The Northern Rivers Times Edition 126

Police believe toxic fre deliberately lit

By TIM HOWARD

A massive blaze at a scrap metal yard at Trenayr, near Grafton, was probably deliberately lit, say police.

The fre, which incinerated more than 1500 wrecked vehicles, began after 5.30pm on November 29 on a property on Trenayr Rd.

Coffs Clarence Command Acting Superintendent Guy Flaherty said police were looking for a 2000 model white Holden or Mazda dual-cab ute with three or four male occupants, seen near the fre scene at around 5.30pm.

During a press conference at the Coffs Harbour Police Station on November 30 he said detectives believed the ignition point had been outside the premises, but did not elaborate further.

Act Sup Flaherty would not be drawn if the nature of the business, which had only become established as a scrap metal yard in the past 12 months, was a connected to the fre.

He said it was licensed to operate as a scrap metal yard, but would not say if it met NSW Environment Protection Authority guidelines.

The NSW Fire and Rescue Incident Controller at the scene, Erin Rampling, said the fre had posed serious threats to frefghters.

One frefghter received a head injury whilst fghting the blaze. She was admitted to hospital for observation and released.

Mr Rampling said the fre had generated clouds of toxic smoke and due to the nature of the business, was burning in hard to access places.

“Because of the way

the cars had been piled on top of each other it was hard to get a stream of water onto some parts of the fre,” he said.

Mr Rampling said gas bottles stored on site had also caused problems with explosions

trucks forced to relay water from a hydrant and also pump water from a small creek down the hill from the property.

“There were initial fears for a timber mill and a sand blasting business nearby but we

magnesium.

“Because of the plume of toxic smoke from the fre we issued a warning for residents in Grafton to remain indoors.

“Thankfully the prevailed wind was from the South South East,

fre site.

A spokesperson said hydrocarbon booms were deployed to nearby creeks and earth bunds constructed around drainage lines to contain fre water runoff.

She said the EPA

human health and the environment.

“All business operations conducted on land must have an appropriate development consent issued by the local council,” she said.

“The Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997, requires certain activities to hold an Environmental Protection Licence.”

Clarence Valley Council was asked if the business complied with regulations, but it has not replied.

Mr Rampling said the fre was contained around 9pm on November 29 and brought under control around 3am the next day.

He said the success of the operation in containing and controlling the fre from spreading to nearby properties and businesses was due to ability of the Fire and Rescue NSW, the Rural Fire Service, police, ambulance and the EPA to work seamlessly together.

“Each service is reliant on others to bring their best to these situations,” he said.

“Because of this successful collaboration, we were able to bring this incident to a conclusion.”

Police want witnesses or those with information are urged to come forward and contact local police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

occurring regularly as frefghters tried bring the blaze under control.

He said water supply had been an issue with

were able to contain the fre to the site,” he said.

“There were multiple accelerants, including plastics, plus metals like

which pushed the smoke in a northerly direction.”

The EPA attended the scene to manage fre water run-off from the

provided technical advice to frefghters about air and water pollution and control measures to protect

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https:// nsw.crimestoppers.com. au. Information is treated in strict confdence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

Firefighters kept pouring water onto the fire scene during the morning after the blaze at Trenayr last week. In the foreground Environment Protection Authority staff liaise with a firefighter about controlling potentially toxic runoff from entering a nearby creek.

Firefighters kept pouring water onto the fire scene during the morning after the blaze at Trenayr last week. In the foreground Environment Protection Authority staff liaise with a firefighter about controlling potentially toxic runoff from entering a nearby creek.

International ‘lived experiences’ of food recovery on show in Lismore

By MARGARET DEKKER

An exhibition showcasing global food mitigation efforts and achievements has opened in Lismore as a resource – and possible inspiration – for local recovery efforts in the Northern Rivers.

Presented by Southern Cross University in conjunction with the University of Technology Sydney and the Northern Rivers Reconstruction Corporation, the ‘Living Lab’ shopfront on Lark Street in Lismore presents new, global ways of working, recreating, farming, communicating, and living with volatile climates in food prone lands.

“The Living Lab Northern Rivers supports the recovery and resilient rebuilding of the region through research, community engagement, technical and local expertise, and lived experience. Our work is based on a foundation of sustained community

collaboration and the mobilisation of a global network of technical expertise,” Southern Cross University states.

“The Lab will undertake research, creative practice, education, and community engagement and will build capacity across the region.”

Southern Cross University said the multi-disciplinary Living Lab will partner with all levels of government, communities, industry, and educational institutions in its

function.

“The Living Lab will provide an agile and rigorous testing ground for solutions to the complex issues of climate resilient development in the Northern Rivers and will mobilise a diverse range of expertise in support of informed decisionmaking from government through to individual households,” Southern Cross University explained.

The shopfront was offcially opened last week in Lismore,

attended by local dignitaries and community members, where a Memorandum of Understanding was signed.

“This is a longterm effort and a transformative program of work focused on providing a more sustainable outcome for all Northern Rivers communities to remain safe and better cope with natural disasters in the future,” said David Witherdin, CEO Northern Rivers Reconstruction Corp.

Stuart Andrews, specialist trainer in building resilient landscapes, sees the Living Lab as an important information centre for anyone impacted by the foods .. and still affected.

“We need things that bring community together, everybody, but what happens is there’s always just isolated pockets. So, the concentration is, oh

well, the problem’s in Lismore so we’re just focussed on the people of Lismore. Hold on, this affects everybody. How are we going to fx it? By engaging with everybody,” Stuart Andrews, landscape specialist said.

The Living Lab is open Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 1-4pm at 11 Woodlark Street, Lismore.

David Witherdin Northern Rivers Reconstruction Co and Ben Roche SCU sign the Living Lab Memorandum of Understanding

Examples of successful flood mitigation efforts from around the world are on show

The Northern Rivers Times sat down with Danni Wilson, co-owner of Bistro Lili and former Byron Bay local, after her Murwillumbah restaurant took out one of NSW’s top culinary awards for its Spanish-infuenced offering.

NRT: Danni, how did it feel when told Bisto Livi was awarded ‘Best New Restaurant in Regional NSW?’

DW: IT FELT GREAT, WE ALL FEEL INCREDIBLY PROUD OF SUCH AN ACHIEVEMENT IN OUR FIRST YEAR OF BUSINESS.

NRT: What is it about Bistro Livi that makes it so good?

DW: OUR ACCESS TO EXCEPTIONAL PRODUCE FROM THE AREA IS MOST PROBABLY ONE OF THE CORNERSTONES OF WHAT DRIVES US. IT INFORMS A GREAT DEAL OF WHAT WE DO, TREATED SIMPLY, IT REALLY SPEAKS FOR ITSELF. SERVICE IS ALSO INFORMED BY THIS, AS IT WOULD BE REMISS OF US TO REPRESENT THIS PRODUCE IN ANYWAY EXCEPT PROFESSIONAL IN ALL ASPECTS.

NRT: How long has Bistro Livi been running and what was its original motivation to open?

DW: BISTRO LIVI HAS BEEN OPENED

FOR ALMOST A YEAR NOW. OPENING A RESTAURANT HAS ALWAYS BEEN ON THE CARDS FOR NIKKY AND MYSELF. EWEN AND NIKKY HAD WORKED AT MOVIDA IN MELBOURNE FOR ALMOST 7 YEARS TOGETHER AND THE STARS ALIGNED AND WE ALL MADE THE MOVE BACK NORTH.

NRT: What sort of vindication is this award, for Bistro Livi’s effort and resolve to open in this unknown time, postpandemic and with major fooding?

DW: I THINK IT’S NICE JUST TO BE ACKNOWLEDGED FOR THE WORK THAT WE PUT IN AND THE COMMITMENT THAT WE HAVE MADE. THE AWARD HELPS SOLIDIFY WHAT WE HAVE CREATED, WHICH IS WONDERFUL FOR US, BUT ALSO GREAT FOR THE COMMUNITY AS WELL.

NRT: What does this award - and that for Pipit in Pottsville - say of the burgeoning food scene in the Tweed region?

DW: IT IS DEFINITELY A POSITIVE LIGHT TO BE SHED UPON THE UPAND-COMING FOOD SCENE OF THE TWEED SHIRE, WE HAVE A LOT TO BE PROUD OF IN THE AREA.

The Tweed serves up NSW’s Best Regional Restaurants

By MARGARET DEKKER

The Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide Awards have been handed out for another year with remarkably, the state’s top two Regional gongs awarded to restaurants in the Tweed.

It’s a big nod to the northernmost shire’s burgeoning food scene, led by Ben Devlin and Yen Trinh and their contemporary Australian restaurant Pipit in Pottsville which was again named the NSW Regional Restaurant of the Year with Bistro Livi in Murwillumbah named the state’s Best New Regional Restaurant for 2023.

Judges said Pipit with its contemporary Australian cuisine on main Coronation Avenue, was ‘a unique regional experience with exceptional food, wine and service beyond metro city limits.’

Restaurants are scored on food, service, ambience and ‘X-Factor’ with Pipit rated the best in regional New South Wales for its ultra-fresh, ‘hyperlocal’ ingredients and original dishes made from scratch.

Pipit, Pottsville

“House-made salami is one thing, but to make your own blue cheese, fsh bone four, lobster garum, sake, duck ham, squid ink “caviar”, macadamia

tofu and miso? Well, that’s another few levels entirely.

“Husband-and-wife team Ben Devlin and Yen Trinh continue to put sleepy Pottsville on the map with a set menu focused on hyperlocal ingredients, served fermented, wood-fred or just incredibly fresh – you don’t need to do much to a just-picked native raspberry other than serve it on ice with more perfect fruit.

“As Trinh manages the business, Devlin cooks and chats to guests from a sleek open kitchen, explaining the Northern Rivers’ eight seasons (not four) and why you won’t see any lamb or beef on his pass. The food also happens to be bloody tasty too. Sustainability at its most delicious,” Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide judges said.

The restaurant was also awarded ‘two hats,’ one of just three regional restaurants in NSW to do so for 2023.

Bistro Livi Best New Regional Restaurant European-inspired ‘neighbourhood restaurant’ Bistro Livi in Murwillumbah has been named the New Regional Restaurant of the Year in NSW.

“Set in the Art Deco building of Murwillumbah’s Arts Precinct, Livi is a small neighbourhood restaurant run by a passionate and

dynamic team who all share a mutual love of food, wine and good times .. with a small menu of share plates and a drinks list to complement.”

With Spanishinfuenced menus changing daily, each visit to Livi is a new discovery .. with the added assurance of ‘one hat’ now on their front door.

Co-owner Ewen Crawford was head chef at Melbourne institution ‘Movida’ for a decade with Livi’s other co-owners, sisters Nikky and Danni Wilson hailing from the esteemed Carlton Wine Room.

They bring rich elements to their bistro on Brisbane Street, which survived the February food and is back better than before, clearly with this latest, statewide award.

Other Northern NSW restaurants awarded ‘One Hat’

Other restaurants

Local Sport Defibrillator Grant Program

in Northern NSW to receive the Good Food Guide’s ‘one hat’ rating of excellence for 2023 include:

• Beach Byron Bay, Byron Bay

• Ciao, Mate! Bangalow

• Frida’s Field, Nashua

• Lola Dining, Ballina

• Paper Daisy, Cabarita Beach

• Rae’s Dining Room, Byron Bay

• Roco Ramen, Brunswick Heads

• You Beauty, Bangalow

Janelle Saffin MP

Ewen Crawford, Nikky Wilson, Danni Wilson at Bistro Livi, Murwillumbah

Yen Trinh and Ben Devlin at Pipit in Pottsville

Welcome inside award-winning Bistro Livi in Murwillumbah

Photo: Good Food

Save lives with the Local Sport Defbrillator Grant Program

LISMORE MP Janelle Saffn is encouraging incorporated, notfor-proft sports and recreational clubs to apply for the NSW Government’s Local Sport Defbrillator Grant Program.

Ms Saffn says the program is aimed at improving availability and access to Automated External Defbrillators (AEDs) in community sporting and recreational facilities, for use in emergencies involving cardiac arrest.

“Sports have high participation rates across the Northern Rivers and Northern Tablelands regions and this program

has the potential to save lives in the event of an on-feld or on-court emergency,” Ms Saffn says.

“This will help our sporting clubs with the costs of AED packages which may have been prohibitive in the past.”

An AED is a device that is used in conjunction with CardioPulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and delivers a controlled shock to an individual experiencing cardiac arrest, increasing their chances of survival.

A total of $2 million has been allocated over four years (2022-2026) to assist sporting clubs across New South Wales

in the purchase and maintenance of AEDs.

Applicants can request grants for multiple AEDs in a single application to a maximum of three devices, but the maximum grant for each AED cannot exceed $3000.

Each organisation is limited to one application each fnancial year.

The frst round of the program is open and closes at 1pm on Friday, 10 February 2023.

For more information, go to https://www.sport. nsw.gov.au/grants/ local-sport-defbrillatorgrant-program

Diary of a food survivor Part 19

And the world of flatpacks continues

The dining suite did arrive in fve large boxes. I was tempted to just stack each on top of the other and use that as a table, instead of actually putting the pieces together. But we fortifed ourselves with pizza on a Friday night and got the job done.

Did you know that for each item you need to put together, you get a separate allen key?

Currently, the count is at about six of the little buggers. Along with a number of spare screws, washers and the like, that will now settle in that mysterious second kitchen draw, until we could possibly need it for some future project.

The next project to tackle was hanging

curtains. I had gone to K-mart to buy the rods. For those who have watched the Netfix series Superstore, you will appreciate the scene I am about to paint for you. I am no more than 5 feet and one inch and needed to get three very long curtain rods to the counter. I had also chosen two packets of curtains and they were under one arm with the rods under the other. I don’t know how many times I whacked those rods into shelves, tried side stepping other shoppers who were smart enough to get a shopping trolley, dropped my whole bundle and tried to pick them up again while my handbag slipped off my

shoulder. My workout was done for the day.

Our bedroom now has curtains to block out that dreaded morning sun, rather than my sweet husband balancing a pillow to try and keep the rays from burning our eyeballs frst thing.

Now we just have the front rooms to do, which includes my son’s bedroom. He opted out of having the blushcoloured curtains. We have given him free rein to choose his bedroom colours. So far he has opted for white and grey. Slightly pleased it wasn’t bright green and purple but a little bit of colour wouldn’t hurt… surely.

Little steps.

Boots soon to be back on the ground and kicking goals

New 5G Monopole to tower over Kingscliff skyline

By MARGARET DEKKER

By SAMANTHA ELLEY

Woodburn Wolves Football Club is one step closer to using their home ground again after the February and March floods this year.

Thanks to a new state government program designed to restore and improve flood-hit sporting grounds, Woodburn oval will receive some much needed funding.

They are not alone as sporting grounds in Evans Head, Coraki and Casino were also successful in receiving some funding.

Clarence Nationals MP Chris Gulaptis and Richmond Valley mayor Robert Mustow paid a visit on Monday to a number of sporting grounds across the Richmond Valley to announce funding for various different projects.

“My good friend Mayor Mustow and his team were successful in obtaining $1,579,506 from our Sport Priority Needs Progam – that is more than one eighth of the total funding available,” Mr Gulaptis said.

“Key beneficiaries across the Richmond Valley will be cricketers, basketball players and croquet enthusiasts.”

In welcoming the funding, Mayor Robert Mustow said sporting facilities in good condition and with

suitable amenities encouraged more people to be involved in sport, which led to healthier communities.

“Council identified the need for upgrades to a number of local sporting fields and this funding will help refresh these much-used community facilities,” he said. “This is a great investment in community infrastructure.”

Project details are:

• Woodburn Oval. $152,574 for underground irrigation

• Colley Park $495,205 to restore playing surfaces, replace basketball court, upgrade lighting and irrigation.

• Queen Elizabeth Park. $436,199 for new cricket nets and field and drainage upgrade as well as $163,169 for a new shed.

• Stan Payne Oval. $179,456 for new cricket nets and field upgrades.

• Windsor Park. $118,146 for field upgrades and new bollards.

• Casino Croquet Club. $34,757 to upgrade playing services and access/safety improvements.

Councils have until this Friday 9 December to apply for a second round of funding. This can be done online at sports. nsw.gov.au. Mr Gulaptis will announce successful projects for the Clarence Valley Council area over the coming days.

Kingscliff’s skyline is set for a soaring new addition after Tweed Shire Council approved a controversial new telecommunications ‘monopole’ at the town’s highest point, Kingscliff Hill, in a residential area. Councillors voted 5-2 in support of the 31.4 metre, six-panel replacement tower on public land, also next to the town’s water reservoirs on Dinsey Street, (Crs C. Cherry and M. Dennis voted against.) Staff cited better mobile phone service level and coverage in the Kingscliff area and phone reliability especially during emergency events, as key factors supporting the monopole DA, lodged by Telstra.

“As the COVID-19 lockdowns and flood and bushfire events have proven, telecommunication services are essential in the day to day needs of the community including for education and business purposes and access to emergency services,” Tweed Shire Council staff reported. At an additional Council workshop on the project on November 10, staff ruled out the new Tweed Valley Hospital at Cudgen as a possible alternative site for the tower, claiming its ‘natural topography’ could not maintain the same desired service level and coverage as Kingscliff Hill.

“Given the loss of service during the 2022

that service coverage is critical not only to meet the day-to-day needs of residents and local businesses but to also enable access to emergency services when it is most needed,” Tweed Shire Council staff noted.

The new Kingscliff Mobile Phone Base Station Facility would co-host multiple carriers including Telstra, Optus and Vodafone ‘to provide equitable access to services.’

Existing telecommunications infrastructure attached to the water tanks will now be removed as part of the tower replacement project, and a large banksia tree at the site will also go.

Surrounding Kingscliff Hill residents are concerned about health and safety from electromagnetic energy (EME) exposure from the new 5G monopole going ‘in their backyards.’

EME exposure from the new monopole will increase from 6.97% to 7.72% of the 100%

which Council maintains is safe.

“This is an increase of 0.75 percentage point compared to the exposure levels of the existing facility. Council officers are satisfied that the level remains low even with the proposed new facility,” Tweed Shire Council staff reported.

An Aboriginal Heritage Impact statement found the site an Aboriginal Place of Heritage Significance with a burial site located just north of the monopole site with artefacts also found on Kingscliff Hill, however neither Tweed Byron Local Aboriginal Land Council or Heritage NSW objected to the development. In voting against the monopole, Cr Chris Cherry remained concerned about the cultural significance of the site.

“Because of this particular site, because of Kingscliff Hill having aboriginal heritage that it does, because of all the aboriginal items that were

pits and the assessments that have been done, I have a big problem with doing this, I feel there is another solution ..”

Cr Chris Cherry, Mayor Tweed Council said. Both Cr Cherry and a ‘very torn’ Cr Nola Firth noted the unpopular proximity of the 31m new tower to nearby family homes on McPhail Avenue and Faulks Street.

“A 30-metre tower right beside you is not fun,” Cr Firth said before voting in support of it.

Cr James Owen said it was a case of ‘need’ in supporting the new tower; that Kingscliff and in particular the Salt subdivision need it, unpatrolled beaches at the northern end of the Tweed Coast need it, the new hospital, ‘school kids’ and businesses need it, and dire blackspots in the town need to be fixed.

“We live in 2022, we should be able to have good telecommunications facilities and I’m satisfied that the process has been followed sufficiently to address concerns,” Cr James Owen said.

A new Telstra 5G monopole will soon tower over Kingscliff

Nationals’ pre-selection candidate Richie Williamson, incumbent MP Chris Gulaptis and Richmond Valley mayor Robert Mustow.

FINGAL HEAD MUSICIAN WINS SECOND ARIA AWARD

By MARGARET DEKKER

First Nations artist Budjerah Slabb from Fingal Head has taken out Best Soul/R&B Release for his album ‘Conversations’ at this year’s Australian Recording Industry Association/ARIA awards.

Pipping other nominees including Emma Donovan & The Putbacks, Kian and Vanessa Amorosi, the 20-year-old Coodjinburra man from Bundjalung Nation is taking the world by storm while worlds away from his days busking on the Kingscliff foreshore.

“This is amazing, I want to thank my family and so many people, this is number-2, this is crazy, but here we are, I want to dedicate this to all Australia’s R&B Artists, there are so many of us and you guys are so amazing, you bring the heart you bring the soul, and I just love you guys so much, thank you,” Budjerah said when accepting his

second ARIA award in as many years.

On the 6-track ‘Conversations’ EP, Budjerah unites with producer Konstantin Kersting on breakout track “What Should I Do?”

“In 2020, Australia was introduced to the spectacular voice of Budjerah: a new, homegrown kind of R&B star. Possessing song writing ingenuity and old-soul wisdom, it quickly became clear that, for a lot of us, Budjerah was the kind of fgure we’d been missing .. From his earliest releases, Budjerah clearly had spades of talent and a hunger to show just how much he could accomplish ..” critics wrote.

“Budjerah emerges a clear-eyed young

songwriter who’s at turns heartbreaking and heartbroken, lovelorn and headstrong, singing about changing friendships and relationships with the vigour of youth and limpid depth that belies his age ..”

Since the release of Conversations in May, Budjerah’s featured on a remix of Ed Sheeran’s hit single “2Step,” and will support Sheeran on his 2023 stadium tour of Oz after performing to audiences in England, France and North America as special guest for Vance Joy.

Budjerah took out the inaugural Michael Gudinski Breakthrough Artist Award at last year’s ARIAs revealing the late industry icon had opened many doors for him.

By MARGARET DEKKER

Tweed Shire Council has been updated by the Tweed Mall Design Review Panel into the possible redevelopment of the tired old Tweed Mall site into a modern new city centre, complete with 1000 new apartments and extensive retail offering and corporate space.

While the meeting was held in confdence, it indicates progress continues on the planned $180m redevelopment on central Wharf Street, which would transform 5-hectares in the Tweed Heads CBD under a mixed-used masterplan DA currently being drafted by proponents Elanor Investors Group, who purchased the site for $87m earlier this year.

“The mixed-use masterplan is in accordance with planning controls endorsed by the NSW Government and Tweed Shire Council and is expected to be approved

Opening

in 2023,” Michael Baliva, Elanor’s CoHead of Real Estate has stated.

“1,000+ dwellings and other uses (hotel, commercial, retirement living etc) .. will unlock substantial real estate value,” Elanor’s investor fyer stated.

On the drawing board –as previously reported at length by The Northern Rivers Times – is a big residential-commercialretail complex featuring multiple residential towers up to 49.5m or 15 storeys tall. The new centre would be ‘anchored by three strongly-performing supermarkets’ plus everyday-needs tenants and corporate offces in a mixed-use plan on a “strategic coastal ..

and favourably zoned site that presents the opportunity to develop 1,000+ dwellings and new town centre precinct,” Elanor has stated.

The Tweed Mall site is identifed by state and local governments as having signifcant redevelopment potential to become a ‘landmark high density mixed-use precinct’ under the NSW Government’s Tweed Regional City Action Plan 2036, released in April this year.

Tweed Shire Council also identifed the 49-year-old Tweed Mall as “a key site for urban renewal” in its Tweed City Centre LEP 2012. Watch this big changing space..

SPECIALS EXTENDED UNTIL CHRISTMAS

ARIA award winning musician, Budjerah Slabb from Fingal Head

An artist’s interpretation of ‘a new Tweed Heads’ currently in design stage

SMALL STEPS CONTINUE TOWARDS A BIG NEW CITY-CENTRE FOR TWEED HEADS

Nine resilience projects share in Community Building funding

LISMORE MP Janelle Saffn says nine projects aimed at building resilience and hope across our Electorate will share $400,000 in funding under the NSW Government’s Community Building Partnership (CBP) program 2022.

Ms Saffn congratulates all successful recipients on their detailed planning for projects which will improve lives and opportunities within local communities in

Northern Tablelands regions.

