut. (MA15+ls, R) Hosted by Nikki Osborne. 11.30 Peter Helliar: Loopy. (MA15+ls, R) A stand-up performance by Peter Helliar. 12.45 The Project. (R)

1.00 Home Shopping.

4.00 Take Two. (R) 4.30 Global Shop. (R) 5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 5.30 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)

1.45 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG, R) 2.30 Home Shopping. (R) 6am

6am TV Shop. 7.00 Cre o. 7.30 TV Shop. 10.30 Pointless. 11.30 My Favorite Martian. Noon Days Of Our Lives. 12.55 The Young And The Restless. 1.50 Explore. 2.00 Saving Britain’s Worst Zoo. 3.00 Antiques Roadshow. 3.30 MOVIE: Laughter In Paradise. (1951) 5.30 Murder, She Wrote. 6.30 Antiques Roadshow. 7.30 Antiques Downunder. 8.00 Antiques Roadshow Detectives. 8.40 To Be Advised. 11.10 ABC TV PLUS (22)

Movie Show.

9.00 DVine Living. 9.30 NBC Today. Noon Emmerdale. 12.30 Coronation Street. 1.00 Sons And Daughters. 3.00 Modern Business Australia. 3.30 House Of Wellness. 4.30 Medical Emergency. 5.00 RSPCA Animal Rescue. 5.30 Escape To The Country. 6.30 Bargain Hunt. 7.30 Border Security: International. 8.30 Escape To The Country. 11.30 Late Programs.

Late Programs. BOLD (51) 9GEM (82)

6.05 A United

6am Children’s Programs. Noon The Carrie Diaries. 1.00 Baywatch. 2.00 Full House. 3.00 The Nanny. 3.30 3rd Rock. 4.00 That ’70s Show. 4.30 Raymond. 5.30 Children’s Programs. 5.45 MOVIE: Maya The Bee 3: The Golden Orb. (2021) 7.30 MOVIE: Legally Blonde 2: Red, White And Blonde. (2003, PG) 9.30 MOVIE: The Break-Up. (2006, M) 11.40 The Emily Atack Show. 12.20am Queer Eye For The Straight Guy. 1.15 Kardashians. 2.10 Baywatch. 3.00 Bakugan: Geogan Rising. 3.30 Ninjago. 4.00 Late Programs. 6am Home Shopping. 7.00 Fishing. IFS Championships. China v South Korea. Replay. 7.30 Creek To Coast. 8.00 A Football Life. 9.00 America’s Game: The Super Bowl Champions. 10.00 Irish Pickers. 11.00 American Pickers. Noon Billion Dollar Wreck. 1.00 Hell re Heroes. 2.00 WSL Presents. 3.00 Timbersports. 3.30 Heavy Lifting. 4.30 Irish Pickers. 5.30 American Restoration. 6.00 American Pickers. 7.00 Pawn

SBS FOOD

SKY

(33)

6am Morning Programs. 1pm Gok Wan’s Easy Asian. 1.30 Simply Raymond Blanc. 2.30 My Market Kitchen. 3.00 Poh’s Kitchen Lends A Hand. 3.30 From Scratch. 4.30 Cook Like An Italian. 5.00 David Rocco’s Dolce India. 5.30

Tales From River Cottage. 6.30 Gourmet Farmer. 7.00 The Cook Up. 7.30 Rick Stein’s Cornwall. 8.00

Cook Like An Italian With Silvia Colloca. 8.30 Travel, Cook, Repeat With Curtis Stone. 9.00 Cheese Slices. 9.30 Come Dine With Me UK. 10.00 Bizarre Foods. 10.30 The Cook Up. 11.00 Late Programs.

9LIFE (84)

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.

O The Grid. 10.30 Lake Life. 11.30 Late Programs.

Property of the Week

724 Firth Heinz Road, Pillar Valley - $799,000

Price reduced. Highly motivated vendors. This beautiful coastal hinterland lifestyle property comprises 17.6 acres of peace, privacy and birdsong. The unique one-bedroom residence has a very worldly feel to it, complete with high raked ceilings, french doors, and stained glass features. The atmosphere of this property truly needs to be experienced first-hand to be appreciated. The studio apartment is self-contained and sits just East of the main house. It would be perfect as a teenager’s own space, a home for the in-laws, or for long or short-term rental such as an AirBnB, as it has previously been utilised as. A 6x3.8m shed behind the residence is lined internally and would be great for a home office. There is also a 12x6m machinery/car shed. Situated just 15 minutes from the coast yet maintaining absolute privacy and seclusion, this is a lifestyle property in every sense of the expression. Please phone JoJo Newby of Farrell McCrohon Stock & Station Agents on 0417 690 637 for any enquiries.

RECENT CATTLE MARKET REPORTS

CASINO

NRLX MARKET REPORT Week Ending Saturday 5 October

Agents yarded a total of 998 head at the Northern Rivers Livestock Exchange regular prime sale on Wednesday 2 November. This was a considerable increase in numbers for both young cattle and cows. The yarding of young cattle consisted mainly of weaners, with increased numbers of light weights this week. Restockers were again active in the market acquiring the largest percentage of young cattle.

Cow prices held frm this week averaging 370c/kg and reaching a top price of 404c/kg. Heifer prices saw a drop with lighter stock up to 250kg averaging

WARWICK

LIVESTOCK MARKET REPORTS WARWICK MC DOUGALL & SONS LIVESTOCK MARKETS WARWICK W/E 4/11/2022

Agents yarded 853 head of cattle for the weekly sale along with 923 head of sheep & lambs for the weekly sheep and lamb sale. The numbers were not as high in the pork and poultry sections, but the prices were frmer. This week also saw the horse sale reappear after the Covid restrictions of the previous years. The sale was a good result for some tidy ridden horses and some good horses for young and experienced horse lovers.

Vealer steers averaged 616.7c/kg topping at 746.2c/ kg or $1529.88 to $1950.00

Vealer heifers averaged 528.6c/kg topping at 650c/ kg or $1372.49 to $1927.93

Feeder steers averaged 520c/kg topping at 618.2c/kg or $1863.91 to $2363.13

WARWICK

MCDOUGALL AND SONS’ SHEEP & LAMB REPORT

Agents today yarded 922 sheep and lambs to the weekly sale. The market sale was held in conjunction with the Agents inaugural Hoof and Hook Competition held by the Sheep selling Agents as well as Carey Bros, Riverina Stock Feeds, People & Places, SDRC and the local trade and buyers. The competition lambs were presented and judged on the hook before processing and judging at Carey Bros.

The lambs today were a good mix of trade and export weights as well as some feed on and replacement stock. The lambs topped at $210 to average $170.45 ($28up), hoggets topped at $173 to average $143.19($26up), ewes topped at $150 to average $97.47 ($25up), wethers topped at $145 to average $131.05 (even), rams topped at $126 to average $114.56 ($16down), lamb rams topped at $152 to average $135.20 ($31up). The total yarding of 922 averaged 154.35 a rise of $32/ head on the

655c/kg and topping their category at 886c/kg. Heavier heifers over 250kg averaged 438c/kg and reached a top of 618c/kg.

Bull prices were back this week with 23 head sold averaging 322c/kg and 672kg. Steer prices were signifcantly stronger with those up to 250kg averaging 699c/kg and reaching a top of 900c/kg.

Heavier steers over 250kg averaged 527c/kg and topped their market at 756c/kg. A good number of bullocks sold on the day averaged 387c/kg and reached a top of 608c/kg.

Vealer prices were easier this week averaging 640c/ kg and 202kg and reaching a top of 892c/kg. T&W McCormack and Ramsey & Bulmer held a joint store sale at the NRLX on Friday 4 November with 1,421 head going under the hammer. Steers topped their category at 908c/kg and averaged 645c/

Feeder heifers averaged 455.5c/kg topping at 516.2c/kg or $1688.63 to $2177.13

Yearling steers averaged 547.4c/kg topping at 624.2c/kg or $1787.62 to $2174.31

Yearling heifers averaged 405.8c/kg topping at 535.2c/kg or $1518.50 to $2073.90

Steers averaged 454.4c/kg topping at 610c/kg or $2335.81 to $3196.96

Heifers averaged 405.8c/kg topping at 476.2c/kg or $1942.25 to $2566.67

Manufacturing steers averaged 385.3c/kg topping at 410.2c/kg or $2106.16 to $2461.83

Cows averaged 363.5c/kg topping at 391.2c/kg or $2051.72 to $3266.75

Bulls averaged 421.3c/kg topping at 574.2c/kg or $2037.69 to $3488.67

Lambs topped at $210 to average $170.45 a rise of $28/head

previous sale.

Tom & Tracie Cooper sold Xbred lambs 58.8kg to Eversons for $210, 50kg to Thomas Foods for $188, 58.8kg hoggets to Take IT Easy Meats for $160

Phil & Gabe Byrnes sold Dorper lambs 50.8kg to Eversons for $203

Tim & Mary Turvey sold Xbred lambs 50.7kg to Eversons for $189, 46.8kg to Thomas Foods for $170

Malcolm & Pam Turner sold Dorset x lambs 56kg to Eversons for $181

Neville Darr sold Xbred lambs 43.6kg to GR Prime for $164, 57.5kg hoggets to restockers for $173

Stillwater Pastoral sold Dorper lambs off crop and supplement 45kg to Jock Young Meats for $183, 40.8kg to Lealie Lamb for $170

Amanda Urquhart sold Dorper lambs 48.8kg to

kg and 245kg whilst heifers reached a top of 816c/ kg and averaged 620c/kg and 213kg. Cows reached a top price of $2,400 whilst Cows & Calves topped their market at $3,660.

On Saturday 5 November, Ray White Rural presented the Glenlea Beef Stud & Commercial Female Charolais sale at the NRLX for the very frst time. The sale was a great success with 116 females and 9 bulls sold on the day to a large crowd of registered buyers. NRLX records were smashed across all categories with the top bull selling for $32,500 to Wakefeld Charolais at Wollomombi NSW and top cow & calf selling for $40,000 to Tungamah Farming at Longreach QLD.

Ray White Rural will hold a store sale this Friday 11 November. Further bookings are welcome.

Hoggets topped at $173 to average $143.19 a rise of $26/head

Ewes topped at $150 to average $97.47 a rise of $25/ head

Wethers topped at $145 to average $131.05 a rise of $1/head

Rams topped at $126 to average $114.56 a drop of $16/head

Lamb rams topped at $152 to average $135.20 a rise of $31/head

Sale average was $154.35 a rise of $32/head

Boars sold to $200, sows from $178 to $300, Stores sold from $37 to $210

Ducklings sold to $25, Ducks to $32.50, Geese to $25, Peacocks to $20, Guinea fowl to $20, Hens to $45, Roosters to $22.50, Hen & Chicks to $30, Jap Quail to $10

Tonys Supa Meats and Eversons for $200, 40.8kg to Highchester Meats for $160

Banbri Past Co sold 52.9kg Dorper x lambs to Thomas Foods for $194, 46.1kg to Eversons for $154, 57kg hoggets to Eversons for $150, 80kg ram lambs to Take IT Easy Meats for $140

Campbell Family sold Dorper ram lambs 60kg to Eversons for $152, 40kg to restockers for $100, rams to restockers for $126, ewes to restockers for $126, ewe and lamb units to restockers for $200

Sandy & Brian Morris sold Dorper ewes to restockers for $150

Mick & Katrina Gibbs sold Dorper lambs off ewes 30 and 33 kg to restockers for $107 and $121

Neville Welsh sold Xbred lambs 51.2kg to Eversons for $180, 39.3kg to GR Prime for $149, 35kg to Eversons for $134, 65kg hoggets to Take IT Easy Meats for $162, ewes and wethers to Eversons for $140

100 DAYS FIGHTING VARROA MITE

The NSW Government remains confdent the State can become the frst jurisdiction in the world to eradicate Varroa mite, as the emergency response reaches 100 days.

Minister for Agriculture Dugald Saunders said the Department of Primary Industries has worked closely with other agencies and the beekeeping industry to contain the spread since Varroa mite was detected in sentinel hives at the Port of Newcastle in June.

“Varroa mite is the most serious threat to honey bees globally and if it was to settle in Australia, not only would it cost the honey industry $70 million a year, but it would also impact on the one in three mouthfuls of food we rely on as a direct result of pollination,” Mr Saunders said.

“It’s been a herculean effort involving 1,914 people and approximately 277,000 working hours to get us to this point today, and I thank the NSW Apiarists Association, Australian Amateur Beekeepers, the Australian Honey Bee Industry Council and

pollination-dependent industries like the almond industry which have helped to build a united front against this pest.

“We know how disruptive and diffcult this incursion has been for so many people and we are doing everything we can to offer them support, but it is also important to look at all we have achieved so far.

“We went from seeing cases jump by the dozen

FLOOD RECOVERY GRANTS AN IMPORTANT FIRST STEP

NSW Farmers says food recovery grants announced today are an important frst step but warns more government assistance will likely be needed as the full extent of damage is determined.

Today the NSW and Commonwealth governments announced the joint funding of grants of up to $25,000 for farmers impacted by foods in disaster declared areas.

President of NSW Farmers’ Association, Xavier Martin, has thanked the Perrottet and Albanese governments for their support, but warns it’s too early to tell how signifcant the damage is.

“This is an immense and unfolding event, and the scale of the damage is still not known.

“These inland foods are different to coastal

fooding. When Lismore was under water, it was quick and devastating. Inland foods take a long time and are slow to dissipate.”

NSW Farmers is also concerned the disaster relief grants are signifcantly lower than the disaster relief offered at earlier fooding events.

“Earlier in the year, special disaster relief grants of up to $75,000 were available for food affected farmers. Three times what is currently in place for farmers inland.

“Floods cause signifcant damage, and we still are not sure how devastating these foods have been.

“We are calling on the state and federal governments to keep this mind and be willing to extend disaster relief as needed,” Mr Martin said.

every week, to only having three cases in the past six weeks, which shows we are getting on top of the situation.

“But now is not the time for complacency and we know the job is not done until we eradicate this pest.”

Milestones in the response so far include:

• Halting the movement of hives within days of the frst detection and taking swift action to euthanise hives at

infected premises.

• Rolling out an $18 million compensation package for registered commercial and recreational beekeepers in the eradication (red) zones and extending that package to provide reimbursement for those in the surveillance (purple) zones.

• Strong contact tracing work linking all confrmed cases either to existing cases or by geographical location.

• Comprehensive surveillance around the perimeter of the eradication (red) zones, providing a high level of confdence in containment.

• Sampling more than 28,850 hives across the State, with an additional 86,569 sampled by beekeepers.

• Lifting a number of movement restrictions for low-risk areas in August, allowing beekeepers to work and

move hives under a permit system.

• Allowing pollination events in low-risk regions, with additional safety requirements in place.

Australian Honey Bee Industry Council CEO Danny Le Feuvre said he’s in awe at how the response team has come up with solutions to the many challenges it has faced in the frst 100 days.

“The Incident Management Team has been working tirelessly in the response seven days a week from the start,” Mr Le Feuvre said.

“The commitment of the staff and the resolve to eradicate the Varroa mite has been evident and without that drive the program would not be in the position it is.

“The honey bee industry is indebted to all the personnel involved in the response. Protecting the critical honey bee industry is protecting our food supply.”

For more information and the latest updates visit www.dpi.nsw.gov. au/varroa.

STRONG BIOSECURITY REQUIRES CLEAR TARGETS

Farmers have welcomed the federal government’s move towards a sustainably-funded biosecurity system, but say the days of passing the buck need to end.

Federal Agriculture Minister Murray Watt announced a public discussion paper seeking ideas on a long-term sustainable biosecurity funding model, something NSW Farmers Biosecurity chair Ian McColl said farmers had long been calling for.

“The biosecurity threats not just to our food and fbre production but to our entire economy are quite serious,” Mr McColl said.

“We have been arguing for some time that we need sustainable funding and a long-term view of biosecurity controls to keep our country pest

and disease free.

“This is a promising move from the federal government, and I would encourage everyone to take a look at the discussion paper and have their say.”

The discussion paper identifes Australia’s animal, plant, human and environmental health outcomes rely on strong biosecurity controls to manage and minimise the risk of pests, weeds and diseases entering, emerging, establishing or spreading within Australia, while facilitating trade and the movement of plants, animals, people and products.

However, Mr McColl said he was concerned about the scope of the paper, which would not consider the biosecurity activities of other jurisdictions. The

lessons of COVID-19, Mr McColl said, were that gaps in bureaucratic oversight led to gaps in our control and response efforts.

“We cannot afford to have the states and the Commonwealth pointing fngers and passing the buck while a disease or pest spreads far and wide, which is precisely what we saw with COVID,” Mr McColl said.

“It is absolutely critical that we have a biosecurity system that is focused on the outcome of keeping disease, pests and weeds out, regardless of who is responsible for compliance or funding.

“If we fail to get everyone on the same page, and leave gaps in the system, we run the risk of wasting time and effort in the event of an

outbreak.”

Mr McColl said farmers wanted what most Australians wanted – governments to get on with the job, and sort out jurisdictional issues later.

“People in rural communities couldn’t care less if it’s state or federal or local money funding something, as long as it gets funded,” Mr McColl said.

“Because they are the people who will feel the impact of an $80 billion Foot and Mouth Disease outbreak, they’re the ones who will lose work and won’t be able to move around.

“This discussion paper is one part of the puzzle – the other part will be all governments working hand-in-hand with other stakeholders to ensure everyone knows exactly who needs to do what and when.”

SCRAPPING GLOBAL AGRICULTURAL SUBSIDIES AND TARIFFS REDUCES EMISSIONS, IMPROVES FOOD SECURITY

Improving food security, promoting global growth, and cutting emissions can be achieved through the removal of agricultural subsidies and tariffs, according to the latest ABARES Insightsreport.

Executive Director of ABARES Dr Jared Greenville said the global community needed to fnd a way for agriculture to reduce emissions while also feeding the world’s population.

“Agriculture accounts for about 12 per cent of global emissions,” Dr Greenville said.

“That’s nearly 6 gigatonnes of CO2equivalent emissions, including methane, each year.

“Emissions from agriculture are unavoidable – they’re a fundamental part of the biological processes that

go into food production.

“But we know the sector will face increasing pressure to contribute to emissions reductions in order to reach Paris targets.

“We also know that many governments subsidise and protect agricultural production.

Globally, taxpayer support to agriculture has

been rising. At the same time, global emissions from agriculture have been going up.

“Current levels of global tariffs and subsidies have created signifcant ineffciencies in the global food system, which is bad news for consumers, global producers and the environment.”

Australia has one of the lowest levels of distorting agricultural subsidies and tariffs across the 38 Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) member countries - and when compared to major emerging economies. Dr Greenville said this

has helped Australian food and fbre to remain competitive in international markets and underpins our strong and sustainable agricultural sector.

“Globally, there are more effcient ways to farm and produce food, and by eliminating global tariffs on food trade and subsidies

to farmers, supported by rules to prevent deforestation, it’s possible to make progress on food security, economic development and emissions reductions,” he said.

“New ABARES modelling shows that through coordinated multilateral action, policymakers can deliver a win-win scenario for the world: cutting global emissions, raising economic growth and improving food security with greater food consumption and lower food prices.”

