Tweed Shire Council will write to the NSW Planning Minister Anthony Roberts, seeking to defer the commencement of the Perrottet Government’s new Rezoning Pathways Program in the Tweed Shire until consultation with other NSW LGAs and the broader Tweed community has occurred.
Under the new ‘Rezoning Pathways Program,’ announced earlier this month, the NSW Government will assess and select state or regionally signifcant planning proposals, or lead the rezoning work from start to fnish, with all land to be rezoned by 2024.
“Working with councils, rezoning is one important lever that we are pulling to get the ball rolling on more housing supply across our state,” Dominic Perrottet, NSW Premier said.
“We are throwing everything at getting more houses built so more people get keys in doors and can realise their dream of owning a home.
Anthony Roberts MP, Minister for Planning and Minister for Homes, said the Rezoning Pathways Program is part of the Government’s $2.8 billion Housing Package for New South Wales.
“This is all about accelerating the rezoning of key housing areas to make more land development-ready for new homes.”
The package includes a pilot process for proponents ready to offer more than 300 homes in Regional areas of NSW –like new housing estates
or big apartment blocksthat could be assessed by the NSW Government.
“We want projects that can make a difference to our housing supply quickly, which is why we are seeking nominations for proposals that are well advanced with a planning proposal able to be submitted within two months, Mr Roberts said.
In a late Mayoral Minute put to Tweed Shire Council at last Thursday’s meeting, Tweed Shire Mayor, Chris Cherry moved that Council write to NSW Planning Minister, Anthony Roberts, seeking deferral of the Rezoning Pathways Program until consultation has occurred with other NSW Councils and the community.
“The impacts could be quite intense,” Cr Chris Cherry, Tweed Shire Mayor said.
“The proposal is that any development that
are 300 units or over will be dealt with by the State Government, assessed and determined by the State, and there is not a lot of information on how much our local
essentially really taking local control out of our planning arena.
“Is it not a great thing for local democracy,” she added.
possible however not at the cost of losing the Tweed’s unique planning controls.
“We can’t do it at the expense of losing our local planning powers”
strongly supported.
“It really is concerning that the State is doing something like this without any consultation with us, we’ve gone to this enormous amount of trouble to develop our own local controls, we’re in the throws of doing a growth management and housing strategy at the moment and I’m very disappointed by this,” Cr Nola Firth said.
It’s understood Local Government NSW, the peak body representing state LGAs, was blindsided by the state’s Rezoning Pathways Program, which Cr James Owen fears is too remotely controlled.
“We’re very unique up here and a lot of Councils will say that but that’s why the planning’s been very Sydney-centric and a lot of planning seems to be driven by Sydney but we need to have our own unique
planning controls will be consulted, how much our local community will be consulted, and it’s
Clarence Valley Council’s backfip on its planned demolition and rebuild of the Treelands Drive Community Centre has pleased a group of Yamba residents.
Members of the recently formed Yamba Community Action Network, unfurled a banner protesting the proposal in the council business paper at its December meeting, to reaffrm support for the project which was the centre point of the Yamba Community Precinct Project.
Instead of proceeding with Option A, which proposed to demolish the current community centre, sell off the Wooli St hall and move the library into a purpose-built facility in the proposed new community centre.
Instead councillors voted for Option B which proposed to build a new library, make minor renovations to the exisiting TDCC and retain the Wooli St Hall.
Council conducted community consultation prior to the decision which was also clouded by recent events involving the closure of the Grafton Olympic Pool.
Council had secured an $11.1 million grant from the State Government for the TDCC project, but council voted to transfer those funds to its plan for a new aquatic centre at Grafton, which it had made it’s number one priority project.
The council’s community consultation showed that Option A had been the preferred course of action with 105 in favour of the demolition and construction of a new centre (Option A) and 91 in favour of Option B.
But Yamba CAN members were unhappy with the community consultation process, which included stalls at Yamba Markets, was not rigorous enough.
The organisation’s chair, James Lamerton, attended the council meeting last week and described the council decision as a “good
result”.
“Demolishing a perfectly good hall and replacing it with a Taj Mahal, was something the Yamba community doesn’t need or want,” he said.
“But for some reason the council pushed ahead with it, even when the funding from the bushfre recovery fund was switched to the Grafton pool.”
Yamba CAN secretary Lynne Cairns, who had earlier made a deputation to the council on the issue, said there were some worrying decisions made in the council’s pursuit of this project.
She said there were concerns the previous general manager, Ashley Lindsay, had awarded tenders without a resolution of council to back him, as required under the Local Government Act.
But his successor Laura Black, said this was not the case and said comments made in the deputation were incorrect.
But Mrs Cairns said there were more anomalies in the council documents which showed council had been determined to push this project through.
It was revealed council has spent $728,818 to date on planning for the project and this amount was to be included as a defcit in the council’s
general fund.
In the meeting councillors debated a motion from Cr Greg Clancy that Option B become the council’s preference.
Three councillors wanted to proceed as planned.
Cr Karen Toms said this plan had been on the books since 2006 when it became apparent the Treelands Drive Community Centre was not “ft for purpose”.
“I would rather see nothing done than proceed with Option B,” she said.
She said Option A was a forward looking plan that represented an investment for Yamba in its future.
She said if the council had not changed direction in July to deal with the Grafton pool issue, the project would be funded and underway.
“Treelands Drive was not ft for purpose when it was built and tizzying it up is not giving the community what it wants,” she said.
Cr Allison Whaites said Option A was the most popular of the two choice and sticking with it best represented the views of the community.
She downplayed the Yamba CAN argument, saying the views of its 50 members were outnumbered by the 194 people who responded to the council community
consultation process.
And Cr Steve Pickering was the most passionate. He said supporting Option B was a vote to do nothing.
He said all Option B would do is give councillors more reading
material and throw away $728,000 already committed to the project.
He said there was nothing in the proposal to support claims it would cut council costs.
“There’s nothing here that says it would be a
third, half or twice the cost of Option A,” he said.
“It could be anything.” But most councillors were reluctant to embark on a project where the council would fnd itself borrowing up to $12 million.
Cr Jeff Smith pointed out on current projections that would cost council $600,000 a year to repay, or $15 million over 25 years.
It was a point Cr Clancy took up in his right of reply, arguing now was a time to be cautious spending money.
“A lot has happened in the last few year, we’re in a new world,” he said. “We’re no longer able to throw money at things.
“We can’t afford to demolish a building that’s not that old.”
He agreed there were good arguments for the other option and Option B was not perfect.
“Option B has got warts on it,” he said. “But Option A has bigger warts.”
When retired school teacher Glenys Davidson had an attack of asthma while at one of her grandchildren’s eisteddfods, she put it down to the smoke in the atmosphere.
“It was August 2019 and we had a lot of smoke and back-burning going on and I had asthma on and off,” she said.
“After the eisteddfod I went to Ballina Hospital as I felt terrible.
“It was 27th August, 2019 at 1pm and I presented at the hospital and told them my asthma was out of control.”
While the staff treated Glenys for the asthma, they ran a blood test.
“They told me there was an anomaly in the blood and they would need to do further tests,” she said.
“At 7.30pm the same night, they put my husband and I in a separate room and the doctor came in and shut the door.
“You know it’s never good when the doctor shuts the door.”
The doctor proceeded to tell Glenys she had Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML).
Before she knew it, a specialist and team were organised at the Gold Coast University Hospital and Glenys and husband Greg drove up there.
“By 10.30 that night I was in a bed in a ward,” said Glenys.
“A few days before, I had been at the gym, doing cross-country with my grandchild and having a normal life.”
It was then the Leukemia Foundation stepped in.
They organised accommodation for Greg
while Glenys underwent her chemo treatment.
“Between each round I came home and waited for my platelets to build up and then I’d go back for more treatment,” Glenys said.
“I went into remission and during that time, I was watching my temperature all the time.
“I had to go back a few
times with the last visit being nine days.
“It was getting closer to Christmas and I just wanted to go home.”
Two days before Christmas Glenys was
“When they had visited me in the hospital and saw me attached to a peg in my arm and chemicals going into me, I explained to them that I was getting my medicine
battle with the disease of blood cancer which claims the lives of more than 5,950 people each year,” a Leukaemia Foundation spokesperson said.
“Blood cancers combined are the second highest cause of cancer-related deaths in the country, making blood cancer one of the nation’s most deadly cancer.
“In fact, 1 in 3 Australians diagnosed with blood cancer will not survive fve years after their diagnosis.”
Blood cancers include leukaemia, lymphoma or myeloma and it is estimated that by 2035, blood cancer diagnosis per year will double.
“Blood cancer doesn’t discriminate, it can develop in anyone and can occur at any age and at any stage of life across all states and territories,” the spokesperson said.
Glenys is one of the lucky ones and her life has returned as much as possible, back to normal after a stem cell transplant.
given the all clear and was able to go home and spend the holidays with her family.
“My son and his wife held Christmas with the whole family,” she said.
As a retired teacher, she was able to explain to her grandchildren, aged between 12 and 4 years old what was actually happening to their Nana.
that was going to make me better,” Glenys said.
With 53 new families facing a blood cancer diagnosis every day over the holiday season, the Leukaemia Foundation is urgently asking for donations to the Leukaemia Foundation Christmas Appeal.
“Additionally, 16 people will lose their
“I am back to running cross-country and visiting the gym,” she said.
“I am back to socialising as best I can, but I still wear a mask when out in public.”
If you would like to help the Leukaemia Foundation support those with blood cancer you can visit leukaemia.org. au or call 1800 620 420.
Tweed Council rangers have issued more than 80 fnes to dog owners along the Tweed Coast in the past month as its new pilot program ‘Take the Lead’ ramps up across the Shire in a bid by authorities to reduce the number of dogs off-leash and causing harm.
“This blitz is part of a targeted program to reduce the number of dogs off-leash in public places,” a statement by Tweed Shire Council read.
“Did you know the whole of NSW is designated as an on-leash area and the only time you can have your dog off-leash in a public space is when you see a sign saying you are in an off-leash area?”
With a $316 fne per animal, and 80 dogowners now issued with a fne, Tweed Shire Council has already netted more than 25-thousand dollars under the program’s blitz, which runs until the end of the month.
Tweed Shire Council announced the ‘Take the Lead’ program in early Spring in a desperate effort to curb local dog owners’ behaviours around dog leashing - particularly on the Coast – and have owners better understand the need to keep their dog/s on a lead.
Researchers found a whopping 73-percent of dog owners along the Tweed Coast, specifcally Casuarina Beach, Fingal Head, Hastings Point and Wooyung Beach, let their dogs run off-leash on the beach despite these being ‘priority on-leash locations.’
At the time Cr James Owen, himself a dog owner, told Council the threat from off-leash dogs to wildlife, other pets and people is growing in the Tweed Shire, and more needs to be done to get local dogs on leads.
“I see it on a daily basis, and I experience it and I have a lot of people coming to me about issues with dogs,” Cr Owen said in October.
“We’ve got to do more as the Shire becomes more populated, lots of people are getting dogs, lots of people got dogs in lockdown, dog ownership has increased quite signifcantly,” he said.
Council research also found dog-owners were not familiar with designated off-lead beaches/areas and concerningly dog-owners did not associate dogleashing behaviour with wildlife protection.
The research also suggested that ‘increasing people’s knowledge of and perceived likelihood of receiving fnes for having their dogs offleash in on-leash areas will change behaviours.’
Time will tell if the strategy – and damage to the dog-owner’s hip pocket – will see more dogs on leads in public places like the beach.
“Our offcers, in partnership with TweedByron Police District, will be continuing to conduct this targeted enforcement program and issuing fnes,” a statement
different nightmares and can’t sleep tonight still. A neighbour’s staffy, cute dog, ran from their yard directly across the road. Mr 6 was just going in the front door to get
by Tweed Shire Council read.
It comes as a Pottsville mum issued her own impassioned plea to dog owners to “please keep pets on leads” after an alleged, terrifying home invasion by an off-leash Staffordshire Bull Terrier (Staffy.)
“This afternoon my 6-year-old was scared stiff and although calming down, had had 2
something while I was out front doing Christmas lights, the dog bolted straight in our door. Mr 6 ran out the side door and our cat screeched .. He’s ok, we weren’t touched, but quite a bit traumatised that a dog could run into our house,” the ‘Pottsville Mum’ posted to social media to heated mixed response
The ‘notorious’ footpath west along Hastings Road in Bogangar/ Cabarita Beach has claimed another casualty with a woman tripping on its uneven surface, falling heavily to the ground, and sustaining serious head injuries.
The well-known ‘Caba’ local - who The Northern Rivers Times has not named - suffered a deep gash to her forehead, severing a blood vessel, and experienced heavy bleeding as she waited on the footpath for an ambulance to arrive.
The woman’s partner, Peter, said the quickthinking actions of nearby Reef Villas staff and locals and NSW Ambulance staff were instrumental in preventing disaster.
“They recognised the seriousness of her blood loss and got her to Tweed Hospital Emergency ASAP,” Peter said.
“Tweed Shire Council has a serious OH&S issue here which they’ve chosen to ignore. The walkway is broken, has been broken for years, and Council has done SFA to update warnings (by their laughable
yellow paint,) grind back high concrete or replace this well-used footpath,” he added.
Other Bogangar/ Cabarita Beach locals were scathing in their assessment of the ‘dodgy footpaths around Caba,’ taking to the local community Facebook page to vent their concerns about uneven pathways, inadequate street lighting and locals’ other near misses.
“These footpaths seriously are very concerning; you would think with the high rates we pay we would at least have level & safe
pathways!!!
“I nearly tripped there two nights ago ..
“This footpath has been a disgrace for way too long.
“It is disgusting how footpaths all over the country are left in this disgraceful condition. We have just travelled from Kingscliff to Perth in our caravan and I am now in a moon boot with a broken foot from the very same thing happening to me in Perth, come on Councils get your act together!” one woman posted to ‘Bogangardians’ Facebook Page.
Clarence Valley Council has knocked back an offer to operate passenger services from the Grafton Regional Airport.
At last week’s council meeting a confdential report went to council outlining an expression of interest from passenger air service provider FlyPelican to offer regular passenger services.
The provider had been in talks with the council’s previous administration during the on again-off again relationship between the airport owner the council and Rex Airlines since early
2020.
And during 2022, FlyPelican, Qantas and Link Airways had expressed interest in using the airport for regular passenger services.
Grafton has been without air services since Rex withdrew its Grafton to Sydney fights at the end of June.
Although the report was confdential, it was passed undebated as part of a block of reports which required no action from councillors.
After the meeting Mayor Ian Tiley said the rejection of the offer was a “no brainer”.
He said the costs
of the service to the council would have been onerous and there was no way the council could recoup the costs.
But Cr Tiley said the airport remained a viable asset and just this year had received a $1.54 million upgrade of the water storage capability of the airport for fre emergencies.
Cr Tiley said while it was desirable for Grafton to have a passenger service operating from the airport, it was essential the operation ftted into the council’s budget.
Offcially the council voted unanimously to not proceed with the expression of interest from FlyPelican.
It was to generous applause and unanimous vote Cr Meredith Dennis was named the new Deputy Mayor of Tweed Shire Council at an Extraordinary Meeting of Council last week. It’s a notable achievement for Cr Dennis in just her frst term on Council.
Meredith Dennis is also President and Volunteer Coordinator at Wedgetail Retreat for Palliative Support in Murwillumbah and three years ago was awarded the Tweed’s highest civic award, the Citizen of the Year.
described his service over the past two years as ‘an honour’ in
extraordinary times,
“I believe the last few years have been the most challenging and the most unprecedented. The Covid-19 pandemic decimated our Shire in many ways, it witnessed times of great distress for many businesses, families, and individuals,” Rhys Byrnes, outgoing Deputy Mayor, Tweed Shire Council, said in his address to Council.
Cr Byrnes noted his proudest achievements included his call for a ‘border bubble’ to be created during the border closure; driving cost-relief measures for ratepayers out of the pandemic and the food; opposing the state’s
amalgamation of four Murwillumbah public schools into one super campus; introducing drone technology for safer beaches; and creating friendly ‘Council Catchups’ for Council colleagues.
Cr Dennis acknowledged she had Cr Byrnes’ ‘big shoes to fll’
“I will certainly do my very best to represent the Council and the community,” Cr Meredith Dennis, Deputy Mayor TSC said.
Cr Dennis’ will serve as Deputy until December 2023; Cr Byrnes remains a councillor.
It’s a notable achievement for Cr Dennis in just her frst term on CouncilCr Meredith Dennis is the new Deputy Mayor of Tweed Shire Council
Casino’s CBD is set to come alive with $334,000 from the Nationals in NSW Government to beautify the main street.
Nationals MP for Clarence Chris Gulaptis said he was delighted to have the Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole in Casino to offcially open the CBD revitalisation project, which is part of the NSW Government’s $20 million Streets as Shared Spaces program.
“Richmond Valley Council was granted $334,000 to brighten the community and bring residents together through the newly created green space,” Mr Gulaptis said.
“This eye-catching project, on what was an underutilised block
of land, will make the area more vibrant by providing more public space for the community to sit, relax and catch up with friends, admire new art installations, or even dine al fresco in their revitalised surrounds.
“If the pilot projects gain widespread community support, we’ll look to make them permanent so more
people can enjoy the outdoors and connect with those around them.”
Richmond Valley Council contributed an additional $30,000 to create The Greens On Barker project, a pop-up activated green space on an underutilised block of land marked as a future commercial development opportunity.
The space will feature accessible pathways, shade structures, sandstone block seating with landscaping, pavement stencilling and artwork.
Mayor Robert Mustow said the creation of the new community space would foster community connections and help to build the local economy by encouraging people to spend more time in the town centre.
“This new space provides an attractive area which will draw people to the heart of Casino and build a sense of community and support our local businesses,” Cr Mustow said.
“These are key elements for the area identifed in Council’s recently released Richmond Valley
Growth Management Plan and Casino Place Plan.
“Projects like this are about making Casino an even more liveable town, and I look forward to seeing this revitalised streetscape provide a place for a range of activities to attract both our existing and future community.”
Streets as Shared Spaces capitalises on opportunities created by the pandemic with 70 per cent of people in a recent poll saying they were connecting with people in public spaces instead of at home.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said communities were also demanding better walking and cycling infrastructure.
“Now is the time
to capitalise on the increased appetite for open space and safe places to connect with our communities in a meaningful way,” Mr Toole said.
“That’s why we’re transforming our streets to bring more people to the CBD, support businesses and bring the community together.”
The Streets as Shared Spaces program provides funding for councils to test and pilot new and innovative ideas which temporarily adapt streets as safe, shared public spaces to support healthier, safe and resilient communities.
For more information visit: https://www.dpie. nsw.gov.au/premierspriorities/great-publicspaces/streets/streets-asshared-spaces-program
The Greens broke out one of their rising stars to officially launch Dr Greg Clancy as their candidate for the seat of Clarence for the 2023 NSW Election.
Lismore MLC Sue Higginson, who took David Shoebridge’s position when he resigned in May, said there has never been a better time to be a Green and standing for office. She said the Greens position on the major issues facing the community had been shown to be the right way to go.
From climate change,
cost of living, protecting the natural environment and housing, Ms Higginson said “the old ways of dealing with these matters is not working.”
“In Greg Clancy the Greens have a candidate who is across all these issues as he has shown with his work on the Clarence Valley Council,” she said.
“Greg is an absolute champion on these matters and is a proven leader in an area that most needs real leadership.”
Dr Clancy, who is deputy mayor of the Clarence Valley, said he would welcome the
opportunity to fight for the Clarence and Richmond valleys, which make up most of the Clarence electorate.
He picked out the proposed development of a waste incinerator at Casino as a real issue for the Richmond Valley.
“I recently attended a rally against the waste incinerator and I will do everything in my power to oppose it,” Dr Clancy said.
“We do not need to be burning waste, we have to work on a circular economy where waste is seen as a resource to be recycled.”
Dr Clancy said the vexed issue of building on floodplains was something he had already begun to pursue as a councillor.
“At the last council
meeting I moved successfully to get the council to seek legal advice on the implications of rezoning land on the Yamba floodplain,” he said.
“We have just heard both the Prime Minister and the NSW Premier say development on flood plains needs to stop, but neither of them has said how it could be done.
“These are just hollow promises if there is nothing to back them up.”
Dr Clancy said he would continue to push there be no mining in the Clarence and Richmond Valleys.
“Clarence’s outgoing MP, the Premier, and (Agriculture Minister) Dugald Saunders have all spoken against the No Mines Policy.
“The Clarence Valley
Council supports the No Mines Policy, but our local member has failed us miserably.”
Dr Clancy said it was important the Nationals candidate for Clarence, Richie Williamson, made a clear statement on where he stood on mining in the electorate.
The Greens acknowledge they face a hard task convincing voters to switch, but Dr Clancy said more people are seeing through the rhetoric of the Coalition parties.
“There is is some sort of view the Greens are off the planet,” he said. “But when you look at what some in the Coalition actually say and do, it becomes apparent it’s the Greens who have their feet on the ground.”
He said with the incumbent, Chris Gulaptis, not standing and the Coalition government struggling in the polls, Clarence electors had a chance to make some changes which would provide long term benefits to the region.
As well as serving as the Clarence Valley’s deputy mayor, Dr Clancy has established deep roots in the community.
He has lived here for more than 40 years taking a leading role in
ecological issues.
His name has been under many letters to the editor and he has been interviewed on radio and TV on various issues and he featured in the Channel 10 documentary ‘Rainforest – the Battle for Washpool’.
He has taught bush regeneration courses including at the Grafton jail and was a part-time teacher at TAFE.
Dr Clancy has worked as an ecological consultant and birdingwildlife guide and as a National Parks & Wildlife Service ranger, discovery ranger, contractor and project officer.
He has also been involved with the Grafton Aboriginal Mens’ Group, the Clarence Valley Birdos and was President of the Grafton District Services Country Music Club.
He was also a member of the Clarence Valley Conservation Coalition, the Clarence Environment Centre and the Clarence Valley Branch of the National Parks Association.
He has also been an active supporter of local Aboriginal initiatives and has met most of the elders of the Gumbaynggirr, Yaegl and Bundjalung nations.
I have to admit, when everyone was starting to prepare for Christmas, my frst reaction was to stress.
With all the preparations that go into decorating, preparing Christmas lunch, buying presents, the round of social events that go along with the season, just seemed too much after a year of recovering from the food.
I saw a post from a Facebook friend who said for the frst time in her life she had not prepared anything for Christmas and did not look forward to the season at all.
I understood her. For me, Christmas is a magical/ spiritual time. As a practicing Christian, it means celebrating the birth of God in human form – Jesus, here to give hope, joy, peace and love to mankind.
But I didn’t feel it. We had lost our Christmas tree and all the decorations my children had made over the years and we would effectively have to start all over again. My older son will not be home this year, so I was wondering, why bother?
Then I remembered all the people who helped us this year. Who effectively provided that Christmas spirit right throughout the year, with donations, mud army support and constant checking in to see if we were ok.
They were providing the hope and love, which gave us the peace and joy we needed to continue on.