“One after another, the challenges of drought, bushfres, fooding and Covid-19 have been thrown at us in recent years, and we have prevailed by pulling together and staying positive,” Ms Saffn says.

“There were so many worthy projects in the running this year so I encourage those who missed out to apply for CBP program funding next year.

“I like to say that all

good ideas eventually fnd their time.”

Successful projects in the Lismore Electorate for the 2022 round are:

· Tenterfeld Swimming Club Incorporated, Tenterfeld Memorial Baths heating upgrade, allowing for year-round training and competition for children and adults -- $150,000.

· Northern Rivers Community Gateway Incorporated, refurbishment of the Community Gateway’s food-damaged hub in Lismore’s Central Business District to ‘build back better’, making the building

more resilient for future major foods -- $93,380.

· Tyalgum Community Hall Association Incorporated, repainting interior of Tyalgum Community Hall, a focal point for residents of the Tweed Valley village still severely impacted by landslips -- $52,230.

· Friends of Ettrick Hall Committee Incorporated, future proofng Ettrick Hall with mains power upgrade, solar panels and air-conditioning units -$32,000.

· Nimbin Community Centre Incorporated, essential repairs to the iconic Birth & Beyond

community building in Cullen Street -- $21,000.

· Murwillumbah Showground Land Manager, construct hardfll pad areas for campers and farmers markets at the foodimpacted showground -- $20,000.

· Woodenbong Progress Association, purchase of two resilience shipping containers for use during times of natural disaster, including bushfres -$18,590.

· Kunghur Rural Fire Brigade, zero-turn mower to maintain twoacre block for brigade facility and training area in bushfre-prone area

-- $7,800.

· Eden Creek Public Recreation & Public Hall Reserve Land Manager, essential repairs to maintain historic hall -$5,000.

Electorate-wide total -$400,000.

The Community Building Partnership program has funded more than 18,000 community projects since it was established by Labor in 2009.

Applications for the 2023 CBP program open in May 2023.

For more information, visit www.nsw.gov.au/ cbp

the Northern Rivers and

Lauren Lavea, Cr Bronwyn Petrie, Janelle Saffin, Tenterfield Memorial Baths

Northern Rivers Community Gateway Hub, Lismore CBD

MOMENTUM COLLECTIVE LAUNCHES A COMMUNITY KINDNESS WALL IN CASINO

WELCOME TO THE GREEN ROOM

By MARGARET DEKKER

Byron Bay’s newest live venue, the aptly-named The Green Room – a play on the word for an entertainers’ waiting room and surfing a barrelling wave – has opened at Tyagarah, north of the legendary music surf town.

in Northern NSW, Momentum Collective proudly revealed its Kindness Wall outside of the Casino Neighbourhood Centre earlier in the morning

The launch welcomed the presence of Richmond Valley’s Mayor Robert Mustow, Councillor Patrick Deegan and over 50 Casino residents.

The famous Kindness Wall was first launched outside Momentum Collective’s Tweed Heads Head Office during winter this year. After receiving much positive feedback from community members, the for-purpose organisation decided to take this community initiative to Casino just ahead of the

festive season.

The meaningful project will allow residents and business owners to support those in need and give back to the community.

Momentum Collective’s Service Manager of Community and Clients Services, Fiona Miller, supports this initiative after witnessing the effects of the recent pandemic and the flooding events earlier this year.

“Our team has seen a substantial need for a community initiative like the Kindness Wall in our Casino community which is available 24/7. With the perfect motto, “Leave one if you can. Take one if you need”, the wall provides an opportunity for people who can to

help and a great way for people in need to have some essential items.”

As the holiday season approaches, local residents increasingly require extra support for essential items such as food and summer clothing. Donated goods will provide relief and directly impact the community’s less fortunate members.

“We are asking local business owners and residents to support this initiative and help people in need,” said Ms. Miller.

The Kindness Wall is located at Momentum Collective’s Casino Neighbourhood Centre at 138 Canterbury Street, Casino, and is available 24/7.

The Green Room marks the return at last of a 1500-personcapacity, live-music venue, to one of the nation’s music meccas.

Aussie multiinstrumentalist, surfer, activist and Bluesfest regular Xavier Rudd launched the new space before a captivated sold-out crowd of 1500 on November 26, supported by Bobby Alu.

“I was stoked to launch the Green Room, Byron. It’s a great space and people were super excited to be there. There will be so many nights of great music to come, so I feel honoured to have played the first vibration foundations,”

said.

“We’ve needed a venue of this size and vibe for years, and I have no doubt that many more artists will play this mighty venue as they should,” he added.

Construction of The Green Room Byron Bay was completed earlier this year at ‘Byron Events Farm’ located on the Bluesfest Site at Tyagarah, with permission to hold up to 100 events per year.

Previously, The Arts Factory in Byron Bay – also remembered by long-time Byron locals as The Piggery – hosted mid-sized shows for then-emerging artists as various as The

“I hope that The Green Room will recreate the vibe that music events in Byron have brought for countless years and Saturday night at The Green Room really did,” Peter Noble Bluesfest Director said.

The Hon Ben Franklin MLC Minister for the Arts, Youth, Indigenous Affairs and Tourism visited the site on Sunday, November 27, to officially open The Green Room.

“This region has desperately needed a venue like this for decades!” he said.

Xavier Rudd musician

Ramones, Crowded House, the Violent Femmes, Buddy Guy, Canned Heat and The Wailers.

Artist and activist Xavier Rudd opened The Green Room at Tyagarah on Nov 26

TO LOOK A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas

season colours, and decorations have gone up in Alma, Wollumbin and Murwillumbah (Main) streets in Murwillumbah.

Banners decorated with Christmas and holiday messages and artwork by students at Cudgen Public, Kingscliff Public and St Anthony’s

The Christmas spirit has been lit across the Tweed, with lights, banners and street decorations going up around the Shire this week.

In Tweed Heads, the border marker has been illuminated with joyful Christmas images that will change for New

Year’s Eve. Street banners and decorations have also been installed on light poles from Florence Street to Wharf Street. The lights on Murwillumbah Bridge have been changed to festive

primary schools last year will be installed again on picnic shelters in Rowan Robinson Park at Kingscliff.

Like many in the community, Mayor of Tweed Shire Chris Cherry is looking forward to the festive season in the Tweed.

“After such a challenging few years of border closures and flooding, it’s wonderful

to see the decorations go up and we start to feel that little bit of magic in the air,” Cr Cherry said.

“We hope it brings some festive cheer to our community and is the start of a relaxing holiday season.

“Let’s all take a moment to celebrate everything that we have in our beautiful Shire, with our families and friends,” she said.

Council would like to thank local businesses Wilsons Displays and Elfords Energy for their assistance with installing the decorations and banners.

To find out where Christmas festivities and activities will be happening across our community, visit whatsontweed.com. au.

Alex Kammerdkan from Elfords Energy spreads the Christmas cheer while putting up the decorations in Murwillumbah.

The Border Marker at Tweed Heads is looking festive.

The lights on the Murwillumbah Bridge are glowing green and red to celebrate the season.

Richmond Valley on the move – progressive planning for sustainable growth

RICHMOND Valley Council is seeking community feedback on two key strategic documents - the draft Richmond Valley Growth Management Strategy and Casino Place Plan.

Council’s General Manager Vaughan Macdonald said given the impacts of the 2022 floods and the challenges of maintaining and attracting employees and restoring normal supply chains across the Northern Rivers, these plans made the case for urgent Federal and State government support to facilitate the growth of the Richmond Valley to assist the region’s reconstruction efforts.

Mr Macdonald said Council would continue to liaise with both the Federal and State governments, as well as the Northern Rivers Reconstruction Corporation, to seek their funding support to realise the growth path these documents set, which would go a long way to easing the housing crisis currently gripping the Northern Rivers region.

He said Council would also seek support to fast track infrastructure planning, and design and development approvals to speed up recovery for Richmond Valley communities.

“The Richmond Valley is a great place to invest, with a progressive community and consistent Council committed to supporting sustainable economic development and

growth,” Mr Macdonald said.

“Over the past year, Council has been working in partnership with Regional NSW to prepare pathways to deliver housing and jobs in the Richmond Valley.

“Completion of these two strategic documents marks an important milestone in this process.”

Urban Growth Management Strategy

The Urban Growth Management Strategy identifies Casino’s critical role in anchoring and advancing the regional economy and disaster proofing the Northern Rivers, given the constraints on land in the Coraki, Woodburn, Broadwater, Rileys Hill and Evans Head areas.

Mr Macdonald said Council, through this Growth Management Strategy, was providing strong leadership as to the nature and location of growth and its willingness to carry its weight in supporting the development of the Northern Rivers region.

“The NSW Government has set a target of 127,000 new homes across regional communities over the next 10 years and the Richmond Valley can contribute significantly to this growth,” he said.

“With a population of 23,550, this Growth Strategy sets a target of 4100 additional people by 2041. This can be realised by a combination of strategic government investment and attracting willing

investors to our Valley, supported by reliable and progressive Council decision making and investment.

“Both these ingredients are in place and this Strategy outlines what can be achieved with an additional dwelling demand of 2600 lots by 2041, with most of this to be delivered within and around Casino, given environmental constraints as we move east through the Richmond River valley.”

Mr Macdonald said outlining the future pattern and rate of development in the Richmond Valley was critical to ensure the community and Council were aware of how demands on infrastructure and the environment could be aligned with land use and growth.

“Population growth must be sustainable and managed to maintain and enhance the quality of life and amenity enjoyed by residents and visitors alike,” he said.

“Thoughtful planning will identify the right growth for all areas of the Valley so we can attract new residents, businesses and services which add to our community.

“Current projects, including the Casino Memorial Pool upgrade, Showground redevelopment, recent public place improvements in all communities, as well as region-building projects like the Northern Rivers Rail Trail, will attract more people to the

region.”

Casino Place Plan

Mr Macdonald said the draft Casino Place Plan was the first of several for the urban centres of the Richmond Valley.

“The Casino Place Plan is the starting point for a program of work which will respond to future changes, as well as helping the community embrace opportunities and respond to challenges,” he said.

“The Place Plan looks at Casino and its surrounds in a holistic way to identify measures to be prioritised in the short-term, as well as establishing next steps to support longer-term change.”

Key outputs of the Casino Place Plan include:

• A physical vision for the town for the next 20 years, including a clear boundary to manage growth.

• 10 directions and a set of actions to manage and deliver growth.

• Actions and investment opportunities to enhance the appearance, connectivity, useability and liveability of Casino and surrounds.

Mr Macdonald said the Richmond Valley community was a progressive and positive community which embraced change and Council was looking forward to residents having their say on the growth pathways outlined in these documents.

“This is an important

conversation we want residents to be a part of,” he said.

“Through reading these documents and participating in the community engagement sessions to be held in February, residents will have the opportunity to provide input that will help shape the Growth Management Strategy and Casino Place Plan and our community’s approach to how we should grow in the decades to come.”

Both documents were produced in conjunction with the Richmond Valley Regional Job Precinct Master Plan, which is due for release early next year.

The Draft Richmond Valley Growth Management Strategy and Draft Casino Place Plan are now on exhibition. Any person may make a written submission with respect to these documents by one of the following methods:

• Email to council@ richmondvalley.nsw.gov. au

• Fill out a Make a Submission form on Council’s website

• By postforwarded to the General Manager, Richmond Valley Council, Locked Bag 10 Casino NSW 2470

• Delivery to Council’s administration centres in Casino and Evans Head

Submissions close 4pm, Tuesday 28 February.

CHOICES:

Funerals stunning all incl. with cremation $5800

Church/outdoor all venues

No service Cremation with anointing $2800

Home Funerals a specialty Intimate true life changing Home Vigils $1350

End of Life doula/Death Planning fears & legacy

Vaugn McDonald - General Manager of Richmond Valley Council

Local Byron Bay-based company, Off the Rails is the largest retailer and supplier of reclaimed railway sleepers on the East Coast of Australia.

The business is built on sourcing and salvaging reclaimed and recycled materials for the building industry, including Railway Sleepers, Reclaimed Bridge Timbers, and many other Railway-associated products.

Off the Rails were recently recognised as a Northern Rivers 2022 regional business awards fnalist for Excellence in Sustainability. Owner and Managing Director Julian Simpson says the use of reclaimed timber has hit an all-time high. “The business has rapidly grown, and we are currently investigating the potential of exporting to the South Pacifc and Asia—supplying prestige builders and landscapers.”

The business is leading the way with their sustainability initiatives. With millions of tonnes per year of timber going to landfll, they are proud to be playing a role in reducing those fgures.

“We have a zerowaste policy, whereby nothing goes to landfll - all our materials are 100% recycled and reused.

INITIATIVES IN THE BYRON SHIRE!

and their potential uses are limitless. The knowledge that they are

commercial and residential projects in the Northern Rivers.

“I continually aim to enlighten our customers and form alliances with as many businesses as possible to advocate the effect of choosing reclaimed in replace of new timber and what that will have on people’s lives today and in the future.”

This year, we have already reached a target of reducing 2,400 tonnes of landfll, securing 31,500 railway sleepers previously destined for landfll which is equivalent to 100 semitrailer loads,” he says.

Having lived in the area for over 25 years, Julian has seen mass development occur,

inspiring him to encourage change in the building material industry and its practices for a more sustainable outcome.

“Our products, specifcally our railway sleepers, are in high demand as they can last a lifetime. They are versatile and attractive,

reclaimed makes them a sustainably sound choice for all our customers,” he says.

OTR has been a driving force in encouraging and supplying over 100 businesses with reclaimed and sustainable timber including an array of high calibre of

Year on year, Julian constantly adapts OTR’s business operations, expanding on its innovative methods for improving overall sustainable excellence. “I always think about what is going to be the best possible outcome for everyone involved – the community, my business and future generations.

Making sure that we can collectively create a push towards a healthier future for our environment,” he concludes.

OFF THE RAILS, LEADING THE WAY FOR THEIR SUSTAINABILITY

Julian Simpon OTR

FUEL PRICES

Why are fuel prices so high? Why is diesel petrol now dealer than unleaded fuel? Why has gas prices tripled in past 2 decades?

Answer is quite simple, greed!!! Corp greed, big businesses taking advantage of a necessary commodity, fuel. Fuel for transport, fuel for farming, fuel for oversea travel, the list is endless. What does the government do? Nothing? What does NRMA and ACCC do? Nothing but tell us already what we know, price hikes on public holidays and school holidays, the price cycle we already know about.

But why is diesel more expensive than unleaded fuel? It was my understanding that diesel is a less refined product than unleaded! So, it should be cheaper, correct? Answer is plain and simple greed, extra profits, extra diesel cars, and trucks on

the road now, bigger demand means greater dependence, i.e., price gauging.

Big business and service station owners tell us theirs no money in selling fuel, bs! If that’s so, why is there new petrol stations still opening? You’d have to sell a lot of drinks and chocolates within a service station to make money?

Why do servos around our country, states, and

local areas have different prices? Especially different prices within the same suburb or next suburb. Why do petrol prices instantly rise when crude oil prices rise? But takes weeks for the prices to drop?

If these big Corp organisations cared about the environment, why did they buy out the patent to vehicles running on water 50years ago?

While you have humans, you’ll always have power and greed. Plus, the petrol companies need to make up for lost of sales due to covid, and electric vehicles on their way.

Shop around, and support the smaller independent service station stores, small profit margins, and monies are reinvested back into our local economic.

Luke O’Neill Alstonville

FOURTH AGEING WOODEN BRIDGE REPLACED, SIX TO GO

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway and Lismore City Mayor Steve Krieg today opened the new Sexton Bridge at Monaltrie which was replaced to improve safety for motorists and the community. Our specialist Bridge Crew replaced the ageing wooden bridge with a new 16.1m x 7.2m single span concrete structure. This new structure founded on concrete driven piles has been designed and constructed to achieve a 100-year design life while improving its flood immunity and safety for local farmers and truck drivers.

“This is great news for our community. The new bridge will ensure that our farmers can get their produce to markets and improves the connectivity across our whole Local Government Area,” he said.

“Importantly, Council has ‘Built Back Better’ by improving the resilience of the bridge to flooding.”

Council has its own bridge construction and maintenance crew which have the knowledge and experience to deliver construction projects, as well as maintain our existing timber bridge networks which is a specialist skill.

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said the bridge was the fourth of ten aging wooden bridges Council replaced thanks to $11 million from the Fixing Country Bridges program.

“Our government is getting on with the job of building infrastructure to better withstand extreme weather events and protect our supply chain,” Mr Farraway said.“With each bridge replaced, we’re opening up more efficient routes for heavy vehicles from freight to the local school bus. Improving access for locals, farmers and freight companies helps them to reduce costs.”

Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin

congratulated Council’s Capital Works Engineer Steve Bennetts and his specialist bridge crew on a job well done, particularly betterment to cope with future flood events.

“The new Sexton Bridge at Monaltrie is a major improvement for local motorists who use Gundurimba Road as an access road in and out of Lismore.

Bridges connect people to services and community,” Ms Saffin said.

“I look forward to six more timber bridges being replaced with concrete structures under the Fixing Country Bridges program.”

This project has helped support 20 local jobs over the three months construction was carried out, including five full-time positions.

Council, and our Bridge crew, would like to thank the owners of the surrounding properties for their patience and understanding during construction.

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

ADOPT-A-FAMILY

THE JOY OF GIVING.

For many years now our wonderful local community has been involved in Adopting a Family for Christmas. e gi of giving, thanks to the generosity of many locals families that don’t have a lot of support around them or are signi cantly disadvantaged this program gives them special moments that they would have never been able to have. Please contact one of the many Community Organisationsthat are involved this year to o er to make a di erence in a families life.

We ask presents not to be wrapped as this allows for carers/parents to be apart of the special process. Hamper/Vouchers such as local supermarkets/cinema/swimming pool is also suggested.

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

It’s almost Christmas time and you know what that means — Whiteman Creek potter Geoff Crispin is opening up his studio for its annual sale.

The highly regarded potter whose works can be seen in gallery and private collections across Australia and overseas, marked this year with a solo exhibition Focus on Bowls in Brisbane with a range of his works on display from his now retired large kiln and his new smaller wood-fred unit.

He also contributed to a number of solo shows which was a refreshing change after the COVID hiatus and recent fooding that impacted greatly on the creative industries in the Northern Rivers region.

The Powerhouse Museum also invited Crispin to participate in a seminar associated with its huge “clay stories” exhibition featuring more than 600 pieces. This presentation focused on the contributions of Ivan McMeekin to the development of Australian studio ceramics with an emphasis on his development of wood-fred kilns and the seminal Indigenous ceramics program started in the late 1960s.

Crispin has continues to contribute to publications worldwide and continues his work with Indigenous groups locally (he more recently hosted a workshop on wood-fring) and in the Northern Territory.

Crispin fred up his kiln a few times this year to release new lines of his distinctive Whiteman Creek porcelain and stoneware refecting fames on unglazed surfaces, as well as blue and green celadon glazes. There is also a range of chun, copper red, ash and white glazes are combined with carving, futing and sgraffto decoration.

These are all available a the Christmas sale.

Crispin uses many local raw materials incorporated in his pots, which are crushed, ground, sieved and mixed to make both clay bodies and glazes.

Gift-giving doesn’t get anymore locally-made than that.

Geoff Crispin’s Whiteman Creek Studio is located on 50 acres and has now been declared a conservation zone under the biodiversity trust. Visitors will be able see the many protected birds, animals and plants, and if you are lucky, some of the endangered species who call this habitat home.

The Whiteman Creek Studio annual Christmas Sale is on this weekend December 10-11, 10am to 5pm both Saturday and Sunday.

A number of road points will be signposted for direction. The studio is approx. 23kms northwest of Grafton on the road to Copmanhurst.

Ge f Crispin’s

BE THE REASON SOMEONES SMILES THIS CHRISTMAS

STORY by Lesley Apps

Lawrence Museum volunteer honoured at the 2022 IMAGinE awards

Roslyn ‘Roz’ Jones was recognised at the awards for her contribution to the museum and gallery sector with an Individual Volunteer Acknowledgment award.

Roz was born in Norfolk, United Kingdom, and served in the Royal Navy as an air mechanic and photographer, prior to emigrating to Australia.

After living and having busy career in Adelaide and Sydney, Jones moved to rural New South Wales.

She began volunteering at the Lawrence Museum in 2014, where she has been Vice President for the past 6 years. Her dynamic leadership oversaw the major redevelopment of the Lawrence Museum, including a new twostory wing and the redevelopment of the Museum’s original radio transmission building. In her time with the

Museum, Roz has developed many valuable partnerships including a relationship with ABC Radio and championed the Museum as a community hub, winning a 2021 IMAGinE award for Innovation and Resilience.

Roz Jones is dynamic, far sighted and tenacious at seeing the possibilities and projects that support the Museum and her local community.

The IMAGinE awards promote and strengthen the NSW museum and gallery sector. They honour best practice education programs, outreach projects, exhibitions, collection management projects and achievements of individuals.

Brett Adlington, CEO, Museums & Galleries of NSW said, the IMAGinE awards highlight the depth of commitment museums, artist run spaces, regional galleries,

historical societies, Aboriginal Cultural Centres and large cultural institutions have in

supporting the cultural needs of their respective communities. In 2022 we witnessed

a growing number of organisations that are working closely with their communities and audiences to ensure the relevancy of their programs at the local level.

The IMAGinE Awards are a timely reminder of the crucial role our sector plays in supporting the wellbeing and liveability of our communities.

Our museums, galleries and Aboriginal cultural centres foster dialogue and connections, provide space for learning and engagement, seek to honour our First Nations culture and offer space for quiet contemplation.

The ongoing environmental challenges being faced across the country also highlight the urgent need to consider the protection of our shared cultural heritage. Again, projects we have seen this year illustrate the seriousness with which many organisations take this responsibility.

While I would like to congratulate the winners of the 2022 IMAGinE Awards, I would also like to acknowledge the incredible work of the entire sector, and in particular, that of the volunteer-led sector.

Joan Kelly, Roz Jones, Robert Forbes & Niomi-Sands

volunteer-led sector

emotion…by Nigel Dawe

Life Lessons: ‘Penny’ Paine –creating a taste for sweetness

ABOVE the desk of a certain boss, I had many years ago was a sign that read, “Silence is the only substitute for brains.”

Thus, me being ponderous and perhaps nowhere near as subdued as I should’ve been on my very frst day, blurted “but explanation is the only proof.” Let’s just say I didn’t exactly endear myself in my new surrounds.

What got me refecting on this exchange was an odyssey I’ve undertaken recently to watch as many old classic flms as possible. While some have been far more miss than hit, each one without exception has shone an incredible light on the gender stereotypes that we’ve been exposed to for decades.

Particularly the aloof and vaguely distant male leading character, from Charlton Heston to Carey Grant and Marlon Brando, it’s no wonder that men for several decades have ‘thought’ that being silent was an acceptable or smart way to get through our days. The result has been the proliferation of generations of emotional cripples. Men unable to adequately express themselves or access places within themselves that might just bring about a deep connection with others, not to mention their very own self.

The German author Eckhart Tolle once interestingly said, “Emotion arises at the place where mind and body meet. It is the body’s reaction to your mind — or you might say, a refection of your mind in the body.” It is no less the instigator, albeit the connector or creator of heightened rationalities and responsibilities. As such, the origin of the word ‘emotion’ comes from the Latin ‘emotus’

which means ‘to move out, move away, stir up.’

That the word ‘motion’ comprises the bulk of the expression and concept that we refer to as ‘emotion’ is another clue to the subtle intricacies that some people either catch, like a train departing from a station, or one they miss entirely.

Relatedly, the writer Vera Nazarian once said, “We are all glorifed motion sensors. Some things only become visible to us when they undergo change.” As tongue-in-cheek as this observation was perhaps intended, it does capture something inherent to how we directly notice what takes place around us.

