The Northern Rivers Times Edition 125

Pool repayments ‘$1m a year for 25 years’ says councillor

By TIM HOWARD

Clarence Valley ratepayers could be paying $1 million a year to pay off a loan to help pay for a new aquatic centre in Grafton says a councillor.

Last week at its November meeting, Clarence Valley Council approved a controversial funding strategy to that included borrowing up to $7.5 million to fund Stage 1 of the build.

The strategy included three contentious moves and required three council votes.

First, Cr Karen Toms was successful in rescinding a motion from September 22, quarantining the $882,000 from the sale of the South Grafton Visitor Information for expenditure on economic development and tourism.

Dr Bill Day, a former Clarence River Tourism Association manager, strongly opposed the change.

He outlined how Grafton businesses had supported the construction of the site since the 1980s and were still paying special rates variation to fund it.

He said a council committee to manage tourism promotion had failed and its latest incarnation was also in trouble because it was not adequately funded.

“We have lived through Covid,” he said. “Tourism has been smashed, Grafton and Ulmarra have been bypassed, two visitor information centres have been sold.

“If you want tourism to recover, reject this rescission motion.”

Council vote 5-4 to rescind the motion and

by the same margin to quarantine the funds of the sale to the pool project.

The next stage was winning approval for the funding strategy outlined in a report from general manager Laura Black.

The funding strategy included:

• Transferring $11.1 million earmarked for the demolition and replacement of the Treelands Dr Community Centre in Yamba.

• Transferring the quarantined $882,000 from the sale of the South Grafton Visitor information Centre to the Grafton pool project.

• Borrowing up $7.5 million to make up the shortfall.

Other funding sources identifed were:

• Stronger Country Communities Grant (SCCG) $1,453,000

• 2018 SRV Exp 23/24 & 24/25 Buildings & Open Space $1,270,824

• S712 Contributions $733,000

• General Revenue Allocation 23/24 &

24/25 $1,935,294.

Cr Toms moved the strategy be approved, but not at the expense of the Treelands Dr project.

The fnal part of her motion required council receive a report at its December meeting

“with a preferred option, funding plan and time frame for completion of the Treelands Dr Community Centre upgrade, noting there should be no delay in delivering the project”.

She noted the call for tenders for the pool project had gone out that morning.

Not all councillors supported the move.

Cr Peter Johnston, who favoured a piecemeal build of the project, beginning with a 50m pool, described the strategy as “robbing Peter to pay Paul.”

“The upshot is it’s funding something we, at the moment, can’t afford,” he said.

“It’s also mixing together two very contentious issues for us as a council: Treelands

Dr and the swimming pool and I don’t like that linkage being made.”

He did not accept the council’s loan exposure would stop at the $7.5 million in the report, arguing that as the council seemed determined to push on with the Treelands Dr project, borrowing could be as high as $18-$19 million.

“Let’s settle qt the moment on $15 million,” he said. “According to fgures we’ve received from council staff, $15 million at 5% over 25 years will be a funding requirement of $1 million a year.

“That’s going to be diffcult to fnance while maintaining other services.”

He said council should reject the plan and in favour of a breaking the up the plan further to create a Step 1A which would a 50m pool, grandstand, amenities block and ancillary infrastructure.

He said the design of the aquatic centre

allowed for this to happen and it would be a more affordable approach.

The general manager reminded the meeting the borrowing for the pool project was just $7.5 million and maybe less due to the funds coming in from the VIC sale.

She said council had not considered any other loans for other projects and would not be drawn on possible costings for them.

Cr Bill Day backed the funding strategy and was not overly concerned about going into debt to fund it.

“It will create an intergenerational beneft, so we shouldn’t be frightened of a debt to fund it,” he said.

The seconder for Cr Tom’s motion, Cr Debrah Novak, said this motion could help put to bed the parochial differences between up river and down river ends of the council.

Cr Novak, a Yamba resident, said business in Yamba was escalating

week on week but Grafton would do it tough this summer without its outdoor aquatic centre.

She said noted the Treelands Dr centre was “not broken” and Yamba could wait longer for it to be replaced.

Cr Novak also argued the council was in a sound enough position to take out a loan to help pay for the pool.

“The past two councils have paid down enormous amounts of debt so the council could be in a position to fund infrastructure projects,” she said.

“That time is now.

Grafton needs a pool. I just hope the people of Grafton realise what the folk of Yamba have done.”

Cr Steve Pickering said the council should go ahead with the pool because it had been part of what the council had promised outlying areas when it closed the Ulmarra Pool.

“If we scale back, it’s not what we promised the community,” he said.

He said the promise to the community included an aquatic centre open all year and not just a pool available during the summer.

Mayor Ian Tiley said the council would do its best to ensure both projects progressed as quickly as possible.

“Council is absolutely committed as its highest priority to provide a pool in North Grafton as soon as humanly possible,” Cr Tiley said.

“Council expressed it is still committed to doing the Treelands Dr upgrade, and a report at the December meeting will put forward the available options.”

Work has begun on the geotechnical study of the Grafton Pool site to establish the extent of the damage caused by the massive water leak that forced the closure of the in September.

Comment

No excuses to delay pool funding

By TIM HOWARD

Any councillors and others hesitant about how the community might fund a replacement for the Grafton Memorial Pool complex need to realise this could be a matter of life or death.

This year Royal Life Saving Australia reported a spike in drownings in Australia waterways with 339 drowning deaths, the highest number in 25 years.

The report broke up the drowning numbers into different categories, but one statistic had particular relevance for Grafton residents.

It noted 15 deaths occurred in children aged 5-14, a 7% spike on last year and potentially due to children missing swimming lessons due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Historically Grafton residents know the tragedy that occurs when non-swimming children and water mix.

The original pool was built in response to the drowning of 13

Cub Scouts in 1943 while returning from an excursion to Susan Island.

The report into the tragedy noted most of the boys who died did not have access to swimming training.

The failure of pool infrastructure that has

resulted in the closure of the pool this summer could not have come at a worse time as parents looked to get their children back into learn to swim classes.

The danger is children denied the opportunity to learn to swim because it has suddenly become too

hard, might not catch it up later.

It could mean there is a cohort of Grafton children over three or four years, who have not benefted from learning to swim and gaining the confdence in the water that brings. Living in Australia

makes it almost mandatory for everybody to be competent swimmers.

Most of us live near or on the coast where we love to take a dip. Our climate makes cooling off in the nearest body of water almost irresistible. Most of us jump in with

enough swimming skills to keep us out of trouble because we’ve done the learn to swim basics.

But what happens in a hot summer not too far off when young people, who have missed out due to Covid, or worse, due to pool closures, enter the water to cool off?

Drowning does not take long. The experts note most people who drown slip beneath the surface barely noticed.

There are only two ways to minimise this. Stay out of the water, which no-one wants to do, or learn to swim.

Our community must fund these services, whatever it takes, even if it requires a $7.5 million loan to reach the $24 million price tag.

Or, if we’re determined to see it just in economic terms, it’s an intergenerational debt to provide an intergenerational beneft. Either way there’s no excuse.

It’s vital Grafton Pool builds back better when it’s replaced in the near future. Grafton has enjoyed an aquatic centre with features like the water slide and diving pool for decades. The plans for the new centre include this and more and reflect community expectations.

$70K SPLASH ON POOL ALTERNATIVE ACTIVITIES

Painting commissioned for $20,000 to help Broadwater

By SAMANTHA ELLEY

A forty year friendship and an emu named Evan have been one of the many stories behind the Northern Rivers foods in February and March.

By TIM HOWARD

Grafton residents seeking relief from the summer heat will have access to around $70,000 worth of activities while the city’s pool is closed.

Clarence Valley Council will coordinate several activities in Grafton this summer to compensate for the closure of the pool.

At the October meeting councillors unanimously endorsed the allocation of $70,000 to create Summer Splash, a program of subsidised activities for Clarence Valley residents as alternatives to the swimming pool.

“The Clarence Valley will soon be home to a state-of-the-art aquatic centre replacing the current, dilapidated pool which was built in 1959,” said the council’s general manager Laura Black .

“We understand the temporary closure to build this new facility

impacts numerous clubs, community groups, schools and residents who utilise the facility every summer.

“This is why our open spaces, community industry and engagement, community development and Grafton Regional Gallery staff have worked together to come up with these ideas that go some way to flling that void.”

More details about Summer Splash will be announced soon.

Meanwhile, swimmers will continue to have access to Council’s other pool facilities in South Grafton, Maclean, Yamba and Glenreagh.

Tracey Knox is coowner of the Broadwater Sunrise Caravan Park and like everyone else, she watched the water rise through her house and business, despite it all being built above the 1 in 100 year food level. They lost everything.

“I had my watercolours in an A4 size folder in my painting desk,” she said.

“All of it went under, except for three water colour paintings in frames that we had put in a plastic container which ended up foating on the water, but survived.”

As Tracey posted photos about her food experiences an old school friend reached out.

“My school friend from Bomaderry Primary and Bomaderry High School saw my Facebook stories about the food,” she said.

“His name is Dale Hunt and he is the CEO for the Mounties Group.”

The Mounties Group is a club in Mount Pritchard, Sydney and Dale had been in contact with the Broadwater Bowling Club through the clubs network.

“(Dale) went into action and organised the “Beers for Broadwater” event that was held at

the Cherry Street Sports Club back in April,” said Tracey.

“The funds he helped to raise was $200,000 for the community-owned and run Broadwater Bowling Club.”

But the support and generosity did not end there.

“Dale had admired some of the artwork that I had shown to people through my Facebook page,” said Tracey.

“During our discussions I had told him that most of my artwork was destroyed in the food.

“At the Beers for Broadwater event, where I caught up with him for the frst time in 41 years, Dale got me up onto the stage and he asked if I would like to paint a painting specifcally for the Broadwater fund raising event and if I did, they promised to donate an additional $20,000.”

Dale was only too happy to help out the community his old school friend lived in.

“(Tracey) is such an amazing and generous person who, despite her own adversity, was

willing to do whatever she could to help out the entire community,” said Dale.

“Therefore I decided to commission a new unseen piece from her for $20,000, which turned out to be Evan the Emu and Tracey donated the funds raised to help her neighbours and community.”

The painting of Evan the Emu has now been completed and hangs in the foyer of the Mounties Club where over 4,000 people pass him each day.

Evan the Emu with Dale Hunt CEO of the Mounties Group and Tracey Knox of Broadwater Sunshine Caravan Park Photo submitted

Balun Bindarray chosen as name for new bridge

By TIM HOWARD

Naming the new Grafton bridge using words from languages of the two indigenous peoples the bridge connects is a sign of an improving recognition of frst nations people say two Aboriginal elders.

Bundjalung Elder Auntie Midge Bancroft and Gumbaynggirr Elder

Uncle Kevin Duroux said the name of the new bridge, Balun Bindarray the words for water in the two languages – was important because it had meaning for members of both peoples.

“It is a big thing for black fellas that the bridge people have come to us and asked us for our ideas on the name,” Auntie Midge said.

“They were actually asking us what we wanted to see. That hasn’t always happened in the past.”

She said the consultation process with the Bundjalung and Gumbaynggirr peoples had been extensive.

“It’s an indication that

the relationship between us and the community is improving, that we’re getting rid of the stigma people have and we’re getting closer together as a community,” Auntie Midge said.

Uncle Kevin said the process had been long and comprehensive and involved discussions with a lot of people.

“The river has been important to both

peoples,” he said. “We needed to fnd name that acknowledged that importance and had meaning to both groups.”

NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway made the trip to Grafton for the announcement of the name, but left the honour of the announcement to Clarence MP Chris Gulaptis.

“This new $240 million bridge would not have happened if it had not been for Chris’s work,” Mr Farraway said.

Mr Gulaptis said Balun was the Bundjalung word for water or river and Bindarray its Gumbaynggirr equivalent.

It is a simple and relevant name for the new bridge which helps to promote a wider

understanding of some of the differences in language among the Aboriginal tribes of the Clarence,” Mr Gulaptis said.

“The Clarence River is the boundary between the Gumbaynggirr and Bundjalung nations, so it is pleasing to have a name that is support by both tribes.”

Mr Gulaptis said there would be more consultation with the two indigenous peoples to come up with an appropriate design for bridge signage.

There is more naming to come for the new bridge with a small ceremony on Thursday to name the bridge approaches after the frst female Mayor of Grafton Mayor Shirley Adams.

Clarence Valley Council general manager Laura Black said the approaches and two lanes crossing the bridge would be called Shirley Way.

She said Mrs Adams, who died in June 2020, was a prominent community fgure in

the Jacaranda Festival and other community organisations.

“Shirley Adams was a great ambassador for Grafton and the Clarence Valley and it ftting her legacy will be remembered through the road onto one of the most important pieces of infrastructure in the city,” Ms Black said.

“Shirley was a trailblazer in local government circles, being the only woman elected to the position of Mayor of Grafton City Council.

“This included being the frst woman elected to the role of Chair of the Country Mayors Association of NSW.”

Mrs Adams was awarded an Order of Australia Medal in 1989 and was also involved with the Girl Guides, the United Hospital Auxiliary, Meals on Wheels, the CWA and many more organisations.

Clarence MP Chris Gulaptis, Auntie Midge Bancroft and Uncle Kevin Duroux and NSW Regional Roads minister Sam Farraway at the naming ceremony for the new Grafton Bridge on Sunday. It will

$50 MILLION ON

WAY TO 94 COUNCILS FOR POTHOLE REPAIRS

Regional councils will soon start receiving funds for urgent pothole repairs, under the NSW Government’s $50 million Fixing Local Roads Pothole Repair Round.

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said all 94 regional councils that applied for funding had been approved for grants.

“From December, councils across regional NSW will receive their share of $50 million to repair pothole-ravaged local and regional roads,” Mr Farraway said.

“That’s money going straight into the bank accounts of councils like Mid-North Coast, Tamworth and Dubbo to help them cover the extra costs and workload pressures following this year’s unprecedented rain and storms.

“These grants are a rapid injection of cash to help councils get on with the job of repairing

potholes to get us through the wet summer ahead.

“This additional support will help councils to repair their most damaged roads, improving safety and

reducing wear and tear on vehicles.

“The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government is backing in our councils with this dedicated pothole repair funding which is the first of its

kind in NSW.

“This is on top of the ongoing investment in a stronger road network through Fixing Local Roads, Fixing Country Roads and Fixing Country Bridges.”

The Mayor of MidCoast Council Claire Pontin welcomed the extra money announced under the Fixing Local Roads Pothole Repair Round after the region been hit by floods and

severe weather several times this year.

“We have more than 3,600 kilometres of local and regional roads to manage across the MidCoast Council area that have been badly damaged. Every dollar counts towards ensuring they are repaired as quickly as possible,” Mayor Claire Pontin said.

Councils in the Northern Rivers that have received funding:

• Kyogle Council $415,229.69

• Lismore City Council $421,640.98

• Tenterfield Shire Council $578,523.54

• Ballina Shire Council $215,600.63

DIARY OF A FLOOD SURVIVOR PART 18

Work on the vanity has begun as my date with Covid is now over and the builders dared to come back.

They removed the tiles and despite the waterproofng underneath, that very familiar mould smell soon became very evident.

Despite nearly 9 months of being out of food waters, the

moisture had been retained under the tiles. So we had to leave it for another few days to dry out.

The frst of our expected furniture arrived and it was the entertainment unit, in fatpack form.

I think my skills at Lego when I was a child never prepared me for the amount of screws, widgets and

thingamyjigs I have had to deal with since replacing all the furniture lost in the food.

So far the score is two bedside tables and an entertainment unit. I am dreading the arrival of the dining table and chairs now.

One positive side to building everything from scratch is I have been working side by side with my son. I’ve always

thought he should be an engineer. His Lego creations are much better than mine.

The enjoyment of having regular chats with him, before he makes his way out into the world as a fresh-faced 18 year old, has encouraged me to fnd more fatpack items to buy that we can build together.

It may just cause him to leave home early,

though, so balance is required.

They say it takes a village to raise a child. Well, I think the same can be said for supporting one another after a major crisis. Our village held its food recovery Christmas party the past weekend and it was a huge success. The irony of holding our celebrations in the hall that overlooks

that river that made its way into most of our homes, felt like the proverbial bird being given in the biggest way.

The highlight of my night was getting a photo with Santa. The frst in many, many, many years.

Little steps

ILUKA’S FIRST AMBULANCE STATION OFFICIALLY OPENED

Iluka celebrated as one on Saturday, with Clarence Nationals MP Chris Gulaptis and Minister for Regional Health Bronnie Taylor joining the community to offcially open the town’s frst ambulance station.

Mr Gulaptis thanked the community for all their hard work in helping the NSW Government deliver this important project.

“Today marks a signifcant milestone for our community. This purpose-built ambulance station is game-changer, designed with input from paramedics and specifcally tailored to meet the emergency health needs of this community,” Mr Gulaptis said.

“We are here today because the community and the NSW Nationals in Government worked together to improve local health care and deliver this vital piece of health infrastructure.

“This was made possible by a wonderful partnership between the Iluka Bowling Club, the Iluka Ambulance Action Group and Clarence Valley Council and I thank them for all their hard work.”

Mr Gulaptis also made special mention of Iluka residents Ann and John McLean who led the campaign for an ambulance station and galvanised the community to put a

strong case forward.

“They left no stone unturned and campaigned tirelessly with the community right beside them and we heard them loud and clear,” Mr Gulaptis said.

“In recognition of their efforts, I am excited to be able to present to Ann and John a prestigious Community Service Award from the NSW Premier.”

The station includes parking for up to four

emergency ambulance vehicles, staff amenities, relief accommodation and storage areas among other important features.

It is one of 63 ambulance stations across NSW that are operating with photovoltaic solar energy systems.

Mrs Taylor said the Spenser Street facility, which became operational in March this year, has made a real difference and signifcantly enhanced

access to mobile emergency health care across the region.

“It is great to be here today to join with Chris Gulaptis and the local community in celebrating this exciting and historic milestone for Iluka,” Mrs Taylor said.

“This modern station will support local paramedics by providing them with a high-quality base and the latest facilities and equipment

to meet the current and future emergency care needs of this region.”

The Iluka Ambulance Station was delivered as part of the NSW Government’s $232 million Rural Ambulance Infrastructure Reconfguration (RAIR) program. The program has delivered 39 new or upgraded ambulance stations to date, with a further 15 projects underway.

The NSW Government also announced a $1.76 billion boost as part of the NSW Government’s 2022-23 Budget for 2,128 staff and will build 30 more stations over the coming years. This includes eight new ambulance stations at Warilla, Kincumber, Lisarow, Gateshead, Swansea, Cherrybrook, Raby and Narellan, with a further 22 stations to be announced.

Application for Appointment of Board Members

Booyong

Public Recreation And Preservation Of Native Flora 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 Booyong Public Recreation And Preservation Of Native Flora Reserve Land Manager manages the Reserve No. 62153 at Booyong notifed on 3-Oct-1930 for Preservation Of Native Flora, 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 9 January 2022.

For further information contact: Chrissy Haslem on (02) 6642 9213 or go to reservemanager.crownland.nsw.gov.au LP0234

Iluka Ambulance Station Official Opening

Cool change in the ice cream business

By TIM HOWARD

There’s been a change of owner and sign writing at the shop formerly known as I Scream in Prince St, Grafton, but apart from that, it’s been business as usual says the new boss, Liam MacMillan.

Mr McMillan, his wife Becky plus a new baby had been eyeing off I Scream as a potential purchase throughout the year, but the sale price was a bit out of their league.

“When Jeff decided to break up the business, suddenly the shop came into our price range and we thought it was time to move on it,” he said.

The family had been based in Casino, where he had been working in security.

“I had a background in food and hospitality at TAFE, but had a bit of rough experience when I frst started out,” he said.

“I’ve always like working with food and it’s been my dream to run a small cafe.”

The couple loved what I Scream founders Jeff and Robyn Smith had built up in their shop.

“It’s such a Grafton icon,” he said. “It’s so well-established as a business and with their customers, it’s just something we can walk into and everything is there, ready to go.

“I was actually surprised how well it runs as a cafe. The food is really good, but it might be something I can add to there.”

Mr MacMillan said any changes he makes would be just tweaks because

he could see how much Grafton people enjoy the current set up.

“I will defnitely be keeping the retro feel of the place,”It’s a theme people love and it’s great to see them coming in and enjoying that.”

He said he wanted to keep prices affordable so people who wanted to pop in for a snack would be happy to come.

“Having that reputation you can come in and get a feed and a milkshake and feel it’s value for money is something that’s important,” he said.

“You want a kid with a bit of change in his pocket to feel like he could come in and get something nice.”

There won’t be any changes to the signature product of the shop, with the MacMillans keeping the same supplier as the previous owners.

“And we will also

Accommodation support after storms and foods

buy the ice creams Jeff makes too, especially the purple ice cream for Jacaranda,” he said.

“I believe they had to make even more of that than normal for this year’s Jacaranda Festival.

“He told me he had tubs of the stuff in butcher’s cool rooms all over Grafton and they still ran short by the last weekend.”

Mr MacMillan was also delighted with the staff he inherited from the former business.

“They’ve really helped me in my frst week. I have to give them a big shout out to them, making me feel so welcome,” he said.

“I’ve brought a couple of staff with me too, who have experience with coffee and hospitality, so I expect they’ll ft in here quite well.”

He also thanked Mr Smith for showing him

the ropes during his frst week in the shop.

“Jeff said he’d be happy to spend a week or two with me when I started out,” he said.

“It’s worked really well. It’s great to have someone around to show you where everything is and where things go.

“It also gives a chance to work with them and take over their routine.”

He said Becky would come to work in the shop when their new baby was a little older.

“That might be another six months or so, but she’s looking forward to getting in here and getting to work.

RECOGNISING THE SELFLESS SERVICE OF COFFS COAST VOLUNTEERS

Fifteen SES volunteers have been recognised for their selfless and ongoing service to the NSW State Emergency Service (SES) at an awards ceremony at Coffs Harbour Golf Club.

Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh said the 15 award recipients have collectively contributed to over 100 years of service to the community.

Local units were also presented with the Commissioner’s Certificate of Recognition for the significant floods across eastern NSW in March 2021.

“It’s an honour to present these awards to the dedicated volunteers who have given so much over the past few years of disaster after disaster,” Mr Singh said.

“It always brings me great pleasure to acknowledge and celebrate the outstanding work volunteers undertake in our local community, with the Coffs Coast SES Units being recognised at Sunday’s

presentation.”

SES Commissioner Carlene York APM said she was pleased to personally recognise the tireless efforts of volunteers.

“The last 12 months has been incredibly busy for the SES, with significant flooding and a third La Nina season,” Commissioner York said.

“I extend my thanks to all members for their invaluable commitment to communities across the State.”

Jason Hiscox, Jennifer Travis, Michel Vimal Du Monteil, James Daniels and Terry Griffis were awarded National Emergency Medals for their service during Cyclone Debbie in 2017.

Ian Christianson and Jill Gill also received SES Life Memberships, an honour reserved for those who have made an outstanding contribution to the SES over an extended period.

The SES Long Service awards were presented to volunteers with service ranging between five and 25 years.

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

It’s ‘steady as she goes’ for the owner of Grafton’s latest ice creamery Ice Cream Haven, Liam MacMillian. He has rebadged the highly successful I Scream shop in Grafton’s Prince St and is pleased with the first week under new management.

Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh and SES Commissioner Carlene York present Coffs Harbour City SES Unit’s Geoffrey Keith Haycraft with his long service award (20 years). Photo supplied by SES

World AIDS Day / Red Ribbon Appeal

Seeking Burringbar community’s vision for the future

AIDS DAY 2022 Northern Rivers

Event: World AIDS Day

/ Red Ribbon Appeal

Date and Time:

1 December 2022 / 6:00

– 9:30 pm

Location: Spinks Park and Civic Hotel at Molesworth Street, Lismore

In the lead up to World AIDS Day on 1 December, communities across NSW are encouraged to get involved with the Red Ribbon Appeal to raise funds and awareness for initiatives that help prevent new HIV transmissions, eliminate HIV stigma, and support people living with HIV (PWH).

Organised by ACON Northern Rivers Office and supported by the HIV & Related Program Unit (HARP), this year’s fundraising campaign includes a poster exhibition and trivia night on Thursday 1 December 2022 at Civic Hotel located at 210 Molesworth Street, Lismore.

The event will start with a smoking ceremony by Uncle Gilbert Laurie at 6:00 pm at Spinks Park just right across from the hotel.

Community elders will also speak about their

experiences during the event while sexual health practitioners and the new regional manager from ACON will share some updates on treatment and prevention and other services and programs for the HIV community.

It will be an important opportunity to come together to learn about HIV, to reflect on how far we have come, to remember those we have lost and to stand in solidarity with PWH. We would like to extend an invitation to your media group to help us cover the event and create more awareness of the importance of the day. Your support and media coverage will make a huge impact on HIV prevention and ongoing support to PWH individuals and their families in Northern Rivers.

Community input is being sought to develop the concept plan for Burringbar Memorial Reserve and Masterson Park, a key open space in the much-loved rural area with big village charm.

Council is hosting a community event on Thursday 1 December from 3 - 6 pm at the Burringbar Memorial Reserve and Masterson Park to hear from the community about what they currently love about the park and ideas to improve the public space.