The Emissions, agricultural support and food security report can be read here: https:// www.agriculture.gov.au/ abares/products/insights/ emissions_agsupport_ and_foodsecurity

TACKLING THE GROWING FOOD SECURITY ISSUE

Food security is a growing problem for Australian families, according to a new state government report, with remote communities the worst affected.

The Food production and supply in NSW report, from the NSW Legislative Assembly’s Committee on Environment and Planning, found food supply disruption was a driver of food insecurity, and that remote communities were unfairly burdened by the problem.

NSW Farmers President Xavier Martin said there were some promising ideas in the report, including getting more ‘ugly’ produce on supermarket shelves, but he warned words alone would not tackle the problem.

“We’ve seen otherwise good food rejected by retailers because of superfcial standards that don’t refect the nutritional value of the food itself, so these changes would be a good thing,” Mr Martin said.

“But while the report says ‘urban agriculture’

could fll the food security gap, a veggie patch and a backyard chook or two just won’t cut it – we know there’s a major need for better planning and better policies to support the Australian farmers that underpin our food supply.

“Community gardens

and urban agriculture are great ways to educate communities about food production, but they cannot meet the sheer demand on their own.”

The state government report comes on the heels of the latest Foodbank Hunger Report, which revealed only 55 per

cent of Australians were highly food secure; it found a shocking two million Australians experienced severe food insecurity in the past 12 months. The Committee report recommended action on food waste and getting “ugly” produce to supermarket

shelves as a way to get more food onto plates, but found more and more Australians were disconnected from where their food came from, recommending better education and in-school initiatives help to improve “food literacy”. It also identifed a clear

role for better local and state government planning to support improved food security and supply.

“On the one hand you have a state government talking about getting more healthy food onto dinner plates, but on the other hand you have potential water buybacks at a federal level that could prevent farmers from growing that food,” Mr Martin said.

“Our politicians need to remember that farms equal food – we grow healthy plants and healthy animals and produce food and fbre – but to do that we need supportive policies.

“When they talk about water buybacks, they need to be honest about who will go hungry as a result.”

Budget fails to tackle key issues

WILL RED TAPE BE REDUCED AND DRAINAGE WORKS BEGIN?

Budget fails to tackle key issues

NSW Farmers

President Xavier Martin says while the frst Labor Budget contains promising announcements, rural communities will be “bitterly disappointed”.

The Treasury papers reveal the cost of living is set to increase with gas and power prices to skyrocket over the next two years, and longterm water spending has been slashed while the trapdoor has been set for water buybacks.

“It may seem strange to talk about drought while much of the state is in food, but farmers know Australia goes through a cycle of wet and dry – this is precisely the time we need to be planning ahead for drought,” Mr Martin said.

“Critical droughtproofng efforts such as Dungowan and Wyangala dams have been ‘deferred’, and the likelihood of more water buybacks means there will be less water for agriculture once the rain stops.

“Rural communities are already looking at major economic losses as a result of this widespread fooding, the last thing they need is even less certainty into the future.”

Investments into research and development to help lower emissions from agriculture was a positive move, Mr Martin said, as were efforts to improve education and training amid a major worker shortage.

“The future of agriculture will need a mix of skills and technology as we experience extreme weather events, the

challenge will be in ensuring we don’t accelerate the ‘brain drain’ from the regions to the cities,” Mr Martin said.

“Improving regional connectivity and health services will be really important, and we would love to see better funding for the ABC in rural and regional areas as other media outlets consolidate due to cost pressures.

“Australians need to be able to make a good life in the cities and in the bush, and it is clear we will need to continue to advocate for farmers and rural communities to the government.”

However, there was still the spectre of Foot and Mouth Disease on our doorstep that could undo all of this work –and Mr Martin said he was disappointed to see a lack of sustainable funding in the Budget.

“Despite the announcements of biosecurity funding in the Budget, we still don’t have long-term certainty for this critical national defence,” Mr Martin said.

“An FMD outbreak alone could cost the country $80 billion, and it would be devastating to the agricultural sector and the broader economy, but all we’ve really got are some recycled announcements and a few more detector dogs.

“We have warned the government this is like the Ruby Princess sitting off the coast, and they’re still not prepared to commit to spending.”

from front page

The NSW Canegrowers Council strongly supports the initiatives taken by delegates at the NSW Local Government Conference held 23rd of October, to maintain and improve publically constructed and owned food mitigation infrastructure across the state. This would include realistic funding and simplifcation of the complexities in gaining approval for maintenance works from government departments having jurisdiction over coastal rivers and foodplains.

Chairman of the NSW Canegrowers Council Ross Farlow said “It is obvious that councils across the state are as frustrated as landholders.

For the past ffteen years we have been asking government agencies to clean their drains that are holding water back on agricultural land and rural residential properties, without success. This ‘blocked water’ foods properties, kills vegetation, heats up, deoxygenates and eventually enters rivers as poor quality water –sadly it does not have to be this way”

Rous County Council put the ball frmly back in the NSW Government’s court, by asking the government to clearly defne the purpose of the Flood mitigation infrastructure it had constructed, long term solutions for ongoing maintenance, including funding, and how the challenges of climate change and

the infrastructure’s environmental impact will be addressed. It has also asked the NSW Government to remove the bureaucratic red tape involved in gaining multiple approvals for works from competing government agencies “ We have offered to maintain government owned drain outlets for them, but it is impossible to get approvals from the seven government departments that have jurisdiction over these outlets. A mixture of agency overreach, competition, threats of punitive action and unrealistic demands by NSW Fisheries has prevented individuals, councils and other government agencies completing essential work” Mr Farlow said, ‘at the expense of those who live and work on our foodplains” Conference delegates have requested the government amend the State Environmental Planning Policy (Transport and Infrastructure) 2021 to allow food mitigation authorities to undertake routine maintenance work and improvements without seeking regulatory approval from NSW Crown Lands or NSW Department of Primary Industries.

Mr Farlow agrees that there needs to be a change in the policy. “It is diffcult for taxpayers to understand why one government agency must seek approval from another when they are both bound

by and work under the same legislation - the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979. This is unnecessary, obstructive, and costly red tape and must be changed” he said

Two motions put to and passed by the NSW Local Government Conference:

1: That Local Govt NSW:

a) acknowledges the devastating impact of foods throughout NSW in 2022.

b) urges the NSW Govt to increase its fnancial assistance to local Govt through its Floodplain Management Program to maintain existing food mitigation infrastructure to account for CPI increases.

c) calls on the NSW Govt to provide a long-term strategy for the State’s food mitigation infrastructure, previously constructed by the NSW Public Works Department that local councils have since inherited. The strategy must clearly defne the purpose of the infrastructure, long term solutions for ongoing maintenance, including funding, and how the challenges of climate change and the infrastructure’s environmental impact will be addressed.

And 2: That Local Govt NSW: a) acknowledges the complexity involved with seeking approval from the NSW Govt to maintain publicly funded food mitigation infrastructure on foodplains.

b) requests that the NSW Govt amends the State Environmental Planning Policy (Transport and Infrastructure) 2021 so that food mitigation authorities do not have to seek regulatory approval from NSW Crown Lands or NSW Department of Primary Industries to undertake routine maintenance of its infrastructure. This acknowledges that any environmental impact can be addressed through the authority’s responsibilities under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.

c) lobbies the NSW Govt to amend its Protection of the Environment Operations (Waste) Regulations 2014 Waste Management Guidelines so that public authorities can treat acid sulfate soils off-site and that treated acid sulfate soils can be reused both in and off site. This acknowledges that any environmental impact can be addressed through the authority’s responsibilities under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.

Both these motions were passed. The frst motion had no dissension and the second one had one speaker against it. The purpose of this motion was to allow councils to “get out there and clear blocked drains” without having to request DPI approval.

McDonald’s visits Australian beef businesses with a focus on sustainability

FARMERS SLAM SUPERMARKET GIANT OVER PRICES

Flood-affected farmers have rejected supermarket calls to cut their prices, saying they have nowhere left to go.

ONE of the world’s highest profle buyers of Australian beef last week went on-farm in Central Queensland to better understand the work being undertaken by producers to enhance the sustainability of their production systems.

McDonald’s Director Global Supply Chain for beef, Andrew Brazier, travelled to properties near Clarke Creek, Middlemount, and Calliope as part of a special tour to engage with suppliers and industry.

The tour, which also included a group of more than 20 other local industry stakeholders, incorporated a visit to Australian Beef Sustainability Framework (ABSF) Sustainability Steering Group (SSG) member Melinee Leather’s family property “Barfeld Station” near Banana, south-west of Rockhampton.

Mr Brazier, an Australian expatriate now based at McDonald’s headquarters in Chicago, said after three years of being unable to travel due to COVID-19, the experience was a valuable opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of how McDonald’s can collaborate with industry to strive towards continual improvement.

“McDonald’s has publicly faced goals to reduce impact and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions,

including a climate commitment of being net zero across our supply chains by 2050 and maintaining forests, and we see cattle and beef being an important part of the solution,” Mr Brazier said.

“We’ve not been in Australia for a little while, so it’s been good to see the unique way we raise cattle here, using very different approaches suited to local production conditions, and to understand the progress being made.

“We are really encouraged by initiatives like the Australian Beef Sustainability Framework because it gives us a chance to see, transparently, what industry’s focus areas are, what the metrics are around them and where there are opportunities to do better.”

To reach its climate goal, McDonald’s has adopted what Mr Brazier calls an “outcomes-based approach”, including:

• Promoting management practices that optimise productivity like genetics and nutrition

• Eliminating emissions due to beefrelated deforestation

• Supporting GHG emissions reduction through development and scaling of methane mitigating additives and other evolving technologies

• Increasing carbon sequestration by promoting and scaling practices grounded in

conservative grazing principles.

“Australia is a priority for us because it is such a critical sourcing region so, for example, it’s important we can be here to verify beef is not coming from areas of deforestation. We have these same requirements for our other supply chains like coffee, soy, and fbre.”

In its 2021 Annual Shopping List, released last November, McDonald’s reported it purchased more than 30 million kilograms of Australian beef for use in 970 stores across the country. On the global stage, Australia is also crucial to the supply of beef to around 39,000 restaurants in 109 nations.

Mr Brazier said the understanding McDonald’s has of its customers, and being able to communicate these insights to industry, was a powerful tool to help forge collaboration across the supply chain.

“What we can bring to the table is letting producers know what is happening at the consumer end of the Supply Chain and what people are telling us is that that they want to feel good about what they are eating,” Mr Brazier said.

“We don’t own cattle, we don’t own farms, so we need those that do to be able to tell their story – and we can help them amplify that – so it’s important we’re all rowing in the same

direction.”

Mr Brazier said McDonald’s invests directly to advance sustainable beef production, including more than $1 million to help fund a study by Meat & Livestock Australia and Queensland University of Technology to fnd out whether time-controlled grazing can increase the level of carbon stored in soil and therefore reduce GHG emissions.

“We’ve invested tens of millions of dollars all over the world to help contribute to the sustainability of the beef industry,” Mr Brazier said.

“Every time we invest in these partnerships, we understand a little bit more and do what I like to call ‘failing forward’, where we learn and we get better.

“Sustainability for us is a journey of continual improvement where we’re never going to get to the end destination, and nor should we, but we can always fnd ways to improve.

“We’re really invested in wanting to help farmers be resilient in all sorts of headwinds, because if we don’t have a resilient and sustainable farming community, we don’t have an original source of raw material for what we do, and that’s not good for anybody.”

Skyrocketing costs of energy, fuel, and fertiliser, rising infation and interest rates and successive natural disasters have left many farmers desperately clinging on to their businesses as they try to produce food for Aussie families. Yet major supermarket Coles decided to turn the screws on suppliers, The Australian reported this week, discouraging them from asking for a price rise.

“All businesses will incur impacts to the cost of doing business at some point,” a note from Coles to suppliers read. “Even where you can substantiate increases to cost of doing business including rising cost of inputs, Coles may not accept your request for a cost increase in full or at all.” The note went on to say: “Your organisation needs to be continually reviewing how you operate to offset costs.”

However, Coles did encourage suppliers to pass on savings if supplier costs decreased.

“Coles considers that where there have been decreases in commodity input costs for suppliers, these should generally be refected in cost reductions to Coles,” The Australianreported.

NSW Farmers Vice President Rebecca Reardon said a large business putting the burden of rising infation on smaller businesses was yet another example of how Australia’s competition system was broken.

Coles made more

than $1 billion in net proft after tax last fnancial year, yet the farmers fghting foods to harvest food and make ends meet are somehow the ones who should be cutting costs,” Mrs Reardon said.

“Farmers simply cannot afford to take a pay cut, there’s just no margin left, and this sort of behaviour will simply drive farmers out of business and further constrain food supply.

“It is plain our system is broken, and the Federal Government really needs to get cracking on competition reform because this is unacceptable.”

Many Australians do not see the extraordinarily low prices paid to farmers, Mrs Reardon said, suggesting if supermarket bosses wanted cheaper produce, “they should roll up their sleeves and come help with the harvest”.

“One of our poultry growers told me recently they get paid just 72 cents for every chicken they raise for their processor,” she said.

“That 72-cent bird goes through the supply chain and becomes the BBQ chicken in the supermarket – the same BBQ chicken that Coles wants to take a dollar off to help fght the cost of living.

“We’re not saying farmers are the only ones doing it tough –we’re all sharing the pain on electricity and fuel prices – but there simply is nothing left to give on this side of the supply chain.”

IMMEDIATE SOLUTIONS NEEDED FOR RURAL COMMUNITIES TO COMBAT CLIMATE CHALLENGES

INTERACTIVE AND IMPROVED LIVESTOCK MARKET REPORTS

Australia’s red meat producers are being encouraged to subscribe to Meat & Livestock Australia’s (MLA) enhanced interactive market reports to get the latest and most relevant information for their businesses – and be in with the chance to win $1,000 of fuel.

DIRECT TO YOUR INBOX

The National Rural Health Alliance (the Alliance) is deeply concerned by the severe foods experienced across New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania and expresses sympathy to the rural, regional, and remote communities affected by them.

“The Alliance is concerned about the impact the inclement weather will have on rural and urban centres and their communities, including food shortages, price hikes, airborne disease and logistics delay in the transport of goods,” said the Alliance CEO Susi Tegen.

“Communities are already challenged by global post-COVID consequences and effects of the war in Ukraine, which has increased resource and fuel prices as well as fertiliser and other farming inputs to a certain extent,” Ms Tegen added.

“We are concerned for rural communities, considering the social and economic costs.

The ripple effect it causes to the greater and urban community is also signifcant,” she said.

“Rural industries, including agriculture, mining, tourism, manufacturing and retail services, all contribute a major part of Australia’s GDP and the current and signifcant change in weather patterns will severely affect these

industries, causing nationwide challenges,” Ms Tegen said.

Rural and remote people make up 30 per cent of the population and have helped keep Australia out of two global fnancial crises.

“Rural Australia is our food source and ensures our general wellbeing. However, it is concerning that they receive less in health and other services than their contribution and population deserves,” said Ms Tegen.

“We need to acknowledge the pain and efforts of our rural farmers in adopting sustainable practices to manage the environment. Yet, globally, they are the least-subsidised primary industry.

“The Alliance calls for action from government, health and medical services, and others working directly and indirectly in rural Australia, to implement short- and long-term solutions to the impact of climate change faced by rural communities, and it must be addressed with cultural and social sensitivity,” said Ms Tegen.

She also emphasised that it will be important that the people on the ground are not given lip service and delayed solutions.

MLA’s National Livestock Reporting Service (NLRS) is the leading provider of livestock market data and insights in Australia, including saleyard market reports covering over 60 livestock auctions in approximately 50 regional locations every week.

With Australia’s red meat and livestock industry operating in an increasingly complex and dynamic global market, MLA has developed a range of interactive online reports which have greater functionality and more options for users to generate customised data that’s most relevant to their livestock business.

NLRS Manager, Stephanie Pitt, said the enhanced reports were part of the ongoing commitment from NLRS to promote price transparency across the Australian red meat industry by reporting livestock supply and

price information.

“The greater adoption of smartphones and tablets as the preferred method to access information across our industry has driven the demand for content that is interactive and compatible with reduced screen sizes,” Ms Pitt said.

“The enhanced interactive online saleyard market reports and indicators allow users to customise, flter, chart and download all market report data.

“Additional flters and features enable producers to make data-driven decisions about where and when they market their cattle and sheep.

“Sheep and cattle indicator reports now

have two additional flters, including a state flter and a region flter. Indicator reports are updated within an hour of the conclusion of all NLRS markets each day.”

Ms Pitt said all pricing indicators for sheep and cattle have an export feature built into their dashboard, providing easier and faster access to raw pricing data underpinning indicators.

“This feature also serves to provide broader industry with greater transparency of the raw pricing data which the indicators deliver,” Ms Pitt said.

“Sheep and cattle saleyard market reports now enable users to select different markets across states and across

Australia.

“New flters for the livestock category and types of buyers operating in the selected markets enable more indepth analysis for users. Users can also drill down further into weight types, categories, and fat and muscle scores.”

NLRS offers a free email subscription service for all reports produced, delivering them directly into a subscriber’s inbox.

Audio versions of the market commentary are also available for users to listen to, including historical reports from the previous two weeks.

All new subscribers have the opportunity to win a $1,000 fuel card if they subscribe before the 31 December 2022.

Rural Crime Prevention Team recognised for creating community confdence in rural New South Wales

The Rural Crime Prevention Team has received a bronze award in the police-led category of the 2022 Australian Crime and Violence Prevention Awards (ACVPAs). Now in their 30th year, the ACVPAs recognise best practice in the prevention or reduction of violence and other types of crime in Australia and play a vital role in highlighting effective communitybased initiatives to prevent crime and violence, before it occurs.

Commenced in 2018 by New South Wales (NSW) Police Force

this program aims to improve community confdence, awareness, and prevention of rural crime within NSW, by engaging farmers and rural landowners, research technology to enhance farm security and establish strong networks with rural related stakeholders.

“By providing farmers with relevant information and building a strong relationships between farmers and police, we create a joint approach to increasing their resilience to tackle rural crime,” Detective Chief Inspector Cameron Whiteside, State Rural Crime Coordinator,

Rural Crime Prevention Team, NSW Police Force said.

“The team produced a training program for regional offcers to better understand impacts and how to record rural crime, which often goes underreported, and showed a great level of community engagement,” said Australian Institute of Criminology (AIC) Deputy Director, Dr Rick Brown.

These annual awards recognise the outstanding contributions being made across Australia for crime prevention, including

the development and implementation of practical projects to reduce violence and other types of crime in the community.

The awards are a joint initiative of the Australian, state and territory governments and are delivered by the AIC. All projects are assessed each year by the ACVPA Board, which consists of senior law enforcement representatives from each state and territory police service and is chaired by the AIC Director.

Alliance CEO Susi Tegen.

WILD WEATHER PROMPTS MILK DUMPING

Dairy farmers across the Central West are dumping milk after torrential rain this week worsened an already serious food situation.

Road access across the region has been reduced and trucks can’t access farms to collect milk, NSW Farmers Dairy Committee chair Colin Thompson said.