Or as Blaise Pascal once quite literally discerned, “Our nature consists in motion; complete rest is death.”

As such, being available emotionally, and not just physically or mentally is the most effective way to ensure our lives are lived as expansively as possible. There is no more assured means to getting the most out of life than being aware of our emotions, and then trying to refne them every step of the way. Which echoes the thoughts of Germany Kent, “Don’t live the same day over and over again and call that a life. Life is about evolving mentally, spiritually, and emotionally.”

Maybe the one indestructible key to getting through to emotionally detached ‘leaders’ that think (if that is even the right word) entire countries and systems of power are there for their own personal gain and glory, is for the rest of us to parrot in absolute unison the old German proverb, “Those that will not hear must be made to feel.”

For those of us of a certain vintage, there is no recollection better than the thrill of bounding into a corner shop with a handful of small change (or with an empty coke bottle or two) and getting a bag of mixed lollies. Freckles, pineapples, caramel swirls – nothing conjures the innocent wonder of childhood more than the thought of these delectable treats.

For proud Maclean resident Cheryl ‘Penny’ Paine, she has now made a vocation out of selling confectionery of every kind to the young and the ever-young at heart. Known by many in her local community as the previous owner of ‘Penny Farthing Antiques’ for over 30-years, Penny recently came out of retirement with her ‘Penny’s Sweet Tooth’ shop in River Street, Maclean.

Born in the far western

NSW town of Dubbo, Cheryl became known as ‘Penny’ as a legacy, if not a beautiful tribute to her great-grandfather who was the frst man to ride a penny farthing bicycle from Dubbo all the way to Lithgow. Not to be outdone, her grandfather a generation later went on to record the fastest time on a pushbike between the same two towns.

With the identical tenacity and drive as her forebears, Ms Paine said, “My work ethic comes from my father. To this day I’m still up at 4am every day. After moving from Dubbo my family lived in Lismore and we then came to Maclean in 1968, I am one of eight daughters. My dad started the frst tyre service in this area.

“My husband and two sons are my greatest inspirations. I am so grateful for everything I have and all the

opportunities I’ve had, and this town is just so full of beautiful people.”

When asked what advice she might give to her 15-year-old self, Ms Paine said, “Understand how beautiful you are, never settle for less, and don’t ever be afraid to be more confdent. Just run with life and show no fear. Once the words are spoken you can’t take them back.”

By nature, human beings have had a penchant for sweet tasting things, there is evidence to suggest that as long ago as 2000 BC the Egyptians were making sweets by mixing honey with fruit and nuts. Incredibly, the global market for confectionery today is currently US$235.5 billion per annum, in Australia alone we spend around $483 million each year on chocolates and confectionery.

The frst candy bar

as we know it was created in Britain back in 1847, and by 1900 Hershey’s had started mass-producing milk chocolate. Toblerone frst emerged in 1908, and quick to follow was a myriad of products that we still see today. For example, the iconic Jelly Babies were launched in 1918 as ‘Peace Babies’ to mark the end of the First World War.

Which sets a wonderful Charlie and the Chocolate Factorylike backstory to how Penny entered the confectionery fray, “My husband and I took a trip to Tasmania post-Covid and I noticed every lolly store there had the most people in them. I then came back and felt almost like a non-person (in retirement).” Thus, a new calling had dawned for Penny – to bring joy to people through the creation of a one-stop shop for all things sweet.

Activating

GREEN ALERT ISSUED AFTER BLUE-GREEN ALGAE DETECTED AT CLARRIE HALL DAM

Tap water in the Tweed not affected

Visitors are being warned not to undertake recreational activities or eat fsh caught at Clarrie Hall Dam after low levels of blue-green algae were detected at the site.

Council today issued a green alert for blue-green algae at the dam – the Tweed’s main water storage facility. However, tap water remains safe to drink and bathe in throughout the Tweed.

Council’s Water and Wastewater operations manager Brie Jowett said the green alert means blue-green algae is present in low densities in the dam.

“The NATA-accredited Tweed Laboratory Centre has found evidence in the dam of the algal species which is capable of producing toxin,” Mrs Jowett said.

“Council’s water treatment processes are very robust – we remove blue-green algae from

the water when blooms occur, so our tap water remains perfectly safe to drink and bathe in.”

Blue-green algae occurs naturally and can reproduce quickly in still or slow-fowing water when it is warm and sunny, and the water is

nutrient-rich.

Affected dam water may appear to have a green, paint-like scum on the water, near the edges, or greenish clumps throughout the water. It can also have a musty odour.

Warning signs will

be erected at the dam wall and Crams Farm to inform the public of the presence of blue-green algae and any potential risks.

Mrs Jowett said Council was taking a precautionary approach and advising against

recreational activities in the dam.

“At this time, we advise residents and visitors not to come into contact with dam water and not to eat fsh from the dam,” she said.

“If you come into contact with the algae,

rinse it off with fresh water and seek medical advice if symptoms appear.”

Council will increase testing to twice a week within Clarrie Hall Dam to monitor the algae bloom.

Tweed Shire Council has issued a green alert for blue-green algae at Clarrie Hall Dam. Tap water in the Tweed remains safe to drink and bathe in

“

OUR KIDS CALENDAR 2023: ‘I SAW A FLOOD’

IT’S THE ‘NEED’ Leems..NOT the ‘WANT’ Ooooh..how exciting, it’s time for me, ‘Leemo Cat’ to give ‘Mum Jane’ my ‘Christmas Wish List.’ This is a V.I.P. event (specially for me) ‘cos I get to list all the things I want and ‘expect’ to get. So, I called for a meeting with Mum & we agreed to have it to-day!! Whoohoo! I most certainly have my ‘Wish List’ prepared, and to keep on her good side I did ‘suck up’ stuff and made her ginger shortbread and a cup of tea!! Whoohoo, I’m on a winner. We sat at table. The ‘Grumpy One’ (Mum!) spoke. ‘OK Leems, please read me, one item at a time, slowly, things on your Christmas ‘Wish List’. Oooh, the excitement, I kinda almost had a cat wee but ‘held it in’.

So, I started, ‘Mum my most beloved adorable persona in the whole world, here it is. My meagre ‘Christmas Wish List’. OMG…before I could start she called the meeting to a halt and informed me SHE had something to say that was most important and of which I should take note. (This feels portentous!) ‘Leems, before you start reading out your list, I want you to keep in mind that be it cat, puppy or crocodile & humans, all should only wish or ask for what they NEED…NOT WHAT THEY WANT..gottit?’

I knew it, she has to go spoil things. Ooooh, what now? Ponder time.

OH NO, she had more beastie stuff to say. ‘And, Leems, please leave the following right off your list. Due to our (and everyone’s) budgetary constraints at present there will be no more plush blankies, stuffed toys, that expensive food you

like, a motorised mouse, extra ‘Bluey Episodes’ on TV, your own ‘Cat News’Radio, air-con. in your room, a cruise with your buddies & so on. Do you understand? Keep it simple & $ modest please Leems.’ Crikey..what a bummer, I had my heart set on a motorised mouse to take on the cruise..we could have created mayhem with other passengers. What to do? I reluctantly asked Mum what she (Scrooge McJane) would suggest. She gave me a hug, took a deep breath, and told me to listen quietly. ‘Leems, are you aware that every year there is a day which is called ‘R-U-OK’ day?’ NUP, I was not and I told her so ‘cos I’m just not interested. I envisaged my alluring ‘Wish List’ disappearing like Santa up a chimney.

‘Hmm’ Mum said, ‘well Leems, I want you to think about this R-UOK day starting right now. Instead of thinking about what YOU want and expect all the time, think about other humans & cats who don’t even know what a ‘Wish List’ is, let alone have anyone to provide stuff for them. How ‘bout you start asking others ‘R-U-OK’ at least every day, and in return you will feel sooo good! How does that sound to you?’ Well, to be most honest, my response would contain most rude words. I stayed mute. What happened to my Christmas ‘Wish List’ meeting pray tell? Mum spoke again. ‘Leems, tell me just one nifty thing in your heart, you truly want off your List and I’ll organise it!! (Crikey, she is really dumb sometimes!) ‘OK Mum, I want you to take me hot air ballooning with treats & stuff.. how’s that sound?” She fainted but not before she said ‘DON’T

FORGET THE CWA DAY BRANCH Fundraiser Stall at Bunnings Lismore on Thursday 8th Dec. in the AFTERNOON’ I’m outta here before she wakes up. Chuckly purrsies, Leemo.

To mark the 21st annual Our Kids calendar, photographer Jacklyn Wagner this year photographed local children who have needed medical attention or ongoing hospital care due to the February and March foods across Northern NSW.

Jacklyn captured each child together with a cherished item that survived the food.

with her special bunny, Bub Bun, given to her by her great-aunt. Brielle suffered an asthmatic attack during the food, and was isolated with her family for a week.

This year the money raised from the calendar will go towards a ‘Giraffe Infant Resuscitation and Warmer’ for Lismore Base Hospital’s

Rhonda Armistead from Armistead Picture Framing.

A beautifully framed version also hangs in the foyer of Lismore Base Hospital for twelve months, after which it is gifted to the featured child’s family at the following year’s launch.

Soren, Shaun and Rhonda’s businesses were inundated with food water and they

Due to our sponsors’ generosity, the full cost of calendar production is covered, allowing all monies raised through sales to go directly to Our Kids.

The calendar is on sale from today, 30 November at a retail price of $20.00.

Calendars are available online at https:// www.ourkids.org.au/

Jacklyn said it was a privilege to continue to be a part of this project.

“The calendar project is a massive body of work, but this year, in particular, it has been incredible; so many local children have lost everything and have a story,” Jacklyn said.

Violet is one of the children photographed. Her family were rescued from their roof and taken via a boat to the evacuation centre, where they stayed for several days. Violet is very proud of rescuing Rainbow Dash, a toy pony which she loves dearly.

Brielle is photographed

Children’s Ward, which assists with safe, effective resuscitation that provides warmth and care to very sick babies.

Since 2003, over 250 children have been photographed and celebrated by the Our Kids Calendar team who have worked together for 21 years.

Photographer Jacklyn Wagner, local graphic designer Soren Hjorth from Lismore’s Graphiti Design, and Shaun McGuiness from Lismore City Printery ensure the calendar is printed with the best result. The team has also expanded to include

have worked hard to reopen. The Our Kids offce was also fooded to the roof, and the team has recently moved back in.

This year’s sponsors are extra special, as every one of them was also affected by the food. Our sponsors are: Be Seen Eyewear, Goonellabah Medical Centre, McDonalds, North Coast Radiology, Richmond Waste, Southern Cross University, WCA Accountants, Westpac Bank, Richmond Sand and Gravel, Hurford Hardwood, Lismore City Printery and North Coast Petroleum.

calendars-purchase.php and from outlets across the Northern Rivers:

LISMORE: Book Warehouse, McDonalds, IGA Goonellabah, Lismore Base Hospital

CASINO: McDonald Pharmacy

KYOGLE: Kyogle Pharmacy, Kym Malwakin Dentist

LENNOX HEAD: Lennox Head Pharmacy

BALLINA: Be Seen Eyewear, East Ballina Foodworks.

If you are looking a bulk order for your clients, workplace or family, please contact the Our Kids offce on 6620 2705 or info@ ourkids.org.au.

Our Kids Calendar - Jahkaiden Anderson

Our Kids calendar -Brielle Writer

Leemo has views on just about anything”

BRUXNER UPGRADE A WIN BUT SAFETY MEASURES COME FIRST

LISMORE MP Janelle Saffn has welcomed Transport for NSW’s confrmation that planning is underway for a major upgrade of the Bruxner Highway between Goonellabah and Wollongbar, but says interim safety measures are needed now.

“A total of $8.51 million in Federal and State fund ing will assess a range of options, including con structing dual carriageway on a new alignment, and it cannot come soon enough,” Ms Saffn says.

“This was my orig inal suggestion and a good outcome from my concerted lobbying of former NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole, which began in mid-2020.

“However, I’ve written to current Minister Sam Farraway MLC, noting that the planning phase may take years and that interim safety measures

are needed now.”

In announcing the plan ning money, Transport for NSW stated: “A key section of the highway is between Sneaths Road, Wollongbar, and Kadina Street, Goonellabah, which has a fatal and se rious injury crash rate that is more than eight times

higher than similar roads across the State and we must bring this down.”

Ms Saffn has told Minister Farraway that local residents continue to contact her with concerns about the larger volumes of traffc and the speeds at which some motorists travel on this section,

particularly on approaches to the notorious Alphadale crossroads.

“Many locals are appre hensive about using this intersection and avoid it, detouring for many extra kilometres on country roads to make safer journeys to Lismore and hinterland, or to Ballina

and the coast,” Ms Saffn says.

“A speed zone review, which I pushed for via the Lismore City Council Traffc Committee, was undertaken over the past two years but appears to have languished, no action taken.

“I believe the speed

limit needs to be reduced to 60 kilometres from 80 kilometres. I have sought from Minister Farraway a written report on the outcome of that review.”

Ms Saffn says locals feel a dual carriageway realignment, bypassing the crossroads, is so far away that the NSW Government should con struct a roundabout at this intersection if it is serious about bringing the fatal and serious injury crash rate down.

Lismore City Council several times in the past applied for State funding to build a roundabout but none met with success despite the terrible and well-documented carnage there, she says.

Ms Saffn says she has again raised the urgent need for reducing the speed limit and building a roundabout as interim safety measures which could save lives and peo ple from being seriously injured.

The NSW Government is providing over $190 million worth of Back to School NSW Vouchers as part of the Savings Finder program. Vouchers can be used to purchase school uniforms, prescribed textbooks, stationery, lunch boxes, drink bottles and more at eligible businesses. Check your eligibility and register today.

Don’t miss out, vouchers can be redeemed at a business like yours from December 2022.

GET A BOOST FOR YOUR BUSINESS

A Garden Experience

At Aura Gardens Nursery, we carry a broad range of plants suitable for all garden and indoor designs. From the native lover to the indoor enthusiast, we’re confdent we can fnd the perfect plant for you. We have many and varied

tropicals, grasses and climbers, perennials, natives, fruit trees and much much more.

There are some wonderful christmas gifts instore and Christmas Gift Vouchers available so your loved one

can choose their own.

We are proudly part of the Border Clay Trail with Local artists showing their amazing contemporary ceramic designs in our nursery.

Pop in and take a look

Have your garden spick and span for Christmas. Lupa Lawn and Garden provides professional lawn mowing and gardening services within the Northern Rivers region.

Our services include mowing for both larger lawns and acreage, as

around at 36 Wollumbin Street, Murwillumbah, we’re open Monday –Saturday 8.30am - 4pm and Sunday 8.30am - 1pm.

If you don’t see what you want, just ask, we are sure we can fnd exactly what you’re looking for.

well as smaller gardens and yards. We brush-cut, whipper-snip, mulch, trim hedges, prune trees and can both restore and maintain your garden.

If you need a deep-clean, we offer dense vegetation clearing, green waste removal and tip runs.

We have an effcient and reliable team, and take pride in leaving our clients with a well-presented lawn and garden.

Spruce up your space for the holidays - call Tristan now on 0401 819075 to book your yard transformation today.

Before After

For the frst time, Resonator Music is sponsoring the Ballina Riverside Carols 2022!

After 2 years without Carols, our region needed a splash of music and joy.

Joining the Ballina and Lennox Head community,

Resonator Music will enjoy a lovely evening of singing to the favorite Christmas Carols!

The evening will start with local pre-schools, schools and dance companies performing, including our partners ISM Ballina with

the youngest musicians performing Jingle Bells.

There will be a variety of food and glow sticks available to purchase, and just wait for the freworks at the end!

We look forward to seeing

you all on Sunday 11th December at 6.30pm. Gates open at 5.30pm at the Ballina Seagulls Football Club, Oval, Ballina.

Event organizers Riverside Carols Ballina NSW - fnd us on Facebook.

BYRON BAY WELCOMES BREASTSCREEN NSW VAN

BALLINA SAYS ‘NO’ TO DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

BreastScreen NSW mobile van is in Byron Bay from 14 – 21 December at the Cavanbah Centre on Ewingsdale Road.

Free mammograms are provided to eligible women aged between 50 and 74 and there’s no referral needed. A mammogram can pick

your chance of survival while reducing the likelihood of needing invasive treatment, such as mastectomy or chemotherapy.”

“Around 90 per cent of women diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history. This is why breast cancer screening is

requires all clients to wear a mask to their appointment. To ensure adequate physical distancing, we request that clients attend their screening appointment alone. If you feel unwell with symptoms associated with COVID-19 prior to your appointment,

The streets of Ballina took on a decidedly purple colour Friday week ago with the Walk against Domestic and Family Violence taking place.

Over 300 residents and supporters took to the

main street of Ballina to say NO to this insidious scourge.

“As a community we feel that strongly about this scourge going on in our towns and cities that we closed the main

Cadwallader and writer and performer Mandy Nolan bravely shared their stories, which were powerful and heartwrenching, according to Mr Harmon.

“The Rotary Club of

first step is to raise awareness and the walk through Ballina was achieving this.

“The second and most important initiative we have is to continue with our commitment

up cancers that cannot be seen or felt. In NSW one in seven women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime.

Jane Walsh, Director of BreastScreen North Coast says a screening mammogram is one of the most important things women aged 50-74 can do for their health. “A mammogram every two years takes just 20 minutes and it could save your life”, Ms Walsh says.

“Detecting breast cancer early increases

so important for all eligible women.”

“Bringing these vital services to Byron Bay means more local women can participate and get the support they need. Life gets busy and we want women to make their health a priority.” BreastScreen NSW has implemented COVID-19 safe measures at its clinics and mobile screening vans to protect women, staff and the wider community.

BreastScreen NSW

please stay at home and contact BreastScreen to reschedule your appointment. NSW Health advises anyone experiencing COVID-19 symptoms to get tested immediately and self-isolate until you receive your results. Year round screening services are available at BreastScreen NSW clinics at Lismore and Tweed Heads. Book an appointment online at book.breastscreen.nsw. gov.au or call 13 20 50.

street in Ballina at lunch time on a Friday,” said David Harmon, Rotary District Governor and past president of the Rotary Club of Ballinaon-Richmond.

“We had over 300 residents join us in a peaceful walk concluding at the

Ballina-on-Richmond is committed to making our town a safer place to live for women, children and men,” he said.

“By conducting this walk, we get the message out that as a community we do not accept this behaviour.”

Mr Harmon said the

to have the respectful relationships program called Love Bites delivered in our schools,” he said.

“This is a powerful program that has amazing results.

“Research confirms that the best way to bring about long-term change with regard to domestic and family violence is to educate our youth about what a respectful relationship looks like.

“One less perpetrator is one less victim.”

Ballina Indoor Sports Stadium where we had two very successful, respected women share their personal stories about lived experience of domestic and family violence.”

Ballina mayor Sharon

$3.9 million Lismore Urban Sports Precinct The

concept designs

Lismore City Council has received $3.9 million in State Government funding to create a new sports precinct, including a 2300sqm skate park, in the Lismore CBD, Lismore Mayor Steve Krieg announced today.

“This is great news for our community and will create a family friendly and safe place where young people can gather to skate and ride,” he said.

The ‘Lismore Urban Sports Precinct’ will deliver skateboarding, roller skating, BMX, scootering and sport climbing infrastructure as well as associated recreational infrastructure.

Mayor Krieg said the creation of a regional skatepark in the youth precinct within Lismore Park near the corner of Uralba and Dawson streets will be able to host major skate and

BMX events, adding to Lismore’s reputation as the regional sporting capital of NSW.

“Lismore already has some wonderful sporting facilities that attracts various competitions from around the state and the country,” he said.

“This continues to benefit our local

businesses and jobs as those playing or coming to watch these sporting events spend money in our city, whether it’s at our motels, restaurants, clothing stores or other retailers.

“With skating now an Olympic event, and many world-class skaters coming from our region, a new skate park

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.

will be another string in our bow and attract even more visitors.”

The project is being funded by the State Government’s MultiSport Community Facility Fund.

State Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin welcomed the NSW Government’s investment in Lismore’s

Urban Sports Precinct under the Multisport Community Facility Fund.

“A new regional skate park is much needed and a project which I have strongly supported and advocated for,” Ms Saffin said.

“The skate park certainly will be well utilised by our

skateboarders, with whom I have been in contact, and local families.

“I am also excited that a bike track and climbing equipment are included in this project, all elements of which are ‘building back better’ to be flood resistant.”

The Urban Sports Precinct will replace Lismore’s old skate park near the river which reach the end of its life and is no longer safe.

This Precinct will embrace new technologies through smart infrastructure, wi-fi and sports lighting, to ensure users and spectators can access the precinct both day and night, in a safe environment.

The community can give feedback on the current concept designs at www.yoursay.lismore. nsw.gov.au

community can give feedback on the current

HART

free transport to Christmas festivities

NEW MURWILLUMBAH PUMP STATION TO REDUCE FLOODING IMPACTS

HART Services are teaming up with Lismore City Council this holiday season to provide free transport to Santa’s Wonderland and Shopbaby Carols in the Heart.

Lismore Mayor Steve Krieg said the partnership would allow those without transport join with the rest of the community this Christmas.

“Providing more access to events for our community this Christmas is a great initiative. I would like to thank HART Services for its generosity and commitment to Lismore,” he said.

“After the year we’ve had, this is sure to be a very special Christmas in Lismore.”

HART Services Chief Executive Isaac Smith said moving the organisation’s offce back into Lismore is a statement of its commitment to the city after this year’s natural disaster.

“We want to spread that positivity and opportunity to our whole community by providing transport to events in the

lead up to Christmas,” he said.

“We believe everyone should fnd a little cheer and join others in celebrating our resilience in 2022.”

“HART Services can only provide the services that we do because of our wonderful volunteers.

HART buses and cars will provide free transport to Santa’s Wonderland in the CBD for anyone who has diffculty accessing private or public transport.

It will also run free shuttle busses to and from the Shopbaby Carols in the Heart at Nesbitt Park on Sunday, 11 December, allowing the whole community to come together, sing and be merry. Buses will be running from the Goonellabah shops, the Lismore Square and the Transit Centre.

Those who are unable to get on a bus, are asked to phone HART Services to make alternative arrangements.

For more information and bookings please contact HART Services on 1300 874 278.

A new stormwater pump station for Murwillumbah will be built to reduce the effects of fooding to private properties and public infrastructure in the vicinity of Murwillumbah Leagues Club.

As part of Council’s plan to mitigate and build resilience to natural disasters and the impact of climate change, the pump station will be constructed behind the Dorothy – William Street levee to remove stormwater.

The $284,000 grant is part of the NSW Government’s 2022-23 Floodplain Management Program designed to help ensure communities are better prepared for

and protected from potential fooding. It will be matched by $142,000 from Council’s Flood Mitigation budget.

Council had already conducted the Murwillumbah Leagues Club Area Drainage Study of the football club site and surrounds.

The installation of a pump station to remove stormwater that gets trapped behind the levee during food events was one of its recommendations.

Council’s Director Engineering David Oxenham said the pump station would beneft the community by mitigating stormwater fooding and reducing stormwater entering the sewerage system.

“While a stormwater pump won’t foodproof the area, it will reduce the frequency of fooding especially for the community sports facilities provided at Murwillumbah Leagues Club,” Mr Oxenham said.

“It will reduce the amount of time the area is out of action and clean-up costs borne by the club and other landholders.

“Planning for future fooding events as a result of climate change is crucial to ensuring the safety of our community.”

Planning, design and tendering for the new pump station must be completed before the station is able to

be constructed, with completion not expected until 2024. The pump station will be built behind the levee, located near Council’s wastewater treatment plant to the north of Murwillumbah Leagues Club.