A community survey will be available and Council staff will be on hand to discuss ideas.

Kids activities will be available from 3 - 5 pm to allow busy mums and dads time to engage with staff.

Council’s Manager Parks and Active Communities Murray Smith said discussions about the open space for the village had been underway for some time.

“The Burringbar community has been actively sharing their priorities and vision for the village through the community-led Burringbar Village Community Plan prepared by the Burringbar Community Association,” Mr Smith said.

“Now residents are being asked to expand on these priorities and provide feedback to help further develop the park which will inform the

“We know this has been a long time coming and we look forward to working closely with Burringbar residents to hear about their vision for the park.”

Plans for the park and its design have been timed to ensure integration with the rail trail due to open early next year.

“We want to make

sure the community’s priorities are still

• Interpretation of history and culture

• Nature walk, community garden and space for sharing food

• Native plantings and landscaping

• Car parking with accessible parking spaces

• Picnic tables with shelter and barbecues

• Pathways connecting park elements

• Public toilet improvements.

relevant and integrate well with the new rail trail,” Mr Smith said.

Council is seeking the community’s input on the following park features:

• Children’s playground

• Small skate element

• Event and community meeting space

This project forms part of Council’s commitment to improve the quality of the Tweed’s parks and open space as outlined in the Open Space Strategy 2019-2029.

To fnd out more and complete the short survey, visit yoursaytweed.com.au/ burringbar. The survey closes on 23 December 2022.

development of a draft concept plan.

Feedback sought on plans for Burringbar Memorial Reserve and Masterson Park

Burringbar residents are invited to provide their feedback on plans to upgrade Burringbar Memorial Reserve and Masterson Park at a special community event on 1 December 2022

Memorials erected at Burringbar Memorial Reserve and Masterson Park in memory of the local Diggers who paid the ultimate sacrifce in World War I

LETTERS, FEEDBACK AND OPINION

We’d love to hear from you!

letters@nrtimes.com.au

Please keep under 250 words & include address and phone number This material from the originating organization/author(s) may be of a point-in-time nature, edited for clarity, style and length. The views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s).

THE YEAR THAT WAS

Well, for better or worse another year is almost gone, all of us who had our lives turned upside down with the devastating January floods are probably glad to see the end of it; but the resulting problems are ongoing, and the area still suffers from lack of affordable housing and the availability of qualified trades people, and all of the unresolved environmental problems greatly exacerbated by

elect an Australian Govt that is finally taking the climate emergency seriously and is acting accordingly, whether Australia or the world in general will do enough to reduce the worst of the predicted increasing catastrophic weather events is certainly debatable.

The world will continue to be a highly dangerous place while ever despotic power-mad authoritarian leaders like Vladimir Putin, Kim Jong-un and Xi Jinping remain

and balances. The news from the USA after the vitally important mid-term elections is heartening indeed, Joe Biden’s presidency has received a huge boost by securing majority control of the Senate, however the House of Reps. will be a problem, but the Republican majority is so small, that this bunch of rightist whack-jobs are never going to agree with each other, let alone present a united front on anything, in short the “red tsunami” was a total fizzer and American democracy may now survive.

The biggest loser of all was definitely Trumpty Dumpty, he had a big fall along with his fastdwindling fan-club of dangerous psychopaths, and as for that traitorous Trump, the criminal indictments are now going to come fast and furious and this pitiful, bloated, narcissistic sleazebag will finally be held to account. So Merry Christmas and

readers and contributors, have a good one.

Keith Duncan Pimlico

A BIT OF A KERFUFFLE TAKING PLACE

A bit of a kerfuffle taking place between PM Albanese, his new Socialist mate from France President Macron and Communist China’s big heavy President Xi Jinping. It seems Macron is begging Albanese to stop poking the Panda before Xi Jinping grabs a big stick and storms down under to give us what for.

Albanese believes his 33-minute con flab with Xi at that meeting of minions set Xi straight about a few things, must have been just a very few things, and we are all best friends. Submerged under all this vacuous camaraderie is the Submarine contract with France that Malcolm Turnbull and his little mate Christopher Pyne stuck us with, 50 billion dollars down the gurgler

that’s what was planned until funding decisions reduced the library size by LOTS in the latest release of the plan) was presented to a public forum at the Wooli St hall on Tuesday 15 Nov 22. What a fascinating sequence of decisions and discussions was revealed. Those who first commissioned the TDCC must have been like newlyweds looking at it as their first home (a one-bedroom unit which will do until the first child walks) because just three years later in 2002 the first of the rumblings to “improve” the whole venue was tabled with the then Maclean Council. After the amalgamation of Maclean Council into Clarence Valley Council (CVC) any action on this facility went straight to the back burner – on extremely low heat it would seem.

In 2006 a review of TDCC found it “fulfils an important role however it could serve the community

I wonder if the Councillors have reviewed their duty statements and responsibilities as well as those of Council Staff. Councillors are responsible to represent the needs, desires and wishes of their constituents – the ratepayers. At some time since the amalgamation (2004) the decision making has been delegated to the GM and the staff whose roles are to gather the necessary stats and make advised recommendations to the Elected members of Council NOT to make those transactional decisions. Paul Keating called the Senate an unelected swill and while I am not accusing council staff of being a swill, I remind all concerned that they are not our elected representatives. Would our Elected Representatives have picked the TDCC for the expenditure of Bushfire Relief Funds rather than an Evacuation Centre for Woombah or some kind of a community hall for Nymboida – places with REAL need? Maybe TDCC looked like an easy fix.

I exhort CVC Councillors to restore their proper role and to cease this delegation of their responsibility lest it be regarded as dereliction of duty.

Ian Warlters Yamba

MOMMA MIA

(TDCC) from its opening in 1999 to the current projected closure for demolition and replacement with a larger footprint and including a much larger library (well

the new kitchen! Why is this being proposed here? – and with just four consultation sessions and no costings nor dimensions for “Option B”.

Privileged to have been in the audience for Ballina Players Sunday matinee show I need to express my gratitude and appreciation for the entire production of this event. To identify each and every aspect of the show would take up too much space, much as I would like to. To find this professionalism in rural NSW is another bonus for living here. I suggest that the standard of this production compares with any on the Broadway or West End theatres and at a fraction of the cost. Bloody well done to you all.

Peter Walters Ballina

P.S. Abba would have been proud of you!

First Light Healthcare

Dr Paddy McLisky

A fellow of the Royal Australia College of General Practitioners, and an Accredited Skin Cancer Doctor, Paddy has a special interest in the prevention and treatment of skin cancer, and holds Advanced Certificates in Skin Cancer Medicine/Surgery and Dermatoscopy

Paddy undertakes all aspects of patient care including skin cancer screening and diagnosis, and dermatological surgery including head, face and lower limb regions, using a variety of flaps and skin grafts

He is also passionate about informing his patients on the preventative measures that can be undertaken to avoid skin cancer

Dr Pramuk Jayatilake

Dr Pramuk Jayatilake, or PJ as he prefers to be called, has extensive experience practicing medicine throughout Australia, New Zealand, Sri Lanka and PNG

PJ is accredited with the Skin Cancer College of Australia and is able to perform full skin checks and procedures including skin flaps

PJ has a holistic, preventative approach to health and wellbeing

THE JOY OF GIVING

THE MAN BEHIND GRANTHAM’S RELOCATION TO SHARE HIS STORY

JAMIE Simmonds, the man who directed the relocation of the town of Grantham, will share his story with Lismore when Janelle Saffn MP hosts him during a visit to the city today (Wednesday, 23 November).

Ms Saffn said this was a great opportunity for locals like South Lismore’s Harper Dalton, who established the Relocate Lismore Homes Facebook group, to link with a planning and development expert who nowadays advises disaster-affected communities globally on managed retreat.

“In 2011, Jamie was employed by Lockyer Valley Regional Council to run the Strengthening Grantham Project following devastating fash fooding which took the lives of 19 people,” Ms Saffn said.

“This groundbreaking project created, planned and constructed a new residential estate and provided land through Australia’s frst landswap process. Within 12 months of that food event, 120 families were moving into their foodfree homes.

“I recently had a zoom meeting with Jamie where we had a good exchange of ideas, so I invited him to share

his experience and knowledge with us here.”

Mr Simmonds thanked Ms Saffn and said he was looking forward to meetings she had arranged with Mr Dalton, and with representatives from Resilient Lismore, the Northern Rivers Reconstruction Corporation and Lismore City Council.

He said the relocation of Grantham, spearheaded by the late Lockyer Valley mayor Steve Jones and supported by the Queensland (Queensland Reconstruction Authority included) and Federal governments, is regarded as one of the most successful examples of relocation in the world.

“In 2020, I wrote a book about the experience, Rising from the Flood: Moving the Town of Grantham, and since then, I’ve been a regular media contributor and speaker with national and international audiences, discussing how to effectively plan and implement recovery strategies, including relocation,” Mr Simmonds said.

“I’ve spent time in Japan, New Zealand,

Singapore and the United States, including speaking at the National Academy of Science in Washington DC and with the Council on Environmental Quality within the Biden Administration.

“I have shared my story with local communities, media organisations, academic institutions and government agencies from around the world struggling to understand how to rebuild devastated communities in a better way.

“As more severe weather events become more frequent, this experience is becoming increasingly useful to communities and decision-makers as they create a more resilient future.”

Mr Simmonds is a Brisbanebased planning and development expert.

He collaborates with specialists in resilience planning, disaster management and risk reduction, climate adaptation and food engineering in Australia and across the globe. He is also a keen triathlete. More information can be found on his webpage -- www. jamiesimmonds.com

Jamie Simmonds

TWO TWEED WOMEN RECOGNISED FOR OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS

The achievements of two women from Tweed Shire Council have been recognised at today’s Ministers’ Awards for Women in Local Government, which high-light the work of high-achieving women and community leaders.

The Ministers’ Awards for Women in Local Government recognise female councillors and council staff who make invaluable contributions to improve the lives of the people they represent and serve.

Mayor of Tweed Shire Chris Cherry was named winner of the Elected Representative Award – Rural and Regional, which recognises a councillor who has advanced the position of female elected representatives.

Council’s Enterprise Risk and Emergency Management Offcer Doreen Harwood received the Alternative Pathways Award – Rural and Regional, which recog-nises a female staff

member who is breaking down gender stereotypes.

The pair received their awards this morning at a ceremony at NSW Parliament House in Sydney, attended by the Minister for Women, Bronnie Taylor and the Minister for Local Government, Wendy Tuckermann.

Cr Cherry was nominated for her leadership heading the bipartisan Cross Bor-der Taskforce. The initiative brought together members of parliament from both sides of the border and across the political spectrum to advocate for their communities when the NSW-Queensland border was closed during the height of COVID-19.

This crisis was quickly followed by the unprecedented fooding in Febru-ary/March this year which saw her again provide strong leadership and advo-cacy for the Tweed community.

Cr Cherry’s nomination for this award was backed

by enthusiastic letters of support from her fellow taskforce members, including Member for Tweed, Geoff Provest, Member for Lismore, Janelle Saffn, Member for Ballina, Tamara Smith, former NSW MLC Catherine Cusack and Member for Burleigh, Michael Hart.

“I am honoured to be receiving this award. Everyone knows a leader is only as good as the team you are working with, so my thanks go out to the members of

the Border Taskforce, my fellow Councillors and the Council staff that work so hard to get outcomes. This award is as much for them as for me,” Cr Cherry said.

Meanwhile, as Lead Emergency Management Offcer for the Tweed/ Byron lo-cal government areas, Doreen Harwood has risen to the challenges the Tweed has faced such as bush fres in 2019, the devastating food events of February and March in 2022 and in between, the COVID-19 crisis,

Opening

all while continuing to complete the normal duties of her role.

Ms Harwood also liaised with emergency service organisations to ensure disas-ter plans were in place which could be acted upon quickly and effciently in the event of a natural disaster.

Tweed Byron Police Superintendent Dave Roptell lent his support to the nomina-tion.

“If it was not for Doreen’s tenacious and knowledgeable approach to this disas-ter, the 2022

food operation would not have been as effective,” Supt Roptell said.

“The management of local resources and dealing with red tape, was some-thing Doreen was exceptional in. This was also a notable factor again in dealing with the pandemic.”

Ms Harwood said she was humbled to receive the award.

“It does make me feel a little uncomfortable receiving this award because I work with so many people who do extraordinary things that go unrewarded,” Ms Harwood said.

“There are so many amazing people within or who work for our community and I know it’s not the rewards we work for.”

More information on the awards is available at olg. nsw.gov.au/our-minister/ ministers-awardsfor-women-in-localgovernment/.

SPECIALS EXTENDED UNTIL CHRISTMAS

Council’s Director Corporate Services Warren van Wyk, Enterprise Risk and Emergency Management Offcer Doreen Harwood and Mayor of Tweed Shire Chris Cherry outside NSW Parliament House in Sydney.

Tweed Mayor and Council’s emergency management offcer receive awards for women

NORTHERN RIVERS GREEN LIVING EXPO 2022

NEW DOMESTIC VIOLENCE REFUGES FOR CLARENCE AND RICHMOND VALLEYS

Date: Saturday 10 December 2022

Time: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm

Where: Wollongbar TAFE, 61 Sneaths Road

Entry Fees:

• Free for chil dren

• $5 for adults

• $10 for family entry.

Passes to leave and re-enter the Expo will be available on the day.

The Expo is a Waste Wise Event. Please

BYO - Coffee cups, refllable water bottles, and carry bags.

Animals: No dogs or other companion animals are permitted into the Expo other than Registered

Assistance Animals.

The Northern Rivers Green Living Expo is a family-friendly community event that is designed to engage, inform, and entertain everyone that attends.

Everyone is being invited to come along on Saturday 10th De cember to TAFE NSW Wollongbar between 9 am and 4 pm and enjoy a green living gathering in a beautiful space with views of rolling hills and the Nightcap Range.

On show will be demonstrations, a Green Living Q&A panel ses sion, and an excitingly diverse range of local products, programs, and services as well as local musicians, local food, coffee, and a full program of activities for children to maintain a buzz throughout the

day.

Bring your family and friends to share in the spirit of our community that cares for the envi ronment and is working towards creating a bright future for future generations.

The Northern Rivers Green Living Expo is an initiative of the Rotary Club of Alstonville made possible with the generous sponsorship of Ballina Shire Council, Southern Cross Univer sity, and TAFE NSW and the support of par ticipating organizations and businesses.

All funds raised by the Rotary Club of Alston ville are directed toward community service and youth support programs.

The Clarence and Richmond Valleys will each get a new refuge for victims of domestic violence, thanks to new funding from the Nation als in NSW Government, Clarence MP Chris Gulaptis has announced “The exact locations are confdential for obvious reasons, but the refuges will be operated by a non-government organisation partner with extensive experience in managing housing of this nature,” Mr Gulaptis said.

“These homes are about providing safe, private, and independent living spaces for victim survi

vors and their children.”

Mr Gulaptis said the two new refuges were among 39 being funded through the largest in vestment in domestic and family violence supports in NSW history and would provide long-term infrastructure to support women and children escaping domestic and family violence.

Minister for Women’s Safety and the Preven tion of Domestic Family and Sexual Violence Natalie Ward said the new refuges delivered under the NSW Govern ment’s Core and Cluster program follows trials in Orange and Griffth.

“These 39 new refuges will be designed in the new Core and Clus ter model which is an innovative model that provides independent liv ing and access to critical services such as counsel ling, legal assistance and further education,” Mrs Ward said.

“Additionally, we have doubled funding for ca pacity building projects, from $2.2 million to $4.4 million, to support service providers in the delivery of focused and culturally sensitive domestic and family violence services.”

Be informed and Inspired at the Northern Rivers Green Living Expo

NORTHERN RIVERS FILMMAKERS –BYRON ALL SHORTS 2023 ENTRIES NOW OPEN!

Be part of our biggest Tweed Seniors Festival yet

Help celebrate Tweed seniors by registering an event or nominating a local achiever – and be part of the 2023 Tweed Seniors Festival.

We are inviting organisations across the Tweed to be part of the NSW Seniors Festival 2023 by holding a special event between Wednesday 1 February and Sunday 12 February 2023.

Flickerfest Australia’s only Academy® and BAFTA qualifying short film festival has been thrilled to be a platform for supporting Northern Rivers filmmakers for over 26 years, celebrating the best of our local stories through the ‘Byron All Shorts’ Northern Rivers short film competition, in

discovering this years latest crop of our most creative & inspiring stories from our regions filmmakers, for Australia’s biggest regional short film festival with a dedicated locals only competition. Entries are now open for the Byron

The Tweed Seniors Festival celebrates the role and contributions older people make to our community. It runs as part of the NSW Seniors Festival, which is the largest celebration of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere.

Some event ideas that have been a hit in the past include:

• a special morning tea, afternoon tea or lunch

• concerts, social get-togethers, or special film screenings

• leisure and health activities

• demonstrations or tours, displays and exhibitions.

Your organisation could even offer your regular class or activity for free or at a discount to encourage seniors to try it. Your activity or event will be included for free in our Tweed Shire Seniors Festival program and published in Council’s weekly newsletter, the Tweed Link.

in their senior years.”

Your event must be registered no later than Friday 9 December 2022.

A significant and popular element of the festival each year is the Tweed Local Achievement Awards, which recognise seniors in our community who help to make it a more diverse, active, and inspiring place to live.

“Nominating a friend or colleague means

throwing your support behind someone who makes the Tweed the wonderful place that it is,” Ms Watters said.

Some past winners from 2022 include Glenda Ashby for her services to Marine Rescue Point Danger, Carole Cohan for her service to Meals on Wheels, Tweed VIEW Club and Fun Activities for Banora Point (FABS) and Alan Young for his service to Twin Towns

Radio Yacht Club.

Nominations for the Tweed Local Achievement Awards are now open and must be received by Friday 16 December 2022 to be considered.

To nominate a local senior or to register your event for the 2023 Seniors Festival, please visit: tweed.nsw.gov.au/ seniors-festival.

partnership with the Island Quarry, Byron All Shorts is an opportunity to showcase our incredible Northern Rivers filmmaking talent, alongside Flickerfest’s best of short films from Australia and the world.

Flickerfest & iQ are looking forward to

All Shorts 2023 competition that will screen alongside Flickerfest’s annual event at the Bangalow A&i Hall from Thursday 16th to Saturday 18th February 2023.

Entries close 9 Jan 2023, visit: www. iQ.org.au for all entry details.

“Tweed Seniors Festival allows our community to showcase what we have on offer for older people in our community. It also allows seniors to take advantage of these opportunities and make connections with other people from all walks of life,” Council’s Coordinator Community Care, Community Services Joanne Watters said.

“Getting involved means putting your organisation in front of the biggest demographic in the Tweed – people aged over 65. We have such a wonderfully vibrant community – a huge portion of whom are

Join in the fun of next year’s Tweed Seniors Festival which promises to be the best yet by registering your event or nominating a local achiever.

2023 Tweed Seniors Festival shaping up to be our biggest and best yet

Gus Goozee wri-dir-prod ‘The Rise’ winner of Jury Award for Best Short flm & the Audience Award

Marlon Denning wri-dir-prod ‘The Rock Pool Waltz’ winner Best High School Short Film 2022

war

Nigel Dawe

Life Lessons: Hamish & Dawn –bound by the love of books

VERY recently the world’s population reached eight billion people, which is astonishing when you consider it hovered around one billion in the year 1800. What it means for the quality of life for each of us, let alone the four babies born every second on this planet, remains to be seen.

One thing that is certain, the competition for resources across the board, will increase at a pace (and pardon the pun) that will leave even the current birth rate, for dead. But with that said, it’s certainly not all doom and gloom, as Franklin D. Roosevelt once observed, “Competition has been shown to be useful up to a certain point and no further, but cooperation, which is the thing we must strive for today, begins where competition leaves off.”

If we are to have a global future that remotely fosters, albeit actively infers harmony, equal distribution of resources, and the social rights and freedoms that we currently savour –then serious effort and focus need to be applied at every level – right now.

At no stage of human history has it ever been in anyone’s best interest to carry out their lives with the threat or spectre of having enemies, real or otherwise, especially when that ‘enemy’ is the faceless entity of an entire country. For mine, what defines us human beings is our ability to hold one-another’s gaze and then smile, not grimace with rage for people we’ve never met, or simply don’t even know.

As Bertrand Russell, the Nobel Prize-winning mathematician, philosopher-cum-perhaps

the finest mind of the last hundred years once surmised, “Where envy is unavoidable it must be used as a stimulus to one’s own efforts, not to the thwarting of the efforts of rivals.”

Intriguingly, the origin of the word ‘rival’ stems from the Latin derivative ‘rivus’, meaning ‘brook or stream’, and the noun ‘rivalis’ refers to those that make use of the same stream as a source of water. Which ironically, is as close to saying that we are all in the same boat – more vividly and literally than we could ever imagine.

Sadly, for the world, not just the one that was on the direct receiving end of two brutal world wars last century, but the world we live in today; that hardly anyone knows the name of Norman Angell. As a reflection of the internal mettle of this Englishman, one of his biggest regrets was not doing more to help avert the lunacy of WWI. Even though he did perhaps more, both leading up to this abomination and afterwards, than anyone else on the planet.

In 1909, Angell published a book called Europe’s Optical Illusion, the following year it was re-published under the title of The Great Illusion, which was in turn released many times over, one of the last being 1933 – the year he won a Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts. Six years later, WWII unfolded in all its combustible fury. Which makes you wonder, if only more had troubled themselves with avoiding this conflict, like Angell, rather than enabling it by choosing to look the other way.

Afull generation before Shakespeare, there was a Dutch literary fgure called Erasmus, who was one of the most talented and tireless writers the western world has ever seen. As a personal symbol he even chose the Roman god Terminus (the deity of boundary markers, or that which signifed the very outer limits of the known).

Famously, Erasmus once said, “When I have a little money, I buy books; and if I have any left, I buy food and clothes.” Like modern-day heirs to such a tenacious spirit and passion for literature are Hamish Alcorn and Dawn Albinger, co-owners and the married couple behind Queensland’s biggest second-hand Bookshop –Archives Fine Books.

Since 1985 this Brisbane institution has stood like an oasis, albeit a beacon to not just learning but to the love of books, culture and all things that the mere

mention of the word ‘classics’ conjures in one effortless sweep. Not that it has been entirely smooth sailing, in 2014 the couple incurred a loss of over $10,000 worth of books thanks to storms that tore through the roof of their building. When asked what life has taught them and what inspires them, Dawn, who is also the Vice President of the Australia and New Zealand Association of Antiquarian Booksellers said, “Making a contribution to the intellectual, cultural and aesthetic life of my community. And never getting bored. Ask the stupid questions. And do the work. Life has taught me humility and gratitude. Laughter and good communication help ease most situations.”

In the same refective vein, Hamish said, “Don’t worry about things you can’t impact. Gratitude regardless. Life is a wonderful journey. If Archives Fine Books outlives me,

and remains a legacy in Brisbane, I am fulflled. Leaving a legacy. Leaving that which is adjacent and downstream better than before.”

While inroads into the reading market have been made thanks to digital technology, for purists and non-purists alike, there will always be a special place for physical books in our lives. In their current form, books have been around since the mid15th century. This year even marks the 190th anniversary of the frst books to feature dust jackets.

According to recent studies there have been nearly 130 million books published since the German goldsmith Johannes Gutenberg invented the printing press in the 1440s. While production of titles in those early days remained quite low, it is estimated that between 700 thousand and two million new books are published each year around the world.

With a staggering one

million books on their shop shelves, each one looked after like it were their dear family pet –the three-legged feline called Basil Braveheart; Hamish and Dawn share a remarkable affnity and affection for life and one-another through the unlimited medium of books. The crackling, suited and sparklingeyed pair embody Carl Sagan’s notion that, “Books break the shackles of time – proof that humans can work magic.”

And, magic seems the operative word when it comes to the path and purpose of Brisbane’s most book inspired and orientated couple, who, you get the impression will be immersing themselves and countless others in the wonder and incalculable worth of books for a very long time to come.

The tides of

and peace…by

Hamish and Dawn

SECRET LIFE IN OUR WATERWAYS UNVEILED

A new environmental monitoring program is peeling back the curtain on the secret life of fsh and other aquatic animals living in NSW’s coastal rivers.

Chief Knowledge Offcer for Water, Mitchell Issacs from Department of Planning and Environment said three scientists are collecting water samples from more than 30 rivers along the coast of NSW so we can better understand and support the creatures who call them home.

“A small sample of water can reveal a surprising amount of information, including which creatures are calling the river home at different stages of their life and even at times what wildlife may be drinking or living near the stream,” Mr Issacs said.

“The animals will be detected through Environmental DNA which they naturally leave behind, meaning there’s no need for our

scientists to catch or even see the aquatic life to confrm their presence.

“All of this can help to inform water management, such as ensuring fsh highways stay well connected so coastal species like the Australian Bass can make a sea change travelling from rivers in the Tablelands down to coastal estuaries.”

The team have already collected more than 100

samples from rivers and waterways across the Lower North Coast, Hunter, Central Coast and Bega Valley.

The plan is to sample upwards of 180 sites in total and work will soon move into rivers in the Clarence Valley and next year expand further across both the North and South Coast.

