The Perrottet Government has declared Byron Shire Council’s proposed policy to create a 90-day annual cap on non-hosted Short Term Rental Accommodation in the Byron Shire null and void, on the very eve Council was due to vote on the controversial new policy.
Three years of diffcult work by Byron local government now appears in vain as Independent Planning Commission NSW takes over, commencing its own review into Byron Shire Council’s proposed and unprecedented 90-day annual cap (down from 180-days) on non-hosted STRA, reporting back to NSW Planning Minister Anthony Roberts for a determination.
The State Government’s reclaiming authority on Byron’s STRA controls is a slap in the face for Council and its effort to counter the Shire’s rising housing affordability and homelessness crises.
The IRP will start by reviewing alreadyexisting public submissions – and vast ranging views – on the proposed and highly controversial cap.
“In light of the 1,500 pieces of feedback received by the Council on the proposal through formal submissions, an online survey and a petition, and the potentially signifcant economic impacts such a change could have on local businesses, the Government has asked the IPC to not only advise on the proposal
but also whether the Government should allow the proposed changes to go forward,” Marcus Ray, Deputy Secretary NSW Department of Planning and Environment said.
The IPC Panel “will help inform the future of short-term rental accommodation (STRA) in Byron Shire” after exploring:
• The status of housing and rental affordability and availability in the LGA, and recommendations to improve them;
• The economic contribution of the STRA industry and any potential implications of the proposal; and
• Whether it recommends the proposal should be fnalised, with or without any amendments, or whether any further information may be required to make a decision.
The State Government’s IRP intervention is a particular blow to Byron Mayor Cr Michael Lyon, who’s long campaigned for the proposed 90-day annual cap on nonhosted STRA in his shire.
“The 90-day cap was expected to arrest the trend of long-term lets turning into short-term lets and make the overall investment equation less attractive,” Michael Lyon, Byron Shire Mayor, previously told The Northern Rivers Times.
“I am surprised and disappointed because we have been working towards this for several years, and our proposal to cap areas for STRA
to 90 days in parts of the Byron Shire is a modest one, seeking balance, in the best interests of our community,” he said.
Meanwhile, months of ‘talk’ about Byron’s potential cap on holidayletting may already have started having the desired effect with 104 permanent rentals listed for long-term lease in ‘Byron Bay Greater Region’ last weekend alone (source: realestate. com.au)
Cr Michael Lyon hopes the IPC’s review will eventually fnd in favour
of Council’s position to limit the number of days/ nights local housing stock can dedicate to Short Term or holiday letting.
For Byron Shire’s huge Accommodation and Services sector, the State’s eleventh-hour reprieve is a godsend (and masterstroke by powerful industry lobbyists, both domestically and internationally.)
Byron Deserves Bettera coalition of ratepayers, private accommodation providers and business
owners born from the issue – had described the 90-night annual cap on most STRAs in the Shire as ‘sounding the death knell’ on the lucrative industry, with annual occupancy rates set to plummet 75% with an ensuing $267m hit to the local economy.
“The business community IS the community of Byron Shire. It’s vital we stand up and protect the future of the community and call out this deeply fawed, short-sighted policy,” Sarah Workman,
spokesperson for Byron Deserves Better has said.
As part of the review process, the IPC will host a public hearing to allow the community and industry to express their views about the proposal.
“This will guarantee independent consideration of such an important proposal,” Marcus Ray, Deputy Secretary NSW Department of Planning and Environment said.
“We acknowledge this may disappoint Council, but non-hosted STRA in Byron Shire is a complex and contentious matter. There’s been conficting advice to date on what impact this proposal would have on tourism in the region and whether it would have a positive impact on the long-term rental market.
“Given the potential impacts on the local economy, it’s critical all opportunities to improve housing and rental affordability and availability have been explored, and the Government receives independent advice to determine whether the proposal should proceed or not,” he added.
The date of the IPC public hearing –presumably to be held in Byron Shire - is yet to be announced.
For more information visit www.ipcn.nsw.gov. au/projects/2022/12/ byron-shire-short-termrental-pp
Throughout the fres and foods that Richmond Valley has experienced, one group of people has been constant, helping farmers rebuild their fences each time they get damaged by a natural disaster.
The team of BlazeAid has been working in the local area since the fres of 2019/2020.
Now they have been asked by Richmond Valley Council to move on.
“We are looking for somewhere else to go as Council has told us that three years is enough to get work done with the farmers,” said BlazeAid volunteer Cindy Lusted.
Cindy and her husband Wayne are retirees from Tasmania who have brought their caravan and wanted to do some good in the area.
“My brother and his partner are here as well,” she said.
“We have around nine people at the moment, but are expecting around 15 people straight after Christmas.”
The team has been helping about 249 residents in the Richmond Valley and
still has 169 that need help.
“Out of 397 farmers registered, many had to reregister for the second or third time after each
The NSW Government has announced the creation of a local planning panel for Lismore. The panel will be made up of independent experts and community representatives to determine contentious and complex development applications and provide advice on other planning matters.
The panel has been created to speed up and improve the predictability of land and housing planning processes to support food-recovery efforts.
Lismore City Council is calling for Expressions of Interest (EOI) from Lismore residents who would be interested in joining the planning panel.
Community representatives are not expected to be experts in planning matters but bring local knowledge and experience to the decision-making process.
The Lismore Planning Panel will include four members:
• a ministerappointed chair with expertise in law or government and public administration
• two independent
experts appointed by Lismore City Council (from a minister-endorsed pool of candidates)
• a community representative appointed by Lismore City Council to ensure local insights and knowledge are considered as part of the panel’s decision-making.
Lismore Council is seeking to appoint a minimum of four (4) community representatives to a pool that can be utilised as needed. Councillors, property developers and real estate agents are ineligible to be panel members. The selection criteria for community representatives are that they:
• are current residents within the LGA
• have an understanding of the LGA and issues of concern to the local community
• have the capacity to form independent views and to contribute constructively to the determination of applications
• are able to demonstrate a basic level of understanding of the
planning system, (i.e. knowledge of the council’s local environmental plan, development control plan, local strategic planning statement or community strategic plan)
• are committed to following the Code of Conduct for Local Planning Panel Members and the Local Planning Panels Operational Procedures; and attending local planning panel meetings and completing panel business in required timeframes.
The statutory requirements for members and details of remuneration can be found at https://www. planning.nsw.gov.au/ Assess-and-Regulate/ Development-Assessment/ Local-Planning-Panels/ Statutory-rules
The Lismore Planning Panel will commence its functions as soon as practicable after 13 February 2023. Expressions of Interest are open until Tuesday, 31 January 2023. To express an interest, go to https://yoursay.lismore. nsw.gov.au/eoi-lismoreplanning-panel
food and more foods continuing.
“Some farmers cannot afford fencing or materials as their whole life has either been burnt
was still a lot of work to be done.
“Farmers are upset that we are leaving,” she said.
“We are going to have to ring the 169 people to tell them we can’t do their fences.
“It doesn’t cost the council for us to be there, most of us have our vans. We just need toilets and showers.”
A post on Richmond Valley Council’s Facebook page was full of gratitude for the work the BlazeAid volunteers had done over the past three years.
“Richmond Valley Council will take the opportunity to write to the charity’s founder Kevin Butler to thank him and his many volunteers for their support of the community over the past three years,” said the post.
“Council has hosted BlazeAid since late
“With the Richmond Valley community moving to its next phase of recovery, which is towards a business-asusual approach, this will enable the BlazeAid volunteers to move to other parts of NSW in need of assistance following recent food events.”
BlazeAid volunteers will need to vacate their Rappville base by January 22, but Cindy believes there is still around three month’s worth of work to be done.
“We do need three more months and many more volunteers to help with this task,” she said.
“We will now need a new venue to continue and complete our work.
“If anyone has suggestions or contact on someone who is willing to host us, please get in touch.”
“Farmers are upset that we are leaving”
THE Nationals in the NSW Government are ploughing on with their half-baked plan to close Murwillumbah’s four public schools, merging them into an American-styled mega school campus. A halfbaked plan that will do nothing to advance the educational outcomes for local students.
This is despite widespread community concern and outright opposition.
Tweed Shire Council on 5 December 2022 formally objected to the proposed Murwillumbah Education Campus -- State Signifcant Development (SSD16848913) due to ‘remaining concerns’ about ‘a number of unresolved matters’.
Council then wrote to NSW Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell MLC, inviting her again to meet with community representatives, Parents & Citizens, students and families affected by the NSW Government’s decision to move ahead with the Murwillumbah Campus and closing the four public schools in Murwillumbah.
A move that I fully support.
Since the meeting I arranged with the Minister at Murwillumbah High, at which we were promised to be sent the ‘educational benefts’, we have not received even one word.
Because there is no
educational beneft. We all know that.
We all know that it is a cost cutting exercise and that the Murwillumbah community will not gain educational benefts, will not get the Performing Arts Centre promised, will lose space for students, will lose country school identities, will have traffc and bus mayhem, and to top it off, will lose 20 teachers and four administrative staff.
Given Council’s formal objection on outstanding matters and the widespread and continued community opposition to the mega campus, the NSW Government
should withdraw its development application before the start of the 2023 academic year.
If elected at the March 25 State Election, a Minns Labor Government will kill off the Nationals in Government’s half-baked plan and instead will keep open Murwillumbah High School, Wollumbin High School, Murwillumbah East Public School and Murwillumbah Public School.
We will consult these school communities on much-needed infrastructure upgrades to these schools, and continue with the upgrades underway. This
election commitment was made by NSW Shadow Minister for Education Prue Car and myself at a community meeting in Murwillumbah on 16 November 2021, and was reaffrmed by NSW Labor Leader Chris Minns when he met with stakeholders at a public education forum in Murwillumbah in late September.