The Floodplain Management Program will provide $9.9 million to 65 council projects across NSW, with a focus on understanding risks and taking action to reduce the impact of foods on local communities.

Find out more about how Council is managing food risk at tweed.nsw.gov.au/foodrisk-management.

NORTHERN RIVERS VOLUNTEERS HONOURED FOR SELFLESS SERVICE

More than 70 volunteers and staff of the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS)

Northern Rivers District have been recognised for their dedication and achievements at a special ceremony in Casino.

Member for Clarence Chris Gulaptis joined RFS Deputy Commissioner Peter McKechnie to present fve National and 66 Long Service Medals.

“The volunteers and staff being recognised represent more than 1,500 years of combined service to the RFS and our local communities,” Mr Gulaptis said.

“I know that everyone across the Northern Rivers region is thankful for the world-class level of fre protection and other assistance these RFS members continue to

provide.

“I am personally grateful for the work of our dedicated frefghters and their continued service in the face of bush fres, foods and other emergencies.”

Deputy Commissioner McKechnie acknowledged the contribution of Ken McLennan, who is being awarded the Long Service Medal 5th Clasp and has given 60 years’ service.

“Ken began his service with the RFS back in 1960

where he was sworn in as the frst Captain of the Woodenbong Brigade a position he held for more than 20 years,” Deputy Commissioner McKechnie said.

“Ken has been the Woodenbong Brigade’s President since 2001 and is a well-experienced member who continues to share that knowledge and experience with others.

“RFS members of the Northern Rivers District have always answered the

call, not only assisting with incidents locally and not only for fres but to communities in need, regardless of the emergency across the State.

“The hard work and professionalism of all our members does not go unnoticed and while they do not ask for praise, we should take every opportunity to acknowledge their contribution and commitment to their community.

“We also thank the family, friends, employers and colleagues of all RFS volunteers. We know it takes their ongoing support and patience to assist and enable our volunteers to do what they do to save lives and property.”

Funding secured for pump station near Dorothy-William Street levee

Floodwaters inundated Brothers Leagues Club and surrounds during the February–March 2022 food. It’s hoped a new pump station for the area will help alleviate the severity of fooding in future events

FRIDAY

CHRISTMAS WITH AUSTRALIAN WOMEN’S WEEKLY

TEN, 7.30pm

If you’re not one of those eager folk who puts their up tree in November and has all their presents bought, delivered and wrapped by December 1, there’s good news ahead – incoming host of The Project Sarah Harris, along with Santa’s team of elves at the Australian Women’s Weekly are here with some famous friends and a selection of handy tips for getting through the silly season unscathed. While Jessica Rowe gets creative with crafty Christmas decorations and eyecatching wrapping ideas, chefs Lyndey Milan and Warren Mendes share their most delicious recipes for your festive functions.

7.30 Gardening Australia. Costa Georgiadis meets an inspiring young reveg expert. Josh Byrne propagates woody herbs.

8.30 Vera. (Mdv, R) DCI Vera Stanhope investigates the case of a teenage boy found dead in a boatyard in the coastal town of Peyton-by-the-Sea, and uncovers a serious dysfunction in the heart of the picturesque community.

10.00 Troppo. (Malv, R) The investiga tion heads down a dark path.

11.00 ABC Late News.

11.20 Adam Hills: The Last Leg. (R) UK-based panel show.

12.00 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

MINISERIES: CROSSFIRE

Prepare to be emotionally pummelled by this gripping three-part British drama. Airing over three consecutive nd the gut-wrenching scenario interrupting any idyllic dreams of a carefree holiday. Starring Keeley Hawes (The Bodyguard), who also co-produced, it’s not based on a true story, but has the ingredients of being ripped from multiple headlines. In tonight’s premiere, ex-cop Jo’s (Hawes) sun, pool and cocktail- lled family and friends holiday is devastated when gunmen attack the luxurious Spanish hotel they are staying at. Suddenly, the motherof-three transforms into a ri e-toting heroine in a trans xing, gripping turn.

0912

ABC 6.00 The Talk. (PGa) 7.00 Judge Judy. (PG, R) 7.30 Bold. (PG, R) 8.00 10 News First: Breakfast. 8.30 Studio 10. (PG) 12.00 Dr Phil. (PGls) 1.00 Jamie’s Quick & Easy Food. (R) 1.30 Jamie’s

6.00 WorldWatch. 7.00 BBC News At Six. 7.30 WorldWatch. 9.00 Specially For Me. (R) 9.20 Peer To Peer. 9.50 Paul O’Grady’s Little Heroes. 10.50 Employable Me (UK) (Mals) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Saving Lives At Sea. (Ma, R) 3.00 NITV News: Nula. 3.30 The Cook Up. (PG) 4.00 World’s Most Scenic Railway Journeys. (PG, R) 4.50 Grand Tours Of Scotland’s Rivers. (PG) 5.30 FIFA World Cup Extra 2022.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Engineering Reborn: Maritime Museum, Coal Drops Yard, Peace Bunker. (PG)

8.30 Inside Central Station: Woman Faints Into Train. (PGa, R)

Narrated by Shane Jacobson.

9.30 Autun: Rome’s Forgotten Sister.

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

11.20 Hold Up.

11.30 FIFA World Cup Classic Matches. (R)

1.30 Soccer. 2022 FIFA World Cup. Quarter nal. Match 53 Winner v Match 54 Winner.

4.30 FIFA World Cup Classic Matches. (R)

5.30 Soccer. 2022 FIFA World Cup. Quarter Final. Netherlands v Argentina.

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 11.30 News. 12.00 House Of Wellness. (PG) 1.00 Australia’s Deadliest. (R) 2.00 Test Cricket: Pre-Game Show. 3.00 Cricket. Second Test. Australia v West Indies. Day 2. Afternoon session. 5.00 Test Cricket: Tea Break. 5.40 Cricket. Second Test. Australia v West Indies. Day 2. Late afternoon session.

6.00 7News Local.

6.30 7News @ 6:30.

7.00 Cricket. Second Test. Australia v West Indies. Day 2. Late afternoon session. From Adelaide Oval.

7.40 Test Cricket: Dinner Break. Takes a look at the day of play so far in the Second Test between Australia and the West Indies.

8.00 Cricket. Second Test. Australia v West Indies. Day 2. Evening session. From Adelaide Oval.

10.30 MOVIE: Hitch. (2005, Mls, R) A self-styled New York “date doctor” falls for a sassy journalist while helping his latest client. Despite his best e orts, he quickly discovers winning the girl of his dreams is much harder than he imagined. Will Smith, Eva Mendes, Kevin James.

1.00 Home Shopping.

6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. (PG) 11.30 Morning News. 12.00 MOVIE: Long Story Short. (2021, Ml) 2.00 Pointless. (PG, R) 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: Keeping It Real. (PG) Follows zoo keeper Paul.

8.30 MOVIE: Fred Claus. (2007, PGalv, R) Santa Claus’s cranky older brother comes to stay with him at the North Pole. Vince Vaughn, Paul Giamatti, Elizabeth Banks.

10.50 MOVIE: Four Holidays. (2008, Ms, R) A couple spend the festive season with relatives. Reese Witherspoon, Vince Vaughn.

12.35 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)

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

7.30 Christmas With Australian Women’s Weekly. Hosted by Sarah Harris.

8.30 The Graham Norton Show. (R) Irish comedian Graham Norton is joined on the big red couch by actor George Takai, celebrity chef Jamie Oliver and TV presenter Claudia Winkleman. Music from First Aid Kit.

10.30 Just For Laughs Australia. (MA15+s, R) Hosted by Nath Valvo. 11.00 Just For Laughs Uncut. (MA15+ls, R) Hosted by Nikki Osborne. 11.30 The Project. (R) 12.30 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 1.30 Home Shopping. (R)

6am WorldWatch. 9.30 Shortland St. 11.00 The Movie Show. Noon Cocaine Trade Exposed: The Invisibles. 12.50 The Source. 1.40 Figure Skating. ISU Grand Prix. 2020 NHK Trophy. Replay. 3.40 WorldWatch. 5.05 Shortland St. 5.35 Joy Of Painting. 6.05 Jeopardy! 6.30 FIFA World Cup Extra 2022. 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 Hoarders. 9.20 The Language Of Love. 10.15 Fuzoku: The World Of Sex Entertainment In Japan. 11.20 Late Programs.

SBS MOVIES (32) 6am Children’s Programs. 3.20pm The Day My Butt Went Psycho! 3.35 The Penguins Of Madagascar. 4.00 The Fairly Odd Parents. 4.20 Little Big Awesome. 4.45 Odd Squad. 5.00 The Flamin’ Thongs. 5.25 Kung Fu Panda. 6.00 So Awkward. 6.35 Operation Ouch! Hospital Takeover. 7.05 Horrible Histories. 7.40 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. 8.05 The Penguins Of Madagascar. 8.25 Good Game Spawn Point. 8.50 Log Horizon. 9.15 Dragon Ball Super. 9.40 Sailor Moon Crystal. 10.00 K On! 10.50 Close. ABC ME (23) 6am News Programs. 3pm News. 4.00 Afternoon Brie ng. (Final) 4.30 Friday Brie ng. (Final) 5.00 ABC News Hour. 6.00 ABC Evening News. 7.00 ABC National News. 7.45 Ticket To Qatar. 8.00 Fault Lines. 9.00 ABC Nightly News. 9.30 Close Of Business. (Final) 10.00 The World. 11.00 The Drum. Midnight News. 12.15 Ticket To Qatar. 12.30 The Context With John Barron. 1.00 News. 1.15 Friday Brie ng. 1.45 ABC News Video Lab. 2.00 DW News. 2.30 The

3.25 DW Con

6am TV Shop: Home Shopping. 7.00 Cre o Dollar Ministries. 7.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. 10.30 Pointless. 11.30 My Favorite Martian. Noon Days Of Our Lives. 12.55 The Young And The Restless. 1.50 Grantchester. 3.00 Explore. 3.10 Antiques Roadshow. 3.40 MOVIE: Watch Your Stern. (1960, PG) 5.30 Murder, She Wrote. 6.30 Antiques Roadshow. 7.30 Fawlty Towers. 8.40 MOVIE: The Man With The Golden Gun. (1974, PG) 11.15 Late Programs. 6am Children’s Programs. 6.05pm Ben And Holly. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Octonauts. 6.40 Andy’s Aquatic Adventures. 7.00 Odd Squad. 7.10 Shaun The Sheep. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Spicks And Specks. 8.00 Hard Quiz. 8.30 MOVIE: Two Hands. (1999, MA15+) 10.00 Doctor Who. 10.45 Back. 11.10 Archer. 11.55 QI. 12.25am George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces. 1.15 ABC News Update. 1.20 Close. 5.00 Hoot Hoot Go! 5.10 Dot. 5.25 Pablo. 5.35 Late Programs.

(2012) 9.50 The Impossible. (2012, M) 11.55 Dead Ringers. (1988, M) 2.10am Train To Busan. (2016, MA15+, Korean) 4.15 Sun Children. (2020, PG, Farsi)

6am Home Shopping. 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 Million Dollar Minute. 4.00 Our Town. 4.30 Medical Emergency. 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.

6am Morning Programs. 11.00 Motor Racing. Supercars Championship. Round 13. VALO 500 Adelaide. Day 2. Highlights. Noon Pawn Stars.

1.00 Hell re Heroes. 2.00 Scrap Kings. 3.00 Timbersports. 3.30 No Man’s Land. 4.30 Aussie Lobster Men. 5.30 American Restoration. 6.00 Cricket. Second Test. Australia v West Indies. Day 2. Late afternoon session. 7.00 Pawn Stars. 7.30 Carnage. 8.30 MOVIE: Rambo: First Blood. (1982, MA15+) 10.35 MOVIE: The Cold Light Of Day. (2012, M) 12.35am Late Programs.

9GO! (83)

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. 12.25am Home Shopping. 1.55 I Fish. 2.10 The FBI Declassi ed. 3.05 ST: Next Gen. 4.00 MacGyver.

6am The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. 7.00 NBL Slam. 7.30 Seinfeld. 9.00 Becker. 10.00 The Middle. 11.30 The King Of Queens. 12.30pm Frasier. 1.30 Seinfeld. 3.00 The King Of Queens. 4.00 Becker. 5.00 Frasier. 6.00 Friends. 8.00 The Big Bang Theory. 9.30 Mom. 11.00 Frasier. Midnight Home Shopping. 1.30 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. 2.30 The Late Late Show With James Corden. 3.30 Becker. 4.30 Home Shopping. 5.30 Joseph Prince.

SKY

Please Note: Programs are correct at the time of print and are subject to change by the Networks. CONSUMER ADVICE (P) Pre-school (C) Children (PG) Parental Guidance Recommended (M) Mature Audiences (MA15+) Mature Audiences Only (AV15+) Extreme Adult Violence (R) Repeat (CC) Closed Captions (a) Adult themes (d) Drug references (h) Horror (s) Sex references (l) Language (m) Medical procedures (n) Nudity (v) Violence. BEST ON THE BOX

ict Zone.

6am Morning Programs. 2pm Shortland St. 2.30 The Cook Up. 3.00 NITV News: Nula. 3.30 The Magic Canoe. 3.55 Wolf Joe. 4.05 Raven’s Quest. 4.10 Grace Beside Me. 4.35 Spartakus And The Sun Beneath The Sea. 5.00 Our Stories. 5.30 NITV News: Nula. 6.00 Bamay. 6.30 Just Another Day In Indulkana. 6.40 Extreme Africa. 7.30 Barrumbi Kids. 8.00 MOVIE: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III. (1993, PG) 9.40 First Nations Bedtime Stories. 9.50 Going Places With Ernie Dingo. 10.50 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 1pm The World According to Rowan Dean. 2.00 Afternoon Agenda. 3.00 Paul Murray Live. 4.00 Afternoon Agenda. 4.30 Business Now With Ross Greenwood. 5.00 The Kenny Report. 6.00 Peta Credlin. 7.00 Bernardi. 8.00 The Media Show. 8.30 The US Report. 9.30 The Pioneer Spirit. 10.00 NewsNight. 10.30 Piers Morgan Uncensored. 11.30 Late Programs.

RECENT CATTLE MARKET REPORTS

CASINO

NRLX MARKET REPORT WEEK ENDING

FRIDAY FRIDAY 2 DECEMBER

Agents yarded a total of 1,270 head at the Northern Rivers Livestock Exchange regular prime sale on Wednesday 30 November. Young cattle were well supplied and there was a good penning of cows. Quality of the young cattle was fairly mixed with a fair percentage of plain conditioned and light weaners through the sale, however there was also several pens of vealers and yearlings that were well presented.

WARWICK

LIVESTOCK MARKETS WARWICK WEEK ENDING 2/12/2022

Livestock Markets were a little volatile this week as the markets followed the patterns set in the other selling centres, with most descriptions falling to much lower rates than we have seen in the previous two months. The combination of end of year and annual shut down for maintenance by our processors seeing the rates decline. the cattle market has come back as well as the lamb and mutton markets. Pork and poultry are seeing an increase in their product consumption as we move into the “Festive Season” hence prices are moving up.

Vealer steers averaged 507.4c/kg topping at 604.2c/kg or $1383.87 to $1789.08

Vealer heifers averaged 502.3c/kg topping at 616.2c/kg or $1231.17 to $1729.70

Feeder steers averaged 443c/kg topping at 552.2c/kg or

WARWICK

MC DOUGALL & SONS (Ph: 07 4661 1411) SHEEP & LAMB REPORT

Agents and vendors combined to present 1815 head to the weekly sheep and lamb sale. The buyers were in attendance and the market was frm for the heavier end of both Lamb and Mutton but as the weight or fnish fell away the price did as well. The light mutton job was harder to elicit bids from the buying panel. The lambs topped at $210 to average $154.31($9up), hoggets topped at $150 to average $109.53(Par on last sale), ewes topped at $120 to average $53.52($20down), wethers topped at $129 to average $75.76($24down), rams topped at $126 to average $78.39($14down), lamb rams topped at $160 to average $124.22($15down), ewe lambs topped at $160 to average $131.50($4up). The sale total averaged $128.04/ head a rise of $8 on last sale.

Carel Rothman sold 49.1kg lambs to Eversons for $192,

GRAFTON

HIGHLIGHTS MARKET REPORT 29TH

NOVEMBER 2022 BROUGHT TO YOU BY DONOVAN LIVESTOCK & PROPERTY

PH: 02 6643 4411

There were 191 head yarded at Grafton Fat Cattle Sale 29th November 2022.

A smaller yarding this week, the quality was mixed with

Cow prices held frm this week averaging 285c/kg and reaching a top price of 330c/kg. Heifer prices were softer with lighter stock up to 250kg averaging 509c/kg and topping their category at 648c/kg. Heavier heifers over 250kg averaged 387c/kg and reached a top of 556c/kg.

Bull prices remained steady this week with 21 head sold averaging 275c/kg and 703kg. Steer prices were easier with those up to 250kg averaging 568c/kg and reaching a top of 730c/kg. Heavier steers over 250kg averaged 422c/kg and topped their market at 620c/kg. A small number of bullocks sold on the day averaged 327c/kg and reached a top of 410c/kg.

Vealer prices saw a drop this week averaging 510c/

$1607.38 to $2012.50

Feeder heifers averaged 428c/kg topping at 480.2c/kg or $1526.69 to $1918.66

Yearling steers averaged 466c/kg topping at 582.2c/kg or $1480.55 to $2117.35

Yearling heifers averaged 408.5c/kg topping at 522.2c/kg or $1269.07 to $1882.00

Steers averaged 363.5c/kg topping at 446.2c/kg or $ 1900.46 to $2507.14

Heifers averaged 340c/kg topping at 420.2c/kg or $1604.83 to $2559.70

Manufacturing steers averaged 331.1c/kg topping at 337.2c/kg or $1956.95 to $2046.00

Cows averaged 282.3c/kg topping at 326.2c/kg or $1566.01 to $2495.50

Bulls averaged 336.6c/kg topping at 502.2c/kg or $1316.40 to $3826.68

Lambs topped at $210 to average $154.31 a rise of $9/head Hoggets topped at $150 to average $109.53 a drop of $1/

ram lambs 49kg to Eversons for $150

Warren & Wendy Schelbach sold Dorper lambs 46.6kg to GR Prime for $185

Glen & Emma Muller sold Dorper lambs 48.3kg to GR Prime for $180

Stillwater Past Co sold Dorper lambs off crop and pellets 46.7kg to Leslie Lamb for $183, 43.5kg to Jock Young Meats for $171, 43.4kg to Eversons for $171, 41.6kg to Gr Prime for $160

Geoff & Andrea Fearby sold Border Leicester x lambs 42.5kg to Eversons for $143, 44.6kg to restockers for $149, 48.9kg hoggets to Eversons for $140

Gary O’Rourke sold Suffolk x lambs 38.7kg to Eversons for $140, 36.8kg to restockers for $118, 45kg shorn lambs to Eversons for $150, 46.6kg hoggets to restockers for $139, ram hoggets 45kg to Take IT Easy Meats for $110, Suffolk ewes to Eversons for $95

Glen Merritt sold Dorper ewe and lamb units (1st lamb)

the majority being suitable for restockers. The handful of heavy Cows sold substantially cheaper, the small amount being the main factor. Young cattle sold well for the quality on offer, with the few well-bred weaners selling frm. Sale Highlights include:

A/c G Skinner sold a Brahman Cross Cow 285c/kg weighed 610kg - $1,738.50

A/c B Brotherson sold a Brangus Cow 280c/kg weighed

kg and 225kg and reaching a top of 668c/kg.

Ramsey & Bulmer

held a joint store sale at the NRLX on Friday 2 December with 1,907 head going under the hammer. Steers topped their category at 758c/kg and averaged 552c/ kg and 257kg whilst heifers reached a top of 690c/ kg and averaged 520c/kg and 234kg. Cows reached a top price of $2,600 whilst Cows & Calves topped their market at $3,950.

Ray White Rural will hold a store sale this Friday 9 December from 10am. Further bookings are welcome.

head

Ewes topped at $120 to average $53.52 a drop of $20/head Wethers topped at $129 to average $75.76 drop of $24/ head

Rams topped at $126 to average $78.39 a drop of $14/head Lamb rams topped at $160 to average $124.22 a drop of $15/head

Ewe lambs topped at 160 to average $131.50 a jump of $4/ head

The total yarding of 1815 head was $8/head dearer than the previous sale.

Pigs saw an increase in volume as we move towards the Festive Season with Gilts selling to $248, Boars to $180, Baconers from $242 to $258, Pork from $148 to $176, Stores selling from $40 to $189

Poultry saw increases in volume with Hen & chick units selling to $55, Ducklings selling to $25, Guinea Fowl selling to $45, Roosters selling to $17.50, Pullets selling to $15

to restockers for $230

Jolatig Trust sold Poll Dorset x lambs 44.6kg and 37.7kg to GR Prime for $136 and $129.50, Rams to Eversons for $102

Giltrow Family sold Dorper lambs 53kg to Thomas Foods for $200, 55kg to Eversons for $206, 48kg to GR Prime for $190, 42.7kg to Leslie Lamb for $180, 60.8kg ram lambs to Eversons for $158, 68.6kg hoggets to restockers for $150 and Eversons for $140, ram hoggets 71kg to Take IT Easy Meats for $130, ewes to Eversons for $140, rams to Whites Trading for $126

Glenlea Farming sold 56kg Dorper lambs to Thomas Foods for $209, 53.8kg to Eversons for $194

James Cowlishaw sold Merino ewes to Eversons for $70, 50kg Merino lambs to Eversons for $150

Drew Wilson sold sucker Dorper lambs 36.4kg to Jock young Meats for $120, 55kg hoggets to Eversons for $138

530kg - $1,484.00

A/c Farmer Pastoral sold a Brahman Cross Cow 292.2c/ kg weighed 460kg - $1,344.12

A/c GC & DM Ellis sold Angus Heifers 506.2c/kg averaged 223.3kg - $1,130.51 p/hd

A/c CA Fenton sold Angus Cross Steers 515.2c/kg averaged 308.8kg - $1,590.68 p/hd

A/c JS & ML Gorrie sold Angus Vealer Bulls 670.2c/kg averaged 166.7kg - $1,117.00 p/hd

and T&W McCormack

$7.9 MILLION BOOST FOR NSW DAIRY INDUSTRY

from Front page

A $7.9 million investment will help the dairy industry recover and rebuild from foods, and better prepare for future natural disasters.

The Dairy Sector Recovery Strategy will help the dairy industry recuperate and build long-term resilience after the FebruaryMarch fooding event earlier this year.

Funding provided from the jointly Commonwealth and NSW Governmentfunded Storm and Flood Industry Recovery Program (Sector Recovery and Resilience Grants) under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements and $1.6 million from industry co-contributions will help the sector get back on its’ feet.

The funding will deliver 12 projects across three working packages focusing on:

• Better Response and Short-Term Recovery

• Better Preparedness, Lower Risk and Improved Resilience

• Supporting Industry Development

Quotes attributable to federal Minister for Emergency Management, Senator Murray Watt: The dairy industry is hurting from relentless disaster events this year, and we are providing relief through this unique support package

under stream 2 of the jointly funded Storm and Flood Industry Recovery Package.

By investing in both recovery and resilience, we can ensure farmers, consumers and rural communities are better prepared for future disasters too and we are pleased to work with the NSW Government to deliver this support.

This funding is the latest tranche of support for rural communities to help them recover and comes on top of other assistance jointly funded by the state and federal governments.

Quotes attributable to NSW Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole: Farmers sit in the

Sale Dates

Tuesday 6th December

Fat Sale 8am

Thursday 15th December

Store Sale 9am last sale for the year

Clearing Sale

Saturday 7th of January 2023

3089 Big River Way

Ulmarra NSW 2462

MORE INFO TO COME

engine room of the State, pumping more than $13 billion into the economy every year, so it’s critical we help them out when they’re hardest hit.