Mr Issacs said the more we know about the species that call our rivers home the better

we can set the rules in water sharing plans to balance water use and protecting aquatic life. “The data will be

particularly helpful to assess the location of threatened species like platypus, the Macquarie Perch and the Eastern

Freshwater Cod,” Mr Issacs said.

“Once we receive the results from our testing, a full list of detected species will be made public so other agencies and groups can utilise it for other research projects and conservation efforts.”

For more information on the departments various surface water science programs visit

https://www.dpie.nsw. gov.au/water/sciencedata-and-modelling/ surface-water

“

LEEMO’S

PLAN TO BOOK A CRUISE

Yep, it’s ‘Leemo Cat’ back again with much sort-of news! Well, ‘Mum Jane’ told me it is highly probable she will need a new knee soon. She also went into detail about my ‘only child’ duties during her recovery time. Ooooh, I’m EXTREMELY suss about this! (I don’t know why she can’t do something like go to the shops and buy a new knee like those blokes in London bought a Lion. On telling her my brilliant solution she most crabbily informed me new knees are not generally available for purchase in shops. (She has to go to a Hospital to get one.) Hmmm. Now the horror part. Mum said persons (her?) need to recover after getting a new knee, as it takes getting used to. She was, (misguidedly) confdent I was up to ‘minding her’ during her recuperation. This is not an enticing thought. ‘Mum, frstly, you can forget that outlandish plan, ‘cos me and my buddies will be on a cruise when you’re recovering so you’ll have to get a ‘Nurse Rattysox’ (like your Sister Cay) in to assist.’ (This is a small fb ‘cos we haven’t truly booked our cruise yet, but after hearing the above news it is now a priority on my ‘TO DO’ list.) Crikey, she’s looking most crabby. I thought I should elaborate more. ‘Mum, I’m telling you now; I am not showering you or helping you go to the bathroom. (Ye Gods, what a beastly nightmare thought!) NO WAY

..you’re a most old lady, I’m a young bloke. I mean Mum, how embarrassing for me to have to see your rude bits and wrinkles & stuff… aaarrrgh. And Mum, NOR am I willing to be at your grumbling beck & call, running around making you cups of tea & meals & doing the washing & cleaning. NUP, ain’t gonna happen… my buddies and me are ‘goin cruising, so there. Suck it up Mum! I threw myself into research about ‘Cat Friendly Cruise Lines’ AND FOUND ONE!

Cunard’s Queen Mary 2. I ventured with my research and became a little dismayed. It appears the QM2 will allow felines on their sailings from New York to Southampton. Eeek? This means fnding a Feline Friendly airline to get us all to New York frst. BUT, as I read more about the cruise, I was shocked to hear we can’t have a deluxe suite to ourselves. We will be in a ‘space’ on Deck 12 (like the deck on the Titanic that sunk frst) where crewies will feed us and allow us playtime. NUP, NOT on! Ponder ponder. Whilst relaying this to Mum she asked “Leems, who may be paying for this adventure you are planning with your buddies pray tell?’

CRIKEY, I only have $32.27 in my savings, so I told her “YOU ARE MUM”. Oooh, you know the ‘look’ she gets on her pruney face. Not pleasant to look at. She (it) spoke. ‘Leems, you’re dreamin. I believe there are ‘cruises’ on the Wilson’s River in Lismore. They are for 10 mins. and will tolerate felines, providing you are caged. No treats included. Only $1.85 each. How does that sound?’ Yurreerk. ‘Mum, how about you keep your current lovely knee (suck up stuff) and NOT get a new one. How does that sound? Crikey, I do believe Mum & Me are at a stalemate right now. Kinda means it is almost time for treats & “Bluey”. Nitey, Leemo, with ‘plotting’ purrsies.

New disability provider opens in Casino

Disability support provider, Accessible Care & Lifestyle Services (ACALS), has opened a Casino offce to provide much-needed Support Coordination services for people in the Northern Rivers living with disabilities.

Support Coordination is available to eligible National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) participants and is designed to help them get the most out of the support services in their NDIS plan.

ACALS CEO and founder, Ruth Lopez Gonzalez, said understanding the NDIS isn’t always easy and quality Support Coordination can transform lives.

“The NDIS can be overwhelming to navigate and when it comes to managing NDIS plans, participants don’t always understand their rights, or know how to maximise the services covered in their plan,” said Ms Lopez Gonzalez.

“We want people to know that they don’t have to stick with the one provider for all their supports, and they can change providers at any time if they want to,”

“Education about the NDIS is so important. We see participants who’re suffering because they’re not getting the right level of support. If you need more services, your Support Coordinator needs to advocate for you to get them added to your plan,”

“Support Coordinators shouldn’t take over, because that’s disempowering, but they’re there to help you understand and manage your plan and can request additional funds if needed. This can really change your life.

If you’re not getting the support you need, how can you achieve your NDIS plan goals?”

Ms Lopez Gonzalez encourages participants who want Support Coordination included in their plan, to contact the ACALS NDIS Access Offcer.

“Make an appointment

to see our NDIS Access Offcer. In my experience, the success rates are low for participants who apply for Support Coordination on their own, so it’s a good idea to get an advocate to help you. And we offer this service for free, to ensure participants get the support they need.”

ACALS started in Sydney in 2017, and now offers over thirty

and found ourselves educating people about how to manage their NDIS Supports,”

“The NDIS can be time consuming and stressful to navigate. We want to educate people about their rights and choices and help take the load off participants and their families.”

By April 2022, ACALS started a temporary mobile Support Coordination

through to your Support Coordinator, someone else will always pick up the phone during business hours. You never get the runaround,”

It can take up to three months for Support Coordination funding to be approved and Ms Lopez Gonzalez encourages participants who want Support Coordination included in their plan to request

different Community, Aged Care and Disability Services. The Casino offce will initially provide just Support Coordination and add more services in the future.

“We’ve started with the service where we’ve identifed a pressing need.”

Ms Lopez Gonzalez, a 20-year disability services veteran, said ACALS started working with the Northern Rivers community during the 2022 foods, and they quickly saw participants needed more support with their NDIS services.

“We were there to help match participants with emergency accommodation

service in Kyogle, before establishing a permanent offce in Casino in August.

“We provided a lot of information to the community in and around Kyogle. Word got around that we did things differently and a lot of people reached out,”

The Casino offce is fully accessible and currently has four Support Coordinators. Ms Lopez Gonzalez said participants are matched to a team member and then work with them on an ongoing basis.

“We offer continuity of care. Our approach is highly personalised and, if, for some reason, you can’t get

this sooner rather than later.

“Funding takes time. We write end of plan reports and schedule your reviews and then the NDIS does a plan review, so you need to get in touch asap if you want to apply for new, or more, Support Coordination funding,”

“Your needs can change over time and it’s important your NDIS funding is adjusted accordingly.”

ACALS offers consultations in-home or at their new offce at 78 Barker St, Casino. To book a consultation or make an appointment with ACAL’s NDIS Access Offcer, call (02) 6699 5210.

“Quality Support Coordination can transform lives,” Ruth Lopez Gonzalez, CEO, ACALS

ACALS new Casino offce has a free NDIS Access service that helps participants get Support Coordination services added to their NDIS plan.

Leemo has views on just about anything”

‘kinda’

PHARMACY REFORMS WILL IMPROVE TIMELY ACCESS FOR LOCAL PATIENTS TO HEALTH SERVICES

The Nationals in NSW Government’s pharmacy reforms will improve timely access for local patients to health services, according to South Grafton Pharmacist Michael Troy and Clarence Nationals MP Chris Gulaptis.

The NSW Government is allowing pharmacists to offer a greater variety of jabs and prescribe some medications without patients frst needing to see a GP.

Mr Gulaptis visited the South Grafton pharmacy to ask Mr Troy how the new rules will impact the community.

“Pharmacists have clearly demonstrated our accessibility and ability in vaccinating so many in our local community from Covid-19,” Mr Troy said.

“The future rollout, with the pilot for the prescribing of antibiotics for uncomplicated urinary tract infections, will also improve access and timely response.”

Mr Troy said that when doctor’s appointments

can take weeks to come around in the local area, or alternatively flling up beds in hospital, timely access to antibiotics, where appropriate, has the potential to help so many women in the community.

“I’m excited about the future for pharmacy and pharmacists as medication experts and the most accessible health care professional, but more importantly the impact it can have on the health care of our local community!” Mr Troy

concluded.

NSW Health will work with pharmacists to support the expansion of the vaccination program with education modules and materials for both themselves and their customers.

NSW pharmacists are currently able to administer six vaccines, including COVID-19 and infuenza vaccines.

MAJOR SURVEY UNDERWAY TO BUILD BACK BETTER ROADS IN THE NORTHERN RIVERS

Major survey underway to build back better roads in the Northern Rivers One of the biggest road surveys in Regional NSW has commenced in the Northern Rivers to better inform the longterm rebuild of road and transport infrastructure in the region and ensure it can better withstand fu ture foods. The Northern Rivers Reconstruction Corporation, in part nership with Transport for NSW and the seven Northern Rivers local councils, are undertaking a whole of network road condition assessment across all sealed roads in the Ballina, Byron Bay, Clarence Valley, Kyo gle, Lismore, Richmond Valley and Tweed LGAs. The whole-of-network assessment is being com pleted by the Australian Road Research Board (ARRB) and will contin ue across the region until the end of 2022. Northern Rivers Reconstruction Corporation Chief Ex ecutive David Witherdin said the ARRB will test

more than 5,500 kilo metres of road surface to measure roughness, texture and rutting, and to gather digital imagery for visual rating and auto mated crack detection. “This assessment informs how we’re going to prioritise more than $4.9 billion in infrastructure work, including a pipe line of more than $1.7 billion to address road and transport infrastruc ture rebuilding across the region,” Mr Witherdin said. Transport for NSW Regional Director, North Region Anna Zycki said this work will support preparedness for future fooding events and will inform what works will take priority. “Road and transport infrastructure are an important part of any community and this survey will lead the way in ensuring that Northern Rivers residents and industry have the infrastructure they need to support the ongoing recovery,” Ms Zycki said. Specialised road scan ning vehicles, including

an Intelligent Pavement Assessment Vehicle and a Network Survey Vehicle, are being used to provide a comprehensive analysis of the scope of what needs to be done and key priority areas. Northern Rivers councils and Transport for NSW are working with the NRRC’s Infrastructure Coordination Offce, which is prioritising the region’s infrastructure needs and examining ways to manage supply constraints and capacity issues. The Northern Rivers Reconstruction Corporation is leading the reconstruction effort for essential assets, in frastructure and housing in the Northern Rivers, including building back in a resilient way so the region can better cope with future natural disas ters. For more informa tion about the Northern Rivers Reconstruction Corporation and its In frastructure Coordination Offce, go to: www.nsw. gov.au/NRRC.

Chris & Michael Troy

Happy Pets & Stock!

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fea and tick treatments and vitamins.

We also supply dog and cat treats, grooming supplies. Toys, cat litter and more.

If you need your supplies delivered, we can help, our prompt delivery service ensures that you’ll receive your supplies right to your doorstep.

Visit our website today on www.northcoaststockfeed. com.au or call in and see us

COFFS HARBOUR APPRENTICE AWARDED BERT EVANS SCHOLARSHIP

CLARRIE HALL DAM NOT FOR FLOOD MITIGATION

A prestigious NSW Government scholarship program will help a Coffs Harbour apprentice facing hardship in their study, boosting their budget to ensure they complete their trade and add to the State’s skilled workforce.

Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh said the Bert Evans Apprentice Scholarships provide first-year apprentices with up to $15,000 over three years, as part of the NSW Government’s commitment to strengthening pathways to vocational education and training.

Our 2022 local recipient is Coffs Harbour’s David Hart, who is undertaking an apprenticeship in roof plumbing. He recently turned 20. David is employed by Roofing Matters.

“The Bert Evans Apprentice Scholarships program is about backing

apprentices by giving them a helping hand to complete their training, gain a qualification and secure a brighter future,” Mr Singh said.

The NSW Coalition Government launched the Bert Evans Apprentice Scholarships in 2014 to support apprentices who demonstrate a high aptitude for vocational education and training and are committed to their on-the-job and formal training.

The scholarship program is named in honour of the late Bert Evans AO, a passionate advocate of vocational education for more than 30 years.

Minister for Skills and Training Alister Henskens said this year’s program would provide assistance to 146 apprentices from all walks of life so they can ply their skills and trade in the workforce.

“Apprenticeships are a critical part of ensuring NSW has a

pipeline of skilled and job-ready workers, but we also understand the financial challenges that can arise for apprentices while completing a trade,” Mr Henskens said.

“Whether it is to purchase new tools, cover fuel and car maintenance costs or pay for additional training materials, these scholarships have helped people overcome personal barriers to finish their apprenticeships and go onto rewarding careers.”

Read more about the program at www. education.nsw.gov.au/ skills-nsw/apprenticesand-trainees/ support-with-yourapprenticeship-ortraineeship/bert-evansapprentice-scholarships

Tweed Shire Council has adopted a policy that clarifies when and how Council releases water from Clarrie Hall Dam.

The policy was adopted by Council at its meeting on 27 October 2022.

Water and Wastewater operations manager Brie Jowett said the Clarrie Hall Dam Water Release Policy was developed in consultation with the community and thanked residents for submitting feedback.

“The dam is built with an open, un-gated spillway. It is designed for storing drinking water, not to mitigate against flooding,” Mrs Jowett said.

“Tweed Shire Council does not manage the reservoir level by prereleasing water ahead of rainfall events to provide any form of storage capacity for floodmitigation purposes.

“The policy clarifies that Council cannot control water that spills

from the dam once the water level in the dam reaches the spillway crest.

“When the dam fills during intense rainfall events, it is designed to safely pass the excess water into Doon Doon Creek and then the Tweed River. This spilling cannot be controlled.”

Mrs Jowett said the dam’s size and location meant any upgrade would not alter its purpose.

“We live in one of the highest rainfall areas on the east coast of the nation, which has eroded the Tweed caldera over millions of years and carved out the natural beauty that is the Tweed Valley,” she said.

“We must acknowledge the dam’s catchment takes in less than 6% of the overall catchment area of the Tweed River and its upstream creeks and rivers.

“To have any impact

on mitigating flooding, a drastically bigger dam would be needed. However, the proposed Clarrie Hall Dam upgrade for water supply purposes is the maximum feasible size for a dam at this location.”

Mrs Jowett added one dam would offer little protection.

“We would need several very large dams to capture rainfall that feeds the Tweed, Oxley and Rous Rivers,” she said.

“Previous flood studies have shown large dams at those locations would not be practical.”

Access the policy from tweed.nsw.gov.au/ policies. Head to tweed. nsw.gov.au/clarrie-halldam to find out more about Clarrie Hall Dam.

The NSW Government is helping reduce your cost of living by giving you more ways to save, including:

• Up to $110 Gas Rebate

• $250 Regional Seniors Travel Card

• Up to $285 Low Income Household Energy Rebate

Join the millions who have saved and use the Savings Finder to see all the vouchers and rebates you are eligible for, or book an appointment with a Savings Specialist.

service.nsw.gov.au

As Clarrie Hall Dam flls during intense rainfall events, it is designed to safely pass the excess water into Doon Doon Creek and then the Tweed River. This spilling cannot be controlled.

Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh congratulates David Hart on his scholarship

Tweed urged to meet Target 160 this summer Council asks residents, holidaymakers to save water

skipped watering the lawn; you might have reduced your showers to 4 minutes; or maybe you mulched your garden beds and haven’t needed to water as much,” Mr Burnham said.

“Whatever you’ve been doing, please continue to save water throughout our summer months in particular. That’s when our water use usually skyrockets every year.

As the weather warms, Council is reminding everyone in the Tweed to save water and meet the Target 160 goal.

Water and Wastewater Business and Assets manager Anthony Burnham said even when there are no water restrictions, it’s important for

all residents and holidaymakers to use just 160 litres of water per person a day.

“There’s a limited supply of tap water and 2 factors are making it more important than ever for all of us to save water all the time,” Mr Burnham said.

“Another 15,000

people are set to call the Tweed home by 2041 and climate change is making rainfall in our region more uncertain.

“While the planned upgrade of Clarrie Hall Dam will help secure our water supply, we all have a shared responsibility to save water and the

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.

environment.

“The most costeffective action we can do as a community is to reduce our water use.”

Mr Burnham said everyone in the Tweed typically use about 200 litres of water per person each day.

This year, thanks to La Nina and the ongoing

wet weather, water consumption has slowly reduced with residents achieving Council’s Target 160 goal in recent months.

However, water use in the past 7 days has crept up as the weather warms to 162 litres per person a day.

“You may have

“Thank you to everyone in the Tweed for meeting Target 160 in recent weeks. When we each save a little, we all save a lot.”

Go to tweed.nsw.gov. au/target-160-litres to see if you are meeting the target and to gain tips on how to save water indoors and outdoors.

Mulching the garden is one way to help conserve water and help the Tweed achieve its Target 160 goal

NSW GOVERNMENT RESPONDS TO STATE INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGY

All 101 recommendations of the Infrastructure NSW State Infrastructure Strategy 2022-2042: Staying Ahead will be supported in full or in-principle by the NSW Government.

Minister for Infrastructure Rob Stokes said the nine key strategic directions and 89 recommendations would be supported in full, while the remaining 13 recommendations are supported in-principle.

“The fortunes of NSW have been transformed on the back of this government’s 11 years of infrastructure delivery, with more than $178 billion in projects built since 2011 and another $112.7 billion in the pipeline over the next four years,” Mr Stokes said.

“Throughout that time, the Government has sought the clear-eyed and independent advice of Infrastructure NSW to guide the allocation of taxpayers’ funds towards the projects that are needed most.

“By accepting the recommendations of the strategy, NSW will continue to enjoy the economic benefts that infrastructure creates.”

Transformative

megaprojects will continue in addition to a wide range of less complex projects which can be delivered more easily by local construction companies.

“We are determined to transform NSW through infrastructure that creates opportunity, improves access and makes people’s lives better,” Mr Stokes said.

The State Infrastructure Strategy sets out the government’s priorities for the next 20 years, and combined with Future Transport 2056, The Greater Cities Region Plan and the 20-Year Economic Vision for Regional NSW, brings together infrastructure investment and land-use planning for our cities and regions.

The Government’s response to the Strategy is available by scanning the below QR Code

TWEED NAMED AMONG 122 GLOBAL CITIES AS CLIMATE CHANGE LEADERS

• Tweed Shire Council is one of 122 cities to receive top score on climate action from environmental impact non-proft, Climate Disclosure Platform (CDP).

• A List cities build climate momentum, taking twice as many climate mitigation and adaptation measures as non-A Listers.

• Only 12% of the 1,000+ cities that were scored in 2022 received an A score.

Tweed Shire Council has been recognised by the Climate Disclosure Platform (CDP) as one of 122 cities across the globe for taking bold leadership on environmental action and transparency, despite the pressures of a challenging global economic situation.

Designed to encourage and support cities to ramp up their climate action and ambition, CDP’s Cities A List is based on environmental data disclosed by cities to CDP-ICLEI Track. Clear momentum in city climate disclosure and action is building: for the frst time, more than 1,000 cities (1,002 in total) received a rating for their climate action from CDP in 2022, a rise on the 965 cities scored in 2021. In 2022, just over one in 10 cities scored by CDP (12% of such cities) received an A.

To score an A, among other actions, a city must disclose publicly through CDP-ICLEI Track and have a citywide emissions inventory. It must have published

a climate action plan, complete a climate risk and vulnerability assessment, and have a climate adaptation plan to demonstrate how it will tackle climate hazards. Many A List cities are also taking a variety of other leadership actions, including political commitment from a city’s Mayor to tackle climate change, such as Tweed Shire Councillors’ declaration of a climate emergency.

A List cities are demonstrating their climate leadership through concerted and effective action, just as national governments were asked to do at COP27 in Egypt last week. They are taking twice as many mitigation and adaptation measures as non-A List cities.

Tweed, and the other 121 cities on this year’s A List, are also celebrated for showing that urgent and impactful climate action – from ambitious emissions reduction targets to building resilience against climate change – is achievable at a global level, and in cities with different climate realities and priorities. However, this action needs to go further and faster.

The Tweed was recognised as just one of 6 cities in the Oceania region to achieve the highest score by the CDP, with the others being Yarra City Council, City of Adelaide, City of Sydney and Canberra in Australia, as well as Wellington in New Zealand.

Mayor of Tweed Shire Chris Cherry welcomed

the announcement, saying the CDP platform was a great way for Council to be transparent about its progress in response to climate change.

“For a regional area like the Tweed to be keeping pace with major cities like Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne and Adelaide is a good demonstration of how hard this Council is working to gather data, follow best practice, and be proactive in our response to climate change,” Cr Cherry said.

“Participating in the CDP helps us to set and track our progress against an independent standard for the climate work we do. The information we provide keeps us accountable to the community who place such emphasis on working together to reduce our impact and protect the Tweed’s internationally signifcant natural environment. We’re also so conscious of the social and economic toll of extreme weather events. There’s a lot to motivate our climate action.

“This award recognises Council for its

ambition, leadership and transparency in responding to the threat of climate change. Never has this been more important as the world faces the fnal decade for concerted climate action in order to keep in line with a 1.5°C warmer future.”

Numerous projects are underway at Council as part of our efforts to respond and adapt to climate change, from supporting residents to be effcient in their water and electricity use, to promoting solar power, recycling food scraps and other waste, strengthening biodiversity corridors, revegetating river banks, securing our future water supply, building drought resilience in our farming sector and preparing residents for climateinduced disasters such as bushfres and foods.

To fnd out more about what Tweed Shire Council is doing to prepare for and mitigate against climate change, go to tweed.nsw.gov.au/ environment/climatesustainability/climatechange.

Recognised on CDP 2022 A List for ambition, leadership, and transparency on climate action

Helping to conserve the Tweed’s ancient Gondwana rainforest in the Numinbah Nature Reserve is a critical element of Council’s fght against climate change

CDP Cities A List 2022 accreditation

SATURDAY

CSI: VEGAS

TEN, 8.30pm

SBS VICELAND, 8.30pm

Before an Aussie version of this competition-based comedy series hits screens next year, with Tom Gleeson as its arbiter of good tasks, it’s advisable to get a handle on the slightly unconventional format – season 11 of the original British version, premiering tonight, should do nicely. With Taskmaster Greg Davies (right) and his assistant Alex Horne in charge, new celebrity contestants –Aussie Sarah Kendall ( actress Charlotte Ritchie ( the Midwife comedians Jamali Maddix, Mike Wozniak and Lee Mack – compete in a series of bizarre challenges, including delivering crockery while riding a scooter and catching rats.

THURSDAY WAR OF THE WORLDS

SBS, 9.30pm

Returning for season three, this modern retelling of H.G. Wells’s classic 1898 novel about an alien invasion of Earth plays

Terminator

Independence Day. The ambitious sci- drama has deviated quite far from its source material, with the focus now on wormholes, time travel and mass hallucinations. Brilliant scientist Bill Ward (Gabriel Byrne) has saved humanity but nds himself further estranged from his family. Bitter with his lot, he bristles at the distressing news that people around the world are experiencing a mysterious phenomenon. Meanwhile, an interstellar discovery leads astrophysicist Catherine (Léa Drucker) to investigate the crisis.

The crime scenes are uniformly disturbing, but one can’t help thinking: the writers on CSI must be highly entertained when they dream up their o -the-wall cases. Perhaps it’s the same for real-life crims when they hatch their plans, but you can rely on CSI to feature memorable clues and details. In “Burned”, there are Big Foot-like footprints found around the house where a gory double-murder is being investigated. Wild, scary creature theories are quickly put to rest, with plastic wrap and an engagement ring o ering clues. Meanwhile, Josh (Matt Lauria) feels so insecure in his relationship with Serena (Ariana Guerra) that he resorts to a dash of cyberstalking. 0212

FRIDAY, December

6.00 News. 9.00 News. 10.00 Q+A. (Final, R) 11.10 Secrets Of The Museum. (Final, R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Belgravia. (PG, R) 1.45 Doc Martin. (PG, R) 2.35 Poh’s Kitchen. (R) 3.10 Gardening Australia. (R) 4.10 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 4.55 Back Roads. (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. Josh Byrne visits a daylily grower.

8.30 Vera. (Ma, R) Part 1 of 4. After the body of a woman is discovered at a land ll site, DCI Vera Stanhope is called to investigate and learns that the victim was a trainee forensic psychologist who had been examining an old crime.

10.00 Fisk. (Final, PG, R) Petro drops by to give Helen some news.

10.30 Troppo. (Mal, R) Ted discovers his past haunting the present.

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

11.45 Adam Hills: The Last Leg. (R) 12.25 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

6.00 Soccer. 2022 FIFA World Cup. Group E. Japan v Spain. Continued. 8.30 Soccer. 2022 FIFA World Cup. Group F. Croatia v Belgium. Replay. 11.30 Soccer. 2022 FIFA World Cup. Group E. Japan v Spain. Replay. 2.30 Soccer. 2022 FIFA World Cup. Group F. Croatia v Canada. Replay. 5.30 FIFA World Cup 2022 Daily World Cup Show.