So I started writing thankyou notes and sending Christmas cards to let them know how appreciated they were. Then we bought a Christmas tree. It has no decorations yet, but it has lights.
Then I was involved in making up hampers in our church to give some joy to families who were doing it even tougher this year.
The Christmas spirit found its way back when I started looking around me at the blessings we had been receiving all along, despite the horrible experiences we had.
So, to all my fellow food survivors and those who have been a wonderful support this year, I want to wish you a very Merry Christmas and all the hope, joy, peace and love you can
handle and experience and may 2023 be the most boring year you
will ever have. Little steps.
The Archies are here Australia’s favourite and most significant art award is in Grafton until the end of January.
The Archibald Prize 2022 exhibition opened at the Grafton Regional Gallery on Saturday and will remain there until January 29, as part of the Art Gallery of NSW’s touring exhibition.
A subsidised entry fee of $5 is available to Clarence Valley residents as a visit to the gallery has been included in the Summer Splash activities designed to offset the closure of the Grafton Pool.
Also at the Gallery during the exhibition period:
Young Archies Awards featuring portraits by local children; Art Class 2022 brings together HSC works from a selection of Clarence Valley high schools; Summer Sensations showcases artwork across all mediums by 51 emerging and established Clarence Valley artists, celebrating their creative contribution to the cultural vibrancy of the area.
country is funded by the NSW Government’s Reconnecting Regional NSW Community Events Grant Program.
Clarence Valley Council has been successful in obtaining two NSW Government grants to assist in koala conservation in the region:
It received $200,000 for LGA Koala Habitat Mapping and Population Survey.
The grant, plus $100,000 received in May to develop koala habitat maps across land between Mororo, Lawrence and Banyabba, would help avoid incremental impacts, such as loss of important habitat linkages, on koala population decline.
There was also $100,000 for a Koala Vehicle Strike Funding Package to adopt traffic management that reduces threat of fauna/ road kill from vehicles in identified ‘black spots’ and key corridor areas.
The evening featured a visit by the ‘real’ Santa with the children later chasing him on his motorised scooter-sleigh almost a kilometre down the new Northern Rivers Rail Trail.
By MARGARET DEKKERIt was a distinctly ‘Aussie-flavoured’ Carols by the Evening Light in Burringbar in the Tweed Valley on Sunday night.
More than 100 locals including families gathered before the Bush
Fire Brigade Shed in Masterson Park as the sun set and carols were sung by local village chorists, including a rousing rendition of the classic Jingle Bells renamed ‘Aussie Jingle Bells!’
“Dashing through the bush, in a rusty Holden ute, Kicking up the dust,
esky in the boot. Kelpie by my side, singing Christmas songs
The evening was organised by the Burringbar Community
Help needed Grafton Regional Gallery is calling our for volunteer Gallery Assistants during the ‘Archies’ to help enrich the experience of visitors by actively engaging and sharing information about the Gallery, its art collection and exhibitions.
Shifts are for three hours (10am-1pm or 1-4pm). Please email if you are interested.
Superstar heading our way Pop superstar Jessica Mauboy will perform at Groove on the Grass in Market Square at Grafton on January 28
The Kuku Yalanji and Walkamin woman headlines a stellar line up that also includes Dami Im and Jem Cassar-Daley.
The free, all ages, all inclusive Council event on Bundjalung
Both grants are part of the NSW Department of Planning and Environment NSW Koala Strategy Grant program.
Council good sports Clarence Valley Council has backed the following allocations from the Lower Clarence and Clarence sports committees:
• $3530.90 to Coutts Crossing Croquet Club for restoration of croquet playing surface at Wajard Park;
• $1000.00 to Junction Hill Tennis Club for drainage works to Junction Hill tennis courts; $2,423.00 to Lawrence Golf and Sports Club for topdressing, drainage and access to croquet courts at Lawrence Sportsground;
• $2490.35 to Big River Sailing Club for riverbank stabilisation at Big River Sailing Club;
• $1011.82 to Yamba Football Club for facilities at Ngayundi Yamba Sports Complex.
It’s summertime and I am in my singlet, shorts and thongs!”
By MARGARET DEKKER
It’s Christmas Day on Sunday! Where did that time .. and this year, go?
But after all the shopping’s sorted, the menus planned, the cleaning done, children’s presents wrapped and labelled, and families and friends organised for the big day (phew!) it might also be time to refect on the real reasons behind Christmas.
Shortened from the words Christ and Mass, Christmas is the celebration of the arrival of Jesus Chris, through exchange of gifts, a feast and sermon. As 2022 draws near, The Northern Rivers Times caught up with two of the Tweed’s religious leaders for their annual Christmas message to the faithful, after a tough year of foods, recovery, adjustment postpandemic and soaring costs of living.
Christmas Message by Revd. Dway Goon Chew, St Cuthbert’s Anglican Church –Tweed Heads
In recent years our local region has faced many challenges with fres, COVID-19, and foods. Many are still struggling, but I do see many signs of hope as we come to grips with what is being described as our “new normal”.
Christmas is generally a season of Hope. It is wonderful when family and friends gather and share time together, but it can also be challenging time, for those who have lost loved ones, or face other diffculties.
Christmas was frst celebrated around the birth of a child, and of course we love to celebrate the birth of children. New life is a miracle, and a joy to celebrate.
The original Christmas celebrated the birth of a child named Jesus around 2000 years ago.
Christians believe that this child was not only a human baby, with all of the normal human needs and frailties, but that this child was also the Son of God. In this child God became a human being
to bring hope for all humanity.
In life we will continue to face challenges, there is nothing surer, but those frst followers of Jesus 2000 years ago, found a new closeness to God, forgiveness, and hope for the future.
As we celebrate Christmas this year, as we seek to spend time with family and friends, and maybe eat a little too much, I pray we will be flled with a sense of Hope.
Wishing you a Happy, a Holy and a Blessed Christmas.
Revd Dway Goon Chew Christmas Message from Fr Michael Brady, St Joseph’s Catholic Church - Tweed Heads ‘Refection’
Our world today presents us with many opportunities, many attractions, and many distractions that make it easy to lose sight of the true meaning of the Christmas season. However, in fact, this is the Season of Light whether from the lights of the Christmas tree, the glow of the Advent
Wreath candles, or perhaps simply the sky on a brilliant Sunny day. Let the light shine! May this Season of Light be a time of celebration and merriment but also a time of refection. Remember that behind the gifts and the decorations is the radiance that is our God. See that light in the eyes of the people around us. See it in the eyes of our family and friends and those we journey with. See it in our own
face when we look in the mirror. Doing this will allow each of us to welcome that little baby on Christmas, the way that Mary and Joseph so willingly welcomed him into their lives. Moreover, know that God so lovingly welcomes us into His presence and love. May your spirit rejoice in the wonder of His birth. “Wishing you hope, peace, a joy-flled Christmas season and a blessed New Year.”
Congratulations to our HSC students who have achieved outstanding results, attaining 20 band 6’s, 77 band 5’s and 6 top bands in extension courses. 15 students are on the Distinguished Achievers list, including Niamh Montgomery, who was also named an All Rounder for 2022. Niamh was the highest achiever across the college, gaining an ATAR of 97.7.
The Principals of the three campuses were honoured to receive Minister’s Commendation Awards on behalf of their entire school communities in recognition of the extraordinary support given to our HSC students to ensure they achieved their best following the devastating food events.
Thanks to our community, as these achievements are fostered through a collaborative effort to support our young people to strive and prosper. Wishing our HSC students all the best for the bright futures they have ahead of them.
My time at Kadina had downs, but also many ups. Now that I have left, I fnd myself missing the ups, the atmosphere of having everyone and everything surrounding me, creating somewhat of a home and family for me.
The friends I made, I will never forget. I plan to pursue my flm career aspirations, as Kadina had a role in infuencing that dream.
I wish only good things for the future and current teachers/ students of Kadina.
Finishing school should have been exciting and fun, but after all the tragedies, I think my year and I are just happy it’s over.
My HSC experience, in short sucked. So many tears were shed over fnishing major works and trying to fnd the motivation to study.
However, I am extremely lucky to have a few kind and supportive teachers and friends who truly care enough to help each other through those exhausting times.
I’d say that is the key to achieving greatness in life and school. I think my future will hold a lot of traveling and working. I am determined to see my dream of becoming an aviation technician through despite the hardships we have all faced.
now graduated I couldn’t have made a better decision. Richmond River is one of the most inclusive communities, not just schools, I have ever had the honour of being a part of and I would easily recommend it to anyone.
I’ve made some of the most amazing friends and have had the privilege of being taught by some of the fnest and loveliest people, not just teachers that secondary education has to offer.
I plan to pursue my dream of becoming a professional basketball player, but in the future, I would love to study teaching or psychology at university.
us, causing us to lose and skip entire modules from our subjects. This period of interruption also inhibited me from working on my major work for Visual Arts as I could not obtain any of the supplies to work on my artwork.
Despite having to deal with some of the toughest interruptions to our learning, the support from my teachers and friends had been tremendous. The dedication of the teachers to help us learn and provide amazing support has made Year 12 a great experience, motivating me to keep trying and allowing me to achieve great accomplishments such as being selected for Art Express.
The support from my peers has also been tremendous, allowing me to make new friends and become closer to my entire year group. These positive experiences overall outweigh the negative circumstances, making Year 12 my favourite year of schooling.
My time at Kadina was highlighted by the personal growth I experienced throughout the years. Many of my teachers had a signifcant impact on my development with stand-out efforts from Miss Somerfeld and Mrs Clifford.
Kadina helped me to pursue my goals of gaining early entry into university where I’ll be studying for a Bachelor of Nursing.
Kadina has helped me secure a job using the knowledge I gained during my time at the school.
Completing the HSC this year was likely one of the hardest things any of our year group will ever have to do.
Seeing our town and school destroyed made it incredibly diffcult to think of our education as something important in comparison to the wreckage around us.
I was lucky enough to have a clear idea of what I wanted to do after high school, which drove me to work hard even under tumultuous circumstances.
I plan on studying English internationally, and I will never forget the support I have received from both the RRHC and Aurora
Don’t be afraid of failure, or you will never succeed in life. Remember school is not the end. It’s a very small puzzle piece in your life. Big thanks to our epic Year Advisor for pulling us through that mess of a year.
My experience during my last year of schooling has been notably the most different from my previous years.
I expected that Year 12 would be a tough year from the beginning with the stress of HSC looming over us. I was more nervous about how we would embark on our journey through Year 12 as our cohort had been interrupted by COVID-19 in our previous years, taking away vital face-to-face learning time.
The 15th of December marks that fnal part of the 2022 school journey, flled with many detours and challenges. All of this mixed with pandemics, excitement and of course the foods.
I was the only person from my public school to attend Richmond River out of my year 6 class of 12 people, and at frst the idea was a bit daunting, but having
However, early this year, I didn’t expect my vision for Year 12 to pan out the way it did when we were unexpectedly hit by the catastrophic food, impacting our friends, family, community, school and therefore our learning. This situation presented great diffculties when it came to the HSC as these valuable weeks of learning were taken away from
The achievement of receiving an ATAR is dedicated to the teachers, Principals and school community which had a huge impact on my school life and my academic opportunities.
I am deeply grateful for all who have helped encourage me through the tough times of 2022 and to remind me of my end goal. A heartfelt thank you to Lismore High Campus and everyone involved who have helped me to pursue my academic goals, and hopefully my dream university.
On behalf of the staff and students of The Rivers Secondary College, congratulations all our HSC students on their achievement. They are a credit to themselves, their college, their campus and their families.
Lochlan Maguire Billy Wright Niamh Montgomery College Staff during my high school years. Carmen Flower Elwood Bird Isabel Kemp Brooke Spies LISMORE HIGH CAMPUS RICHMOND RIVER HIGH CAMPUS KADINA HIGH CAMPUSCouncil has resurfaced 14 roads in Mullumbimby over the last three months, as well as three roads in Ocean Shores.
The list of freshly resealed roads in Mullum includes Ann Street, Byron Street, Casuarina Street, Cedar Street, Dinjerra Place, Gordon Street, James Street, King Street, Mill Street, Pine Avenue, Prince Street (south of Argyle St), New City Road, Nurubuan Street and Queen Street.
“We were held up with a bit of rain early on which means we’ve still got a few roads to go around Mullum in early 2023 including, Manns Road and River Terrace – and we apologise for the delay getting to these but rest assured they will be done,” Council’s Director Infrastructure Services, Phil Holloway said.
“We’re pleased to be rolling out these road projects, and to be doing this work at the same time as our drainage maintenance program in Mullumbimby and setting up the longer term works and funding arrangements we need to get stuck into our important bridge and road works for flood impacted areas of our Shire.
“With the impacts of the floods, it has been a huge year and I guess the message from us is that we are working hard, tackling resourcing issues just like everyone else in the region – and at
the same time we’re continuing to deliver smooth new roads and improvements for our community,” Mr Holloway said.
Regional Roads and Transport Minister Sam Farraway said the NSW Government was pleased to assist Byron Shire Council in maintaining local roads and infrastructure.
“Well-maintained roads play a vital role in our regions, supporting growth and development,” Mr Farraway said.
“We’re continuing to assist with funding to repair local roads in communities still recovering after bushfires and floods, helping generate jobs where they are needed most.
“The Fixing Local Roads program helps reduce the maintenance burden on local councils, which are responsible for maintaining well over 85 per cent of the state’s 180,000-kilometre road network.”
In recent months Council has also been busy completing muchneeded road reseals in Oceans Shores on Warrambool Road and Yamble Drive.
Redgate Road in South Golden Beach was also resurfaced. The $25.6M road improvements have been funded by the NSW Government and Byron Shire Council. More information about the roadwork program can be found on Council’s website.
Momentum Collective’s Aboriginal Homelessness Prevention Service (AHPS) team coordinated a donations table at their Tweed Heads offce to bring some joy to those vulnerable in the Northern Rivers community. The team set up a table as a dropping point for community donors, local members and Momentum staff to give appropriate gifts and non-perishable foods to children, families and individuals in need.
According to
Momentum Collective’s AHPS Case Manager, Donna Cusack, there is a great need for supporting vulnerable families and children during this year’s festive season.
“In the past year, our AHPS team has supported 345 Indigenous people who have experienced homelessness or fnancial hardship, and 84 were under 18 years old.
When food, rent, hotels and the cost of living continue to increase, it is harder for families to afford food or a simple
gift for their children.”
“Every year, we are fortunate to receive generous support from our longstanding partners. The team at Coolangatta Queensland Women’s Association Club and Dear Friends have donated an abundance of thoughtful gifts for children and essential items for women and babies.”
“Local community members and Momentum staff have also contributed to the donations resulting in numerous children’s toys
and food hampers”, said Ms Cusack.
The collaboration of these organisations to provide extra support and relief to vulnerable families and children will ensure that children experiencing homelessness or fnancial hardship will receive a gift this Christmas.
If you would like to contribute to a family in need this Christmas, visit Momentum Collective’s Head Offce at 35 Wharf Street, Tweed Heads or call 1300 900 091.
Christmas cheer was in the air on Thursday the 15th of December, when Year 11 students from Casino High School attended the Whidden Nursing Home Residents’ Christmas party to distribute gifts to the residents. The visit was the culmination of a gift drive that the students had run over the past month, with the gifts being kindly donated, collated and wrapped by the students themselves. The idea of conducting a gift drive came from the students wanting to become more involved in their local community, after what has been another diffcult year and help bring cheer to someone this festive season.
letters@nrtimes.com.au
Please keep under 250 words & include address and phone number
This material from the originating organization/author(s) may be of a point-in-time nature, edited for clarity, style and length. The views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s).
Poor oh Brittany Higgins, got to feel sorry for the poor lost soul. Her 5 minutes of fame continues. She states that she never wanted this but continues to be an alleged victim in this case! Now wants compensation, from the taxpayers, how dare you.
But when you have mainstream media involved, well do not let the truth hold you back from a good story, especially when you make money from it.
Then you have the feminists’ groups saying how strong you are Brittany, a poster girl for sexual violence against women! Not are you not a victim, but a liar, and a leech. How dare you be an advocate for sexual violence against women. Your case was nothing but lies, and deception, which is why in the end, mysteriously the case was abandoned due to a juror conducted private research into the case, which lead to a miss trial. Surprise, surprise.
Not only are you a liar Ms Higgins, but just shows your character! You placed your job ahead of rape??? Then make a mocky of our legal system, then use your 5 minutes of fame to promote sexual violence against women. As a male, nothing surprises me anymore, but for sexual violence women victims,
how can you not be appalled from the pain and suffering from the real trauma you have personal received in your lives.
But when you have mainstream media, feminists’ groups, and other women advocates telling us that ALL men are violent! That is right, your fathers violent, your husbands violent, your brothers violent, your uncle is violent, your co workers are violent, your son is violent. That is right, women do not lie supposedly?
While you have women like Brittany Higgins, Megan Markle, Kim Kardashian and Amber Heard as role models, what hope does this young generation of women have? I can only hope my two daughters see the uniqueness in whom, how they were created, and have strong morals, and live by faith and the truth.
Luke O’Neill AlstonvilleThe last two state elections held here in the Ballina electorate indicates clearly a mathematically impossibility for the Nationals to win the seat. This due to the fact that the Labor and Green primary votes together easily overwhelm the vote of the Nationals. It is only the Labor party in running third and preferencing the Greens that has enabled the Greens to claim victory.
At the state election to be held on the 25th March next year, Ballina voters will be once again faced with the prospect of an underwhelming Green candidate retaining the seat on the back of Labor party preferences.
The Greens, hide bound in radical ideology, with no clear policies on the issues that face the state in health, education and in particular energy, will never be in a position to form government. This undisciplined rabble simply want to “switch off the lights”. Today if not sooner with no viable plan for the transition to renewables putting hundreds of miners out of work along with all those other workers dependant on an ongoing coal industry at least until the market decides otherwise.
And now we have a Green MLC, Abigail Boyd, with not much better to do but to attempt to do away with the recitation of the Lord’s Prayer prior to a sitting of the NSW Upper House. Ms Boyd seems to forget there are most probably Christians amongst the MLCs serving in the NSW Upper House who are not particularly keen on meditating. Perhaps Ms Boyd could go and meditate in a corner somewhere.
The political party with the wherewithal to replace a Green with a representative for Ballina who can serve in the government is the Nationals. Not by voting National but by engaging in what is termed ‘tactical voting’. ‘Tactical voting’ was used to great effect in those Victorian federal seats lost to the ‘Teals’ in May this year. Here an elector casts a vote against the party they would normally support and for the party with the best chance of defeating an incumbent. So Labor and Green voters voted
for Teal candidates in order to defeat the sitting Liberal. And so if National supporters ‘tactically voted’ for the Labor candidate then bye bye Green and we would have true representation here in Ballina.
Alan Veacock CumbalumMr. Nicholson, I am sorry to read of your and everyone’s losses from the floods. I am interested to see your empirical evidence of the floods being caused by global warming and what impact Australia has contributed with our little over one percent of Co2 produced every year. Was there global warming back in the 1800’s? quite a few large floods occurred then. I am very surprised by your touching soft approach to urban terrorists whom through their misguided ideology force their wrath upon normal hard-working people struggling to survive in today’s ever increasing leftist controlled Governments that interfere daily in their lives, I suggest they would say, “lock up Deanna Violet Coco and throw the key away”. I fully support the Premiers actions and comments as the silent majority do and thank you to the magistrate. Hopefully this message will deter the remaining hordes of leftards from committing further crimes. If there are many young despairing people out there looking for a meaning to life, maybe they could occupy themselves by cleaning up our oceans, waterways and plant some trees rather than becoming professional university attendees obtaining useless degrees they will never earn a living from. How concerned about global warming are you Mr. Nicholson? Why do you not castigate China and
India for their huge Co2 emission outputs? Why do the so-called greenie’s not protest about the use of wood to generate power? Did you know wood used for heating and power generation globally is 7% of the total primary energy consumption and growing? In contrast the share of renewables in the global power mix is currently 28.1% including wood. Europe is sacrificing ancient forests in the name of global warming, the EU burned 23.1 million tonnes of wood pellets in 2021, how much Co2 is that producing? Go Figure. Ask the Germans how downgrading from nuclear is going lately, and yes gas is becoming unaffordable hence the renewed use of wood. So please don’t try to lecture everyone about being green or how much they care about the environment, you know it’s a huge festering lie. The greenies are green as long as someone else is paying the bill or until they get cold, guess what happens when the renewables fail and the misguided have to get a job? everyone for themselves.
Mr Duncan, I suggest you bask in your recent leftist wins as much as you can, history shows they do not last. People will wake up when they can no longer afford nutritious food, heat,
or cool their homes or enjoy cheap reliable electricity. Riding their bicycles to the stock depleted supermarkets will be the norm while their Tesla sits idle in their garage waiting for the sun to come out and the wind to blow, while the great unwashed still break out in a cold sweat when nuclear is mentioned. What a crazy out of control world we live in, being dictated to by the corrupt United Nations and World Economic Forum.
G. MacDonald. Pimlico
It’s about time we got rid of planning panels and the power to decide developments by state government and be given back to council hopefully next March we will be rid of the liberal national party and labour and the greens can overturn this disgusting and corrupt behaviour that clearly only benfiets developers and not the community. Alan Mosley Yamba
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, 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
Ooooh! ‘Leemo Cat’ writing. There was much drama in our house this week. I fetched just one envelope from the letter box for ‘Mum Jane’ and took it to her. She sat and opened, it and, I’m truly not telling fbbies, started saying the rudest words ever & ‘spitting chips’. I believe this means she is very cross but why any sane person would waste a perfectly delicious chip is beyond me. I enjoy chips. CRIKEY. Cup of tea & ginger nuts needed. All done. I sat and looked at her adoringly in my ‘suckup’ mode and said ‘Mum my beloved, what on earth has happened? Pray tell me about the news in your letter and I shall make it better for you.’ Hmmm! Foot stomping was happening now. Her ‘good’ leg, not the hurtie one that needs a new knee. (Foot stomping 1 leg really isn’t that impactful as 2 legs, but not to worry.) She wiped away the spit chips and pulled herself together. (thank the Lord!) ‘OK Leems, here’s the drift. THAT letter you gave me contained our Home & Contents Insurance Renewal papers. You know, the ‘what if’ cover on our house & stuff in case of a catastrophe like a fre, food & things. It doesn’t even mention famine, pestilence or plague, but has gone up by 24% anyhow.’ Eeek, as a cat, what the hell am I supposed to say or do I pondered? I bided my time. She spoke after what seemed an interminably agonising
period. ‘Well, Leems, I most cross about this as you can imagine. We receive an Aged Pension, our budget is very tight, so this increase means you will have to fnd employment to assist with our expenses…gottit? “I” can’t obviously go fnd a job ‘till I get a new knee, so I’m relying on you to do so.’ CRIKEY, feline ‘staring at grass stance’ and meditating is necessary before I can discuss this further. I went out to our grass, fxated on one blade and into a meditative state. Oooormorhm. OK, I’ll go back and talk to her. ‘Mum, how come our house & stuff costs went up so much? We live high on a hill and if water did get to us, everyone in our town would be drowned wouldn’t they?’ She kinda stared at me and spoke back. ‘Yep, Leems, they would. But remember, our town has had a truly awful food, and what the insurance people do is ‘share’ the pain around to everyone by increasing the cost for cover right across the whole town, even those living on hills.’ She continued. ‘And Leems, it is a disgrace that these insurance people don’t think of reducing costs to people when they make mega profts for many many years when there are no catastrophic events isn’t it?’ OK, I had to kinda agree, but in the meantime I was considering my exciting ‘employment’ options. I decided to cheer Mum up by telling her. ‘Mum, I would like to be a Train Driver. Will that bring in enough to help with our expenses do you think?’ To say I received the ‘stare from hell’ is an understatement. ‘Leems, fetch me a WINE.. no gingernuts pleease. Cheese & olives would help.’ So I did. BUT, in the meantime, whilst Mum is scoffng cheese & wine, ‘I’ Leemo, am sending you many purrsies and hope you all have a safe and most contented joyful and loving Christmas. (P.S., throw away any envelopes with windows..they only bring bad moodies!) Nitey, Leemo.