“I’m having to dump milk because my place is completely cut off, and I’m not the only one,” Mr Thompson said.

“It’s already been a terrible time for farmers, and this extra drenching is just exacerbating the problem with power outages, cuts to phone service and roads closed or seriously damaged.

“This is a continuation of challenging times for the NSW fresh milk supply – just as our coastal farmers start to recover the inland farmers are now feeling the pain.”

The added water this week was not only hampering milk

collection in the Central West, Mr Thompson said, but also having a huge impact on what would have been bumper feed crops to support coastal dairies. Mr

Thompson went on to say one farmer reported being without power for 20 hours, while road conditions and fooding were preventing people from getting to work.

“There is some good news from some farmers who say their processors are supporting farmers forced to dump milk, but that can only go on for so long,” Mr Thompson

said.

“This has just been a tough year for the farmers who produce our food and fbre, and the families who want to put it on their tables.

“I think we’re going to remember the 2022 foods for quite some time.”

NSW Farmers is asking food-affected communities across the state to report damage to public and on-farm roads and infrastructure so authorities can prioritise response and repair efforts. This includes irrigation channels, river pump systems, cattle grids, on-farm technology, gates and fences, roadways and buildings, including homes and business premises.

To submit an online natural disaster survey response, go to: https:// www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/ emergencies/emergency/ community/primaryindustries-naturaldisaster-damage-survey

Investing in vaccine development and strategies to protect our industry

Foot and mouth disease (FMD) has always been on the radar of the Australian livestock industry.

By JASON STRONG

This year that attention heightened with the confrmation of FMD and lumpy skin disease (LSD) in Indonesia, including the tourist hot spot of Bali.

The issue attracted national media coverage, hit the political spotlight, and put signifcant attention on our biosecurity system and preparedness.

At Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) we have been working to communicate the issue to industry through a range of channels and partnerships, including a series of industry webinars over the last few months.

One of the common questions that has been asked at these webinars – and face-to-face with the MLA team – is about vaccinating our livestock for FMD. It’s a great question and I would like

to outline the steps that MLA and the industry are taking.

First off, industry has been preparing for the risk of FMD for many years. Australia has been free of this disease for over a century and the scientifc modelling shows it is highly likely that Australia will stay free of FMD.

In August the University of Melbourne’s Centre of Excellence for Biosecurity Risk Analysis modelled the current risk at an 11% chance of incursion, up slightly from 9% where the risk has been static since 2021. This increase is mostly associated with the diagnosis of FMD in Indonesia.

However, even with this low level of risk, many people are asking the question: why are we not vaccinating livestock now?

There are two parts to

the answer. The frst is that there is no reason to vaccinate animals in Australia in the absence of an outbreak.

The second is that using vaccines poses a major risk for our export markets when it comes to the disease-free status of our country. Australia is offcially recognised as a country which is free from FMD without the use of vaccination, which is the most favourable status.

However, we have plans for accessing vaccinations quickly through a vaccine bank stored overseas.

If we need them, these vaccines can be supplied in bulk to Australia in 7–10 days.

Even if there is an incursion, this does not mean that vaccination of all livestock is the best solution.

The decision to vaccinate animals in the event of an outbreak

depends on several factors. These include the size of the outbreak, its location and the species that is affected.

There would be other considerations too such as the logistical requirements of a vaccination programme, the likely spread of the disease and animal welfare considerations.

Guided by the AUSTVETPLAN, the decision on what approach to take in the event of an outbreak is made by the Consultative Committee on Emergency Animal Disease (CCEAD).

The CCEAD is a coordinating body providing the technical link between industry, the Australian Government, and state and territory governments for decision making during animal health emergencies.

In broad terms the response to an FMD

outbreak will have multiple components including movement restrictions; stamping out through destruction disposal and decontamination; and, where appropriate, the strategic use of vaccines.

It is likely that any outbreak of FMD in Australia would be detected and controlled quickly and the use of vaccines for control of the disease would not be necessary.

mRNA vaccines

We are also investing in cutting edge science to boost industry’s preparedness, having selected a vaccine for LSD as the frst topic for research into mRNA vaccines. We are working with a range of research partners on this initiative.

The basic premise of an mRNA vaccine is that it uses a small piece of genetic material from the pathogen, the

mRNA, to generate the response. This makes the vaccine quick to produce and does not have any possible chance of causing the disease itself.

It is important to note that a new vaccine would need to go through regulatory approvals.

In the future, this may be able to expand to investments to do the same for FMD. The use of these vaccines in the event of an outbreak would be considered as part of the national strategic response, overseen by the federal government through the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.

• There are a range of resources on the MLA website on FMD / LSD, including recent industry e-newsletters and webinar recordings. You can also subscribe to our regular FMD/ LSD emails via the MLA website.

OPPORTUNITY FOR FARMERS TO HOST WEATHER AND SOIL MOISTURE MONITORING TECHNOLOGY ON FARM IN NSW

Expressions of interest are now open for landholders to host weather and soil sensors in NSW, as part of the expansion of the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Seasonal Conditions Monitoring Network.

NSW DPI Technical Specialist – Drought Information Systems Kim Broadfoot said the network is part of the NSW Government’s Future Ready Regions program, focused on improving the resilience of the rural economy in the face of climate extremes.

“The Seasonal Conditions Monitoring Network will consist of a number of highly instrumented sites in key locations that will gather meteorological and plant available water data,” Ms Broadfoot said.

“In this frst stage of roll out, we will be focusing on establishing sites that fll important gaps in our existing monitoring network.

“This will target the western, central west, southeast and hunter areas in the State.”

Ms Broadfoot said

over 200 farmers and advisors across NSW recently provided feedback on NSW DPI’s climate and seasonal conditions information, which contributes to improvements like the roll out of the Seasonal Conditions Monitoring Network.

“Farmers have told us that a lack of trust and low accuracy of data is one of the main barriers to fully using climate information in decision making,” Ms Broadfoot said.

“More localised data collection through infrastructure like our

Seasonal Conditions Monitoring Network will enable DPI to more accurately assess what is happening across NSW.” NSW DPI continues to improve climate and seasonal conditions information available to farmers. The most recent

improvement is the incorporation of a one-kilometre gridded climate data set into the Enhanced Drought Information System (EDIS), providing more relevant farm scale information.

“It’s very rare to fnd accurate weather and

soil information at the farm scale, so this is a substantial improvement in the service we provide primary producers in NSW,” Ms Broadfoot said.

“These improvements mean that farmers and their advisors will have access to improved outputs of current seasonal conditions including rainfall, soil moisture as well as crop and pasture growth indices.”

The improvements are part of the Future Ready Regions EDIS Development Project which aims to provide farmers with worldleading weather and climate data so they can make better business decisions.

Growers and producers can submit an expression of interest to host the weather and soil moisture monitoring technology on their farm by visiting the https:// www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/dpi

Growers can see farmscale seasonal conditions such as rainfall, soil moisture and crop and pasture growth indices at edis.dpi.nsw.gov.au

EUTHANASIA EFFORTS CLOSE TO COMPLETION IN VARROA MITE ERADICATION ZONE

NSW Department of Primary industries are narrowing in on the completion of euthanasia for managed hives across the Varroa mite eradication zone and are urging any beekeepers still to notify of hives to urgently contact NSW DPI.

Deputy Chief Plant Protection Offcer Chris Anderson said DPI has completed euthanasia on more than 95% of the managed hives within the eradication zone, however there are some reports of managed hives within the zone still coming through.

“To be this close to the completion of the euthanasia phase of the response is a signifcant achievement that’s required an enormous effort, cooperation and collaboration between the response teams and the beekeepers in these areas. It has been a complex

and diffcult task for all involved and we appreciate the patience and understanding of beekeepers as we’ve worked through this diffcult task”, he said.

“To ensure we can move ahead with the next phases of the response and ultimately achieve the goal of the Varroa mite response to fully eradicate the mite, it is critical we have certainty that we have eradicated all hives within the red zone. To achieve this, we need to know the hives exist and where they are.”

The Varroa mite eradication zone covers a 10km radius area around infected premises (IPs). Beekeepers within this zone, regardless of registration status must notify NSW DPI of the location of hives within the zone.

“Given the population density of some areas of the zone such as

the Central Coast and Newcastle, the risk of the Varroa mite infestation spreading is higher than in less populated locations, so while a beekeeper may think their one or two hives aren’t a great risk, what we know about the how the Varroa mite can spread is that the risk cannot be underestimated”, Mr Anderson said.

initial data provided at the time of registration may no

longer be current, such as number of hives and hive locations.

“This is why we have asked all beekeepers, both registered and unregistered in the eradication and surveillance zones to notify of current hives and locations via the Varroa mite – Beekeeper Notifcation form so that we can be acting on the most up to date

data as possible. This is also the only way we can be aware of any unregistered hives.”

If you have bee hives located within the Varroa mite eradication or surveillance emergency zones please notify DPI of their location by calling 1800 084 881 or completing the form on this website: https:// forms.bfs.dpi.nsw.gov. au/forms/9247

“We are confdent the majority of beekeepers, both registered and unregistered have reported hives While registered beekeepers would have provided details of hives and hive locations at the time of registration, beekeeping licences are current for two years and in many cases the

AUSTRALIA’S CHERRY SECTOR IN GROWTH PHASE, BUT WET WEATHER HANGS OVER UPCOMING HARVEST AND MAY LIMIT CHRISTMAS SUPPLY

Australia’s cherry sector is in an expansion phase, with growing consumer appetite for the fruit locally and in export markets. But three consecutive La Nina weather events have taken their toll on Australia’s cherry production, with continuing wet conditions expected to impact the outlook for the coming harvest, Rabobank says in a new industry report.

This will not only weigh on grower returns, but could also affect the availability, quality and price of this summer and festive fruit favourite for Australian consumers, the specialist agribusiness bank says.

In the report, ‘Southern Hemisphere Cherries, Growing Exports and Challenges’, Rabobank says Australia’s sweet cherry sector has been in a growth phase for the past four years, with more than 450,000 additional cherry trees reaching bearing age since 2018.

Despite this growth in plantings, sweet cherry production and export volumes “continue to be affected by three consecutive La Nina weather events”, the bank says.

This impact was evident last season, says report co-author RaboResearch associate analyst Pia Piggott, with the industry estimating that Australia’s total cherry production for 2021/22 was down 15 per cent on the previous year, at 17,000 tonnes.

Total Australian cherry volumes to export markets – which require the highest-quality premium fruit –decreased 20 per cent on the previous year.

“The major cherryproduction states of New South Wales and Victoria were particularly affected by cherry splitting caused by above-average rainfall in November

2021, resulting in the volume of exports from these states being down by 51 per cent and 32 per cent year-on-year respectively,” she said.

“The combination of adverse weather events in Australia, together with transport and logistical challenges during the 2021/22 cherry season, saw decreased exports to key markets – particularly to China, where exports fell 68 per cent year-onyear.”

THIS YEAR’S CROP

Ms Piggott said with a third consecutive La Nina underway in Australia this spring, there is an increased likelihood of a wet harvest which could cause splitting in this year’s cherry crop.

“This could see reduced local availability of the fruit for Australian consumers and lower volumes for export coming out of New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania – states which between them account for, on average, for 81 per cent of Australia’s cherry production,” she said.

“With peak domestic cherry consumption coinciding with Christmas, late season rain will likely cause lower-than-average supply of the festive fruit, supporting higher prices for growers, but potentially seeing shoppers pay more.”

Ms Piggott said this comes at a time when overall fruit price infation is at high levels in Australia, primarily due to the impacts of recent wet weather conditions on production and supply.

“The latest September quarter Consumer Price Index (CPI) data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) shows annual fruit price infation now sitting at 14.6 per cent,” she said.

EXPORT VALUE

Ms Piggott said export markets are particularly important for Australia’s cherry industry, due to “higher unit value” obtainable for exported fruit.

“Exports account for approximately 25 per cent of the Australian cherry industry’s sales volumes, but almost 40

per cent of sale value,” she said.

“So lower volumes of high-quality cherries suitable for export markets – along with outbound airfreight rates remaining high –means margins will be challenged for the sector this coming season.”

Ms Piggott said Australia’s cherries are squarely positioned at the premium end in export markets, with “our fruit among highest quality and most expensive on the market”.

“Australian cherries are some of the most expensive in the world. As a high quality, air-fown and scarce fruit, Australian cherries attract a high price in the export market. And in China, Australian cherries are seen as a perfect luxury gift for the celebration of Chinese New Year,” she said.

SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE PRODUCTION

More broadly, the report says this year’s southern hemisphere sweet cherry production season – which supplies

world markets from mid-October to midFebruary – has started. And while the Australian harvest may be down, record volumes are expected from other countries, including key export competitors New Zealand, Chile, Argentina and South Africa.

“This will test how the ‘return to normal’ post Covid is working, and how the main export destination markets will behave,” Ms Piggott said. “With China a key export market for southern hemisphere cherry producers, including Australia, all eyes will be on the Chinese market to see how the country’s continuing zero-Covid policy impacts demand.”

Ms Piggott said while Chile had accounted for 96 per cent of southern hemisphere cherry supply in the past season, New Zealand was also a signifcant competitor to Australia in the premium end of the market.

CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES

The Rabobank report

says all cherry-producing countries in the southern hemisphere are currently facing challenges, with increasing competition, declining prices and narrowing margins due to elevated production costs.

“In terms of responding to these challenges, Chile, Argentina, and Australia are moving in the same direction in improving effciency in their processes, focusing into highquality production and diversifying their destination markets’

Ms Piggott said. “In particular, we will continue to see these countries trying to achieve earlier production in order to move away from the peak of supply and achieve higher returns.”

The report says while industry players believe it will be hard for southern hemisphere cherry producers to replicate the success achieved in China in other northern hemisphere export markets, such as the US or Europe – as consumers generally prefer cherries as summer eating – there are opportunities for growth.

Sweet cherry consumption is still low in other markets, with plenty of space to grow, the report says.

Ms Piggott said longerterm demand for highquality cherries as prized fruit in Asia, and in the domestic Australian market – together with healthy lifestyle trends – will support growth opportunities in the Australian cherry industry. “Australian cherries remain competitive in the export market, although production risks, elevated input cost and labour challenges persist for growers,” she said.

RaboResearch associate analyst Pia Piggott,

AIST welcomes increased investment in housing but disappointed at no super on paid parental leave

The Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees (AIST) has welcomed the proposed Housing Accord and the critical role that super funds can play as institutional investors as well as the announcement that paid parental leave (PPL) will increase to 26 weeks in 2026.

AIST Deputy CEO and General Manager, Advocacy Mel Birks said although the changes to PPL would help working parents, and particularly women, the Budget did not contain an announcement that super would apply to these payments.

“It is disappointing that 11 years after paid parental leave was introduced, it is the only paid leave that does not have super paid on it. We wonder how long parents will have to wait until this anomaly in the retirement savings system is rectifed,” Ms Birks said.

“It perpetuates the gender gap that sees women retiring with 40% lower super balances than men on average because they spend more time out of the workforce caring for children and other family members.

“The difference is so large that many women live in poverty after they leave the workforce and some of them become homeless, even if they are receiving the age pension.

“This move will make a difference to younger women to help reduce the risk of this shocking outcome, but more also needs to be done for the older women facing

this grim reality.”

AIST, the peak body for the $1.6 trillion proft-to-member super sector, was also pleased to see the Government’s initiative to make $350 million in payments over fve years, and more over the longer term, to facilitate institutional investment, including by superannuation funds, in affordable homes.

“Although super funds have been investing in the housing sector for some time, the new national Housing Accord will allow it to be done at the scale needed to make a real difference to communities across Australia,” Ms Birks said.

“It allows millions of Australians to build on the good work of proft-to-member funds where they earn good investment returns while at the same time do social good through their super funds.”

AIST also welcomed the recognition of menopause in the Women’s Budget Statement.

“We’re happy that the impact of menopause on women’s workforce participation has been recognised in this Statement but renew our call for a comprehensive assessment of the number of women affected and the associated economic, social and health impact so a coordinated plan can be developed,” Ms Birks said.

“We will continue to campaign strongly on this issue because of the role it appears to play in perpetuating the gender gap and, as the Treasurer commented, it is measuring the impact that matters.”

CONNECT FOR SUCCESS THIS SMALL BUSINESS MONTH

Small business owners and operators are invited to “Connect for Success” at hundreds of NSW Small Business Month events being held during November.

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government and Minister for Small Business Victor Dominello said there are hundreds of events being held across the State to help small businesses learn new skills and strategies for growing their business, and connect with other small business owners.

“Small Business Month is about bringing together small businesses across the State to learn, to collaborate and to celebrate the experience and expertise of our 800,000 small businesses in NSW,” Mr

Dominello said.

“Small businesses are a vital contributor to our State, employing 1.8 million people and adding more than $400 billion into the economy every year.

“I encourage all small businesses or those interested in starting a business to get involved and attend one of the many events held this month.”

The theme for Small Business Month, “Connect for Success” points to the importance of business owners, experts and industry leaders coming together to share ideas and build networks after the challenges of the past two years.

NSW Small Business Commissioner Chris Lamont said Small Business Month provides small

businesses across the state with the opportunity to hear from some of the best in business.

“There are more than 340 hosted events over the month designed with small businesses in mind. From online marketing tips, support for mental ftness, help for young entrepreneurs to information on pricing strategies, there are literally hundreds of options and I invite all NSW small businesses to check out the exciting festival of events,” Mr Lamont said.

Hundreds of organisations are hosting NSW Small Business Month events and activities in November.

So far, 136 not-forproft organisations, including councils, chambers of commerce and industry

associations, have received grants to host events free-of-charge.

Other businesses have signed on as offcial Collaboration Partners, including Microsoft, Amazon, Commonwealth Bank, NAB, Xero, University of Technology Sydney, NBN Co, Black Dog Institute, TAFE NSW, Business NSW, the ATO and indigenous business incubator, Supply Nation.

Small businesses have a variety of ways to participate in Small Business Month, including attending live online events and connecting in-person at events in their local area.

For more information on NSW Small Business Month events go to www. smallbusinessmonth. nsw.gov.au.

ELON MUSK SAYS $8 MONTHLY FEE FOR TWITTER BLUE TICK

Elon Musk has said Twitter will charge $8USD monthly to Twitter users who want a blue tick by their name indicating a verifed account.

As part of changes after a $44bn USD takeover of the social media site, Mr Musk said it was “essential to defeat spam/scam”.

A blue tick mark next to a username - normally for high-profle fgures - is currently free.

The move could make it harder to identify reliable sources, say critics.

Mr Musk, the world’s richest person, added that paid users would have priority in replies and searches, and half as many advertisements.

“Power to the people!

Blue for $8/month,” the billionaire said on Twitter, criticising the old method of blue tick verifcation as a “lords and peasants system”.

Twitter’s former method of verifying users for a blue tick included a short online application form, and was reserved for those whose identities were targets for impersonation, such as celebrities, politicians and journalists.

The company introduced the system in 2009, after it faced a lawsuit accusing it of not doing enough to prevent imposter accounts.

But Mr Musk is facing a hefty challenge as he works to overhaul Twitter’s business, which has not posted a proft in years.