6.00 FIFA World Cup 2022 Preview Show.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.35 Engineering Reborn. (PG)

8.35 Inside Central Station: Sydney Harbour Bridge Closure. (PGav, R)

9.35 Tutankhamun With Bettany Hughes. (PG, R)

10.30 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. (Mals, R)

11.20 MOVIE: The Fade. (2012)

11.30 FIFA World Cup Classic Matches. (R)

1.30 Soccer. 2022 FIFA World Cup. Group H. Korea Republic v Portugal.

4.30 FIFA World Cup Classic Matches. (R)

5.30 Soccer. 2022 FIFA World Cup. Group G. Cameroon v Brazil.

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 11.30 News. 12.00 Border Security: Int. (PGad, R) 12.30 Test Cricket: Pre-Game Show. 1.20 Cricket. First Test. Australia v West Indies. Day 3. Morning session. 3.20 Test Cricket: The Lunch Break. 4.00 Cricket. First Test. Australia v West Indies. Day 3. Afternoon session.

6.00 7News Local.

6.30 7News @ 6:30.

7.00 Cricket. First Test. Australia v West Indies. Day 3. Evening session. From Optus Stadium, Perth.

9.00 MOVIE: The Fugitive. (1993, Mv, R) A doctor wrongly convicted of murdering his wife escapes from custody after a train accident, and tries to nd the real killer while avoiding a dogged US Marshal and his team. Harrison Ford, Tommy Lee Jones, Sela Ward.

11.45 Motorway Patrol. (PG) Two drunk drivers and an imaginary friend play skittles with road cones.

12.15 Black-ish. (Mad, R) Diane asks Jack to help her with her senior prank and he is happy to be included. 1.00 Home Shopping.

7TWO (62)

6.30 Travel Oz. 8.00 Home Shopping. 8.30 Million Dollar Minute. 9.00 DVine Living. 9.30 NBC Today. Noon Emmerdale. 12.30 Coronation Street. 1.00 Sons And Daughters. 3.00 House Of Wellness. 4.00 South Aussie With Cosi. 4.30 Our Town. 5.00 Escape To The Country. 6.00 Bargain Hunt. 7.00 Better Homes And Gardens Summer. 8.30 Escape To The Country. 10.30 Australia’s Big Backyards. 11.30 Late Programs.

6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. (PG) 11.30 Morning News. 12.00 MOVIE: The Christmas Cure. (2017, G, R) 1.50 Talking Honey. (PG) 2.00 Pointless. (PG) 3.00 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 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: Tree Roo. (PGa) Three injured birds arrive.

8.30 MOVIE: Bridget Jones’s Baby. (2016, Mls, R) Forty-something and single, Bridget Jones becomes pregnant, but is unsure about who the father is. Renée Zellweger, Colin Firth, Patrick Dempsey.

10.55 MOVIE: I Don’t Know How She Does It. (2011, PGls, R) Sarah Jessica Parker.

12.40 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Take Two. (R) 4.30 Global Shop. (R) 5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 5.30 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)

6.00 The Talk. (PGa) 7.00 Judge Judy. (PG, R) 7.30 Bold. (PG,

6.30 The Project. Special guest is Weird Al. 7.30 The Graham Norton Show. Guests include Daniel Craig. 8.30 The Flatshare. (Mal) Two Londoners with divergent schedules agree to share a single-bed at. 9.30 Just For Laughs Australia. (Mals, R) Stand-up comedy performances from Zoe Coombs Marr, Jude Perl and Ivan Aristeguieta. 10.00 Just For Laughs Uncut. (MA15+ls, R) Hosted by Nikki Osborne.

10.30 Rhys Nicholson: Live At Darlinghurst Theatre. (MA15+ls, R) A performance by Rhys Nicholson. 12.00 The Project. (R)

1.00 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

BOLD (51) 9GEM (82)

6am Home Shopping. 8.00 Pooches At Play. 8.30 Australia By Design: Innovations. 9.00 iFish. 9.30 Reel Action. 10.00 MacGyver. Noon NCIS: Los Angeles. 1.00 NCIS. 2.00 Bull. 3.00 Bondi Rescue. 3.30 The Love Boat. 4.30 Star Trek: The Next Generation. 5.30 MacGyver. 7.30 NCIS. 8.30 NCIS: Los Angeles. 10.20 Evil. 11.15 Star Trek: Discovery. 12.15am Home Shopping. 2.15 The FBI Declassi ed. 3.10 Star Trek: The Next Generation. 4.05 MacGyver.

9LIFE (84)

6am Morning Programs. 11.30 Cook And The Chef. Noon Asia Unplated. 12.30 Come Dine With Me Couples. 1.30 Sarah Graham: Food Safari. 2.30 Frankie’s World. 3.00 Barefoot Contessa. 3.30 Food Markets: In The Belly Of The City. 4.30 Asia Unplated. 5.00 Gourmet Farmer. 5.30 Come Dine With Me Couples. 6.30 Cook And The Chef. 7.00 The Cook Up. 7.30 Jamie Cooks Christmas. 8.30 Rick Stein’s Cornish Christmas. 9.30 Ainsley’s Christmas Good Mood Food. 10.30 The Cook Up. 11.00 Late Programs.

6am

Morning Programs. 1.55pm The Land We’re On With Penelope Towney. 2.00 Shortland

RECENT CATTLE MARKET REPORTS

CASINO

NRLX MARKET REPORT WEEK ENDING FRIDAY 25 NOVEMBER

Agents yarded a total of 1,079 head at the Northern Rivers Livestock Exchange regular prime sale on Wednesday 23 November. Young cattle made up the majority with less export types available. Light weaners dominated the offering particularly through the steer section. The best of the heifers sold well but plainer quality through the secondary drafts of both categories resulted in a softer market. All the regular buyers attended.

WARWICK

LIVESTOCK MARKETS WARWICK W/E 25/11/202

Larger numbers were presented for the weekly Cattle and Sheep and Lamb sales this week. Vendors took the opportunity to sell stock as the paddocks and roads allowed more movement of stock. The prices were frm for most categories with the heavir export tpyes slowing down. The selling season has 3 more sales for the cattle and sheep with the selling fnishing on the 14th December for 2022 and re-commencing on the 10th of January 2023.

Vealer steers averaged 550.7c/kg topping at 696.2c/kg or $1287.85 to $1945.48

Vealer heifers averaged 525c/kg topping at 648.2c/kg or $1304.28 to $1593.15

Feeder steers averaged 492.3c/kg topping at 586.2c/kg or

WARWICK

MC DOUGALL & SONS SHEEP & LAMB REPORT

Numbers were up today as Agents and vendors combined to yard 2473 head for the weekly sale. The buying panel was enthused and saw good competition between the export buyers. The light and feed on types were price sensitive to the weight and type for the background buyers or back to the paddock buyers. The stock today was drawn from the Maranoa, Western and Southern Downs as well as local vendors. Lambs topped at $232 to average $145.29($9down0, hoggets topped at $161 to average $110.53($9up), ewes topped at $148 to average $73.47($17up), wethers topped at $161 to average $99.58($21down), rams topped at $128 to average $92.24($19down), lamb rams topped at $165 to average $139.62($26up), ewe lambs topped at $165 to average

TENTERFIELD

BROUGHT TO YOU BY HAROLD CURRY

PH: 02 6736 1344

Heifers sell to $2,408.45

Sale Date: 21.11.2022 Number Yarded: 341

Numbers increased this sale with a total yarding of 341 head. A mixed quality yarding saw prices cheaper across all sections in line with other selling centres. A small but quality yarding of steers sold to 482.2 cents, no bullocks were yarded.

In the Cow section, heavy weight cows sold to 328.2 cents, medium weights reached 315.2 cents with heifers selling to 350.2 cents.

In the trade section weaner steers topped at 604.2 cents, while the heifer portion reached 505 cents, both returning to the paddock.

A mixed yarding of Bulls sold to 300 cents.

Cow prices saw a drop this week averaging 287c/kg and reaching a top price of 434c/kg. Lighter heifer prices were softer with those up to 250kg averaging 551c/kg and topping their category at 778c/kg. Heavier heifers were dearer with those up to 250kg averaged 436c/kg and reaching a top of 550c/kg.

Bull prices were easier this week with 20 head sold averaging 277c/kg and 632kg. Steer prices held frm to slightly cheaper with those up to 250kg averaging 615c/kg and reaching a top of 772c/kg. Heavier steers over 250kg averaged 505c/kg and topped their market at 646c/kg. A good number of bullocks sold on the day averaged 331c/kg and reached a top of 340c/kg.

$1857.36 to $2484.92

Feeder heifers averaged 417.5c/kg topping at 499.2c/kg or $1597.46 to $1946.88

Yearling steers averaged 531.5c/kg topping at 630c/kg or $1540.41 to $1998.48

Yearling heifers averaged 442.8c/kg topping at 602.2c/kg or $1426.45 to $1861.29

Steers averaged 399.1c/kg topping at 540c/kg or $2142.77 to $2869.74

Heifers averaged 367.5c/kg topping at 499.2c/kg or $1784.36 to $2640.45

Cows averaged 301.1c/kg topping at 350.2c/kg or $1633.52 to $2459.20

Bulls averaged 373.9c/kg topping at 620c/kg or $1697.61 to $4072.32

Lambs topped at $232 to average $145.29 a drop of $9/ head

$127.48($29down). The total yarding averaged $120.82 a drop of $16/head on last week’s sale.

Warren & Tracy Ohl sold Dorper lambs 48.8kg to GR Prime for $171, 53.5kg hoggets to Eversons for $119

Pikedale Past Co sold Dorper x sucker lambs 41.5kg to restockers for $121, 36kg to restockers for $89, 33kg to restockers for $91

Rory & Kathy Frost sold 42kg Dorper lambs to Highchester Meats for $180

Palmer Steel Trading P/L sold Dorper lambs 61.56kg to Thomas Foods for $216, 54.2kg to Eversons for $200, 50kg to Eversons for $186, 67.5kg hoggets to Eversons for $145

Cooinda P/S sold Xbred lambs off grain 48.07 to Uniplaza Meats for $160, hoggets 50kg to Uniplaza for $130

Sharpe Past Co sold Dorper x lambs 76.5kg to Thomas Foods for $215, 68.15kg Xbred lambs to Thomas Foods

TOP PRICES

BULLOCKS: No Quote $ 0;

STEERS: Kelvingrove Pty Ltd $ 2499.00; COWS: GO Robertson $ 2242.63; HEIFERS: A & N Saccon $ 2408.45; YEARLINGS: Kelvingrove Pty Ltd $ 2000.04; VEALERS: PW & CM Potter $ 1874.02; BULLS: PL Carpenter $ 2759.97;

VEALERS

Light Strs. 570.0 av. 443.7 Hfrs. 500.0 av. 430.0

Heavy Strs. 604.2 av. 500.8 580.0 av. 551.6 Hfrs. 505.0 av. 475.9 430.2 av. 430.2

Vealer prices held frm this week averaging 561c/kg and 208kg and reaching a top of 770c/kg.

Ian Weir & Son held a store sale at the NRLX on Friday 25 November with 1,227 head going under the hammer. Steers topped their category at 698c/ kg and averaged 537c/kg and 223kg whilst heifers reached a top of 670c/kg and averaged 508c/kg and 209kg. Cows reached a top price of $2,050 whilst Cows & Calves topped their market at $3,600.

T&W McCormack and Ramsey & Bulmer will hold a store sale this Friday 2 December with 1200 head booked. Further bookings are welcome.

Hoggets topped at $161 to average $110.53 a jump of $9/ head

Ewes topped at $148 to average $73.47 a jump of $17/head Wethers topped at $161 to average $99.58 a drop of 21/ head

Rams topped at $128 to average $92.24 a drop of $19/head Lamb rams topped at $165 to average $139.62 a jump of $26/head

Ewe lambs topped at $165 to average $127.48 a drop of $29/head

The total of 2473 head averaged $120.82/head a drop of $15/head on last sale.

Sows sold from $88 to $365, Boars to $42, Baconers from $200 to $280, Pork from $150 to $200, Stores from $70 to $170

Ducks sold to $7.50, Ducklings sold to $22.50, Roosters sold to $20, Hens sold to $25, Turkeys sold to $37.50

for $215, 57.7kg Xbed lambs to Eversons for $196, 80kg hoggets to Eversons for $140, Xbred ewes to Thomas Foods for $100 and $92

Jack & Sally Sloss sold Merino ewes cfa to Thomas Foods for $80, rams to Eversons for $50

Kylee Simpson sold Dorper x lambs 42kg to Eversons for $140, 34kg to restockers for $110, 53kg hoggets to restockers , 4th ewes to restockers for $148, ewe & lamb units to restockers for $135

Les Holten sold Dorper ewe & lamb units to Highchester for $210, 36kg lambs to restockers for $102

Geoff & Rosemary Gibson sold Xbred lambs 60kg to Thomas Foods for $195, 60kg hoggets to Eversons for 130, 4th wethers to restockers for $100

Shelley F/T sold 61.5kg lambs to Thomas Foods for $204, 80kg to Eversons for $232

YEARLINGS

Steers 610.2 av. 506.5 Heifers 478.2 av. 463.5

HEIFERS 350.2 av. 342.2

Steers up to 400kg 482.2 av. 482.2 Steers 400-500kg 440.0 av. 425.9 Steers 500kg plus 421.2 av. 420.4

COWS

Light No Quote ; Medium 315.2 av. 309.3; Heavy 328.2 av. 321.5; Bulls 600kg+ 300.0 av. 255.2

NEXT SALE: 5th December 2022, 9:00am Start

CONTACT US - The Northern Rivers Times Rural Edition ✆ 1300 679 787 SALES 02 6662 6222 sales@nrtimes.com.au ✆ Albury - 02 6080 9520, Casino - 02 6662 6222, Dubbo - 02 5858 4078, Grafton - 02 5632 3041, Moree - 02 6794 3889, Tamworth - 02 5719 1656, Wagga Wagga - 02 5940 8516

Directors, co-owners and co-founders: Jeffrey Gibbs and Sharon Bateman ISSN: 2652-7928 a Heartland Media company ABN: 84 134 238 181 All rights reserved © 2022 Distribution Coffs Harbour north to Southport and west to Tenterfield weekly.

STATE’S CHANCE TO FULFILL CHRISTMAS WISH SUMMARY OF KEY ISSUES

For the week ending 23 November 2022, cold fronts across southern Australia brought signifcant rainfall and strong winds. Weekly rainfall totals exceeding 50 millimetres were observed across alpine areas of New South Wales and Victoria, northern parts of Western Australia and the Northern Territory, western Tasmania, and parts of northern Queensland and Victoria.

The state government is being asked to give farmers some Christmas cheer by fast-tracking work around the Port of Newcastle.

Earlier this month a bill that would enable the development of a container terminal at the Port of Newcastle passed the NSW Parliament, meaning farmers were closer than ever to substantial savings on freight costs.

NSW Farmers Modernising Rail Taskforce chair Matt Madden said the onus was on the state government to proceed with bureaucratic work to unlock that potential.

“By swiftly proceeding with the work around the Port of Newcastle, the state government could offer a little hope coming into Christmas after a particularly shocking year for farmers and rural communities,” Mr Madden said.

“We’ve seen one of the most expensive

crops in history being hit by multiple natural disasters, and everyone could do with a bit of a cheer up.

“If they were to get cracking on unlocking the big freight savings the Port of Newcastle would offer, it would offer some hope for future prosperity.”

Mr Madden urged the government to prioritise the Port of Newcastle Bill for assent and to appoint the independent assessor before Christmas to get the process underway. He said it was important to get the ball rolling on developing new container freight capacity sooner than later, to maximise the opportunities for regions recovering for natural disasters.

“Giving growers the opportunity to send more containerised produce through the Port of Newcastle in a more effcient manner would save farmers between $16 and $22

per tonne, or up to $2.8 billion over the next 30 years, allowing them to reinvest in their businesses and drive even more economic activity in the regions,” Mr Madden said.

“This will save farmers money, grow the state economy, reduce strain on our roads, reduce truck emissions, and help the Hunter Valley in its eventual industrial transition away from coal mining.

“After all of these foods and damage this year, and with the Parliament having backed the bill, all that’s required is the will to deliver a fairly simple process that will in turn give farmers a long-awaited Christmas gift.”

Property of the Week

Moderate rainfalls across southern New South Wales and Victorian cropping regions are likely to have prolonged the waterlogging of winter crops and exacerbated fooding of low-lying crops in riverine areas.

Another week of dry conditions across most of Queensland and northern New South Wales will have allowed harvesting of winter crops and planting of summer crops to continue. In Western Australia, harvesting activity continued with minimal delay on the expected large winter crop.

La Niña continues in the tropical Pacifc, with atmospheric and oceanic indicators refecting a mature La Niña event. Meanwhile, sea surface temperature anomalies across the northern Indian Ocean have eased signifcantly over recent weeks, refecting the decline in the negative Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) event. The Southern

Annular Mode (SAM) is currently positive and is likely to remain positive into early summer. A MaddenJulian Oscillation (MJO) of moderate strength is active over the western Pacifc Ocean, increasing rainfall over northeastern Australia. The rainfall outlook for December 2022 to February 2023 suggests there is a greater than 60% chance of exceeding median rainfall across most of Victoria, southern and eastern New South Wales, eastern Queensland, Tasmania, and eastern parts of South Australia. As crops in these regions reach the fnal stages of maturation, a continuation of wet conditions may cause further grain quality downgrades and delay harvesting. Moreover, the wet conditions are likely to continue to interrupt the planting of summer crops.

Over the 8-days to 1 December 2022, low-pressure systems and a broad trough is forecast to bring moderate to heavy rainfall to northern and eastern Queensland, and northern areas of the Northern Territory and Western Australia. Moderate falls forecast across most cropping regions in Queensland and northern New South Wales are likely to bring renewed delays to the harvesting of winter crops and planting of summer crops following

two relatively dry weeks. The easing of wet conditions across food-affected cropping regions of south-eastern Australia will likely allow foodwaters to recede and reduce the risk of further waterlogging and reductions in yield potential.

Water storage levels in the Murray-Darling Basin (MDB) decreased between 16 November 2022 and 23 November 2022 by 70 gigalitres (GL). Current volume of water held in storage is 23 938 GL which

represents 95 per cent of total capacity. This is 5 percent or 1219 GL more than at the same time last year.

Allocation prices in the Victorian Murray below the Barmah Choke increased from $24 per ML on 17 November to $26 per ML on 24 November 2022. Prices are lower in the Goulburn-Broken due to the binding of the Goulburn intervalley trade limit.

788 Avenue Road, Lavadia $1,350,000

This 237.8 acre property is situated 20 mins from the Grafton CBD, on the coastal side of town – just 25 mins drive to the beach.

The property boasts 45 acres of entirely flood-free land, with neat improvements which make this one the whole package.

The three bedroom home is of generous proportions & was constructed in 2010. It is of steel & Colourbond construction and is well insulated. The home enjoys a fabulous aspect & the kitchen and living area flow out to a generous alfresco area. The master bedroom has a brilliant view out to Glenugie Peak, and storage has been well-considered throughout the entire home. It is important to note that Clarence Valley Council has allowances for Dual Occupancy builds, meaning you would be able to construct a second residence on the property (Subject to Council Approval of course). This would be perfect for extended families wanting to live on the same farm, or someone wanting to build their dream home and either convert the current house to a shed, or leave it as a residence and rent it out for additional income.

There is an additional 5 bay farm shed plus a set of cattle yards.

The property is situated at the headwaters of the Coldstream River, and locals will know this area as “The Forks”.

Currently, most of the wetland area has water laying on it, and the birdlife is simply spectacular. During a dry season, the low country becomes abundant with swamp couch – ideal for fattening steers, bullocks or cows. Please phone JoJo Newby on 0417 69 637 to arrange your inspection.

Traceability is key to maintaining freedom from disease, pests

The sheep industry here in Australia enjoys freedom from many of the world’s major diseases, including foot and mouth disease (FMD), sheep pox and scrapie, which can have devastating consequences for longterm sustainability.

But the recent incursions of varroa mite in the honeybee industry and Japanese encephalitis affecting pigs, and the threat posed by FMD being present in Indonesia, show that our island geography and excellent biosecurity standards cannot always prevent pests and diseases.

There is no such thing as zero risk. It’s critical that the sheep industry remains alert and adaptable and avoids complacency, particularly in implementing biosecurity practices and traceability systems that will guard against incursions and minimise their impact.

Everyone has a role to play, from livestock producers to supply chain participants to government and the

community in general.

This means ensuring sound biosecurity practices. Control the entry of people, vehicles and animals onto your property; ask for health declarations for all purchased or agisted livestock; make sure that anyone or anything that does enter the property is appropriately treated or disinfected; and inspect and quarantine introduced animals, to ensure that any diseases or parasites are detected before they join the rest of the fock or herd.

Freedom from disease means we need fewer chemical, antimicrobial and other treatments to maintain high levels of

health and welfare in our sheep, and it minimises the impact of diseases we already have, such as footrot and lice, as well as noxious weeds.

And it gives our sheep products an international trading advantage – Australia has a high degree of market access and a reputation for products that are clean, green and safe to use. But it’s the growth in global trade and interaction between countries, combined with climate change, that is expanding the reach of exotic diseases across borders.

The Sheep Sustainability Framework (SSF)

has four distinct themes: Caring for our Sheep, Enhancing the Environment and Climate, Looking after our People, Customers and Community, and Ensuring a Financially Resilient Industry. These are not ranked in order of importance. They are all interdependent.

The impact of climate change is closely linked with animal health and welfare, biosecurity and market access. As the world’s climate changes, the industry is facing the impact of rainfall variability, temperature fuctuations, and natural disasters.

As temperatures increase, changes in rainfall and humidity affect the reproduction and geographic spread of pests and disease vectors such as fies, ticks, and mosquitoes. Biosecurity risks from climate change can seriously impact market access and the fnancial resilience of the sheep industry.

The simple reality is that disease does not respect boundaries. This makes traceability systems like the National

Livestock Identifcation System (NLIS) and programs like Livestock Production Assurance (LPA) critical to the prevention, identifcation, control and elimination of a disease outbreak, and shares the responsibility for monitoring across industry, regardless of state and territory boundaries.

Electronically identifed livestock (eID) can be traced with greater effciency and accuracy than visually identifed livestock. The faster that livestock can be traced, the greater the chance of controlling a disease outbreak and minimising its economic and social effects.

An outbreak of an emergency animal disease like FMD in Australia would be devastating. Even if it was quickly contained and eradicated, it would still take around 18 months before we could return to a formal status of freedom without vaccination, and regain the market access we have now.

Effective traceability relies inherently on

WOMEN HELPING DRIVE FARMERS SUCCESS

Australia’s largest farm advocacy body is celebrating six years of consecutive membership growth, driven in large part by women taking on leadership roles.

Bucking the downsizing trend among member-driven organisations, NSW Farmers branches are growing and an increasing number of leadership roles are being flled by female farmers.

NSW Farmers Regional Service Manager Catriona McAuliffe said one of her branches – at Harden – was entirely run by women.

“They say if you want something done, get a country woman to do it, and our ladies are certainly getting things done,” Mrs McAuliffe

said.

“Women have always played a crucial role in agriculture, handling a lot of business operations while also traditionally raising the family.

“It’s great to see more women step up and take a leadership role, and their voices are being

heard.”

NSW Farmers Harden Branch chair Bronwyn Ryan said more people were accepting of women working in agriculture, challenging the stereotype of “the old bloke in a ute”.

“My daughters grew up helping out around the farm, and

now they’re both really passionate about agriculture and sharing that with the world,” Mrs Ryan said.

“More and more women are getting hands-on in the running of the family farm, and I think it’s a good thing because they’re not afraid to stand up for

what they believe in.

“I’m proud to have paved the way for my girls to take up their career in agriculture, and I think if you want to make a change you need to get involved.”

Over the past six years the NSW Farmers membership base has grown by almost 10 per cent despite – or perhaps because of – the challenges of drought, bushfres, COVID-19, mouse plagues and fooding. NSW Farmers Vice President Rebecca Reardon said one of the reasons women were increasingly getting involved was the focus not just on specifc commodities, but the broader policy issues around rural communities such as health, education, telecommunications and

industry compliance and national consistency.

When systems are fully supported and activated, the benefts of improved traceability to biosecurity and market access will accrue across the entire value chain.

The beef industry is already seeing a spreading of insect pests like ticks and buffalo fies and some internal parasites are becoming either more localised or concentrated, or more widely distributed.

We will need to work smarter and more collaboratively, harnessing technology and data to drive biosecurity innovation.

Biosecurity impacts on the health of the fock, the viability of farmers, the reputation of Australia as a premium trading partner, and the sustainability of the sheep industry, and traceability is a key element to ensure we stay healthy for the long term.

To quote Thomas Jefferson, ‘The price of freedom is eternal vigilance.’

business.

“Farmers recognise the need for a strong conduit between paddock and policy-making, and our strong presence both in the regions and in front of decision-makers really sets us apart,” Mrs Reardon said.

“We are one of the only organisations of our kind with staff on the ground in the regions, and this has been driven by local grassroots engagement on important issues.

“I think a big part of our growth is that we pay attention to the big issues both now and into the future, as well as issues that affect our whole community. This responsiveness I think is driving women to get more involved and have their voices heard.”

Dr Scott Williams, Chair of the Sheep Sustainability Framework’s (SSF) Sustainability Steering Group (SSG).

RURAL HISTORY

ROY JAMES THOMAS ARMSTRONG

By Helen Trustum

Roy was born on 25th December 1894 to parents

Samuel Charles James and Elizabeth Armstrong, nee Webber.