A little over two years ago, former Deputy Premier and Nationals leader John Barilaro (now not on the scene) and his colleagues rode into town to announce his half-baked thought bubble of closing four schools without any prior consultation and now they are left cleaning up the chaos.
I shall fght to save our schools.
MY lobbying for extra funding to fx pothole-riddled local and regional roads across the Lismore Electorate in the wake of this year’s foods has paid off but the problem deserves more attention going into 2023.
I’ve been raising the pothole issue with the NSW Government before and since the foods, and I welcome the $50-million Fixing Local Roads Pothole Repair Round as a win from that sustained, strategic advocacy.
It’s a start but what would really help our local councils is if The Nationals in Government honoured their 2019
election promise to transfer 15,000 kilometres of regional roads from local councils to State ownership.
The Nationals have shown no sense of urgency in delivering this key election commitment.
NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway MLC even had the audacity to claim that it’s not a burning issue for councils.
Tell that to local people whose tyres and suspensions are being wrecked on deteriorating country roads or to mayors and general managers trying to keep up with their road maintenance backlogs.
From last month (December 2022), 94 regional councils are receiving their share of the Fixing Local Roads Pothole Repair Round.
The grant allocations included:
• Lismore City Council -- $422,000.
• Kyogle Council -- $415,000.
• Tweed Shire Council – $428,000.
• Tenterfeld Shire Council -$579,000.
Energy plan essential
PARLIAMENT was recalled for one more sitting day (Wednesday, 21 December), throwing my diary into a new level of chaos, so I again apologise for missing some end-of-year engagements.
Both Houses sat to pass the Energy and Utilities Administration
Amendment Bill 2022, essential for households and businesses here in the Northern Rivers and Northern Tablelands regions.
In the Legislative Assembly, there were only two speakers –NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet and NSW Opposition Leader Chris Minns, who said: NSW Labor supports the bill. We join the Premier in supporting the Albanese Federal Government’s energy plan, which will deliver price relief to families and businesses. We support a bipartisan and Federation-wide response to the energy crisis gripping our State and the entire country. We support the Premier’s decision to recall the Parliament to deal with this legislation as a matter of urgency. Intervention in the energy market is desperately needed for families whose ambitions and budgets have been shattered by unsustainable energy price rises. It is needed for thousands of businesses whose energy input costs are sending them to the wall. It is needed by hundreds of thousands of employees whose businesses and jobs will be at risk if the bill does not pass.
HAPPY NEW YEAR: State Member for Lismore Janelle Saffn is approaching 2023 with complete optimism and wishes readers of The Northern Rivers Times all the best for the year ahead.
And there you have it. When I wasn’t looking, 2022 slunk out of the way and when I realised it was past 12am, there was 2023, all bright and shiny ready to take us into the new year.
We had stayed with friends, as is our tradition, and while having some great conversation, drinks and dessert, the old year had slipped away.
I am yet to fnd someone who can say 2022 was a great year for them, but then I haven’t left the area too often, so I get it when there is no one in my community who isn’t happy to see its tail end, welcoming in 2023.
We are now in a different year to the
food, although we are still within a year of the food.
But we are fckle and if 2023 doesn’t give us the relief of a normal or sedate year this time, we will turn on it as well.
A new year provides promise, hope for better things.
Just before Christmas we had our new vanity installed although my ftbit has been working overtime as the upstairs toilet had to be ripped out and we are constantly traipsing up and down the stairs to the loo in the laundry downstairs.
One other little step that’s happened is I managed to super glue our street numbers to our new letter box.
Now, most handy people will think that’s
no big deal, but for me who had no idea what a Phillips head screwdriver is, it is.
The achievement is that the numbers are still holding and can now replace the ones I placed on the mudencrusted door panel with bandaids, an interim measure so delivery people and builders knew where to come.
The numbers are symbolic too. They let the world know this is our place. Yes, it got soaked something horrible, but it is still here and we ain’t leaving.
Wishing everyone a happy new year and may it be a positive move forward for all of us. Little steps.
As Council prepares to take a break over the Christmas period, we take stock of the year that was so dominated by the flood of February 2022 – the biggest flood in the Tweed’s recorded history which devastated much of the region.
The destruction and damage to the Tweed’s infrastructure, services, businesses and individuals caused widespread angst and distress and the financial cost amounts to many millions of dollars.
Getting the Tweed up and running again has been a focus for Council and the many organisations involved in recovery efforts. Actions have ranged from temporary fixes, to full reconstruction of damaged infrastructure and supporting those in the community still impacted by the flood.
Restoration of infrastructure and services
Restoration works commenced in March and will continue through 2023 and well into 2024.
Supporting the Tweed’s recovery by reconnecting communities and restoring infrastructure and assets has been a priority for Council.
The challenge has been not just to restore infrastructure but where feasible, incorporate greater resilience.
Mayor of Tweed Shire Chris Cherry said it was essential Council works with other agencies and organisations to prepare for, mitigate and build resilience to both natural disasters and climate change.
“Being able to provide the community with reliable essential services and infrastructure is a key part of Council’s strategic plan,” Cr Cherry said.
“The total damage bill from the floods of February and March for Council has been revised up and is now estimated at more than $110 million.”
Cr Cherry said she was extremely proud of the Tweed community and the unity shown in times of disaster.
“I’m always really
impressed by the incredible spirit of the Tweed community and the efforts undertaken to help others in their time of need and this was no exception,” she said.
“We still have a lot of work to do in this rebuilding phase, but I would like to applaud the efforts of our community and our Council staff in being able to achieve so much this year.
“Our efforts now will help us plan better to make sure we are ready for any future events given the anticipated impact of climate change.”
A large portion of the cost has been damage to the road network, including 10 significant landslips which have caused major disruptions to the community.
Restoring the road network has been a complicated and lengthy process with an estimated road damage bill of more than $90 million.
To date, a total of 3,780 road damages have been identified which is more than double that following the 2017 exCyclone Debbie floods and does not include minor repairs such as potholes.
As at the end of November, Council has spent more than $39 million on flood restoration works. The bulk of this expenditure is in road repairs including:
• Council has completed 100% of the Emergency Works – 730
• Council has completed 76% of Immediate Reconstruction Work
– 1601 out of 2104 locations
• Council has repaired 36,242 potholes. The flood recovery has included a massive clean-up operation, removing flood debris and commercial and residential items destroyed or damaged in the floods.
The cost of the waste collection and disposal was $4.1million.
• This involved clearing 26,000 tonnes of flood waste including household goods (equivalent to an additional 2/3 of the annual waste volume the community usually produces)
• Among this waste was 1,440 tonnes of asbestos
• An estimated 75,000 tonnes of mud debris were also collected and removed (including setting up a temporary waste processing facility with approvals from the Environmental Protection Authority).
Some 90 Council buildings were damaged in the floods along with damage to items such as water and sewerage, flood mitigation and waterway assets.
The estimated cost to restore these facilities is in the order of $20 million. To date more than $2.15 million worth of repairs have been carried out including:
• Repairs to community assets and parks - $850,000
• Council depot repairs - $600,000
• Water and wastewater repairs$700,000
• Flood
mitigation assets$300,000.
The disaster didn’t just place huge cost on Council, the community was also hit hard by the 2022 floods. More than 2,100 homes were damaged and of those, 500 were deemed no longer habitable and an estimated 1,600 people required temporary accommodation.
An extensive support network was established to provide support to those impacted by the floods.
In addition to this, Council also provided $250,000 in support for recovery services.
During this time, Council launched the Mayoral Flood Appeal which raised $80,230 which was distributed to various organisations including the Murwillumbah Community Centre, local SES units, the Northern Rivers Community Foundation, the Family Centre and to isolated Tweed communities for communications equipment.
The demand for support services at the Murwillumbah Community Centre (MCC), which was damaged by floodwaters, increased dramatically. Forced to relocate to Council-provided facilities at the Coolamon Centre, the MCC team was kept busy, particularly in the early months after the floods.
The number of people accessing MCC support services from March to June 2022:
• emergency relief increased 15.4 times compared to those seeking assistance in 2021, with 924 people (# occasion of services) seeking support for themselves and their families
• general information, advice, and welfare support increased by 268% with a total of 1,928 people assisted
• financial counselling tripled with a total of 59 people serviced since March.
The Chinderah Donation Hub was established in March to assist flood-impacted residents, especially those living in caravan parks in the local area.
Since March, the Hub has assisted more than 3,500 people through to December.
With the support of the Australian Red Cross, the floods also saw the establishment of 19 Community Resilience Teams (CRT) in the
Tweed, covering 43 at-risk communities. The Pottsville CRT topped the count in terms of assistance, dealing with approximately 6,000 people since the flood.
Council also invited businesses to submit self-assessments of the impact of the floods in March. From those assessments, it was estimated the cost to the local economy was, at the time, around $58 million but since then, that figure is estimated to be much higher.
In the wake of these devastating floods, the Tweed community has shown great resolve and compassion for each other, coming together to recover and rebuild.
To follow what Council and these amazing organisations within our community have been doing in terms of flood recovery, visit tweed.nsw.gov.au/floodrecovery-update.
The Black Sorrows comes down to one person, Joe Camilleri frontman and the brains behind the band. Recently awarded “living legend” status by Rolling Stone, Joe’s career spans an astonishing 50+ years. As a singer, songwriter, saxophonist and producer Joe Camilleri is considered one of the most genuinely talented figures in Australian music still at the top of his game.