He has said he wants to

reduce Twitter’s reliance on advertising, even as some companies have grown concerned about advertising on the site under his leadership.

What next for Twitter?

General Motors - a rival of Mr Musk’s electric car company Tesla - said last week it was suspending advertising on the site.

Meanwhile, some other major brands have more quietly put a temporary halt to advertising on the platform as they wait to see how Mr Musk’s changes play out, a media buyer for a leading advertising frm told the BBC.

On Monday, one of the world’s biggest advertising companies, IPG, advised its

clients to suspend Twitter adverts for a week, citing a need for more clarity on the Twitter’s plans to ensure “trust and safety” on the platform. IPG is given billions of pounds per year, by some of the world’s biggest brands, to handle their marketing budgets.

The charge for blue tick privileges drew scepticism after original reports that said the charge could be $20 USD monthly.

Many on the platform echoed the statement of author Stephen King, who wrote in response to reports of changes that instead Twitter “should pay me”.

Mr Musk wrote to Mr King saying, “We need to pay the bills somehow!”

AIST welcomes increased investment in housing but disappointed at no super on paid parental leave

The RZ 450e is the frst fully-electric vehicle from Lexus

ELECTRIC RZ 450E BREAKS NEW GROUND FOR LEXUS

By CHRIS RILEY

Lexus has revealed its frst fully electric, dedicated battery electric model the RZ 450e.

Due here next year, the RZ is a clean-sheet design that sits on the e-TNGA platform that is shared with the Toyota bZ4X and Subaru Solterra.

It’s designed specifcally for EVs, providing space for the batteries and motor to be placed low to the ground for optimal weight distribution and a low centre of gravity.

Lexus is claiming a range of about 450km, but it doesn’t say which standard this is under NEDC or the more recent WLTP testing routine.

Regardless, the bit we like is the optional driver monitor that warns when it detects the driver is drowsy or looking sideways.

If the system determines the driver’s posture is severely compromised and that it is diffcult for the driver to continue, it warns other drivers by fashing the hazard lights while gently decelerating the vehicle.

The system then stops the vehicle in its lane, unlocks the doors and automatically notifes emergency services through the vehicle’s connected technology.

Can’t see too many customers ticking the box for this one (could be very embarrassing).

Being a fully electric model and having no need for a radiator, also has implications for the Lexus trademark “spindle” grille.

Hey presto it has been replaced by a BEV spindle body that Lexus

says signals the seamless acceleration and dynamic performance specifc to BEVs.

Driving the car are two electric motors, 150kW at the front and 80kW at the rear, with a combined output of 230kW (Lexus/ Toyota never share the amount of torque delivered by electric models).

The larger motor drives the front wheels, the smaller the rear axle, together with a 71.4 kWh lithium-ion battery.

Using acceleration, cornering-speed

and steering-angle information, the DIRECT4 all-wheeldrive system adjusts front-rear torque delivery and braking force to all four wheels to maximise grip, stability and comfort.

Inside, a new aircraftlike steering control with steer-by-wire replaces a conventional steering wheel, while the transmission lever has made way for a Lexusfrst, rotary-style knob in the centre console.

The compact yoke-like steering wheel greatly

reduces the driver’s workload, eliminating the need for hand-overhand operation.

An electronic “e-latch” system is used to operate the doors, with a dimmable panoramic sunroof to block out the glare.

The spacious interior is based on the humancentred tazuna concept of building the cabin around the driver, with intuitive placement of controls for ease of operation as well as welcoming all occupants with thoughtful

appointments.

The RZ 450e takes the Lexus Electrifed portfolio to nine vehicles, joining six hybrid-electric vehicles (HEVs), the NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid-electric vehicle (PHEV) and the fully electric UX 300e (BEV).

Lexus Australia leads the way in sales of luxury cars with electrifed powertrains, with almost half (47.3%) of Lexus sales in the frst nine months of 2022 being either HEV, PHEV or BEV.

Lexus boss John Pappas said the RZ heralds the transition of Lexus into a BEVcentred brand.

“This is a luxury SUV for customers wanting the latest in Lexus zeroemission technology and innovative design,” he said.

“The RZ expands our portfolio of electrifed vehicles, moving Lexus ever closer to our ultimate goal of a sustainable society.”

Final RZ Australian specifcation and pricing will be announced closer to introduction in mid2023.

ISUZU BREAKS OUT THE TINSEL FOR D-MAX

New Isuzu Ute

By CHRIS RILEY

Isuzu’s new D-Max ute is on the way with plenty of tinsel in the lead up to Christmas.

There’s a new grille, new colours, new-look wheels, new trim inside and gas struts to make opening and closing the tailgate easier.

The new grille is fnished in two-tone black on the SX, twotone black and grey on the LS-M, two-tone grey and chrome on the LS-U and LS-U+, and twotone dark grey on the X-Terrain.

Following the design trend, the LED rear combination lights are also trimmed in dark grey metallic, rather than chrome.

Engineers have also

simplifed the towing setup process by automatically disabling Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Traffc Alert when a trailer is hitched and detected via the genuine trailer wiring harness.

Isuzu describes the update as the most signifcant since the

D-MAX

features new two-toned grille

current model was launched in late-2020. Most of the changes have been driven by customer feedback.

“This is the most signifcant update to the Isuzu D-MAX range since debut—with each model set to receive a bolder design aesthetic, new features, and three

new models added— giving Customers more choice,” Isuzu UTE’s Hiroyasu Sato said.

“In a market where some brands have removed features to meet delivery timeframes, we’ve listened to the feedback from customers and the media and have introduced new features

to keep the Isuzu D-MAX towards the top of the segment; features that appeal to the modern ute driver, and the towing and touring adventurer.”

Isuzu has also extended its smaller 1.9-litre diesel to three more workhorse variants: SX Crew Cab Chassis 4x2 Automatic,

The 3.0-litre turbodiesel engine remains available in all grades and body styles, offering 140kW of power and 450Nm of torque.

With more families turning to utes as default dual-purpose family vehicles, the SX Crew Cab Ute and Crew Cab Chassis both receive an additional 2.1A USB port in the second row for charging mobile and tablet devices.

The new 23MY D-Max range will be available from December at the same price as the current range, with the exception of the three new models.

The range topping X-Terrain is still $64,990 driveaway.

SX Crew Cab Ute 4x2 Automatic and SX Crew Cab Ute 4x4 Automatic.

TOYOTA C-HR GR SPORT HYBRID

By ALISTAIR KENNEDY

The Toyota C-HR is a compact SUV that arrived here in 2016 when it flled the gap left by the RAV4 as that long-serving and popular model steadily grew in size into the mid-size vehicle that it is now.

Our test car was the top-spec C-HR GR Sport. The GR stands for Gazoo Racing, Toyota’s global motorsport division, but if you’re looking for a hot-hatch type SUV then you’re going to be disappointed. Apart from some suspension tweaks and 19-inch alloy wheels the enhancements are largely cosmetic.

The complete C-HR range comes with two drivetrains, 1.2-litre naturally aspirated turbocharged petrol and 1.8-litre turbo petrol/ electric hybrid; three equipment levels, GXL, Koba and GR Sport; and either front- or all-wheel drive with the petrolonly models but only FWD with the hybrids.

STYLING

The C-HR, marks quite a change in styling from the relatively conservative looks that have worked so well for Toyota over the years. No doubt aimed at younger buyers.

The acronym C-HR stands for Coupe High Rider and this does describe its styling – a coupe-like upper body but with the reasonably high stance of an SUV.

The steeply sloped roofine tops off a lower body with plenty of creases and curves, especially around the rear.

‘Hidden’ rear door handles near the top of the C-pillar add to the coupe-like styling but can be a bit awkward to use.

Enhancements added to the GR Sport include bespoke two-tone 19inch shadow chrome alloy wheels; a bold vertical grille split by a thick chrome horizontal bar; and new foglight surrounds.

There are GR Sport badges on the front,

sides and rear as well as on the brake calipers.

INTERIOR

The sporty external theme is continued inside the C-HR GT Sport with dark silver highlights around the instrument panel and doors, piano black surrounds for the centre console and powerwindow switches.

Enhancements include GR Sport badging, leather accented sports seats and leatherwrapped steering wheel.

The rear seats are quite cramped although headroom is better than expected. Children are not going to like the tall front seats and high tapered side windows which combine to seriously limit outward visibility.

There are no ventilation controls and no USB ports in the rear.

The boot has a 318-litre capacity. There are tie-down and carry hooks. The spare wheel is a space saver below the boot foor.

POWERTRAINS

C-HR comes with the choice of two powertrains. There’s a 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol in the GXL and Koba variants, with either front- or all-wheel drive. Outputs are 85 kW and 185 Nm at 1500 rpm.

The Koba hybrid and C-HR GR Sport use a naturally aspirated 1.8-litre engine, with maximum power of 72 kW and 142 Nm of torque, with a 53

kW / 163 Nm electric for a combined power output of 90kW and an undisclosed amount of combined torque.

The 1.2-litre runs on standard unleaded petrol, the hybrid on premium.

Transmission is via continuosly variable transmission although there is no manual mode in the hybrid variants.

SAFETY

Standard safety features across the C-HR range include seven airbags, enhanced ABS brakes with forward collision warning, brake assist and autonomous emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, road sign assist, rear cross traffc alert, hillstart assist, brake hold function and trailer sway control.

Koba (but not GR Sport) adds automatic braking to the rear cross traffc alert.

Also standard in all models is the Toyota Safety Sense package which adds lane trace assist, automatic high beam, active cruise control and pre-collision safety system with pedestrian detection.

INFOTAINMENT

Compared with the expansive wide screens which are becoming increasingly common in many vehicles the 8.0-inch touchscreen looks quite bland. However, infotainment screens are there to provide access to a large number of functions without distracting the

driver from the road ahead and we found the C-HR screen one of the easiest to use.

The screen is angled slightly towards the driver and within easy reach.

There are four rectangular short-cut buttons on each side of the screen that open up the various options on the screen itself.

Like many other embedded satellite navigation systems, the version in the C-HR is diffcult to use with tiny symbols that don’t clearly indicate their functions. It’s hardly surprising that many drivers chose to use smartphone maps instead.

Bluetooth pairing is simple and allows access to Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, both wired, but no digital radio.

There’s 4.2-inch multiinformation display in front of the driver with the usual features.

DRIVING

While the Toyota C-HR GR Sport talks the Gazoo Racing talk it certainly doesn’t walk the walk. Unlike its GR Yaris, GR Supra and recently-launched GR86 there are no performance enhancements. Of course, the other three are hatches or coupes while the C-HR is an SUV.

Having said that the C-HR is a capable and competent car to drive in normal day-to-day running. It’s easy to manoeuvre around the

suburbs and a cinch to park.

The option of all-wheel drive in the non-hybrid variants is a bit pointless with a ground clearance of just 137 mm effectively ruling out any off-road ventures.

Ride and handling in the GR Sport is excellent thanks to adjustments to the shock absorbers, spring rates and stabiliser bars. There’s also a new centre brace which improves body rigidity and contributes to a more direct steering response.

Toyota was one of the pioneers of petrol/ electric hybrids and almost every vehicle in its large range has a hybrid option. They have been refned the years and fuel consumption is a major selling point, never more so with soaring prices.

We were able to average 4.8 litres per 100 kilometres during our week-long test not that far above the claimed 4.3 L/100 km.

SUMMING UP

There’s plenty of competition in the sub-$40k compact SUV market segment where the C-HR sits mid-feld behind the top-selling Mitsubishi ASX. In addition to this rivalry with other brands, C-HR is certain to face a serious intra-brand challenge from the justreleased Corolla Cross. Both vehicles are built on the same platform but the Corolla Cross is marginally larger in all exterior dimensions. The adventurous styling of

the C-HR is likely to be one point of difference, especially with younger buyers.

We’re currently doing a review of the Corolla Cross shortly and will report back on what is likely to be a gamechanger for the small SUV market.

MODEL RANGE

C-HR GXL 1.2-litre turbo-petrol FWD: $30,915

C-HR GXL 1.2-litre turbo-petrol AWD: $32,915

C-HR Koba 1.2-litre turbo-petrol FWD: $35,165

C-HR Koba 1.2-litre turbo-petrol AWD: $37,165

C-HR Koba 1.8-litre petrol hybrid FWD: $37,665

C-HR GR Sport, 1.8-litre petrol hybrid FWD: $37,665

Note: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your local Toyota dealer for drive-away prices.

Toyota C-HR GR Sport is a real head-turner

FIXED RATE MORTGAGE CLIFF IS IMMINENT AND WILL IMPACT HOUSEHOLD CONSUMPTION

Australia’s fxed rate mortgage reset is imminent and potentially about to get messy, according to Pete Wargent, co-founder of Australia’s frst national marketplace for buyer’s agents, BuyersBuyers.

Mr Wargent said, “the fxed rate mortgage cliff has been talked about as a potential issue for some time, but only now is it about to become a signifcant problem for the Australian economy.”

“Historically only a relatively small share of mortgages written in Australia have been accounted for by fxedrate mortgages.”

“But as interest rates were dropped to a record low through the pandemic, fxed-rate mortgage volumes were extraordinarily high for six consecutive quarters from the September 2020 quarter through to the quarter ended December 2021.”

BuyersBuyers CEO Doron Peleg said that while borrowers understood that recordlow mortgage rates would not be sustained, the lending rules now in place leave many with few attractive options.

Mr Peleg said, “many existing borrowers are going to be trapped in a mortgage prison being unable to refnance due to the increased lending assessment buffers in place since October 2021.”

“If a mortgage rate resets from 2 per cent to a rate or around 6 per cent, for example, borrowers will naturally be minded to shop around for the best possible mortgage rate or product to cushion the blow”.

“Unfortunately, under the present lending conditions, many do not have the choice of refnancing due to tighter lending rules.”

“While loan serviceability expectations including a lending assessment buffer of 3 percentage points made sense when the cash rate target was reduced to the zero lower bound, from this month forth we’ve now

experienced close to 300 basis points of monetary tightening, so the same buffer should no longer be required.”

“The irony is that rules introduced to bolster fnancial stability could end up being a major source of fnancial instability if they aren’t taken back to the prepandemic settings,” Mr Peleg said.

Household consumption to be impacted BuyersBuyers cofounder Pete Wargent says that the increase in

mortgage rates delivered to date will negatively impact household consumption over the next 18 months.

“There are plenty of moving parts, but it’s not hard to see that such a huge switch is going to create some major tremors for existing borrowers, which will in turn have signifcant implications for household consumption going forward,” Mr Wargent said.

Mr Wargent said, “the good news is that with full employment there’s

currently a job for effectively everyone who wants one, and even the option to work additional hours in many cases.”

“We also know that most Aussies will do whatever it takes to continue making mortgage repayments, in the absence of a very deep housing market downturn or recession.”

Policy settings are key Household consumption has a major impact on Australia’s economic growth, and policy settings will be a key determinant of

outcomes from here.

Mr Wargent of BuyersBuyers said, “household consumption is a key factor for the Australian economic outlook. It’s not yet clear how much further the Reserve Bank plans to take interest rates.

Mr Wargent of BuyersBuyers said, “household consumption is a key factor for the Australian economic outlook. It’s not yet clear how much further the Reserve Bank plans to take interest rates higher before pausing to take into account the lagging effects of monetary tightening. And obviously, the trajectory of mortgage rates will be the single biggest driver of mortgage stress.”

“There is some headroom for some of the worst hit borrowers to be cushioned by lenders offering interestonly loan terms, or even mortgage holidays in more extreme cases.”

“A far better outcome, however, would be to allow the mortgage market to function more freely by restoring the lending conditions in place prior to October 2021, so that stressed borrowers can shop around for more attractive mortgage rates and terms,” Mr Wargent said.

“The alternative path looks decidedly messy,” Mr Wargent said.

Figure 1 - Share of fxed rate mortgage lodgement volumes by quarter

Figure 2 – Fixed rate mortgages - share ad tenor of outstanding loan balances

BLACK ADAM M 125 MIN

Thurs-Wed: 12:15pm, 4:30pm, 7:40pm

BLACK PANTHER: WAKANDA FOREVER M 161 MIN

Thurs-Wed : 10: 20am, 1:15pm, 2:35pm, 4:15pm, 7:10pm

DC LEAGUE OF SUPER PETS

PG 106 MIN

Sat-Sun: 10:00am

MRS. HARRIS GOES TO PARIS

PG 115 MIN

Thurs-Wed: 10:10am, 12:00pm, 2:15pm, 6:50pm

SMILE

MA15+ 114 MIN

Thurs-Wed: 5.35pm

TICKET TO PARADISE M 104 MIN

Mon-Wed : 10:00am

Thurs-Fri: 10:00am

MOVIE TIMES from Thursday November

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (M) 176m

Thu, Tue: 10:30am, 1:10pm, 4:20pm, 6:30pm, 7:00pm Fri: 10:45am, 1:25pm, 4:40pm, 7:30pm Sat: 10:30am, 12:20pm, 3:25pm, 5:30pm, 6:30pm, 8:30pm Sun: 10:15am, 1:20pm, 3:30pm, 4:30pm, 7pm Wed: 10am, 12:15pm

Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris

(PG) 131m

Thu, Tue: 10:40am, 1:40pm, 7:25pm Fri: 10am, 2pm, 5:45pm Sat: 10am, 1:40pm, 6:45pm Sun: 10:30am, 2:50pm, 5:10pm Wed: 10am, 1pm

The Woman King (M) 150m

Thu, Tue: 10:45am, 4pm Fri: 10:30am, 4:30pm, 7:50pm Sat: 10am, 4pm, 9pm Sun: 12:45pm, 7:20pm Wed: 10am

Black Adam (M) 140m

Thu, Tue: 1:25pm, 4pm Fri: 12:20pm, 3pm, 8pm Sat: 12:35pm, 3pm, 9:20pm Sun: 10am, 12:25pm, 7:30pm Wed: 12:35pm

WHY IT’S BECOMING NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE TO BE HEALTHY IN AUSTRALIA

It seems counterintuitive. That in a country as rich as ours, and with a worldclass health system, 50 per cent of Australians now live with chronic disease.

Now, it’s easy to think this is a failure of individual will power, on a macro scale, but consider this.

If I had a class of 30 students and one was getting poor grades, it would make sense to look to that individual for their reasons for falling behind.

But if half the child’s class was failing, we wouldn’t hesitate to look at the classroom, the curriculum or the wider environment.

It would seem totally illogical to point the fnger at half the class, individually.

When it comes to our personal health, the cards are stacked against us in Australia.

At almost every point throughout our day, things make it harder for us to be healthy — and easier for us to increase our disease risk.

The good news is there are things we can each do to rebalance the deck of cards for us and our communities.

The power of digital marketing

From the moment we wake up and turn to our screens, we’re being harvested for data.

It’s estimated that by the age of 13, the average Australian child will have had 72 million data points collected about them — everything from our address, age and gender to our friends, preferences, emotions and habits.

Even the things we “like” online, and the products we just look at or consider buying.

This data is used to sell specifc products tailored to our individual tastes and desires. It even targets us when we are more emotionally vulnerable — or hungry.

This marketing from an early age shapes our

norms and preferences.

From as early as 3, children can begin to learn — and in essence, become hooked — to brands.