Dairy farmers are among the worst hit by this year’s foods and this funding will help ensure our farmers get back on their feet sooner and are better prepared for the next disaster, while continuing to provide us with the best milk and dairy products in the world.

This funding builds on the more than $202 million that has gone out the door to help food-affected farmers across all sectors in the past 12 months alone, including the $75,000 Special Disaster Grant

1059 Lawrence Road, Southgate -

for primary producers, the $25,000 Rural Landholder Grants, and the $100,000 Critical Producer Grants.

Quotes attributable to NSW Agriculture Minister Dugald Saunders:

Since the frst deluge earlier this year, more wet weather has inundated most dairy regions along the coast, putting farmers under enormous pressure both fnancially and emotionally.

These projects will support greater industry sustainability and work on areas such as farmer emergency response, natural disaster vulnerability, mitigation strategies, workforce attraction and retention and managing feed.

Situated less than 10 minutes from the centre of Grafton is this highly productive 11 acre block of land at Southgate. The property boasts a 260m frontage to Alumy Creek and has fertile alluvial soils with an abundance of kikuyu and paspalum grasses, along with couch and clover.

The property is divided into two paddocks plus a laneway. Fencing is in excellent condition, particularly the roadside fence which is near-new and has concrete posts and 5 strands of barbed wire. Town water is available to be connected in to.

This property would suit a number of uses: Racehorse trainers or owners wanting a paddock convenient to town with fertile land. Market gardeners looking for a plot of land with deep rich soils and availability of water.

Southgate locals looking for a paddock to grow out heifers or fatten cattle. A horse-lover living in Grafton or Southgate (or surrounds) wishing for a paddock for their pony within easy driving distance - with the added lifestyle advantage of beautiful creek frontage. Hay makers wanting fertile land with good access to bale hay or silage.

*Please note this property is in an RU1 Primary Production (Rural) Zoning, and being that it is 4.48Ha/11.07acres in size, it falls below council's minimum lot size for the construction of a dwelling - however use of the land for farming purposes is permissible, as would the construction of a farm shed (STCA). *Material fact: Flood prone land.

For further information please phone

Stock & Station Agents on 0417 690 637

9 Coldstream Street, Ulmarra NSW 2462 - David Farrell 0437 448 455 - Office 6642 5200

It’s all about equipping dairy farmers with the right tools and resources to build better preparedness and allow for faster disaster recovery.

Quotes attributable to DAIRY NSW Regional Manager Paul van Wel: “Dairy NSW welcomes the support of the Commonwealth and State Government.

“The Dairy NSW-led program will address labour availability for NSW dairy farmers, which continues to be a challenge faced by the entire Australian agricultural sector.”

Quotes attributable to eastAUSmilk Co-CEO Shaughn Morgan: “The 12 dairy projects announced by the NSW Deputy Premier were

carefully developed by NSW DPI in consultation with dairy organisations to ensure on-going support to dairy farms impacted by the disastrous foods earlier this year.

“While dairy farmers have remained resilient in the face of natural disasters, these support programs will assist in ensuring dairy farmers remain on their farms, thus ensuring the continued availability of fresh milk to supermarket customers.

“Industry body eastAUSmilk applauds the NSW and Federal governments for these dairy programmes which will add to the ongoing sustainability of NSW dairy.”

In addition to the Department of Primary Industries and Dairy NSW, other organisations involved include Dairy Australia, NSW Farmers’ Association, Scibus and The University of Sydney, with the NSW SES, NSW Rural Assistance Authority and Local Land Services to be actively involved in their delivery.

For more information about the Dairy Strategy for Sector Recovery Program, please visit: www.nsw. gov.au/regional-nsw/ regional-recoveryprograms/stormand-food-recovery/ sector-recovery-andresilience-grant

It’s a living thing as NSW DPI adopts CSIRO’s food safety fungal folio

A priceless collection of fungi has been replicated for the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) to support research and management of biosecurity and food safety issues.

NSW DPI Plant Pathology and Mycology Herbarium curator, Jordan Bailey, said the fungal culture collection of Australia’s national science agency CSIRO has played an important role in Australian food industry research since its establishment by Dr John Pitt in 1970.

“The original Melbourne-based CSIRO collection contains fungal strains dating back more than 100 years and we are lucky to have a copy of this valuable resource at our Orange Agricultural Institute (OAI),” Dr Bailey said.

“The fungal collection contains living specimens unlike many scientifc collections, which are dead and preserved - dinosaur

skeletons, pinned insects and taxidermy animals.

“Fungal cultures are unique as they can be placed in stasis and remain dormant in long-term storage, where they are freeze-dried and vacuum sealed in glass ampoules.

“We can revive them as needed, sometimes decades later, to extend research studies which

examine how these fungi live and cause diseases, or to sequence their genomes.”

This unique and invaluable collection of fungal cultures will be accessible for researchers in the scientifc community and food industry, including the NSW Food Authority, who worked with NSW DPI and

CSIRO to establish the OAI collection.

CSIRO scientist Nai Tran-Dinh, who worked on the collection with the late Dr Pitt, said it was one of the most extraordinary collections of its type in the world.

“The collection has more than 900 species from 114 countries, including 400 type cultures, the original

strain on which the description of a species is based, some of which were isolated more than 100 years ago,” Dr Tran-Dinh said.

“With more than 5500 isolates in the culture collection, it has expanded over its lifetime to include all types of food spoilage fungi and those from industrial and medical

sources.

“The collection is an important reference source for strains of species which cause post-harvest diseases and food spoilage and those used in food production, such as Penicillium roqueforti for making blue cheese.”

From the early 1960s, Dr Pitt who helped ensure the collection was duplicated in collaboration with NSW DPI, researched food spoilage and mycotoxigenic fungi.

He extensively investigated xerophilic fungi and now NSW DPI has the world’s best collection of these fungi, which can grow in conditions of low water availability and spoil dried or partly dried foods, animal foods and many other substrates, including textiles, leather goods, books and paintings, photographic slides, and microscope lenses.

NEW ENVD MOBILE APP TACKLES CONNECTIVITY CHALLENGES

The red meat industry now has access to the electronic National Vendor Declaration (eNVD) Livestock Consignments app, a new tool designed to increase adoption of digital consignments even when there is no mobile connectivity.

Launched today at MLA Updates in Toowoomba, the new app has been in development with industry for more than a year by Meat & Livestock Australia’s (MLA) subsidiary, Integrity Systems Company (ISC).

The app is a complete mobile solution which enables consignments to be transferred from producer to transporter, saleyard, feedlot and processor, even while offine. The consignment data is transferred from one

mobile device to another using a series of QR codes and then syncs with the eNVD database when the producer and receiver are back in service.

MLA Managing Director Jason Strong said development of the app, and its capacity to increase the use of digital consignments, has been a signifcant piece of work and something that industry has been seeking for some time.

“Until now, about 30% of all NVDs have been completed using the web-based eNVD system and further widespread adoption by red meat producers has been held back by connectivity issues in some parts of Australia,” Mr Strong said.

“This innovative

new app means mobile coverage is no longer a barrier to use the eNVD.

Digital consignments will save all supply chain users time, create effciencies and prevent errors, which is why we’re excited to be able to offer this new option to industry.”

ISC Chief Executive Offcer Jane Weatherley said the rollout of digital livestock consignments had been a major focus for 2022 and the organisation had been working with industry stakeholders to communicate the benefts and prepare supply chains for increased adoption.

“We know that developing the app is just one step on the digital adoption journey and we will continue to work with our supply

chain partners to support them with this process,” she said.

“Our adoption team has been working with supply chains to understand individual business requirements, helping to set up supply chain capabilities for digital consignments and upskilling where needed. Our adoption and promotion program will continue into 2023 and we will be progressing further updates to the app’s functionality as uptake progresses.”

The eNVD Livestock Consignments app is available for free download through the Apple Store and the Google Play Store. A suite of ‘how-to’ resources is also available to assist users at eNVD app.

Jordan Bailey CSIRO

Jane Weatherley, CEO, Integrity Systems Company

LLOYD GRAHAM ARMSTRONG

By Helen Trustum

The journey of Roy Armstrong continues with the following story about his son Lloyd.

Lloyd was born at the Robert White Hospital in Lismore on 20th February 1930 to parents Roy and Alice Armstrong, Bentley. Family of Roy and Alice – Joyce, Vera, Coral, Ron, Len and twins Wes and Lloyd.

At the age of 3 years Lloyd, along with his family, moved to the Tweed. This is where he started school.

They lived at Tweed Heads, Main Arm and Mullumbimby Creek.

Attending Mullumbimby Creek School required a four and a half mile walk (7.25 kms) each way.

Lloyd remembers the time when they were living at Mullumbimby Creek, in the late 1930’s and his father Roy was Chairman of the Banana Growers Federation. He liked supporting the local shows this he did by exhibiting his own grown bananas. The year was 1938 and he was 8 years old and brother Ron was 12. Roy had selected his prize-winning bunch of bananas ready for the Mullumbimby Show. The bananas had to be hauled from the top of the mountain to a safe position by “fying fox” wire. On that day his brother Ron was delegated to take control of the bunch of bananas when it was lowered down. Just as he reached out for the bunch, Ron tripped and missed the bananas. Alas! The “prize winning” bananas fell into a heap and smashed up. Lloyd can still hear his father from the top of the mountain yelling in frustration. His dream of having the champion bunch of bananas at the 1938 Mullumbimby Show was just a feeting memory.

In 1939 Roy moved the family back to Lismore where a home was built in Nielson Street. Iron was in short supply for the roof, so tiles were put on. This house is still standing.

Lloyd remembers Charlie Wade had a dairy farm where the Wyrallah Road School is now. He would grow each year a crop of corn. His friends Jack and Dick Trevan, Johnny and George West would raid the corn paddock and sample the corn. They all got into trouble when Charlie realized what was happening. Lloyd was worried waiting for his

father to come home to hear what was coming. Dad remarked, “Why didn’t you go into the middle of the paddock instead the outside rows?”.

Another fond highlight

many trophies from this time with his birds.

At the age of 16 years in 1946, his father told him to leave school and go and help his sister Vera and brother – inlaw Harry on the farm

early years for water, is still in use today. Lloyd told me about Harry and how he served six years during World War 2 in the Middle East and Egypt. When the War moved over to France, Harry was given three months leave, then he was sent to the Islands and Papua New Guinea. All this time he was driving transport trucks delivering goods to the troops. In later years after Vera and Harry left, Lloyd’s twin brother Wes came out to help him with the farm work and milking. All milking was performed by hand as there was no electricity.

Railway Station. This area was connected to the Electricity Grid in 1949.

Harold Llewelyn was hired to install milking machines and erect a windmill which is still in use today.

Lloyd met and married Marjorie Joan Arthur on 27th November 1949.

Joan, as she was known was the daughter of Ernest Alfred and Annie Elizabeth Arthur from Dorroughby.

for Lloyd was racing pigeons, a hobby Lloyd enjoyed along with his friends. There was a racing pigeon club shed erected in Wyrallah Road, Lismore. He won

at Bentley. Roy still owned the property he took over in 1925 and had share farmers working the property. The well that was sunk on the property in those

Lloyd remembers Mario Buongiorno came down from the mountain one morning screaming while they were milking. Apparently while he was sleeping, the mountain gave way with a landslide and his hut slipped down the hill about 20 feet. Mario was one of many Italians who lived up there and grew bananas. They would be bought down the mountain by horse and slide and loaded on to his 1934 Ford Utility and taken to the Bentley Railway Station to be loaded on to the train. Mr Buonngiorno always kept his Ute in Lloyd’s barn near the road. Dulcie Box handled all the bookings at the

Lloyd and Joan’s family – Robert, Gary, Ian, Maureen and Glenn. To supplement the income, Lloyd grew sweet potatoes from the age of 45 years in 1975. These were taken to Lismore to BGF to be loaded on to the train. He grew sweet potatoes all over the district. In 1995 he fnished this venture.

Lloyd and his boys Robert, Gary, Ian and Glenn caught “The Speedway Bug” when the Lismore Speedway started up in Lismore on 22nd November 1969. Lloyd was in his glory preparing cars for the speedway. They were called “Armstrong Goer”. Their frst car was a FC Holden they purchased for $120 from Byron Bay. The day they were towing it home on a trailer the bonnet few off while driving up the hill at St Helena near Byron Bay. There was one race car never made it back to Lismore, it ended upside down in the creek off Lavis Road. The boys won many races with this car. He was testing it out ready for Lismore Speedway. I can imagine what the boys said. In later years Glenn with his four children Codie, Kyle, Brock and Brittany all took to the track, with Glenn and Brock still racing in Lismore and all over the State.

Another two of Lloyd’s hobbies are fshing and shooting. Not exactly in that order but Lloyd was very happy with either a fshing rod or a gun is his hand. He still loves a day’s fshing. Many a trip was taken up to the Tablelands where they

Lloyd with his children at Bentley

Lloyd and Joans Wedding

Lloyd

would stay for a week and go cod fshing. The gun would be taken also where they would go fox hunting. These trips away he loved, even the times when they would have their family fshing trips out to Fraser Island.

We must mention Dot Hildebrand. Dot was a great neighbour and would always give a helping hand when needed. Lloyd can remember any time Dot was wanting fuel for her car “Herbie”, she would sing out from her house, “Lloyd, have you got any benzine?”. On the other

side of the farm was Alf and Jeanette Bulmer, Manifold selectors also, then later their Grandson Trevor Jorgenson and wife Colleen. Brad and Billie Nicholls occupy the property now.

A sad time in Lloyd’s life was when he lost his soul mate and wife Joan, on 9th May 2001. A big adjustment for Lloyd lay ahead. Joan played a big part in catering for Bentley Hall functions, she was also a member of the Bentley Red Cross.

On 31st October 2005 Lloyd married Freda Goodall.

was no stranger to the district as she was reared at Bentley, [just over the

hill]. Freda was born at Mongogarie to parents Hunter and Freda Perry. They moved to Bentley where Freda attended Manifold School. During the last ffteen years Freda has been a tower of strength for Lloyd helping him on the farm. In 2013, Lloyd lost his eldest boy Robert Lloyd. On the 20th of February 2020 Lloyd celebrated his 90th birthday with a wonderful gathering of friends and relatives in the local Bentley Hall. A great day was had with people catching up with

each other.

For the past 21 years Lloyd has been compere of the annual Bentley Carols held in the Bentley Hall. He has a wonderful singing voice where he often breaks out with one of his favourite songs.

You can still come to Bentley and see Lloyd either working his cattle or working in his beloved garden. He loves people to come and have a “chat” and show them around the farm. The same farm that was taken up by his father Roy, 105 years ago.

Freda

Lloyd with Glenn, Ian, Gary and Maureen (taken 20/2/2020)

Lloyd with Freda (taken 20/2/2020)

Lloyd with his trophies (taken March 2020)

NEW VARROA DETECTIONS EXPAND RED ZONE

Cutting-edge livestock intelligence helps NSW dairy farmers improve effciencies and proftability

NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI) tracing and surveillance work has confrmed a new detection of Varroa mite.

The new case at a property near Lochinvar, between the Stanhope and Maitland Eradication (red) zones brings the total number of infested premises to 104 since the mite was frst identifed during routine surveillance at the Port of Newcastle on 22 June.

NSW DPI Chief Plant Protection Offcer Satendra Kumar said the current eradication zone will be expanded to cover this infected premises and a new biosecurity order has been made.

“NSW DPI is putting signifcant resources into surveillance across the purple zones which surround the red zones, so it is not unexpected that we would fnd some mites,” Mr Kumar said.

“The purple zone is there so we can delimit the spread of the Varroa mite from the infested sites and we remain confdent in containment.

“Response staff have carried out surveillance on over 10,000 hives

in the purple zone, and almost 30,000 hives state-wide.”

Furthermore, beekeepers have tested over 85,000 hives through the approved hive movement program in the General Emergency Zone and all beekeepers are now required to carry out mandatory alcohol wash surveillance at least every 16 weeks.

“NSW DPI acknowledges this incursion is diffcult for many people and would like to thank the industry and communities helping the response to achieve the goal of eradication,” Dr Kumar said.

Australia is the only major honey producing country free from varroa mite, the most serious pest to honeybees worldwide.

Beekeepers work side-by-side with government as part of Australia’s early warning system to detect exotic honeybee pests, the National Bee Pest Surveillance Program, which includes surveillance hives and catch boxes at strategic locations around our ports and airports.

Recent and continuing weather conditions across New South Wales will have a lasting impact on feed supplies for the country’s dairy industry. In light of possible feed availability and cost impacts, dairy farmers are looking at considering the importance of improving effciencies and the proftability of their dairy farms. Dairy is one of Australia’s most important rural industries, contributing $3 billion to the Australian economy each year and employing over 42,000 local workers.1

Feed conversion effciency and early intervention for unwell or underperforming cows are important aspects in ensuring effcient milk production and consistent supply of milk products for Australian households and export markets.

Heat detection along with early detection of sickness and disease in cows via rumination data is key to the successful management of a dairy herd.2 This allows dairy farmers to make informed and timely decisions which leads to greater productivity, proftability, and milk yield on farm. Cow monitoring systems, such as the Allfex Dairy Monitoring System allows farmers to monitor important aspects of a cow’s health, such as fertility and rumination via real-time data that is captured by collars or ear

tags worn by cows. The system’s main beneft is that it helps farmers manage their dairy herds more effectively so they can focus their time on other important aspects of their business and their lives.

Geelong Cats AFL Women’s player and dairy farmer, Shelley Scott juggles both her football career and responsibilities on her family’s 100-hectare dairy farm, just outside Colac in the Western Districts of Victoria, which is diffcult, especially when travelling interstate. Since discovering the Allfex Dairy Monitoring System, Shelley has improved the reproduction and proftability of her dairy herd by monitoring important aspects such as heat detection, adverse health events and overall rumination of her herd.

“I can check on all my cows through the Allfex app and alert someone back home if any need attention. Having access to real-time data on how my cows are tracking has made me a better

farm manager,” Shelley explains.

One of the main benefts of the Allfex Dairy Monitoring System is that Shelley can run her dairy farm with less help. Instead of fnding a herd manager while she is away, Shelley can keep an eye on things through her Allfex system.

“When comparing high-performance sport with high-performance in dairy cows, I fnd it’s always the onepercenters that make the difference, and the Allfex System helps me get the one-percenters right,” Shelley adds.

Allfex Sales Lead, Clancy Jordan identifes that there are a variety of ways Australian dairy farmers can improve performance on their farm, however, it’s important to remember that farmers farm in different ways throughout different regions of Australia.

“Whether it is nutritional, agronomic, management or technological performance solutions, Australian dairy farmers tend to be at the cutting

edge, in a country that has no shortage of environmental or commercial challenges to throw our way,” Clancy explains.

When it comes to Allfex Dairy Monitoring, the system provides accurate information around the reproductive performance of the cows in a herd. Whether that be detecting heats, non-cycling and irregular heat cows and also pregnancy probability.

“The Allfex System takes the pressure off throughout the calving period. And I am fnding that more and more of our farmers fnd the health monitoring benefts and the nutrition insights being a signifcant contributor to the return on investment,” Clancy adds.

Whether dairy farmers are considering a monitoring system as a solution to improve overall herd performance, manage sick cows, or simply wanting to explore dairy technology, call 1300 138 247 or visit www. allfex.global/au/

RECORD NUMBER OF ANIMALS AND GENOTYPES IN SHEEP GENETICS EVALUATIONS FOR FY22

in breeding programs, particularly where there are a range of traits of economic or functional importance.

In 2021–2022, all reported indexes increased across all major analyses. There was also notable improvement in the genetic trend for key trait groups including:

• improved reproduction trend, with the introduction of Weaning Rate in Merinos and Maternals

WARNING ABOUT SNAKES ON THE PLAINS

Meat & Livestock

Australia’s (MLA)

Sheep Genetics program included a record 190190,000 parentage and higher density genotypes were processed between July 2021 and June 2022, according to the Sheep Genetics 2021–22 Annual Outcomes Report released by MLA.

According to Peta Bradley, Manager of Sheep Genetics for MLA, borders reopening after COVID-included restrictions meant that more events could be held and attended by producers around the country.

“We have achieved a lot this year in delivering our service to clients. In particular, MLA has been focused on improving our genetic evaluation as well as working with producers to drive genetic progress within the sheep industry.

“Throughout FY22 we engaged with over 1,000 seedstock and commercial producers at events hosted or supported by Sheep Genetics.

“The efforts of our clients have contributed to doubling the rate of genetic gain across all the standard indexes for all analyses,” said Ms Bradley.

During 2021–22, Sheep Genetics experienced growth in both number of new clients as well as additional focks with existing clients. There are now currently 1,187 member focks in Sheep Genetics.

With the huge growth in membership over the last few years, Sheep Genetics developed a New Member workshop.

These online workshops are run regularly and are targeted at helping new members get started with genetic evaluations, including what information is needed to calculate Australian Sheep Breeding Values (ASBVs) and how results are accessed.

As part of this year’s analysis enhancements implemented in May 2022, MLA launched the redeveloped Sheep Genetics database. The database contains valuable information

on pedigree, on-farm and research data that is used to generate ASBVs from the LAMBPLAN, MERINOSELECT, KIDPLAN and DOHNE evaluations.

The implementation of the database redevelopment as well as the other analysis enhancements for 2022 were done as part of an MLA project with the Animal Genetics and Breeding Unit (AGBU).

Sheep Genetics works closely alongside AGBU in the delivery of the national genetic evaluation.

Between 2021 and 2022, LAMBPLAN membership increased by 9.8% and MERINOSELECT membership had an increase of 6%.

The LAMBPLAN membership included both maternal and terminal breed types, while the MERINOSELECT membership included both Merino and DOHNE breed types.

Selection index are an important tool to drive genetic improvement

• improved intramuscular fat and shear force while continuing to improve lean meat yield in Terminals

• further reduction in early breech wrinkle in Merinos

• improved growth across all analyses.

Ms Bradley commended the Sheep Genetics team and producers for all their hard work this year.

“Thank you to everyone who contributed to the Sheep Genetics program over the past year. We look forward to working with you over the next 12 months,” said Ms Bradley.

For more information, please see the full Sheep Genetics 2021–22 Annual Outcomes Report. Scan the QR code.

Farmers are reporting increased snake sightings as foodwaters force the reptiles onto higher ground.

Sarah Thompson from the NSW Farmers Rural Affairs Committee said many members were reporting an increased number of snake sightings as a result of the fooding, which had also reduced access to veterinary treatment.

“Just yesterday one of our members said she saw three black snakes near her place in a really short space of time, and it’s been like this for a while, they’re just trying to escape the water like we all are,” Mrs Thompson said.

“It’s a worry because people with dogs or who are going out to move stranded livestock are at a higher risk of being bitten.

“This is happening everywhere, we’ve heard recently about livestock being lost to snakes because some farms are more like islands than paddocks, and they can’t get to a vet.”

The spike in snake numbers coincided with increased activity during summer months. According to the Australian Reptile Park, Australia saw

approximately 3000 snake bites each year, about 10 per cent of which required antivenom. First aid for snake bites included keeping the bite victim calm and immobile, removing all jewellery or watches, applying a pressure-immobilisation bandage to the bite site, then bandaging the entire limb (not just the bite area) and seeking emergency medical assistance immediately by calling an ambulance or going directly to hospital.

While the advice to keep lawns short and avoid piling up household items was an excellent snake deterrent in urban areas, Mrs Thompson said, for food-affected rural communities vigilance was key.

“Everyone’s trying to stay dry and the snakes are no exception,” Mrs Thompson said.

“We know snakes aren’t generally trying to hurt us or our animals, but coming closer together because of fooding increases the risk of an attack for humans and animals.