Songs such as Hold On To Me, Harley and Rose, Chained To The Wheel, Never Let Me Go and the Chosen Ones have become radio staples. As leader of two of Australia’s most successful bands, Jo Jo Zep and The Falcons and The Black Sorrows, Joe’s music has become part of Australian music culture. Joe was inducted into the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) Hall of Fame in 2007. Camilleri launched The Black Sorrows, a loose band of like-
minded musicians, in 1984 following the demise of his seminal band Jo Jo Zep and The Falcons the year before. From humble beginnings playing inner-city cafes around Melbourne and selling albums from the boot of a car, Camilleri transformed The Black Sorrows into one of the most sophisticated ensembles in the country. The Black Sorrows have won the ARIA for Best Band, played sell-out shows across Europe and sold more than two million albums worldwide.
Joe Camelliri and The Black Sorrow are coming to Maclean Bowling Club for a night of sensational music on Thursday, 12th January 8pm. The Black Sorrows bring their high-energy live show full of infectious, roots rhythms to you! Expect to discover some new favourites and enjoy some classic Sorrows’ hits. Tickets available at the Club or www.trybooking.com/CESAF.
A massive fire in the Grafton CBD has destroyed a building with links to the automotive trade stretching back nearly a century.
The fire, in the old Ford motor dealership between Victoria and Fitzroy streets, began just before 4pm on December 28.
The site was occupied on the Victoria St side by a towing and vehicle recovery business, Broomy’s Towing & Recovery and on the Fitzroy St side by church-based support organisation, Grafton Australian Community Care Inc.
NSW Fire and Rescue Grafton station captain Garry Reardon said the fire had spread through both businesses which occupied the same building.
But he said firefighters had been able to stop the fire spreading to a section of the towing business where are number of cars and other vehicles were stored.
“There might be some heat damage, but none of the vehicles caught fire,” Mr Reardon said.
The owner of Broomy’s Towing & Recovery, operating from the Victoria St side, was in the building when he first noticed the fire.
“I had just finished doing a service on the truck, when I noticed smoke pouring into the building,” Mr Broomhall said.
“I thought something was seriously wrong, so I backed the truck out of the building and phoned the fire brigade.
“In that time the fire and smoke got so bad I couldn’t get back in to save anything else.”
He said a number of vehicles stored on site had been damaged, but were recoverable.
Mr Broomhall said the building had been destroyed in the fire but he was still operating his business.
“The truck is OK and we’re working towards finding a new location for the business,” he said.
“People have been saying on Facebook and such we’re shut down, but that’s not right.
“We’re still operating 24/7, but it has been hard.”
from the Fitzroy St side.
Mr Reardon said the fire had taken hold by the time his fire truck, Grafton 306, arrived at the fire scene at 4.09pm.
He said a huge plume
Police and a number of ambulances were also involved.
damaged and it looked like several sections had collapsed.
there were underground fuel tanks on the site might still contain flammable residue.
Police set up a safety perimeter and advised onlookers to move when wind changes blew smoke from the fire their way.
The site has been used by automotive trades since at least the 1920s.
Originally called City Motor Garage and Engineering it had frontage onto Prince St where the current Toast Cafe operates.
In following decades the front of the building moved to Victoria St and it acquired its current footprint in the late 1940s when an aircraft hangar from the airbase at Koolkhan was moved to the site to house the work shed.
It operated as Greenaway Ford from the 1960s into the 80s and became Boyd Boland Ford in the 1980s until the early 90s when it became Mid City Ford and finally Mighty River Ford shortly before its closure around 2009-10.
Mr Reardon said firefighters were aware the building’s long term use as an automotive repair site would mean the presence of flammable and toxic substances.
He said firefighters
By 6pm he felt the fire had been contained, but firefighters continued to pour jets of water into the building.
Former employees of businesses operating from the building, who worked nearby or came
While it operated as a Ford dealership it was also the headquarters of the Grafton NRMA Road service.
Since the closure of the Ford dealership the site has been split and leased to the two businesses.
Police refused to
Mr Broomhall along with other business owners in the vicinity said there had been a group of people “squatting” behind his business.
“There were kids just before the fire, I could hear them. They got out before the fire took hold,” he said.
The manager of ACCN operation, Alison Tomlinson, refused to comment at the time of the fire and further calls to number listed for the service have not been answered.
But Mr Broomhall said the community support operation, which provides low-cost food, furniture and other items to people in need, had been operating as usual
of toxic, black smoke was pouring from the building.
That vehicle was joined soon after by the station’s Hazmat vehicle and soon after by South Grafton Fire and Rescue trucks and at least three Rural Fire Service Brigades.
“We had some manpower issues, so it was great those other brigades arrived,” he said.
“They were the reason we were able stop the fire extending into other buildings.”
He said NSW Fire and Rescue vehicles from Grafton, South Grafton, Maclean, Yamba, Coffs Harbour, Woolgoolga and Lismore attended, in addition to RFS trucks.
used breathing equipment when fighting the blaze and police set up a safety zone to keep the public well away from the seat of the fire.
He said the building had been extensively
to watch, were concerned the site was a fire hazard.
One said generations of workers had used a pit on the site to dispose of sump oil, spoiled fuel and other chemicals.
They also had concerns
comment on the cause of the fire and have yet to issue a statement about it.
Forensic investigators from the police and insurance companies have gone over the site.
The Rotary Club of Summerland Sunrise and the Virtue family along with the Lismore Regional Uniting Church partnered to refresh the Bexhill Open Air Cathedral. The Bexhill Open Air Cathedral sits on a steep hill called Inspiration Point outside the village of Bexhill and offers beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. It was established by long term Bexhill identity, Grant Virtue, as a place for quiet contemplation, weddings and Easter and Christmas Services.
Grant passed away in September 2020, aged 93. Over the years, the
glorious view across the Corndale Flats had become obscured by the growth of camphor trees and lantana. The beautiful sandstone path into the chapel had become dull and the log pews and arch needed repainting.
Rotary Club of Summerland Sunrise member, Kris McAnelly asked whether the Club could help restore the Bexhill Open Air Cathedral to its former glory. The Rotary Club of Summerland Sunrise answered the call with part funding and with help from Barry Perry from the Lismore Regional
Uniting Church, who have governance of the site, and with contributions from the Virtue family, the excess vegetation was removed by a contractor and the log pews and arch painted and the beautiful sandstone path cleaned by Club members. (President Chris Mortimer, Kris McAnelly, Rhonda Mathers, Helen George, Jenny Moore, Chris Mortimer, and Nerida Duffcy’s husband John) Come and visit the Bexhill Open Air Cathedral and enjoy the beautiful views and the opportunity for quiet contemplation.
Bangalow Film Festival’s 2023 program is its finest yet!
With special event screenings, art, music, family fun and more Time to get the popcorn ready for the third annual Bangalow Film Festival! Taking over Bangalow from the 12 - 21 January, you can immerse yourself in a huge line up award-winning feature films, critically acclaimed documentaries, cult classics, live music, art exhibitions, family friendly fun, food, drinks - there is truly something for everyone!
Catch Australian premieres of Wade In The Water, All The Beauty and the Bloodshed, Living
Wine and Descending The Mountain along with a special 30th anniversary 4K screening of beloved Australian classic Strictly Ballroom.
Explore the cinematic selection of NSW premieres Ride The Wave, Rodeo, The Hidden Life of Trees, You Can Go Now, No Dogs or Italians Allowed and regional premieres
The Mushroom Speaks, Fashion Reimagined, Sweet As, Broker and Last Film Show.
See the world premiere of local documentary The Last Violin accompanied by a special concert. Immerse yourself in the David Bowie documentary Moonage Daydream and
embrace your inner Ziggy Stardust for this unique dress-up screening. Meet the directors of AGE OF RAGE - The Australian Punk Revolution and Blaze, along with a live performance after 6 Festivals from singer songwriter Yasmin Honeychurch, one of the film’s stars.
The little ones are set for some holiday fun with the 30th anniversary screening of the enchanting FernGully: The Last Rainforest and a brand new exclusive AV concert from Bunny Racket.
Festivalgoers can immerse themselves in more than films with commissioned art exhibitions and industry talks complementing the program. Ticketholders and visitors alike are encouraged to meet up with friends and enjoy the best local food and beverages at the festival hub prior to each screening.
Tickets on sale now from www. bangalowfilmfestival. com.au
Splash into GSAC this Sunday for the first of its Summer Sunday Sessions. With the Lismore Memorial Baths still damaged after the February natural disaster, Lismore City Council has extended the GSAC pool’s opening hours to include Sundays.
Lismore City Council General Manager John Walker
said Council is pleased to open the GSAC pool on Sundays.
“Having a pool that operates Saturday and Sunday through summer is important for the community. We recognised this and put plans in place to extend the hours of GSAC while the Lismore Memorial Baths is out of action” he said.
The pool will be
opening on Sunday’s from 10am-2pm starting this Sunday, 18 December. With the following Sunday being Christmas Day, the Sunday sessions will pick back up from Sunday, 1 January and run until Sunday, 19 February.
For more information on opening hours, facilities and programs call GSAC on 6625 5370.
Following the success of the Beyond Venice dance parties in 2016 and 2017 hosted by the Lismore Friendship Festival, that paid homage to the annual Venetian carnevale festivities, the masquerade dance party is ready to go again on Saturday, February 18, 2023, at the elegant new entertainment venue at Lismore SCU deck and lounge. Guests are invited to dress up, wear dazzling masks and take to the dance floor for a night of traditional Italian
A profoundly Italian spin of a good time will be in play and is dependent on everyone participating to the full. It is our time to party! There are prizes to be won for those individuals and groups who take the time to prepare elaborate costumes and dance the night away till midnight. Doors open at 6.00 p.m. for the Italian flavours in food, music, and atmosphere. Guests are invited to purchase tickets at $75 per person. Tables of 10 will be decorated
old, locals and visitors. The 2023 activities promise to continue the excitement and free family fun at the Lismore Turf Club.