We know that the habits we form in childhood tend to stick with us for life. This is why so much time and money is spent on tracking, marketing and infuencing our kids.

Why your postcode matters

One of the strongest predictors of our life expectancy is our postcode. The built environment around us shapes our health in many ways.

In wealthier suburbs of Melbourne like St Kilda, for example, the average distance to a fresh food store is 400 metres.

Compare this to the 14 kilometres you’ll fnd in some lower-income postcodes.

Access to green space and parks, healthcare services, public transport, education, and employment, all affect our ability to access and achieve good health.

The wide variation in these services sees almost 2.5 times as many junk food outlets in poorer postcodes compared to wealthier ones.

The more or less our neighbourhood enables our health shows up in our risk of chronic disease.

Supermarkets are designed to trick us

Ever gone into a supermarket with two essential purchases in mind, but left with a basket overfowing with foods you didn’t need and weren’t great for your health?

You’re not alone, and it’s not all your fault.

In fact, the supermarket design is based on decades of behavioural studies.

The height and length of the aisles, the lighting used, and even the music, are all designed to keep you in the store longer and buying more.

More science goes into building a supermarket than your average PhD thesis, and the modern supermarket has more in common with a casino than a traditional market

We spend more time at the end of the aisles, and so this real estate costs more. This results in a bias for highly proftable and ultraprocessed foods.

Unhealthy foods are twice as likely to be on sale and typically attract “buy one, get one free” discounts (which are illegal in some countries, by the way).

The result? We buy more things we didn’t come for, and really don’t need. Who can even decipher food labels?

Then there’s food labelling. Even if we can navigate the manipulative environment, we still need to make sense of the food itself. We have a system

• There’s no restrictions around the amount of sugar or salt that can be added to foods

• Even foods on the market that say “no added sugar” can be 30 per cent sugar by weight Perhaps cost is the most signifcant and growing barrier for many of us when we look to put healthier food on our plates.

While ultra-processed foods high in salt, fat and sugar are getting

reshaping the factors that sit outside health care.

The good news is that it’s possible. Countries like Denmark have taken bold steps to limit advertising to children, made biking and walking the paths of least resistance, and strengthened their welfare systems.

This ensures families on the poverty line don’t have to choose between putting a roof over their heads and putting fresh food on the table. This has led to an obesity rate in Denmark of around half of ours in Australia.

What’s required is a rethink — and some action

There are things we can each do at home to rebalance the deck of cards for us and our communities. Knowledge is a great frst step. Arming ourselves with the

information to understand what an ultra-processed food is, or how the supermarket infuences our brains, or the power of digital marketing, might allow us to take small steps to better protect ourselves.

Above all though, levelling the steep barriers that many Australians now face when it comes to accessing and affording good health will require action from all of us, along with our governments. While this seems daunting, systems change always starts with a single step — or a single conversation. So, talk to your family, your neighbours and leaders in your community about the changes you’d like to see.

When it comes to Australians and our health, don’t we all deserve a fair go?

that’s diffcult to understand, and optional to the manufacturer.

Compare this with some countries that have clearly labelled, coloured and mandatory food labels that interpret and communicate the healthiness of the products.

It’s little surprise many of the unhealthier products make it into our baskets and onto our homes when you consider this:

• There are more than 30 names for added sugar

cheaper, fresh food seems to be getting more expensive.

Factor in the time needed to buy, prepare and cook fresh food, and it becomes unattainable and unrealistic for busy families.

Rebalancing the deck of cards

Unfortunately, there’s no single solution. While it would be easy to think that we can simply build more hospitals and medicalise ourselves out of this situation, it requires a deeper commitment to

BOWEN THERAPY

Originating in either Australia or New Zealand in the early 20th century, it was named after the Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova.Taking the form of a cake-like circular block of baked meringue, pavlova has a crisp crust and soft, light inside. The confection is usually topped with fruit and whipped cream.

The dessert is believed to have been created in honour of the dancer either during or after one of her tours to Australia and New Zealand in the 1920s. The nationality of its creator has been a source of argument between the two nations for many years.

The dessert is a popular dish and an important part of the national cuisine of both Australia and New Zealand. With its simple recipe, it is frequently served during celebratory and holiday meals. It is most identifed with and consumed most frequently in the summer time, including at Christmas time

Pavlova is made in a similar way to meringue. Egg whites (and sometimes salt) are beaten to a very stiff consistency, gradually adding caster sugar before folding in vinegar or lemon juice (or another edible acid), cornfour, and vanilla essence. The meringue mixture is placed on to baking paper and shaped to form a round cake around 20 cm (8 in) in diameter with a slightly recessed centre. The meringue is baked in a slow oven (120–150 °C, 250–300 °F) for 45–60 minutes, then left in the oven to cool and dry out, usually overnight.

Passionfruit Charlotte

Traditionally made with sponge cake or biscuits, raspberries and cream, our version of Charlotte cake (or icebox cake as it’s also known as) has a uniquely Aussie twist thanks to the passionfruit and mango jelly. Serve it at Christmas lunch (there’s no baking required freeing up much-needed oven space) or a summer catch-up, and watch it disappear before your eyes.

Grape Expectations by Max Crus

Tax to the max the name of the game.

There are only two certainties in life, they say : death and taxes, which is where it all goes wrong.

From a young age kiddies are told that both are bad, which is not true, depending on your religion.

It’s just terrible marketing and leads us to the current pressure from the press for the government to do something about tax cuts promised by the former government.

The only choice apparently is to be called a liar and untrustworthy by breaking an election pledge or labelled stupid by cutting taxes for the rich.

Okay, the conservatives

say the rich need tax cuts. How can money trickle down to the plebs if the rich have to throw more at the ATO and jeopardise their lease on the Bentley?

However where the marketing is going wrong is the message that only people earning up to $200,000 per year get the cuts ($9,000 if you earn that fgure compared to the average of $1,250ish).

This is complete rubbish. EVERYONE gets the tax cuts including billionaires, you nongs.

“Struth” say the conservatives, “what’s $9,000? Barely a day’s pay for junior KC”.

Phil and Thrope Eden Valley ‘Hughesy’s’ Riesling 2022, $18 Yes, the name is a dead give-away. Phil is the guy with the money and Thrope gives it away. Bit like our household. Funraiser (and fundraiser) for the Foundation Barossa, from ‘Hughesy’ of Rieslingfreak fame, so it’s also pretty smart riesling. 9.3/10. Phil and Thrope Barossa Shiraz, 2020, $19. The red sibling is “a three-barrel blend selected from our Bultawilta, Horse Paddock and House on the Hill Blocks”, which sounds like a modern marketing load of horse s*&% and bollocks, but so what? Do something nice while enjoying yourself. Another 9.2/10

Clearly what we need to do is rebrand tax as a good thing and encourage people to want to pay more, not less.

One way to achieve this would be a contest to see who can pay the most. Make people proud to pay and reward them by naming and claiming things after big taxpayers rather than shaming them for not, as we try, unsuccessfully, to do now.

For instance if you pay a certain amount you get a building or street named after you. A bit more, a whole block, perhaps a suburb or even city?

‘Murdochtown’? Hmmm, is

that Canberra already?

The uber rich could strive for a whole state. ‘Cliveland’?

Perhaps if you become the top tax payer for a decade, they could name the country after you for a bit! ‘Ginaralia’?

For lesser types like us, maybe they could name laws, or government departments or better yet, taxes themselves?

I ‘bags’ the WET tax

Greenskin wine.com Margaret River Sauvignon Blanc 2021, $18. As modern as wine gets so strap in, this is the future. 750ml compressed into the least amount of packaging possible, weighing little more than the liquid itself, with a ‘return to sender’ bag included. Great stuff as is the wine itself. Good value, bright, fresh WA SB. Get on board. 9.3/10.

Greenskin wine.com Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon 2019, $33. There’s eight in the range thus far, and a six-pack is about half the size of a glass one, so just chuck it in ya bag and you’re off. They won’t break even if you’re rough as guts while the wine itself is nothing like that. They pour beautifully, although don’t squeeze too hard. But even that’s fun! They’ve even got ‘best before’ dates!

3 Drops Great Southern Chardonnay 2020, $30. Old school chardonnay and a delight. Bit oaky, bit nutty, bit WA, what more do you want? To pay more tax? The stuff they used to serve at gallery openings and should

3 Drops Great Southern Shiraz 2018, $28. Three drops are enough to get some DNA but you need a hundred for a decent taste, and the smell is alluring enough that you will want much more. Tannic and warm but inviting. 9.2/10.

1 In which district of London would you nd Mayfair? 2 Who did Kanye West interrupt during an acceptance speech at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards? 3 Who wrote the 1868 Russian novel The Idiot?

4 Kim Philby was a member of which famous ring of spies in England during the Cold War?

5 The River Cam runs through which English university town?

6 Founded in 1088, what is the oldest continuously operating university in the world?

7 The Etruscan civilisation existed in what is now which modern country? 8 Rudy Giuliani (pictured) was mayor of which US city?

9 Who wrote the 1996 novel The Tailor of Panama?

Break into (4)

South American palm (4)

Prickly shrub (5)

Fashion designer, — Jacobs (4)

Part of the eye (4)

Device for converging light rays (4)

Land measure (4)

Abel’s brother (4)

Osculate (4)

10 Which 80s rock anthem begins: ‘I followed the Moskva down to Gorky Park’? Using the nine letters in the grid, how many words of four letters or more can you list? The centre letter must be included, and each letter may only be used once. No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural words ending in “s”.

Aries Mar 21 - Apr 20

ARIES MAR 21 - APR 19

With all your excess energy, it’s easy for you to be busy all the time. You are unlikely to be bothered by problems. Despite feeling energetic and well-adjusted you approach situations carefully, it is your strength and stamina that complement your diligent approach, which invariably results in a successful outcome. You don’t only fnish your usual projects in an effcient and determined way; you get involved with even more tasks and show how capable and reliable you are. In the process, it’s important you don’t forget your loved ones. You’re getting on very well with those you care about most and it appears you have a lot of positive infuence on other people you meet as well. Even if from time to time, you and your lover seem to disagree, you’re both able to easily fnd compromises. Make sure that the romantic side of your relationship is not being overlooked or even completely forgotten.

TAURUS APR 20 - MAY 20

Feeling strong, it’s easy to stand up for yourself when confronted by obstacles. This can lead to arguments if you don’t frst refect on getting your own way. Enjoying your work, you can focus on your tasks effortlessly. The mental stimulation involved will not be enough to satisfy the need to soothe your inner tension. Feeling resilient, you can help put your mind at ease and dispel any built up irritability with some healthy energetic exercise. Take note, it’s important under present circumstances, to try and avoid disagreements with your lover. You’re advised to rethink your position - one more time – to be on the safe side! Accusations made in haste and heated discussions lead to unnecessary stress that swamps your partner. Be gentle with your lover and yourself and importantly remain objective and fair!

GEMINI MAY 21 - JUNE 20

You’re careful and show persistence when dealing with problems. Your increased vitality and improved self-confdence has positive effects on everyone you meet. You’re able to complete any new tasks either alone or as part of a team. As expected, the suggestions you make are acceptable to others who tend to agree with you. Use this infuence to achieve your desires, remain steadfast, true to your aims and they’re likely to be met with approval by those people in your life that matter most to you. Again and again you prove you’ve great diplomatic skill. You’re settling quarrels or dealing with an on-going upset in your relationship – you defnitely have the right personal approach! You should spend as much time as you can with your lover, the person you care about most. If you’re living alone, you’ve a great chance to change this now. Simply be a little courageous!

CANCER JUN 21 - JULY 22

Assert yourself and others follow your lead. You don’t have to be too concerned about getting your own way, the stance you take is overwhelmingly convincing with regard to most matters you have to deal with. So consider discussing everything that is important while you are in such convincing form. Be determined but not obsessive about certain issues, if you fnd some situations problematic then move on and take a different tack. Expand your feld of expertise you’re likely to succeed regardless. Being fair-minded about your own interests and those of your lover will bring about mutual respect; especially if you live in a long-term relationship, you’re able to make the necessary compromises that will stand the test of time. If you’re single the chances of success are good too, thanks to your confdent appearance you make a lasting impression on those you meet.

Leo Jul 23 - Aug 23

LEO JUL 23 - AUG 22

Wanting to achieve is OK as long as whenever possible you include others and satisfactorily deal with their concerns. Don’t resort to angry outbursts if you’re criticized but consider if there is a beneft to be gained from the other person’s point of view that you can take into consideration and is likely to improve the outcome of your activities. Any excessive energy utilize in pursuit of healthy exercise, to help release tension or stress, avoid contact sports, jogging or Nordic walking is best. Any extreme resentment won’t do your love life any good. If your relationship is unduly stressed with needless tussles and your attitude alienates your partner. Control yourself a bit more! If you’re single, it’s possible such brusque conduct works quite well - to pick someone up. But nobody will want to stay around you for too long, if you continue to behave like this.

VIRGO AUG 23 - SEP 22

Your abundant energy together with the self-confdence and composure you display makes being successful both professionally and personally much more likely. You engage people in pleasant conversation which helps them to see your point of view. Use your new found enthusiasm to resurrect your interest in people or projects that you have neglected for a long time. Feeling very ft, you can easily be persuaded to improve your performance in the sports activities or exercise regime you enjoy most. You’re able to positively resolve long standing matters with your lover before they intensify any further. If you’ve been in a relationship for a prolonged period, you might want to think about making it permanent. If you’re single the next date - could be a crucial one. Whether it results in a proposal of marriage or a new relationship – love and romance are on the agenda!

LIBRA SEP 23 - OCT 22

You possess a higher than usual level of pent up anger that needs dealing with in a constructive way, if you don’t want to suffer from the consequences. Ease up on the talking and avoid putting others on the defensive. If you require help from others be more patient and diplomatic in the way you approach them. Even if you personally feel on top form , be prepared to take things at a more leisurely pace otherwise you may suffer setbacks from unnecessarily taking on far more than you able to handle. Your love life can be unfavourably affected by your deeply passionate feelings, which could easily cause tension and clashes with your partner. Alternatively, you might fnd that love-making can be a great help in easing the situation between you, but any arguments that might possibly be on-going are best left till later. Ultimately conficts can’t be resolved by sex alone.

SCORPIO OCT 23 - NOV 21

For the slightest of reasons you lose your temper and as you might normally expect are unable to keep your normal level of composure. Mistakenly or not, you’re under the impression that people are purposely setting out to annoy you. Once this happens you fnd it diffcult to regain your self-control. Co-operation and compromise is the key to get you through what appears to be a confict laden period. Spare yourself any stress, seek approval and appreciation rather than putting at risk their normal support. Put some energy into your romantic life and make an effort to be happy in your relationship. Listen carefully when your lover speaks to you. Don’t unnecessarily put at risk what you’ve built together over the years! Try to utilize your enhanced energy to keep up the erotic tension between you. Surprise your lover, let them how spontaneous and original you can be.

Sagittarius Nov 22 - Dec 21

SAGITTARIUS NOV 22 - DEC 21

Practice more self-restraint, far too easily you feel you’re deliberately provoked, even over the slightest matters. Without warning your excess energy erupts in a bad temper. Obviously this isn’t acceptable to those you know, selfdiscipline and compromise is essential. Such relentless behavior results in problems both at home and at work. Watch out that these excesses don’t become a noticeable feature in other areas of your life. You need to be more self-aware and make sure that it doesn’t. You’re not behaving very diplomatically and your lover is feeling the full effects of your dismissive attitude. Be more considerate and allow others to express their point of view as well. Your stubbornness and bossiness tends to bug your partner and they feel exasperated. If single approach matters less-hastily, thoughtfulness often gets you further than obstinacy.

CAPRICORN DEC 22 - JAN 19

Impressing others with a certain level of competency, you’re able to demonstrate that taking on new and challenging tasks is a good test of your abilities. You want to show exactly how capable you are and demonstrate your enthusiasm to those who matter most. Aside from your working environment, catching up with leisure and sports activities provide you with high levels of excitement, satisfaction and fun. An even bolder approach reveals possibilities to improve involvement on the romantic front. Your ability to firt has never been better; it’s time to strut your stuff! If you’re single make use of your appeal and keep your eyes open for romantic opportunities. With such confdence, you draw attention to yourself and are quite a catch. If in a relationship, luck is on your side too; you charm your lover even though the circumstances are not as good as they might be.

AQUARIUS jan 20 - feb 18

You are capable of being extremely productive and making a success of whatever you do. However be careful of over-reacting if you feel threatened; you tend to respond badtemperedly or even insensitively. Hold yourself back if confronted and refrain from making enemies or from the temptation to deliberately provoke others, behavior like this is very unproductive and likely to cause you unwanted problems. Step back from time to time and use your energy both purposefully and thoughtfully! You would like to change a lot of things. But you run the risk of making your lover feel confused. You’re sticking to your principles with all your pent up frustration; instead show your partner you need them, take a walk together or give each other a comforting massage. If you’re single use a more restrained approach, otherwise you could easily appear rather foolish.

PISCES FEB 19 - MAR 20

You feel fghting ft, on top form, as you experience vibrant energy running through your body! That’s why it is a great time to tackle any tasks you have put off recently. If you don’t have existing projects, it is a good time to start something new. Prepare yourself in anticipation for something good to happen shortly. It is even possible for you to feel overwhelmed by so many opportunities coming your way. Take advantage of this crucial phase and make the most of it!! Once you’ve got your project off the ground, you meet with approval from others. You’re irresistible, sociable and outgoing, you’ve got the ability to respond well to people you fnd attractive. It’s great to have a lover like you, who has the right attitude, knows how to handle a relationship and has a big heart. You won’t be alone for too long. Your relationship could easily turn into a happy partnership and ultimately becomes even happier for you.

Death Notice

Ron Shepherd

Passed away on the 26th October.

Ron was a 4th Generation Ballina Resident

At rest with his beloved Barbara A loving Father to his 6 Children, Grand-Father to 17 and Great-Grandfather to 21

He will be sadly missed

He was a Life member of Surf lifesaving NSW, president of Ballina surf club early 2000.

Superintendent FNC branch, Fought constantly to make our beaches safe. A talented builder with my grandfather who built a lot of the original houses in Ballina. There are so many stories to tell about my father. A Ballina local, an amazing man.

Funeral Notice

McDONALD, IAN NORMAN “Macca”

Passed away suddenly on 31st October, 2022 at his Casino home, aged 68 years. Cherished son of John (decd) & Patricia McDonald. Loving brother of Jenny Wilson, and proud Uncle of John Henry and Bobby Wilson, along with Mark Cooke. Loved and sadly missed by Mark Formaggin and all his mates.

Relatives and friends of Ian are invited to attend his funeral service to be held tomorrow THURSDAY 10th November, 2022 commencing at 10.30am at e Arentz Chapel, Parkview Funeral Home, 41 Walker Street, Casino followed by burial at Casino Lawn Cemetery.

Death Notice Death Notice

LEWIS Roslyn

JOHNSON, JAMES “Jim” DAVID

01.07.1942 ~ 02.11.2022

Passed away suddenly at Pimlico. Beloved Husband of Christine. Loving Father to Gavin, Glen and Susan.