“People just need to use some common sense, keep an eye out and be extra careful!”

DRONES BOLSTER WAR ON WEEDS IN STATE’S CENTRAL WEST

Drones to detect and spray weeds will soon be deployed out to councils across the Central West as the NSW Government ramps up its war on weeds after months of wet weather.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the NSW Government will invest $12.8 million over the next 12 months through the NSW Weed Action Program to tackle

problem weeds.

“Months of wet weather has not only added to the weed burden but has made it harder to undertake onthe-ground surveillance and control measures,” Mr Toole said.

“Through this program, Local Land Services will roll out drones to councils across the Central West and set them up to help map weed infestations – and

Cedardale Park

ultimately deploy larger drones to spray invasive plants from the air.

“It’s just one of the innovative weed control measures we’re rolling out to help bolster frontline efforts in the war on weeds.”

Minister for Agriculture Dugald Saunders said the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Local Land Services had recently released 10,000 St John’s Wort beetles across the Central West to target the problem weed.

“We’ve deployed thousands of these beetles from Bathurst to Wellington, Coonabarabran and

Gilgandra to combat outbreaks of that

problem weed across the region,” Mr Saunders said.

“We’ll now monitor those beetle populations to see if they can establish themselves in the region to provide ongoing support in the war on weeds.”

Mr Saunders said those frontline efforts were supported by increased monitoring to stamp out weeds wherever they sprouted.

“We carried out 73,091 surveillance activities across the state last year – a signifcant increase from the 49,682 activities completed in 2018,” Mr Saunders said.

“But the key to this program’s success is the fact it’s an investment in awareness, training, education and building community capacity to proactively address weeds and their impact.”

Fish stocks stable and steady

A new report from the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES) has found that the majority of stocks assessed were both not overfshed and not subject to overfshing.

The ABARES Fishery status reports 2022 provides an annual, independent assessment of the performance of these fsheries.

ABARES Executive Director, Dr Jared Greenville, said the Fishery status reports 2022 indicated that Commonwealth fsheries continue to be wellmanaged. Dr Greenville noted that, of the 101 stocks assessed, 69 were classifed as not overfshed and 81 were classifed as not subject to overfshing.

“The reports refect a generally stable trend of stock status, with only

six stocks changing status from last year,” Dr Greenville said.

“While the news overall is positive, with four of the six changed stocks improving in status, two domestic stocks have declined in status.

“Both john dory and eastern zone jackass morwong in the Southern and Eastern Scalefsh and Shark Fishery are now classifed as overfshed, which is a measure of the size of the underlying fsh stocks. The eastern zone jackass morwong is also classifed as subject to overfshing, which is a refection of the fshing mortality rate.

“The Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) has reduced total allowable catches for these stocks for the 2022–23 fshing season and has developed and agreed a network of spatial

closures to prevent fshing in areas of high abundance for at-risk species. The closures will start in May 2023.”

Dr Greenville also noted that there are a number of stocks which have been classifed as overfshed for some time. AFMA is continuing to work with stakeholders on strategies to rebuild these stocks.

The Fishery status reports 2022 also looks at the economic performance of fsheries managed by the Australian Government. These fsheries generated an estimated gross value of production (GVP) of $374 million in 2020–21, representing 27 per cent of the $1.39 billion GVP of Australia’s total wildcaught fsheries.

For a copy of the report visit: https:// www.agriculture.gov.au/ abares/research-topics/ fsheries/fshery-status

GRANTS HELP ANIMAL BY-PRODUCTS AND LEATHER INDUSTRY DIVERSIFY EXPORTS

Two Agricultural Trade and Market Access Cooperation program (ATMAC) grants will assist rendered meat products, hides, skins and leather exporters accelerate trade expansion and market diversifcation.

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Murray Watt, said the $460,900 grant to the Australian Renderers Association (ARA) would help provide specialist advice on importing and supply chain logistics.

It will also provide training resources to improve understanding of the nutritional aspects of rendered products, such as meat and bone meals, and tallows.

“The training and advisory program will beneft the industry by supporting the development of new opportunities abroad and the retention of existing markets,” Minister Watt said.

“Specifcally, it will target high value export opportunities in Vietnam, Thailand, Philippines, Indonesia,

India and Bangladesh by upskilling overseas customers.

“We will achieve this by demonstrating the value of sustainable production of exported protein products and the optimal use of Australian rendered products.

“In the long-term, this investment will establish direct and strong customer connections with the potential to deliver long-term supply contracts.”

Executive Offcer of ARA and Australian Hide Skin and Leather Exporters Association (AHSLEA), Dennis King, said a separate grant of $562,300 was awarded to the AHSLEA to promote the environmental and sustainability credentials of Australian hides and skins.

“International markets and consumers, particularly in the EU and US, are increasingly demanding evidence that products are ethically manufactured and demonstrate high environmental

credentials,” Mr King said.

“By promoting sustainable credentials and ethical production we will diversify opportunities for high value leather products and better engage with key consumers in these regions.”

Fast Facts:

• The Australian Renderers Association represents 98% of production from rendering facilities across the country.

• There are currently around 75 rendering facilities across regional Australia.

• Rendered product exports were worth approximately $1.3 billion in 2021-22.

• Australia is one of the largest exporters of hides and skins in the world with an export market valued at approximately $500 million.

• We produce around 8 million cattle hides and 30 million sheep, goat, and kangaroo skins per year.

Two-thirds of Australian sheepmeat producers are positive about the industry

Nearly half of Australian sheep producers are looking to increase the size of their focks in the next 12 months, according to the frst Sheep Producer Intentions survey (formally known as the MLA and AWI Sheepmeat and Wool survey).

The joint report was commissioned by Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) and Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) and released today. It surveyed 1,963 sheepmeat and wool producers between 29 September and 4 October 2022. Producers were initially invited to complete an online survey with the fnal sample complemented with a smaller number of phone interviews.

MLA Market Analyst

Jenny Lim noted that the new format of the survey allowed for a deeper understanding of the breed makeup of the fock.

“The new survey format also analysed sales channels used by producers across different states and farm size,” Ms Lim said.

“Saleyards continue to be the dominant sales

channel for producers, further highlighting the importance of saleyards for the industry.

“Specifcally, 58% of producers said that saleyard auctions were the main channel used, with over-the-hooks sales the second most used method at 23%.”

In addition, larger producers with 10,000

or more sheep are more likely to use direct sales. New South Wales had the strongest saleyard usage with 73% of producers using this channel for sheep and lamb sales.

The survey noted that 46% of producers are looking to increase their focks in 2023 with 60% hoping to expand operations and 47%

expecting favourable conditions in the next 12 months.

Strong growth expectations are being seen in Queensland and New South Wales, with larger producers indicating an intention to increase or maintain their fock numbers.

“Analysis of the reported change in the number of lambs suggests a forecast increase of approximately 1.7 million lambs over the estimated 2022 fock size, an increase of 6% on the 2022 Estimates,” Ms Lim said.

“This result highlights the importance of considering the reported changes in fock size rather than just producers’ disposition to change.”

Regarding potential

industry hurdles, the majority of producers surveyed are expecting an increase in input costs and fnding skilled labour to be more diffcult in the next 12 months.

Despite these headwinds, the sentiment around the sheepmeat industry is extremely positive moving forward, with a 67% net positive rating among sheepmeat producers across Australia.

“With Merinos making up 40% of the total lamb fock and prime lambs at 35%, the challenges around costs and labour seem to have less of an impact on decision making around fock growth than may have been previously expected,” said Ms Lim.

John Dory now classifed as overfshed

World-frst tool for better grazing management launched for red meat producers

Australian red meat producers now have access to weekly information on their farm-level pasture status with the release of a new tool called the Australian Feedbase Monitor (AFM).

Launched today at the MLA Updates held in Toowoomba, the AFM is a joint initiative between Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) and Cibo Labs. This world-frst tool provides producers with satellite-derived objective estimates of leading pasture growth, biomass, and ground cover for their property, and is free for MLA members who have linked their Livestock Production Assurance (LPA) accounts to their myMLA dashboard.

Managing Director of MLA, Jason Strong, said the Australian Feedbase Monitor helps take the guesswork out of grazing management, putting more precise information at producers’ fngertips.

“The AFM will be a catalyst for a major shift in the objective management of Australia’s pasture and fodder feedbase,” Mr Strong said.

A survey undertaken by Cibo Labs showed that over 85% of producers surveyed made regular pasture assessments,

with 40% undertaking a weekly assessment. However, three quarters of these assessments were carried out using subjective visual assessments.

Although producers conducted regular visual inspections, 28% of producers identifed they often had to make unplanned reductions in stock numbers in response to pasture conditions. These forced reductions resulted in over 40% of producers identifying lower sale returns.

The fnancial impact of inaccurate visual pasture assessments not only impacts sale returns, but often leads to increased supplementary feeding costs. Around 46% of survey respondents identifed a need to provide additional supplementary feeds at least twice in the past

fve years.

Angus beef producer, Paul Franks from Flat Tops, in the Upper Hunter, NSW said he’s looking forward to making the AFM a regular resource in his toolbox.

“The more you use it, the more valuable it becomes. You can go back and look at the pasture trends on your property over time and use that data to plan your management strategy going forward,” Mr Franks said.

The tool’s satellite maps are updated every fve days, showing the variability in pasture biomass for a producer’s entire farm at 1ha resolution. Mr Strong said the frequency of the updates will help producers to understand where the feedbase may be declining or responding to weather

events over time.

“Producers will also be able to generate graphs showing monthly changes in the feedbase since 2017, compare individual months to the same period in previous years and compare their farms to regional trends.

“The AFM will equip producers to make earlier and more informed grazing decisions to avoid forced stock reductions or unplanned supplementary feeding programs.”

From today, MLA members will be able to access the AFM for free though the myMLA portal by linking their LPA account to their myMLA dashboard. Within a few minutes, they will be able to click ‘Access the tool’ from the myMLA dashboard and receive secure, private, and ongoing access to weekly updates on their feedbase for any registered PIC.

If producers want high resolution and more frequent information, or if they are not an MLA member with a linked LPA account, there is also a paid subscription service available via Cibo Labs.

For more information on the Australian Feedbase Monitor Scan the QR Code on this page

ATMAC GRANT WEAVING THE WAY FOR DOMESTIC WOOL PROCESSING

A new report into wool processing has shown there is signifcant opportunity for the industry to grow in Australia.

Funded by the Australian Government’s Agricultural Trade and Market Access Cooperation (ATMAC) program, the national peak body WoolProducers Australia have released a report demonstrating the feasibility of expanding and diversifying domestic early-stage wool processing in Australia.

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Murray Watt, said the report found the economic impact of expanded early-stage processing would increase GDP by $1.6 billion, and create nearly 600 full-time jobs.

“The project looked at the potential and benefts of completing earlystage wool processing within Australia and in diversifed offshore markets,” Minister Watt said.

“Wool requires dedicated early-stage processing before it can enter more generic textile manufacturing processes.

“Currently, Australia only has capacity for 5 percent of our earlystage wool processing, with the remaining 95 percent of Australian wool production reliant on offshore early-stage processing, which is concentrated in a small number of export markets.

“By completing early-stage wool processing domestically we can increase regional jobs, strengthen industry resilience, boost market diversifcation, value add our exports of woollen products and mitigate trade risks.”

Chief Executive Offcer of WoolProducers Australia, Jo Hall, said

opportunities have been reviewed through economic assessment of domestic processing, trade risks and mitigation opportunities. As well as opportunities to develop or enhance processing capacity in diversifed onshore and offshore locations.

“The report outlines potential benefts while considering existing barriers in re-establishing this sector, including energy and labour costs, water availability and innovation opportunities to address these barriers,” Ms Hall said.

“It assesses tariff and regulatory barriers, that may prevent domestic and diversifed early-stage processing from integrating with downstream textile supply chain operations.

“Additionally, it explores opportunities to split early stage ‘wet’ and ‘dry’ processing between domestic and offshore locations.

“Report fndings indicate that domestic and diversifed early-stage processing of wool is feasible and should be explored further through the completion of a comprehensive business case.”

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry will continue to work with WoolProducers and Australia’s wool industry to support the sector’s growth and development. This includes pursuing export market expansion and growth, as well as new avenues for trade through on-shore processing, to support industry’s $100 billion Ag2030 target.

The Australian wool industry generates an average $3.5 billion in wool exports each year and provides 200,000 jobs.

Flipping houses is when you buy a property with the intention of selling for a quick proft rather than holding onto it for rental income or long-term capital gain.

There are solutions if you’re short on funds!

Running out of funds during the renovation process is not a great position to be in.

If you have existing equity in another property or if you choose the right lender, you may be able to qualify for a loan to cover the cost of renovations but what happens if the lender knocks you back?

There are solutions available with private lenders!

These lenders specialise in incomplete properties and small residential developments like townhouses and duplexes.

They tend to approve loans very quickly (less than 5 days, in some cases) so they can be lifesavers for borrowers who are short on funds and need to pay contractors.

In most cases, you need to be selling the property within 12 months to qualify for this short-term loan.

How does property fipping work?

You can fip real estate in two ways:

Buy a property in a growth market which can be resold at a higher price just by holding onto the property over the shortterm.

Buy a property below market value that requires minor renovations and make strategic capital improvements that allow you to sell at or above market value.

Advantages of property fipping

• Flipping a property can reap generous awards including:

• Earning a quick proft: You can get a quicker return on investment compared to holding onto a property for a number of years and relying on natural property market growth.

• Building your professional network: You can start to build a list of professional contacts such as real estate agents, solicitors and conveyancers, insurance brokers, and other investors who can become handy for future investment advice or collaboration.

• Becoming a better renovator: You can gain enriching

The secret to success when fipping houses

construction and renovation experience.

• Becoming a better property investor: You’ll also gain insights about what to look for in the local real estate market and master the art of negotiating with a vendor (seller of the property).

Drawbacks of fipping properties

• Losing money instead of making a proft: There are many factors that contribute to fnancial loss including taxes related to buying and selling property such as capital gains tax (CGT) and stamp duty, as well as unanticipated expenses like higher than expected renovation costs or increases to your mortgage repayments (should interest rates be hiked).

• Holding costs: The property may not be sold as quickly as you frst anticipated thus increasing the costs related to maintenance and your overall investment loan repayments. This is an opportunity cost and considered “dead money” as a property investor.

• Stress: The entire process of fnding an undervalued property, calculating the costs of buying and renovating, and fnding potential buyers involves time and stress.

• Missed opportunity cost: There’s the potential of missing out on a higher return on investment (ROI) if you sell the property at the wrong time (timing the market is gamble!)

How to succeed in fipping houses

Like any business, fipping houses requires money and time, planning and patience, and signifcant research.

Most investor renovators agree that one of the frst steps you should take is to get a mentor with signifcant experience.

Understand that fipping houses is not a get rich quick scheme so here are some golden tips you should follow.

Cut costs where you can Most people borrow against their home and then use the equity to fund their house fipping plans.

In this way, you don’t need to apply for a new

home loan each time and can potentially avoid expenses like Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI) and loan set up fees.

If you don’t have enough equity or only have a small deposit, then consider a guarantor loan. Pay directly for tradesmen rather than paying a contract builder

If you can fund the renovation work using your own funds then there’s no need for a contract builder.

Hiring tradesmen directly will make the renovation cheaper.

If you need to borrow the cost of construction, the bank will require you to use a licensed builder which will cost you a little more than if you were to do a lot of the work yourself.

In addition to this, your borrowing power will rely on the “on completion value” which will typically be lower than what you are likely to sell it for because banks are really conservative!.

Buy low and sell high Sounds pretty obvious but it’s easier said than done.

You not only have to identify the potential in a property but you need the negotiation skills to buy below market value.

The other challenge is that you’ll face this same aggression from a buyer when it comes time to sell your property.

To get a fair price, most house fippers set a slightly higher price and negotiate with the buyer to get as close as possible to market value.

Buy low

You not only have to identify the potential in a property but you need the negotiation skills to buy below market value.

Here are 5 tips for negotiating:

Knowledge is power: Sites like domain.com. au and realestate.com.au are a great place to start researching but move on to RPData and Residex once you’ve narrowed down your property selections.

A bad agent is your best friend: A bad agent will undersell the property and even tell you how much the vendor is actually willing to sell for – almost always it’s below the advertised price!

Don’t be afraid to walk away: Set yourself a budget, make offers on 3 or 4 other properties, don’t become emotionally attached and, who knows, the vendor may be more than willing to drive a

harder bargain. Don’t let good agents push you around: Skills agents will usually tell you that there are other parties interested in the house – sometimes there is, sometimes there isn’t, so to fnd out the truth, grill them about what these “other parties” have offered and what the vendor’s response was. Know when to make an offer: Never make the frst offer and if you’re really sure this is a property you want, sweeten the deal with a larger upfront deposit and work with your conveyancer and the broker to get a quick settlement.

Sell high

On the other side, you’ll face lowball offers from buyers when it comes time to sell.

Investing in a good real estate agent is critical because they will help highlight the property features and the benefts of living in the location when open-housers start showing up at your door: Make sure the agent is licensed in your state. Make appointments to interview at least three agents and compare their market appraisals for their last few deals.

It goes without saying that you should discuss with them the potential of getting a better price going to auction rather than a private sale. The condition of the property

If the property is in a bad condition, you’re in a much stronger position to make a low offer.

However, the condition of the property will also affect your chances of getting approved for an investment loan.

If the property cannot be rented out in its current state, you won’t be able to get approved if you don’t have a building contract in place to prove you are fxing it.

If the property can be rented out today, getting an investment loan will be possible.

It comes down to choosing a property that needs a bit of work but is, otherwise, liveable.

In some cases, we may be able to get you approved to borrow up to 80% of the land value and the banks will accept this even if the property is in a really bad condition.

This strategy is only suitable to borrowers in a strong fnancial position who have signifcant cash fow on standby to put towards the purchase.

The ideal property will be one which is

cosmetically bad (old kitchen, old bathroom, paint falling off the wall, grass and landscaping is overgrown etc.) but structurally very good (foor has no holes, has a bathroom, no smashed windows etc.)

What types of renovation work adds the most value?

Not all of your restoration and refurbishment efforts are going to pay off when it comes time to sell the property.

In fact, it’s often the simplest improvements that can give the property just the makeover it needs to woo potential buyers. This type of work includes:

Cosmetic: This ranges from a new cost of paint, laying down new timber or tiles and restoring the gardens and landscaping. This doesn’t require much work, time or money at all.

Kitchens and bathrooms: These rooms are typically the ones that require a constant update and they’re at heart of the home lifestyle so it’s here you’ll want to spend a little more time and effort.

Installing a pool: A swimming pool can add value in some locations, for example, Queensland, where the weather permits the use of a pool for much of the year.

Structural renovations: Knocking down walls and rearranging rooms is quite time-consuming and expensive so you should only do this if there are limitations that prevent undertaking certain work.

Extension: This includes adding an extra level or extending your home. Just ensure that you obtain approval from the council frst!

Watch out for capital gains tax (CGT)

Did you know that if you hold a property for less than 12 months, you’ll pay CGT on 100% on the sale proceeds?

Alternatively, if you hold a property for 12 months and just 1 day, you will only pay CGT on 50% of the capital gain.

It’s actually common for investors pursuing a house fipping strategy to live in the property as they undertake construction.

You just have to deal with living out of a suitcase!

By living in it for at least 6 months, you’ll be treated as a homeowner for tax purposes and can avoid CGT altogether!

Please speak to your accountant before making any investment or fnancial decision

to ensure that you’re operating within Australian tax rules.

Working with a business partner

Should you be fipping houses with a business partner?

It’s best not to involve a business partner as there can be future conficts of interest, less control over the project and how to fairly go about proft sharing, among other risks.

It’s better to go it alone on a small project or someone with a spousal/ defacto relationship.

Should I sell or keep the property?

Many clients do not sell the property after they renovate, instead, keep it as an investment property, build up some equity and then buy another property to continue building their property portfolio.

Bear in mind that your borrowing power may be tight if you do this regularly over a short-term period and will invariably limit your ability to fund property investment in the future.

One of the big risks to watch out for is hitting your mortgage exposure limit early on.

However, if you’ve bought in a growth area, the capital gains you generate from holding the property can keep you investing for the long-term.

It comes down to doing your research and due diligence on the local market, keeping your costs down through savvy renovating techniques and keeping funds on standby should you need to cover shortfalls in getting an investment loan or covering repairs and property improvements.

Generally speaking, house fippers get a higher return when property prices are rising and vice-versa.

The quicker you turn the property around, the higher your ROI.

The trade-off is that you’ll be paying more taxes over a short-term period when buying the property and then selling it in 12 months compared to buying and then selling in 3 years’ time, for example.

AUCTION MARKET PREVIEW - 4 DECEMBER 2022

Auction activity across the combined capitals continues to rise, with 2,579 homes set to go under the hammer this week.

Continuing the upward trend seen over the past four weeks, this week’s auction volumes are expected to rise 6.8%, overtaking last week (2,414) as the capital’s busiest week since mid-June (2,528). While up week on week, this week’s scheduled auction activity is -37.9% lower than the same week last year (4,153), when weekly auction volumes exceeded 4,000 for the second time on record.

With 937 homes

number

in Australia’s milliondollar club

shrunk considerably in the past six months as the weight of rising infation, consecutive rate hikes and falling property values takes its toll.

Since April, the median value in 169 suburbs around the country have dropped below seven fgures while only seven suburbs across capital cities and regional areas have increased in value to $1 million or more.

A signifcant proportion of more affordable outer ring suburbs in Sydney and Melbourne are no longer recording a median value of $1 million or more.

“We are seeing the more affordable housing markets recording smaller declines, but values are generally trending lower, just not as fast as more expensive areas,” he said.

“Many of these outer fringe suburbs that have fallen below the

currently scheduled for auction, Sydney’s auction activity rose marginally this week (0.9%), making it the busiest week since

late May (1,109). The previous week saw 929 homes auctioned across the city, while this time last year, 1,466 auctions were held.

Melbourne is expected to host more than 1,000 auctions for the third consecutive week, with 1,151 homes set to go under the hammer. Up

13.8% from the 1,011 auctions held last week, this week’s auction activity is -39.8% below this time last year (1,912), when Melbourne

hosted its sixth busiest auction week on record.

Adelaide (180) is set to overtake Brisbane as the busiest auction market amongst the smaller capitals, up 20.8% from the previous week when 149 auctions were held. With 169 auctions scheduled, Brisbane’s auction activity is set to rise 9.7% this week, up from 154, while Canberra is expected to host 125 auctions this week, 17.8% below the 152 held last week. In Perth, 14 homes are set to go under the hammer, while three auctions are expected in Tasmania this week.

$1 million mark were previously showing median values that were only marginally over the seven-fgure threshold, so in many cases, a small percentage drop in value has been enough to push values below $1 million.”

“Housing values across the most expensive quarter of the market are actually falling faster, but most of these suburbs would need to see values fall signifcantly further before dragging their medians below the million-dollar mark.”

There are still 836 suburbs nationally with a median value of $1 million or more, including 347 in Sydney and 117 in Melbourne.

Mr Lawless said they are the only capitals that have seen a reduction in the number of million-dollar suburbs when comparing to October last year.

“These are also the capital cities where housing values have fallen the most, with

Sydney dwelling values down 8.6% over the 12 months to Oct 22 and Melbourne down 5.6%,” he said.

“Hobart was the only other capital to record an annual decline in dwelling values so far (down -1.0%), however we are yet to see this result in fewer million plus suburbs relative to a year ago.”

Despite the decline in value, Australia still has more than double the number of suburbs with median values of $1 million or more than compared to March 2020 and the onset of COVID, when there were 393

million-dollar suburbs.

“The same trend is true across each of the capitals and rest of state areas, including the cities where housing values have fallen the most, like Sydney where there were 257 $1 million-plus suburbs and in Melbourne where there were 85 $1 million-plus suburbs in March 2020,” Mr Lawless said.