For its fnal Up Late event of the year, Tweed Regional Museum will host a fascinating evening that explores the relationship between native wildlife and habitat through fun, immersive activities paired with music, food and a Q and A with the curator!
Touted as a night inspired by our fascination with capturing all things in the natural, this free, family-friendly event will be held on Saturday 17 December, from 4 - 8 pm. It offers a range of new workshops, games and fascinating conversations with trained explorers, rescuers and curators – all inspired by the exhibition Capturing Nature: Early Photographs from the Australian Museum 1857-1893.
Guests can also relax in the Museum courtyard, and enjoy tunes by Leigh James, tasty Asian fusion food by Khanthaly Kitchen and a variety of beverages by the Gin Experience.
Museum curator Erika Taylor will be available on the mezzanine foor to entertain guests with dramatic tales and behind-the-scenes stories from the exhibition, and to answer any curious questions about museums, collecting, archiving, and more.
The wonderful team at Green Heroes will teach participants how to nurture and defend their environment. With the team, participants can make and decorate their very own wildlife rescue kit ‘Glove Box Buddy’ and learn basic wildlife rescue: when and who to call, and how to safely capture and transport sick, injured or orphaned wildlife.
Participants can also paint and create a tree hollow ‘nest box’ and contribute to providing shelter to more than 300 Australian native animals. As they create, they can learn all about tree hollows and what birds, mammals and reptiles rely on them to rest, shelter and raise their young.
Rescuers of seabirds, shorebirds, sea turtles and sea snakes from our local Australian Seabird and Turtle Rescue team will be on hand to chat and explore their amazing and interactive display. See turtle shell carapaces and skulls, sea bird bones and pelican wings, preserved sea snakes, and hatching sea horses!
Collect your adventure game
card and explore the Museum with Museum Mate, Mitch. Become an explorer and discover hidden stories and fun facts in the Capturing Nature exhibition and take home your very own record for your private archives. The Museum’s famous Diprotodon Fossil Dig is till in action with fossils being found daily. You can help the team by digging up your very own fossil and identify it, like a real palaeontologist.
Museum Up Late events invite the community to immerse themselves within a world of discovery, amid the backdrop of the Museum’s latest offering, Capturing Nature. This exhibition travels back to
a time when photography was revolutionising science, art and society. The exhibition images are photos reproduced from the Australian Museum’s collection of glass plate negatives from 1857 to 1893, which are some of Australia’s earliest natural history photographs.
The exhibition features natural history specimens from Tweed Regional Museum’s collection, alongside a special installation of giant Diprotodon puppets created by the Dead Puppet Society.
For more information about this event and to book your free ticket, please visit: Museum Up Late: Explorers & Rescuers Tickets, Saturday 17 December 2022 from 4-8 pm | Eventbrite.
Calling all budding explorers and rescuers!There will be some fun, creative activities for everyone at this weekend’s Up Late event at the Tweed Regional Museum. Explore the Museum and enjoy some fne music, food and beverages this weekend at the fnal Museum Up Late event for the year.
“Leemo has views on just about anything”
HAVE A WONDERFUL ‘INSURED’ CHRISTMAS!!
show.
“He said, ‘Max, it was one of the best we’ve had in the club for a long time’.”
e concert, which this year will be compered by Barry ‘Bazza’ Williams, is a nod to the old days in Evans Head where summer concerts saw up to 3,500 people gather in the 1950s.
“I used to sing at these concerts back in the 1950s,” said Max.
“I approached the country music club and…we had our rst one in 2017.”
Barry ‘Bazza’ Williams (above le ) has been a broadcaster of country music on community
John Lynch, Col Dalgliesh and Wilf Mason, the concert promises to be a great night.
Ray Essery, also known as the Mullumbimby Bloke, has a great line up of comical verse, yarns and jokes that will have the audience in stitches.
He has won the gold medal at Tamworth and continues to win award a er award with his droll sense of humour, turning his life on the dairy farms and cane elds into an enjoyable and light-hearted experience.
A former sailor and dairy farmer, Ray has been a favourite on the bush poetry scene for a number of
support the local event.
“Mainly (we are sponsoring) because it’s a community-based program and we always like to give something back to the communtiy that supports us,” he said.
“A er the year the local community has had, with covid and the oods, I know people from Woodburn and Lismore holiday there and the concert can help take their minds o all the bullsh!t.”
Paul O’Neill from Lismore Nissan and Kia is another sponsor who sees the importance of supporting a community event.
“It’s a local thing and we are a local company in town,” he said.
By Samantha Elley
e concert) is a good thing for Evans Head and the community. “I went down to the concert last
ey know what they are doing and I can guarantee people are
Kyogle Council played Santa Claus on Monday night, handing out 57 grants totaling $536,126 to local community organisations, individuals and businesses.
Council approved 31 Community Resilience Grants worth $500,000 and 26 Community Assistance grants totaling $36,126 at its 12 December meeting.
The Community Resilience Grants were funded from the Local Government Recovery Grants and ranged from $696.84 for the Friends of Ettrick Hall Committee to buy a fire house connection to the hall through to a grant of $36,291 for the Cawongla Playhouse to undertake repairs and improvements.
The Community Assistance Grants were awarded to a broad cross section of community and sporting organisations as well as three individuals for projects ranging from the construction of a handball court at the Risk
Hall to equipment for the Kyogle and District Historical Society to digitize their records.
Kyogle Council Mayor Cr Kylie Thomas said the uptake of the grants showcased the passion of local volunteers and organisations for improving their communities.
Council received 94 applications valued at $1.318 million across the two programs.
“We are pleased to be able to help our local groups with these grass roots projects that will make a real difference in the communities they serve,” Cr Thomas said.
“Unfortunately, we could not fund every application, but staff will work with the unsuccessful applicants to explore other options to fund their projects.”
To view the successful grant applications, go to the Latest Council News section on the front page of the Council website at www.kyogle.nsw.gov.au
Contemporary early childhood education and care provider, Harmony Early Learning Journey, celebrated the incredible achievements of educators and support staff this year at the annual Harmony Awards Gala over the weekend.
Achievements across 12 different categories were recognised at the event, including Educator of the Year, Early Childhood Teacher of the Year, Educational Leader of the Year, Centre of the Year, Diversity and Inclusion Award, and Outstanding Leader Award.
Held at the Gold Coast Convention Centre on 10 December, over 450 attendees walked down the red carpet at the gala event.
Harmony’s Chief Executive Officer, Peter Warner, said the event was yet another successful celebration bringing together the best of early childhood educators and support staff across all thirteen
centres in Southeast Queensland and northern New South Wales.
“Our educators dedicate themselves to others and are truly passionate about fostering positive futures for the younger generation. Our awards night is all about celebrating and recognising all they do, and to give back to those who give so much of themselves to others,” said Mr Warner.
“This event is about more than just the awards; it commemorates
all we’ve achieved over the past year at Harmony, of which all our employees have been integral to,” he said.
Since inception in 2016, Harmony has seen more than 1,100 of its students graduate to primary school and beyond. Harmony has over 3,000 children currently enrolled, with a team of 550 educators and support staff, which Mr Warner says will continue to grow.
“This year, we opened three new state-of-the-art
centres at Broadbeach Waters, Bangalow, and Bahrs Scrub, and we have a further four centres opening in the new year. We added more than 100 new positions to the business in 2022 and most recently appointed a new Head of Curriculum and Pedagogy to really bolster our curriculum and pedagogy expertise,” said Mr Warner.
While Mr Warner acknowledged the company’s incredible success since its launch, he said that Harmony’s future holds even more in store.
“We are proud of where we are, but we are also really excited at where we’re going. We have big plans for the future and being able to provide the best education for our future generations is a blessing. Our gifted educators care so deeply about the future of our children and that’s what makes Harmony so special,” said Mr Warner.
LUCKY for me, the first trip I ever took overseas was a trip to Germany and the Czech Republic when I was 33. I say lucky because I went with a decidedly non-drink-tillyou-drop Contiki tour mindset. Instead, I took a keen spirit to learn and immerse myself in hundreds of years of European culture, and to walk in the footsteps of some of my literary heroes.
One highlight, and to this day I can’t really explain either the abject coincidence of it, or the alternate other-worldly occurrence of it. But I was below a church in a place called Weimar, in a crypt that was the final resting place of two of Germany’s finest writers – Goethe and Schiller.
With just the sound of my own breath, because I was the only person in the entire vicinity, I asked Goethe, “What would you think of Europe if you were alive today?”
And at that very moment, the lights dimmed before they returned to normal a few seconds later. I don’t know if the powers of sheer reverence can bring about such a ‘response’, but it did teach me something about having the right spirit, at the right time – is how inexplicable things can happen.
Relatedly, the origin of the word ‘spirit’ comes from the Latin ‘spiro’, which means ‘to breathe, or breath’. The Ancient Greeks referred to the breeze and the breath as an ‘aura’; while the Germans even have the word ‘Geist’ which means spirit, as well as being directly related to our English word for ‘ghost’.
If the aforementioned Weimar story was the highlight of my first trip
abroad, then the spiritual lowlight was most certainly the American on the bus who blurted as we headed into Mozart’s own favourite city, Prague: “I wonder where we can find a McDonalds?!” I consoled myself with the ancient Greek proverb, “Heaven and earth are often separated by just the ‘enth of a degree.”
As such, the place ‘spirit’ occupies in all fields of human endeavour (not just those related to the pastel pastures of religion) is something we don’t give all that much thought to, but it somehow plays a part in everything we might ever deem to be exceptional. Sport, business, politics, life – you name it, the high points will always be peppered by the influences of someone with a refined spirit.
None other than the AFL coach of the Century, and Melbourne Demons icon, Norm Smith once famously said, “You can win without skill, but you cannot win without spirit.” Which wasn’t just a catchy throwaway line, it was a deep reflection of his understanding of the pursuit and attainment of excellence.
The former American President Woodrow Wilson, and the only person to hold down this role with a PhD in Political Science (which ought surely to be the prerequisite for such a role?) once graciously said, “You are not here merely to make a living.
You are here in order to enable the world to live more amply, with greater vision, with a finer spirit of hope and achievement. You are here to enrich the world, and you impoverish yourself if you forget the errand.”
AS a sign of the place and importance of cafés in our culture, one of the very frst questions many of us ask in towns we’ve never been before is, “Where can I get the best coffee?
As such, the frst ‘Coffee House’ (or ‘Kiva Han’ in Turkish) which was the precursor of the modern-day café, was in the city of Istanbul way back in 1475. Soon after, believe it or not, it was actually legal in Turkey for women to divorce their husbands should they fall short of supplying them with enough coffee!
It wasn’t until the mid-1650s that the frst coffee houses opened in Britain; in time they became known as “penny universities”, which was the price of a coffee back then. The word ‘tips’ originated there next to coin jars that read, “To insure prompt service.” The future Lloyd’s of London insurance company even started out as a coffee shop run by Edward
Lloyd in 1668.
To say coffee houses and cafes have featured at the very centre of townships and their commercial precincts the world over, would be an understatement.
Fittingly, Grafton boasts a ‘Heart & Soul Café’ in its main thoroughfare – Prince Street. “Our wholefood café”, said Rachael Koning, “is now 9-years old. I co-own it with my husband Marcel, and our dear friends Evan and Shelley Kirke.”
That their establishment is called Heart & Soul is more than just a fgurative play on sentiment, it is a literal refection of the combined affection each person has for one-another, and for everyone that walks through their door.
When asked what inspires and drives her, Ms Koning said, “I’m inspired and motivated to get out of bed each day by love. Love for my family and friends …. being around the
people I care most about and also being around like-minded people.
“Café life can be a tough gig, but it really is so rewarding working alongside great people and serving great people. We are so proud of our Heart & Soul crew members, it’s a big deal to have so many amazing people working together.”
Not one to take anything for granted, or to overlook the things that matter most, Ms Koning said, “Life has taught me that I’m not invincible and to rest when I need to. Love many, trust a few and always paddle your own canoe, my mother used to say. And, basically show everyone care, some you can really trust with your life, but know that you’re at the helm of your own boat.
“As far as others go, everyone is fghting a battle we know nothing about. I realise this and it just makes me appreciate life and people more. To live a good life, treat
others as you want to be treated.”
As a person who doesn’t just wear her heart on her sleeve, but fttingly her soul too, Ms Koning said, “Don’t be so busy with things outside of the home that you forget your family.
I think the foundation of every fourishing community is strong families supporting each other and fowing into supporting our community. It’s also about supporting and encouraging our local businesses, I always spend my money in my local community.
“It’s going to the local farmers market or small fruit and veg shop. Finding a local cafe that knows how you like your coffee. That’s community to me.” And if there’s one place where this refned communal approach is put into practice each day, it’s the café that embodies the beating heart and blazing soul of Grafton.
It’s only the depth that varies!
Motion Mover Wardell is a local, family owned and operated business servicing the Northern Rivers Region for over 40 years.
The crew here at Motion Mover specialise in septic tank pumping/cleaning and hydro vacuum excavation,
all council and EPA approved and fully insured.
We provide a reliable and swift service, recommending a regular pumping every three years, removing the top crust and sludge preventing it from doing serious damage.
Over the Christmas period
we will be open normal trade days. However, weekends and public holidays we can still do emergency call outs if needed, just give us a call on 0428 813310.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Enter the Underwater World of Tranquillity
Give a special gift this Christmas from Aquarium Zone in Ballina. There’s plenty of last-minute gift ideas and we’re open until 2pm Christmas Eve for your last-minute gift selections.
For that perfect gift, we have a large array of fsh
tanks, pond flters and plants in addition to lots of accessories, fsh food and more.
Aquarium Zone will show you a unique way of creating a natural aquarium or pond and has everything you need to accomplish this. We have gift vouchers as well!
Call in and see the team, we’re open till 2pm Christmas Eve, having a short break from 25/12-2/1 and back to normal trading hours on 3rd January.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all!
We will be shut from 5pm on 23/12/22 returning the 28/12/22 we will also be shut the 2/1/23 for the public holiday. We have Gifts for everyone from remote control cars to Stand up Paddle boards and we also do Gift Cards.
No need to wait, we have all the Adventure Kings Gear in stock waiting in our HUGE 350sqm showroom we are also Jaycars only Authorized Seller in Ballina with 2000+ Lines in stock! We want to thank all our customers for the 2022 year and look forward to seeing them into 2023!
Specialist
North Coast Firearms are your local Northern Rivers family owned and operated frearm, ammunition and archery shop.
We supply and sell a wide range of products that are suitable for the
amateur to the the more experienced hunter and recreational user through to the needs of primary producers.
We stock a wide range of archery supplies with expert advice on hand and cater to target shooters both frearms and archery. With a vast range of accessories including gun safes, sporting goods and much more. Visit our website: www. northcoastfrearms. com.au
Call in and see us at 59 Walker Street, Casino or give us a ring on 02 6662 8265.
Clarence Valley Council has secured nearly $1.5 million from a new $12 million Nationals in NSW Government program designed to restore and improve flood-hit sporting infrastructure, Clarence Nationals MP Chris Gulaptis has announced.
“Flood recovery takes many forms and getting sporting and recreation facilities back up to scratch is a major priority for us,” Mr Gulaptis said.
Mr Gulaptis made the announcement at Clarence Valley’s leading equestrian facility, Hawthorne Park in South Grafton, in the company of some of the beneficiaries.
“Hawthorne Park, which was used as an animal refuge during the 2019 bushfires, was severely flooded this
year,” Mr Gulaptis said.
“The Nationals in NSW Government are providing just under half a million dollars to build better drainage, access roads and seating in a bid to improve the climatic resilience at the facility.”
Mr Gulaptis said two other projects in the Grafton area were also primarily designed to improve drainage.
“There is $384,935 for Barnier Park in Junction Hill which is primarily used for soccer and little athletics and $499,796 for Rushforth Park in South Grafton which is a highly utilised regional sporting facility and home to four soccer clubs,” Mr Gulaptis said.
The Lower Clarence has not missed out with the Yamba Sports Complex securing more than $100,000.
Mr Gulaptis described
the Yamba Sports Complex as “the premier sporting complex in the area”, boasting a multisport facility with soccer, AFL, touch football, rugby league, croquet and an indoor sports centre.
“This project includes the design and construction of suitable field drainage for the rugby league field for climatic resilience,” Mr Gulaptis said.
Clarence Valley Mayor, Cr Ian Tiley said the funding from the NSW Government towards the four sport and recreation facilities is greatly appreciated by Council and the wider community.
“Sport and recreation activities in the Clarence Valley were significantly impacted by storm and flood events earlier this year, and these upgrades will greatly reduce the time these facilities are out of action following similar events in the future.”
Minister for Sport Alister Henskens said the NSW Government is passionate about investing in flood affected communities.
“Grassroots sport plays a critical role in the fabric of our communities, keeping people healthy, active and socially connected,” Mr Henskens said.
Residents are urged not to remove road closure signs or barriers –they’re there to keep our community safe!
Council crews continue to work on the flood recovery program which now totals 3,778 items of road damage as new items are identified.
Landslips are responsible for most of the Tweed’s expected long-term road closures, including major landslips at Tyalgum Road, Reserve Creek Road and Scenic Drive at Bilambil Heights.
Geotechnical investigations have been carried out to assess the safety of the landslips and inform the design and construction of repairs. However,
place at major slip sites like Reserve Creek Road and Tyalgum Road and the community is urged to take heed of these barriers and signs.
The concrete barriers are in place as safety measures for the public.
Council has been notified of barriers being moved at the landslip on Reserve Creek Road which poses a major safety risk. Removing or tampering with barriers is a serious offence and could result in someone being hurt or killed.
Council Manager Infrastructure Deliverythe repair effort.
“There are still many roads closed as crews continue with
recovery. Council crews are working as hard as they can, but this work will take time to complete,” Mr Mackney said.
Removing a road barrier or signage is a serious offence, and police may be notified.
Follow Council’s social media channels
these will take time to complete.
Council has placed concrete barriers and road closure signs in
For-purpose organisation Momentum Collective has engaged with Australia’s leading electric mobility company Origin’s 360 EV to streamline the transition to electric vehicles to maximise the benefts of a sustainable feet. The organisation will leverage over $110,000 in funding which is part of the NSW Electric Vehicle (EV) Fleet incentive.
Passenger vehicles are Australia’s third most signifcant contributor to carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. EV offers opportunities for emissions reduction with lower emissions over their lifetime – much lower than internal combustion engine
vehicles.
Momentum is committed to a sustainable future and has replaced its current Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles with 10 Hyundai IONIQ EV. The transition saves 147.2 tonnes of CO2 over fve years, equivalent to planting 2,500 trees.
According to Momentum Collective’s CEO, Dr Tracey Mackie, a considerable quantity of kilometres is used per year within the organisation’s footprint to deliver essential services.
“The selection of the vehicles was based on our business requirements. A typical electric vehicle
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.
charged using the average Australian electricity grid mix generates about 40% fewer emissions of CO2-equivalent per kilometre compared with an equivalent ICE vehicle. I’m delighted to announce that Momentum Collective is being part of this evolution by starting the transition to EVs in its own feet.”
The vehicles arrive at Momentum Collective on Tuesday, 13 December. To best support staff on how to drive EV, there will be a comprehensive training day designed especially for the occasion.
Parkes Elvis Festival is held annually in the second week of January in Parkes, New South Wales, coinciding with the birthday of Elvis Presley.
Parkes has a population of 12,000 and is located 365 kilometres west of Sydney. In January 2019 over 27,000 visitors attended the Festival, more than doubling Parkes’ population.
The Festival began in January 1993 as a small birthday party at Gracelands Restaurant. It was so much fun they decided to do it again - and again! Over the following 10 years additional events were added and it became a two-day Festival. With the vision and effort of the voluntary organising committee as well as the
support of Parkes Shire Council, the Festival exploded in popularity and word quickly spread across Australia of the fun and unique event in regional NSW.
Following its tremendous success, in 2014 the Festival transitioned management to Parkes Shire Council under a Section 355 Festival Committee. The Festival now regularly attracts visitors from all around Australia and stages more than 200 events annually.
In January 2015, Parkes Elvis Festival was offcially endorsed by Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc., the trustees of the estate of Elvis Presley. Offcial endorsement elevates Parkes Elvis Festival to the ranks of premiere Elvis
tribute festivals in the world.
Parkes Elvis Festival is supported by the NSW Government via its tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW.
Celebrating 30 years of rockin’ and rollin’, Parkes Elvis Festival has announced their bumper anniversary program of events, jam-packed with concerts, parades, markets, competitions…. and even skydiving!
Returning from Wednesday 4 – Sunday 8 January 2023, Parkes Elvis Festival will see over 25,000 people make the annual pilgrimage to Central NSW for the biggest tribute to The King in the Southern Hemisphere.
The spectacular 2023 program features hundreds of Elvis and Blue Hawaii themed events, including returning favorites Goodsell Machinery Miss Priscilla Dinner, Northparkes Mines Street Parade, Renewal of Vows ceremony, Festival markets and a stellar line up of entertainment on the Cooke Park Main Stage and Memphis Stage.
Tickets to all events are on sale now, including the Feature Concert Series. This year, the Feature Concert Series will see Dean Z and Victor Trevino Jr, two of the world’s best Elvis Tribute Artists, entertain crowds across each day of the Festival.
The beating heart of the Festival, Cooke Park, will once again play host to incredible free live shows with U.S. Elvis Tribute
Artist Alexander Mitchell headlining on Thursday. Catch Damian Mullin, Dean Vegas and Mark Andrew on the Friday night; and on Saturday night, Jack Gatto celebrates the 50th anniversary of Elvis’ Aloha from Hawaii concert with a special recreation of the concert.
Over the last 30 years, we have grown into a worldrenowned event
Ross Wilson, founder and frontman of the longstanding rock groups Daddy Cool and Mondo Rock will be inducted to the Wall of Fame. The Eagle Rock-ing music legend will perform a special concert on the opening day of the Festival to kick-start the fve days of festivities.