Dearly loved Pop to Tristan, Mikaela, Bryton, Annabelle, Dana and Lincoln.

Funeral Notice

SHARPE, GLENDA

GENEVE

16.2.1942 – 7.11.2022

Glenda passed away peacefully at Caroona Kalina, on the 7th of November 2022, aged 80 years. Late of Goonellabah, formally of Maclean.

Dearly loved Wife of Geo . Loved Mother and Mother-in-law of Grant & Susan, Tye & Melissa, Joanne & Graham, and Clint & Mam.

Cherished Grandmother of Callum & Makayla, Jessica, Blake, Sam, Serena, Jeriah, Cody, and Amity.

Loving Great-Grandmother of Cooper & Charlie.

Family and friends are warmly invited to attend Glenda’s Graveside Funeral Service at Evans Head Cemetery, Cemetery Rd, Evans Head, on Tuesday 15th of November, commencing at 11.00 am.

R.I.P.

Dearly loved Wife of Milton Loving Mother and Mother-in-law of Kirsty, Evan and Rebecca.

Much loved Grandmother of Stephanie, Jeremy, Braden, Corey, and Karla. Passed away peacefully 25 October 2022

AGED 71 YEARS

According to Roslyn’s wishes a private cremation has been held.

Public Notice

Proposed Road Disposal Section 152D Roads Act 1993

In accordance with section 152D of the Roads Act 1993, notice is hereby given of the proposed sale of the Crown public roads listed in Schedule 1. If a sale proceeds, the road(s) will cease to be a public road upon transfer of the road to freehold land in accordance with section 152H of the Act.

Schedule 1:

Crown road at Eden Creek, located southeast of 616 & 767 Afterlee Road. (File Ref: 22/06506, Cluster: 637264)

All interested persons are hereby invited to make submissions concerning the proposal to Department of Planning & Environment – Crown Lands, PO Box 2215, DANGAR NSW 2309 within twenty-eight (28) days of the date of this advertisement.

Any person is entitled to make submissions with respect to the sale or disposal of the road. Please note that submissions may be referred to third parties (such as council or the applicant) for consideration in accordance with the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009

For the Manager, Business Centre Newcastle

For more information: Visit our website crownland.nsw.gov.au or contact Amanda Walker by email at amanda.j.walker@crownland.nsw.gov.au or on (02) 4428 9152 quoting fle references above.

of

Constitution Amendment Resolution

General Business: To consider any other business of which due notice has been given in accordance with the Constitution.

*A copy of the Constitution and Explanatory Notes may be obtained by contacting the Credit Union

Proxies

Should you be unable to attend the AGM you may still vote by proxy. A member who is entitled to attend the Annual General Meeting and vote is entitled to appoint a proxy. A proxy need not be a member. A member who is entitled to cast 2 or more votes may appoint 2 proxies and must specify the proportion or number of votes each proxy is appointed to exercise. To be effective, the appointment of a proxy must be received by the Returning Officer for Summerland Financial Services Limited in the Reply Paid envelope provided with the proxy form at least 24 hours prior to the meeting. A proxy form can be obtained by contacting your local Summerland Credit Union branch or by phoning 1300 802 222.

Copies of the Minutes of the 39th AGM held on 17 November 2021 are available by contacting the Company Secretary by emailing ceoadmin@summerland.com.au or telephoning 1300 802 222.

It is essential that you rsvp on 1300 802 222 and do so by 9 November 2022 advising if you will attend face to face, or via Microsoft Teams The meeting link to attend the meeting online will be provided to those who nominate attendance in this manner

October 2022 By Order of the Board, Company Secretary

Notice of Aboriginal Stakeholder Consultation – Cumbalum NSW

Heritage Management and Planning Pty Ltd has been engaged by Intrapac Property Pty Ltd to undertake a Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Assessment Report (ACHAR) to support the planning proposal for rezoning of land from RU2 (Rural) to R2 (Residential) at Cumbalum NSW.

• 658 Tamarind Drive Cumbalum NSW (Lot 363 DP1273203)

• 52 Albert Sheather Lane Cumbalum NSW (Lot 616 DP1280098, part of Lot 1 DP1265459 and part of Lot 2 DP1263184), and

• 138 Sandy Flat Road Cumbalum NSW (Lot 2 DP 880178)

As part of the assessment process, consultation will be undertaken in accordance with the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Consultation Requirements for Proponents (DECCW 2010) to assist with the determination of any future Aboriginal Heritage Impact Permits. is notice is an invitation for Aboriginal organisations or people who hold cultural knowledge relevant to determining the signi cance of Aboriginal object(s) and/or place(s) in the area to register an interest in a process of community consultation.

Interested Aboriginal organisations are invited to contact in writing to: Tim Hill, Heritage Management & Planning, PO Box 502 NSW 2454 or via email timhill.heritage@gmail.com. Expressions of interest should include current contact details. Closing date for registration is 25 November 2022.

Aboriginal people who register an interest will have their details forwarded to Heritage NSW and Jali Local Aboriginal Land Council unless they specify that they do not want their details released. Please note that under Heritage NSW guidelines registration for consultation does not guarantee employment.

Client contact details: Intrapac Property Pty Ltd, Robina <info@intrapac.com.au>

Angus and Angus X Weaner Steers

Angus and Angus X Weaner Heifers

European Weaner Heifers

Bos-Indicus Weaner Heifers

Hereford Heifers

x 200 Cows & Calves 100 PTIC Heifers and Cows

Special Lines Include:

A/C Tagget & East – Tyalgum (Property Sold) 35 Angus Cows & Calves (Texas Angus calves at foot) 1 Texas Angus Bull, 3yo

A/C Peterson Partnership – Koreelah 30 Hereford Heifers (EU Accredited)

A/C J & A Foster – Coraki 50 Angus & Angus X Weaners

A/C I & J Walters – Kyogle 10 x 10 Black Baldy Cows – Quiet & Young 25 x 25 Brangus Cows & Calves (All cows have been running back with Clunie Range Angus Bulls)

A/C J Mills ‘Muirton’ – Tabulam (Property Sold) 120 Breeders (Approximately) Consisting of Brangus, F1, Angus and Hereford Cows, with 30% calved, balance PTIC.

A/C Charles Lowe – Texas 100 Yearling Steers

A/C Bowkett Family – Murwillumbah 35 Angus Weaners

A/C Casa Collina Cattle Co 6 White Brahman Heifers (PTIC to Premier Angus Bull Texas Ice Man)

A/C Owner 7 Friesian X Jersey Heifers (Been running with an Angus Bull for 12 weeks)

A/C Owner Santa Gertrudis Bull – 2y/o (Rosevale Bloodlines)

COMMUNITY NOTICES

Please read

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.

NOTE:

All Community Notices must be submitted each week on or before 11am every Monday for the next edition to be published.

ALSTONVILLE

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

The theme of the latest exhibition at Crawford House Museum is the natural world –celebrating the natural environment around us. It features all new works by members of the Lismore Branch of the Embroiderers Guild and showcases creative interpretations of not only the theme but also members’ responses to challenges, workshops and competitions. The exhibition runs until Sunday 29th. January 2023 (closed 24th. December 2022 - 5th January 2023). There are also new books – “Happy 21st Alstonville Plateau Historical Society” and “I Found It in the Pioneer” – and commemorative

wineglasses and keyrings for sale, which would make ideal Christmas presents. The museum is at 10 Wardell Road Alstonville and is open Fridays 10am-4pm and Sundays 1pm-4pm or at other times by appointment for groups. Enquiries (02) 6628 1829, aphs2477@yahoo. com.au or www.aphsmuseum.org.au.

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 7.30pm9.30pm at Uniting Church Hall, 59 Main Street, Alstonville. Contact 0407663017 for further information. New dancers welcome.

DYRAABA HALL COMMITTEE BUS TRIP

The Dyraaba Hall Committee will host a bus trip to Robina Shopping Centre on Saturday 19th November. Cost is $30 and includes morning tea. There will also be raffes. The bus will leave Dyraaba Hall @ 7am, Casino Post Offce @ 7:30am, can also pick in Lismore, Alstonville & Ballina. Bookings & Enquiries phone Veronica on 66671101. All proceeds after expenses will go towards the maintenance of the Hall.

BALLINA

BALLINA ARTS & CRAFTS CENTRE INC. (BACCI)

We are a diverse group of Artists and Crafters that participate in wonderful group exhibitions. Over 50 members are from all over the Northern Rivers. Meetings are usually on the 1st Monday of every month at the Cherry Street Sports Club. Social gathering at 5, for a 5.30 start. Our next Exhibition is at the Ballina Masonic Centre, Cherry Street on 18-20 November, Friday 6-8 and Weekend 9-3. Some great Christmas gift ideas, amazing raffe prizes and a pop-up cafe. It is a fundraising event for Heart to Heart Australia.

For more information - info@ bacci.com.au or phone Deb on 0432105540

BALLINA BRIDGE CLUB

“Social play every Monday 9-11.30am”. Sessions for all levels of players on Mon, Wed, Sat from 1pm to about 5pm. Be seated at 12:45. Restricted session (under 300 Masterpoints) Thu 1pm – about 5pm. Friday mornings – Help with Play –open to anyone who would like some help with their game from teachers on duty. 9am to about 11:15pm. Sessions are $5 for members and $7 for visitors. Everyone entering the club must be fully vaccinated. 13 North Ck Rd, Ballina Please call Judy Forsyth (president) on 0407664337. www.ballinabridge. org.au

BALLINA CWA

Ballina CWA Handicraft and Friendship mornings are in full swing on Wednesdays from 9 until 12 in our rooms on River Street next to the RSL, come along with or without your handicraft, have a chat and enjoy morning tea for $3, for more information please ring our Handicraft Offcer Barb 0428116668. Our CWA meeting days are held on the 3rd Monday of the month commencing at 9am, all most welcome to attend. Mah-jong is being played in our rooms from 12:15 on Wednesday and Thursday, for more Information please ring David 0435323079.

BALLINA EVENING VIEW CLUB

Meets on the second Wednesday of each month at the Ballina RSL Club at 6.30 for dinner at 7pmGuests are always welcome. Our members support the education of disadvantaged children in Australia by fundraising activities and social events in our local community for The Smith Family - by sponsoring 5 Learning for Life students. Contact President Julie Stephan 0434988770.

BALLINA HOSPITAL AUXILIARY

Our popular Christmas Raffes (First Prize $500, 2nd Prize $100,) will be on sale from 9 till 1 at the following venues:

Outside Terry White’s Chemist, Ballina Street, Lennox Head, Saturday 12th November, Ballina Fair, on Friday 11th November and Saturday 12th November, also on Monday 14th November to Wednesday 16th November.

Outside The Greater Bank, River Street, Ballina from Monday 21st November till Thursday 1st December excluding Sunday 27th. Our Christmas Stall will be held on Thursday 1st December outside The Greater Bank, River Street with delicious Cakes and Preserves and gifts and craft. The Raffe will be drawn at this event.

BALLINA SENIOR CITIZENS CLUB

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

BALLINA TOY LIBRARY

Welcomes families from Ballina Shire. 9 Regatta Avenue, Ballina. Open Saturdays 10am – 1pm. Ph. 0411 719 074 for enquiries

FREE COMMUNITY BRUNCH BALLINA

We are now pleased that our hot brunch centre can be held twice a month, the 1st and third Saturday. Everyone is welcome, so come and enjoy a free sausage sizzle, hot dogs, tea, coffee or juice or just come for a chat. This is held at the Ballina Presbyterian Church Hall, on the corner of Cherry and Crane St 10am to 12pm for more information call Chris on 0411510430

IN FOCUS TOASTMASTERS CLUB

How about trying something different? If you would like to improve your communication and leadership skills or simply make new friends and have fun, you are warmly invited to attend the In Focus Toastmasters Club. We meet the 3rd Wednesday evening of each month. You may attend either from the comfort of your own home via zoom or join us in person at the Cherry Street Sports Club, Ballina. For more, contact our President via email at: president-3209990@ toastmastersclubs.org or our PR offcer at: vppr-3209990@ toastmastersclubs.org

NORTHERN RIVERS NAVAL & MARINERS ASSOCIATION

This association was formed to attract veterans for companionship, wellbeing and to supply advocacy to veterans. We hold an informal gathering every Friday, 2.30pm at Ballina Angling Club (families are welcome). Contact Allan Watt for more information on 0402 749 582 or email jakknco@bigpond.net.au

PROBUS CLUB OF BALLINA WATERS

The Probus Club of Ballina Waters will hold its next monthly meeting on Wednesday 16th November at the Cherry Street Sports Club

commencing at 10.00 a.m. The guest speaker will be Jack Abernethy, Probus District Chairman. Other activities this month include a happy hour on Friday 18th, a luncheon on Friday 26th, and a theatre party on Saturday 27th. This club is a mixed club and both men and women are invited to join us for a range of interesting social functions. Further information is available from the President Brian on 0432277170.

BYRON BAY

BYRON BAY RSL

“The Byron Bay RSL Sub-Branch will be holding a Remembrance Day Service at the War Memorial on the corner of Tennyson & Marvel Streets on Friday 11th November 2022 at 10.45a.m. All Welcome” Thanking you. Kathryn Head: Hon Secretary, BB RSL SB

CASINO

Casino

every Saturday 10am - 3pm. The Gallery is also open Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 10am to 3pm. Interested in promoting YOUR medium? Come to the gallery for information. Cassinoartgallery@ gmail.com

CASINO HOSPITAL AUXILIARY needs volunteers to work in the hospital kiosk. Roster days are negotiable and can be discussed with the Kiosk Supervisor by contacting Barbara on 0439607788 or phoning the hospital kiosk during the day on 66600539.

CASINO LADIES AND FRIEND CRAFT GROUP

Meets 1st & 3rd Tuesday of each month. Bring your own morning tea. Names to be in by lunch time Monday. Phone Vivian on 66621838 or Jan on 66626424.

BYO Drinks & Nibblies. Members to supply non-perishable items for raffes. Welcome to dress in Christmas Theme.

Confrmation of numbers required for catering

Please phone Pam & Ron on (02) 66623328 or 0415454470

Beautiful Dance Music, Judy Johnston on Keyboard Thank you, Christmas Blessings.

LINE DANCING CLASSES

Beginners are welcome – Casino, every week Weds 5pm. All interested phone Lorraine 0418264489.

Line Dance Intermediate Classes only- Every 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.

Secretary: Denise Green 0448014682

CASINO

CASINO MEALS ON WHEELS WEEK 4

MONDAY D. Armitage & J. Corocher

Email: deniseg.vip@outlook.com

LISMORE CASINO NAVAL ASSOCIATION

Meets bi-monthly at Casino RSM, new members welcome. For more information phone Chris 66293269 or Jim 0427400625.

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 Playmate 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, 8am1.30pm. Contact 66626423 DH or casmenshed@live.com.au

CASINO CWA

The Casino CWA would like to invite everyone to our monthly meeting held the 3rd Thursday of the month. Next meeting is at the Casino Community Centre 9.00am Thursday 17th November. November’s Land Cookery Bake is a Ginger Fluff Sponge. Our Christmas Street Stall will be on the 26th November. Our Christmas Raffe ticket Sales will go on Sale 1st December outside Woolworths. Everyone is welcome. Enquires Margaret Good 66621746, Jennifer Baker 043892060.

CASINO & DISTRICT FAMILY HISTORY GROUP INC

Christmas Party - It is approaching that time of the year when we celebrate the end of another successful year through holding our Christmas party. The Christmas Party is on 14 December starting at 11am. Bring a gift to the value of $10. The raffe will be drawn on 14 December at the Christmas party.

We are open Tuesday to Friday from 10am to 2 pm Wednesdays from 12pm to 4pm and 3rd Saturdays from 9am to 11.30am. We are in Room 5, upstairs in the School of Arts Building, Walker Street, Casino.

Meetings: 2nd Wednesday of each month, at 10 am.

Closed: mid-December to late January (can open then by appointment).

Memberships: January to December: single $40, family $50 (2 people same address), student $30, pensioner $35, pensioner couple $45. Address: P.O. Box 586 Casino, NSW, 2470. Phone: 6664 1118. Email: casinofhg@gmail.com Website https://sites.rootsweb. com/~auscdfhg/index.htm

CASINO GALLERY ART at the CASSINO GALLERY. The Casino Art Group meets here

TUESDAY M. Benn D. Coleman WEDNESDAY D. Winkler

THURSDAY R. & D. Lee J.Yates FRIDAY W & P. Edwards Richmond Valley Council staff

CASINO MINI RAIL

Every Sunday 10am to 4pm. Weather permitting. West Street Casino. Phone 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 R R COUNTRY MUSIC CLUB

Casino R R Country Music Club will be holding their next social upstairs at the Casino RSM Club on Sunday the 20th November 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

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 0418715374.

AA-LIVING SOBER MEETING is held every Tuesday 12:00-1:30pm At the Casino Baptist Church Cnr. West & Canterbury Streets Casino Each week the group will discuss a chapter on living sober out of the AA Living Sober Book. Contact George on Ph: 0427133372 (due to so many scam calls) please leave your name and number and I will call you back.

ANNUAL CHRISTMAS DINNER DANCE

St Marks Old Time/New Vogue Dance Club @ St Marks Anglican Hall, Barker Street Casino Saturday 3rd December 2022

Starting time 5:45pm, Dinner 6pm, Dancing 7pm Dinner Members $10, Visitors $30, Dance only $10 Raffes, Lucky Spots, Supper. Please

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 FAIRY HILL CRAFT GROUP

Fairy Hill Craft group Christmas lunch will be held on Thursday, Dec 1 (with cost and venue to be confrmed). Past, current and intending members are most welcome. Please bring a gift (value approx. $10) to swap on the day. For bookings and further details, please phone Sue on 66633233.

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.

DYRAABA HALL COMMITTEE BUS TRIP

The Dyraaba Hall Committee will host a bus trip to Robina Shopping Centre on Saturday 19th November. Cost is $30 and includes morning tea. There will also be raffes. The bus will leave Dyraaba Hall @ 7am, Casino Post Offce @ 7:30am, can also pick in Lismore, Alstonville & Ballina. Bookings & Enquiries phone Veronica on 66671101. All proceeds after expenses will go towards the maintenance of the Hall.

EVANS HEAD

EVANS HEAD CWA BRANCH meets every third Tuesday for lunch at noon. New members welcome. More info Roz 0427825560

EVANS RIVER RSL DAY CLUB

The Evans River RSL Day Club meets each Monday in the Remembrance Room at Club Evans RSL Evans Head from 10am until 2pm Cost $10 includes Morning Tea and Lunch. We have several vacancies for volunteers and members, anyone who is feeling in need of some company are welcome to attend. Come along and join in the fun. Contact Merilyn on 0401493316 for more details.

GOONELLABAH

TABLE TENNIS AT GOONELLABAH

CASINO & BONALBO UPPER CLARENCE LIONS CLUBS

Lions club now meets each 4th Wed at the RSM.

BYRON BAY

EVANS HEAD

BALLINA

LISMORE

social playing: 9am-12noon; Monday and Wednesday nights social playing: 7-9pm; Training Monday mornings: 9am-12noon; Junior coaching after school Wednesday 3.30pm4.45pm, $6 a session. Everybody is welcome – all levels. Phone centre on 66251602. Mon-Thurs 9.00am1.00pm 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.