The Beyond Venice 2023 evening of mystery and mayhem will be a fundraiser for the Friendship Festival’s LisAmore! festivities. Both events are working to attract locals and visitors to an array of indoor/ outdoor entertainments showcasing the talents of local creative practitioners in the city.
toe-tapping dance moves led by popular Brisbane entertainer Domenico and the Latin Mafia Band.
and laden with familiar Italian dinner taste sensations in a 3-course meal.
Beyond Venice (2023) serves as a bonus for those attending 2023 LisAmore! on Sunday, June 18. This outstanding event (formerly Piazza in the Park) attracted thousands of people to celebrate the city’s long-standing friendship relationship with the northern Italian city of Conegliano and Lismore. The unique respect for the cultural heritage of the district was expressed through food, wine, dancing, games for young and
After a testing year in 2022 – let’s reach out to one another with pizzaz and renewed partnerships
Enjoy great Italian flavours in food, music, and atmosphere at the 2023 Beyond Venice Masquerade Dance Party.
Put both dates in your 2023 diaries for what promises to be two great experiences bringing exciting community celebrations with an Italian twist!
Beyond Venice –Saturday, February 18 – 6 – midnight
LisAmore! – Sunday, June 18 – 10 a.m.- 3p.m
Work on the Tweed section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail is in the fnal months of construction, with the exciting new attraction set to open to the public in March next year (pending any unplanned weather events or interruptions).
As part of the preparation for rail trail operations, Council will call for expressions of interest for the Rail Trail Partner Program in mid-January 2023. Adjoining landowners and local businesses who want to be part of the region’s newest must-do experience –for both visitors and residents – should start to consider the commercial opportunities the rail trail will bring.
Project Manager Iain Lonsdale said excitement was building as the opening date approaches.
“We are very pleased to confrm the Tweed section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail will be open to the public from March 2023, as long as the weather stays kind to us,” Mr Lonsdale said.
“Our contractors at Hazell Bros are working hard to ensure the track and associated facilities are ready to go for March, with works commencing around the Murwillumbah Railway Station in recent weeks.
“And our team is working with the project partners to confrm plans for an offcial opening and community celebration event – so stay tuned for more details on that.”
facility, but we urge people to wait just a few more months so we can complete the project.”
Meanwhile, from mid-January 2023 Council will call for expressions of interest
partner with the rail trail and stay tuned for the EOI announcement in mid-January 2023.
“In mid-January, we will call for expressions of interest to hear from a wide range of
• Explore (education and recreation)
• Enjoy (entertainment and events).
“From 2023 we want to hear from our business community to explore the options to make the rail trail a great experience. The opportunities are there for cafes and coffee, ice cream and gelato, gourmet hampers and picnics, bike hire, shuttle services, educational, recreation and cultural tours and so much more,” Ms Stodart said.
“This will also include opportunities to register interest for limited commercial space at the Murwillumbah Railway Station as the main trailhead and visitor welcome at the town entry.”
Eventually, the new shared user path will connect the Tweed with Byron Shire, Lismore and Casino. To be delivered in 4 stages, the 132 km trail is expected to draw thousands of visitors each year to explore and discover the natural beauty and history of the Northern Rivers.
Lismore City Council has secured funding for the 16.3 km South Lismore to Bentley section and work is underway to secure funds for the 15.5 km between Eltham and South Lismore. The 13.4 km stretch between Casino and Bentley in the Richmond Valley is also fully funded with construction progressing and due to open in 2023.
However, Mr Lonsdale urged people to stay off the rail trail until March, regardless of how some parts of the facility may appear to be completed.
“The rail trail continues to be a construction site until it is offcially handed over to Council by our contractors and with that comes the potential for safety compromise,” Mr Lonsdale said.
“We know the rail trail looks incredible in some areas and people are keen to use the
for the Rail Trail Partner Program where adjoining landowners and businesses interested in commercial partnerships in the exciting new venture can make the most of the economic benefts of the rail trail.
Council’s Manager Destination, Communication and Customer Experience Tiffany Stodart encouraged adjoining landowners and local business to turn their minds to commercial opportunities available to
operators and their ideas to make the rail trail a must-do experience and to have quality guest experiences,” Ms Stodart said.
Council and its tourism partner the Tweed Tourism Company will be calling for operators interested in commercial partnerships to offer guest experiences in:
• Taste (food and beverage)
• Stay (accommodation)
• Move (travel and transport options)
A new and comprehensive rail trail website will also launch in early 2023 and provide a wide range of information and experiences. The new site will replace the existing page at northernriversrailtrail. com.au.
The Tweed section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail will provide a 24 km shared recreation and nature trail where people can walk, ride and explore at their own pace.
Funding for the Tweed section was provided by the Australian Government under its Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Package Fund, and the NSW Government under its Restart NSW fund.
To stay informed, subscribe to the rail trail’s news and follow Northern Rivers Rail Trail on Facebook and Instagram. For enquiries regarding the operations of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail call 02 6673 0404 or email hello@ northernriversrailtrail. com.au.
Welcome to, and all good wishes for 2023. I’m pondering what adventures the days ahead will bring to my feline life? (It’s ‘Leemo Cat’ back!) Should I make RESOLUTIONS?
Hmmm, NUP, I don’t think I will because in fact, I’m truly a fawless cat, always considerate, helping ‘Mum Jane’ and behaving in a most becoming manner.
EEEEK…I hear Mum calling me in what I can only describe as her semi crabby voice. I concluded some things will obviously remain the same in 2023. ‘Leemo, I wish to speak with you about something, so please come in here pronto.’
I did a smooth slink into our lounge room like a graceful panther, sat most neatly & attentively, and waited with bated breath.
‘OK Leems, I’ve been keeping a record of the amount of fur & stuff I remove from our Robot Vacuum, and, guess what? YOU account for 87.2% of it, so what do you have to say for yourself? (What the hell am I to say pray tell? I’m a CAT!! I didn’t dare mention that some of this fur might have come from her head or chin. No way jose..I’m not foolish!)
Mind you, I mused to myself that Mum’s mind must be slightly off-kilter if she feels a need to talk tommyrot such as the contents of our Robovac. Ye Gods!
There must be more beguiling thoughts in her dim witted old brain?
Let me think, perhaps I
can help out by diverting her mind elsewhere.
Hmmm. ‘OK Mum, I’ll try very hard not to shed fur around our house any more. I’ll go outside and rub my whole body against the rough bark of our jacaranda tree every day to make excess fur fall off, kinda like elephants do!’(and my vast store of knowledge reveals that people in Africa make elephant hair bracelets from the hair that falls from an elephant’s tail. CRIKEY, we could make CAT FUR bracelets Mum!!)
And there I sat, awaiting a pat, a brush, perhaps even a treat in acknowledgement of my brilliant plan, but nup, didn’t happen. I ventured to ask if she was thankful for my idea but realised I should have stayed silent.
‘Leemo, that is the most asinine thing I have ever heard you suggest. Pray tell me, WHO might you think is going to be constantly chauffeuring you to the vet to treat gouges on your skin from the jacaranda? Pay the Vet bills? Get you to accept medicine? Well.. out with it.’ Crikey, I hadn’t really considered any of the horrifc outcomes that might well result due to my ‘fur culling tree rubbing’ Hmmm, ponder. I do believe it is time to cut to the chase on this most ridiculous topic.
“Mum, my adored and venerable one, I would like, without prejudice, to call a truce? (She blinked & gave me her vacant stare glare, so I went on.) “I” ‘Leemo’, will personally take charge of emptying our Robovac for you, counting the furs and double checking all our foors to confrm no wayward fur has been left behind. Secondly, I promise I won’t rub against the jacaranda tree, OK? AND THIRDLY, Mum my dearest, why don’t you go have a Bex powder and a nice lie-down whilst I prepare you a soothing cup of tea and some fruit cake.. off you go now, shoooo!
CRIKEY, and to-day is only January 1st of the new year. What in hell might the rest of the year bring? With cautious purrsies, Leemo.
Five key local organisations will be a step closer to turning their great ideas into reality thanks to a total of nearly $41 million from the Nationals in Government’s Regional NSW – Business Case and Strategy Development Fund, Clarence Nationals MP Chris Gulaptis has announced.
“The hardest part of getting a project off the ground is often fnding money for feasibility studies and business cases,” Mr Gulaptis said.
“That is why we are stepping in with these
signifcant grants.”
The successful recipients are:
• Northern Cooperative Meat Company - $659,999 for a feasibility study for the Casino Biohub.
• Richmond Valley Council - $88,216 for a business case for the Casino Sewage Treatment Plant.
• Mudyala Aboriginal Corporation: $112,500 for a business case for a Yaegl Cultural & Youth Multipurpose Hub.
• Grafton Ngerrie Local Aboriginal Land Council - $171,875 for a business case for re-purposing
part of former Grafton Correctional Centre.
• Destination North Coast - $124,375 for a business case to evaluate the feasibility of development of a Great North Coast Trail.
Acting Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole who was in Casino on Monday, said the regions are bursting with people full of ideas with the potential to create jobs, boost economies, and attract investment.
“This is about helping make business cases stand out and be more competitive, it will help
break down project costs, outline how projects will beneft the community and identify any challenges that need to be met,” the Acting Premier said.
The Regional NSW – Business Case and Strategy Development Fund is part of the $3.3 billion Nationals in NSW Government’s Regional Growth Fund and will help create a pipeline of investmentready projects for future funding opportunities.
For further information, go to www.nsw.gov.au/ BusinessCaseFund
The conservation of heritage on the Coffs Coast will be boosted with a $25,000 Local Government Heritage Grant.
Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh said City of Coffs Harbour will be supported to deliver its project which will include a small heritage grant program and a heritage advisor service.
“This will give our community the opportunity to celebrate and conserve the rich heritage of the Coffs Coast,” Mr Singh said.
“I’m excited to see the impact of this funding and to see further recognition, value and care for heritage in the area.
“It’s fantastic to see our region receive this
grant funding and ensure our local heritage is preserved for future generations.”
The project will be rolled out and delivered to the local community from
mid-2023.
Minister for Heritage James Griffn said 86 councils across NSW are receiving funding through the Local Government Heritage
Grant category, which is part of a larger $5 million NSW Heritage Grants program.
“These grants are all about helping local councils identify, protect and celebrate the meaningful stories and places that enrich their communities,” Mr Griffn said. “Each of the 86 successful councils are being given $25,000 to deliver projects in their area, whether it be for running a heritage grants program, funding a heritage advisor, promoting heritage in their area, or training staff and the community.
“This is the 44th year of the NSW Heritage Grants program, which has helped deliver hundreds of fantastic heritage renewal projects around the State.”
“Leemo has views on just about anything”
‘Mum, let’s make some CAT FUR BRACELETS’
The Ballina Indoor Sports Centre (BISC) is pleased to announce another fun sport for players to enjoy. Table Tennis has arrived at the Ballina Indoor Sports Centre (BISC) just in time for Christmas.
The community is invited to join a Table Tennis session on Tuesday mornings from 8.30am to 12noon and Thursday afternoons from 12noon to 6pm throughout the school holidays. Casual play at the BISC is $6 per person.
“We are always looking for ways to engage the community in sport and attract them to the centre.
Table Tennis is a game the whole family can play and most people are familiar with. The four new table tennis tables
will now give families another fun activity to enjoy for casual play at the BISC.”
“We are introducing Table Tennis initially over two days and will adjust sessions depending on feedback and demand for the game. We are hoping to see people of all ages come in for a hit. Children of primary school age must be accompanied by an adult as a condition of entry.” said Roberta O’Brien, Coordinator Community Facilities. In school holidays, the BISC is open 8.30am to 6pm Monday to Friday and 10am to 2pm Saturday and Sunday. For further information, visit www. communityspaces.com. au or phone 02 6681 0599.
The Clyde Campbell solar carpark is now officially open and ready to provide some muchneeded shade for those shopping in the CBD this summer.
Lismore City Council General Manager John Walker said the completion of the solar carpark is a step in the right direction for Council.
“This project demonstrates Council’s
forward-thinking approach to building a more sustainable future. The addition of an EV charging station along with more shaded parking in the CBD will be a great asset to the city,” he said.
The project features a roof structure with a 99.9kW solar PV system that will provide shade to 32 public carparks, two accessible carparks, four motorcycle parks and two
electric vehicle charging spaces in the Clyde Campbell Carpark.
The electric vehicle charging stations will be commissioned by the contractor on Friday morning, 23 December. It is anticipated that they will be ready to charge from Friday afternoon.
Charging will cost 40 cents per kilowatt-hour and use the Chargefox system for payment. For more information on the
Chargefox system go to www.chargefox.com.
The solar carpark project was funded through a $1 million grant provided by the Federal Government’s Drought Communities Program to 52 NSW councils to complete infrastructure and other drought-relief projects. $650,000 of this grant was allocated to the solar carpark.
letters@nrtimes.com.au
Please keep under 300 words
you must include address and phone number
This material from the originating organization/author(s) may be of a point-in-time nature, edited for clarity, style and length.
The views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s).
The Northern Rivers Times, management and staff will not be responsible for comments made by the author. Defamatory comments will not be published and the author will be banned and blocked from sending further letters. Letters over 300 words will not be published.
The Northern Rivers Times, staff and management would like to apologies for the letter from Luke O’Neill of December 22, 2022, Edition 128 titled Brittany Higgins Saga.
Lukes opinions are in no way the expressions and opinions of The NR Times, nor its staff and management.
We apologies for publishing this letter as it had been scrapped but due to print and editing errors, it was published by mistake.
The Northern Rivers Times does not engage in these types of comments and prefers to have a ‘sit on the fence’ opinion. We do apologies and will not in anyway be involved in misogynistic comments and or misogynist persons.
Ed NRTimesCould any of your N R Times readers please advise who the local organisation or person is (with phone number/website ) that investigates excessive electricity charges please?
Was interviewed on local ABC Radio during our Morning Programme some months ago.
It would be appreciated if you could please leave message 0428-370-558.
J. Riley LawrenceI watched the Sydney New Years Eve fireworks display last night. I couldn’t help but think how obscene it is that councils across Australia should spend billions of dollars on fireworks. This money should be spent on homeless families and those struggling to make ends meet in these difficult times.
L. Clarke BallinaAs I was beginning to relax into the festive season after a tough year at work and acceptance of a Socialist federal government, my blood pressure was severely raised as I read Mr Duncan’s latest contribution to the NRT with his over to top allout attack on Sky News. As usual his emotive vile language destroyed any resemblance of a balanced article.
Terms such as “rightist drongos”, “overrated boofheads” “nonsensical righty crap” are totally unnecessary if you wish the readers to take your letters seriously. I would have thought with the socialist wins in the Federal and Victorian elections he may have mellowed – how wrong I was. He remains as irrational and nonsensical as ever.
By the way, the Labor “increased thumping majority” saw a drop in Labor’s first preference
vote from 42.8% in 2018 to 37% in 2022 in the lower house and in the Upper house Labor’s percentage dropped from 39% in 2018 to 33% in 2022 and seats from 18 to 15. I would be quite concerned if I was a labor operative about this trend for 2026 election.
As a conservative voter I admit the Liberal/ National results were extremely poor. Based on the results of the Federal, WA, Qld and Victorian recent elections the LNP need to promote and support key differentiators from the socialists, eg nuclear energy, opposition to the race based “the voice”, abolishing of “net zero” for a start. Trying to out-green the Greens is not a winning policy. The conservatives only need to get a combined 51% of the population to vote for conservative candidates. If the Libs raise their primary vote from mid 30s to over 40 they will succeed. Trying to convince the other 49% to vote for them by moving to the left is fraught with failure as has been proven in the recent elections.
Keith mentioned “wokeism”, “the left” and “the great reset” as though he does not understand these terms. For his information a few examples of “wokeism” are: changing Australian Day, taking the knee, citing the welcome to country at every event, cancel culture, transgender studies at school, tearing down the traditional Christian family, Essendon Footy Club, Israel Folau, total belief in the ideology of net zero, I believe you, critical race theory, pride jerseys, gender pluralism, virtue signalling, the Oscars, Harry and Meghan, BLM, ABC, identity politics, Higgins compensation, the Voice to parliament just to name a few.
Regarding the “Great Reset”, we all should be aware of what is
happening. Klaus Schwab is a German economist and engineer who founded the World Economic Forum. In summary this group of extremely rich elites promote a big world Marxist government, with personal surveillance and sacrifice to totally control our lives – their catch cry is “you will own nothing, but you will be happy”. Very concerning concepts, but through stealth it is gaining momentum. Even our King is a supporter.
In regard to “the left”, Keith you are further left than the socialist alternatives, the ABC is far left and I am centre right. Anyway, have a great New Year and I look forward to a more tolerant attitude in the 2023.
Joff Johnson CumbalumI am standing at the cash register of Woolies Supermarket in Casino watching the grocery bill mount up on Christmas Eve.
There is a good-looking elder lady behind me struggling with about ½ dozen boxes of Ferrero Rocher Chockies waiting her turn. My concentration is diverted towards the chocolates.
Out comes the cash for my bill and having studied a bit of body language I knew she would be up for some cheek, so I turned to the Cashier and said, ‘I’m going home with her…look at what she is buying…wow…’
My friend Delma, the chockie lady and the cashier, all laughs.
I get out into the plaza, and I am grabbed from behind.
A jab on my left side shoulder and a fast getaway to the right.
A box of Ferrero Rocher lands in my shopping trolley and a lady runs off laughing.
Hey what a woman….. Maybe we’ll meet at the register again….
There are some very nice people out there with a great sense of humour.
Ian of Urbenville
Serial contributors L. O’Neill and G. MacDonald have once again plumbed new depths (NRT 21/12).
In the first instance, L. O’Neill’s slant on the B. Higgins drama was so off-putting that the Taliban may well be the only group on the planet that would endorse his point of view.
On the other hand, science defying G. MacDonald now considers those who oppose his strange views as leftards - which could be abridged to L-tards. This infers naturally that MacDonald must be a rightard which could be abridged to R-tard which is only one vowel away from the bleeding obviousuncalled for language can have unintended consequences.
Ted Strong SeelandsI was dismayed that Labor was returned to power in Victoria on 26/11/22, but who brainwashed people into voting for a tyrannical leader like Dan Andrews?
Sure, I heard things like union officials had conducted meetings with construction workers telling them that if
they didn’t vote Labor they would lose their jobs, and other things like scrutineers finding ballots boxes already opened before they arrived and the ballots placed in bundles of 50s, some of which looked like they had never been folded.
Commentators on the Sky news channel say the reason people are voting Labor is because the Coalition hasn’t had any good conservative leaders and are no different to Labor and the Greens with policies like climate change, which is true.
Others say a mass psychosis has happened, but I think the reason is found in a book called ‘The Art of War’ which tells how to overtake a nation without bloodshed. First you demoralize the schools and unis by introducing things like evolution that teaches there is no Creator/God. This takes about 15-20 years then these students get jobs in public service and start to teach others its ok to do things differently which destabilizes society. Then you create a crisis like using the corona virus to instill fear and if some people protest you bring in the police or military to normalize everything to show that the govt is still in control, so people think the govt is keeping them safe and keep voting for them.