The preliminary round of the international Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest also returns in 2023, with leading Elvis tribute artists from Australia and abroad battling it out at Parkes Leagues Club.
Offcially endorsed by Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc, the winner will represent Parkes in the Semi-Final round of the 2023 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest in Memphis, USA, during Elvis Week in August.
Starting as a small get together between like-
minded Elvis fans in 1993, the Festival has grown today into an internationally renowned phenomenon, recognised as one of the top events in Australia and attracting fans from all over the globe.
Festival Director Tiffany Steel, whose parents Bob and Anne founded the Festival, said this year’s program will be bigger and better than ever to celebrate the Festival’s 30th birthday.
“The 2023 Festival is such a special milestone for us. Over the last 30 years, we have grown into a world-renowned event that’s attended by tens of thousands of people each year. We plan celebrating the longevity and popularity of the Festival in 2023 with a program that’s ft for The King.”
Parkes Elvis Festival was offcially endorsed by Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. Offcial endorsement elevates Parkes Elvis Festival to the ranks of premiere Elvis tribute festivals in the world.
Minister for Tourism Ben Franklin said the Parkes Elvis Festival was an event that visitors can’t help falling in love with each year.
“The Parkes Elvis Festival is one of Australia’s most iconic events, bringing thousands of people from
around Australia as well as internationally to the Parkes region,” Mr Franklin said.
“It offers an unbeatable mix of music, costumes and entertainment, combined with country hospitality. I encourage Elvis lovers to dust off their blue suede shoes and secure tickets before they sell out.”
To celebrate the 30th anniversary and get hearts pumping, the Festival have introduced a slew of new events. ELVIS by Anthony Petrucci will be performing Elvis’ hits from 1956- 69, showcasing his early years and flm.
For the more adventurous Climb Me a Mountain Rock Climbing and a new stretch and strengthen class to the ballads of Elvis. Thrill seeking fans of The King, decked out in their fnest Elvis costume will rain down from the heavens with a new skydiving event by Sydney Skydivers also added to the Festival lineup.
This year’s Festival theme is Blue Hawaii, dedicated to Elvis’ 1961 musical hit. As usual, Festival attendees will spend the next few months planning their themed outfts. Expect to see Parkes transform into a tropical paradise with a sea of Hawaiian shirts, leis and grass skirts taking over the regional town.
For the best way to arrive in style for the Festival you can’t go past the NSW
TrainLink Elvis Express train services. Each year, hundreds of travelers in bejeweled jumpsuits and poodle skirts converge on Sydney’s Central Station for a morning of live entertainment before hopping aboard trains where they are serenaded by Elvis Tribute Artists all the way to Parkes.
You can also fy to the Festival on the Regional Express Hound Dog Express where you can enjoy drinks and Elvis style entertainment in the REX Lounge at Sydney Airport.
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said since 2004, NSW TrainLink has been supporting the festival with a specially branded XPT for the return journey to and from the iconic festival in the state’s central west.
’Don’t walk the line’, catch the Elvis Express and get ‘all shook up’ with tribute artists rock n rolling all the way from Central station to Parkes next January.”
“The NSW government is proud to support the 30th annual Parkes Elvis Festival, a multi-award winning event which is a signifcant tourism drawcard major boost to the central west economy.”
Tickets to all Parkes Elvis Festival shows, across the many venues in the city, are available to purchase online now at www. parkeselvisfestival.com.au.
Minister for Local Government Wendy Tuckerman today released an independent review into councillor misconduct in NSW, which proposes the biggest changes to local government integrity measures in more than 30 years.
The review, undertaken by Gary Kellar PSM, contains 49 recommendations aimed at improving the integrity, transparency and accountability of the state’s more than 1,200 councillors.
Mrs Tuckerman said it’s clear from recent ICAC public inquiries and the number of council interventions that changes are needed to build community trust in local government.
“The people of NSW expect their elected representatives to uphold the highest standards of behaviour and anyone who breaches that trust should face the consequences,” Mrs Tuckerman said.
“Mr Kellar’s recommendations include harsher penalties for councillor misconduct and ensures the framework for dealing with misconduct is more independent, effective and effcient.”
Mrs Tuckerman said the recommendations contained in the report were the result of extensive consultation with the sector and align with broader integrity reforms agreed to by the Government following ICAC’s report on Operation Witney.
“While the Government acknowledges the outcomes recommended by Mr Kellar make a strong case for change, some of the reforms are signifcant and we will undertake some targeted consultation to better understand the potential impact on councils,” Mrs Tuckerman said.
The Misconduct Review examined the framework for dealing with councillor misconduct, and the effectiveness of penalties available to councils, the Offce of Local Government and the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal.
The 49 recommendations are extensive and include:
• A new, independent framework for dealing with councillor misconduct
• The establishment of an independent Councillor Conduct Commission to oversee independent Councillor Conduct Review Panels
• Mandatory councillor training, including pre-nomination training of candidates for election.
• Tougher penalties and sections to deal with misconduct, including the ability to impose monetary penalties on individuals.
A Consultation Guide has been developed by the Offce of Local Government to help inform feedback and is available here https://www.olg.nsw. gov.au/wp-content/ uploads/2022/12/ Consultation-GuideMCR_FINAL.pdf
. Feedback is invited until 3 February.
A copy of Mr Kellar’s review is available here https://www.olg. nsw.gov.au/councils/ misconduct-andintervention/review-ofcouncillor-misconductframework/.
The nomination deadline for Lismore City Council’s 2023 Australia Day Awards has been extended until Friday, 6 January 2023.
The annual Australia Day Awards recognise those in our community who have shown outstanding community spirit, made a signifcant contribution to the community or made a major achievement in their respective feld.
Lismore City Mayor Steve Krieg said Council wants to provide the community with enough
time to nominate all deserving community members.
“November and December are busy months for most people. We have extended the nomination period into January to allow the community time to nominate once the Christmas rush has ended,” he said.
“2022 has seen many community members step up and show great leadership in diffcult times. Council is hoping to see a large number of nominations this year,
more than what we would see in a typical year.”
It only takes fve minutes to complete an online nomination. Why not nominate someone who you think deserves to be recognised for the great work they do to make our community an even better place to live and work?
Categories are:
• Citizen of the Year
• Young Citizen of the Year
• Aboriginal
Citizen of the Year
• Services in Community (Individual)
• Services in Community (Group)
• Sportsperson (Senior)
• Sportsperson (Junior)
• Sports (Team/ Group/Organisation)
• Sustainable Environment
• Art/Cultural Nominations close Friday, 6 January. To nominate go to Council’s website at www.lismore. nsw.gov.au.
Students and teachers from food-affected schools in the Northern Rivers travelled to Sydney yesterday to watch the musical extravaganza, Schools Spectacular, thanks to the NSW Government.
Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell praised the resilience of the Northern Rivers school communities and said the trip was provided as a much-needed morale boost.
“These students and teachers have been through so much this year. We wanted to let them know that we’re thinking of them and give them an opportunity for a bit of fun to end what has been a tough school year for them,” Ms Mitchell said.
“I am also very aware and focused on the students being impacted right now by foods across NSW and we will be supporting them during this time and
through the recovery.”
After a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19, the Schools Spectacular is back with more than 5,000 NSW public school students on stage at the Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney.
“As the world’s largest amateur variety show, students come from as far away as Ballina, Bourke and Bega to star on the big stage,” Ms Mitchell said.
The show features students and teachers from more than 350 NSW public schools, a
2,500-voice choir, 2,300 dancers, an 80-piece symphony orchestra, 45 featured artists plus more than 250 students involved in signing choirs, stage bands, VET entertainment crew and specialist ensembles.
A total of 65 students and six teachers from 14 schools in the Northern Rivers were given the opportunity to travel to Sydney to watch the matinee performance of Schools Spectacular 2022 on Friday 25 November 2022.
After the performance,
the students were given a guided tour behind the scenes to talk to the cast and crew. The students also participated in SpecFest, an outdoor festival on the forecourt of Qudos Bank Arena.
Transport, accommodation, meals and Schools Spectacular tickets were supplied at no cost to the students and accompanying staff.
The Schools Spectacular experience for the Northern Rivers students is the latest initiative aimed at helping rebuild arts in regional, rural and remote school communities and supporting students after the challenges of the past two years.
The NSW Government established the 2022 Minister’s Arts Recovery Grants to support the development and implementation of arts-based projects for students who had been impacted by bushfres, foods, drought and COVID.
SEVEN, 7pm
From the directors of Aladdin and The Little Mermaid this Disney animation is a mythic adventure set in the South Paci c 2000 years ago. The heroine is Moana (voice of Auli’i Cravalho), a teenager who sets out on a daring mission to save her people when a crisis hits their island. Along the way she meets smug demigod Maui (Dwayne Johnson), who learns a thing or two from his teenage protégé. Together, they sail across the ocean, encountering monsters and impossible odds. Co-written by Taika Waititi (Boy), this charming adventure also features the voice of Jemaine Clement as a giant crab and a raft of catchy songs you’ll be singing long after the credits have rolled.
6.00 Escape From The City. (R) 7.00 News. 9.00 News. 10.00 Nigella’s Cook, Eat, Repeat: Christmas Special. (R) 11.00 The Yearly With Charlie Pickering. (R) 12.00 News.
1.00 Belgravia. (PG, R) 1.45 Doc Martin. (Ml, R) 2.50 Gardening Aust. (R) 3.55 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 4.40 Back Roads. (R) 5.10 QI. (PG, R)
5.40 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)
6.10 Grand Designs New Zealand. (R) Hosted by Chris Moller.
7.00 ABC News. Takes a look at today’s top stories.
7.30 All Creatures Great And Small Christmas Special. (PG) James and Helen question their future.
8.25 Vera. (Ma, R) After skeletal remains are discovered at the site of a notorious burnt out nightclub, DCI Vera Stanhope’s investigation leads her to a family with a chequered past and a present-day murder.
9.55 Troppo. (Madl, R) A major breakthrough in the investigation is threatened when Amanda’s past erupts into the present.
10.55 Adam Hills: The Last Leg. (R) Special guest is Guz Khan.
11.40 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
ABC, 7.30pm
After the annual pudding and ham overload on Christmas Day, this festive special will hit closer to the bone than usual (overindulging only heightens one’s emotions). Pack the tissues and a celebratory drink as the titular grumpy doctor, his family and eccentric Cornish townsfolk say goodbye after 18 years and 10 seasons. In a move that will surprise no fan, Doc Martin (Martin Clunes) upsets Portwenn’s children after he has the festive grotto closed down because he’s paranoid Santa has something contagious. Afterwards, there’s one nal chapter to indulge in, with a behind-thescenes look at Doc Martin nal hurrah in Farewell Doc
SBS, 8.30pm
Settle in for an intoxicating dip
6.00 WorldWatch. 7.00 BBC News At Six. 7.30 WorldWatch. 9.00 Cook Up Bitesize. (R) 9.10 Peer To Peer. (PG) 10.10 Patrizio
Buanne: Celebration. (R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Cook Up Bitesize. (PG, R) 2.05 Patrizio Buanne: Celebration. (R) 3.05 The Cook Up. (R) 3.35 Dishing It Up. (PG, R) 4.35 Jeopardy! 5.00 Letters And Numbers. (R) 5.30 Mastermind Aust. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.35 Engineering Reborn: Sky Garden, Liberty Hotel, Kraanspoor. (PG) Takes a look at a green park project.
8.30 Inside Central Station: Rain. (PGa, R) Narrated by Shane Jacobson.
9.25 Then And Now: The River Thames. (PGa, R) Explores the role the River Thames has played in London’s history and the people who rely on it.
10.20 SBS World News Late.
10.50 Gomorrah. (MA15+av, R)
1.55 The Kimberley Cruise: The Full Journey. (R)
4.40 Bamay. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 11.30 Seven Morning News. 12.00 MOVIE: The Christmas Swap. (2018, PG, R) 2.00 House Of Wellness. (PG) 3.00 The Chase. (R) 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia. (R)
6.00 7News Local.
6.30 Seven News.
7.00 Better Homes And Gardens Summer. Johanna Griggs meets some people ying groceries to remote communities in the Northern Territory. Ed Halmagyi make a no-bake pavlova and a Jatz ham tart.
7.30 Carols In The Domain. (PG) Coverage of 40th Anniversary Carols In The Domain from Sydney.
10.00 Schools Spectacular Creating The Magic. (PG, R) Coverage of the Schools Spectacular from Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney, with the theme Creating the Magic and featuring dance and musical performances by 5000 students from across NSW.
living in America’s largest retirement community in Florida, The Villages. Otherwise known as “Disney World for Retirees”, it’s a place that has been created with great (and often unnerving) detail to engineer fun. Oppenheim zeroes in on four residents struggling to t in, including Anne and her husband Reggie, who is in the throes of drug abuse and losing touch with reality, and widow Barbara, who dreams of love again but doesn’t nd The Villages all it’s cracked up to be. It’s a surreal, philosophical look at old age.
6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra Summer. (PG) 11.30 Morning News. 12.00 MOVIE: Snowed In For Christmas. (2021, G) 1.50 Garden Gurus Moments. (R) 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: Who’s Poo In The Zoo. (PG) Takes a look at answers found in animal poo.
8.30 MOVIE: The Holiday. (2006, Mls, R) Two women, who live on opposite sides of the Atlantic, impulsively switch homes for Christmas. Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Jude Law.
11.10 Council Of Dads. (PGa)
12.00 A Very Royal Christmas: Secrets Of Sandringham. (PG, R) 1.00 Cross Court. (R)
1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Take Two. (R)
3.30 Freshly Picked. 4.00 Farm To Fork. 4.30 Jamie’s Easy Meals For Every Day. (R) 5.00 News.
6.30 The Project. A look at the day’s news and events.
7.30 The Living Room. (PGan, R) Miguel Maestre creates some tasty Christmas fare. Barry Du Bois has a sack full of fresh ideas.
8.30 The Graham Norton Show. (R) Irish comedian Graham Norton is joined by actors Tom Hanks, Naomi Ackie and Suranne Jones. Japanese–British singer-songwriter Rina Sawayama sings Hold the Girl
10.30 Georgie Carroll: The Gloves Are O . (Mal, R) A stand-up performance by Georgie Carroll.
12.00 The Project. (R) A look at the day’s news and events.
ABC NEWS (24)
ABC News Tonight. 8.25 Australian Story. 9.00 ABC Nightly News. 9.30 The Business: Summer Series. 10.00 ABC Late News. 10.30 The World In 2022. 11.00 News. 11.10 Four Corners. Midnight News. 12.15 The Context With John Barron. 12.45 ABC News Video Lab. 1.00 News. 1.15 Late Programs.
Toy Britain. 11.10 MOVIE: Her. (2013, MA15+) 1.30am Late Programs.
12.30 Home Shopping.
6am Morning Programs. 7.30 Our Town. 8.00 Harry’s Practice. 8.30 Million Dollar Minute. 9.00 DVine Living. 9.30 NBC Today. Noon Emmerdale. 12.30 Coronation Street. 1.00 House Of Wellness. 2.00 Our Town. 2.30 Million Dollar Minute. 3.30 Medical Emergency. 4.00 Animal Rescue. 4.30 Better Homes. 5.30 Escape To The Country. 6.30 Bargain Hunt. 7.30 Border Security: International. 8.30 Escape To The Country. 10.30 Australia’s Big Backyards. 11.30 Late Programs.
4.30 Global Shop. (R)
5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 5.30 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)
1.00 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 6am
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 The Young And The Restless. 1.00 As Time Goes By. 1.40 MOVIE: The Man Who Finally Died. (1963, PG) 3.40 MOVIE: A Christmas
6am Home Shopping. 8.00 Healthy Homes Australia. 8.30 Australia By Design: Architecture. 9.00 iFish. 9.30 Reel Action. 10.00 The Love Boat. 11.00 Star Trek: The Next Generation. Noon MacGyver. 2.00 Diagnosis Murder. 3.00 Bondi Rescue. 3.30 The Love Boat. 4.30 Star Trek: The Next Generation. 5.30 MacGyver. 7.30 NCIS. 8.30 NCIS: Los Angeles. 10.20 Evil. 11.15 Star Trek: Discovery. 12.15am Shopping. 2.15 Late Programs.
6am Morning Programs. 11.30 Nadiya’s Fast Flavours. Noon Gok Wan’s Easy Asian. 12.30 River Cottage Aust. 1.30 From Scratch.
2.30 Cook’s Pantry. 3.00 Barefoot Contessa. 3.30
Food Markets: In The Belly Of The City. 4.30 India Unplated. 5.00 Gourmet Farmer. 5.30 Come Dine With Me Couples. 6.30 Nigella Express. 7.00
The Cook Up. 7.30 Gok Wan’s Easy Asian. 8.30 Nigellissima Christmas Special. 9.35 Hairy Bikers Go Local Christmas Special. 10.30 The Cook Up. 11.00 Late Programs.
6am Morning Programs. 1.45pm Bamay. 2.00 Shortland St. 2.30 The Cook Up. 3.00 Bushwhacked! 3.25 Little J And Big Cuz. 3.40 Red Dirt Riders. 3.55 Tales Of The Moana. 4.00
Legendary Myths: Raven Adventures. 4.10 Grace Beside Me. 4.35 Spartakus And The Sun Beneath The Sea. 5.00 Our Stories. 5.30 Bamay. 6.15 Unknown Amazon. 7.05 The Great Northern Candy Drop. 7.30 Barrumbi Kids. 8.00 MOVIE: Get Santa. (2014, PG) 9.45 First Nations Bedtime Stories. 9.55 Going Places. 10.55 Late Programs.
9LIFE (84)
6am Morning Programs. 8.30
The Block. 9.30 House Hunters Int. 10.30 House Hunters. 11.00 House Hunters Family. 11.30 Hello SA. Noon House Hunters Int. 1.00 Tough Love With Hilary Farr. 2.00 My Lottery Dream Home. 2.30 My Lottery Dream Home International. 3.00 The Block. 4.00 House Hunters Family. 4.30 City Vs Burbs. 5.00 Island Of Bryan. 6.00 House Hunters Int. 7.00 House Hunters. 7.30 Yard Crashers. 8.30 Lakefront Bargain Hunt Renovation. 9.30 Building O The Grid. 10.30 Mountain Made. 11.30 Late Programs.
6am Morning Programs. 8.30 Sky News Breakfast. 9.00 First Edition. 10.00 NewsDay. 11.00 NewsDay. Noon NewsDay. 1.00 NewsDay. 2.00 Afternoon Agenda. 3.00 Afternoon Agenda. 4.00 Afternoon Agenda. 5.00 Afternoon Agenda. 6.00 Inside The News. 7.00 The Rita Panahi Show. 8.00 The Rita Panahi Show. 9.00 NewsNight. 10.00 NewsNight. 10.30 Piers Morgan Uncensored. 11.30 Late Programs.
Agents yarded a total of 406 head at the Northern Rivers Livestock Exchange regular prime sale on Wednesday 14 December. Young cattle dominated the yarding while there was a small sample of cows and bulls. The yarding of young cattle consisted of light weight vealer steers and heifers.
Cow prices saw a slight increase this week averaging 290c/kg and reaching a top price of 326c/
Agents and vendors got together to present the fnal livestock sales for 2022. The tale was told in 3 stages, cattle, with a smaller yarding saw the cattle frm across most types, sheep and lambs saw the market stretched, with the better heavy end types frm with all other types signifcantly cheaper. Pork was at great rates as processors look to fulfll orders in a consumer market that seems convinced this is the year for pork to be the main foods across the break.
Vealer steers averaged 551.6c/kg topping at 612.2c/ kg or $1554.14 to $1689.92
Vealer heifers averaged 520.4c/kg topping at 597.2c/kg or $1320.94 to $1509.12
Feeder steers averaged 408c/kg topping at 470c/kg or $1821.56 to $2312.31
Feeder heifers averaged 364.3c/kg topping at
Agents and vendors combined to present 1796 head of sheep and lambs for the last sale in 2022. The market was varied as was the stock up for sale. The buying panel were looking for some heavy end stock to carry over the sale breaks, and the store buyers weren’t looking to part too much money for the feed on lambs. Lambs topped at $211 to average $143.80 ($8down), hoggets topped at $210 to average $99.51($10up), ewes topped at $106 to average $70.93($22 up), wethers topped at $110 to average $47.05($37down), rams topped at $70 to average $56.35($1down), lamb rams topped at $166 to average $52.20($38down), ewe lambs topped at $210 to average $172.74($32up).
The staff and workers at Mc Dougall & Sons hope
kg. Lighter heifer prices stronger with those up to 250kg averaging 508c/kg and topping their category at 600c/kg. Heavier heifers over 250kg were easier averaging 363c/kg and reaching a top of 504c/kg.
Bull prices remained steady this week with 12 head sold averaging 267c/kg and 500kg. Steer prices saw an increase with lighter stock up to 250kg averaging 549c/kg and reaching a top of 680c/kg. Heavier steers over 250kg averaged 452c/kg and topped their market at 506c/kg. A small number of bullocks sold on the day averaged 293c/kg and reached a top of 326c/kg.
Vealer prices were softer averaging 490c/kg and 208kg and reaching a top of 686c/kg.
403.2c/kg or $1482.34 to $1748.00
Yearling steers averaged 509.5c/kg topping at 576.2c/kg or $1818.82 to $2289.00
Yearling heifers averaged 468.4c/kg topping at 552.2c/kg or $1679.76 to $2268.00
Steers averaged 382.8c/kg topping at 408.2c/kg or $1887.10 to $2325.33
Heifers averaged 294c/kg topping at 350c/kg or $1034.50 to $1470.00
Cows averaged 275.1c/kg topping at 314.2c/kg or $1980.59 to $2200.00
Bulls averaged 293.3c/kg topping at 485.2c/kg or $1283.81 to $1794.00
Sale total of 368 head averaged $1661.36/ head
Lambs topped at $211 to average $143.80, $8 down/head
Hoggets topped at $210 to average $99.51, $10 up/ head
Ewes topped at $106 to average $70.93, $22up/head Wethers topped at $110 to average $47.05,
you all have a great relaxing time over the break in sales and look forward to many more highlights in the New Year.
Tom & Tracie Cooper sold Xbred lambs 53kg to Eversons for $190, 52.6kg to Thomas Foods for $188, 54kg hoggets to Eversons for $120
Glenlea Farming sold Dorper lambs off feed 55.64kg to Ashtons Butchery for $206, 52.5kg to Thomas Foods for $188
Richardson Rural P/L sold Suffolk ewe lambs 70.8kg to restockers for $210, 70.8kg wether lambs to Thomas Foods for $205, 37.5kg to restockers for $121, 45kg ram lamb to restockers for $92, rams to Whites Tading for $60
Lawrence & Linda Springborg sold Dorper lambs 51.4kg to Eversons for $198
Warren & Wendy Schelbach sold Dorper ewe lambs 47kg to restockers for $185
Cathy Jackson sold Xbred lambs 42.5kg to GR
George & Fuhrmann held a store sale at the NRLX on Monday 12 December with 596 head going under the hammer. Steers topped their category at 680c/kg and averaged 550c/kg and 258kg whilst heifers reached a top of 618c/kg and averaged 524c/kg and 232kg. Cows reached a top price of $1,580 whilst Cows & Calves topped their market at $3,850.