WOMANS HEALTH

Women’s health Matters are offering a free 6 week group for women, called “Worry Less, Live Well”. If you are often worried and anxious or feel that anxiety affects your wellbeing and enjoyment of life, this may be the program for you. In a small confdential group, we focus on learning new skills to effectively manage anxiety, which will then support the growth of confdence and wellbeing.

Activities include discussion, mindfulness and relaxation practice.

When: Friday 11th November – 16th December 9.30a.m. 12.30p.m.

Where: The Child and Family Health Centre, 37 Oliver Ave., Goonellabah Leaders: Pamela Craven, Health Educator and Jane Newman, Women’s Health Nurse Bookings: 66202999

GRAFTON

GRAFTON CWA

The members of Grafton CWA ran a successful morning tea on Jacaranda Thursday. The rooms were decorated with purple tablecloths and purple table decorations. Other decorations included beautiful ribbon bunting made by Barbara and pots of fowers. Delicious scones, cakes and sandwiches were served. The handicraft stall and cake stalls were decorated with bunting made by Narelle and were also well supported. People were able to take home some of our CWA cooking and some handicraft items. Some members also attended the Jacaranda Afternoon Tea last Monday and the View Club’s Birthday Lunch on Friday. On Jacaranda Saturday, we took part in the Jacaranda Float Parade. The North Coast CWA Group had a foat decorated as a Jacaranda Garden Party, to celebrate 100 years of CWA. Members from the north coast branches all combined to make fowers and decorations and dressed up as women through the ages. We had fun riding on the truck and waving to the crowd and were relieved that it didn’t rain! Some members also dressed up and rode in vintage cars. It was a memorable way to celebrate 100 years of CWA. The next meeting of Grafton CWA will be held on Friday, 11th November, starting with morning tea at 9.30am, followed by the meeting at 10am. New members are always welcome.

GRAFTON AND DISTRICT GARDEN CLUB

We successfully kept the 300 purple and white Petunias alive during the Jacaranda Festival and all of them were purchased at the end with funds going to the festival. The Jacaranda trees quietly turned on their beauty and looked wonderful.

Our next meeting is Thursday 17th November at 10am at the Joan Muir Hall at 194 Turf St Grafton. We will have a Bring and Buy table and a guest speaker whose topic is Growing Bonsai plants. More information to come regarding

our Christmas lunch at the Golf Club on 3rd December.

Happy Gardening, Jane Rhodes 0438 593032

GRAFTON’S

MIGHTY CLARENCE TOASTMASTERS CLUB

Perhaps it’s time to fnd out what it’s all about! If you would like to improve your communication and leadership skills. Make new friends and have fun, you are warmly invited to attend the Mighty Clarence Toastmasters Club. We meet on the 1st & 3rd Wednesday evening of each month. You may attend either from the comfort of your own home via zoom or join us in person at the Joan Muir Community Centre: 194 Turf Street, Grafton. For more information please contact: Vice President on email Jan Coleman janetlcoleman@gmail. com or Facebook page: https://www. facebook.com/graftontoastmasters

GRAFTON SENIOR CITIZENS

Bus trips for 2023 now being considered.

Bookings for Christmas lunch, 2 Dec, now being taken.

Enquiries: Sandra, 6642 7720; or 0417 464 946.”

GRAFTON SENIORS BE FIT EXERCISE CLASSES

Every Friday at the Uniting Church, Prince Street

Join us for gentle exercises designed for Seniors

We meet at 10.30 a.m. for a cuppa and a chat with the exercises commencing at 11.

All equipment is provided and there is no cost to the participants

Further information can be obtained from Joan or Brian on 6644 7347 or 0416 067 315, or from Dot on 66423248 or 0477 213 017

GRAFTON U3A JABBERFEST

The Grafton U 3 A Jabberfest for November will commence on Monday 14th November at the usual venue, The New Life Church in Arthur Street and at the usual commencement time of 10 a.m.

The morning session will bring us all up to date with the preparations for the Christmas Luncheon and will also give all members, both the ladies and the men, a warning to sharpen up their cooking prowess as there will be a competition for the April 23 Jabberfest to see who can bake the best batch of ANZAC biscuits.

The morning tea that meeting should be worth waiting for!! On Monday 14th there will also be an opportunity for members to recall their youthful ??? experiences with Billy Carts and Tricycles. Sure to be some hilarious memories there!!!

The session after the morning tea break, will be a one+ one interview with ENID BENNETT talking of her life and times with Rhonda Dunkel, this being subject to the state of health of Enid, otherwise the one+ one will feature Warren Grant being interviewed by Mike Gillespie, this being listed otherwise for our February 23 Jabberfest. So, we look forward to another great roll up on Monday 14th Regards to all. Brian Carter

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!

HASTINGS POINT

HASTINGS POINT

HASTINGS POINT COMMUNITY CHOIR

Do you enjoy singing. Our repertoire covers a variety of music styles –both unison and part singing We would love you to join us. New members needed. You will be made most welcome

When: Tuesday Evenings from 7pm – 8.30pm Where: Tricare Residential Village Community Room Tweed Coast Road, next to Shell Petrol Station. For more information, contact Jean Berry 0414 794 380

PROBUS CLUB OF HASTINGS POINT

The Probus Club of Hastings Point Tweed Coast meets at 10am on 3rd Tuesday each month, in the residents’ lounge at Hastings Point Tricare. Retirees and seniors are welcome to join this happy social group. Phone the Probus president 0409872773 for additional information.

KINGSCLIFF

HOSPITAL AUXILIARY MEMBERSHIP DRIVE AT KINGSCLIFF

The Tweed Hospital, it recognises that the new hospital will be located south of Tweed Heads and residents in those areas may be interested in volunteer work when the new hospital opens.

The branch welcomes the opportunity to talk to those who are retired, unemployed or simply looking for a chance to give back to one of our most critical services –our hospital.

There is a range of jobs that can be performed. The branch runs raffes, a gift shop, fashion parades, jumble sales and luncheons. People with cars are very important to the running of these operations to transport material to the various venues. The branch meetings are held monthly, and the cost of membership is only $5 per year. There are some procedures that must be processed, such as police checks. Full vaccination is required for those volunteers who are working in the hospital. So, the public in the Kingscliff area and surrounds are invited to talk to our volunteers about our UHA branch of The Tweed Hospital.

For more information contact John on 0421085985.

KYOGLE

KYOGLE SUNSHINE CLUB

Meets every Thursday at 9.30am. For more details contact 0499824274.

KYOGLE TIDY TOWNS FARMERS MARKET

Held every Saturday morning in Stratheden Street from 8am -12. Come along grab some local fruit & veggies, experience all Kyogle has to offer. New Stall Holders welcome. Enquiries Anne 66321851

KYOGLE COUNTRY MUSIC DAY

Kyogle Country Music’s next Day is on at 11am on Sunday 13th November at Kyogle Bowlo commencing with a short meeting followed by the music. Lunches available and afternoon tea, ALL WELCOME. $2 donation appreciated

LINE DANCING CLASSES

Beginners are welcome – Kyogle every week Friday 5.30pm. All interested phone Lorraine 0418264489.

LION’S CLUB OF KYOGLE Meeting is held on the 1st & 3rd Tuesday each month at the Kyogle Lion’s shed from 6.30–7pm For more information contact Neville Moon on 0448222334.

RICHMOND RIVER BEEF PRODUCER’S ASSOCIATION

Meet on the 2nd Wednesday of every month at Kyogle Showgrounds in the luncheon room at 7pm. For more details Phone Jan on 0427293455.

SONGS OF PRAISE

Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church KYOGLE 29TH NOVEMBER 2022 AT 10.30 AM

ALL FAITHS are invited to join together to raise their voices to sing praises to your Lord.

Includes poetry readings and an appearance by the St Brigids Catholic School Choir A light lunch will be provided afterwards.

Please RSVP by 20th November for catering purposes to Maureen 02 66 331 528 or Trish 0439 322 384

DYRAABA HALL COMMITTEE BUS TRIP

The Dyraaba Hall Committee will host a bus trip to Robina Shopping Centre on Saturday 19th November. Cost is $30 and includes morning tea. There will also be raffes. The bus will leave Dyraaba Hall @ 7am, Casino Post Offce @ 7:30am, can also pick in Lismore, Alstonville & Ballina. Bookings & Enquiries phone Veronica on 66671101. All proceeds after expenses will go towards the maintenance of the Hall.

LENNOX HEAD

LENNOX HEAD CWA

Handy Craft Mornings on Mondays 9.30am-12noon in the community centre at Lennox Head. Call Jan on 66816150.

LENNOX HEAD DAY VIEW CLUB

The Lennox Head Day VIEW Club meets on the frst Monday of each month at the Lennox Head Community Centre with the meeting starting at 11am and includes an interesting speaker and concludes with a light lunch. An informal Coffee and Chat meeting is held on the third Monday of the month. The Club sponsors three students through The Smith Family Learning for Life scholarship program that provides educational items for disadvantaged Australian children. New members and guests are most warmly welcomed, and enquiries may be made to Enid 047187511 or Dawn 0466717435.

LENNOX HEAD EVENING VIEW CLUB

Meets on the second Tuesday of each month upstairs at the Lennox Hotel at 6.30pm for dinner at 7pm. Guests are welcome. “VIEW members support the education of disadvantaged Australian children by raising much needed funds for The Smith Family. Through fundraising activities and social events in local communities, members raise money that goes directly to The Smith Family’s learning and mentoring programs for disadvantaged students.” Lennox Head Evening VIEW Club currently sponsors two Learning for Life students. Contact Sue Brennan 0409728814.

LENNOX HEAD LIONS CLUB

New members welcome to join our close-knit club where the emphasis is on community service in a fun environment. Meetings are on the frst and Third Wednesday of each month at Club Lennox starting at 6.30pm. Members do what they can, when they can to facilitate the needs of our club.

PROBUS CLUB OF LENNOX HEAD

Meets 9.30 for 10 at Club Lennox, 10 Stewart Street, on the frst Thursday of each month. Visitors are welcome, also retired or semi-retired people wishing to join our non-service club to hear interesting guest speakers and to join in trips and outings are invited along. Phone Jan 66876859.

LISMORE

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 0428216079. 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 0438828619. 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

Lismore Base Hospital Auxiliary is holding a” Made from the Heart Craft Fair “ on Saturday 26th November 2022 at 10 till 3pm and Sunday 27th November 2022 10am till 2pm.

At Goonellabah Workers Sports Club 202 Oliver Avenue Goonellabah. We invite you to celebrate the most beautiful time of the year with us. We are looking for Artisans who might like to sell their wares over the two days and must have insurance. Local Artisans and Auxiliary will have a large variety of their wares available

Eftpos available at most stalls. We are also running a Raffe 1st Prize $500 so if you see us around the Lismore Shopping Centres in our yellow shirts please come up, say hi and buy a ticket. Drawn 10th December.

All money raised goes towards the Lismore Base Hospital Wish List they give to the Auxiliary. Contact Colleen 0401081747

LISMORE CITY CONCERT BAND

Rehearsals are held during school terms on Mondays, 6.15-7.45pm at Southern Cross University. If you can play a concert band instrument: brass, woodwind, or percussion, please come and join us! All ages welcome. We have some instruments available for loan.

For more information, Tel: 0432575911 visit: www. lismorecityconcertband.org.au, and our Facebook and Instagram pages.

LISMORE EMBROIDERERS GROUP

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 HOME, GARDEN & EDUCATION INC.

Monthly Meeting will be held

KINGSCLIFF

KYOGLE

GRAFTON

LENNOX HEAD

1pm. Thursday 10th November at Goonellabah Soccer Club. Special for November Lilly. Please enter fowers before 12.45pm. Morning Tea at Denise Farquahson`s Garden 528 Caniaba Rd. Caniaba. Saturday 12th November 10am please bring plate of food to share. Info contact Secretary. 0448294496 dcoles39@ outlook.com

LISMORE MEN & COMMUNITY

SHED

President: Don Abrahams 0437576837

Vice President: Bob Greig 0404860504

Email: lismoremcs.contact@gmail. com

Opening Hours: Tuesday & Thursday 9.00am – 3.00pm

We are a community based non-proft organisation. Everybody is welcome: men, women & people with a disability of all ages. We encourage social inclusion. Our aim is to promote the mental, physical & emotional well-being of people in our community.

Shed Activities

• Members work on their own projects

• Mentoring is available

• General woodworking

• Welding & light engineering

• Repair & restoration of items for the public

• Constructing projects, of items for the public

• Constructing projects for preschools, hospitals & other organisations

• Assembling fatpacks

• Minor maintenance work for the elderly & disabled

• Working with the disabled

• Talking with other members or simply having company Memberships: $40-year Attendance Fee: $3 tea/coffee Location: 15 Industry Drive East Lismore

LISMORE ORCHID SOCIETY INC.

Lismore Orchid Society now meets 3rd Wednesday each month, 2 - 4pm at Richmond Tweed Regional Library, 6 Centenary Drive Goonellabah, (corner of Oliver Av and Centenary Dve). Contact Bev on 0400326289

LISMORE REGIONAL PARKINSON’S SUPPORT GROUP

Lismore Regional Parkinson’s Support Group will meet on Friday, 18th November at 10 am -12 Noon at Summerland House Farm. Our guest this month will be the talented Parissa Bouas who plans to explore the possibilities and benefts for those living with Parkinson’s of a participating in a choir. The Carers will also have an opportunity to meet and there will be an opportunity for members to share strategies and offer support in a confdential, non-judgemental setting. All member of the Parkinson’s community and family are most welcome to attend.

For details, Phone 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: 0266213200

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.

PROBUS CLUB OF LISMORE HEIGHTS

Our mixed group meets on the 1st Tuesday of each month at the Lismore Heights Bowling Club in High St.

Our brief meeting is followed by morning tea and a guest speaker. Senior’s lunch for $15 at noon is optional. Guests and visitors are welcome. Ring/text Pam on 0418766247 for details of our other monthly social gatherings and outings.

ROTARY CLUB OF LISMORE NETWORKING

Want to be part of an innovative, interesting and inclusive networking group who meet fortnightly to share ideas, meet other professionals and work together to make a difference in your community? Then Rotary Club of Lismore Networking could be the answer for you! Meets fortnightly at The Sherwood Hotel (75 Molesworth Street Lismore) on Wednesdays at 5.30pm. For more information contact Rita on 0413300578 or Gae 0412742095.

ROTARY CLUB OF LISMORE WEST INC

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

Sprung!! is a registered charity and a not-for-proft community organisation that offers Dance, Theatre & Movement workshops and training to people with disabilities. We are currently looking for volunteers to assist our organisation in a number of ways including supporting our Tutors and Disability Support Workers; transcribing; catering; professional skills; technical support and backstage support. Our workshops and performances run in Lismore, Mullumbimby, Tintenbar and Lennox Head expanding to Ballina and the Tweed. Any interested volunteers can reach us here and for general information please contact us on info@sprung.org.au

SUMMERLAND AMATEUR RADIO CLUB

Meetings of the club are normally held on the second Sunday of each month at the clubrooms: 412 Richmond Hill Road, Richmond Hill at 1pm. Visitors are welcome. The clubrooms are usually open on Sunday afternoons from about 1pm onwards. We are primarily amateur radio enthusiasts and welcome persons interested in radio, electronics, astronomy and similar subjects. For more details about the club and its activities see the club’s website: https://sarc.org.au/

NORTHERN RIVERS DAY PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT GROUP

The next meeting of the Northern Rivers Day Prostate Cancer Support Group is to be held on Wednesday November 9th 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 0493 075 612Regards Vida Stenner Secretary NRPCS Groups

DYRAABA HALL COMMITTEE BUS TRIP

The Dyraaba Hall Committee will host a bus trip to Robina Shopping Centre on Saturday 19th November. Cost is $30 and includes morning tea. There will also be raffes. The bus will leave Dyraaba Hall @ 7am, Casino Post Offce @ 7:30am, can also pick in Lismore, Alstonville & Ballina. Bookings & Enquiries phone Veronica on 66671101. All proceeds after expenses will go towards the maintenance of the Hall.

MACLEAN

MACLEAN VIEW CLUB

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

MULLUMBIMBY CWA

There will be a CWA stall at the Mullum Agricultural Show on Saturday 12 November (Sat only) at the Mullumbimby Showground. Please come along for some tasty baked goods and to say hello.

MURWILLUMBAH

COMMUNITY PRINTMAKERS

MURWILLUMBAH

Fine art printmakers. Meet at studio space 224 Stokers Rd, Stokers Siding. Prints, gallery, workshops and more! E: cpmmurwillumbah@ hotmail.com - T: Peter 0498399640 or Sue 0408493253. Find us on Facebook & Instagram.

MURWILLUMBAH COMMUNITY GARDEN

Members and visitors are invited to join the group for activities and gardening tips most Sundays. Time 3-5pm (NSW time, street parking, BYO, covered footwear, comfy clothing, hat and water. Children ok with strict supervision. Covid plan operating. Enquires: phone Bob Johnson (02)66225792.

POTTSVILLE

POTTSVILLE FUN CROQUET CLUB

Meets at Black Rocks Sports Fields on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8.30am. New members are welcome to come and join us for a hit and a bit of fun. For any further enquires please call Jean on 0431606375. We will have a new starting time at the end of daylight saving. We play at Black Rocks Sports Field. New members are welcome. For further enquires please ring Jean on 0431606375.

POTTSVILLE LADIES LIFEBALL

Every Thursday morning 9.30am to 11.30am. Pottsville Community Hall, $5 per session includes morning tea.

No joining fees. For enquiries, please call Jan 0431909760.

TWEED HEADS

Poets and writers on the Tweed meet every Tuesday at the South Tweed Sports Club 1.30-3.30pm. Beginners welcome. Phone 0755248035.

TWEED HEADS PROBUS CLUB

Probus Club, Coolangatta/Tweed Heads. Be at Club Tweed at 10-00am on the frst Wednesday of the Month. Visitors and new members are very welcome.

TWEED PATCHWORK GROUP

Meet the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month at South Tweed Community Center from 9-1pm at 18 Heffron Street Tweed Heads south all beginners welcome phone Moira on 0418686643. A friendly group of people with common interest in seeing, quilting and related craft.

TWIN TOWNS DAY VIEW CLUB

The club meets at the South Tweed Sports Club on the frst Thursday of the month 10.30 for 11am DST with regular guest speakers i.e., magician Jim. Our club will also have a cake/ raffe stall at Bunnings on November 12th. All these proceeds will go towards our Learning for Life student fees. For further information please ring President Kathie on 0407 709 629. … Thank you. Freda Shaw: 07 55 41 357

TWIN TOWNS AND DISTRICT GAREDN CLUB. Twin Towns and District Garden Club meets every second Monday of the month. December is awards and Lunch, for those members to go to Club Tweed Bistro and pay as you go. Meetings Venue: Tweed Heads Civic Centre Auditorium next to Library, Brett Street, Tweed Heads. We offer Raffes, lucky door prize, presidents award, trading tables, cuttings table, Benching of plants and fowers and foral art. Begonia Society, Social Morning teas, bus trips and best of all friendship. Come along, bring a mug to share a coffee or tea with like-minded gardeners. We also have a monthly Guest Speaker. Guest Speaker: November - Jan Pilgrim from Tweed Valley Wildlife Carers “Backyard Wildlife” See you there, bring a mug. Gwen 0468 872199, (leave a message please).