Lynette Evans NUMULGIA 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
The author Graeme Greene once wove into a novel of his called The Quiet American, one of the most sublime character profiles in all of literature. Of the young lover of the story’s main protagonist, he says: “She was like peace, you only ever noticed her when she wasn’t there.”
In a sense, peace is a quality, albeit a blessing that we so often take for granted, relegate, or sacrifice even, to the forces of boredom and the quasi-monotony of congenial routine. But as Greene implied, once you’re in the presence of its opposite – conflict, you start realising all the things you wish were still bolstering you in the form of an ever-constant calm.
As such, unfathomably, two billion people (out of a total global population of 8 billion) currently live in conflict affected areas. Or in other words, they go to bed each night not knowing whether they’ll wake up the next day alive or with their surrounds intact. That there are at least 27 live conflicts raging in the world right now, is cause for shame, not just for our elected leaders, but for each of us that go about our business as if everyone enjoyed the same liberties and freedoms as we do.
Ridiculously, conflict (or ‘war’, which is the most disgraceful one syllable word we have in any language) drives 80% of humanitarian needs, the cost of which annually hovers around the $14 trillion mark.
Which is an amount that could apparently eradicate world hunger –42 times over!
The Nobel Prizewinning author and lifelong advocate for nonviolence, Herman Hesse once said, “Yes, there is
such a thing as peace, but there is no peace that dwells in us eternally and never leaves us. There is only a peace that must be won time and time again by unceasing struggle, that must be won each day anew.”
That something so simple should be so seemingly impossible for us humans to attain: a world defined by peace, albeit a state in which we don’t just all get along, but deeply appreciate others no matter how different they are to ourselves.
An overarching acknowledgement that is backed by interpersonal behaviour which reiterates the notion that we are all equal and deserving of lives that are free of repression and conflict of every kind.
Nothing encapsulates the lunacy or inexplicability of conflict and war than the ‘innocent’ cartoon of Bill Watterson’s in which a puzzled little boy looks to his father and simply says: “Daddy, how do soldiers killing each other solve the world’s problems?”
Which is a very valid question, and one that has yet to be remotely answered, let alone resolved by any generation in human history. Relatedly, John Steinbeck perhaps stamped himself every bit the sage when he once said, “All war is a symptom of man’s failure as a thinking animal.”
That noted, we still have time enough to correct the seeming inevitability of having ‘Died due to a lack of thought’ stamped on our headstone. As the greatest advocate for peace, Mahatma Gandhi well foresaw and knew, “The day the power of love overrules the love of power, the world will know peace.”
experience in charming Bangalow in Northern New South Wales.
MIRA is the brainchild of accomplished FrenchAustralian chef Pamela Maudy who grew up on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast before spending most of her adult life in her original country of birth - France. After moving back at age
21,
2019, she met
now husband Geoffrey Antonino in the south of France. Since then, they have worked alongside each other across three continents, recently settling in Australia’s Northern Rivers to start a new venture.
Through MIRA, they create curated culinary experiences including private dining, events,
January.
Maudy says: “Our ethos is to prioritise quality, working with organic and artisanal local suppliers and respecting seasonality. The Northern Rivers is such a beautiful part of the world, and we are spoiled when it comes to local produce to work
with. For me, food is art and I believe in quality without pretence, in challenging the norms to surprise people, and in stimulating creativity through food.”
For their debut event on January 7th, they will take over Bangalow’s WOODS cafe and present a creative fve-course tasting menu centred around produce from the land and sea, set in a candlelit patio. Pamela and Geoffrey look forward to introducing their work to the Northern Rivers through this frst offering. Tickets are limited and must be booked in advance.
When: Saturday 7th of January (First seating at 6pm, second at 8pm) Where: WOODS, 10 Station Street, Bangalow, NSW 2479
Northern Rivers residents displaced by this year’s fooding can continue their recovery journey in a new modular home, with the Kingscliff temporary housing site now operational.
Minister for Flood Recovery Steph Cooke said the site’s 31 self-contained units can accommodate up to 96 people.
“Each self-contained unit has been purpose built and ftted out with a kitchen, laundry, bathroom and household appliances including air conditioning and TVs,”
“The units range between one, two and three bedrooms to suit different household sizes.
“2022 has been a long, challenging year for locals who were forced from their homes by the most destructive natural disaster the Northern Rivers region has ever experienced, and medium-term housing like this is essential to helping people recover.
“This site at Elrond Drive gives residents a roof over their heads while they continue their recovery journey and we
expect it will be used for approximately two years.”
Executive Director of the NSW Reconstruction Authority, Dominic Lane, said the site has been handed over to community housing provider North Coast Community Housing to allocate units to residents and manage day-to-day village operations.
“This site is a home away from home and helps keep communities together while people rebuild their lives. The temporary village also has access to outdoor
barbecue facilities, landscaped gardens and green space,” Mr Lane said.
Seven temporary housing sites at Coraki, Evans Head, Kingscliff, Lismore, Pottsville, Wardell and Wollongbar are now operational. Construction is in the fnal stages on sites at Ballina, Brunswick Heads, Evans Head and Mullumbimby.
Once all 11 sites are completed, a total of 546 units will accommodate more than 1,800 people.
NSW lakes, rivers and dams have received record amounts of water this year and NSW Minister for Water Kevin Anderson is warning holiday makers to please show caution when swimming and boating on our waterways.
“The holiday period is traditionally a time for people to get out and about and enjoy NSW waterways, but it is important that they are able to do so safely,” Mr Anderson said.
“The NSW Government wants people to be able to enjoy our waterways, whether it be for fishing or water sports, but we need to be mindful of changes to conditions and other safety risks. It is important that people check local conditions, safety warnings that may be posted, and the WaterNSW website.”
Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience and Minister for Flood Recovery Steph Cooke said people should take extra care around waterways this holiday season.
waterways used as recreational areas may feature unknown hazards such as:
• Changes in dam storage height, concealing underwater snags and creating unfamiliar conditions
• Increased risk for blue-green algae due to nutrients carried into storages by floodwaters
• Flood debris collected in dam storages, floating on the surface and submerged
• Riverbanks eroding and collapsing,
• Unstable shoreline trees prone to collapsing
• Changes in depth due to creation or disappearance of sand bars due to flood activity
“Many dams are likely to be experiencing widespread flood debris and changes to water depth,” Mr Anderson said.
Come and see our amazing collection when you’re on holidays in the New England Area
Specialising in Antique, Estate, Art Deco and Reproduction Jewellery Peberdy House, 182 Rouse Street (New England Highway)
Phone: 02 6736 1213 Fax: 02 6736 4545 Mobile 0429 727 075
“After the flooding we’ve experienced this year there could be more hazards in and around our waterways, so please listen to advice from the agencies and our volunteers to make sure you and your loved ones have a fun but safe day,” Ms Cooke said.
Large supply dams and downstream waterways have experienced record torrents of floodwaters across an extraordinary 6-12 months which saw almost all of regional NSW experience some degree of inundation. As a result our popular dams and
“Along the riverbanks and foreshores there will be the risk of bank collapse and with it, the risk of trees falling as a result of being undermined by weeks of fast-flowing floodwaters.
“Another potential hazard is the prevalence of blue-green algae, the growth of which is spurred on by the nutrients carried into our dam storages by the floodwaters.
“People should take the time to check the WaterNSW website to confirm that their preferred site has re-opened to the public, the status of any bluegreen algae in the area and any other warnings in place.”
THE Northern Rivers Livestock Exchange (NRLX) will be seeking expressions of interest from agencies looking to provide services at the state-of-the-art facility following decisions made at Council’s 20 December meeting.
NRLX Operations Manager Brad Willis is pleased Council last night endorsed the 2022 NRLX Business Plan, which aims to position the NRLX as a financially sustainable, modern livestock exchange and a leader in best practice saleyard operations.
The expressions of interest (EOI) process will be for a three-year Agent Licence Agreement, which sets the scope of requirements for livestock agencies seeking to operate from the facility.
Mr Willis said the EOI allowed for an impartial, open, and competitive process aimed at refining the businesses which have the benefit of utilising community assets for commercial and financial benefit.
He said it was critical Council ensured a competitive marketplace was provided as the community was compelled to utilise the services of an incumbent agent when they chose to sell through NRLX.
“Expressions of interest for agents’ licences will ensure Richmond Valley ratepayers can have confidence the best businesses in the marketplace have been selected to operate from the NRLX,” Mr Willis said.
“Agencies to date have done an excellent job along those lines and future agencies will need to demonstrate a commitment to the facility, customer service, and the values and behaviours commensurate with the NRLX’s status as one of the leading livestock selling centres in the country.”
Mr Willis said obtaining value for money for vendors was enhanced when there was open competition and the market was tested.
He said an increase in agents meant more
opportunities for primary producers and local businesses.
“The message is clear here: We are open for business, we are willing to continue to grow the business, expand our footprint and we are ready to support more farmers across northern NSW to achieve top dollar for their stock,” Mr Willis said.
Council’s General Manager Vaughan Macdonald said it was vital for the NRLX’s future sustainability that the producer continued to pay their fair share towards the facility, and vendor fees remained competitive in the marketplace.
Mr Macdonald said vendors historically contributed most of the fees to the NRLX business and Council had been implementing an incremental realignment of the cost sharing between vendors and agents from the previous model since the completion of the $15 million upgrade.
He said since the introduction of stock price-based vendor charges in 2020, there had not been an increase to vendor sale fees, and with Council’s decision to fix for a further three years it was a significant acknowledgement and support of the beef industry.