The Northern Rivers Livestock Exchange will be closed for the Christmas break from Wednesday 21 December and will re-open on Monday 9 January. The frst sale back for 2023 will be Wednesday 11 January. Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year from the NRLX team!
$37down/head
Rams topped at $70 to average $56.35, par on last sale
Lamb rams topped at $166 to average $52.20, $38 down/head
Ewe lambs topped at $210 to average $171.74, $32 up/head
Sale total of 1796 head averaged $120.34 down $2/ head
Baconers sold from $238 to $265, Pork sold from $196 to $221, Stores sold from $28 to $178
Ducks sold to $55, Chicks sold to $25, Guinea Fowl sold to $35, Roosters sold to $27.50, Hens sold to $17.50
All the people at Mc Dougall & Sons would like to take this opportunity to wish all of you and your families a very happy and safe holiday season and look forward to commencing sales again in the New Year, commencing 10/1/2023 for Cattle, Sheep, lambs, pigs and poultry on the 11/01/2023.
Prime for $126
Catherine Dyson sold Dorper lambs 47.1kg to Gr Prime for $179, 40kg to Leslie Lamb for $155, hoggets 50kg to Warwick Meats for $110
Robinson & Hill sold Xbred lambs 80kg to Thomas Foods for $211, 50kg to Eversons for $191, 40kg to GR Prime for $90
Lyal Farming sold Dorper lambs 40.9kg to GR Prime for $118, 37.9kg to restockers for $99, 36.1kg to Highchester Meats for $82, 65kg and 48kg hoggets to Eversons for $125 and $90, 41kg hoggets to Whites Trading for $70, rams to Whites Trading for $60
Candice & Aaron Learoyd sold Dorper lambs 21.5kg to restockers for $43, 23.9kg ram lambs to JD Rural for $32
George Moore sold Xbred lambs 35kg to restockers for $55 and $45, 31kg to restockers for $39, Merino ewes to Eversons for $81 and $50
Multi Vehicle drivers to come on board and help us, help our farmers. With more drivers, we hope to shorten the season by a couple of weeks.”
The NSW sugar industry is putting out a call for truck drivers, in a race to fnalise the harvest and crushing of this years’ northern rivers sugarcane crop.
Thousands of tonnes of sugarcane remain
unharvested due to a shortage of truck drivers.
Sunshine Sugar Chief Executive Offcer, Mr Chris Connors said; “The situation is dire. Our farming community has endured so much
this year, and now they are worried about the effect a prolonged season will have on the crops that remain in the paddocks unharvested. And of course, an unharvested crop means no income.”
The cane crushing season is scheduled to run into late January following a late start due to the fooding earlier in the year and protracted wet conditions.
“What we need is for qualifed Heavy and
Whilst a couple of weeks may not seem like much to people outside of the industry, it means a lot to the productivity of cane growers and the effciency of the local sugar milling operations.
“With the festive season upon us, we’re hoping there are some capable truck drivers out there with capacity to help fll the gap;” remarked My Connors. Anyone out there with the skills and availability are encouraged to contact SCT by calling 02 6620 8223.
The state’s peak farming body has welcomed a ‘common sense’ timeline for electronic sheep and goat tags in NSW.
across all sectors to determine what critical infrastructure was needed and how it would be funded.
A decade-long project to completely seal 153 kilometres of the Silver City Highway has been achieved, providing safer and more resilient road for motorists in the state’s Far West.
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said NSW is one step closer to a fully sealed highway network with the completion of works on the Silver City Highway.
“The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government is building the infrastructure that matters to make daily life easier for regional communities and our $195 million investment to seal this vitally important highway is just one example of how we’re doing that,” Mr
Farraway said.
“The completion of construction and sealing on the Silver City Highway is an incredible milestone for people living in the Far West of NSW, not to mention the many freight operators and tourists who use the road every year.
“About 840,000 tonnes of locally-sourced crushed gravel and 50,000 tonnes of aggregate was used to build and seal the highway and the result is a legacy project that will beneft the people and businesses of the state’s Far West for generations to come.
“The Highway is a vital north-south connection between Victoria and Queensland with sections
closed for up to 70 days a year due to poor weather – and often for weeks at a time - directly impacting local residents and businesses, essential services and interstate road users.
“A sealed highway not only means quicker, safer journeys for all road users but will also mean it can stay open more often when the region experiences extreme weather.
“Sealing the Cobb Highway remains the fnal piece in the puzzle for a fully-sealed highway network, which is due to be completed mid-2023.”
For more information go to nswroads.work/ farwestseals.
The NSW Government announced all sheep and farmed goats born after January 1, 2025 would require an electronic tag before leaving a property, and from January 1, 2027 all farmed sheep and goats would require an eID tag.
NSW Farmers President Xavier Martin welcomed the announcement, which was made in consultation with producers and industry groups.
“We’ve heard from some farmers about issues around timeframes and harvested rangeland goats, and from the outset we have said producers need enough time to implement eID properly,” Mr Martin said.
“Farmers shouldn’t have to put tags in ears until they can be
scanned at the saleyard and the processor, and this implementation plan will ensure the supply chain is ready to accept animals with eID devices.
“It’s important that any reforms are manageable and able to be rolled out practically, and that’s the approach we’re seeing from the NSW Government.”
Agriculture Minister Dugald Saunders said he was committed to providing NSW producers with the smoothest possible transition, while maintaining a strong focus on biosecurity, and work would continue
Mr Martin said that while the timeline answered some important questions, it was important to ensure costs were managed –especially for tags – so that producers did not end up paying for this reform.
“There’s no point setting arbitrary timelines that can’t be met, the transition to electronic tags must be done simply and effciently to avoid potential problems,” Mr Martin said.
“It looks like the Minister wants to set us up for success here in NSW, and we’ll continue to work through the NSW Sheep and Goat Traceability Reference Group to make sure we plan around potential obstacles.
“At the end of the day we want an affordable system that works for everyone.”
This is the story of a country girl. I live roughly one kilometer as the crow fies (or as the young and carefree girl gallops home on ‘Blue Dandy’ at dusk) from my birthplace. For me, there is a great sense of belonging and close emotional ties to ‘Flemington’, which extend to the broader Kyogle community, no matter where I am in the world.
Lying in a semiconscious slumber I hear Dad’s early morning wake up call, a shrill, ear-piercing whistle is a clear indication that it is all hands on deck for the morning milking. Leaning my forehead on the cow’s fank to keep warm on the cold, frosty mornings, I listen to the jackass’s laughter, heralding in the early morning hillbilly half-hour on the local radio 2LM, (my two favorites were ‘Suvla Bay’ and ‘When the Rain Tumbles down in July’). Family picnics beneath the weeping willows, Back Road parties, local dances and kitchen teas are our
Shandrydan”, (“I can see it in me dreaming o’re a gap of thirty years”), for both adults and kids who marvel at this, Harry Pidcock croons the amusing music hall ditty “The Spaniard that blighted my life” with a twinkle in his eye. Times were simple then. Dogs were commonly known as Blacky, Red or Bluey
the well-known A.I.S. Stud in Alstonville. Healthwise, Rawleigh’s health care products and hard work were the cure for all nonthreatening illnesses. Home remedies such as castor oil and mysterious concoctions treated ailments such as sore throat and hemorrhoids; in this manner, doctor’s visits were kept to a minimum. I hear dad say, “Doctors are for sick people!”
telling of the rich, arable land which made this wonderful opportunity too good to resist. It proved just that!
It is not surprising that in 1953 this giant among men, Chester Manifold, was awarded the Knights Bachelor, Order of the British Empire (services to politics and the public), and in 1965, Knights Commander, Order of the British Empire (services to horse racing and the Victorian Community), and whose opinion held so much weight with the Fleming boys. In 1904, the fve Fleming boys would not come alone. Elizabeth “Besse” (1864-1955), the only sister and Elizabeth “Lizzie” (Lucas 1885 –1967), her housekeeper
Jim, master calf-rearer, feeding the poddy calves in the 1950s
via Yugilbar Station, location of the Ogilvie’s lavish castle, generally referred to as The Big House which has been in the family of the wellknown Myer Department
1861 (NSW).
The land deal consisted of the large tract of land on Wiangaree Back Road spanning from ‘South Plains’ to ‘Riverdale’ (beef property, currently
social life, with Edie Pidcock’s lilies, double sponges by mum flled with jam and cream, while scones are Molly Ward’s specialty with Agnes Felton making the most mouth-watering sandwiches. Tom Ward has a passion for poetry, so he recites word for word “The Old Mass
depending on their color, while cats often answered to Puss or Kitty. One of our A.I.S. (Australian Illawarra Shorthorn) bulls was named Ferdinand, after the main character in the children’s book “Ferdinand the Bull”.
Another, Henry, after Henry Strong, owner of
Human spirit never ceases to amaze me as exemplifed by the Great Kyogle Land Deal of 1902. It was immediately following one of several trips to the Kyogle district from Camperdown, Victoria by Chester Manifold (1897 – 1979, owner of Talindert Stud) and James “Jim” MacKinnon that it was suggested to the fve Fleming brothers, Alexander “Sandy” (1874 – 1948), my grandfather and youngest of them all, John “Jack” (1862 –1945), William “Bill” (1867 – 1953), Robert “Bob” (1870 -1938) and George (1872 – 1940), that they made the big move north. Chester and Jim had a vision of a vibrant, innovative, and successful dairy industry in the Northern Rivers and returned to Victoria with stories,
would accompany them. Besse had sadly been denied the opportunity to marry the love of her life. With four of the brothers still unmarried, it was Besse’s duty to assume the role of mother to her bereaved brothers, whose mother Lilias Williamson (nee Corbett) Fleming 1833 – 1887) had passed away prematurely at the age of 57.
Following a somewhat perilous voyage, the Fleming entourage disembarked from the steamship in Ballina, boarded a drogher (a small craft, powered by steam and propelled by paddle wheels), and wound their way up the Richmond River to the bustling village of Coraki.
The new settlers continued the overland section of the taxing journey to Kyogle
Store family for more than 60 years.
After sighting the magnifcent panorama to the east from atop the Ettrick Range, the brothers ended up with the fnest dairy farming land on offer made possible by the Robertson Land Act,
owned by Kelvin and Ally Jarret). ‘South Plains’ was initially selected by John, William, and Bob, three of the fve Fleming brothers, who, in due course, would return to Victoria.
George selected ‘Glen Isle’, which was later
on to be purchased by Charley Daley to become part of the Daley brothers’ larger dairy farming operation.
Tom Wardle, who had arrived from Manchester, England in 1910 and commenced working for George Fleming, purchased ‘Glen Isle’ in 1913, when George and his family decided to return to Victoria.
Two years later in 1906, Sandy successfully negotiated the purchase
of a further holding, ‘Riverdale’, from Jim McKinnon who, at that that time, was quite a substantial landholder.
Sandy and Lizzie would reside there until 1938, at which time they would move to his sister Besse’s residence at ‘Greenwood’, which on Jim’s recommendation had been selected ostensibly for Besse (1864 – 1955).
‘Greenwood’ is currently owned by Sonya Reeves.
George’s son Francis “Frank” was born in 1907 in Kyogle and was rather the glamour boy of the family, both academically and on the sports feld. In 1931 he played Australian Rules football for Fitzroy, was mentioned in Dispatches for services rendered whilst a prisoner of war in Japanese hands and ultimately became the vice-principal of Scotch College from 1957 until his death in 1963, aged 57. Frank would make an annual pilgrimage to Kyogle, his place of birth, during my childhood, as he liked nothing better than fshing for catfsh and perch in the Richmond River down at
‘Riverdale’. Frank ftted a lot into a short life. In 1949, following
two properties, both operating as dairy farms, with the new property suitably called “Flemington” (still owned by John and Margaret Rollings).
Sandy also + selected fertile, creek bank property to be used as a dry run on Wyndham Creek, around 8 kilometers from the home farm, which unfortunately, following Sandy’s death in 1948, had to be sold because of probate duties. Four out of the fve
(1907 – 1963) and the twins, Keith and Ian (1909 – u/k). Lizzie, my grandmother, and Besse’s housekeeper could have had the pick of the bunch, however, it was Sandy she chose and in 1908 they married.
Sandy and Lizzie were blessed with three children; Ken (1910 - 1939) who married Margaret Aitken in 1937, Alan “Bant” (1911 – 1988), who married Mary Aitken (19191996) in 1939 and Lillias “Lil” Mary (1914-1984).
my dad, James “Jim” Hall’s (1916 – 1998) return from The Second World War, ‘Riverdale’ was subdivided into
Fleming brothers were still single, with George, at this point, the only one married with three sons, Francis “Frank”
5, 2023
Two national plans to strengthen Australia’s production and aquatic animal health management systems have been released –Animalplan 2022 to 2027 and AQUAPLAN 2022 to 2027.
The Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Murray Watt said the plans were developed to provide a strategic approach to improving Australia’s animal health system over the next 5 years.
“The plans will strengthen the systems that support our animal and aquatic industries,” Minister Watt said.
“This will be achieved through emergency animal diseases preparedness, on-farm biosecurity systems, strong diagnosis and surveillance capabilities, minimal on-farm antimicrobial usage, sustainable industry practices and effective traceability systems.
“Animalplan 2022 to 2027 is the frst national action plan for production animal health.
“The plan identifes and prioritises projects to ensure our systems are ft for purpose and enable the industries to continue to grow and reach the National Farmer’s Federation goal of $100 billion by 2030.”
The new plans follow the introduction of legislative amendments in Parliament earlier this month to the Animal Health Australia and Plant Health Australia Funding Legislation. These amendments will streamline administrative processes by removing redundant provisions,
create effciencies and facilitate future levy arrangements, and increase consistency between the Acts regarding the spending of emergency response levies.
Minister Watt said AQUAPLAN 2022 to 2027 is the fourth national strategic plan for aquatic animal health.
“AQUAPLAN has a 20-year history of bringing aquatic animal industries and governments together to manage and protect aquatic animal health,” he said.
“Both plans have been endorsed by industry sectors and state and territory governments, and many activities in each plan have already commenced – demonstrating shared commitment to actioning the objectives of the plans.
“On behalf of the Australian Government, it gives me great pleasure to release Animalplan 2022 to 2027 and AQUAPLAN 2022 to 2027.”
Find out more about: Animalplan at https:// www.agriculture.gov.au/ agriculture-land/animal/ health/animal-plan AQUAPLAN at https:// www.agriculture.gov.au/ agriculture-land/animal/ aquatic/aquaplan
to accelerate the transformation of the goat meat sector from a wild harvested commodity into a long term, high value livestock sector.
Minister for Agriculture and Western NSW Dugald Saunders said the NSW Government will invest $1.2 million into its Going Ahead with Goats program to create a more sustainable industry.
“Australia is the largest exporter of goat meat in the world, and NSW graziers are the driving force behind this rapidly growing industry,” Mr
a whopping $298 million, providing a critical income for producers in Western NSW.
“The Going Ahead with Goats program will not only modernise goat production in NSW, but improve biosecurity outcomes by moving towards a more managed production system.
“It will provide NSW producers with a framework to guide future investment in the areas of reproduction, grazing management, genetics and animal health, which will ensure continuity of supply and
western parts of our State.
“The goat sector has grown to become a major contributor to our agriculture sector and we want to work with graziers to take this industry to the next level.”
Mr Saunders recently toured the Thomas Foods International goat abattoir at Bourke, which received a $5 million grant from the NSW Government’s Regional Job Creation Fund.
The upgrade and expansion of the goat abattoir at Bourke will support producers
providing a social and economic boost for Bourke and Western NSW.
The Going Ahead with Goats project will be delivered by the region’s Local Land Services staff, who will work closely with the NSW Department of Primary Industries and other stakeholders including Western NSW goat producers.
For further information on this project visit www.lls.nsw.gov.au/ going-ahead-with-goats or call Local Land Services on 1300 795 299.
Regional and remote NSW communities will beneft from improved water and sewerage services as Phase 2 of the Town Water Risk Reduction Program kicks off.
Minister for Lands and Water, Kevin Anderson, who launched the program in Griffth today, said the NSW Government is investing $32.8 million into a suite of new initiatives to provide greater support for Local Councils and Local Water Utilities.
“Water is our most precious asset and it is imperative that we are able to provide access to reliable town water for regional communities,” Mr Anderson said.
“This program will include a range of initiatives to allow Councils to provide consistent quality water services for towns across the state.
“We’ve already partnered with more than 80 councils and local water utilities and 30 other stakeholders during Phase 1 of the program and invested in 200 trainee places across the state to tackle
critical skills shortages in the water operations sector, with over 150 placements already flled.
“Now we’re kicking the program into high gear. This year, we’ve seen how extreme wet weather and fooding can impact town water quality, and we know regional water supplies are vulnerable during drought conditions.
The program will:
• Provide continued operational support to water utilities during emergency events including foods, droughts and bushfres
• Address critical skills shortages and boost water operations training and employment opportunities in regional NSW for school leavers, Aboriginal and First Nations students and existing water operators.
• Deliver a new program in partnership with NSW Health to help optimise the performance of high-risk
water treatment infrastructure using innovative technology so that more regional towns have reliable, resilient and safe water services
• Enable local water utilities to accelerate responses to audits to improve local dam safety and address water quality risks, leveraging the systems and expertise of WaterNSW Minister for Skills and Training Alister Henskens said the expanded skills program will help bring jobs to the regions, while securing critical water services for communities.
“We’re going from 200 offered placements in the frst phase to over 900 placements per year over the next two years which is an outstanding result,” Mr Henskens said.
“This is across a range of programs, including Certifcate III traineeships, Certifcate IV and Diploma placements, schoolbased traineeships,
Aboriginal placements, pre-employment skills programs, and trade pathways for experienced workers.
“It is an incredible investment in our regional workforce, delivering ongoing opportunities to train, upskill and secure quality employment, while ensuring skilled operators remain at the helm of our critical water and sewerage town infrastructure.”
Griffth Mayor Doug Curran welcomed the expansion of the program.
“My Council partnered with the Department of Planning and Environment in the frst phase to progress our strategic planning, which is critical to providing safe, continuous and secure water and sewerage services to the residents of Griffth even during emergencies and extreme weather events.
“We look forward to continuing this vital work.”
Phase 2 of the Town Water Risk Reduction Program will roll out across the state over the next two years.
For more information on the program, visit: https://www.dpie.nsw. gov.au/water/plans-andprograms/town-waterrisk-reduction-program
For more information on the Skills and Training Action Plan, visit: https://www. dpie.nsw.gov.au/water/ plans-and-programs/ town-water-riskreduction-program/ improve-access-to-skillsand-training
Aquaculture increases contribution to seafood production
Aquaculture has continued its steady growth within the Australian seafood industry, according to the latest edition of ABARES Australian Fisheries and Aquaculture Statistics.
ABARES Executive Director Dr Jared Greenville said the aquaculture sector has continued its recent growth, accounting for 56 per cent of the total gross value of fsheries production (GVP).
“In 2020–21 aquaculture GVP increased by 9 per cent to $1.7 billion, largely due to increased production of salmonids in Tasmania and prawns in Queensland,” Dr Greenville said.
“Over the last two decades we’ve seen aquaculture grow, helping to boost overall fsheries production.
“In recent years, the aquaculture sector has been broadening the composition of species produced, with an increased emphasis on prawns and fnfsh varieties, like barramundi and kingfsh.
“Aquaculture has been quite a success story for Tasmania. In 2020–21 Tasmania had the highest fshery and aquaculture GVP, accounting for 38 per cent of the national total, followed by Western Australia (14 per cent) and South Australia (13 per cent).
“And Tasmania’s fshery and aquaculture GVP increased by 10 per cent in the same year to $1.18 billion.
“In contrast, the GVP of wild-catch species decreased by 12 per cent to $1.4 billion in 2020–21, largely due to lower prices received for rock lobster in export markets.
“Lower rock lobster production value was driven by trade and pandemic disruptions continuing to limit opportunities in export markets.
“Overall, the GVP of Australian fshery and aquaculture in 2020–21 decreased by 1 per cent to $3.09 billion.
“Australians consumed around 356,000 tonnes of seafood in 2020–21, equivalent to 13.9 kilograms per person. And while imports made up 62 per cent of that total, this share has declined from the peak of 69 per cent in 2013–14.
“While Australians consume less fsh than chicken, pork and beef, they consume more fsh than sheep meat.”
Australian Fisheries and Aquaculture Statistics 2021 is supported by funding from the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation on behalf of the Australian Government and is available here: https:// www.agriculture. gov.au/abares/ research-topics/ fsheries/fsheries-andaquaculture-statistics.
The NSW Government will install 65 new biosecurity signs across the State’s 16 wine regions to keep our world-class vineyards phylloxera free.
Phylloxera are very small aphid-like insects that are regarded as the world’s worst grapevine pest.
Minister for Agriculture and Western NSW Dugald Saunders said an incursion of phylloxera in the State’s prime wine-growing regions would be devastating, not only for wine production but also for the 53,000 people the industry employs.
“The NSW Liberal and National Government is taking the strongest possible approach to keeping our primary industries safe, including our grape sector, which contributes $14 billion to the NSW economy annually,” Mr Saunders said.
“NSW produces some of the fnest wine in the world, so it is no surprise we have seen a sharp increase in visitors to vineyards in wine-growing regions like Mudgee, Orange, Tumbarumba, Murrubateman, Griffth and the Hunter Valley.
“With these visitors come the inevitable threat of a biosecurity
is extremely concerning to the sector.
“A single outbreak of phylloxera in NSW’s prime agricultural sector could cost hundreds of millions of dollars and put at risk some of the oldest vineyards and wines in Australia,” Mr Bourne said.
The NSW Government has released a new eight-year strategy to enhance biosecurity and food safety in NSW and to help protect our $23 billion primary industries.
pest incursion like phylloxera that can spread easily and destroy vines quickly.”
Mr Saunders said movement of phylloxera is most likely caused by immature insects, known as crawlers, which can be easily transported on clothing, footwear, machinery and equipment, and vehicles, or in soil and vine materials, such as grapes and grape products.
“These new signs will not only make visitors aware of the threat phylloxera poses to our wine industry, it will also alert them to the biosecurity measures vineyards have in place to minimise the threat of an incursion like washing shoes and prohibiting entry onto certain parts of their properties.”
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads
Sam Farraway said it is critical people travelling through wine production areas understand why it’s important phylloxera is prevented from spreading any further.
“The roadside signs will highlight the phylloxera risk and be placed strategically across NSW’s 16 wine regions to maximise their visibility and impact,” Mr Farraway said.
“Transport for NSW, NSW Department of Primary Industries and the NSW Wine Industry Association are working together to protect our viticulture industry from phylloxera, which could devastate the industry and seriously jeopardise the 490 million bottles of wine we produce every year.”
NSW Wine Industry President Mark Bourne said the threat of an incursion of phylloxera
“These new signs will play an important role in increasing awareness and the compliance measures in place when it comes to a phylloxera outbreak, and we welcome this investment from the NSW Government.”