Samuel’s parents James Bedad and Jane arrived with their eight children as assisted immigrants on a ship called “Susan” into Sydney from Fermanaugh in Ireland on the 1st February 1839.

Samuel and Elizabeth’s family:Roy born 25th December 1894, Frederick born 21st May 1897, Violet born 4th July 1899, Ivy born 26th January 1901, Clarence born 9th November 1903, Vera born 28th August 1905, Pearl 1907, Viola born 3rd April 1911.

Clarence [Clarrie], Roy’s brother, went on to be a champion rife shooter. He won the Kings Shoot in England four times. He won many shoots in Australia. Clarrie opened a gun shop in Brisbane.

The eldest child of Samuel and Elizabeth, Roy was reared around the Lismore district. Upon leaving school, Roy went to work at Warialda on a sheep station.

Roy married Alice Rachael Giles, the daughter of Robert and Jacobina [Benna] Giles from Mullumbimby in 1912.

Their family: Joyce born 10th June 1914, Vera born 3rd March 1920, Coral born 17th September 1922, Ronald born 8th February 1925, Leonard born 29th December 1928, Lloyd and Wesley [twins] born 20th February 1930.

When War broke out, Roy enlisted on 4th January 1916. Roy along with his wife Alice and little daughter Joyce they walked to Lismore Railway Station from Wyrallah where they were living, for Roy to board the troop train. He saw service overseas where he left Australia 10th August 1916. Roy rose to the rank of Sergeant Major where he served at

the

home on 18th December 1918. He was awarded a Military Medal. A send off and welcome home

his departure. Upon Roy’s return from the War the family moved onto a farm at

Joyce. who was 8 years of age at the time.

On 27th February 1925, the family moved on to Lot 16 of the Runnymede Soldiers Settlement. The Runnymede Soldiers Settlement came about when James Chester Manifold conceived of a scheme to assist servicemen returning from the Great War. Three thousand acres of rich scrubland on the eastern corner of Runnymede Station was developed into twenty dairy farms. The farms were to be available, by ballot, to ex-servicemen from the Tomki Shire which is now part both of Richmond Valley Council and Kyogle Shire. The property that Roy and his family moved on was originally allotted to Ernest Edwards French but was forfeited to him by the Trustees of the Runnymede Settlement Trust on 5th April 1924 by breach of conditions. The farmers cleared the scrub with axe, crosscut saw and bullock teams where they sowed Paspalum and Rhodes Grass. Many farmers engaged people to clear the land and grow

per hundred super feet and ten shillings for hardwood to build homes on these properties. This home built at that time is still standing and in the same format, now 105 years old.

The family began dairying on their property then later started growing bananas. One hundred acres was being cleared when a lot of Italians moved into the area. On 24th December 1929, Roy claimed a record from any single holding in the State, for a consignment of 400 of frst quality bananas from his property which were sent to Sydney. It was about this time the Tweed was wiped out with bunchy top in their bananas, so Roy sent 60,000 cuttings to the Tweed to get them going again. This was during 1932-33.

While living at Bentley, Roy played his part in the Community, where he was part of the North Casino, cricket team. This team, from a photo taken in 1926, won the Casino competition three consecutive years in a row. On 28th March 1930 Roy had scored 1000 runs on a special bat he purchased in

Roy and Alice

Hospital, Chichester in England with gunshot wounds on 5th September and returned

was given to Roy in the Wyrallah Protestant Hall. A leather wallet was presented to him prior to

North Casino. Joyce attended Naughtons Gap School and then later One Tree Farm School. She rode her pony “Nelly” to the North Casino Hall to have music lessons. Dot Crow would ride her horse out from Casino to teach

vegetables and bananas on a share basis. Roy was the one who used this method and was the frst to introduce Kikuyu Grass to his property. A sawmill managed by Mr Shaw agreed to cut, haul and saw pine timber for eight shilling

Grafton. He called it his “Grafton Bat”. In his last three matches he scored 420 runs, including 207, 99 and 115, carrying his bat on two occasions.

Roy became a Shire Councillor during 1929 for the Tomki Shire. In 1933 the family moved

Somme in France in the 41st Battalion. Roy was admitted to the Graylingwell War

Lloyd and Wes

Roy and his medals

to the Tweed to live where Roy was involved in the Banana Industry. He became President of the Banana Growers Federation and wrote articles for the Tweed Daily. Roy purchased farms at Main Arm, Mullumbimby Creek and Montecollum. He had many trips to Coffs Harbour where he started up mills which made banana cases. There is a State Forest just south of Grafton dedicated to Roy, called “Roy Armstrong Forest” where there is a sign erected.

In 1939 Roy moved the family to Lismore. A house was built in Nielsen Street. It was the start of the War and a shortage of iron resulted in a tiled roof. This house is still standing today. Roy remained at his properties on the Tweed. Alice died on 20th August 1960 in Brisbane aged 63 years.

After four years Roy moved to Tenterfeld, purchased a property and went into grazing sheep. During these years Roy won many prizes for the most improved pasture on his property. He

also raised pigs while at Tenterfeld where there is a plaque on the wall in the Tenterfeld Shire Chambers for his contribution to the pig industry.

The following two articles were printed in the Northern Star 19th December 1943 shortly after his retirement from the Board of Directors of the BGF.

Article 1

Survival of the banana industry during the War years was due entirely to the close co-operation of growers and the efforts of the Banana Growers

Federation, said the Chairman of the Board, Mr Roy Armstrong said yesterday. Mr Armstrong was attending his last meeting of the BGF as Chairman of Directors. He has resigned from the Board to become a private shareholder. On behalf of the organization, Mr H. L. Anthony MHR presented Mr Armstrong with an inscribed watch and chain. Mr Anthony said, Mr Armstrong’s achievements in the industry had not been exceeded. He had been head of the organization

during its most diffcult period. “Mr Armstrong leaves the industry with the goodwill of all the growers and in the knowledge that there is now a Primary Industry in Australia so highly organized,” Mr Anthony stated.

Article 2 In recognition of his services to the industry, Mr Roy Armstrong, former Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Banana Growers Federation, was presented with a crystal water set by Brunswick Council of the BGF at a

dinner in Mullumbimby. In taking over the offce as manager of the BGF, it had meant a great deal to have a man of Mr Armstrong’s ability as a chairman, said Ken Hack. “He had been a tower of strength and many of the benefts enjoyed by growers to-day were due to Mr Armstrong”.

Roy remarried in 1966 to Viola Phyllis Jane Giles. Roy died 20th November 1968. They are both buried in Tenterfeld.

Helen Trustum

Len, Vera and Lloyd

NSW GOVERNMENT READY TO ROLL OUT RURAL DOCTOR EXPANSION

The NSW Government has put the Commonwealth on notice over the rural GP crisis, declaring the need to urgently expand a program to attract and retain doctors in the bush.

Minister for Regional Health Bronnie Taylor said while the Federal Government’s commitment to the Single Employer Model is welcome, the decision to wait until next year before commencing the trial is detrimental to regional NSW communities that need action now.

The Single Employer Model sees Local Health Districts take on junior doctors as the single employer, in partnership with Primary Health Networks and individual GP practices.

This adds a signifcant incentive for junior doctors to work and stay in the bush, with benefts including a higher salary early in their career and stable employment.

“The NSW Government has identifed fve areas of regional NSW to expand the Single Employer Model that is currently being piloted in Murrumbidgee Local Health District – and we are ready to go now,” Mrs Taylor said.

“The model demonstrates that by doing things differently we can deliver outcomes that work for our communities.”

Minister Taylor has written to the Federal Government stating that urgent action is required to address the lack of

primary care providers and the concerning future pipeline of health care professionals in regional NSW.

NSW is ready to expand this model, however, requires the Commonwealth to grant exemptions under section 19(2) of the Health Insurance Act 1973.

Mrs Taylor said the Commonwealth must immediately expedite the process and allow the NSW Government to get on with rolling out the model across rural and regional NSW.

“The Federal Health Minister has said he will look at this next year, but next year is too late. The GP crisis in the bush is real and our communities are calling for action now. This should have been the Albanese Government’s frst priority six months ago.”

Mrs Taylor said NSW Health will commence expressions of interest with GP practices in fve Local Health Districts, including Western NSW, Hunter New England, Far West and Northern NSW and a further expansion of the program in Murrumbidgee.

Remaining regional Local Health Districts are actively considering adopting the model.

“The success of the Murrumbidgee model proves that by working together, the benefts can be life-saving. It’s time the Commonwealth stepped up rather than just talking it up,” Mrs Taylor said.

ROYAL FLYING DOCTOR SERVICE ANNOUNCES NEW BOARD CHAIR, TRACEY HAYES

excited about this new role contributing to the Royal Flying Doctor Service”, says Tracey.“ I know too well the importance of emergency medical and primary health care service in regional, rural

The Royal Flying Doctor Service is delighted to announce the appointment of Tracey Hayes as the new Chair of the Federation Board.

Tracey Hayes is an experienced Board Chair and Company Director, working across industries at local, national and

Indonesia Institute.

international level. She is the Chair of the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility and Board member of the Australia

Tracey has also been a board member of CRC for Developing Northern Australia, Chair of the Darwin Waterfront Corporation Board, Advisory Board member of the National Recovery and Resilience Agency, and a member of the Council of the Order of Australia.

Tracey was the frst female Chief Executive of the Territory’s cattle industry (Northern

Territory Cattlemen’s Association) and has been named one of Australia’s 100 Women of Infuence. She has a Global Executive MBA, is a former pilot, owns and runs a successful small business, and is the mother of four children who are sixth generation Territorians.

With a rich background in remote Australia and a lived understanding of the challenges for those that live, work and travel in the bush, Tracey is welcomed to the role of RFDS Federation Board Chair.

“As a mother, business woman and long-term advocate for people in the bush, I am very

and remote Australia, with my own family having to rely on these services many times in the past. I look forward to lending my corporate skillset, rural experience and understanding to assist this iconic and long-running health charity continue its vital services in the bush”.

The Federation Board offered its deep appreciation and thanks to Dr John O’Donnell

AM who stepped down as Federation Chair at today’s Annual General Meeting.

Pilot Tracey Hayes

Tracey and Tom

GLOBAL MESSAGES, LOCAL RELEVANCE: KEY TAKE HOMES FROM THE GLOBAL CONFERENCE ON SUSTAINABLE BEEF

THE critical role sustainable beef production must play in an equitable and healthy food system and the need for sustainability goal setting were two of the key take home messages for the Australian beef industry to emerge from last week’s Global Conference on Sustainable Beef.

Hosted by the Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (GRSB) over four days in Denver, Colorado, the Conference brought together stakeholders from beef supply chains throughout the world to share new information and discuss priority and emerging themes.

Australian speakers at the event included Australian Beef Sustainability Framework (ABSF) Sustainability Steering Group (SSG) Chair, Mark Davie, and Meat & Livestock Australia Manager – Beef Sustainability, Jacob Betros, as well as GRSB President and Tyson Foods Director of Sustainability, Ian McConnel.

Mr Davie, a Central Queensland beef producer and director of Keppel Brand food manufacturers, said discussions throughout the Conference highlighted the need for the beef industry to prioritise engaging in genuine conversations with customers and consumers.

“For a long time, we have heard that beef just needs to better tell its story, but we know only about 50 per cent

of our target audiences are listening,” Mr David said.

“What we need to do is move from talking about industry to engaging in two-way conversations, to not only share the good work being undertaken by Australian beef businesses but also to understand how we are being perceived and identify areas which require our investment, input and attention.”

Mr Davie also pointed to the importance of goal setting in leading industry progress and engagement at both a regional and global level.

“There is a lot of focus from global supply chains on goal setting and development of sustainability metrics, however it is important that science-based targets are informed by the scientifc research of the bio-region it is measuring,” he said.

“Production and environments across the world is highly varied and sustainability goals must recognise these differences to deliver the best outcomes for the environment and

productivity in unique geographic settings.”

Mr McConnel reiterated the power of goal setting in the global sustainability discussion.

“Increasingly, the importance of livestock production to the food system is an emerging topic and the GRSB has been able to use its global goals as a platform to demonstrate our ambition and gain access to conversations that would otherwise not be open to us,” he said.

“The Australian beef industry must now clearly state its ambitions around key sustainability topics to remain relevant and trusted.”

With a diverse group of stakeholders represented over the four days, Mr McConnel said some key issues still required consensus across industry.

“Issues like deforestation and animal welfare still need questions answered but in discussion throughout the week it was evident there is alignment to achieving a net positive contribution to nature and ensuring a life worth

living for animals,” he said.

“It’s been an important area of work for the GRSB to fnd that common ground and allow progress to continue without creating a binary defnition of sustainability that rules some in, and some out.”

Both Mr Davie and Mr McConnel referenced a quote delivered by Cameron Bruett, JBS Foods USA, during his address to conference delegates: “producing food is a privilege and doing it sustainably is an obligation”.

“I think the ABSF and Australia are really well positioned in sustainability and are helping to lead the global work in the space. We need to continue investment in developing the right tools to measure progress and support an ongoing conversation with consumers,” Mr Davie said.

“We also have a clear opportunity to help other regions, particularly those in the developing world such as Africa and South America, to advance sustainable beef production and feed more of the hungry and malnourished population. The role of beef in nutrition and in addressing food shortage was an important and recurring theme of the conference.”

From little things big things grow for Top End agriculture business

in the running for a top accolade after being named a fnalist in the 60th Australian Export Awards.

PlantSensors specialises in Granier sap fow systems which monitor the dynamics of water fow in trees and woody stemmed plants, from the rainforests of the Amazon, to vineyards, orchards and trees in the Aussie bush.

“Our system is so vital because it helps researchers fnd solutions to global challenges around water, such as global warming and freshwater shortages,” PlantSensors Principal Technical Advisor Dr Ping Lu explained.

“Even though we’re still a small business, we have a huge impact and work with a large number of prestigious agencies around the world, including top US and European universities and laboratories – not to mention our own CSIRO and incredible local Aussie universities,” Dr Lu added.

PlantSensors is a world leading expert in sap fow systems and says their system can be used to improve farming, irrigation and also understand global warming.

“The insight our system gives into the

gives an indication of productivity.

“If a tree is using water well, it’s going to be in good health. If it’s not, we can then look into the reasons why and fnd a solution,” Dr Lu said.

PlantSensors has already sold over ten thousand units across 27 countries – and six continents.

“The benefts of knowing how plants are using water are not only huge in a water conscious country like Australia, but right around the world,” Dr Lu added.

“We’re honoured to be named a fnalist in the Australian Export Awards, and we have a lot of exciting things in the pipeline, including a new line of products to beneft environmental and agricultural research – so watch this space!”

The Australian Export Awards is one of the longest running business awards programs in Australia and the 60th ceremony will be held on 24 November. The Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) and the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry partner to present this national program

More information on the Awards and the Finalists can be found at: www.exportawards. gov.au

Marcelo Gonzalez (Paraguay Vice Minister of Agriculture), Marcelo Posonski (Proforest), Juan Jose Molina (El Hatico Nature Reserve) and Hillary Fenrich (National Wildlife Federation) listening to ABSF Sustainability Steering Group Chair, Mark Davie, at the Global Conference on Sustainable Beef.

CSIRO announces new phase of National Koala Monitoring Program

CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, has announced a new phase in its National Koala Monitoring program which is set to deliver a robust estimate of the national koala population.

The new phase includes $10 million in funding over the next 4 years, which was announced by Minister for the Environment and Water Tanya Plibersek last

month.

The funding comes at a much-needed time for Australia’s koala population. In January 2022, the koala (combined populations of Queensland, New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory) was up listed to ‘Endangered’ under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

(EPBC Act).

The new phase of the National Koala Monitoring Program will deliver a robust estimate

that the only way we can recover this iconic species is having everyone involved, the broadest community

develop cross-cultural monitoring methods to fnd and share information about koala population status and

in different habitats, and even between different people using different monitoring methods.

The new National

of the national koala population. This will result in a long-lasting capability to monitor and assess trends in koala populations across the entire species range.

CSIRO researchers have spent the past year co-designing the national koala program with key research, agency, Indigenous and community partners.

“The koala is an iconic species for all Australians, and of enormous cultural and spiritual signifcance to First Nations people,” Co-project leader for the National Koala Monitoring program, CSIRO Senior Research Scientist Dr Andrew Hoskins said.

“Partnerships are core to the National Koala Monitoring Program. As such, we recognise

minds possible,” he said.

CSIRO will be working with university, agency, Indigenous and citizen science groups to build on existing on-ground efforts and use state of the art scientifc surveying and modelling techniques.

Boots are already on the ground for the new phase of the program, which kicked off in the Northern Murray Darling catchment, Queensland earlier this month. This included CSIRO working with the Queensland Murray Darling Catchment Aboriginal Rangers (QMDCL), Millmerran Landcare and fellow community members to conduct survey work and workshop discussions.

The QMDCL Aboriginal rangers are working with CSIRO to

trends. This includes supporting QMDCL to collect koala data using structured survey techniques, such as on-ground transects and drone surveys.

“There is much to learn about where koalas are in our region, how many there are, and if they are healthy. This collaboration is important for koala and country,” Senior Queensland Murray Darling Catchment Aboriginal Ranger William Taylor said.

“We are co-designing a dashboard which allows koala data to be appropriately used and shared for Guda (koalas) and country.”

Koalas are easy to identify. But our ability to see (or detect) individual koalas is extremely low and varies

Koala Monitoring Program will collect koala sightings using consistent methods across the country and build survey know-how with citizen scientists. This will help achieve the rigorous, national snapshot of koala populations and koala distribution.

“Good science is key to good conservation. This new National Koala Monitoring Program will help us make better investments and better conservation decisions, so that we can protect the iconic koala for generations to come,” Threatened Species Commissioner, Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water,” Dr Fiona Fraser said.

CSIRO scientists spot a sleepy koala in the feld. Image by Mat Gilfedder

Regional NSW more resilient in the face of greater challenges

Regional communities have a greater sense of wellbeing than their urban counterparts despite facing more ongoing challenges, according to a snapshot of mental health and wellbeing across rural and regional NSW in 2022.

NSW Mental Health Commissioner Ms. Catherine Lourey said the latest Regional Wellbeing survey identifed challenges ranging from foods to drug misuse are having a greater impact on rural and regional communities than in metropolitan areas.

“On top of the impact of repeated natural disasters and Covid-19 lockdowns, more people in the regions see alcohol and drug misuse, lack of job opportunities, and

community mobility as big problems than those living in urban areas of NSW,” Ms Lourey said.

“Regional areas also continue to be challenged by more limited access to local amenities and services, such as reliable internet and mobile phone coverage, compared to urban NSW with access to mental health and other specialist health services particularly limited.

“Despite this, regional residents are less likely than those living in urban areas to report high levels of psychological distress and more likely to feel they can recover from diffculties and tend to see challenges as learning opportunities,” Ms Lourey said.

“They are also more

likely to step into the role of an ‘accidental counsellor’ for colleagues or friends in either their work or personal lives, despite being less confdent in their ability to do so.”

Ms Lourey said people on the North Coast and in South-Eastern NSW reported higher levels of distress than in other regions.

“Unsurprisingly, people living in regions most impacted by foods, bushfres and Covid-related lockdowns reported higher levels of distress and likely Post Traumatic Stress Disorder than those in other regions,” she said.

“And while people in the Murrumbidgee health area reported less distress and greater resilience, this may change in the wake of

current fooding.”

The NSW data gathered through the Regional Wellbeing Survey is being analysed by the Commission to support agencies to better understand regional differences and strengths across NSW communities and respond to what communities are reporting so responses can take local issues and concerns into account.

The Regional Wellbeing Survey was conducted by the University of Canberra from August 2021 to March 2022, with over 2,900 NSW residents participating. The survey period did not capture the experience of the 2022 food events across NSW.

Extra road repairs welcomed

NSW Farmers has welcomed additional manpower to repair ruined rural roads, but says foodproofng for the future must be on the agenda.

On Tuesday NSW Regional Roads Minister Sam Farraway announced the NSW Government would deploy 200 people and heavy machinery from across the state to the central west and Murrumbidgee to assist with the mammoth task of reconnecting the road network.

According to local councils about 10,000km of roads had been food-affected, leaving communities to deal with more dangerous conditions and longer travel times in rural areas. The situation was placing enormous strain on an already stretched agricultural sector, with limited harvest opportunities and road

access causing headaches across the state.

NSW Farmers Business, Economics and Trade Committee chair John Lowe said the extra help to get road repairs underway was welcomed, and the total damage bill could be enormous.

“It’s great to see these extra workers will be deployed to the worstaffected areas, but there is simply so much damage out there that we could be

looking at roadworks for many months to come,” Mr Lowe said.

“Rural people are dismayed at how quickly the road network crumbled, and it’s pretty clear that we need to rebuild better so we can avoid these sorts of headaches in the future.

“We need to get rural communities and businesses up and running again, so we can do our part in the food and fbre

supply chain.”

Emergency funding for urgent road repairs was being fast-tracked by the NSW Government, and Mr Lowe thanked both the state and federal governments for their response.

“To their credit the authorities are listening to communities and providing support, the problem is that there’s just so much work to be done,” Mr Lowe said.

“Even if we had a limitless stream of money to fx these roads up, it’s unclear who would actually do that work.

“We need resilient communities and resilient roads, but to get there we may well need military engineering support to help get back on track.”

NEW REPORT SHOWS RECREATIONAL FISHING FEES AT WORK

New data has revealed that recreational fshing continues to maintain its popularity with communities across NSW, in the face of a challenging few years for everyone, NSW Department of Primary Industries, Deputy Director General, Sean Sloan, said today.

“Fishing is one of the few nature-based recreational activities that can be enjoyed throughout childhood and adolescence, through to senior years, with opportunities for all levels of ability,” Mr Sloan said.

“Fishing not only provides an opportunity to get outdoors and enjoy nature, but also a chance to relax and unwind, spend time with family and friends, for cultural reasons, provide a feed for the family or for the enjoyment of catching fsh while also contributing a huge $3.4 billion to our economy each year.

“The 2021-22 Recreational Fishing Trust Annual Report has seen recreational fshing maintain its popularity with many fshers choosing to drop a line in locally given the COVID restrictions last year.

“A number of positive mental health and physical health outcomes from recreational fshing are well recognised, and we continue to work with health providers and in partnership with the Recreational Fishing NSW Advisory Council and the entire recreational fshing community, both fresh and saltwater, to ensure we continue to build a healthy fshing future.”

The report details the objectives of the Trusts and the projects they support, aiming to further fshing opportunities and enjoyment, but to also drive a range of outcomes that beneft individuals and communities across NSW.

“Every year, fshers pay their licence fees, and every single dollar goes back into supporting the recreational fshing industry,” Mr Sloan said.

“$15.5 million

was drawn from the Trusts in 2021-22 to support a wide range of projects that improve recreational fshing, including Fish Attracting Devices, fsh stocking activities, fshing clinics and facilities and grants to local community groups to improve fshing access and resources in their communities.

“Last year alone, 5.3 million fsh were stocked into NSW freshwater and estuarine waterways, providing enhanced fshing opportunities for recreational fshers.

“NSW is renowned for having some of the best fshing locations in Australia. As a popular pastime and a part of life for Australians of all ages and from all socioeconomic backgrounds, recreational fshing has signifcant economic, social and wellbeing benefts for the wider community.

“Approximately one in every eight NSW residents fshes recreationally, and it represents the third highest annual participation rate of all physical activities, with the benefts of recreational fshing fowing throughout communities, especially in regional areas.

“The industry proves to be an extremely valuable one to coastal and inland communities, with expenditure by recreational fshers supporting regional communities and generating a range of social and economic benefts.”

For more information and to download the Recreational Fishing Trust Annual Report, visit www.dpi.nsw.gov. au/fshing/recreational/ recreational-fshing-fee/ rft-annual-report.

Make sure you follow the DPI Fisheries Facebook page for regular updates on how your fshing fees beneft recreational fshing, now and into the future at www.facebook.com/ NSWDPIFisheries.

SOUTHERN AFRICA

ADDOELEPHANT

NATIONAL PARK

Addo Elephant National Park is a diverse wildlife conservation park situated close to Gqeberha in South Africa and is one of the country’s 20 national parks. It currently ranks third in size after Kruger National Park and the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. The original park has subsequently been expanded to include the Woody Cape Nature Reserve that extends from the Sundays River mouth towards Alexandria and a marine reserve, which includes St. Croix Island and Bird Island, both breeding habitat for gannets and penguins, not to

mention a large variety of other marine life. Bird Island is home to the world’s largest breeding colony of gannets - about 120,000 birds - and also hosts the second largest breeding colony of African penguins, the largest breeding colony being St. Croix island. These marine assets form part of the plan to expand the 1,640 km² Addo National Elephant Park into the 3,600 km² Greater Addo Elephant National Park. The expansion will mean not only that the park contains five of South Africa’s seven major vegetation zones (biomes),

but also that it will be the only park in the world to house Africa’s “Big 7“ (elephant, rhinoceros, lion, buffalo, leopard, whale and great white shark) in their natural habitat. In 2018 the highest visitor count in the park’s 87-year history was recorded. The park received 305,510[10] visitors between 1 April 2017 and 31 March 2018 (up from 265,585 in the previous year). International visitors make up 55% of this number, with German, Dutch and British nationals in the majority.