Of the seven new million-dollar areas, Adelaide’s Forestville, in the city’s inner southwest and North Brighton, a coastal suburb, joined Burns Beach, 34km north of Perth and Alfred Cove south of the city, were the

four capital city suburbs to see a rise in the median value to above $1 million since April.

Regional NSW coastal areas Emerald Beach and Bonny Hills join Bright in Victoria’s High Country as newcomers to the million-dollar club.

Mr Lawless said while Adelaide had only seen median values fall -0.6% since the market peaked in July, the rate of decline had picked up a little.

“Adelaide’s rate of decline has become more pronounced across the upper quartile, where values are down 2.6% since peaking a month earlier in June,” he said.

“With this weaker trend across the more expensive end of the market, its likely we will see some ‘borderline’ million plus suburbs starting to slip below the million-dollar mark over coming months.”

For buyers and sellers, a decline in the number of seven-fgure suburbs

simply refects the weaker housing market conditions.

Mr Lawless said the weakness is expected to continue and with a record seventh rate rise forecast in December, it is more than likely the million-dollar club will continue to shrink.

“It is likely values will continue to trend lower across each of the broad valuation cohorts of the market, but while the upper quartile of the housing market has led the downturn, it’s also the sector of the market that is leading the easing in the pace of declines,” he said.

“The trend over the past few months has been towards an easing in the rate of decline, especially in Sydney and Melbourne, so if that trend persists, we may not see an acceleration in the number of suburbs where the median value drops below $1 million dollars.”

Emerald Beach joins the million dollar club in house prices

OUTLANDER PLUGS IN TO LIMITED ASPIRATIONS

By DEREK OGDEN

For those who think the switch from ‘dirty’ fossil fuels to ‘clean’ electric power is too severe. Flat battery; no go; range anxiety? Happily, there is a halfway house - hybrid power.

Petrol / electric hybrid vehicles have been around for years - think Toyota Prius and Honda Insight - the former still on the streets, leading the way, especially in the feet world such as that of taxis.

In these vehicles an internal combustion engine is used to charge a battery, which feeds an electric motor, partially powering the car. Still a source of pollution. What if the engine could be by-passed and the battery charged externally?

Enter the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, in which petrol and battery power are used in tandem to drive the vehicle at optimum reduced emissions until the battery is out of juice and internal combustion automatically takes over completely. Range relief!

The frst sports utility vehicle to take advantage of the combined powertrain, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, which made its way Down Under a decade ago, has sold more than 300,000 units, making it the most popular plug-in in the world.

The latest generation comes in four variants - ES fve-seater, aspire fve-seat, Exceed 5+2 seater and Exceed Tourer 5+2-seater. Prices start at $54,590 and top out at $68,490, plus on-road costs. On test was the

Outlander PHEV Aspire 5 seat at $60,990.

STYLING

Compared with the outgoing model, the new Outlander is longer, wider, taller, heavier and boasts a longer wheelbase. Muscular fared fenders match its broad shoulders.

Sharp daytime running lights cap off an LED headlamp cluster designed to provide greater visibility over long distances, while extended horizontal rear LED lights with T-shaped ends highlight the Outlander PHEV’s distinctive shoulders.

Machined 20-inch alloy wheels bolster the Aspire’s impressive stance.

INTERIOR

The cabin presented a relaxed, quiet, even when the petrol motor was in action, the only intrusion was road noise on nontoo-smooth bitumen or concrete. The seats, however, were on the frm side.

Leg and shoulder space was generous, thanks to the absence of a third row of seating, which also contributed to plenty of room in the boot - 485 litres with seat backs up and up to 1478 litres with second row backs folded.

Loading was made easy by a power liftback and fat removable foor, under which was located various tools and charging leads, but no spare tyre, full size or otherwise. Thereby hangs a tale (see Driving section below).

INFOTAINMENT

All plug-in Outlanders

feature a 9-inch touchscreen displaying menu and maps clearly and moving between modes is simple, while the Aspire grade has a 12.3-inch digital information set-up showing powertrain info and speed, plus other confgurable info.

ENGINES / TRANSMISSIONS

All grades are powered by an upgraded 2.4 litre four-cylinder engine, combined with a pair of electric motors on front and rear axles, delivering 185 kW and 450 Nm to all four wheels.

SAFETY

The Outlander PHEV shares the fve-star ANCAP safety grade won by its petrol-only sibling earlier this year.

Active safety includes autonomous emergency braking (forward and reverse), lane departure warning, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, traffc sign recognition, adaptive cruise control, rear cross-traffc alert and surround view camera.

Passive safety is covered by eight airbags, including in the front centre position. With the lack of engine noise the car lets out a muffed bell ringing sound to alert unwary pedestrians.

DRIVING

You meet a better class of cabbie at public charging stations; I’m talking about the Uber driver ‘of a certain age’ and his Tesla Model 3. With a lazy half hour to spare during a busy schedule we chatted while the test Outlander PHEV was on fast charge.

Forty minutes later,

the Outlander battery 80 per cent juiced (70-odd kilometres range on the clock), with $4.09 paid, we parted ways. During a spread of driving tasks, the test car came up on average with energy consumption of just over 20.0 kWh per 100 kilometres, against a maker’s claim of 19.2 kWh / 100km.

The petrol engine chips in only if you load up the acceleration or the vehicle tops 135 km/h. It also helps charge the battery, as does braking through kinetic energy conversion.

Mitsubishi claims, on dual fuel, the PHEV uses 1.5 litres per 100 kilometres.

With the battery fat, the engine automatically shoulders the load, recording on test, fuel consumption of around 5 litres per 100 kilometres. The system’s performance can be tracked visually through an animated diagram on the instrument panel.

Home charging from a 240V outlet, the maker claims 9.5 hours from zero to 100 per cent, or 6.5 hours from a domestic wall box. Alternatively, charging to 80 per cent can be done from the on-board generator in one-and-a-half hours.

Driving to conditions are catered for by up to seven modes - I stuck mostly to Normal during the test - available through a wheel on the centre console, while four power modes - Normal, EV, Save and Charge - can be accessed by means of an adjacent button.

Also close by is a button that calls into action regenerative braking

strong enough to allow one-pedal driving, good enough to bring the car almost to a complete stop. Six softer stages of braking can be operated using steering wheelmounted shift paddles.

A head-up display on the windscreen covers speed and legal speed limits. Tow rating is 1600 kg braked and 750 kg unbraked.

Now for the unscheduled incident mentioned above, which could have ended in tears. It didn’t, thanks to the Mitsubishi 24-Hour Roadside Assistance Service. The Outlander picked up a fat tyre and was immediately pulled over.

Inspection of the nearside rear tyre showed a shiny new Phillipshead screw nestling in the tread. Under the boot foor was a puncture repair kit (tyre sealant, plus compressor).

Missing were any instructions on how to use them. The owner’s handbook had gone astray.

A phone call had the roadside assistance swinging into action. The young ‘assister’ said he had tried the tyre sealing stuff and found it to be, at best, wanting and suggested a tow to the local tyre workshop.

The advice taken, the offending fastener was removed and the hole plugged. No sweat, the whole exercise cost $35.

SUMMARY

Despite the initial cost of ownership, with petrol prices rapidly heading north, any vehicle that eases the wallet wound is worth looking into.

The Outlander Aspire

plug-in hybrid covers all petrol / electric bases without the anxiety of its meagre 80-plus kilometre limited EV range. The industry-leading warranty is the icing on the cake.

ENGINE:

Capacity: 2.360 litres Confguration: Four cylinders inline Combined Maximum Power: 185 kW

Combined Maximum Torque: 450 Nm EV driving range: 84 km

Fuel Type: Regular unleaded petrol Combined Fuel Cycle (ADR 81/02): 1.5 L/100km

Petrol only cycle: 5.0 L/100km CO2 emissions 116 g/k/m

DRIVELINE: Singlespeed automatic, allwheel drive

MODEL LINE-UP

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV ES 5 seat: $54,590

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Aspire 5 seat: $60,990

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Exceed 5+2 seat: $65,990

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Exceed Tourer 5+2 seat: $68,490

Note: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your local Mitsubishi dealer for drive-away prices.

SPECIFICATIONS

(Outlander 2.4L PHEV Aspire 4-cylinder petrol, plug-in hybrid, two electric motors, 20.0 kWh battery, single-speed automatic, AWD)

STANDARD WARRANTY: Ten years / 200,000 kilometres

KLUGER CLEVER BY NAME AND NATURE

By DEREK OGDEN

First released at the turn of the century the Toyota Kluger over the years has grown in size and stature to become one of Toyota’s most popular products. The fourth generation of the sevenseat SUV is no exception, continuing to climb the ladder of sales success.

The name Kluger is derived from the German word ‘Klug’ meaning clever and, according to the maker, the all-new model comes with a smart sculpted look, upgraded safety features, improved driving dynamics, and for the frst time in Australia, a hybrid powertrain.

The all-new model is available in three trim levels - GX, GXL and Grande - in petrol twowheel drive format, or hybrid or petrol all-wheel drive confguration. The 218 kW / 350 Nm V6

petrol engine relies on the same performance as its predecessor, with engineers coaxing improved fuel economy out of the unit.

Built on Toyota’s New Global Architecture platform, the latest Kluger delivers a balance of ride and handling, resulting in a premium feel on the road. The cabin, with a blend of soft touch materials, clever design and more space, is aimed at comfortably carrying seven people.

Occupants enjoy the benefts of the latest in Toyota Safety Sense driver assistance features including pre-collision safety with pedestrian and daytime cyclist detection, emergency steering assist and intersection turn assist on every model. Also on tap are active cruise control - with curve speed reduction function - lane trace assist, blind spot monitor, reversing camera and seven airbags.

Standard equipment includes smart entry and start, manual front and rear dual-zone airconditioning, rain sensing wipers and automatic lights, and fve USB ports. GXL models gain power heated front seats, tri-zone climate control, synthetic leather upholstery, power tailgate and satellite navigation

with the latest generation multimedia system.

The new Kluger is covered by Toyota Warranty Advantage, which offers fve-year unlimited kilometre coverage, extending to seven-years on engine and driveline, with capped-price servicing for the frst fve years / 75,000 km and each 12-month / 15,000 km service costing $250. On test was the GXL frontwheel drive petrol variant selling for $56,850, without on-road costs.

STYLING

At almost fve metres long (76 mm longer than before), overall width has increased by a minimal 5 mm to, while 20 mm wider fared wheel arches give the car a planted street presence. Large stacked trapezoidal grilles are split by the front bumper. The wider front end is complemented by slimline LED light clusters with integrated daytime running lights housed atop deeprecessed LED fog lights.

In profle, the longer body, tapered roofine with integrated rear spoiler, rising beltline and windows with blackedout B-pillars convey forward movement when the car is stationary.

Side mirrors have been moved lower on the door panel to improve forward visibility and reduce blind spots.

Filling the pumped GXL wheel arches are new 18-inch alloys with a dark grey metallic machine fnish designed for visual appeal and to aid brake cooling through optimal airfow. The rear follows through with a

wide stance, slim LED taillights and large lower skid plate.

The rear hatch offers easy access to the expanded luggage space with power operation for GXL and a ‘kick sensor’ for the Grande that allows the hatch to be opened and closed hands-free.

INTERIOR

The modern family is welcomed aboard the Kluger by improved packaging in premium materials, the driver and front passenger with an expansive dashboard in soft touch surfaces.

The broad dash houses the instrument cluster, a large central 8-inch touchscreen display and air-conditioning controls and vents

The lower centre console incorporates the transmission lever, drive and AWD mode select switchgear if needed, electronic park brake and two large cupholders. Ergonomics, ease of use and improved versatility are evident in the three rows of seating fnished in synthetic leather. Heating and power adjustment are on tap upfront.

Storage throughout the cabin includes a 15-litre lidded centre console box, overhead glasses holder, front door bins with 700 ml bottle holders, rear door bins with two 700 ml bottle holders and eight cupholders.

Boot space is 50 mm longer and 13 mm wider providing an increase of 46 litres of luggage space to a total of 241 litres. With the third-row seats folded fat, this increases to 552 litres, while folding the second

row 60/40-split seat back as well stumps up 1150 litres of capacity.

A removable luggage cover, standard on all models, can be stored under the luggage space deck when not in use.

INFOTAINMENT

Petrol models offer traditional tacho and speedo in the instrument cluster that, in GXL, offers a 7-inch MID to provide better visibility of vehicle functions and settings. Phone call, cruise control, audio and some driver assistance features are easily accessed via fngertip controls on the leatheraccented steering wheel.

All models feature the latest generation multimedia system with AM / FM / DAB+ radio, Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay or Android Auto compatibility and myToyota apps including Waze and Stitcher (IOS) and WebEx (Android™4).

The GXL adds satellite navigation.

ENGINES / TRANSMISSIONS

While the 3.5-litre V6 engine generates the same maximum 218 kW of power and 350 Nm of torque as the engine it replaces, refnements and the addition of a stop/start system have reduced fuel consumption by between 4 and 7 per cent.

A combined fuel cycle fgure of 8.7 litres per 100 kilometres is stated by the maker. On test the GLX petrol FWD recorded 6.1 litres per 100 kilometres on the motorway and up to 13-plus around town.

The engine drives through an 8-speed

automatic transmission that offers driverselectable SPORT, NORMAL and ECO modes depending on desired driving characteristics.

SAFETY

As befts Australia’s favourite family SUV, occupant safety is front and centre, with the latest-generation Toyota Safety Sense driver assistance features on hand. Such a system is autonomous emergency braking pre-collision safety that is able to detect pedestrians’ day and night, cyclists during the day, oncoming vehicles and pedestrians at intersections when making turns, and assist taking evasive action if there is potential for a collision.

All models are ftted with a reversing camera that includes a camera cleaning system activated via the rear screen washer switch. In GXL versions, the camera display offers normal and wide-angle images and incorporates active guidelines.

DRIVING

Compared with the previous generation Kluger, the new model offers a substantial improvement in driving stability, roadholding and comfort on all surfaces thanks to newly developed front and

rear suspension set-ups that provide responsive, smooth handling.

Ride comfort is also enhanced by a new Body Control with Torque Demand system that controls drive torque to minimise vehicle pitching due to road surface irregularities. The system is also able to suppress acceleration and deceleration pitching to minimise up and down movement and improve stability without having to increase suspension

damping.

Responsive steering with ample feedback is provided by an electrically-assisted rackand-pinion system that has also been improved for noise, vibration and harshness with a larger diameter steering shaft for increased rigidity and a new electric motor for power assistance.

Providing effective stopping power is a substantially improved brake package with larger 340 mm front and 338 mm rear discs that are now all ventilated for enhanced performance.

MODEL LINE-UP

GX FWD petrol $47,650

GXL FWD petrol $56,850

Grande FWD petrol $68,900

GX AWD petrol $51,650

GXL AWD petrol $60,850

Grande AWD petrol $72,900

GX AWD hybrid $54,150

GXL AWD hybrid $63,350

Grande AWD hybrid $75,400

Options Premium paint $675

Rear Entertainment System $1500 (Grande only)

Note: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your local Toyota dealer for drive-away prices.

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

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:

Home gardeners are encouraged to wear a face mask and gloves while handling potting mix and compost, and to wash their hands thoroughly, to avoid contracting Legionnaires’ disease.

Legionella longbeachae bacteria is often found in potting mix and can cause the lung infection Legionnaires’ disease if someone inhales dust from contaminated soil.

NSW Health Executive Director, Dr Jeremy McAnulty, said gardeners can take simple precautions to ensure they are safe when gardening.

‘’Most people who breathe in the bacteria don’t become ill, but the risk of infection increases if you’re older, a smoker, or have a weakened immune system,” Dr McAnulty said.

“Wetting the potting mix frst also helps prevent any contaminated potting mix dust blowing up into the air and being inhaled.

“Even if you’ve been wearing gloves, make sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap before eating or drinking as the bacteria could still be there.”

There were 96 cases of Legionnaires’ disease so far this year from the type of bacteria that can be found in potting mix and soils in NSW, and 106 were reported

NSW Health is urging anyone who is at risk of HIV to speak to a healthcare professional about the many testing and prevention options available.

Chief Health Offcer Dr Kerry Chant said the state has made great progress towards eliminating HIV transmission, however testing rates are lower than pre-pandemic levels. From January to September 2022, 116 NSW residents were diagnosed with HIV. While this is a decrease of 37 per cent compared to the average for the last fve years, that decline is still likely driven by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic response and lower levels of engagement with health services.

“Heading into summer, we are reminding the

last year. Sadly, a woman in her 60s died from the disease in Sydney this week.

Symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease can develop up to 10 days after exposure to the bacteria.

Symptoms include fever, chills, a cough, shortness of breath, aching muscles, headache, tiredness, loss of appetite and diarrhoea.

Legionella bacteria can multiply in bagged potting mix, mulch and other soil products. To minimise the risk, people should always read and follow the manufacturer’s warnings on the outside of the bag.

“Put on a face mask and wear gardening gloves before you open the bag of potting mix and handle the contents,” Dr McAnulty said.

A more common source of Legionnaires’ disease is due to a different strain of bacteria, usually found in contaminated air conditioning cooling systems on large buildings.

If you have ongoing or worsening symptoms, you should see your doctor or visit your local emergency department. For more information visit: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/ factsheets/Pages/legionnaires_disease

community that it has never been easier to test with a wide variety of options available,” Dr Chant said.

“The numbers of people returning for testing and taking pre-exposure prophylaxis, PrEP, for HIV prevention are much higher in the last few months, which is terrifc, but we still have work to do to return those testing numbers to where they were before COVID-19.

“People can get tested easily and confdentially at their local GP or sexual health service. There are also now more online and home-based testing options including Dried Blood Spot test, a free fnger prick test which is mailed to you, and self-test kits which are available in some pharmacies.

Grape Expectations by Max Crus

Pull the other one.

What’s going in in caravanland? Have you noticed that no two caravans are the same model? Just check it out on Caravans.com.

Who knew that caravans are the bastion of bespoke and those grey nomads are all individuals after all.

But what’s driving this and I don’t mean whether it’s a gas-guzzling, giant Toyota Landcrusher or a Nissan Petrol Purifer (yeah, they turn petrol into a yummy mix of greenhouse gases and particulates as fast as any semi-trailer)?

I followed a caravan the other day, the model? ‘HardCore’! Would you want your child driving around with one of those behind them? Or was it a couple of grey nomads’ cry for help?

Many other names caravan

companies have given their products are lures that you’re going to get whatever is suggested in the name, but excitement comes in various forms, for example there’s Expedition or Adventurer but what do you get with Silver Fox?

Base Station is another.

Try getting a 20-foot van up Everest and why do they still talk in feet?

Intrepid? A family holiday in a caravan would be.

Family Haven might be better.

Desert Rose…does Paul Kelly get royalties?

How many Bushmasters went to Ukraine by mistake?

Terrain Tuff, is a kid’s toy isn’t it? Majestic Navigator, haha. Get lost.

On The Move, how inventive. Isn’t ‘Sunset’ a bit close to home for Grey

Nomads?

Legend Caravans (how modest) has a Groundbreaker…specially when they fnd a dump point.

For those wanting to look tough there’s Scorpion, Wild Warrior, Dominator, Maverick, Safari Tamer (shouldn’t that be the other way around?).

A few military offerings for vets : Trooper, Ballistic (true!), Force 7. Some are somewhat sombre…Monument (are you dead already?).

Some soft ones, Sarah, ohhhh. Aussiemate, how patriotic. Alpha, Tango, Golf, do you read me? Kimberley Kampers Kruiser kouldn’t get anything right.

A few deserts get a nod, Tanami, Simpson, Pavlova… just kidding.

How about ‘Fair Dinkum?

Fair dinkum.

If you can have one called Noosa, why not Cocklebiddy?

What happened to the good old days when there was just Windsor, Coramal and Viscount?

Now there’s more Windsors in Buckingham palace than on the road, but I saw one yesterday.

As a wise old caravan park owner once said, “these people come to town with one t-shirt and one $5 note, and they don’t change either of them”.

But I’m pretty sure they are all wine drinkers, once they run out of light beer and billy-tea.

Here’s few suggestions for them :

Sunlight (Light In Alcohol (7%) And In Calories - Sustainably Made) Chardonnay 2021, $? Possibly the worst named wine in Australia and a perfect name for a caravan. This is almost indiscernible from other frivolous whites on the shelves with a few percent more in the alco stakes, so if low is your go, go there and live longer... if not as happily. 8.7/10.

Alcohol (8%) And In Calories - Sustainably Made) Shiraz 2021, $? This is getting closer, but of course it still has some alcohol. You could still drive a caravan after a whole bottle too. But why would you? 8.8/10.

Redheads SA Moonlighter White Blend 2022, $?

Another great name for a caravan, come on guys! Everyone is blending these days, and what better way to lure people than with a weird blend. You can spend hours debating which grapes with your grey nomad mates or just drink it, because it’s good, smart, sharp white wine. 9.1/10.

RedHeads SA Moonlighter Red Blend 2021, $? How many people under 40 years of age understand what moonlighting is? There’s probably a new inuendo these days so best not delve. Sensible red wine for frolicking occasions. 9.1/10.

Sauvignon 2020, $30. Back into the room with another Barossa cab, one of my favourites. This is real red with lots of alcohol and lots of body, indeed lots of everything. Have it with a pizza with the lot. 9.4/10.

Paulmara Barossa

Valley Project XW Australian White Wine 2021, $25. Project XW sounds very Netflix, and another wine with unannounced grapes, but it’s a project, it’s meant to be mysterious. Tune in and see if you can solve it. 9.2/10

1 Which philosopher wrote The Architecture of Happiness and hosted the spin-o documentary?

2 Who was the last of the ‘Five Good Emperors’ of the Roman Empire?

3 In what year was The Canberra Times rst issued?

4 What web-based community was founded by Evan Williams, Biz Stone and Jack Dorsey?

5 And similarly, what was founded by Chad Hurley, Steve Chen and Jawed Karim?

6 Which 1997 sci- lm starred Milla Jovovich (pictured) as Leeloominaï Lekatariba Lamina-Tchaï Ekbat De Sebat?

7 Written by Dave Dobbyn, what was the theme song for Footrot Flats (1987)?

8 Which of the following is not a lbert: a paintbrush, a nut or a pie?

9 Who is credited with inventing the Hills Hoist in 1945?

10 What price did the National Gallery of Australia pay for the Jackson Pollock painting Blue Poles in 1973?

Return Thanks Death Notice

Mark Andrew McAlister

“Macca”

18/10/1957 – 05/08/2022

Our family would like to express our sincere thanks to our many friends, neighbours for their kindness and friendship during this very sad time. We were over whelmed by the cards, flowers, phone calls, cooking and messages of support.

Mark was a wonderful son, a great dad and my beautiful husband and best friend. There are no words to express the sadness and loss we are feeling.

A special thank you to Dr Ali Hassan the Doctors and nursing staff at Lismore Base Hospital and Parkview Funeral Home Casino. Also, a special thanks to my sister Jenny, brother Mark and my niece Toya for their continued support. Family are everything.

Thank you once again, Vickie, Rick, Brad and Eileen.

Loving you changed my life

It should come as no surprise, That losing you has done the same.

Funeral Notice

DOWD, Patrick Terence “Pat” 23.5.1955 – 22.11.22

Passed away unexpectedly, at this home in Lismore, NSW. Aged 67 years.

Dearly loved son of Margaret and Jim Dowd. Brother of Simon, Matthew, Michael (Dec’d), Terence, Ben, James, Phil, and Susan. Loving father of Luke. Special friend of Linda & Karen. Loved by all who knew him.

Family and friends are invited to attend the celebration of Pat’s life to be held at e Chapel of the Lismore Memorial Gardens, Skyline Road Goonellabah Friday 9th December 2022, commencing at 10:00AM.