This announcement comes as the NSW Government reinforces its commitment to protecting the State’s $23.1 billion agriculture industry through its new Biosecurity and Food Safety Strategy 20222030.
The Strategy will be a guiding principle for governments, and stakeholders in industry, research and the community to prepare for serious pest and disease incursions like phylloxera.
To view the Strategy, visit www.dpi.nsw.gov. au/bfs-strategy.
For more information visit on the state’s viticulture industry, visit: www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/ agriculture/horticulture/ grapes
Minister for Agriculture and Western NSW Dugald Saunders said the Biosecurity and Food Safety Strategy 2022-2030 is a critical underpinning guide in a time of unprecedented biosecurity risks.
“This year alone, we have experienced a genuine threat of Foot and Mouth Disease and Lumpy Skin Disease incursions, a Varroa mite outbreak, the emergence of Japanese encephalitis, a White Spot Disease scare and unprecedented rainfall increasing the threat of mosquito borne diseases and the spread of weeds,” Mr Saunders said.
“The Biosecurity and Food Safety Strategy recognises that prevention and preparedness are key to minimising the impact and costs of incursions and outbreaks on industries, our communities and the environment.
“Every day, the people of NSW rely on our biosecurity and food safety systems to ensure they have safe, fresh, top quality food on their plates and fbre on their backs – so this strategy is an important step forward in protecting our $23.1 billion primary industries sector and $30 billion food and beverage manufacturing sector now and well into the future.”
The NSW Biosecurity and Food Safety Strategy 2022-2030 focuses on four priority objectives:
· Preparing and preventing – The adopting of innovative solutions to effectively manage future and emerging threats through improved prediction, early detection, and better understanding of risk pathways.
· Timely and proportionate responses – Making informed decisions to proportionately act on biosecurity and food safety threats, including sharing information with
governments, industry and communities to reduce the social and economic costs through rapid response, sound traceability systems and coordinated management of outbreaks and incidents.
· Rapid and effcient containment – Protecting our trade reputation and ongoing market access by increasing our capacity to contain and effectively manage risks. This includes effective multi-agency and response protocols such as early alerts, product recalls to contain food-related risks and use of technology like artifcial intelligence to detect emerging issues and proactively intervene.
· Partnerships –Leveraging partnerships with governments, industry, research bodies and the private sector to share information, reduce costs and increase economic, environmental and community outcomes to beneft every person in NSW.
Mr Saunders said NSW is leading the way in the fght against emerging biosecurity and food safety threats.
“In 2022 alone, the NSW Government has invested $229 million in biosecurity measures – the biggest investment by a single jurisdiction in pest and disease control in our country,” he said.
“It is important our farmers and communities know the NSW Government takes biosecurity extremely seriously and this strategy will arm us with the appropriate guidance and process should we ever fnd ourselves in an emergency biosecurity or food safety situation.”
“Likewise, partnerships between the NSW Food Authority, the food industry, NSW Health, local councils and the wider community are critical to reduce food poisoning and its impacts on the health and economy of NSW communities. There has been much success in the last 6 years with a 30 per cent reduction in the rates of human illness caused by Salmonella.”
The NSW Government will invest an extra $17 million over the next fve years in recruitment incentives and more fexible study pathways, making it easier than ever for people in NSW to choose a career in policing.
From January 1, 2023, those looking to become a police offcer in NSW will receive a $3000 fnancial boost while studying on campus and have greater fexibility to work during distance learning sessions.
Member of the Legislative Council, Aileen MacDonald, said the landmark investment would strengthen the ranks of the NSW Police Force right across the State.
“Our men and women in blue do an incredible job day in, day out to protect and serve our community, and today’s announcement makes it easier for even more locals to join the ranks and knock down the fnancial barriers to training,” Mrs MacDonald said.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Police Paul Toole said the incentives announced today will ensure the Force’s ongoing strength into the future.
“This is about investing
in the next generation in blue who will keep our community safe,” Mr Toole said.
“These new incentives put our recruits at the centre – cutting the cost of study and making it easier for them to work part or full time while they study online, putting $3000 in their pocket while they’re training on-campus at Goulburn and turning out among the best paid probationary constables in the country.
“This builds on our investment of about $4.5 million a year towards scholarships of up to $9500 for those who need fnancial support the most and will ensure every single recruit gets a fnancial boost.
“It’s part of a more than $100 million package of reforms designed to help recruit, retain and better take care of every member of the Force throughout their career.”
The new incentives for recruits from 2023 announced today include:
A $3000 on-campus allowance during Session Two.
• Reducing the online entry level component of study, the University Certifcate in Workforce
Essentials (UCWE), from eight to four weeks to help recruits move into the Associate Diploma of Policing Practice sooner.
• Reducing the cost of the UCWE course from about $1800 to $700 which recruits will now only enroll in after the recruitment assessment is complete.
• Introducing feld placements as a key component of Session
One learning, allowing recruits to experience operational scenarios and get a taste of the realities of being a police offcer.
For more information about a career in the NSW Police Force, including an eligibility quiz, visit: https://www. police.nsw.gov.au/ recruitment.
Join our community design group to guide Wardell revitalisation
Are you passionate about your community’s future? Ballina Shire Council is calling on locals who live or work in Wardell or the broader Wardell District to register their interest to join a Community Design Charette Group. Council is developing a Draft Master Plan to revitalise the Wardell village centre and support longterm recovery and community building. The study area will focus on Richmond and Sinclair Streets including the central business area.
Council has allocated $900,000 from the NSW Government’s Local Government Recovery Program to undertake the works.
Community engagement to date has included a series of face-to-face street stalls, online surveys, and
ideas mapping. The Community Design Charette Group will help Council determine the desired look and feel of the village centre and identify priority works within the scope of the grant funding. “A design charette is an intensive, facilitated workshop where stakeholders come together to capture visions, values, and ideas, and help to infuence a design outcome,” explained Council’s Manager of Strategic Planning Tara McGready. “This is a community led design process. A Design Charette creates the perfect opportunity to hear from a diverse range of voices and gather in-depth information that will help us shape the Draft Master Plan for Wardell’s village centre.” Selection of members will be based on the following
criteria:
• Geographic location – where members live or work
• A balance of business and community representatives
• Connections with local community groups Diverse ages and backgrounds
• Purpose for participation. Spaces will be limited. Members will be required to attend at least one workshop of 4-6 hours to be held on a weekend in early 2023. Subsequent sessions will be subject to the outcomes of the initial charrette process. Register your interest by Monday 23 January 2023 at yoursayballina. com.au/WardellVillage-Centre Applicants will be notifed of the outcome of their expression of interest by the end of January 2023.
Everyone in the Tweed is asked to save water as new fgures show water use has increased in the past 3 weeks to 187 litres per person a day – exceeding Council’s target of 160 litres per person a day.
Water and Wastewater Business and Assets acting manager Elizabeth Seidl urged all residents and holidaymakers to save water and get back to using just 160 litres of water per person a day.
“For four months, we were all doing a great job meeting Target 160 but as the weather has warmed, our water use has increased,” Ms Seidl said.
“Target 160 is our water use target when there are no water restrictions and it’s there
for good reason.
“Climate change has made rainfall in our region unpredictable and 15,000 more people will
call the Tweed home in the coming decades.
“While the planned upgrade of Clarrie Hall Dam will help secure
our water supply, we all share responsibility to save water and the environment.
“Meeting Target 160 is
the most cost-effective action we can take as a community.”
Council fgures show water use in the past 3
weeks was up 15%, or 25 litres on average per person.
“Each of us only needs to save about 30 litres of water per person a day to get back under the 160-litre target,” Ms Seidl said.
“That means doing a few little things around the house like taking 4-minute showers, going easy with the hose outside, mulching your garden and avoiding watering the lawn.
“If you have a leaky toilet, showerhead or tap, now is the time to get it fxed. These actions can easily bring our water use back to 160 litres per person a day.”
Find out more about the Tweed’s Target 160 campaign at tweed.nsw. gov.au/target-160-litres
A travelling science exhibition, adventure activities and creative workshops are among the many activities available for regional youth to enjoy during the Summer school holidays, thanks to the NSW Government’s Holiday Break Program.
Minister for Regional Youth Ben Franklin said young people can expand their horizons over the break with more than 60 programs covering everything from science and art to sport and cultural connections.
“The NSW Government invests in this program because we know it is important to provide opportunities for young people to connect, socialise and have fun during the school holidays,” Mr Franklin said.
“We also know that keeping the kids entertained over the holidays can be costly for families, so these free activities will help to relieve the fnancial pressure on family budgets these Summer holidays.
“The programs on offer will provide social and recreational outlets to help regional youth become more involved in their local communities, and to show that living in a regional location is not a barrier for young people to try new things.
“Our continued program partnerships mean we’re able to deliver an assortment of activities that allow youth to hone their artistic skills, explore a completely new area of
interest or get moving with a fun physical activity over the school holidays.”
Byron Shire Council is among the recipients of Holiday Break funding, with the Byron Bay Library set to host a travelling Questacon exhibition during the summer break.
Library spokeswoman Stacey Shepherd says it will allow them to introduce young people to the exciting world of science and mathematics “This is an opportunity for young people to visit Byron Bay Library and explore the challenging world of mathematics and computer science under topics such as logic and problem solving,” Ms Shepherd said.
“The STEM exhibits are bright, interactive and hands on to encourage engagement in code breaking puzzle logic but also an opportunity to connect and have fun in our community. The 24 exhibitions will be in Byron Bay Library until the end of January.”
To fnd out more about activities near you, visit www.nsw.gov.au/ HolidayBreak.
Problems with the Glencoe Reservoir at North Arm means that drinking water in Bray Park, parts of Murwillumbah and connected properties out to Crystal Creek is unsafe.
The problem has been caused by an unexpected issue in the water quality at the reservoir.
Tap water in all other parts of the Tweed is unaffected and remains safe.
Water used for drinking or food preparation should be brought to a rolling boil to make it safe. Kettles with automatic shut off switches can do this. Water should then be allowed to cool and stored in a clean container with a lid and refrigerated.
Everyone, particularly people caring for young children, should be careful to avoid scalding, when you are heating and then cooling the water.
Bottled water or cool boiled water should be used for drinking, washing uncooked food (for example. salad vegetables and fruit), making ice, cleaning teeth, gargling and pets’ drinking water.
Dishes should be washed in hot soapy water or in a dishwasher.
Children should take bottled water or cool boiled water to school.
Tap water is safe for bathing. There is a potential risk if water is swallowed during washing and bathing. Parents and carers could consider a sponge bath for children as an alternative.
Tweed Shire Council is working to fx the
problem and protect the health of the community.
Areas affected may also experience temporary water outages and low pressure in the coming 24 hours while Council drains the affected areas. This advice should be
nsw.gov.au/environment/ water/Pages/schools.aspx
• Commercial establishments serving food or drinks health. nsw.gov.au/environment/ water/Pages/foodfacts. aspx
• Using water
followed until further notice.
The NSW Health website also includes special considerations for:
• Schools and childcare centres health.
header tanks health.nsw. gov.au/environment/ water/Pages/watertanks. aspx
• Swimming pools and spas health. nsw.gov.au/environment/ water/Pages/pools.asp
The share of risky lending has dropped in recent months, new fgures show, after rising interest rates made it harder to borrow large sums relative to incomes.
But concerns loom for the recent home buyers who borrowed at rock-bottom fxed interest rates and will face higher mortgage repayments when they refnance next year.
During the property boom, almost a quarter of new home borrowers were taking on large debts of six times their incomes or more.
The share of new lending at high debt-to-income ratios has fallen 7.2 percentage points from its peak in the December quarter of last year, to 17.1 per cent in the September quarter of 2022, fgures from bank regulator the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority show.
When prices were rising last spring, but interest rates were seen as unlikely to rise for years, then-treasurer Josh Frydenberg backed regulators to clamp down on high-debt home loans instead.
But the cash rate rose sooner than expected in May, reducing the amount of money that home buyers could borrow.
AMP Capital chief economist Dr Shane Oliver said the fall in risky lending was good news.
“Last year, in the midst of the property boom, there was a concern that people were taking out more risky loans, given the surge in prices,” he said.
Soon after, banks were forced to check whether borrowers could repay their loans if interest rates rose 3 per cent, up from the previous test of 2.5 per cent.
“At the time there was a feeling that the central bank should raise interest rates, but it was seen as premature,” Oliver said, adding these other tools were considered to take heat out of the property market.
“Things moved fairly quickly and we moved towards a big rise in interest rates, and so that’s been doing the job for them, they haven’t had to do more macroprudential controls.
“When interest rates are higher, regardless of your income you can’t borrow as much as you previously could and so the outworking tends to be smaller loans relative to people’s incomes.”
He said falling property
prices were also helping to reduce the amount of money buyers needed to borrow to purchase a home.
Now, the biggest risk in the eyes of the regulator is not today’s borrowers, who cannot borrow as much because they face higher interest rates.
“They’d probably be worried about existing borrowers, particularly people on the ultra-low fxed rates from the last couple of years,” he said.
“We’ve raised rates 3 per cent, so anyone borrowing from October last year on a variable rate would be at the limit of the serviceability test. Anyone who borrowed before that would have gone above it.”
He said unemployment is still low, meaning the regulator may not be overly concerned right now, but this could change if unemployment starts to rise.
Shore Financial chief executive Theo Chambers said many home buyers are still trying to borrow to their limit, but banks will not lend large amounts easily.
“People are still borrowing six times their incomes, they’re still trying to squeeze every possible mechanism to get the bank to lend,” he said.
“Of course, the banks make you jump through hoops and especially at the moment, more than ever.”
Some banks are adjusting how they factor in the rising cost of living, or how they assess income received in the form of bonuses, he said.
“Banks are defnitely going a bit more cautious.”
Chris Foster-Ramsay, principal broker at Foster Ramsay Finance, said it had become less common for borrowers to take out large loans compared to their incomes, after the regulator put pressure on lenders.
Rising interest rates had also reduced borrowing capacity, which solved the problem of large loan sizes.
“Rates go up, borrowing capacity goes down, by default debt-to-income remains, in most cases, not an issue,” he said.
“They still want to borrow as much as possible to buy the property that’s near family, or the shops or schools, they don’t want to move out of the area. That hasn’t changed in the last six to 12 months.”
First home buyers will have more support when making their own choice between upfront stamp duty or a small annual fee, thanks to the new advanced First Home Buyer Choice calculator. First home buyers will be able to input the number of years they expect to own the property and the calculator will provide an estimate of the total amount they can expect to pay over that period in present value dollars.
Member of the Legislative Council, Aileen MacDonald, welcomed the announcement of the calculator.
“The NSW Government is all about giving people choice and helping families get the keys to their own home sooner by removing upfront costs and saving them money in the longrun,” Mrs MacDonald said.
“This new calculator will help people make an informed choice that best suits their circumstances by showing them the overall cost of paying an annual fee in today’s dollars compared to what you would pay in stamp duty.”
The majority of eligible frst home buyers in the price range of $800,000 to $1.5 million are
expected to choose the annual property fee over upfront stamp duty.
NSW Treasury analysis shows that two-thirds of owner-occupiers sell within 20 years.
First Home Buyer Choice is part of the NSW Government’s $2.8 billion Housing Package.
It will take effect from January 16 for purchases under $1.5 million but any eligible frst home buyer who bought from the time the legislation was enacted on 11 November 2022 can opt in to the annual fee and receive a refund of stamp duty paid.
To view the advanced calculator, go to https:// www.service.nsw.gov. au/transaction/calculateyour-property-tax or scan the QR Code below:
For more information on the First Home Buyer Choice, go to https://www.nsw.gov. au/initiative/frst-homebuyer-choice or scan the QR Code below:
The NSW Government is reminding all real estate agents that from today new regulations are in place banning the practice of solicited rent bidding.
Minister for Fair Trade Victor Dominello said reforms to regulations under the Property and Stock Agents Regulation announced earlier this week required real estate agents to advertise a rental property with a fxed price – not with a price range or “by negotiation”.
Real estate agents are now prohibited from inviting, suggesting or inducing a prospective tenant to offer an amount higher than the
advertised rent for the property.
“No longer will tenants waste countless hours applying for rental properties they think they can afford only to be told to increase their offer to improve their prospects,” Mr Dominello said.
“I encourage real estate agents to familiarise themselves with the new regulations and ensure they comply with them in their dealings with renters.”
Those who breach the new regulations may be issued an on-the-spot penalty infringement notice of $1,100 for a corporation and $550 for an individual.
The maximum penalties
a court can award for non-compliance with the ban on solicited rent bidding are $11,000 for a corporation and $550 for an individual.
“NSW Fair Trading will work with real estate agents to make sure they understand the new regulations” Mr Dominello said.
“While the initial focus of NSW Fair Trading is on educating the industry, there will also be regular compliance campaigns and strict enforcement action.
“Anyone who believes they have been asked by a real estate agent to increase their offer is encouraged to contact NSW Fair Trading.”
www.fairtrading. nsw.gov.au/contact-us
Sydney’s trophy home market has not only been spared the broader market downturn but has recorded its best-performing year for sales in the $20 million-plus range.
The top 20 house and apartment sales alone have totalled about $760 million, and 50 sales for more than $20 million were recorded across Sydney, topping last year’s boom-time bonanza.
But, says veteran prestige agent Craig Pontey, “it is only the very top of the market that is still booming. The rest of the market is a bit of a mess.”
Pontey, who signed on to the McGrath brand this year, taking control of the fagship Double Bay agency, said the strength of this year’s trophy market is indicative of the many people who have done well from business or private equity buyouts and are keen to plant as much of that money as possible in a safe haven.
“The fact that the family home isn’t taxed just adds to its attraction,” Pontey said.Brad Pillinger, who set this year’s top sale price of $62.75 million for the Vaucluse mansion Ganeden, said limited supply and strong demand drove the market, not issues such as eight consecutive interest rate rises.
“No matter what happens to the economy, there’s still only about 200 houses on the waterfront between the city and Watsons Bay, and only ever a few that are genuinely for sale at any given time,” Pillinger said.
range a few years ago and had since doubled in price.
Collier points to the Bellevue Hill property Belhaven, bought by recently retired ASX chief Dominic Stevens in 2017 for more than $21 million and resold last month for about $50 million.
Likewise, the Bellevue Hill house sold by fashion designer Camilla FreemanTopper on Christmas Eve 2018 for $16.5 million was resold by The Agency’s Stephen Chen for $26.5 million to the co-founder of Quadpay Brad Lindenberg.
The surge in trophy home values comes as Sydney’s broader property market copped an 11.4 per cent fall in median values from the market peak in January, according to recently published CoreLogic data.
The ripple effect of that downturn is being felt up the price chain, Collier said.
“We’re seeing a signifcant correction in those secondand third-tier properties of up to $15 million that last year were selling for top prices but are no longer achieving those sorts of outcomes.”
Not included on the list are two neighbouring houses in Darling Point owned by prominent business executive Jillian Segal and her husband, property magnate John Roth. The paper trail to both properties confrmed the sale earlier this year, but settlement is yet to reveal the price.
Advice for renters is available on the NSW Fair Trading website at www.fairtrading.nsw. gov.au/housing-andproperty/renting or scan the QR Code below:
“As more buyers enter the market, those houses only become more expensive.”A Forbes Global Properties’ Ken Jacobs said the thing that differentiated this year from recent years was that half of the top sales took place off-market, whereby no public marketing was required.
“That’s because there are so many more capable buyers than properties to sell,” Jacobs said. “So when a property is listed, the buyer for it is already known.”
The Agency’s Ben Collier said the oversupply of buyers – many of them returned expats – forced buyers to circle back to grand estates in Bellevue Hill that were trading in the $20 million
Last year’s trophy home market was the previous strongest performing. There were almost $700 million worth of sales in the top 20 alone, and more than 45 for the year of $20 million or more – double that of 2018.
Last year had one sale in the top 20 outside the eastern suburbs, in Palm Beach. This year there are six: two in Mosman, two in Palm Beach, and two in Barangaroo.
“The reality is that the rest of Sydney has been undervalued for years compared to the eastern suburbs, and from an international perspective, that has made no sense,” said Forbes’ Ken Jacobs.
“But that looks to be changing as these satellite prestige areas north of Harbour Bridge and on the CBD foreshore become trophy markets in their own right.”
Toyota Yaris Cross gets styling changes but no extra performance.
Nissan’s fourth generation X-Trail is here.
It’s structurally more rigid, more aerodynamically effcient, introduces a host of new active and passive safety features, has a revised cabin
boosted by 18Nm to 244Nm and fve drive modes: Off-Road, Snow, Auto, Eco and Sports.
No mention of the hybrid e-POWER which is supposed to be arriving early next year, along with the smaller hybrid Qashqai.
Available in fve- or seven-seat versions, the
Towing capability is up too, to 2000kg, with Trailer Sway Control standard equipment.
An all-LED slimline lighting package front and rear, with bright multi-refector LEDs for high and low beam driving and wraparound boomerang-shaped tail
By CHRIS RILEYFollowing on the heels of the C-HR, Toyota’s baby Yaris Cross SUV has been given a GR Sport makeover.
Based on the Yaris Cross GXL 2WD hybrid, the GR Sport has received cosmetic and suspension changes, but alas no more power. It can be identifed as a part of the GR family thanks to its newly designed black grille with the distinctive ‘G’ mesh pattern found on other GR sports cars.
The same mesh pattern is applied to the rear bumper, with a sporty rear diffuser featuring four vertically oriented aerodynamic fns.
rear of the vehicle connecting the cross members, further stiffening the TNGA-B underpinnings.
GR Sport is powered by a 1.5-litre hybrid powertrain pairing a three-cylinder petrol engine with a pair of motor generators on the front axle to produce a combined system output of 85kW.
Combined fuel consumption stands at 3.8L/100km, with CO2
light grey stitching on the seats and steering wheel.
The front seats have also been redesigned for a more dynamic look and greater support.
GR logos adorn the headrests, steering wheel and smart keys, while aluminium pedals provide a race-inspired look.
Ornamental gun metal trim highlights are applied to the shift knob, instrument panel
layout with premium features and materials and introduces a raft of new technical aids including adaptive cruise control and more standard additions to the Nissan Intelligent Mobility suite.
The 2.5-litre fourcylinder petrol engine lifts power by 9kW to 135kW, with torque
all-new model is slightly shorter than before (4680mm) but is wider (+20mm to 1840mm), taller (+15mm to 1725mm) and provides more rear legroom, with larger door openings for easier access -- but a slightly smaller luggage capacity.
The wheelbase remains unchanged at 2705mm.
lights, complements
Nissan’s signature-Vmotion brand identity across all models.
Adaptive beam matrix lighting, which splits the headlight beams into 12 individually controlled segments, appears on Ti and Ti-L models.
Inside there’s a 12.3inch instrument cluster, 12.3-inch touchscreen and 10.8-inch widescreen head-up display.
X-Trail ST gains a 7.0inch driver info panel and 8.0-inch central display with DAB+ digital radio and six speakers, upgraded to a 10-speaker Bose audio system on the Ti-L and above.