“In solidifying our
offer for producers, the 2023-2024 NRLX
Revenue Policy shows no change in core vendor sale fees and these fees will remain fixed to June 2026,” Mr Macdonald said.
“This will mean there have been no vendor sale fee changes in six years.”
The Business Plan also proposes changes to the operational processes at the NRLX, with a key priority to vertically integrate operations and services for the long-term viability and success of the business.
Mr Willis said streamlined information, knowledge, communication, and strengthened biosecurity and animal welfare measures would provide significant improvements to services, compliance, efficiency, and sustainability.
He said the plan highlighted current operational challenges, inadequacies of services and demonstrated the benefits and capacity Council had as an organisation to further advance the business for the benefit of the Richmond Valley agricultural sector.
“The plan includes strategies and actions to pursue growth, such as driving momentum in current successful areas of the business on the one hand, while pursuing untapped opportunities
on the other,” Mr Willis said.
Another exciting development is the introduction of an NRLX Scholarship Program to enhance the future of agriculture in the Richmond Valley with an aim to commence students in January 2024.
“To build a strong pipeline for talent and reinvest in our agriculture community, we will be offering agricultural scholarships to find candidates who want to build a successful career in the agriculture sector, particularly in the beef sector, with great growth opportunities,” Mr Willis said.
The key priorities within the Business Plan are:
• A review of Agent Licence Agreements and the transition to a modern licence agreement with an increased focus on behaviours and values, WHS, biosecurity, transport chain of responsibility, branding, and marketing. The licence agreement will also form the contractual agreement for the supply of services which will occur with the change of operational processes.
• NRLX Agent Licence Agreement expressions of interest procurement process as an open and transparent
market test to reduce limitations and remove entry barriers to the marketplace. A target to have seven agencies undertaking livestock sales at NRLX from 1 July 2023.
• The introduction of an NRLX Scholarship Program to enhance the future of agriculture in the Richmond Valley with an aim to commence students in January 2024.
• Recruitment and implementation of an NRLX livestock team, including a dedicated Livestock Coordinator and a defined and appointed Animal Welfare Officer as is now required.
Mr Macdonald said these changes were in the overall interests of future NRLX operations, site users and Richmond Valley ratepayers.
He said it was critical the NRLX remained competitive and financially sustainable into the future.
“The NRLX is already a significant contributor to the region’s agricultural economy and we need to capitalise on opportunities to further grow its economic output,“ Mr Macdonald said.
The 2023-2024 Draft NRLX Revenue Policy will be on public exhibition until 4pm, Tuesday 28 February. Any person may make a written submission during the exhibition period by sending it to Richmond Valley Council by: Post – Locked Bag 10 Casino NSW 2470 Email – council@ richmondvalley.nsw.gov. au
Hand delivery – at either of Council’s Customer Service Centres in Casino and Evans Head Online submission – by completing an online submission form via Council’s website
Lismore City Council is working with the State Government to improve perception of safety for women, girls and gender diverse people in public spaces in the heart of the CBD.
Lismore Mayor Steve Krieg said the Council has received $1 million for from the Her Way program under the NSW Government’s Safer Cities Program.
“This is great news for our community and in particular female members of our community who do not always feel safe in some of our public spaces,” he said.
“Every person in our community, regardless of gender, has the right to feel safe to walk the streets of our City day or night and this fits into our vision for a safe and friendly nightlife.”
“While Council is still working on the details of the project, the aim is to improve the safety whether real or perceived for women, girls and gender diverse people in public spaces through such things as smart technology, gender sensitive lighting, wayfinding and
place-based activation in the heart of Lismore.”
Dr. Caroline ButlerBowdon, Executive Director Cities Revitalisation and Place, Transport for NSW has said the Safer Cities: Her Way program is an incredible opportunity to partner with ten councils across NSW and
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.
deliver improvements that address local experiences and needs.
“We’re excited to be working closely with Lismore City Council to listen to the voices of local women, girls and gender diverse people, and trial initiatives that help them feel they can move freely and
comfortably through their local public spaces,” she said.
Mayor Krieg said some of the areas Council is looking at include the Transit Centre, including the Kirklands Riviera Carpark, Carrington and/ or Molesworth Street to link with the CBD with City Hall and NORPA,
the Harold Fredericks Carpark link to The Quad, and links between Woodlark Street the laneways and Browns Creek Carpark.
“The final location of the project, and what will be included, will be decided after community consultation early next year. This will include a ‘Walkshop’ where Council staff walk through the CBD at various times of day and night with women to discuss how they feel about their safety in particular areas,” Mayor Krieg said.
“This really is a terrific project, and I am looking forward to hear from the female members of our community about their thoughts about improving safety in our City.
With New South in the depths of a third consecutive La Nina, and the Bureau of Meteorology predicting severe storms and an increased risk of widespread fooding for the state this summer, Suncorp Insurance has revealed Boambee East and Toormina in Mid North Coast, and Armidale in the Northern Tablelands were the state’s worst storm–affected suburbs over the past fnancial year.
Suncorp Insurance analysed more than 32,000 weather-related home insurance claims across New South Wales from 1 July 2021 to 30 June 2022, to reveal the hardest hit suburbs.
Suncorp Insurance EGM Home Claims, Alli Smith said the fgures are a stark reminder of the diffcult year NSW residents have had weather-wise and should be viewed as a reminder that the warmer weather can bring sudden storms, cyclones and heavy rains that can lead to foods.
“NSW has been battered by numerous signifcant weather events over the past fnancial year – including February’s East Coast Floods and a number of damaging hailstorms,” Ms Smith said.
“And our data shows that no one region is more prone to signifcant weather events – with our top ten storm-battered suburbs coming from four different regions – once again highlighting that
severe storms can strike anywhere.”
More recently, NSW has been impacted by ongoing fooding in the Central West of the state, impacting towns including Forbes, Eugowra, Cowra and Nanami as a result of heavy rain and storms (which is not included in this Hotspots data set).
Ms Smith said Suncorp Insurance has released this information to act as a reminder that storm season is upon us, and now is the time to get you and your home stormready.
“We’ve released this list of storm-battered suburbs to remind residents across NSW that the impact of storms and signifcant weather
events on property can be severe, and highlight the importance of ensuring you have done everything you can to strengthen your home’s resilience against the effects of Mother Nature.”
New research by Suncorp Insurance found that while 90 per cent of NSW residents admit to knowing at least one activity that should be completed prior to storm season, more than a quarter (26 per cent) admit to doing nothing to prepare.
“New South Wales residents know the messages around preparing for storm season,” Ms Smith said.
“But unfortunately knowing the messages and actually doing
something to better prepare and protect your home are two separate things, and many people in NSW are failing to actually complete the often quick-and-easy tasks.”
Suncorp Insurance has been on a mission to help educate NSW residents on what they can do to better protect their homes in preparation for the next extreme weather event, because it isn’t a matter of ‘if’ it will happen, but when.
“We’re a state battered by extreme weather, and it is unfortunately becoming more frequent and severe,” Ms Smith said.
“We want NSW residents to not only be ready for storm season,
but to be resilient.”
To address the need for greater resilience, in 2021 Suncorp partnered with CSIRO, James Cook University and Room 11 Architects to design, prototype and test what could be Australia’s most resilient home – One House, a modern and functional home, with features included to help it withstand natural disasters.
This year, Suncorp took the learnings from One House and applied them to Resilience Road – a project to upgrade four homes on a street in Rockhampton.
“Our One House and Resilience Road projects highlight how easy and cost-effective it can be to strengthen the
resilience of your home, and better protect them from signifcant weather events,” Ms Smith said.
“With summer on our doorstep, a third La Nina in full swing and wet conditions forecast for the coming months, now is the time for all NSW residents to get ready and take some practical steps to protect what matters most.”
Suncorp Insurance has developed a list of some low cost and high impact things NSW residents can do to strengthen the resilience of their home, including:
• Cleaning/ installing gutters or downpipes
• Have the roof inspected for damaged or loose tiles
• Repair any broken sealant around windowsills to make them watertight
• Inspecting retaining walls
• Fix any corrosion, loose fttings, and rotting or termite infected timber
• Installing fxed, operable high performance mesh screens on doors and windows
“These solutions would dramatically reduce the fnancial, emotional and social costs associated with recovering from natural disasters,” Ms Smith said.
“And we encourage all NSW residents to do what they can to prevent their home from becoming a statistic this summer.”
The NSW Government today settled the Widjabul Wia-bal native title claim over public land and waters in the Northern Rivers area around Lismore with an historic Federal Court sitting.
As part of the settlement, the Federal Court of Australia today recognised that the Widjabul Wia-bal hold native title over approximately 11,700 hectares around the Lismore area.
Attorney General Mark Speakman said the Federal Court consent determination marked an important moment for the Widjabul Wia-bal of the
Bundjalung Nation, who have cared for the land and waters for thousands of years.
Mr Speakman appeared in court in his capacity as NSW’s frst law offcer, with counsel, to provide oral submissions on behalf of the State.
“Today we recognise what the Widjabul Wiabal have always known - this is Widjabul Wia-bal land,” Mr Speakman said.
“The Widjabul Wiabal and the NSW Government have worked together to deliver the Widjabul Wia-bal’s vision for greater land management opportunities,
economic prosperity and employment opportunities, and a framework for strong, collaborative relationships into the future.”
As part of the settlement of the native title claim, the NSW Government has also provided capacity building support to the Widjabul Wia-bal and has entered into an Indigenous Land Use Agreement (ILUA) with the Widjabul Wia-bal.
The settlement also includes an agreement to disregard historical extinguishment of native title in national parks within the claim area, paving the way for
the future recognition of native title over an additional 2,600 hectares of national parks.