There is a main camp, featuring a

swimming pool, restaurant, flood lit water hole and various accommodation, four other rest camps and four camps run by concessionaires. The main entrance as well as two looped tourist roads in the park are tarred while the others are graveled.

route from Port Elizabeth to Cape Town, where western sophistication shines in Africa. Enjoy the true African wilderness at the Addo Elephant National Park, Karongwe Private Game Reserve (Kruger Park) and the Chobe National Park in Botswana where you may find the Big 5 on one of your 4WD game drives. To end a magical tour, be left breathless at the magnificence of the Victoria Falls! This tour will leave yearning for more.

TACKLING COMPLEX CHALLENGES WITH TECHNOLOGY

NSW businesses seeking to commercialise their innovative ideas can now help tackle some of the State’s most complex challenges through the second round of the NSW Government’s Small Business Innovation and Research (SBIR) program.

As part of the program, NSW Government agencies outline specifc problem areas that need to be addressed, with small business given the opportunity to propose solutions.

Minister for Science, Innovation and Technology Alister Henskens said the $12 million program would provide small businesses with grants of up to $100,000 as part of the frst phase, to work alongside government and undertake feasibility studies into their proposed solutions.

“This program is about leveraging our incredible local businesses to improve social, environmental, health and economic outcomes while also creating high-value jobs, which will help grow the economy and secure a brighter future for NSW,” Mr Henskens said.

“The SBIR program has already seen 10 exciting new technologies, addressing a wide range of issues, progress to a proof-of-concept phase. This next round of the program will deliver more solutions and outcomes for our community.”

Challenge areas outlined for round two of the program include:

* Biosecurity Surveillance Challenge – NSW Department of Primary Industries is seeking innovative technology solutions that leverage the power of citizen surveillance to more accurately identify and validate threats to the biosecurity of primary industries and the environment in NSW.

* School Zones Alerting System Challenge –Transport for NSW is seeking innovative solutions to improve the existing School Zones Alerting System to further improve road safety around schools.

* Vital Sign Monitoring Challenge – Corrective Services NSW is seeking non-invasive technology solutions to monitor the vital health signs of inmates while in their cells. This technology

will be used to monitor ‘at-risk’ inmates and help prevent inmates committing self-harm, which could result in suicide.

* Recycled Content Verifcation Challenge –The Offce of Energy and Climate Change is seeking a solution that could trace and verify recycled material to help NSW Government agencies procure local recycled products.

* Waste Recovery and Management Challenge –NSW Health is seeking resource recovery technologies and waste management solutions that: offer an innovative design for new facilities; redesign and reconfgure existing facilities; and uncover ways of modernising our waste collection and processing systems separation and collection of waste that can be implemented across NSW Health.

Cultural and Linguistic Diversity Services Challenge – NSW Health is seeking Artifcial Intelligence powered solutions to support the delivery of health services to Culturally and Linguistically Diverse communities.

Urban Heat Island Challenge – the Greater Cities Commission is seeking innovative solutions that could be trialled at the Westmead Health and Innovation District to mitigate urban heat island effects and/or improve the resilience of our systems in response to extreme heat events.

Minister for Small Business Victor Dominello said the program is harnessing the power of local innovation and supporting small businesses by investing in ideas to grow high-tech industries now and into the future.

“Small businesses are a vital pillar of our economy, and this funding will help many SMEs to realise their potential and make the diffcult leap from great ideas to commercial products and services that meet critical needs,” Mr Dominello said.

Proof-of-concept grants will be available to businesses that complete a successful feasibility study. Full details of the program can be found in the QR code at top of the page

LANDMARK REPORT ANALYSES THE IMPACT OF AI ON SCIENCE

A world-frst report from Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, has analysed the impact of artifcial intelligence (AI) on scientifc discovery, fnding scientists are adopting the technology at an unprecedented rate.

The ‘Artifcial intelligence for science’ report draws insights from millions of scientifc papers published over 60 years to form a picture of how AI is being used across scientifc felds and identifes the key issues ahead for the innovation sector.

CSIRO Chief Scientist, Professor Bronwyn Fox, welcomed the launch of the report today as part of Science at the Shine Dome.

“AI is no longer just the domain of computer scientists or mathematicians; it is now a signifcant enabling force across all felds of science, which is something we live every day at CSIRO where digital technologies are accelerating the pace and scale of our research in felds ranging from agriculture to energy to manufacturing and beyond.”

The report found that in 1960, a decade after Alan Turing’s landmark paper posed the question ‘can machines think?’, only 14 per cent of the 333 research felds studied were publishing

on AI. By 1972, ahead of the frst ‘AI winter’, that number had reached more than half.

Today, there is evidence of AI adoption in 98 per cent of felds, with the steepest publishing increases recorded over the past fve years.

Mathematics, decision sciences, engineering, neuroscience and health professions are noted as among the most prolifc adopters.

“Human curiosity will always be at the heart of science, but these technologies combined with deep domain understanding are increasingly helping to open-up new frontiers for knowledge discovery,” Professor Fox said.

“AI is also helping to deliver higher-impact, real-world solutions to Australia’s greatest challenges, like AI to help detect disease, predict bushfres and manage the enormous amount of data we are gathering about our universe.”

The rapid increase in AI uptake by scientists has been accompanied by a global rise in public and private sector R&D investment, with more than 700 AI policy and strategy initiatives developed across 60 international jurisdictions since 2017.

“To make the most of this technology for

Australia, there are key issues we will need to tackle. CSIRO has one of the largest teams of digital experts in the country, but these are not issues that can be solved by one organisation alone,” Professor Fox said.

“The development of trusted, responsible and ethical AI solutions will be increasingly important globally, and because we have moved quickly to build deep expertise in the feld, Australia has a unique opportunity to lead in this area.”

“An uplift in AI capabilities will also be needed across all scientifc disciplines over the coming decades and it will be vital that we lift workforce diversity at the same time.”

Artifcial intelligence for science lead report author Stefan Hajkowicz said when thinking about the future of AI it’s not about just the technology itself.

“It’s about what happens when AI is mixed with other felds of science and research,” Dr Hajkowicz said.

“That’s where many of the breakthroughs will happen,” he said.

The report identifes key AI issues and trends, including:

• Software and hardware upgrades. Purpose-built processors designed for machine learning are speeding

up computations, while quantum computing could lead to transformative leaps in computational power.

• The quest for better data. The era of “big data” may be transitioning into the era of better data. Recent breakthroughs have been achieved using smaller datasets that are wellcurated, ft-for-purpose and provenance assured.

• Education, training, and capability uplift. Between 20172020 alone the number of university courses teaching AI increased by 103%.

• Toward human centric artifcial intelligence. In the vast majority of cases AI will be augmenting not replacing the human scientist. Issues of trust, transparency and reliability will be important for scientists and reviewers working on AI systems.

• Improving workforce diversity. Improving the gender, ethnic and cultural diversity of the AI research workforce will lead to better science outcomes.

• Ethical AI. Research organisations will be challenged to develop capabilities, technologies and cultures that deliver increasingly ethical AI.

Sorento . . . it’s a hard act to follow

KIA SORENTO HEV AWD GT-LINE

By CHRIS RILEY

Sorento is the largest of Kia’s SUVs and the only large, mainstream SUV to offer three different drivetrains -- petrol, diesel and petrol-electric hybrid (as well as plug-in hybrid).

Now in its fourth generation, it comes in four grades, but if you want a hybrid -- and who doesn’t these days -- the choice is GT-Line or GTLine.

You can however save yourself a bit of money by getting the front-drive version, instead of allwheel drive.

Design elements from other models include a new ‘shark fn’ element on its rear C-pillar, and sculpted body surfaces with sharp creases.

STYLING

Designers sought to maintain the tough look of earlier generations, but have refned the design to make it sportier and more refned.

The upmarket cabin introduces sophisticated next-gen design and in GT-Line this is based around twin digital displays.

Focal point of the dashboard is the eyecatching ventilation stack that echoes the shape of TIE fghters from Star Wars. A large 10.25-inch touchscreen is partnered by a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with different themes for the various drive modes.

The screen can be split in two for easy access to applications, vehicle information and multimedia content.

Prices for Sorento start from $50,790 driveaway for the base model, petrolpowered front-wheel drive S.

Comparing apples with apples, GT-Line petrol is $65,990, AWD GTLine diesel is $68,990 (+$3000), AWD GTLine Hybrid is $75,543 (+$6553) and the AWD plug-in hybrid GT-Line is $87,349 (+$11,806) -- all prices driveaway.

Note however that the petrol model is not available with all-wheel drive.

Any colour apart from Clear White adds $695 to the price.

Highlights includes Nappa quilted leather, two-zone climate air, heated steering wheel, heated, cooled and poweradjust driver and front seats, with heated, slide and recline rear seats.

There’s also key fob parking, auto cruise control, auto high beam, 10.25-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, 8.0inch head-up display, keyless entry and start, LED headlights, ambient interior lighting, panoramic sunroof and power-operated tailgate.

GT-Line also comes with a colour head-up display that projects driving information onto the lower area of the windscreen.

The system displays alerts from the car’s numerous driver assistance technologies, details of vehicle speed and turn-by-turn navigation instructions.

Rounding out the list is Mood Lighting, with seven ‘core’ colours and a driver to passenger intercom system.

INFOTAINMENT

Infotainment comes from premium Bose 12-speaker audio, with eight speakers, two tweeters, a centre speaker and subwoofer powered by an external amplifer.

There’s satellite navigation, DAB+ digital radio, AM/FM radio, Bluetooth and wired Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, with wireless phone charging and USB ports for each seat – three in the front console, two behind frst row seats, one behind centre console and two in the cargo area.

ENGINES / TRANSMISSIONS

The self-charging hybrid system consists of a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine with 132kW and 265Nm, together with an electric motor that produces 44kW and 264Nm.

Combined output of

both engines (it’s not just a total of both) is 169kW of power and 350Nm of torque.

Mated to a six-speed automatic, the hybrid is available in front and all-wheel drive, with the front-wheel drive model a saving of $3000.

SAFETY

Sorento scores a fvestar safety rating, with seven airbags, 360-degree camera and Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) technology that detects pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles. It also detects oncoming traffc when making a turn at a junction.

Kia’s ‘level two’ autonomous driving technology, Lane Following Assist (LFA), controls acceleration, braking and steering, depending on vehicles in front.

It operates from 0-180km/h, using camera and radar sensors to maintain a safe distance from the car in front, while monitoring road markings to keep the vehicle in the centre of its lane.

There’s also RearView Monitor (RVM) with Reverse Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist (PCA), and Rear Cross-traffc Collisionavoidance Assist (RCCA).

But, as we have pointed out before, the further back in the car that you are seated, the less protection you’re offered in terms of airbags.

Second row passengers miss out on side airbags, while the third row misses out on both side and curtain airbag protection.

Go fgure?

DRIVING

Energy for the electric

motor is stored in a high voltage 1kWh lithium-ion polymer battery located under the second-row seats.

The electric motor works in ‘parallel’ with the petrol engine to beef up output and provide support as necessary.

It is recharged from energy reclaimed during braking on downhill runs, with a dial that displays when it recharging. Fuel consumption for the front wheel drive is 5.3L/100km or 5.8L/100km for the allwheel drive version.

The diesel in case you’re wondering gets 6.1L/100km.

The catch is that the hybrid is available only in top spec GT-Line form with all the bells and whistles

Although the new model is only 10mm longer at 4810mm, the wheelbase has grown by 35mm which means more room inside than before.

It’s also 10mm wider and has 32 per cent more cargo space, with all seven seats deployed.

The boot is largish and hides a full-size alloy spare, with 1996/608/179 litres capacity in two-, fve- and seven-seat mode.

As well as the usual Eco, Sport and Smart options, all-terrain mode features dial-up Mud, Snow and

Sand settings. The default is Eco mode, the mode of last resort.

Normally a Kia defaults to Smart (not sure why this is apart from the obvious desire to reduce fuel consumption).

Getting into the car for the frst time after driving a smaller, electric SUV, Sorento feels large and unwieldy. But this feeling soon dissipates, thanks to steering that is light and responsive.

Until now, turbodiesel with its low-end grunt has been the choice for a big bus like this, especially a full one. But diesel’s days are numbered, as you are probably aware.

While the hybrid does the job, however, it lacks the big kick you get from a diesel or petrol V6 when you punch the accelerator.

Most of the time some spool up is required before the turbo boost kicks in, disguised somewhat by the torque of the electric motor.

Performance is best described as okay but not inspiring.

Under full load the hybrid feels unconvincing, like the small four that it actually is, trying its best to move a big diesel body. Here it is perhaps timely to mention the tow rating which is a rather underdone 1650kg.

Then again, the V6 or diesel is only good for 2000kg with brakes.

Sorento is covered by the 7-Year unlimited kilometre warranty, 7-year capped price service and 7-year roadside assist.

SUMMING UP

Kia’s hybrid Sorento is an exceedingly well rounded motor car. Big, classy and well equipped, with seating for seven, it consumes little fuel and that’s the name of the game these days.

Right now, it feels like the right car for the right

time -- a perfect partner for a smaller, fully-electric city run-around for the commute to work.

Having said that, it’s probably worth having a look at the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid which has just been released at a similar price.

MODEL RANGE

Sorento Petrol FWD S, $47,650

Sorento Petrol FWD Sport, $50,270

Sorento Petrol FWD Sport +, $54,850

Sorento Petrol FWD GTLine, $62,070

Sorento Diesel AWD S, $50,650

Sorento Diesel AWD Sport, $53,270

Sorento Diesel AWD Sport +, $57,850

Sorento Diesel AWD GTLine, $65,070

Sorento HEV FWD GTLine, $66,750

Sorento HEV AWD GTLine, $69,750

Sorento PHEV AWD GTLine, $80,330

Note: This price does not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your local Kia dealer for drive-away prices.

Upgraded Toyota Corolla gets a new front grille.

TECH AND HYBRID UPGRADE FOR COROLLA

Extra chrome is a feature of the latest LDV T60 ute..

LDV UPDATES ITS T60 UTE

By ALISTAIR KENNEDY

Hot on the heels of the release of its all-new Corolla Cross SUV, Toyota has updated the evergreen Corolla sedan and hatch variants.

New for the 2023 Corolla are the latest Toyota Connected Services, upgrades to the multimedia system, and the latest ffth-generation hybrid powertrain.

As before new Corolla comes in three grades: Ascent Sport, SX and ZR, each with the choice of petrol-only or petrol/ electric hybrid.

Exterior changes include new 16-inch wheels for Ascent Sport and SX grades, and a redesigned front grille for hatch and sedan variants.

The upgraded hybrid system uses a newlydeveloped high-output motor generator, power control unit and downsized hybrid transaxle. These provide a 13kW increase in peak power to maximum combined petrol / hybrid output of 103kW with the 1.8-litre engine.

Petrol hatch and sedan variants comes with the ongoing 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 126kW / 202Nm for the hatch and 126kW / 203Nm for the sedan.

Both petrol and hybrid models are front-wheel drive through a CVT with 10-speed sequential shift mode.

MY23 Corolla is the latest model to get the Toyota Connected Services app-based communications system. Owners can remotely check the status of the doors and lights, access information such as the vehicle’s last known location and recent trips,

or start the engine or climate control.

The system can also provide assistance in the event of an emergency where the airbags are deployed or if a collision is detected, by automatically notifying an emergency call centre and allowing the driver to communicate with the operator.

An expanded Toyota Safety Sense active safety suite has seen multiple features introduced or upgraded, starting with the precollision safety system which adds motorcycle detection, intersection collision avoidance support for crossing vehicles and left/right turn, emergency steering assist, and acceleration suppression at low speeds, while improving a range of existing features.

Cameras and radar sensors have also been improved offering a wider range for detection of obstacles or vehicles including blind spot monitor in the hatches, while lane trace assist has been expanded to include an emergency driving stop system feature if it detects the driver is no longer making vehicle inputs.

New Corolla also gets the latest generation Toyota multimedia system that we’ve used in our recent tests of the Corolla Cross and RAV4. It has a relatively small (8.0inch) touchscreen but one that is easy to reach with improved defnition and usability courtesy of eight shortcut buttons on the side of the screen.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, as now is DAB+ digital radio while a USB-C port has been added below the

screen.

For Corolla hatch models, Ascent Sport now features a 7.0inch multi information display (MID) in the instrument cluster, while ZR variants gain a full 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.

Ascent Sport sedan versions gain in-built satellite navigation in hybrid grades, and front sun visors with lamps and mirrors, while hatch versions add rear seat reminder.

Both hatch and sedan Ascent Sport variants are available with an optional Convenience Pack, which adds rear cross traffc alert6 and front/rear parking sensors for the hatch, and rear cross traffc alert and blind spot monitor6 for sedan.

Stepping up to the SX adds rain sensing wipers and electrochromatic rear-view mirror for both body styles, while the hatch further adds remote climate control pre-conditioning, and parking sensors front and rear.

MODEL RANGE

Ascent Sport petrol hatch or sedan: $28,130

Ascent Sport hybrid hatch: $30,630

Ascent Sport hybrid sedan: $31,180

SX petrol hatch or sedan: $31,280

SX hybrid hatch or sedan: $33,780

ZR petrol hatch: $35,120

ZR petrol sedan: $36,620

ZR hybrid hatch: $37,620

ZR hybrid sedan: $39,120

Note: This price does not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your local Toyota dealer for driveaway prices.

By ALISTAIR KENNEDY

LDV has launched an updated version of its sporty T60 utility.

Exterior changes for the MY23 T60 Max Pro include newly designed side steps, full chrome sports bar, roof rails and a soft-release tail gate.

The higher-specced T60 Luxe adds body coloured door mirrors, 19-inch black alloys ftted with 240km/h rated Continental tyres, black wheel arches, black side steps, black roof rails, and black rear sports bar with sail plane.

Inside, both variants get an updated leather steering wheel.

The drivetrain is unchanged with both models powered by a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder bi-turbo diesel engine with 160kW at 4000rpm and 500Nm from just 1500rpm and drives through a six-speed manual or an eightspeed ZF automatic transmission, now with paddle shifts.

Fuel consumption on the combined cycle is listed at 9.2 litres per 100km for the manual and 9.3 litres for the automatic.

Importantly, both T60 suspension tunes – heavy duty for the Pro and comfort

for the Luxe – have been specifcally calibrated for Australian conditions.

Payload for the heavy-duty Pro manual is 935kg (750kg for the Luxe) while both

All LDV vehicles now come with a seven-year / 200,000-kilometre standard warranty together with fve year / 130,000 km roadside assist.

variants are rated up to 3.0 tonnes max braked towing.

The previous T60 gained the maximum 5-star ANCAP rating and this will continue with the upgrade.

Standard features include six airbags, enhanced ABS brakes, hill descent control, rear parking sensors and reversing camera and fatigue alert.

T60 Max Luxe adds 360-degree panoramic camera, lane departure warning, and an ondemand rear differential lock.

The cabin has been refreshed with a new 10.25-inch central touchscreen.

MODEL RANGE

T60 Max Pro manual: $41,042 (RRP), $38,990 (ABN)

T60 Max Pro automatic (RRP): $43,148, $40,990 (ABN)

T60 Max Luxe manual: $45,779 (RRP), $43,490 (ABN)

T60 Max Luxe automatic: $47,884 (RRP), $45,490 (ABN)

T60 Mega Tub automatic: $49,463 (RRP), $46,990 (ABN)

Note: These are driveaway prices and include all government and dealer delivery charges.

The Mercedes-AMG ONE has become the fastest production car to lap the famous Nurburgring circuit in Germany.

With DTM driver and AMG brand ambassador Maro Engel at the wheel, it posted a time of 6:35.183 minutes -- eight seconds faster than the previous record holder the Porsche 911 GT2 MR (6:38.835). The other two top spots were held down by the MercedesAMG GT Black Series (6:43.616) and Porsche 911 GT3 RS (6:44.848).

For those not familiar with the circuit, the Nürburgring Nordschleife (North Loop) dates from 1927 with the remaining 20.8km section used by manufacturers and media outlets for testing purposes.

With a top speed of 352km/h, ONE is a production version of the Mercedes-AMG F1 W07 Hybrid race car. It’s powered by a combination of 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol V6 plus four electric motors, that together produce a

total of 782kW.

The engine has been adapted from the Formula 1 car, but reportedly needs to be replaced every 50,000km.

Mercedes-AMG brought two ONEs to the circuit to make the best use of its limited time.

According to the specifcations of Nürburgring 1927 GmbH & Co. KG, both vehicles were inspected and documented by TÜV Rheinland to ensure that they were in series production.

A notary confrmed the proper condition of the vehicles and the correct execution of the record runs.

The record-breaking event was hard to beat in terms of excitement. The weather was sunny with a light wind, but the track was – typical of the Nürburgring in autumn –still damp and partly dirty in some areas. In some sections, such as the fast “Kesselchen” section, the ideal line had not yet completely dried.

With air and asphalt emperatures of just under

20 degrees Celsius, there was only enough for a maximum of four fast laps.

At exactly 17:14:31, racing driver and AMG brand ambassador Maro Engel took to the track for the last attempt of the day, and burned the new time into the legendary and demanding Eifel asphalt. It wasn’t a minute too early, as the track was due to close at 17:15.

Although Engel had already posted a new record, the DTM driver believed he could better. Towards the end of his time slot, conditions were getting better by the minute.

“That was really an unforgettable experience,” Engel said. “I didn’t expect that we would be able to set such a lap time with these track conditions. In some crucial areas of

the track, it hadn’t dried completely yet and was therefore tricky. That was a special challenge. We tried to fnd the optimal deployment strategy during the pre-tests.

“Like Lewis Hamilton and George Russell on their race weekends, I also had to deploy the electrical energy of the hybrid drive in the best possible way. That’s not easy, especially with this length of track.

In addition, the DRS function had to be used optimally. But that’s also a real Formula 1 feeling.

“I would like to thank you for this opportunity and the trust you’ve placed in me. It was defnitely something very special to drive this incredible car on the Ring.”

AUDI Q7 2006 - 2021

regions but dealers are increasing in numbers in major country cities as well as some large country towns.

These are complex vehicles and we suggest owners only tackle the most basic of repair and servicing work themselves. It makes sense to use only professionals with training by Audi.

Insurance premiums are about average for an upmarket European model and there is seldom a great deal of difference in charges from one company to another. If shopping around for the best insurance deal make sure you understand the exact comparisons from company to company.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR

knocked about. It’s smart to do the initial stages of your pre-purchase inspection by checking out the area behind the front seats.

Look at the boot foor and sides as well as the backs of the rearmost seats for damage.

Uneven front tyre wear probably means a Q7 has been the subject of some hard driving by an over enthusiastic driver. More seriously, it may also mean one of the wheels is out of alignment caused by a hard thump against a kerb. Or, still worse, that it’s done some heavy-duty offroad work.

HOW MUCH?

By EWAN KENNEDY

The Audi Q7 was frst imported to Australia in 2006. Unlike an everincreasing number of other vehicles in this feld it was designed as a reasonably serious 4WD not simply a people mover dressed up to look Tuff.

So good was that frst

tech electronics that decide which wheels can handle the most drive and juggling between them.

Interestingly, the Q7 is available as a fve-, six- or seven-seater. The six-seat version was ignored by most and a large percentage of new car buyers went for the seven seaters.

the diesels.

In September 2010 the 3.6 V6 petrol was replaced by a V6 supercharged unit displacing 3.0 litres and producing 245 kW. The V8 petrol was also discontinued at this time.

If you think that too much grunt isn’t enough you may care to buy a 6.0-litre V12 turbo-diesel

was installed. Both automatics have Tiptronic manual shifts for those who prefer to

A full-service record showing everything was done on time or by distance travelled,

Budget on spanding from $8000 to $13,000 for a 2006 Audi Q7 3.0 TDI; $13,000 to $19,000 for a 2007 3.6 FSI; $16,000 to $23,000 for a 2009 3.6 TDI; $23,000 to $31,000 for a 2013 3.0 TDI;

Audi Q7 that it lasted for close to a decade, with the second generation not being released in Europe until 2015.

However, the secondgeneration Audi Q7 leans more in the direction of family wagon than at conquering the great Aussie bush and our seemingly endless deserts. But it still retained good off-road traction using the high-

Interior space is good, though as is usually the way the third row is best left for the junior travellers.

Initially, Q7 was available in Australia with a choice of a 171 kW 3.0-litre, six-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, or a 257 kW 4.2-litre petrol V8. A 3.6-litre V6 petrol engine developing 206 kW was added to the range a few weeks after

with a 1000 Newton metres – yes, 1000Nmof torque! It went on sale here November 2009.

With a price tag of over a quarter of a million dollars these weren’t big sellers off the import list midway through 2012.

Engines were mated to a six-speed tiptronic automatic until the 2010 makeover, when an eight-speed conventional automatic transmission

select their own gears.

The hot variant, the Audi SQ7 is powered by 4.0-litre V8 diesel engine with two variablegeometry turbochargers that can produce up to 2.4 bar of boost pressure. It uses an electrically powered compressor (EPC) to blow air into one of the diesel turbochargers to reduce turbo lag.

The 48-Volt EPC spins up to its full 70,000 rpm within a quarter of a second and helps the exhaust powered compressor up to speed with the added air.