It’s equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with wireless CarPlay for Ti and Ti-L models.
New X-Trail is priced from $40,424 driveaway for the two-wheel drive ST up to $57,340 for the top-of-the-line Ti-L.
Mechanical changes re confned to 10mm lowered sports suspension which Toyota says improves handling and sharpens the steering response and feel.
Priced from $35,840, GR Sport sits between GXL and top of the range Urban grades.
For the front suspension, engineers enhanced the spring constant and rigidity of the lower control arm, while an exclusive bound stopper has been added for the frst time to control body roll and improve ride comfort.
At the rear, a grooved washer bolt evens out surface pressure for the suspension fastening bolt and improves rigidity at the joint for greater steering response.
Additional chassis improvements include the adoption of an underfoor brace and a second brace running along the lower
emissions of 86 grams per km.
Unique 18-inch alloy wheels with a twin-fvespoke design and bright machined fnish also help to differentiate GR Sport from the rest of the Yaris Cross range, housing sporty red brake callipers complete with GR logos on the front brakes.
Exclusive tyres have also been ftted for improved dynamic performance.
Black mirror caps and GR badging front and rear complete the set of visual exterior changes.
Inside, the GR Sport is immediately identifed by unique seats featuring synthetic leather on the bolsters and perforated black suede-like upholstery in the centre, with contrast
moulding and inner door trim, while suedelike material is also applied to the door trim inserts.
Convenience is improved with the addition of an extra USB-C port in the dash, while occupants are treated to clean, acclimatised air with the addition of the nanoe X air ionisation technology which helps to inhibit unwanted pollutants and viruses from the cabin.
Toyota’s Sean Hanley said the Yaris Cross GR Sport offers customers a sporty aesthetic and a more dynamic focus on driving characteristics reaffrming Toyota’s commitment to delivering ever better cars that are as exciting to drive as they look.
It’s still not a household name, certainly in motoring circles, but Genesis is the luxury subbrand of Hyundai in the same way as Lexus is to Toyota.
Like Lexus before it, Genesis marketers see the brand as a competitor against the upmarket German marques. Despite the major impact Korean cars have had in recent years, that’s unlikely to happen to Genesis any time in the immediate future. Then again, Hyundai has surprised us before – so who knows?
The current Genesis range comprises two sedans (G70 and G80) and three SUVs (GV60, GV70 and GV80) and includes petrol, diesel and electric powertrains as well as two- and all-wheel drive in the SUVs.
GV70, the subject of this test, covers all bases with the choice of 2.5- and 3.5-litre turbocharged petrol engines, 2.2-litre turbo-diesel and pure electric. The entry-level 2.5T comes with either rear or all-wheel drive. All other variants are AWD only.
We’re checking out what is likely to be the volume seller – the 2.5GT AWD, together with the optional Luxury Sport Line package and eye-catching Brunswick Green matte paint.
STYLING
GV70 is one of the most attractive vehicles that we’ve ever driven, one that drew positive comments wherever we went. The lines are SUV but without the boxiness or semi-coupe look that many competitors have adopted.
The large mesh-flled grille follows the Genesis family pattern, with the number plate attached inside the grille. The Genesis badge, which does have an uncanny resemblance to that of Aston Martin, sits at the front of the bonnet.
The split horizontal front and tail lights are another Genesis feature and broaden the vehicle’s front appearance.
A panoramic sunroof with tilt and slide panel and powered blind is
standard across the range.
The Sport Line Package adds 21-inch fve-spoke G-matrix alloy wheels, sporty front and rear bumpers, gloss black sport radiator grille, front skid plate, roof rails and dark chrome for the grille surround and window frame trims.
Others will no doubt love the G-matrix wheels but we found them a bit gaudy for the otherwise elegant looks of the car.
Genesis GV70 offers 10 exterior colours, including three matte lines that add $2000, seven interior colours and four trim inserts – to let buyers express individual preferences.
There’s a real premium look to the interior of the GV70 Luxury Sport Line tested with Nappa leather and suede appointed quilted sport seats, suede headlining and pillars, a sports steering wheel, alloy pedals and aluminium trim.
There are sport gauges for oil temperature, torque and turbo boost to let the driver extract the best from the engine.
Rear seat space is pretty good, with buttons that allow occupants to adjust the front seats as well as air conditioning controls.
Rear storage space is 542 litres with the rear seatbacks in place, expanding to 1678 litres when they are folded. A space saver spare wheel is under the boot foor and there’s also a clever roadside safety kit with a range of items to help in an emergency – such as gloves, hi-vis vest, towel
etc.
Genesis GV70 comes with a choice of four drivetrain, starting with the 2.5T with a 2.5-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder with 224kW of power and 422Nm of torque paired with an eight-speed torque converter automatic that drives either the rear wheels or an electronically controlled AWD system.
Flagship GV70 3.5T has a 3.5-litre twin-turbo petrol V6 with 279kW and 530Nm mated with the same transmission and AWD, GV70 2.2D has a 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel that produces 154kW of power and 440Nm of torque. It uses an electronically controlled AWD system.
The most recent addition is the GV70 EV, the frst-ever fully electric vehicle from Genesis. Our Queensland team is currently testing it and we’ll bring you their review in the near future.
Every GV70 model comes with a comprehensive list of safety equipment, starting with eight airbags, including one between the front seats to prevent serious injury due to potential driver and passenger contact.
Among other features are blind spot monitoring and collision avoidance, forward collision avoidance with cars, pedestrian and cyclist detection, rear crosstraffc alert and collision avoidance, lane keeping
assist, smart cruise control, 360-degree surround view monitor, front and rear parking sensors and safe exit assist.
The standout feature at the front of the GV70’s cabin is the 14.5-inch touchscreen. It certainly looks spectacular although the combination of extra width and low height mean that functions on the left of the screen require too much of a stretch even for a tall driver.
Also, the shape of the screen compresses the satellite navigation view more than is practical.
There’s a 12.3-inch colour screen in front of the driver with a digital instrument cluster. A camera is activated either side of the screen each time the turn indicator is used.
Bluetooth provides two connections, one phone/ audio, the other just for audio, with USB ports on the front and rear centre consoles. There’s wireless (Qi standard) smartphone charging, and both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto – both wired.
If you need relaxing there’s a Sounds of Nature feature with a choice of six pre-set sounds. Our favourites were twittering birds and ocean waves. Not sure about the soothing effect of the roaring fre though.
Audio comes from a nine-speaker Genesis sound system with an external digital amplifer. The 3.5T gets a premium 16-speaker Lexicon by Harmon unit.
GV70 is quite a large and heavy vehicle, but doesn’t feel like it when cruising on the motorway where it’s smooth, comfortable and quiet thanks to extra insulation. When pushed along the feeling and sound from the turbo engine is akin to that of a decent-sized six-cylinder unit.
Out on the open road GV70 is well-balanced and corners better than expected for an SUV. It’s not a sports machine but comes closer than many others in the class that we have tested.
There are fve drive modes (Eco, Comfort, Sport, Sport+ and Custom), and three Terrain modes (Snow, Mud and Sand). So, plenty to play with here.
The eight-speed automatic transmission is reasonably quick to respond with shift paddles on hand if needed.
Fuel consumption on short trips was well above the listed fgure of 10.3 litres per 100 kilometres but dropped noticeably, to around 8.5 L/100 km in motorway cruising.
This is the frst time that we’ve driven a Genesis SUV and we could not have been more surprised
and impressed by the GV70. It’s beautifully crafted, both inside and out, well-equipped, enjoyable to drive and, with prices starting from just under $70k, excellent value compared with its more-established competitors.
Dedicated owners of vehicles from the three big-name German brands will no doubt scoff at the arrival of Genesis nee Hyundai, much as they did when Lexus emerged from the shadow of Toyota nearly 30 years ago. However, for anyone
willing to think outside the square, we’d suggest the Genesis GV70 is well worth checking out.
GV70 2.5T petrol 2WD: $68,500
GV70 2.5T petrol AWD: $70,900
GV70 3.5T Sport petrol AWD: $84,600 GV70 2.2D diesel AWD: $73,200 GV70 EV Performance AWD: $127,800
Note: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your local Genesis dealer for driveaway prices.
(Genesis GV70 2.5-litre turbo-petrol fve-door wagon)
ENGINE:
Capacity: 2.497 litres
Confguration: Four cylinders in line
Maximum Power: 224 kW @ 5800 rpm
Maximum Torque: 422 Nm @ 1650 rpm
Fuel Type: Premium unleaded petrol
Combined Fuel Cycle (ADR 81/02): 10.3 L/100km
CO2 Emissions: 235 g/km
DRIVELINE: Eightspeed automatic STANDARD
WARRANTY: Five years / unlimited kilometres
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: TBC: This flm has advertising approval. Check the classifcation closer to the release date. G: General. PG: Parental guidance recommended. M: Recommended for mature audiences. MA15+: Restricted. Not suitable for people under 15. Under 15s must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. R18+: Restricted. Restricted to 18 and over.
$115 (due for release 2023). Superbly suave and distinct shiraz satisfying the criteria for the alternative moniker, syrah. Would go well with kangaroo and quandong jus, surely a traditional dish of the Ngunawal or Gundungurra peoples? 9.6/10.
Lerida Estate Lake George Rosé, 2022, $25.
About as smart, unusual and savoury as rosé gets so you almost don’t need to move onto red, as is tradition. Speaking of tradition, go pepperberry and bush tomato rub on some damper at sunset. 9.4/10.
Kirrihill Clare Valley Partner Series ‘Rob Stanway’ Riesling 2022, $25.
The Clare Valley still seems like a family place, unlike the giant corporatised Barossa or McLaren Vale and this series lends weight to that. Thanks Rob, nice riesling, can
you pass the bottle please, wouldn’t mind a top up, thanks? 9.3/10.
Kirrihill Clare Valley Partner Series ‘Sean Edwards’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2019, $30.
Another partner! The dinner table at Kirrihill must be like a Netfix series set in Utah…without the drama and judgemental weird looks from passers-by, instead just a lot of satisfed faces feasting on fne cabernet. 9.4/10.
Heggies Vineyard Eden Valley Single Block Estate Vineyard Reserve Chardonnay 2018, $50.
Eden Valley is renowned for its amazing rieslings so by default it should also be a great place to grow chardonnay, and this one proves the theory. Delicious stuff. 9.6/10.
Heggies Vineyard Eden Valley Estate Riesling, 2022, $26
At the sharper end of the riesling scale but not so sharp as to cut off softer riesling lovers, or should that be lovers of softer riesling? Sorry, didn’t mean to fat or ft shame anyone. Sensible riesling, sensibly priced. 9.3/10.
give it to David Littleprod…no, not like that, that’s illegal, although you can understand Indigenous people wanting to after he rejected their Voice to Parliament.
You’ve got
Lucky for Littleprig, First Nations people are mostly peaceful.
A Voice would be too much “red tape” Nats say. They’re big on less red tape, just ask koalas, although be quick, they’ll be extinct before the National Party at this rate.
Making decisions of behalf of native inhabitants since settlement, Nats still ask “why give them a chance to comment on parliamentary decisions, when we can do it for them”?
Yes, the Nationals have worked hard helping Indigenous people get where they are today and are now arrogantly asking “haven’t they got enough
already?”
Nats fought long and hard at Wave Hill to avoid paying Indigenous workers the same as white fellas, and look what happened, First Nations people now get more welfare per capita than any other demographic, and it’s still not enough.
Why can’t they just get out there and get a better job like Joe Hockey suggested?
First Nations people also get a far bigger portion of the corrections budget than any other group. How generous of the Nats, maintaining prison funding and graciously building bigger, shiny, new, concrete gaols for them?
Indigenous people receive a much bigger portion of our health spending.
For heaven’s sakes, they should be grateful their life expectancy is so
much less than everyone else’s.
According to the Nats, if First Nations people want a voice to parliament, just get elected!
Surely Nats have given enough money for them to do so? Clive Palmer almost bought a seat for $100million (almost), so First Nations could just pool their resources (obviously not those resources, the Nats took them) and they might get in since Indigenous people represent about four percent of the population – hey, hang on, that’s the same as the Nats!
So how come they’re telling First Nations people what to do?
No wonder Nats don’t want pesky, upstart, Indigenous people – and koalas - having a say. Perhaps it’s the Nats who should be denied a voice to Parliament?
It’s time we listened to First Nations, Littleplod, not tell them what’s good for them. Who knows, one day you might see some “fermented cider gum sap, nectar from Banksia and other native blossoms and quandong roots”*, at Dan’s.
Meanwhile, let’s celebrate the Voice
Oust (8)
Schlep (4)
Surgical instrument (7)
Exchanging something for money (7)
Edible rootstock (4)
Source of wisdom (6)
Edible snail (Fr.) (8)
Mountainous, landlocked European country (11)
1 With regards to the university, what does RMIT stand for?
2 Do emperor penguins live in the Arctic or Antarctica?
3 See What You Made Me Do is a 2020 non- ction book written by which Australian journalist?
4 What type of fruit was the heaviest recorded, at more than 1000 kgs?
5 The two Australian pigeon species that have an erect crest are the crested pigeon and what other species?
6 Which podcast won Podcast of the Year at the 2020 Australian Podcast Awards?
7 Abbi Jacobson and Ilana Glazer (pictured) star in which US TV comedy?
8 President Joe Biden was born in which US state?
9 The Richter scale was developed by which US seismologist?
10 Which city has the highest population density in the world?
Unsound; nonsensical (9)
Wise persom (4)
Passed away peacefully with family at his side on Thursday 15th December.
Loved husband of Shirley.
Loved father, father-in-law, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle and friend to many. Frank will be sadly missed by all family and friends.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend his funeral service to be held at St Andrew’s Anglican Church, Zodac St, Lismore on THURSDAY (December 22nd, 2022) commencing at 11.00am, followed by burial at East Lismore Cemetery.
Michael Currie at
66 846 232
Late of Richmond Hill.
Passed away surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday 14 December 2022, aged 83 years. Beloved Husband of Vilmai. Much loved Father of Roy, Shane and Khim. Poppy Don to all his Grandchildren and Great-grandchildren.
Family and friends are warmly invited to attend Don’s Funeral Service to be held at 269 Richmond Hill Rd, Richmond Hill on ursday 12 January 2023 at 11:30am.
Limited Parking Available. Livestream available @ https://parkviewfunerals.com.au/mcdonald-donald-william/
Passed away peacefully at Honey Bee Homes, Coorabell.
Much loved husband of Elizabeth (dec). Loved father of Bernice, Sharon, Vivienne, Ross and Gavin. Loved by his 11 grand children, and 7 great grandchildren. Stan will be sadly missed by all family and friends.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a funeral service to be held at the Uniting Church, Dalley Street, Mullumbimby on WEDNESDAY ( 21st December, 2022) commencing at 10.00 am followed by burial at Mullumbimby Lawn Cemetery.
Michael Currie at
66 846 232
Maggie passed away peacefully at home with her daughter by her side, with no more hills to climb and obstacles to overcome, she is finally at peace and able to get back to her beloved dancing, all be it in the sky now!
Adored mother of Karen, Darren, Kim, and Kerry. Treasured Grandmother to 9 almost 10 and Granny to 10.
Service for Maggie will be held at Parkview Funeral Home 41 Walker st Casino NSW 2470 06-01-2023 @11am
Relatives and friends of the late Maggie are welcome to get together and reminisce with light refreshments at Casino community and cultural centre following the service.
26.9.1940 – 11.12.2022
Maurie passed away at the Gold Coast University Hospital on Sunday, the 11th of December 2022, aged 82 years.
Late of Goonellabah, formerly of Armidale.
Dearly loved husband of Beryl. Loving father and father-in-law of Roger & Megan, and Warren & Melanie.
Cherished grandfather of Elise, Claire, Claudia, and Jarred.
Loved brother of Joyce, Nancy, and Allan. Beloved pet owner of Sam the Sta y.
Family and friends are warmly invited to attend Maurie’s Funeral service to be held at Parkview Funeral Home, 43 Holland Street Goonellabah, on Wednesday, the 28th of December, commencing at 11:30 am.
You will be missed
John Deere 5075E 4WD tractor 75hp ROPS Nell under axle blade with stick rake and forks 1230hrs, John Deere LA105 Ride on mower 288hrs, Superior Extra Heavy Duty 8ft cut slasher, New Holland 317 hay baler (small bales) with near new knotters, New Holland hay mower, John Berends back scoop, Pasture Harrows, Scarifier, Rondini fertilizer spreader, Husqvarna whipper snipper 122L, Efco chainsaw, Gas branding furnace – plus cylinder, Electric chainsaw sharpener, Flood boat with electric water snake motor, Ryobi pressure cleaner, 140amp welder and new welder mask, Full set of branding iron numbers, Saddlery and horse equipment, bridles, bits, girths, surcingles, rugs, helmets – large array of gear, Huge number of horseshoes, new and used, Mechanical cow for training horsesremotes – single phase, Electric fence energiser + rolls of tape, fiberglass posts, insulators, Steel fence post drivers, Steel posts, Wire spinner – rolls of wire, 8ft plastic fence posts, Hay ring, Buffalo fly back rubbers, Boyd cattle feeder 2 tonne, Large quantity of old fridges for stock feed, Cattle ahead signs, Horse feed bins, James Scully large cattle dehorners, Length cattle rail, Cattle drench guns, Tattoo brand set, Rolls of black poly pipe, Poly fittings, Assorted wire mesh, Aluminum extension ladders, Drums of oil and drum pumps, Jerry cans – fuel, Car ramps, Vice, Sheep netting pliers, Belt sander, Stilsons, set squares, Hoes, axes, bolt cutters, Antique block and tackle, Office desk, shelves, chairs, cupboards, corner office desk, drawers, outside furniture setting, pots and plants and much more nts available, photos on website day 8 455 | Ben Clark 0477 123 770
Pest Control 02 6681 6555 PHONE
The noticeboard is a place for residents and community organisations to fnd the latest news from community and social services in The Northern Rivers.
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.
Plumbing PTY LTD • SERVICING THE NORTHERN RIVERS AND SURROUNDS •
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.
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
LIC: L11784 0416 130 664 VALE P L U MBING VALE P L U MBING DOMESTIC • COMMERCIAL • RURAL • OFF- GRID business card.indd 1 7/7/2022 6:22 am PTY LTD • SERVICING THE NORTHERN RIVERS AND SURROUNDS •
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.
BALLINA BRIDGE CLUB
Bernard O’Bree 0416 130 664 645 Williams Road, Barkers Vale NSW 2450 bpobree@outlook.com Plumbing LP gasfitting Septic systems Irrigation Bore pumping systems Water tank installation “ Prompt and effcient service, when & where you need it ” business card.indd 2 7/7/2022 6:22 am
Low
• Lopping
LIC: L11784 0416 130 664 0416 130 664 VALE P L U MBING VALE P L U MBING DOMESTIC • COMMERCIAL • RURAL • OFF- GRID business card.indd 1 7/7/2022 6:22 am
EXPERIENCED, FULLY INSURED, ALL SIZE JOBS
NOTE: All Community Notices
✓ Fully licenced ✓ Insured ✓ Free quotes ✓ Reliable
Your Removalist & Relocation Professionals
• Felling
• Removal
• Wood Chipping
• Cherry Picker
Bernard O’Bree 0416 130 664 645 Williams Road, Barkers Vale NSW 2450 bpobree@outlook.com Plumbing LP gasfitting Septic systems Irrigation Bore pumping systems Water tank installation “ Prompt and effcient service, when & where you need it ” business card.indd 2
• Stump Grinding
✓ Fully licenced ✓ Insured ✓ Free quotes ✓ Reliable
P 6688 6136 M 0427 886 136
For a free quote & advice Lopping Wood Chipping Felling Stump Grinding Removal
P 6688 6136 M 0427 886 136
Email: northernriverstreeservice@gmail.com The Channon covering all areas of the North Coast
Email: northernriverstreeservice@gmail.com The Channon covering all areas of the North Coast
YOUR PEST & TERMITE SPECIALISTS Pets 46 Terania Street, Lismore 6621 9998 Janet Goodwin (Proprietor) 0402 443 988 Drop o and pick up available ALSTONVILLE
be submitted each week on or before 11am every Monday for the next edition to be published.
“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
TREE SERVICES
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.
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.
CASINO/KYOGLE BONALBO CORAKI WOODBURN EVANS HEAD OUR EQUIPMENT IS IDEAL FOR SITES WITH LIMITED ACCESS
Dingo mini digger & stump grinder goes anywhere • Tree & Palms Removed • 17m Cherry Picker • Larger Chipper • Stump Grinder • Qualified Arborist • Tree Detailing • Climbers • Rubbish Removed FULLY INSURED
Tree Services PH: 0408 620 829 or 6662 2025
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.
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.
MCLEANS RIDGES CRAFT GROUP meet at the McLeans Ridges Hall, Cowlong Road, McLeans Ridges on the 2nd Saturday of each month from
For all info phone Chris on 04 115 104 30
Ballina CWA Handicraft and Friendship mornings are in full swing on Wednesdays from 9 until 12 in our rooms on River Street next to the RSL, come along with or without your handicraft, have a chat and enjoy morning tea for $3, for more information please ring our Handicraft Offcer Barb 0428116668.
Our two Christmas stalls were extremely successful, thanks to everyone who supported us plus our many members who cooked or worked on the stalls, teamwork is wonderful. On Sunday we drew the winners of our huge raffe, 1st prize was won by Rebecca Barnes 2nd prize was won by Helen Barlow 3rd prize was won by Lyn Wheat.
After a short break we will recommence our Handicraft and Friendship mornings on Wednesday 11th January then our frst meeting of the year will be the following Monday, 16th January. 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.
Meets on the second Wednesday of each month at the Ballina RSL Club at 6.30 for dinner at 7pmGuests are always welcome. Our members support the education of disadvantaged children in Australia by fundraising activities and social events in our local community for The Smith Family - by sponsoring 5 Learning for Life students. Contact President Julie Stephan 0434988770.
Has activities every day for Senior Citizens. Monday –Line Dancing 9:30am, Art 1 pm. Tuesday - Line Dancing 9:30am. Wednesday - Tai Chi 8:30am, Bridge 1pm, Ballroom Dancing 6:45pm. Thursday - Yoga 7:30am 4. Line Dancing 9:30am, Indoor Bowls 1pm. Friday – Nothing as yet. Saturday - Bridge 1pm. Contact Bonnie 0414927361
BALLINA TOY LIBRARY
Welcomes families from Ballina Shire. 9 Regatta Avenue, Ballina. Open Tuesdays 1pm - 3pm, and Saturdays 10am - 1pm. Ph. 0411 719 074 for enquiries
We will convene again on the frst Friday in February 2023. Any enquiries to John Ritchie, President/Secretary, Fart North Coast Branch, 0437509618.”
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
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
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 Lions club now meets each 4th Wed at the RSM.