WOLLONGBAR

WOLLONGBAR

The last meeting for 2022 of the Wollongbar Probus club, will be on the 17th Nov at 10 am at the Alstonville Plateau Bowls Club. This will be followed by our Christmas lunch at the Federal Hotel, Alstonville- payment of $40.00 pp is needed at the meeting. So come and share some Christmas fun.

YAMBA

YAMBA CAN

Yamba residents have been invited to a public forum to discuss options for several council developments next Tuesday.

Yamba CAN Committee will host the Community Forum and Feedback Session – Treelands Drive Community Centre development at the Wooli St Hall from 5.30pm. Members and interested residents are welcome for discussions on all possible options.

Please see Yamba CAN website for more information: https://www. yambacan.org/

YAMBA DAY VIEW CLUB

Yamba Day View Club’s monthly luncheons are held at Yamba Bowling Club on 3rd Monday of month, starting 10am for 10.30am.

Acceptance and apologies to President Lyn 66463164 by Friday prior to luncheon for catering purposes. We hold a monthly social outing either for lunch or morning

tea and visitors are always welcome.

YAMBA LIONS CLUB

Yamba Lions Club’s meetings are held 2nd & 4th Thursdays of month at Yamba Bowling Club, commencing at 7pm for 7.30pm. For further information, please contact the Secretary Peter 0417546097.

Social outings also held at various time and visitors and new members welcome.

ALL NORTHERN RIVERS

NORTHERN RIVERS BUSHWALKING CLUB

Are you interested in exploring the beauty that our region contains.

The Northern Rivers Bushwalking Club offers a variety of activities for people of all abilities and ages in bushwalking, cycling, kayaking, abseiling, qigong and social interaction. Visit our Facebook page or our website nrbc.org.au for more information.

NORTHERN RIVERS FELLOWSHIP OF FIRST FLEETERS

The next meeting of the Northern Rivers Fellowship of First Fleeters will be held on Sunday 27th November 2022 at the Cherry Street Sports Club, Ballina at 10.30am. Our guest speaker will be from the Westpac Helicopter Service. All visitors are very welcome. If you wish to attend, please contact Roddy Jordan on 66875339 or via email hollysbuddy1@bigpond.com

NRCF WOMEN’S GIVING CIRCLE

The Northern Rivers Community Foundation (NRFC) is inviting Northern Rivers women to play an active role in empowering vulnerable women and girls in our region. The newly formed NRFC’s Women’s Giving Circle brings Northern Rivers women together to achieve equality and human rights for women and girls in our region and enable them to realise their full potential. Visit the Women’s Giving Circle nrcf.org.au/ womens-giving-circle/ on the NRFC website for more information and to join the Women’s Giving Circle.

murbahcommunitygardens@gmail. com - follow us on Facebook

#MurwillumbahCommunity Garden

The NORTHERN RIVERS HASH HOUSE HARRIERS is a non-proft community group that is part of a worldwide organisation. The Hash House Harriers meet every Monday at 6pm for a run/walk from various locations around Lismore, Alstonville and Ballina. The run/ walk lasts for approximately an hour, followed by friendship, banter and grub.

We are very friendly and welcome new members. For more details email: nrhhh@freelists.org.

NORTHERN RIVERS PARKINSON’S SUPPORT GROUP

Covering Wollongbar to Ocean Shores.

Meets 2nd Friday of each month at Summerland Farm, Wardell Road, Alstonville. General catch up & chat with the opportunity to join in a casual Q&A session with Rebecca, our Parkinson’s nurse. She will be there to answer any questions that you may have about anything to do with living with Parkinson’s or supporting or caring for a loved one. Maybe you want to know about symptoms, medication, treatments or services etc.

Rebecca is there to support us and help you manage your disease so that you live your best life. All those living with Parkinson’s Disease or those supporting them are most welcome.

Please RSVP Cheryl 0428286753.

MACLEAN

TWEED HEADS

POTTSVILLE

ALL NORTHERN RIVERS MURWILLUMBAH

MULLUMBIMBY

YAMBA

Northern Rivers District:

Partly cloudy. The chance of morning fog in the north. Medium (50%) chance of showers, most likely in the morning and afternoon. Winds southeast to southwesterly 15 to 25 km/h tending southeasterly during the day then becoming light during the evening.

Thursday. Partly cloudy. Slight (30%) chance of a shower. Light winds becoming southeasterly 15 to 20 km/h during the morning then becoming light during the evening.

Northern Tablelands District: Partly cloudy. The chance of morning fog in the south. Slight (20%) chance of a shower in the north. Light winds becoming easterly 15 to 25 km/h during the morning.

Thursday. Mostly sunny. Winds easterly 15 to 20 km/h.

Thursday.

the northern coast.

far

Fine and partly cloudy elsewhere. Daytime temperatures below average in the northeast, and above average elsewhere, most notably in the far west. Southeast to northeasterly winds, fresh on the southern coast.

Byron Coast:

Winds: Southeasterly 15 to 25 knots. Seas: Around 1 metre, increasing to 1 to 2 metres during the morning. Swell: Easterly 1 to 1.5 metres, tending southeasterly 1 to 1.5 metres during

the afternoon or evening. Weather: Partly cloudy. 50% chance of showers.

Coffs Coast: Winds: Southeasterly 15 to 20 knots. Seas: Around 1 metre. Swell: Easterly around 1 metre inshore, increasing to 1 to 1.5 metres offshore north of Coffs Harbour. Weather: Partly cloudy.

Gold Coast Waters: Winds: Southeasterly 15 to 25 knots. Seas: 1 to 1.5 metres, increasing to 1.5 to 2 metres during the afternoon. Swell: East to southeasterly around 1 metre inshore, increasing to 1 to 1.5 metres offshore. Weather: Partly cloudy. 60% chance of showers.

Low:3:57am0.3m High:10:53am1.6m Low:5:29pm0.4m High:11:00pm1.0m

Low:4:27am0.4m High:11:30am1.6m Low:6:13pm0.4m High:11:42pm0.9m

Low:5:02am0.4m High:12:10pm1.5m Low:7:00pm0.4m

High:12:30am0.9m Low:5:45am0.5m High:12:55pm1.4m Low:7:53pm0.5m

New South Wales: A possible shower east of the Divide, more likely on the northern coast. Fine and partly cloudy elsewhere. Daytime temperatures below average in the northeast, near average in the southeast, and well above average in the west. Southeast to northeasterly winds, fresh on the southern coast.

A possible shower east of the Divide, more likely on

A late shower or storm in the

west.

Australian-frst junior rec fshing club launches

For the frst time, young rec fshers across the country now have their own exclusive club designed to engage them in playing a key role in Australian fshing’s future.

Junior OzFishers launched this week and is the latest development from Australia’s only recreational fshing charity – OzFish. The OzFish goal is better habitat for better fshing.

Junior OzFishers is aimed at children between 4 and 14 years old, and is exclusively for OzFish members. It gives youngsters the opportunity to restore healthy habitat, adopt sustainable fshing practices, and support native fsh and the future of recreational fshing. It features 10 challenges designed to engage, entertain, and educate young waterway stewards. As

a reward for completing each challenge, Junior OzFishers receive a dedicated badge to show off their achievement and keep track of how many challenges they’ve completed.

Through completing the challenges, they will gain the knowledge, skills, and experience required at an early age for the positive behaviors to become habits they carry throughout adulthood.

Cassie Price OzFish Director of Habitat Programs, explains why the introduction of Junior OzFishers is the next logical step for OzFish’s work across Australia.

“Since launching in 2015, OzFish has had the clear goal of creating better habitat for better fshing. We’ve mobilised the Australian recreational fshing community, with the

support of our major partner BCF, to give back to our waterways,” said Cassie.

“It’s something we are proud to have seen happening on an ever-growing scale and Junior OzFishers is the next step. It will ensure the latest generation of recreational fshers do their part for a sustainable and long-term future for recreational fshing.

“We already have many children and young people engaged

in our projects through our family and junior memberships. However, we realised we didn’t have anything dedicated solely to engaging our young members.

“This program is designed specifcally for them and we hope it will encourage even greater numbers of young Australian rec fshers to get involved.”

The 10 challenges set Junior OzFishers a task linked to habitat restoration, engagement, and good

fshing behaviours.

This includes recycling, catching pest species, inventing a new fsh ‘hotel’, writing about fshing experiences, catch and release best practice, and more.

Each challenge badge features an iconic native Aussie fsh, including bass, yellowbelly, and Murray cod. Perfect for showing off on a hat, favourite gear bag, or a pinboard on a bedroom wall.

Junior OzFishers has its very own mascot –

SPORTS RESULTS

CASINO RSM WOMEN’S BOWLS

A.

till 7-30am.

Results from Wednesday 2/11

Winners for the day were: T. Maxwell, L. James, N. Moran & D. Skinner def T. Maxwell, R. Skirrey, J. Cooke & A. McLean

The other rink winner was: J. Carthew, M. Mead & A. James def D. Grice, H. Lavelle & K. Jonsson

Results from Friday 4/11: D. Grice, T. Maxwell,C. Haynes & D. Skinner def D. Grice, L. James, J.Carthew & M. Mead

CASINO SOCIAL GOLF RESULTS 06-11-2022

The monthly medal winner last Sunday was Bruce Yates with a net score of 27 from Nathan Rose with 29. The putting trophy went to W.Jackson with 15 putts and C.Hatfeld won the players draw.

Nearest to pins:8th, M.Rankin. 9th & 18th, J.Rankin. 10th, M.Gooding. 11th, C.Hatfeld. 12th, N.Rose. 14th, R.Ruttley. 15th, G.Randall. 16th, B,Yates. 17th, G.Shephard. Next Sunday’s event sponsored by Newstead Automotive Services Casino is yet to be decided and visitors are welcome to play with hit off from 6-30am

TWILIGHT CROQUET :

J.Saunders R.Poynting 5 d W.Peters C.Edlund 4 D.Jones N.Poynting 7 d B.Wellings M.Rennie 2 J.Bate A.Mangan 9 d J.Huxley 3 L.Wesely 7 d C.Woodlands 4

B.Wellings J.Bate 6 d J.Saunders C.Woodlands 5 C.Edlund 6 d D.Jones J.Huxley 2 N.Poynting L.Wesely 5 d W.Peters 4 R.Poynting A.Mangan 8 d M.Rennie 4

J.Bate 5 d A.Mangan 3 J.Saunders C.Woodlands 4 d C.Edlund N.Poynting 3 M.Rennie L.Wesely 4 d B.Wellings J.Huxley 3 D.Jones 6 d W.Peters 2.

MONTHLY BADGE

WINNERS :

ASSOCIATION : C.Woodlands, G.Drew. GOLF: B.Wellings, R.Poynting, M.Rennie, R.Allen.

RICOCHET : R.Poynting, N.Barnes, J.Hannigan, P.Scott.

TOURNAMENTS : N.R.C.A RICOCHET

HAND SINGLES

CHAMPIONSHIPS :

N.Barnes 13 d R.Allen 11 P.Scott 12 d J.Hannigan 11 P.Scott 19 d R.Allen 12 N.Barnes 22 d J.Hannigan 18

N. Barnes 12 d P.Scott 11

Final Noelene Barnes Champion AUSTRALIAN LADIES V ACT TEAM TEST MATCH GOLF

CROQUET.

ACT : M.Scruton, E.Gumbrell, K.McGlynn, G.Lambeck, 4 games, 84 hoops.

AUST LADIES : P.Barnwell, M.McMahon, K.McLoughlin, R.Landrebe, 2 games, 83 hoops.

All new Players very welcome Ph : 04 39240251

CORAKI VETERANS GOLF RESULTS THURSDAY 3/11/22

The November monthly medal was played another large feld 46 golfers contested the event, Winner R Earnshaw ham number one , ham number two the vets winner A Ganter, luckey card draw ham B Bolger, vets 2nd W Lunnon,3rd J Savins, free game E Reddell, chicken/ ball winners , P Bruggy, T Foster, T Newton, S Toms, B Micheal, R Rodda, J Sauer, G Gibson, Nearest pins 3rd/12th B Micheal, 6th/15thR Bolger, putting comp,R Earnshaw, A Ganter J Kelly. Draw from the table T McBurney. Medal of medals play off was also played and the winner was

T Newton, congratulations Trevor. This Thursday an 18-hole single stableford event will be played for another three hams commencing with a shot gun start at 8.30am.

Members are reminded that our annual Christmas party and presentation day will be held on the last Thursday in November.

AS USUAL TILL THEN GOOD GOLFING Max

EAST LISMORE BOWLING CLUB RESULTS

A Grade Singles Championships results

W Morrissey 25 def R

Prior 11

P Russell 25 def T Prior 17

J Essex 25 def R NInd 15

S Clarke 25 def B Adams 3

M Prior 25 def A Maslen 19

G Stewart 25 def J McRae 11

Rocco def G Painter

R McInnes 25 def W Morrissey 22

Saturday social results

B Harmon, B Lee 24 def M Morrissey, M Harding 12

A Maslen, J Carrall 21 def

M Flower, B Griffn 16

R Davison, N Scandrett 29 def G Revis, S Wade 9

A Carrall, N Harding 23 def J McRea, GT Scotcher 20

T Gibson, P Russell 22 def

J Burbidge, T Alcorn, G Pollard 14

EVANS

HEAD WOMENS BOWLS

Springtime Triples played 02-11-22

Round 5 - Skips only T. Cselka defeated K. Keevers

E. Gollan defeated K. Robson

P. Freeman defeated J. Fernance A. Peel - Bye Round 6 - Skips only K. Robson defeated P. Freeman

K. Keevers defeated A. Peel

J. Fernance defeated E. Gollan

T. Cselka - Bye Ladies Social Day02-11-22 - 2 Bowl Triples

- Winners - J. Gryl, G. Marczan, B. Montague.

GRAFTON DISTRICT ANGLERS CLUB MONTHLY COMPETITION

Grafton District Anglers Club held their monthly Rock, Beach and Estuary outing on 22/23 October 2022.

There were 13 nominations for the outing but due to the extreme weather conditions only four weighed in fsh. There were 19 fsh caught for a total weight of 12.65 kg.

1stplace, in the senior’s competition, went to Terry Daly with 10 Luderick.

2nd place, in the senior’s competition, went to Nick Haynes with 5 fathead.

Ozzie. A special Ozzie badge is already on its way to existing junior and family OzFish members to welcome them to the club. New members, within the 4-14 years old age bracket, will also receive their Ozzie badge upon joining and can get started straight away on the challenges.

“This is the perfect self-guided school holiday activity for you to do as a family - keeping the kids entertained, outdoors, and learning about our native fsh and their environment,” added Cassie.

To fnd out more about Junior OzFishers and how it could make a perfect Christmas gift for the young fshos you know, visit: https:// ozfsh.org.au/juniorozfshers/

3rd place, in the senior’s competition, went to Merv Cassie with 2 bream.

The other person to weigh in fsh was Bret Lentfer. Terry, Nick and Bret were already on 30-point handicaps for winning previous outings. Terry’s handicap will now be increased to 90 points.

3 Juniors nominated for the outing, but unfortunately, they didn’t weigh in any fsh.

The next Club outing will be 26/27 November 2022.

BALLINA MAHJONG

4TH NOVEMBER 2022

Vanessa Reynolds 1, Lorna Simpson 2, Carol Meyer 3, Joy Lowien 4, Rosemary Russell 5, Jan Boardman, Janene Jarvis 6, Susan Scott 8, Lynda Lovett, Shirley Coleman 9, Jan Small 11, Diana Auret 12, Ronda Taylor 13, Jan Henley 14, Barbara Ellan 15, Gail McDonagh 16, Deborah Green, Pauline Kearney 17, Valda McLerie 19, Kath Hubbard 20, Sally Lowry 21, Shirley Atkinson 22, Kathy Pickles 23, Coral Lavelle 24, Pam Farrell, Yvonne Weddup 26, Shirley Henry 28.

Mahjong is played on Friday at 12:30pm at the Ballina Bridge Club North Creek Road. Enquiries for new players phone Vanessa on 66874181.

McLean Major Consistency champion for 2022.

CHERRY STREET CROQUET CLUB SPORTS RESULTS

CONNOR ROUTS SOUTHS WITH 7/44

from back page..

By TIM HOWARD

A devastating display from GDSC Easts allrounder Shannon Connor has given his team its second frst innings win in a rain disrupted start to the season.

Connor took 7-44 as Easts bundled Souths/ Westlawn out for 112 at Ellem Oval, Grafton, on Saturday.

He made it 10 wickets for the game when he took all three wickets to fall when Easts ordered South to follow on and had them 3/73 when rain halted play.

It was a disappointing batting performance from Souths who had two players, opener Anthony Dickson and lower order batter Michael Fletcher make 27 and three others reach double fgures.

In contrast Easts total was built around a patient 114 the previous week from Aaron Macfadyen.

The positives for a Souths team missing some key players from last season, was the re-emergence of Fletcher in Souths colours.

Fletcher was a talented

The more mature player showed he has retained his touch, topping his frst innings score to dominate Souths’ second innings with 52, including 11 fours.

Easts have beaten the rain in both games this season to head the competition table with 14 points.

No other team has recorded a win with Brothers and Souths on one point from their frst innings losses and Tucabia Copmanhurst has yet to open its account with two wash outs.

No play was possible in the other game between Brothers and Tucabia, with Brothers 2/67 chasing Tucabia’s frst innings 125.

Easts and Tucabia will meet in a two-day game on Saturday on the Lower Fisher Turf and Souths and Brothers play at Ellem Oval.

In the only Cleavers Mechanical Night Competition game completed to date, Harwood smashed Tucabia, scoring 4-230 to 63 in the T20 game played on November 2.

CIM CATEGORY AT THE NSW STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS

Declan Ellis, formerly a resident of Casino, has taken 3rd position in the U23 C1M at the recent NSW Canoe Slalom State Championships.

Ellis also fnished 2nd in the U23 K1M category, although the C1M is his favoured event.

The State Championship event took place at Penrith Whitewater Stadium on the 30th October, with over 60 participants from Western Australia, Victoria and NSW.

After completing Highschool in Casino, Ellis moved to Penrith, NSW last year to train at the Penrith Whitewater Stadium, where the Australian National Centre of Excellence for Canoe Slalom is based.

Eliss is a member of the Paddle Australlia National Development Squad and this year spent three months traveling in Europe to train and compete.

The next step for Ellis will be to compete in the

junior who made a successful jump to the top grade nearly 20 years ago.

Easts left-arm spinner David Bruton-Duroux who snared a couple of wickets when Easts routed Souths for 112.

national team selection trials in January and February next year to vie for a position on the Australian Under 23 team, which will compete at the U23 World Championships

in Krakow, Poland in August 2023.

Declan Ellis competing in the CIM category at the NSW State Championships. Photo by Cheryl Mackie at Living Moments Studio. Higher resolution available upon request.