A petrol-powered 55 TFSI S Line was introduced early in 2021 but is too recent to cover in this Used Car Checkout.

There are quite a few Audi dealers in Australia. Most are in metro

whichever comes frst, is important.

Make sure the engine starts quickly and idles smoothly even when it’s cold. If possible, do this after the engine has been stopped overnight.

Ask if you can take it for a reasonably long test drive, not just a quick drive around the block. If warning lights come on and off there could be major problems - pull over when it’s safe and ring the seller. Better still, have the sales person or the owner sitting beside you during your test drive.

Check the transmission doesn’t hunt up and down through the gears when it should be holding onto a single gear.

People movers that do heavy-duty work carting kids can get seriously

$30,000 to $41,000 for a 2014 4.2 TDI; $38,000 to $50,000 for a 2015 3.0 TDI; $42,000 to $57,000 for a 2010 6.0 TDI; $51,000 to $70,000 for a 2017 e-tron; $65,000 to $89,000 for a 2018 50 TDI; $73,000 to $97,000 for a 2020 45 TDI; and $86,000 to $113,000 for 2021 55 TFSI.

CAR BUYING TIP

Keep an eye on the used car market for at least a month, two would be even better, to get an idea of what is selling and what isn’t. That way you can often beat down the seller on price.

RECALLS: To browse recalls on all vehicles go to the ACCC at: www. productsafety.gov.au/ products/transport/cars/

WHAT WILL THE AUSTRALIAN HOME LOOK LIKE IN 2030?

Old houses have a charming appeal, but they’re no longer being built. New homes pique people’s curiosity, but what’s new today is ancient tomorrow. At a time when technology, social patterns, and new environmental models are converging, the future is bound to look different. That is the future of the average Australian home. Indeed, will there even be such a thing as “average”? It’s hard to know, but we have plenty of trends and estimates at hand to form an idea. For a start, where will we be living? Will we be more likely to move to the suburbs? How big will houses be? With the proliferation of smart technology, will our homes be smarter than us? We wrapped all of these questions into one and took a look at the factors driving them. All in the interest of asking what the average Australian home will look like in 2030.

Declining Birth Rates

Birth rates are changing the nature of how we live. Until the start of the new millennium, the average family consisted of 2.5 children. That was actually down from the preceding average of 3.5 in decades past. Many factors contributed to this change, the most noticeable being that women are choosing to have babies later in life. In times past, women largely got pregnant in their late teens or early twenties. They’re more likely to be in their thirties before they bring new life into this world now. Shifting social patterns have forced this change, and the effect is that birth rates are declining. In regards to the former statistics, the average family lived on a quarter-acre plot in a three-bedroom house. Does that mean that the Australian home will be downsized? Yes, and no. But mainly, no. At least when it comes to family homes. We will explore why.

In the generally accepted forecast for things to come, housing patterns will change. Much of it will be due to declining birth rates. These will change the nature of the Australian household. But so too will multiculturalism and the seemingly unstoppable migration policies of both major parties. Whether these policies are of beneft or

not is not the question: they are altering how we live. As the birth rates fall, the average size of Australian homes will increase. The mixing of generations will come to be the norm, with multiple generations living under the same roof. Putting aside the socio-economic and environmental factors behind this, the average house size will increase. Along with this trend, it is predicted that the average house size will increase from three bedrooms to much more. The projection sees the standard Australian home growing to match the number of occupants.

The Three New Tribes As migrant families pour onto our shores, seizing space for their large families, the Australian lifestyle will change unalterably. According to a 2020 report by the Commonwealth Bank, there were traditionally four social “tribes”. Those were the nuclear family, newlyweds, empty nesters, and fatmates sharing households. The latter were largely younger people just out of home or at university. Migration and multiculturalism, the key drivers of high-density living, will change that makeup. In a nutshell, the composition will alter into new tribes. The new emergent groups are identifed as home-work groups, social singles, multi-generational clans, and “Peter Pans.” These identify a change in our traditional lifestyle instigated by the factors we’ve highlighted. The impact will infuence the architectural design of the Australian home. It will lead to new micro-cities being created around housing, educational, and commercial hubs.

In the social-singles category, which represents the fastestgrowing trend, over 26% of us will live in single-person households. This will modify the urban sprawl as life goes vertical. Next are the multi-generational clans. Mainly migrant households, these will be packed-to-the-rafters multilingual homes with heaps of squabbles. But it will improve the upward mobility of the young. They’ll be able to save where the rest of us will be drained of shekels. The digitally-connected work-from-home crew are the products of the gig

economy. They will work from home on freelance jobs and require less space than the multigenerational clans. To this end, they will choose vertical housing based on its central location. Meanwhile, the so-called Peter Pans are the muchdiscussed baby boomers. They will live in homes designed to enable them to live independently and for longer. For them, it will be all about their golden years.

The Australian Home in 2030

Having outlaid the new social tribes whose lifestyles will defne the new Australian home, it’s time to imagine it. Contrary to popular notions, houses will get bigger. Regional areas will grow. As renewable energy and related technologies replace the old, the new Australian home will likewise change. Putting aside high-rise living, many will move away from high-density living. It is said that consumers buy apartments as a frst step into the housing market. This will be true for some, but not all. Not everyone wishes to live the suburban dream or will have a big family to justify doing so. As such, the way we employ space will be different. Open-plan areas will replace individual rooms, with kitchens fowing into the living room and backyard. This concession to ergonomics will go hand-in-hand with Artifcial Intelligence (AI). New technologies will control everything in the home.

We already have the foundation for the virtual home operator. Siri and Alexa will be more prominent. Genetic scanning technology may also be in play for added security. Gizmos will control everything from the entryway to the garden sprinklers and especially the kitchen. The hearth of the home will resemble something out of the USS Enterprise. Innovations in recycling will be in play for water and the lavatory, and greening will become a bigger feature. Smart technology will allow you to cultivate your vegetables, such as specialist fridges. Samsung and LG have already created prototypes of these radical appliances.

They are working on “bot chefs” to save you time. Homes will

be functional and sustainable. But houses will also be designed around the concept of low maintenance. Or, put another way, for the timepoor and lazy among us. Technology is a marvel!

Bigger House Prices

The economy seldom works so that property values go down. It takes natural disasters and lousy socio-economic conditions for that to happen. While economic catastrophes are not impossible, the future housing market cannot be modelled on the sole basis of disasters. As such, we can expect both house and apartment prices to rise to proportions that would make our grandparents shake their heads. According to a recent analysis, Sydney house prices will surge by tens of thousands of dollars by the end of the decade. That trend will be replicated as migrants fock to our cities. Regional areas will also see much more expensive housing as families move away from the packed cities. Estimates suggest the average Sydney home will be close to $1.8 million, up from $1.6 million. Apartments will also break the price ceiling up from an average of $780,000 to an inconsolable $1.26 million.

The prognosis of such a high-priced real estate market raises numerous concerns about the next years. First-time buyers will be particularly concerned if housing prices climb above their income levels. The affordability of housing is a persistent source of concern. Stronger demand for social housing will be required to mitigate the impact of a prohibitively expensive market. As the gig economy becomes the norm for many, purchasing a house may appear to be an unachievable aspiration. It’s frightening to contemplate that, while migration was halted during the epidemic, Sydney housing prices continued to grow.

As Australia reopens its borders, a slew of additional factors will enter the picture. But that’s another matter because, in order for the market to survive, there must be some give and take.

Belmont Station

Big Red Sand Dune

FRIDAY

CHAOS WALKING (M) 120m

Thu: 12:40pm, 3:10pm, 5:20pm

Fri, Sun: 12:10pm, 2:45pm, 7:35pm Sat: 12:50pm, 3:45pm, 8:20pm Tue, Wed: 1:00pm

CRISIS (MA15+) 130m

Thu: 10:40am, 2:50pm, 7:25pm

Fri, Sun: 10:10am, 2:20pm, 7:20pm Sat: 10:45am, 1:15pm, 6:00pm Tue, Wed: 10:40am

NOMADLAND (M) 120m

Thu: 10:30am, 1:00pm, 7:35pm Fri, Sun: 10:00am, 12:30pm, 7:10pm Sat: 10:30am, 1:30pm, 6:15pm Tue, Wed: 10:30am, 1:00pm

SUNDAY

RAYA & THE LAST DRAGON (PG) 125m

Thu: 10:30am, 3:15pm, 5:35pm Fri, Sun: 10:15am, 3:15pm, 5:00pm Sat: 11:00am, 3:10pm, 5:40pm Tue, Wed: 10:45am

THE LITTLE THINGS (M) 138m

Thu: 12:45pm, 5:10pm; Fri, Sun: 12:40pm, 4:40pm Sat: 3:40pm, 8:00pm; Tue, Wed: 12:40pm

WRONG TURN (MA15+) 112m Thu: 7:50pm; Fri, Sun: 5:30pm; Sat: 8:30pm

RATINGS: TBC: This flm has advertising approval. Check the classifcation closer to the release date. G: General. PG: Parental guidance recommended. M: Recommended for mature audiences. MA15+: Restricted. Not suitable for people under 15. Under 15s must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. R18+: Restricted. Restricted to 18 and over.

Belmont Station

HUMAN NATURE

TROY CASSAR-DALEY

ROSS WILSON THIRSTY MERC SHANE HOWARD

PETE MURRAY THE WAIFS KATE CEBERANO OAM

1 x 85 gram packet of raspberry jelly 420 grams (approximately 6 cups) store bought sponge rolls* 4 tablespoons cranberry juice* 500 grams (approximately 4 cups) fresh strawberries, raspberries and blueberries 480 ml (2 cups) store bought custard 360 ml (1 and 1/2 cup) whipped cream

Grape Expectations by Max Crus

Hackers cough up sensitive data

Baddaginnie Run

Central Victoria Rosé (Mourvédre) 2022, $25. Rosé with an edge, no doubt from the unusual (in Australia) choice of mourvédre, and gentle winemaking (they say). And it works. Smart bright fruits and sharp at the same time, who cares if it’s tricky to say. 9.4/10.

Pindarie Barossa

Valley ‘Western Ridge’ Shiraz 2020, $30.

If there is something about Barossa cabernet, there’s definitely something about Barossa shiraz, but we knew that, and expect it. SO maybe this is as good as the cab’ but we just take it for granted. 9.5/10.

Pindarie Barossa

Valley ‘Schoff’s Hill’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2019, $40. There is something about Barossa cabernet. Nobody talks about it much, it doesn’t rate in the cab’ rank generally, and this is good. It keeps the price down. Deliciously rich, fragrant, alluring and satisfyingly dry red wine, just don’t tell anyone. 9.6/10.

Baddaginnie Run

Verdelho, 2022, $22. Verdelho is the wine you have when you don’t want to think about it too much. You can if you want, but nobody is listening. This has an alluring threat of bitterness that lifts it above the pack. 9.2/10.

Yabby Lake Vineyard

Mornington Peninsula

Single Vineyard Pinot Noir 2021, $70. If you’re looking for a classical pinot, you have chosen a lifelong quest and what better way to spend your indulgent years. Put this on the list as a standard bearer. 9.5/10.

There’s almost enough information on the label to identify the individual grapes in this absolutely gorgeous pinot, which is perhaps to be expected with a Jimmy Watson bloodline and such careful choice of grapes. Better give the winemaker some credit too though, that’s Tom Carson. 9.8/10.

From Oslo, e.g. (9)

Sleeveless jacket (6)

Neptune’s fork (7)

Chinese ethnicity (6)

1 What is the name used in industry for pure, crystalline glucose sugar?

2 Nephron is the basic structural and functional unit of which part of the human anatomy?

3 In what year did Home and Away debut on Australian television?

4 Lambaré, Luque and Limpio are major cities in which country?

5 Which star of American Gra ti said ‘I’m like a reman. When I go out on a call, I want to put out a big re, I don’t want to put out a re in a dumpster’?

6 Which Indonesian volcano erupted in 1883?

7 Lars Ulrich (pictured) is the drummer of which US heavy metal band?

8 Wrigley Field is a baseball stadium located in which US city?

9 Cricketer Andrew Flinto played for which English county club?

10 A golden wedding celebrates which anniversary?

In Memoriam

JOAN VERONICA LEACH

10.06.1927 ~ 21.11.2022

Passed away peacefully at Crowley Care Centre, Ballina. Dearly loved wife of John (dec), much loved mother of David (dec) and Maureen Buckingham, loved grandmother of David Leach and Danielle Buckingham.

Requiem Mass for the repose of Joan’s soul was held last Friday at St Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Ballina.

Ballina 02 6686 7036

In Memoriam

Frances May DOWLING

21.03.1948 - 24.11.2022

Frances passed away peacefully at St Joseph’s Nursing Home,

In Memoriam

Riordan, Yvonne Vollans

In Memoriam

CLAPHAM, Ainsley ‘Kathleen’

09. 08. 1937 ~ 25. 11. 2022

Passed away peacefully at the Lismore Base Hospital on the 14th of November 2022 surrounded by her loving and caring family.

Dearly loved wife to Ross of 61 years.

Much loved Mother & Mother-in-law to Lee-anne & Rick Bostock and Russell & Sonya Riordan.

Adored Nan to Todd, Ashlee, Xanthea, Callum and their partners and their great grandchildren Mateo, Remy, Harlow, Noah and Luna.

Aged 87 years.

As per Yvonne’s request a private service has been held.

“Bye for now”

Ph: 02 6621 8266

Passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family. Much loved wife of Norm.

Loving mother and mother in-law of Steve & Jan, Carla & Stephen and Keryn & Dave.

Loved ‘Katie’ to her 14 Grandchildren and their partners and to 34 Great Grandchildren.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend Kathleen’s Funeral Service to be held at St. Andrew’s Anglican Church, Zadoc Street Lismore on THURSDAY 1st December 2022 commencing at 10.00 am.

A er the service the cortege will leave for the Lismore Memorial Gardens Lawn Cemetery.

R.I.P.

NSW Department of Planning and Environment

Administrators for NSW Crown reserves

Individuals and organisations with property management/other relevant experience can apply to join a NSW Crown Reserves Administrator Register. Approved registrants will be considered for paid Administrator roles. Positions are usually for a 12 month period, up to 30 hours per month.

For more information, contact the NSW Department of Planning and Environment – Crown Lands via email at: clm.info@crownland.nsw.gov.au

Apply via: crownland.nsw.gov.au/protection-andmanagement/crown-reserves-administrator-register

HR Tipper Truck Driver Wanted

Looking for a reliable and hard working person, with tipper and roadranger experience.

Family owned company, o ering full time casual and for the right person a permanent position could be o ered. Hourly pay.

We are based about 10 minutes from Cabarita Beach/Bogangar.

Roofng

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.

for more details.

ALSTONVILLE UNITING CHURCHMARKET COMMITTEE

CHRISTMAS MARKET STALLS— AT ALSTONVILLE UNTIING CHURCH -Cnr Bugden Ave., & Main Street- THURSDAY 1st DECEMBER from 9am– 1pm. Feelin’ Festive’ is the theme and along with some CHRISTMAS BAKING you will still fnd a variety of CAKES / SLICES/BISCUITS etc. Also, an iced CHRISTMAS CAKE that you could win in a RAFFLE. This stall will be in the ‘ROOM ‘right next to the Bargain Shop along with the PRODUCE STALL which once again will have lots of JAMS /PICKLES for sale OUTSIDE you will fnd Christmassy’ type gifts and CRAFT, along with ANTIQUES & COLLECTABLES. Lots of BARGAINs on offer as well at the BARGAIN BASEMENT e.g. Adults & Children’s Clothing, kitchenware, plants, linen and lots of Bric-a -Brac .. ALL WELCOME - enq. Ph. 66 280542

CRAWFORD HOUSE MUSEUM

For a free quote and advice contact NOEL

NOTE: All Community Notices must be submitted each week on or before 11am every Monday for the next edition to be published.

ALSTONVILLE

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 PROBUS

As our following meeting date falls on Australia Day, the frst formal meeting will be on 23 February 2023. The Club will have some activities during this break.

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

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. 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 (closed 24th. December 2022 - 5th January 2023) 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.

NORTHERN RIVERS DAY PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT GROUP

The fnal gathering of the Northern Rivers Day Prostate Cancer Support Group for 2022 is to be held on TUESDAY DECEMBER 6TH – THIS IS TO BE THE CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON RATHER THAN A REGULAR MEETING COMMENCING 12.30PM AT THE WOLLONGBAR TAVERN – MEMBERS PLEASE NOTE THE CHANGES TO THE NORMAL MONTHLY MEETING ARRANGEMENTS

SQUARE DANCING Summerland Larrikins Squares Alstonville, Fridays 7.30pm-9.30pm at Uniting Church Hall, 59 Main Street, Alstonville. Contact 0407663017 for further information. New dancers welcome.

BALLINA

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.

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 COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS DINNER

Don’t be alone this Christmas, come join us for a free Christmas lunch of chicken, ham, Salad and dessert. This is a free event held on Christmas day at the Ballina Anglican Church, on the corner of Norton and Burnet St Ballina @ 12pm to 2pm. Come one come all. This is an alcoholfree event.

For all info phone Chris on 04 115 104 30

BALLINA COUNTRY MUSIC CLUB

The Ballina Country Music Club’s “LIVE COUNTRY MUSIC DAYS” are scheduled for the frst Sunday of the Month. Our next “LIVE MUSIC DAY” is SUNDAY 4th December 2022 at THE BALLINA RSL CLUB, Grant Street BALLINA. The music gets underway at 10.45am and the theme for today is ’Crazy Christmas Hats and Bling’.

The “WALK UP-ARTIST” with Santa Claus in mind are warming up for CHRISTMAS and the “DANCERS” have refned their act towards “gliding with a one horse open sleigh”, so it’s going to be a great Country Music day. A “Special Guest Artist” for today will be “Dean Doyle” who features with “Sophistication”, top trio appearing regularly at the Ballina RSL Club.

Backing band for the day is the Northern Rivers ever popular “ANN, BILL and the 2J’s”, so it’s CHRISTMAS with GREEN & RED and SANTA CLAUS and boots for snow scooting so let’s start “Christmas Country Musician”, not forgetting Surfboard Riding and Fishing. ‘Our Club’ would appreciate it if you could include details of our day in your “public announcements and/or GIG Guides”. Thanking you advance, Keith Holmes, Secretary, 02 6686 7956.

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.

We would like to invite you to come along to our Christmas Market being held at the Masonic Hall, Cherry Street Ballina, Saturday 3rd December from 8am to 2pm. There will be many different stalls including jewellery, cards, handmade arts and crafts, plants and Christmas gifts, handicraft, and of course plenty of Christmas cakes, puddings and other baked delicacies, jams, pickles and chutneys for sale, drop in, buy a raffe ticket in our huge Christmas raffe and enjoy a delicious Devonshire Tea.

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

Christmas Raffes will continue on River Street from Monday 21st November till 2nd December.

Our Christmas Stall will be on Thursday 2nd December outside The Greater Bank on River Street, Ballina. Lots of Cakes, Gifts and Crafts and our Christmas Raffe will be drawn on that date.

We will be wrapping your Christmas Gifts at Ballina Fair for gold coin donation on: Monday 5th December through to Sunday 11th

December from 10 till 2 and: Monday 12th December through to Sunday 18th December from 9 till 4

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 Tuesdays 1pm - 3pm, and Saturdays 10am - 1pm. Ph. 0411 719 074 for enquiries

ASSOCIATION OF INDEPENDENT RETIREES

“The next meeting of the Association of Independent Retirees, Far North Coast Branch, will be held in the Spinnakers Room at the Ballina RSL Club on Friday 2 December 2022, at 9.30 for 10.00. This will be our last meeting for the year and will be followed by our Christmas luncheon. There will be no guest speaker, but morning tea will be available. Come and enjoy some friendship and companionship. Luncheon will be served to all those who have booked and paid Anne Nalder for the privilege of enjoying some early Christmas Cheer. We will convene again on the frst Friday in February 2023. Any enquiries to John Ritchie, President/Secretary, Fart North Coast Branch, 0437509618.”

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@

COMMUNITY NOTICES

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

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

BRUNSWICK HEADS

BRUNSWICK

BRUNSWICK VALLEY VIEW CLUB

The next luncheon is on December 8 at Brunswick Heads Bowling Club. Wear something festive. The guest speaker is Patt Gregory. Please advise Wenda on 0449 563 580 or email: wjhunt@yahoo. com if you are not attending. Casual members need to advise if they are attending, for catering purposes. VIEW stands for Voice, Interests and Education of Women. The club supports seven students in The Smith Family’s Learning for Life program. For more information, visit view.org.au, call 1800 805 366 or5 email: view@thesmithfamily.com.au

CASINO

CASINO & BONALBO UPPER CLARENCE LIONS CLUBS

Casino Lions club now meets each 4th Wed at the RSM.

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. 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).

CASINO GALLERY ART at the CASSINO GALLERY. The Casino Art Group meets here every Saturday 10am - 3pm. The Gallery is also open Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 10am to 3pm. Interested in promoting YOUR medium? Come to the gallery for information. Cassinoartgallery@gmail.com

CASINO HOSPITAL AUXILIARY needs volunteers to work in the hospital kiosk. Roster days are negotiable and can be discussed with the Kiosk Supervisor by contacting Barbara on 0439607788 or phoning the hospital kiosk during the day on 66600539.

CASINO LADIES AND FRIEND CRAFT GROUP Meets 1st & 3rd Tuesday of each month. Bring your own morning tea. Names to be in by lunch time Monday. Phone Vivian on 66621838 or Jan on 66626424.

CASINO MEALS ON WHEELS

If you would be interested in volunteering your time to help with meals on wheels give the offce a call on 66621217.

WEEK 2

MONDAY

B.McEnerny & C.Moulden J. Yates TUESDAY D. Coleman K.O’Reilly & L&N O’Reilly WEDNESDAY M.&M. Ayshford

THURSDAY J.Crooks S.&B. Garrard & E Grogan FRIDAY

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 will be holding a special CHRISTMAS social upstairs at the Casino RSM Club on Sunday the 18th November from 10.00am - 4.30 pm. Come along and enjoy some

CASINO

BALLINA

great country music and take advantage of the meals & drinks offered by the RSM Club. New Artists always welcome. Free entry, raffes and lucky door prizes More Info contact Carole 0438641500

CASINO UNITING CHURCH CHRISTMAS SERVICES

Corner of Canterbury & Diary Street Casino Christmas Eve: 24th December @ 6pm - Lessons & Carols

Christmas Day: 25th December @ 9am - Service

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 BYO Drinks & Nibblies.

Members to supply nonperishable 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 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.

THE FAIRY HILL CRAFT GROUP

Fairy Hill Craft group

Christmas lunch will be held on Thurs. Dec 1, 11.30 a.m. at St Mark’s Anglican Hall in Barker St. Cost will be approx. $26 for 2- course baked meal + dessert. New, present & past members are most welcome. Please bring a gift (approx. $10 value) for Mrs Claus to distribute. For your booking, please ph.: 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.

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.

BACK TO THE GOOD OLD DAYS OF THE EVANS HEAD CONCERT

FREE Family Concert: Come along and enjoy music from the PAST: 50’s, 60’s & Country Music.

This is a family concert for all to enjoy, like what people enjoyed many years ago at Evans Head. We have got some great entertainers that everyone will enjoy.

This event will be held upstairs in the main auditorium at the Evans Head RSL Club.

Starting at 5PM on the 29th of December

For more information contact: Max 66628387 or 0418647882

CASINO RICHMOND COUNTRY MUSIC CLUB

GOONELLABAH

TABLE TENNIS AT GOONELLABAH

Tuesday and Thursday mornings social playing: 9am-12noon; Monday and Wednesday nights social playing: 7-9pm; Training Monday mornings: 9am12noon; Junior coaching after school Wednesday 3.30pm-4.45pm, $6 a session. Everybody is welcome – all levels. Phone centre on 66251602. Mon-Thurs 9.00am-1.00pm or visit website www.fnctabletennis. com.au

THE PROBUS CLUB of Goonellabah meets on the 3rd Thursday of each month at the Workers Sports Club in Oliver Ave. All welcome. Goonellabah Probus is solely a social club. We have a guest speaker each month and go for outings throughout the year. Meetings on Thursday commence at 10am and fnish at midday. For further information, please contact Gloria Francis on 02 6629 1442.

Grafton CWA’s Christmas stall is to be held on Thursday, 1st December at the Twilight Farmers Market in Market Square, starting at 2pm. We will be selling handicraft items, Christmas cooking and Christmas bush, so a good opportunity to prepare for Christmas and to buy homemade gifts and cookery. We would like to thank members who have donated items to our kitchen, also Trish who donated handicraft items for us to sell, and John McMahon who has replaced the tattered vinyl on one of the tables with a lovely wooden top.

The next meeting of Grafton Branch CWA will be on Friday, 9th December starting with morning tea at 9.30am, followed by the meeting at 10am. Our Christmas Lunch is to be held after the next meeting, with catering organised by the Cookery Committee. Our rooms will be decorated and instead of having a Secret Santa, we will be giving donations to a food appeal. At the next meeting we are also to discuss holding regular cookery mornings to learn new skills.

There will be no meeting in January, so the frst meeting of 2023 will be on Friday, 10th February- morning tea 9.30am, then meeting10am. New members always welcome.