Mon, Tues, Wed, attendance limited to 50 members, 8am1.30pm. Contact 66626423 DH or casmenshed@live.com. au
The Casino Day CWA would like to thank everybody for their wonderful support through out what has been a very trying year for many; and wish you all a very Happy and relaxed Christmas and all the best for 2023! The winners of our Christmas Raffe were –1st prize Vicky Bennett 2nd Mrs M Mills, Phil Tuxford and fourth Mark Grace. Our next meeting will be Thursday 16th February 2023. Everyone is welcome. Enquires Margaret Good 66621746, Jennifer Baker 043892060.
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.
If you would be interested in volunteering your time to help with meals on wheels give the offce a call on 66621217.
MONDAY D.Clarke & D.Allen J. & J. Whittaker TUESDAY D. Coleman K.Evans & K.Rowse
WEDNESDAY L.Douglas K.Bratti & own help THURSDAY M.Goodlad & own help
FRIDAY L. Dorrington & S.Forrester P.Plunkett & Own help
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 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.
LINE DANCING CLASSES Beginners are welcome –Casino, every week Weds 5pm. All interested phone Lorraine 0418264489. Line Dance Intermediate Classes only- Every Monday night
LION’S CLUB CASINO Lion’s Club meeting is held on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday each month at Casino RSM Club from 6.30pm for a 7.00pm start.
Secretary: Denise Green 0448014682 Email: deniseg.vip@outlook.com
LISMORE CASINO NAVAL ASSOCIATION
Meets bi-monthly at Casino RSM, new members welcome. For more information phone Chris 66293269 or Jim 0427400625.
THE 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 CWA BRANCH meets every third Tuesday for lunch at noon. New members welcome. More info Roz 0427825560
The Evans River RSL Day Club meets each Monday in the Remembrance Room at Club Evans RSL Evans Head from 10am until 2pm Cost $10 includes Morning Tea and Lunch. We have several vacancies for volunteers and members, anyone who is feeling in need of some company are welcome to attend. Come along and join in the fun. Contact Merilyn on 0401493316 for more details.
Meet every Tuesday 9am12noon in the Recreation Hall (opposite the Kiosk). We invite you to join us for a relaxing morning of crafting, friendship and sharing ideas. Beginners are very welcome. Finishing UFO’s, Embroidery, Gold Work, Hexagons, Xmas Items & Group Projects are just some of the crafts done.
Our frst meeting for 2023 is on 7th February @ 9am.
BACK TO THE GOOD OLD DAYS OF THE EVANS HEAD CONCERT
FREE Family Concert: Come along and enjoy music from the PAST: 50’s, 60’s & Country Music. This is a family concert for all to enjoy, like what people enjoyed many years ago at Evans Head.
We have got some great entertainers that everyone will enjoy.
This event will be held upstairs in the main auditorium at the Evans Head RSL Club.
Starting at 5PM on the 29th of December
For more information contact: Max 66628387 or 0418647882
CASINO RICHMOND COUNTRY MUSIC CLUB
TABLE TENNIS AT GOONELLABAH
Tuesday and Thursday mornings social playing: 9am-12noon; Monday and Wednesday nights social
playing: 7-9pm; Training Monday mornings: 9am12noon; Junior coaching after school Wednesday 3.30pm-4.45pm, $6 a session. Everybody is welcome – all levels. Phone centre on 66251602. Mon-Thurs 9.00am-1.00pm or visit website www.fnctabletennis. com.au
THE PROBUS CLUB of Goonellabah meets on the 3rd Thursday of each month at the Workers Sports Club in Oliver Ave. All welcome. Goonellabah Probus is solely a social club. We have a guest speaker each month and go for outings throughout the year. Meetings on Thursday commence at 10am and fnish at midday. For further information, please contact Gloria Francis on 02 6629 1442.
Next meeting won’t be until Thursday 2nd February at the Joan Muir Centre in Turf St. 10am as per usual.
Wishing all our members, their friends and families a Very Merry Christmas. We hope it brings people together and is followed by a Happy and Peaceful New Year.
Jane Rhodes on behalf of the Committee 0438 593032 graftondistrictgardenclub@ gmail.com
The last meeting of Grafton CWA for the year was held on Friday, 9th December. We have been in touch with our twinning branch at Emerald Hill to see how they have been affected by recent foodssurrounding areas have been hit with a number of foods, affecting cotton crops. The CWA of NSW Disaster Relief fund will be assessing how best to distribute additional food relief in the coming days and weeks. Branch members donated money to the food appeal at our Christmas lunch which followed the meeting. Also at our meeting, we heard an update from Lesley about the spread of Varroa Mite and she also reported on the Christmas tree industry and how they are doing it tough this year due to the heavy and constant rainfall. Narelle thanked members for all their cooking this year and is planning to run organised cooking demonstrations next
year, on the second Monday of the month.
Lyn gave us information about the Archibald exhibition which is coming to Grafton Regional Gallery, and we hope to organise a visit and morning tea in January. She also showed us the Galah magazine, which had in it an article by locally born author Bridie Jabour, titled “Grafton’s Derry Queen”. Ruth gave a handicraft report, thanking members and letting us know about next year’s Branch entry. We heard an interesting report from Wendy about Christmas in Latvia, our country of study.
It sounds very festive, with their traditional Christmas dinner held on 24th December and comprising of at least 9 different dishes. Latvia also claims to be the home of the frst Christmas tree.
We would like to thank anyone who has supported us in 2022 and wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Perhaps it’s time to fnd out what it’s all about! If you would like to improve your communication and leadership skills. Make new friends and have fun, you are warmly invited to attend the Mighty Clarence Toastmasters Club. We meet on the 1st & 3rd Wednesday evening of each month. You may attend either from the comfort of your own home via zoom or join us in person at the Joan Muir Community Centre: 194 Turf Street, Grafton. For more information please contact: Vice President on email Jan Coleman janetlcoleman@ gmail.com or Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ graftontoastmasters
“Seniors December meeting: recently held, attendance 37, apologies 4. Guest speaker: Chris Sparks, spoke on his life, initially in Britain, then Australia where he met & married wife, became a fying padre, & a coach driver. Now retired, but still does casual work. Sick: best wishes, Tom Cashel. Deceased: sister of Max Lawson. New member: welcome Sondra Ible. Correspondence: In, contact details, Jessica Stamper, advice from Westlawn Investments, thanks from Kay & Max Lawson; Out, get well, sympathy cards, welcome letter new member, info Westlawn Finance. Bus Trips: Bellingen, 24Feb,
on sale, more needed. Murwillumbah area 24Mar,8day tour Narrabri area,12 Aug, on sale at Feb meeting. Certifcate of year: presented to Gloria Watters. Competition winners: K. Martin; B. Hall; N. De Amyand; J. Ireland; J. Cavanagh; B. Cavanagh; D. Bailey; G. Watters. Activities: fnish l6 December; most resume week commencing 16 Jan.2023. Annual fees: due February. No meeting in January. AGM: l4March,2023. Next meeting: 10.30am, 14 February,20z3, Guest speaker, Ian Tiley, Mayor. Enquiries: Sandra, 66427720; or 0417 464 946.”
Every Friday at the Uniting Church, Prince Street Join us for gentle exercises designed for Seniors We meet at 10.30 a.m. for a cuppa and a chat with the exercises commencing at 11. All equipment is provided and there is no cost to the participants
Further information can be obtained from Joan or Brian on 6644 7347 or 0416 067 315, or from Dot on 66423248 or 0477 213 017
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!
CLARENCE RIVER HISTORICAL SOCIETY
“Schaeffer House Museum at 190 Fitzroy Street, Grafton will close from December 18 to January 10, 2023. We will open with a great display of vintage clothes in 2023. Thank you to all the volunteers who working in the Research Room, House and Gardens. Caring for Grafton & South Grafton’s Heritage in so many ways for the beneft of us all. Best wishes for Christmas and a Happy New Year to all! Our contact number for special openings is 6642 5212”. Should you wish to discuss this matter further please do not hesitate to contact me
on either (02) 66425212 or 0406397404.
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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 CWA Handy Craft Mornings on Mondays 9.30am-12noon in the community centre at Lennox Head. Call Jan on 66816150.
The Lennox Head Day VIEW Club meets on the frst Monday of each month at the Lennox Head Community Centre with the meeting starting at 11am and includes an interesting speaker and concludes with a light lunch. An informal Coffee and Chat meeting is held on the third Monday of the month. The Club sponsors three students through The Smith Family Learning for Life scholarship program that provides educational items for disadvantaged Australian children. New members and guests are most warmly welcomed, and enquiries may be made to Enid 047187511 or Dawn 0466717435.
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.
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.
Meets 9.30 for 10 at Club Lennox, 10 Stewart Street, on the frst Thursday of each month. Visitors are welcome, also retired or semi-retired people wishing to join our non-service club to hear interesting guest speakers and to join in trips and outings are invited along. Phone Jan 66876859.
Lismore Base Hospital
Auxiliary members would like to thank the community for supporting our Made from the Heart Craft Market at Lismore Workers Sports Club Goonellabah
We raised $7,457.45 from the 2 day market.
The raffe was drawn at Lismore Square on the 10th December and we made $2,610.00.
The 1st Prize of $500.00 was won by J Martin Corndale 2nd Prize $100.00 was won by
Paul from North Lismore.
All money we raise goes towards buying equipment that is on the Lismore Base Hospitals Wishlist.
A big thank you to our Artisans who had stalls and to the Lismore Workers Sports Club for their support.
Thank You
Secretary Lismore Base Hospital Auxiliary Rhonda Powell
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 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 non-proft organisation. Everybody is welcome: men, women & people with a disability of all ages. We encourage social inclusion. Our aim is to promote the mental, physical & emotional well-being of people in our community.
Shed Activities Members work on their own projects Mentoring is available General woodworking Welding & light engineering Repair & restoration of items for the public Constructing projects, of items for the public Constructing projects for preschools, hospitals & other organisations
Assembling fatpack
Minor maintenance work for the elderly & disabled Working with the disabled Talking with other members or simply having company Memberships: $40-year Attendance Fee: $3 tea/coffee Location: 15 Industry Drive East Lismore
LISMORE 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 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, 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.
ROTARY CLUB OF SUMMERLAND SUNRISE
Interested in contributing to community? Local and international?
The Rotary Club of Summerland Sunrise meets every Friday at 7.05am for Breakfast at Options Cafe, Main St. Alstonville until further notice. Join us at Options please. Phone 0435 990 919 for more details.
Sprung!! is a registered charity and a not-for-proft community organisation that offers Dance, Theatre & Movement workshops and training to people with disabilities. We are currently looking for volunteers to assist our organisation in a number of ways including supporting our Tutors and Disability Support Workers; transcribing; catering; professional skills; technical support
and backstage support. Our workshops and performances run in Lismore, Mullumbimby, Tintenbar and Lennox Head expanding to Ballina and the Tweed. Any interested volunteers can reach us here and for general information please contact us on info@ sprung.org.au
Meetings of the club are normally held on the second Sunday of each month at 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/
Monthly meetings the 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
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.
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 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.
Every Thursday morning 9.30am to 11.30am. Pottsville Community Hall, $5 per session includes morning tea. No joining fees. For enquiries, please call Jan 0431909760.
Poets and writers on the Tweed meet every Tuesday at the South Tweed Sports Club 1.30-3.30pm. Beginners welcome. Phone 0755248035.
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.
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 Garden Club meets every second Monday of the month. December is awards and presentations. Our next meeting is Monday 9th January 2023. Meetings Venue: Tweed Heads Civic Centre Auditorium next to Library, Brett Street, Tweed Heads. Guest Speaker January - Tropical Fruit World “Growing Tropical Fruit” • We offer raffes, lucky door prize, presidents award, trading tables, cuttings
table, members prize draw, Benching of plants and fowers and foral art both novice and senior. 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.
See you there, bring a mug. Gwen: 0468 872 199, (leave a message please).
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.
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.
The Northern Rivers Community Foundation (NRFC) is inviting Northern Rivers women to play an active role in empowering vulnerable women and girls in our region. The newly formed NRFC’s Women’s Giving Circle brings Northern Rivers women together to achieve equality and human rights for women and girls in our region and enable them to realise their full potential. Visit the Women’s Giving Circle nrcf. org.au/womens-giving-circle/ on the NRFC website for more information and to join the Women’s Giving Circle.
murbahcommunitygardens@ gmail.com - follow us on Facebook
#MurwillumbahCommunity Garden
The NORTHERN RIVERS HASH HOUSE HARRIERS is a non-proft community group that is part of a worldwide organisation. The Hash House Harriers meet every Monday at 6pm for a run/walk from various locations around Lismore, Alstonville and Ballina. The run/walk lasts for approximately an hour, followed by friendship, banter and grub.
We are very friendly and welcome new members. For more details email: nrhhh@ freelists.org.
There will be a New Year’s Eve Family Dance at Dyraaba Hall.
Starting at 8PM TIL LATE. Music will be provided by UNDER COVER BAND FUN FOR ALL THE FAMILY: KIDS- Under the Limbo, Lolly Throw & Cake Toss.
: ADULTS- Raffes, Rum Toss & Dancing B.Y.O Drinks & Nibblies ENTRY- $20 Adults, $10 16-17years, 15 and under Free For Info: Phone Veronica on 66671101
PLEASE COME ALONG & SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY HALL
Covering Wollongbar to Ocean Shores. Meets 2nd Friday of each month at Summerland Farm, Wardell Road, Alstonville. General catch up & chat with the opportunity to join in a casual Q&A session with Rebecca, our Parkinson’s nurse. She will be there to answer any questions that you may have about anything to do with living with Parkinson’s or supporting or caring for a loved one. Maybe you want to know about symptoms, medication, treatments or services etc.
Rebecca is there to support us and help you manage your disease so that you live your best life. All those living with Parkinson’s Disease or those supporting them are most welcome.
Please RSVP Cheryl 0428286753.
Northern Rivers District:
Partly cloudy. Slight (20%) chance of a shower along the coastal fringe. Winds south to southwesterly 15 to 20 km/h turning southeasterly 15 to 25 km/h during the morning then becoming light during the evening. Thursday. Partly cloudy. Light winds becoming northeasterly 15 to 25 km/h during the afternoon then becoming light during the evening.
Northern Tablelands District:
Mostly sunny. Winds east to southeasterly 15 to 20 km/h becoming light during the morning then becoming east to southeasterly 15 to 20 km/h during the afternoon.
Thursday. Partly cloudy. The chance of morning fog in the south. Slight (20%) chance of a shower in the south in the afternoon and evening. Winds east to northeasterly 15 to 20 km/h
A possible shower in the east, more likely along the northern coast. A few showers and storms developing over the far west during the day. Some storms may become severe in the far west during the afternoon or evening. Fine and mostly sunny about the ranges and western slopes. Morning fog possible in the east. Daytime temperatures below average, tending near average across the southern inland. South to southeasterly winds along the coast turning northeasterly in the afternoon. East to northeasterly winds in the west. Thursday. Showers and storms across the far west, spreading to central and southeastern parts during the day. Partly cloudy in the northeast. Morning fog possible in the east. Temperatures below average across the inland, tending near average in the east. Northeast to northwesterly winds,
freshening near the coast in the afternoon, ahead of a late southwesterly change in the far west.
Byron Coast: Winds: Southerly 15 to 20 knots turning east to southeasterly 10 to 15 knots during the afternoon. Seas: 1.5 to 2 metres, decreasing to 1 to 1.5 metres during the morning. Swell: Southerly 1.5 to 2.5 metres. Weather: Partly cloudy.
Coffs Coast:
Winds: Southerly 15 to 20 knots turning east to southeasterly 10 to 15 knots during the afternoon. Seas: 1 to 2 metres, decreasing to 1 metre during the morning. Swell: Southerly 1.5 to 2.5 metres. Weather: Partly cloudy.
Gold Coast Waters: Winds: South to southeasterly 15 to 20 knots turning easterly 10 to 15 knots during the evening. Seas: 1 to 1.5 metres. Swell: Southeasterly 1.5 to 2 metres, decreasing to 1.5 metres during the evening. Weather: Cloud clearing.
Low:2:03am0.2m High:9:06am1.8m Low:3:42pm0.2m High:9:20pm1.1m
Low:2:51am0.2m High:9:57am1.9m Low:4:34pm0.2m High:10:15pm1.1m
Low:3:41am0.2m High:10:47am1.9m Low:5:27pm0.2m High:11:09pm1.1m
Low:4:33am0.2m High:11:38am1.9m Low:6:20pm0.2m
president Lee Taylor has plenty of reasons to make sure drivers know just how much distance they must allow when they pass a bicycle on the road.
As a regular bike rider, Ms Taylor is well aware of the 1m below 60kmh and 1.5m above that distance cars must allow bicycles when they pass.
But experience tells her that it is a road rule a lot of drivers don’t know,
or just ignore.
“I’m out riding at least four days a week,” she said. “And nearly every time I will have cars almost on top of me when they go past.”
Ms Taylor has gathered up the stats that show her experience is widespread among cyclists.
“From 2005 to 2021 173 bicycle riders were killed and 29,442 were seriously injured on NSW roads,” she said.
“Bicycle riders represent about 2.7% of NSW road deaths and 17% of serious injuries.
She said the Minimum Passing Distance road rule said drivers must give bicycle riders at least 1m of space
when passing when the speed limit is 60kmh or less and at at least 1.5m when the speed limit is more than 60kmh.
It was something her Rotary club was not prepared to let slip.
The club partnered with a Grafton youth garage project Changing Lanes, Changing Lives to come up with an interactive bicycle display called One Meter Matters, which they hope will help improve driver behaviour.
“The intention of this interactive display is to educate motorists and bicycle riders what the minimum distances are,” Ms Taylor said.
“Bicycle riders have the same rights and responsibilities as motorists and
(far left) Omar Dutton, Andrew & Sarah Monaghan and Connections (left) omar dutton sarah monghan 2nd swish jedda cutlack 3rd pan’s rose malcolm ross
we both need to look out for each other’s safety.
“I am hopeful this initiative will make a real difference in road safety in our local community.”
It has passed the politician test with Clarence MP Chris Gulaptis directing $4900 from the NSW Government Community Road Safety Fund to the project.
He said the funding from the Community Road Safety program directly supports practical grassroots road safety solutions in the local community.
“Grafton Midday Rotary Club has collaborated with local youth leaders behind the ‘Changing Lanes Changing Lives’ initiative to come up with an interactive bicycle safety display to educate road users on the minimum passing distance rule,” Mr Gulaptis said.
“They propose to deliver a series of displays and presentations on the laws of the minimum passing distance rule at the popular monthly local car meet in Grafton.”
He was delighted with the intergenerational nature of the collaboration.
“Changing Lanes Changing Lives is a youth-driven community garage project in Grafton that uses cars as a vehicle to engage and mentor young people, and the Rotary Club support them at their meets by cooking a barbecue,” he said.
name of his group.
“It’s simple,” he said. “You have to change lanes to overtake a cyclist.
“Even if it’s a double yellow line, you can cross to avoid a cyclist, as long as the oncoming lane is clear.
“That’s something a lot of people don’t know and we will make clear in our program.”
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said 11 local community groups in regional NSW received a share in $158,250 to help fund their proposed road safety initiatives.
“Every death on our roads is one too many, it’s more than a statistic. In the bush it is someone’s family member, it’s our friends, it’s someone from our community,” Mr Farraway said.
“The impacts of a fatality ripples through our communities. Everyone has a role to play in road safety and we’re backing in the not-for-proft groups in the regions to spread the message and support initiatives that make a difference to driver behaviour in their community.
“Locals are in the best position to understand local road safety issues and we want to work with them to help us reach our goal of zero trauma on our roads.”
More information about the program and a list of grant recipients can be found at: http://roadsafety. transport.nsw.gov.au/aboutthecentre/ communitygrants/
BALLINA MAHJONG
“Local people understand local problems and I think it’s terrifc to see the local Rotary Club brainstorm community safety initiatives with young people and unite to come up with interactive tools such as this to improve driver behaviour.”
Changing Lanes, Changing Lives co-ordinator Zac Masters said the answer to the problem was in the
Clarence Valley cricketers head to their Christmas dinners with the CRCA Premier League table looking more competitive than it did a month ago.
Competition leaders GDSC Easts collapsed against Brothers at Ellem Oval on Saturday losing by 31 runs while Tucabia routed Souths/Westlawn by 64 runs at Lower Fisher.
The result put Tucabia and Brothers on 28 points, chasing Easts on 37 leaving Souths/ Westlawn languishing on 19 points.
Brothers middle order batter Jamie Firth rescued his side with a dazzling innings of 77 after Easts had ripped out the top order.
Firth pummelled eight fours and a six as he score more than half his team’s total of 9/152 and dominated the two partnerships that took his team out of danger.
Sean Walters, 11, held up an end in a ffth wicket partnership that too the score from 4/44 to 98. Guy Shipman, 17, joined Firth and together they added another 43 runs to get the score into competitive territory.
Easts skipper Shannon Connor, 3/20 and fellow opening bowler Riley Wondergem, 4/28 created havoc, but Easts support bowlers were punished, conceding 69 runs from 14
overs in the middle of the innings.
Easts looked to have made a mockery of the 153-run chase with Connor and opening partner Chris Chamberlain treating the Brothers opening attack with disdain in a 44-run opening stand.
and picked up three wickets to fnish with 3/32.
And left-arm spinner Luke Shipman did some great work taking key wickets in the middle of the innings to snare 3/23.
At Lower Fisher Park Tucabia all-rounder Andy Ellis top scored with 29 and more
Cleaver was on song, taking 4/20 from his eight overs.
In reply South was scoring at seven an over with open Anthony Dickson 18 and Cleaver 34 going strong. But the introduction of the left-arm spin of Ellis put a stop to it.
By Tim Howard
Brothers have been the improving team in the competition.
Bowled out for 31 on the opening day of the competition, they have bounced back with some stunning batting from players of the calibre of Mick Summers, Jaimie Firth and Jake Kroehnert scoring big runs.
Souths have struggled to get its best team on the paddock, with key players having work commitments that stop them playing regularly.
On strength and on song, they’re a hard to team to beat.
So far they have not performed consistently, despite some good scores from opening bat Anthony Dickson and skipper Cleaver.
Things didn’t improve for Brothers when Chris Brophy joined Chamberlain in another enterprising stand, broken when fourth change bowler Guy Shipman bowled Chamberlain for 23 with the score on 83.
But from then on it became a procession with no other Easts batter reaching double fgures.
Opening bowler Dylan Lucas came back for a second spell
importantly snaffed six wickets to lead his team to victory over Souths/Westlawn.
While no batter topped 30, most reached double fgures as Tucabia scored 170 on a wicket that gave the bowlers some help.
Skipper Brad Chard was next best with 19 and Jay Yardy got 18.
Souths new ball attack was blunted, but skipper Dylan
He bowled Cleaver and the Souths innings proceeded to fall apart.
Ellis claimed six wickets, four bowled, two lbw, to send Souths/Westlawn crashing from 3/74 to 106 all out.
Wet weather has disrupted the season, albeit unevenly. Easts were able to win games in rounds where the other game was washed out.
Tucabia has also had its troubles getting its best team on the feld, although it has the luxury of being able to drag some well-performed veterans like Chris Adamson and Bob McKenzie out of retirement to fll in.