Please wear bright and colourful clothes and celebrate In Pat’s Style.

Encil Morehead (nee Sly)

Late of Evans Head, formerly of Sydney. Passed away peacefully at Baptist Care, Mid-Richmond Centre, Coraki on Monday 14 November 2022, aged 91 years.

Dearly loved Wife of Gordon (dec.) Much loved Mother of Les (dec.) Much loved Sister, Aunt and friend. A private service was held at Evans Head on 25 November 2022.

Funeral Notice

SMITH, GORDON

EDWARD

21.3.1938 – 25.11.2022

Gordon passed away peacefully and surrounded by his loving family on Friday, the 25th of November 2022, aged 84 years. Late of Co ee Camp.

Dearly loved husband of Rose. Loving father and father-in-law of Alicia, Dean & Jessica, and Adele & Paul. Cherished granddad of Zain, Josiah, Caleb, Nathaniel, Jack, Tiany, Mia, Beau, Jacob, Andrew, and Cody.

Beloved owner of Freddy, his dog.

e last of the original farmers from Co ee Camp

Family and friends are warmly invited to attend Gordon’s Funeral service to be held at Parkview Funeral Home, 43 Holland Street Goonellabah, on Friday, the 9th of December, commencing at 10:30 am.

Funeral Notice

Chant

Dearly loved wife of John. Much loved mother and mother-in-law of Nicole & Kevin and Fallon & Brenton. Cherished and adored Nanny to Niamh, Angus and Niall.

Family and friends of Lyn are invited to celebrate her life at Parkview Funeral Home, 21 Kalinga Street, Ballina on Friday, December 9th commencing at 11am.

Elaine

Carolyn ‘Lyn’

3rd May 1943 - 21st November 2022

S & M Sproule – Murwillumbah

Charbray Heifers & Calves

Black Limo Heifers – PTIC

Red Tags, 2nd Calf, Ainskerbeau Black Limo Bull, Glenview Limo bred heifers)

Callaghan Ag – Murwillumbah

Tennysonvale Simmental Bull – 4y/o

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.

COMMUNITY NOTICES

Please read

The noticeboard is a place for residents and community organisations to fnd the latest news from community and social services in The Northern Rivers.

All content is submitted by community organisations. The Northern Rivers Times provides the noticeboard facility and approves submissions before publication.

All Notices submitted must be no longer than 300 WORDS MAX and supplied via email on an attached word, pages or PDF document.

Photos will not be accepted.

AGM’s (annual general meetings) are not part of the community pages and if required to be published you must submit your AGM for the Classifeds Section of the newspaper, an advertising fee will be charged. Call Sharon on 02 6662 6222 for all AGM’s.

The Northern Rivers Times management has the right to refuse and/or not publish any content not following the above guidelines.

NOTE:

All Community Notices must be submitted each week on or before 11am every Monday for the next edition to be published.

Alstonville until further notice. Join us at Options please. Phone 0435 990 919 for more details.

CRAWFORD HOUSE MUSEUM

The theme of the latest exhibition at Crawford House Museum is the natural world – celebrating the natural environment around us. It features all new works by members of the Lismore Branch of the Embroiderers Guild and showcases creative interpretations of not only the theme but also members’ responses to challenges, workshops and competitions. The exhibition runs until Sunday 29th. January 2023. 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.

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 alcohol-free event.

For all info phone Chris on 04 115 104 30

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 have two Christmas stalls this month, on Friday 16th December we will be in River Street outside the Greater Building Society from 7am, there will be a large range of handicraft items along with Christmas themed fresh cooking plus many different chutneys, sauces and jams, tickets in our huge hamper will also be available, this will be drawn on Sunday 18th December at our stall at Ballina Farmers Market at Missingham by the Sea, 7 until 11, here we will have lots of jars of pickles, chutneys, sauces and jams plus Christmas cakes, scones, biscuits and many more delectable goodies to choose from.

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 7pm - Guests are always

BALLINA

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

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. ThursdayYoga 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

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@ 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

CASINO

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).

Memberships: January to December: single $40, family $50 (2 people same address), student $30, pensioner $35, pensioner couple $45.

Address: P.O. Box 586 Casino, NSW, 2470. Phone: 6664 1118.

Email: casinofhg@gmail.com Website https://sites.rootsweb. com/~auscdfhg/index.htm

CASINO GALLERY

ART at the CASSINO GALLERY.

The Casino Art Group meets here 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 V.Gray & N.Nowlan J.Lindsay TUESDAY D. Coleman M. Newstead

WEDNESDAY J.&J. Boyd N.& K.Ryan THURSDAY B. Bennett

FRIDAY J.Cornell B & H.Elford

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 December from 10.00am - 4.30 pm. Come along and enjoy some 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.

ST MARK’S SINGERS Come sing CAROLS and CHRISTMAS SONGS led by St Mark’s Singers at St Mark’s Anglican Church, Casino. 1.30pm on Sunday 18th December.

All Welcome.

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

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: 9am-12noon; Junior coaching after school Wednesday 3.30pm-4.45pm, $6 a session. Everybody is welcome – all levels. Phone centre on 66251602. Mon-Thurs 9.00am1.00pm or visit website www. fnctabletennis.com.au

LISMORE

CASINO NAVAL ASSOCIATION

Meets bi-monthly at Casino RSM, new members welcome. For more information phone Chris 66293269 or Jim 0427400625.

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

THE PROBUS CLUB of Goonellabah meets on the 3rd Thursday of each month at the Workers Sports Club in Oliver Ave. All welcome. Goonellabah Probus is solely a social club. We have a guest speaker each month and go for outings throughout the year. Meetings on Thursday commence at 10am and fnish at midday. For further information, please contact Gloria Francis on 02 6629 1442.

GRAFTON

GRAFTON CWA

The Hon. Bronnie Taylor, Minister for Women, Minister for Regional Health and Minister for Mental Health visited Grafton CWA rooms on Saturday, 25th November, accompanied by Richie Williamson, who was recently preselected as Nationals candidate for Clarence. A group of Grafton and South Grafton CWA members discussed a variety of topics with them, including the shortage of workers in many felds, especially health. The shortage of GPs in rural areas was discussed, along with diffculties faced by new residents in fnding a GP and especially a female GP. We also discussed how nurses and health staff have been overloaded over the last few years, and some solutions to these issues. The shortage of mental health specialists was also discussed, including the new initiatives directed towards young people with mental health issues.

Grafton CWA members also made up packs for food victims on Monday, along with other North Coast Group members. Our next meeting is on Friday 9th December- starting with morning tea at 9.30am, meeting at 10am, then our Christmas lunch.

Anne McLellan Publicity Offcer

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

GRAFTON

EVANS HEAD

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

“About 60 Seniors members recently held annual Christmas luncheon, racecourse function room. Day included 50’s & 60’s musical entertainment by Cruisin’ Broadway, & a delicious 2 course lunch was served. Also included presentation of senior of year award to Betty & Charlie Doggett, & special awards to Alwyn Campbell & Gloria Watters. Winners of 6 grocery hampers: H. Cashel; S. Johnson (racecourse staff), F. Wratten; G Hunter-Blanch; J. Hawken; M. Sales. Sincere thanks: all for support & attendance, donors of groceries for hamper prizes, committee for work arranging function, racecourse staffer assistance, kitchen staff for rneal, entertainers for music. Christmas wishes to all. Regular activities to continue to l6

Dec, then 4 weeks break. Next meeting: 10.3Oam Tues 13 Dec, guest speaker, Chris Sparks. Enquiries: Sandra, 66427720; or 0417464946;’

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, 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

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

KYOGLE

LENNOX HEAD

HASTINGS POINT

KINGSCLIFF

sponsors three students through The Smith Family Learning for Life scholarship program that provides educational items for disadvantaged Australian children. New members and guests are most warmly welcomed, and enquiries may be made to Enid 047187511 or Dawn 0466717435.

LENNOX HEAD EVENING VIEW CLUB

Meets on the second Tuesday of each month upstairs at the Lennox Hotel at 6.30pm for dinner at 7pm. Guests are welcome. “VIEW members support the education of disadvantaged Australian children by raising much needed funds for The Smith Family. Through fundraising activities and social events in local communities, members raise money that goes directly to The Smith Family’s learning and mentoring programs for disadvantaged students.” Lennox Head Evening VIEW Club currently sponsors two Learning for Life students. Contact Sue Brennan 0409728814.

LENNOX HEAD LIONS CLUB

New members welcome to join our close-knit club where the emphasis is on community service in a fun environment. Meetings are on the frst and Third Wednesday of each month at Club Lennox starting at 6.30pm. Members do what they can, when they can to facilitate the needs of our club.

PROBUS CLUB OF LENNOX HEAD

Meets 9.30 for 10 at Club Lennox, 10 Stewart Street, on the frst Thursday of each month. Visitors are welcome, also retired or semi-retired people wishing to join our nonservice club to hear interesting guest speakers and to join in trips and outings are invited along. Phone Jan 66876859.

LISMORE

LISMORE ANGLICANS’ ANNUAL CHRISTMAS SHOP

DATES: Monday, November 21 to Friday, December 9, 2022

VENUE: 13 Woodlark Street, LISMORE formerly Taking Shape opposite The ARK -

street 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

Lismore and District Embroiderers 2022 Exhibition. By special request from Crawford House this exhibition has been extended until the end of January 2023. This will allow those who missed out on seeing the exciting range of embroidery art works in November to now have more time to plan a visit.

Theme: The Natural World – celebrating the natural environment around us.

Venue: Crawford House Museum, 10 Wardell Road, Alstonville. Date and times: December 2022 and January 2023. Fridays 10am-4pm and Sundays 1-4

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 nonproft organisation. Everybody is welcome: men, women & people with a disability of all ages. We encourage social inclusion. Our aim is to promote the mental, physical & emotional well-being of people in our community.

Shed Activities Members work on

their own projects

Mentoring is available General woodworking Welding & light engineering Repair & restoration of items for the public Constructing projects, of items for the public Constructing projects for preschools, hospitals & other organisations

Assembling fatpack Minor maintenance work for the elderly & disabled Working with the disabled Talking with other members or simply having company Memberships: $40-year Attendance Fee: $3 tea/coffee Location: 15 Industry Drive East Lismore

LISMORE ORCHID SOCIETY INC.

Lismore Orchid Society now meets 3rd Wednesday each month, 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.”

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).

CWA LISMORE DAY BRANCH “STILL” WANT “YOU’’ in 2022. Our Branch Meetings are held on the frst Thursday of each month at 9:30am for a 10am start. We want “YOU” to join us for the chance to be involved with an amazing group of friendly, fun, interesting women of all ages. You will make new friends and be involved with wonderful opportunities to contribute to worthwhile Community causes assisting Women and Children. PLEASE THINK ABOUT it and come along as a ‘GUEST’ to see what you think. You will experience for yourself the difference being a CWA Member will bring to yourself and your life. For MORE INFORMATION contact our President ALIISON KELLY on 0428216079. WE ALSO RUN A WEEKLY CRAFT MEETING each Friday from 10am. This provides a great opportunity for you to learn new and wonderful Craft, and once again meet a group of new friends. Tea & Coffee are available for a very small donation. We always have nifty Craft projects underway and love helping anyone new to Craft learn, whilst

creating beautiful items in great company. For MORE INFORMATION call HELEN DARGIN on 0438828619. WE SO MUCH LOOK FORWARD to welcoming you.

EAST LISMORE BOWLING CLUB Community Bingo Tuesday night 7.30pm start. 20 games of bingo + progressive jackpot Neilson Street East Lismore. Everyone Welcome

MAINLY MUSIC

Fun, interactive, music sessions for young children [birth to school age] and their parents/ caregivers in a relaxed setting on Tuesdays starting at 9:30am during School Terms. Children will be introduced to music, creativity and more. They will develop gross motor skills, as well as socialise with others in a loving, shared family environment. Morning tea with snacks included. Mainly Music at Lismore Anglican Parish Centre, 10 Zadoc Street, LISMORE. T: 0266213200

NR U3A LISMORE INC. (UNIVERSITY OF THE THIRD AGE)

Retired? Make new friends, gain knowledge, laugh and learn, enjoy a richer retirement. U3A offers over 30 classes and activities each week. One yearly fee of $50 entitles you to attend all classes/activities of your choice. Interested? Check out our webpage http:// www.u3anriv.org.au for course list, times and venues or contact 66227408 Follow us on Facebook.

PROBUS

CLUB OF LISMORE HEIGHTS

Our mixed group meets on the 1st Tuesday of each month at the Lismore Heights Bowling Club in High St.

Our brief meeting is followed by morning tea and a guest speaker. Senior’s lunch for $15 at noon is optional. Guests and visitors are welcome. Ring/text Pam on 0418766247 for details of our other monthly social gatherings and outings.

ROTARY CLUB OF LISMORE NETWORKING

Want to be part of an innovative, interesting and inclusive networking group who meet fortnightly to share ideas,

LISMORE

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.

SOUTH GUNDURIMBA

HALL

Christmas Dance- Old Time/New Vogue

Saturday 17th December 2022. Starting Time @ 7:30pm

Entry: $8 includes Supper Raffes and Lucky Spots. Welcome to dress in Christmas Theme For further information please phone Allan on 0418664015

Music- Judy Johnston on Keyboard

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/

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 like-minded gardeners. We also have

a monthly Guest Speaker.

Guest Speaker: November - Jan Pilgrim from Tweed Valley Wildlife Carers “Backyard Wildlife” See you there, bring a mug. Gwen 0468 872199, (leave a message please).

YAMBA

YAMBA DAY VIEW CLUB

Yamba Day View Club’s monthly luncheons are held at Yamba Bowling Club on 3rd Monday of month, starting 10am for 10.30am. Acceptance and apologies to President Lyn 66463164 by Friday prior to luncheon for catering purposes. We hold a monthly social outing either for lunch or morning tea and visitors are always welcome.

YAMBA LIONS CLUB

Yamba Lions Club’s meetings are held 2nd & 4th Thursdays of month at Yamba Bowling Club, commencing at 7pm for 7.30pm. For further information, please contact the Secretary Peter 0417546097.

Social outings also held at various time and visitors and new members welcome.

ALL NORTHERN

RIVERS

NORTHERN RIVERS

BUSHWALKING

CLUB

Are you interested in exploring the beauty that our region contains.

The Northern Rivers Bushwalking Club offers a variety of activities for people of all abilities and ages in bushwalking, cycling, kayaking, abseiling, qigong and social interaction. Visit our Facebook page or our website nrbc.org.au for more information.

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.

TWEED HEADS

YAMBA

POTTSVILLE

ALL NORTHERN

Partly cloudy. Slight (20%) chance of a shower in the afternoon and evening. The chance of a storm with little or no rainfall in the afternoon and possible rainfall in the evening. Light winds becoming easterly 15 to 20 km/h during the afternoon then becoming light during the evening. Thursday. Cloudy. High (70%) chance of showers, most likely in the afternoon and evening. The chance of a storm. Light winds becoming south to southeasterly 15 to 25 km/h during the day.

Northern Tablelands District: Mostly sunny morning. Slight (20%) chance of a shower in the afternoon and evening. The chance of a storm with little or no rainfall in the afternoon and evening. Light winds becoming west to southwesterly 25 to 35 km/h during the morning then becoming light during the evening.

The chance of isolated showers or storms across the central and northern inland. A shower or two on the southern coast, with possible thunder. Otherwise mostly fine. Daytime temperatures above average across the north and below average elsewhere. Southeast to northeasterly winds near the coast, tending west to southwesterly inland.

Thursday. A shower or two and possible storm in the northeast, mainly about the coast and adjacent ranges. A possible shower about southern and central parts of the coast. Fine and mostly sunny elsewhere. Daytime temperatures near average across the north and well below average elsewhere. Cooler, fresh southwest to southeasterly winds extending throughout.

Byron Coast: Winds: South to southwest 10 to 15 knots shifting east to northeast from the early afternoon. Seas: Around 1 metre. 1st Swell: Southerly below 1 metre inshore, increasing to 1 to 1.5 metres offshore in the afternoon. 2nd Swell: Easterly around 1 metre. Weather: The chance of a storm with little or no rainfall in the afternoon and evening.

Coffs Coast: Winds: South to southeast 10 to 15 knots shifting north to northeast in the afternoon. Seas: Around 1 metre. 1st Swell: Southerly around 1 metre, increasing to 1 to 1.5 metres in the morning. 2nd Swell: Easterly around 1 metre. Weather: Chance of evening storm. Gold Coast Waters: Winds: North to northwest 15 to 20 knots shifting south to southwest in the early morning, then decreasing to 10 to 15 knots late morning and shifting northeasterly in the afternoon. Seas: 1 to 1.5 metres, decreasing below 1 metre in the morning. Swell: Southerly below 1 metre. Weather: Mostly sunny morning. The chance of a storm with little or no rainfall in the afternoon and evening.

Low:2:59am0.3m High:9:57am1.7m Low:4:35pm0.4m High:10:05pm1.0m

Low:3:31am0.3m High:10:32am1.6m Low:5:13pm0.4m High:10:45pm1.0m

Low:4:06am0.4m High:11:09am1.6m Low:5:51pm0.4m High:11:24pm1.0m

Low:4:45am0.4m High:11:47am1.6m Low:6:30pm0.4m RiseSet Sun5:40am7:34pm Moon6:50pm4:37am

Northern Rivers District:

Thursday. Partly cloudy. High (70%) chance of showers on and east of the ranges, medium (50%) chance elsewhere. The chance of a storm. Winds northwest to southwesterly 20 to 30 km/h tending southeast to southwesterly during the afternoon then becoming southeasterly 15 to 20 km/h during the evening. New South Wales:

Clubs competing are Centenary from Queensland, Grafton, Grafton High School, Lower Clarence, Manning River, Murwillumbah, South Grafton High School, and Tweed.

In all 56 athletes are involved

covering 113 entries, 47 events and 173 seats. The Grafton course accommodates 9 lanes. Races are over 1000M and 2000M.

The most popular events are the Men’s Masters Handicap Single Scull with

8 entries. These rowers will be competing for the Greg Thompson Memorial Trophy which goes to the rower with the fastest time. The event is over 1000M. The Men’s Handicap Single Scull has drawn 12 entries while the

SPORTS RESULTS

1st place, in the seniors competition, went to Lloyd Brown with 20 Bream, 2 Sweetlip, 2 Drummer, 1 Groper and a Wrasse .

2nd place, in the seniors competition, went to Nick Haynes with 8 Flathead and 3 Bream.

3rd place, in the seniors competition, went to Dan Martin with 5 Flathead and 1 Bream.

3 Juniors nominated with Alice Brotherson winning her 2nd outing for the year, in the junior competition. Alice caught 7 nice Luderick. She

is now on a 45 point handicap for the last outing of the year. Jensen Haynes and Hugh Brotherson also weighed fsh in but didn’t break their handicaps.

The next Club outing will be held on 10/11 December.

corresponding Women’s event has attracted 10 entries, each over 1000M. Six races will be conducted over 2000M. Three of them involve Under 17 Women and Men’s single scull events and one Women’s double scull event.

The NSW Veterans Over 65’s cricket championships are being held in Lismore, Ballina and Lennox Head during the week commencing 12th December, with 10 teams from across NSW joining the local Lismore Emerging Greys (LEGs) cricket team in competition.

The Championships will consist of 2 Divisions, with the 8 teams in Div 1 playing a 40 overs per team competition, while the 3 Div 2 teams will play a 25 overs per team competition, with 2 matches each day.

Matches will be played on the Monday, Tuesday and Thursday at Oakes Oval, Mortimer Oval and Neilson Oval in Lismore and Fripp Oval in Ballina and Megan Cresc. in Lennox Head, commencing at 10.00 am each day.

This is the 2nd NSW O/65s championships and LEGs are the current joint trophy holder with Port Jackson from Sydney.

Veterans Cricket started with only an Over 60s competition, but the rapid growth has led to O/40s, O/50s, O/55s, O/60s, O65s and O/70s tournaments at

regional. State and National levels. LEGs President, Roger Boyd said ‘It will be great for the local area to have many visitors supporting local businesses, and thanked Lismore and Ballina Councils for their enthusiastic support for the carnival’. ‘It refects the growing trend of our older generations living a healthy and active lifestyle’ he added.

THE 2022-23 season blasted into action for Hessions Auto Parts Grafton Speedway on Saturday night, and it saw a healthy crowd entertained by plenty of close and exciting racing action from beginning to end.

Headlining the action were the popular V8 Dirt Modifeds and the standout driver of the night was youngster Seiton Connor-Young who took out the feature-race spoils in impressive fashion.

After starting from pole position for the feature race, Connor-Young, from nearby Lismore, managed to move into the lead from the outset, and it was a position he didn’t relent all the way through to the fall of chequered fag. Despite leading the whole race, it certainly wasn’t easy for the newcomer with less than 12 months experience in V8 Dirt Modifeds to his name, as he had to fght off the challenges from fve-time Australian Champion Kevin Britten during the opening 10 laps. Unfortunately, Britten, who had travelled down from Brisbane in Queensland, was forced to the infeld, after he damaged his right-rear suspension following him hitting the cushion of the track wrong.

With Britten now out of the picture, Connor-Young was unchallenged for the remainder of the 25-lap distance and went on to win by a comfortable margin. Joining Connor-Young on the podium

were fellow youngsters in locals Taylah Firth and Luke Dunn in second and third place respectively. For Firth, this was by far her best ever performance in a V8 Dirt Modifed and she was rapt

of the front row in the feature race and went on to make the most of the starting spot by taking the lead immediately. From there, Dicker controlled the pace throughout the 15-lap journey, and he went on to

scorer from the heat-race action. Being the highest point scorer, Jolley drew position 8 in the inversion and had to start from position eight. In the feature race, Jolley was making his way

Brendan Hayes and Greg Dickinson, Nelson Mooney (RSA Four Cylinder Sedans) who outpaced Nathan Harper and David Putsey, and Jaiden Santin (SSA Junior Sedans) fnished ahead of Jeremy Wade and Alisha Payne.

The next Grafton Speedway race meeting on the 2022-23 season calendar is going to be held on December 10, featuring the Late Models and the NSW Title for Modlites. The support classes will consist of RSA Street Stockers, Production Sedans and Junior Sedans.

Grafton Speedway would like to thank Hessions Auto Parts for their support throughout the 2022-23 season. Based in Grafton, along with their nearby Coffs Harbour location, Hessions Auto Parts stock a wide range of parts and accessories at competitive prices.

to come away with a podium fnish on home soil.

Behind the podium fnishes in fourth was another local in Andrew Firth, while the topfve fnishes were rounded out by rookie V8 Dirt Modifed racer Brock Armstrong.

A large feld of Wingless Sprints converged on Grafton Speedway, and it was Sydney’s Jamie Dicker who drove a faultless race to claim the feature-race spoils. Dicker had started from the outside

score a confdence-boosting victory.

At the fall of the chequered fag, Dicker defeated Andrew Seery in second and Sydneybased youngster Brayden Shute in third. Sydneysiders Bailey Goodwin and Tyson Williams completed the top-fve fnishes.

Current NSW Champion Jacob Jolley was the form driver leading into the Wingless Sprint feature race after being the highest point

forward, before he suffered a mechanical failure on lap six and crashed out of contention in spectacular fashion.

In the support classes, the feature-race wins were shared between Paul Reeves (AMCA Nationals) who proved too good for Darren Miller and Brett Robotham, Queenslander Matt Gordon (Legend Cars) was able to down Rieley Fisher and Jackson Tomkins, David Putsey (RSA Street Stockers) who defeated

To fnd out more about Hessions Auto Parts, contact them on 0266 423 085 (Grafton) and 0256 456 361 (Coffs Harbour) or visit their website at hessionsautoparts. com.au.