GRAFTON AND DISTRICT GARDEN CLUB

Members’ Christmas party lunch is on Saturday 3rd December at the Golf Club. Check your email for details, RSVP date is 1st December and payment to be made by bank transfer. Give me a ring if that is not possible for you and we will organise something. All the info you need is in our Newsletter emailed out last week.

We look forward to seeing you all for some good company, great food and a bit of fun. This will be the last time we get together until our next meeting in February 2023. 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, with trip to Bellingen, 24 Feb, just on sale. Christmas luncheon: 2 Dec, bookings close 18 Nov. Entertainment, Cruisin’ Broadway.

Newsletter: latest edition currently being distributed. Competition winners: J. Campbell; H. Cashel; M. Harper; D. Handley; E. Williams.

Y. Cooney; D. Bailey.

Annual fees: due February. AGM: 14 March 2023.

Next meeting: 10.30am, 13 December, Guest speaker, Chris Sparks. 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 VIEW CLUB

Grafton VIEW Club meets on the 4th Tuesday each month at Grafton District Services Club, Mary Street,

GRAFTON GRAFTON CWA

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 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 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

Kyogle Country Music’s next Musical Day will be on Sunday 11th December at Kyogle Bowling Club commencing at 11am. The Bowlo will be catering for lunches afternoon tea and drinks. All Welcome.

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.

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

LISMORE ANGLICANS’ ANNUAL CHRISTMAS SHOP

DATES: Monday, November 21 to Friday, December 9, 2022

VENUE: 13 Woodlark Street, LISMORE formerly Taking Shape opposite The ARKstreet sculpture. Come and buy your Christmas treats. Homemade cakes and puddings, slices, biscuits, scones. Lots of handicraft items. Plants. Monster Hamper and lots of cheer. Cash or card.

M-F: 8:30 am – 4:00 pm; Sat: 8:30 am – 12:00 noon.

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 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 fatpack Minor maintenance work for the elderly & disabled Working with the disabled Talking with other members or simply having company Memberships: $40-year Attendance Fee: $3 tea/coffee Location: 15 Industry Drive East Lismore LISMORE JAZZ CLUB Date: Sunday, 4 December Time: 2 to 5 pm Name of gig: Lismore Jazz Club Band: The Clarence Jazzmen Venue: Lismore City Bowlo Cost: $10 members/$15 non-members, cash at door

LISMORE SENIOR CITIZENS

Meet at the Goonellabah Community Centre every second Thursday starting at 9am where we have morning tea followed by games bingo how etc we play cards Monday and Friday and play bowls Tuesdays and craft every second Tuesday afternoons come and join our friendly group you will be very welcome

LISMORE SPINNERS & WEAVERS

Please join us…... Weaving, Spinning, Felting, Dyeing, Knitting, Crochet, Workshops, Chat….

Sharing Craft & Ideas. From 10am, on the 1st, 3rd and 5th Fridays of each month. (Formal business meeting is 10.30-11.30 every 1st Friday)

McLeans Ridges Hall Cnr Cowlong and McLeans Ridges Rds (off Bruxner Hwy)

Morning Tea provided. Bring your lunch (and a mug) Contac: Kim- 0423935060 Linda- 0419489987

Email ~ lismorespinnersandweavers@ gmail.com

LISMORE TARGET RIFLE CLUB for .22 calibre rifes, meets Wed nights from 6.30pm & the 1st & 3rd Sat of each month from 1.00 pm. Air rife shooting for .22 & 177 air rifes will also be available at the Saturday shoots. For more information, please phone Derek on 66282082 (ah).

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 be meeting on Friday, 16th December, at Summerland House Farm at 12 noon for a Christmas Lunch. We are thrilled to join with Parkinson’s Specialist Nurse, Rebecca Manners and our two wonderful patrons, Janelle Saffn, MP, and Jenny Dowell, OAM to welcome our new specialist Parkinson’s nurse, Tim Ayers. All members of the Parkinson’s community and family and carers are invited to share this very special occasion. Please RSVP Di Tel: 0423941119 before Dec 4 to assist with bookings.”

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.

LISMORE

KINGSCLIFF

LENNOX HEAD

CLUB Community Bingo

Tuesday night 7.30pm start. 20 games of bingo + progressive jackpot Neilson Street East Lismore. Everyone Welcome

MAINLY MUSIC

Fun, interactive, music sessions for young children [birth to school age] and their parents/caregivers in a relaxed setting on Tuesdays starting at 9:30am during School Terms. Children will be introduced to music, creativity and more. They will develop gross motor skills, as well as socialise with others in a loving, shared family environment. Morning tea with snacks included. Mainly Music at Lismore Anglican Parish Centre, 10 Zadoc Street, LISMORE. T: 0266213200

NORTHERN RIVERS EVENING PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT GROUP

The fnal 2022 Meeting of the Northern Rivers Evening Prostate Cancer Support Group will be held on Wednesday December 7th at the LISMORE WORKERS SPORTS CLUB, 202 OLIVER AVENUE, GOONELLABAH - -

This is our Christmas Meeting and Dinner thus the change to commencement time from the normal 7pm to 6.30pm is to be noted –All welcome including partners and carers – Come along and join with us for a happy and relaxed celebration of another successful year even though once again rather disruptive due to extremely bad weather

An informal evening is planned however there is still the opportunity to share, learn and beneft from other people’s experiences

Enquiries phone Bob Johnson (02) 6622 5792 -

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/

‘UNITED TO END VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN’ EVENT

11.00am, Thursday 8 December, Lismore Gender and Disaster Australia (GADAus) and Northern Rivers Women and Children’s Services (NORWACS) are delighted to co-host an event to mark this year’s 16 Days of Activism against GenderBased Violence campaign. The event will include an address from both the Hon. Justine Elliot MP, Assistant Minister for Social Services and Assistant Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence, and Janelle Saffn MP, Member for Lismore along with frst-hand accounts and insights from Lismore

community members and local services.

The event will focus on the collaboration between GADAus and NORWACS to prevent and respond to violence against women in disasters, and specifcally in the aftermath of the 2022 Lismore and Northern Rivers Region foods. We hope you’ll join us! To register go to Eventbrite (http://ow.ly/z64K50LOoYb) or call Lee-Anne Wilson on 0412 368 917.

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

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. 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 likeminded gardeners. We also have a monthly Guest Speaker.

Guest Speaker: NovemberJan Pilgrim from Tweed Valley Wildlife Carers “Backyard Wildlife” See you there, bring a mug. Gwen 0468 872199, (leave a message please).

YAMBA

YAMBA DAY VIEW CLUB

Yamba Day View Club’s monthly luncheons are held at Yamba Bowling Club on 3rd Monday of month, starting 10am for 10.30am. Acceptance and apologies to President Lyn 66463164 by Friday prior to luncheon for catering purposes. We hold a monthly social outing either for lunch or morning tea and visitors are always welcome.

YAMBA LIONS CLUB

Yamba Lions Club’s meetings are held 2nd & 4th Thursdays of month at Yamba Bowling Club, commencing at 7pm for 7.30pm. For further information, please contact the Secretary Peter 0417546097. Social outings also held at various time and visitors and new members welcome.

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.

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.

ALL NORTHERN RIVERS

NORTHERN RIVERS BUSHWALKING CLUB

TWEED HEADS

YAMBA

POTTSVILLE

ALL NORTHERN RIVERS

MACLEAN

MURWILLUMBAH

Northern Rivers District:

Partly cloudy. High (70%) chance of showers near the Queensland border, medium (40%) chance elsewhere. Winds southerly 15 to 20 km/h tending southeasterly 15 to 25 km/h during the morning then becoming light during the evening. Thursday. Cloudy. Very high (90%) chance of rain. Winds south to southeasterly 20 to 30 km/h.

Northern Tablelands District:

Partly cloudy. Medium (50%) chance of showers on and east of the ranges, slight (30%) chance elsewhere. The chance of a storm in the south in the afternoon and evening. Winds easterly 15 to 25 km/h.

Thursday. Cloudy. High (80%) chance of showers, most likely in the morning and afternoon. The chance of a storm in the

south. Winds easterly 15 to 20 km/h turning southeasterly 15 to 25 km/h during the day.

A few showers about the north and east, most likely about the northern ranges and coastline. Chance of storms about the northeast. Fine and sunny through the inland. Daytime temperatures below average in the northeast and near average elsewhere. East to southeasterly winds, fresh at times along the coast. Winds tending southerly through the inland. Thursday. A few showers in the east, mainly in the northeast. Chance of storms over the eastern inland. Fine and mostly sunny in the west. Daytime temperatures below average, most notably in the northeast. East to southeasterly winds, fresh and gusty along the northern coast.

Byron Coast: Winds: Southeasterly 15 to 25 knots. Seas: 1 to 1.5

increasing to 1.5 to 2

the morning. 1st Swell: Southerly around 1 metre, increasing to 1 to 1.5 metres during the morning. 2nd Swell: Northeasterly around 1 metre north of Yamba. Weather: Partly cloudy.

Coffs Coast: Winds: South to southeasterly 15 to 20 knots tending east to southeasterly 10 to 15 knots during the day. Seas: 1 to 1.5 metres. Swell: Southerly around 1 metre, increasing to 1 to 1.5 metres during the morning. Weather: Partly cloudy.

Gold Coast Waters: Winds: Southeasterly 20 to 30 knots. Seas: 1 to 2 metres. 1st Swell: Northeasterly around 1 metre inshore. Becoming southeasterly 1 to 1.5 metres during the afternoon. 2nd Swell: Southerly around 1 metre. Weather: Partly cloudy. 80% chance of showers. The chance of a storm.

High:4:53am1.2m Low:10:25am0.6m High:4:49pm1.4m Low:11:27pm0.3m

High:5:51am1.3m Low:11:40am0.6m High:5:47pm1.3m

Low:12:09am0.3m High:6:42am1.4m Low:12:45pm0.5m High:6:39pm1.3m

Low:12:46am0.3m High:7:27am1.5m Low:1:41pm0.5m High:7:25pm1.2m

New South Wales:

metres,

metres offshore north of Cape Byron during

MATTHEW PAUL PHOTOGRAPHY

FOLLOWING a busy off season that has seen numerous track improvements undertaken, Hessions Auto Parts Grafton Speedway is going to blast into action with this Saturday night’s 2022-23 season opener.

During the off season, Grafton Speedway promoter Mick Corbett and his team were hard at work making a range of big track improvements, such as new track lighting.

“It’s been a massive off season and although we have had to delay last month’s season opener, the track is looking great and we are all ready for what we hope is going to be a huge season,” enthused Corbett.

“We are heading into our fourth season as Grafton Speedway promoters, and we are very proud of the fact that we have grown with every passing season, so hopefully we can

continue that this coming season and be able to help take the race fans’ experience to another level.”

For Saturday night’s season opener, the popular V8 Dirt Modifeds headline the program with a strong 15-car feld – including fve-time Australian Champion Kevin Britten from Brisbane in Queensland. The likes of locals Andrew and Taylah Firth, along with Brock Gardiner and Scott Quirk, are also likely to be front-running contenders around the 400-metre track.

Joining the V8 Dirt Modifed on the season opener program as headlining acts are the hotly contested Wingless Sprint class. Regarded as one of the most competitive classes in Australian speedway, the Wingless Sprints always put on a show and likes of Jacob Jolley and David Eggins.

The support program is going

to consist of the RSA Street Stockers, Production Sedans, RSA Four Cylinder Sedans, Legend Cars and SSA Junior Sedans.

This Saturday night’s season opener at Grafton Speedway is the last event on the frst annual Coffs Coast Festival of Motor Sport.

Grafton Speedway would like to thank Hessions Auto Parts for their support throughout the 2022-23 season, which is their fourth season in a row as the track’s naming-right’s sponsor. Based in both Grafton and Coffs Harbour, Hessions Auto Parts stock a wide range of parts and accessories at competitive prices. To fnd out more, contact them on 0266 423 085 (Grafton) and 0256 456 361 (Coffs Harbour) or visit their website at www. hessionsautoparts.com.au.

The Coraki Memorial Bowls Club welcomed a cheque-bearing Clarence Nationals MP Chris Gulaptis on Friday.

Mr Gulaptis dropped in with the good news that the Club has won a $200,000 Nationals in NSW Government grant for synthetic turf, courtesy of a program that reinvests proceeds of pokie taxes back into local community assets.

“This year’s food’s wreaked havoc on the Coraki Bowls Club greens, so the Club decided to future-proof their assets by laying out synthetic greens,” Mr Gulaptis said.

“This is exactly the type of project the Government is keen to fund and we were happy to chip in. “It is really great to catch up with all the good people here. This so much more than a venue to play lawn bowls, it is the beating heart of the Coraki community.”

Club President Neil Ryan said the board of directors and members of the Coraki memorial Bowling Club wished to thank the Government for the approval of funding for the replacement of our synthetic green. “The synthetic green is a great asset for the Coraki Memorial Bowling Club and the Community of Coraki,” President Ryan said.

He said the synthetic green would be used for activities including:

• Bowling events for all the community as well as the full-time bowlers.

• Bowling events for charity purposes. (Fire and Flood victims.)

• Social bowls for retired and aged pensioners with the added bonus of having light exercise in the game of Lawn bowls.

• Gatherings for birthday or anniversary celebrations including a game of bowls

The Nationals in NSW Government’s ClubGRANTS program helps community groups and socially minded organisations by funding new or upgraded facilities across

SPORTS RESULTS

Shirley Coleman 1, Ronda Taylor 2, Shirley Atkinson 3, Pam Farrell 4, Bev Lasater, 5, Lisa Wong, Val Heinritz 6, Coral Lavelle, Jan Small, Pauline Kearney 8, Jeanette Henwood 11, Sally Lowry 12, Diana Auret, Gladys D’Anna 13, Deborah Green 15, Carol Meyer, Janene Jarvis, Valda McLerie 16, June Greenaway 19, Pauline Bolte, Susan Scott 20, Gail McDonagh, Lynda Lovett 22, Barbara Ellan 24, Cindy Smith 25, Jan Henley 26, Lornaq Simpsin 27, Kath Hubbard 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.

Casino RSM Womens

Bowls results

Results from Wednesday 23/11/22

T. Maxwell, J. Dwyer & K. Jonsson def T Maxwell, J. Carthew & M. Hellyar N. Moran & H. Lavelle def J. Creighton & A. James C. Doyle & I. Watson def D. Grice & D. Skinner

All the games today ended up close games.

Ladies start getting a team together for our Club Fours

Championship, entries close on the 25/1/23 & the 1st round matches will be played on the 1/2/23.

Our Xmas party is approaching fast, we will still bowl on the 7/12/22 but fnish earlier for the party.

Cherry Street Croquet Club Sports Results ASSOCIATION

CROQUET

L.Hardy S.Hume 16 d

G.Drew B.Hardy 16 P.Hume L.Sampson 22 d S.Hume G.Drew 9

RICOCHET CROQUET

J.Doust P.Waters 14 d B.Waters 9 N.Barnes P.Doyle 11 d R.Allen G.Kerr 9 P.Scott 10 d G.Drew 8

TOURNAMENTS

NSW Golf Croquet

Champion of Club Champions.

1st T.Woodley, 2nd S.Burns, 3rd D.Woods, 4th P.Markwell, 5th M.Sawers.

Under 21 Golf Croquet Bronze Medal QLD.

Addison Mathews 1st, Tim Wright 2nd, Francis Wright 3rd, Ethan Chilton 4th

Cherry Street Croquet Club Friendship Day & Northern Rivers Area Presentation Day Sunday 4th December.

All welcome.

Congratulations

table draw for golf balls P Muldoon.

This Thursday will be the December monthly medal golfers are reminded that hit off time has now reverted back to 8.00am for the summer months PLEASE don’t be LATE AS USUAL TILL THEN GOOD GOLFING. Max EVANS HEAD WOMENS BOWLS

Our Springtime Fours Competition continued 23-11-22

sport and recreation, arts and culture, disaster readiness and community infrastructure.

To fnd out more about this grants program, please visit responsiblegambling.nsw.gov.au.

Ray Chapman & David Scott CORAKI VETERANS

GOLF RESULTS

THURSDAY 24/11/22

Well today we only played nine holes with a very large feld of 55 players contesting a stableford be fore our Presentation day and Christmas party. Club handicap ham winner B mCdonald, vets ham winner D Bullock luckey card draw ham K Osborne 2nd, K Rogers, 3rd N Cuppitt, free game T Foster, chicken/ ball winners T Beemster, G Gibson, J Perkins, L Clark, R Webber, K Lloyd, J Sauer, P Brophy, S Toms, B Micheal, K Avery, P Smith.

Nearest pins 3rd/12th S Toms, 6th/15th R Webber

Round 3 - Skips only - B. Montague defeated S. Downs. J. Fernance defeated V. Hart.

T. Cselka defeated K. Keevers. Round 4 - B. Montague defeated K. Keevers.

V. Hart defeated S. Downs. T. Cselka defeated J. Fernance.

SPEEDWAY GRAFTON

Results from Grafton Speedway, November 26, 2022.

RSA 4 Cylinders. Heat 1: Nathan Harper 1, Sam Mooney 2, Brody Putsey 3. Heat 2: Sam Mooney 1, Car 14 2, Brodie Putsey 3. Heat 3: Shanae Smith 1, Sam Mooney 2, Wally Rudder 3. Feature: Sam Mooney 1, Nathan Harper 2, Brody

Putsey 3.SSA Juniors Top Stars. Heat 1: Jaiden Santin 1, Sophie Santin 2, Harry Fowler 3. Heat 2: Jaiden Santin 1, Harry Fowler 2, Jeremy Wade 3. Heat 3: Jaiden Santin 1, Indi Butcher 2, Jorja Woolfe 3. Feature: Jaiden Santin 1, Jeremy Wade 2, Alisha Payne 3. SSA Juniors New Stars. Heat 1: Luke McNabb 1, Aida Miller 2, Poppy Airey 3, Heat 2: Aida Miller 1, Luke McNabb 2, Poppy Airey 3. Heat 3: Luke McNabb 1, Lawson Clarke 2, Aida Miller 3. Feature: Luke McNabb 1, Aida Miller 2, Poppy Airey 3. Wingless Sprints. Heat 1: Jason Davis 1, Jacob Jolley 2, Jamie Dicker 3. Heat 2: Bailey Goodwin 2, Darryl Marshall 3. Heat 3: Jacob Jolley 1, Andrew Van Damme 2, Matthew Nikiforoff 3. Heat 4: Jaidyn Boulding 1, Andrew Seery 2, Tyson Williams 3. Feature: Jamie Dicker 1, Andrew Seery 2, Brayden Shute 3. Legend Cars. Heat 1: Jackson Tomkins 1, Adam Fisher 2, Matt Gordon 3. Heat 2: Matt Gordon 1, Craig Turvey 2, Tim Maguire 3. Heat 3: Rieley Fisher 1, Matt Gordon 2, Colin Crepin 3. Feature: Matt Gordon 1, Rieley

Fisher 2, Jackson Tomkins 3. RSA Street Stockers. Heat 1: Wayne Arthur 1, Brenden Hayes 2, Connor Reeves 3. Heat 2: David Putsey 1, Greg Dickinson 2, Tayler Lofthouse 3. Heat 3: Greg Dickinson 1, Adrian Williams 2, David Putsey

3. Heat 4: Brenden Hayes 1, Toby Hunter 2, Trent Morgan 3. Heat 5: David Putsey 1, Connor Reeves

2, Tayler Lofthouse 3. Heat 6: Adrian Williams 1, Trent Morgan 2, Brenden Hayes

3. Feature: David Putsey 1, Brenden Hayes 2, Greg Dickinson 3. AMCA Nationals. Heat

1: Paul Reeves 1, Graham Holland 2, Tony Blanch 3, Heat 2: Paul Reeves 1, Brett Robotham 2, Darren Miller

3. Heat 3: Darren Miller 1, Graham Holland 2, Lindsay Cornwall 3. Feature: Paul Reeves 1, Darren Miller 2, Brett Robotham 3. V8 Dirt Modifeds. Heat 1: Seiton Young 1, Luke Dunn 2, Scott Quirk 3. Heat 2: Taylah Firth 1, Seiton Young 2, Daryl Armfeld 3. Kevin Britten 1, Andrew Firth 2, Taylah Firth 3. Feature: Seiton Young 1, Taylah Firth 2, Luke Dunn 3. Winner of the V8 Dirt Modifeds Sportsman class was Brock Armstrong.

Ballina Mahjong 25th November 2022

David Scott & Ray Chapman Cherry Street Selected in NSW Golf Croquet Squad 2023.

Photo:

By GARY NICHOLS

THE Grafton Redmen frst grade rugby union team has received a massive boost next season with the return of one of their favourite sons, Ed McGrath.

The 30-year-old has spent the last two seasons playing for Bangalow in the Far North Coast competition and was a standout performer earning himself the club’s best forward award alongside teammate Matt Drew.

The decision to leave the Rebels was not one McGrath took lightly, but he felt it was time to return home, back to where his rugby career began.

“I was always going to come back and play for the Redmen. Playing for Bangalow gave me a great opportunity to play representative footy and I achieved that making the NSW Country team, “McGrath said.

“I loved my time playing for the Rebels, they’re a great club and a fantastic bunch of blokes.”

Another reason the rangy back-rower decided to don the blood and bandages of the Redmen in 2023 had a lot to do

with a former player, a player McGrath knows all too well.

“My brother Bart said if I sign-up with the Redmen he would also get involved and help the club out,” McGrath revealed.

“As it turns out, he was recently elected as president. I don’t think he intended jumping straight into the role but that’s where he has ended up.

“He was a very good rugby player, and he is a very good administrator, so the club will beneft from his leadership skills and experience.”

A major goal for McGrath last season was to gain selection in the NSW Country Cockatoos team, a goal he eventually achieved after strong performances playing for Far North Coast at the NSW Country Championships in Tamworth earlier this year.

“Running out for the Cockatoos is something I will never forget, “he said.

“The whole experience was fantastic, and I recommend it for any rugby player out there who wants to play

representative footy.”

The hardrunning number-eight is considered somewhat of a cult hero at the Redmen with the catchcry of “Ooh aah, Ed McGrath” resonating from the stands each time he touches the ball.

A new frst grade coach in Gary Powell, the possibility of felding two senior sides, and with McGrath leading the forwards, the Redmen are hoping to make an impact in the Mid North Coast competition in 2023.

“All looks good for the Redmen. I like where the club is heading and there are plenty of positive signs for the future of the club,” he said.

“Hopefully we will be a force again especially if we can feld a frst and second grade side,”

“And maybe one day we can return to the Far North Coast which is

something I would like to see down the track.”

McGrath, who is already in training after a rigorous 2022 season, added he would like to take on a more senior role at the club and a mentoring role with the juniors.

“I’m back in training after a month’s break which I enjoyed…maybe too much,” he laughed.

By TIM HOWARD

GDSC Easts tightened its grip on the CRCA premier league cricket competition lead with a solid fve-wicket win over Brothers at Ellem Oval on Saturday.

Easts chased down a below par tally of 111 from Brothers in just 18 overs, with Aaron Macfadyen leading the way with 47.

They young all-rounder who scored the premier league’s frst century of the season two games ago, was in a similar vein of form, stroking nine fours in his innings.

Skipper Shane Connor with 16 and opener Chris Chamberlain 10 and Patrick Brophy, 11 also made double fgures.

Left arm quick Ethan Lucas took two wickets, but conceded 56 runs from just six overs as Easts raced to victory.

Batting frst Brothers failed to support to support Jake Kroehnert, 35 and Eli Fahey, 25 and ?? Billy Weatherstone 16 not out.

Four batters registered ducks and four others failed to reach double fgures.

Brothers bowlers need to work on their discipline as the season enters the one-day phase.

by LISA VANDERSTOK

The Brethren conceded 23 extras, including 17 wides and four no-balls while Easts conceded just 14.

At Ulmarra Showground Tucabia were untroubled by a below-strength Souths/Westlawn team to record a six-wicket win.

South’s best, Anthony Dickson, 27 and Mick Fletcher, 25, showed it was possible to score runs from a tight Tucabia bowling attack.

But the rest of the batting lineup struggled, crawling to 98 from 31.3 overs.

Opener Andrew Ellis anchored the Tucabia run chase with 42 from 62 balls including fve fours and two sixes.

First drop Jay Hardy provided a solid partner, scoring 31 from 64 balls.

Souths’ opening bowlers Nathan Blanch 1/25 and Matt Dalton 2/17 tried hard, but couldn’t make enough early inroads and ultimately did not have enough runs to work with.

Next week GDSC Easts plays Souths/Westlawn on the Lower Fisher Park Turf and Brothers and Tucabia face off at Ellem Oval.

Photos

GDSC Easts opening bowler Shannon Connor troubled the Brothers’ top-order with perfect line and length.

Photo: Gary Nichols

Brothers top scorer Jake Kroehnert blasts a ball to the offside boundary during his innings of 35 at Ellem Oval on Saturday. Photo: Gary Nichols

What a magnifcent day held at Casino Greyhound Racing Club. Featured here in the photo is the winner of the Charcoal Inn Casino CupTrainer John Thomas and his partner Glenda Rob Macaulay - GRNSW and race sponsor Michael Smith - Charcoal Inn. A huge crowd cheered the winner home with Respectability trained by Michael Patterson hot on Take Two’s heals and Louis Rumble not far behind.