The Northern Rivers Times Edition 128

Community organisations rally together to share the Christmas spirit

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.

Council reseals 14 roads across Mullum – and more to come

Council 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.