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Ben Franklin said that the agreement is another example of the NSW Government fnding innovative approaches to settle claims, which is critical to the government meeting its commitments under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.
“The NSW Government is committed to processing native title claims effciently in the best interests of Aboriginal groups and the wider community ,” Mr
Franklin said. “Of the 18 determinations recognising native title in NSW in three decades since the Native Title Act 1993 commenced, 10 have been in the last six years.
“A key component of this is the NSW Government’s commitment to engaging in a collaborative approach to native title through the use of Indigenous Land Use Agreements.”
The Widjabul Wia-bal sought a determination of their native title rights and interests over 1,559 km2 of lands and waters around Lismore. The native title
determination area is bounded by Bagotville, Tuckean Nature Reserve and Tucki Tucki to the south; Bungabee State Forest and Cawongla to the west; Nightcap National Park in the north and Wollongbar and Alstonville in the east.
It is anticipated that the Widjabul Wia-bal ILUA will be registered by the National Native Title Tribunal in 2023. When the ILUA is registered, it will be the 18th ILUA registered in NSW in the last six years, with more than 60% of all ILUAs in NSW having been registered over this period.
As part of the Summerland Giant Pumpkin & Watermelon Festival the eating Houses around town have been asked to create a signature dish to add to their menus through December & January. Sumptuous delights include Roxy Café’s Spiced Pumpkin Wafes with Vanilla Cream; Ruby’s Café Pumpkin Lasagne; e Commercial Hotel’s Watermelon, Mint, Fetta& Chicken Salad; Kyogle Bowling Club’s Pumpkin wrapped on prosiutto topped with a Blue Cheese Sauce; Espresso Edge’s Roast Pumpkin Salad. You can pop into Swan Bay and grab an ice cold Sparkling Watermelon Juice or fresh cold Watermelon. e Festivals undercover Judges are looking forward to sampling these delectable delights. e Winner will be announced at the Festival Saturday 21st January 2023. Check out the Festival’s Facebook Page ‘ Summerland Giant Pumpkin & Watermelon Festival’ to stay up to date with what’s happening at the Festival
and join us for a return journey from Kyogle to Glenapp Return. e Rail Motor Society is a mainline heritage rail operator based at Paterson, New South Wales, Australia, o ering unique heritage train journeys.
e Society was established in 1984 as a not-for-pro t organisation to collect, preserve and operate a representative eet of NSW Government Railways rail motors. e Society’s sole focus was to be on self-propelled or diesel multiple unit rolling stock, a principle that it still adheres to today. e Society’s heritage listed collection of rail motors, as well as other items of railway memorabilia are available for public inspection at our Depot and Museum.
e Society provides day, weekend and extended excursions with a focus on the group tour market. e Society also provides specialised rail tours for the railway enthusiast market. e 621/721 rail motors provide the ideal vehicle for the tourist and enthusiast market as their all-round vision enables passengers to enjoy a more panoramic view of the railway landscape than other forms of rail travel. Our 620 Class provides a suitable platform for comfortable long distance tours. e Society concentrates predominantly on tours to the Hunter Valley, the north, north coast and north west of the State. Other tourist destinations have been locations such as Albury, Brisbane, Broken Hill, Dubbo, Gri th, Parkes, Warren and the Illawarra and Southern Highlands.
Lismore City Council’s Flood Appeal is now closed to allow the distribution of the remaining balance of donations to all eligible applicants.
Lismore City Mayor Steve Krieg said the fnal distribution of the Lismore Flood Appeal funding is a great way to fnish the year.
“I want to thank all the people from near and far who contributed to the appeal. The overwhelming generosity and kindness we have seen throughout this food appeal process is very heartening and inspiring,” he said.
Just over $1.7 million was raised for the Flood Appeal through various fund-raising initiatives and the One from the Heart concert.
Round One of applications saw 1551 eligible residents receive $650 each. Round Two received 249 eligible applications, again receiving $650 each.
This left a balance of $548,170.92 which will be split evenly between all eligible applicants from both rounds, with each receiving a further $304.54.
When the Flood Appeal began, Council staff developed
procedures and processes to ensure the large sum of money and applications were managed in a fair, transparent and effcient manner.
Round Two of the Flood Appeal grants to residents who lost their homes and belongings due to the February natural disaster is currently being distributed. Council is aiming to have the fnal payments distributed before Christmas.
No administration costs have been deducted from the funds raised, with all donated funds going to foodaffected residents.
Waste volumes increase by around 30% over the Christmas and New Year holiday period, which keeps Ballina Shire Council’s waste trucks extra busy!
During this time drivers need to unload more frequently, which means your bin may be collected a little later in the day than usual.
“There are no changes to bin collection days over the Christmas period, even if bin collection falls on a public holiday,” explained Council’s Manager of Resource Recovery, Lloyd Isaacson.
“However, because it is a very busy time, bins may be collected a little later in the day. We are asking residents
to please wait until 3pm on their usual collection day before calling Council as it’s likely the driver is on their way!”
The Waste Management Centre and Salvage Shed will close on the following dates:
• Sunday 25 December to Tuesday 27 December 2022
• Sunday 1 January 2023
• Monday 2 January 2023
“The Waste Management Centre will be open as usual from 8am to 4pm all other days, and the Salvage Shed open as usual from 9.30am –3.30pm all other days,” said Mr Isaacson.
Due to the high volume of waste generated during the
holidays and high customer numbers, residents should expect delays at the Waste Management Centre on Wednesday 28 December.
“We really appreciate the community’s patience and understanding during this time. If your visit is not urgent, please consider delaying your trip until the New Year,” said Mr Isaacson.
If you need to speak with the waste section over the Christmas and New Year period, please contact the Waste Management Centre directly on 6686 1287.
For more information visit ballina.nsw.gov. au/waste-managementcentre
The Tweed Coast will host some of Australia’s top surfers with the popular World Surf League Tour to stage the frst qualifying series of 2023 on the Tweed Coast, thanks to the NSW Government’s Regional Events Acceleration Fund Round Two.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said a $350,000 grant would allow the popular event, which determines who qualifes for the next stage of the World Surf League Tour to once again be hosted in the Tweed Coast region.
“This event will be a great opportunity for locals and visitors to see some of Australia’s most talented surfers doing what they do best on the stunning Tweed Coast,” Mr Toole said.
“The 2023 Tweed Coast Pro will build on the success of the 2021 and 2022 events, which saw about 20,000 surf fans fock to the region to support their favourite surfers. The NSW Liberals and Nationals Government is serious about supporting high-profle events like this because they showcase regional
NSW and pump money into the local economy.
“Previous World Surf League events have attracted visitors from around the country, and with the event being live streamed around the world, this event is a fantastic opportunity to promote this region.”
Member for Tweed Geoff Provest said the Regional Events Acceleration Fund is supporting the growth of existing regional events and attracting new major domestic and international events to regional NSW.
“We know that this event puts heads on beds, flls restaurants and cafés, and helps drive growth in our region,” Mr Provest said.
“The lineup of this event sends a very clear message that the Tweed is back better than ever.”
World Surf League Asia Pacifc President Andrew Stark said he is excited to see the 2023 Aussie leg get underway in February at the Tweed Coast Pro Qualifying Series and Pro Junior events.
“It’s going to be a massive few months of professional surfng
action around Australia and it will all get underway here on the Tweed Coast once again,” Mr Stark said.
“The event will bring over 100 competitors and support staff into the area as well as shine a light on the beauty of the Tweed Coast through our global live broadcast. We’d like to thank the NSW Government and regional NSW for coming onboard to support this event once again along with the Tweed Coast Shire and local community.”
The $40 million Regional Events Acceleration Fund is part of the $3.3 billion Regional Growth Fund, designed to support growing regional centres, activate local economies and improve services and community infrastructure for regional communities.
The 2023 World Surf League Tweed Coast Pro will be held at Cabarita Beach from Friday, 10 February through to Thursday, 16 February 2023. For further informationgo to: nsw.gov.au/ REAFund.
Lismore City Council is calling for ideas from the community to develop a MasterPlan for the popular Wade Park in East Lismore which was damaged by the February natural disaster.
Lismore Mayor Steve Krieg said the Master Plan will explore opportunities to revitalise the park and ensure access to quality recreation and leisure activities.
“Wade Park is one of the most popular parks in our Local Government Area and is well used by families. Unfortunately, it sustained damage in the February natural disaster and major March food,” he said.
“This is an opportunity to re-envision the park.
“That is why we are calling on the community to let us know what you want in Wade Park now and into the future.
“Council will then use the Masterplan to seek grant opportunities to turn it in a reality, much like we did when we developed the Masterplan for the recently funded Skate Park in the CBD.”
The development of the Masterplan is supported by Parks & Leisure Australia (PLA) which held its NSW conference in Goonellabah in July.
NSW/ACT President Heather Nesbitt said after visiting Lismore shortly after the February natural disaster, the project was identifed as an opportunity for the industry to leave a legacy for the city.
“As an organisation,
we wanted to help Lismore with its rebuild and ensure that Wade Park was resilient and sustainable in the future,” she said.
“Our members know frst-hand the disastrous impacts of climate change on open spaces, recreation and sports facilities and programs. We know that Councils and communities need resources and funds to build resilience and support community recovery.”
“Parks and Leisure NSW / ACT has facilitated the involvement of organisations such as Context Landscape Architecture, Cred Consulting, Peak Water Consulting, University of NSW and the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects, to develop the Master Plan that will provide a best practice example of resilient open space and recreation facilities”.
Mayor Krieg thanked PLA for “its help with this important project, which will create a positive legacy from the February disaster.”
“I encourage all members of the community to give us their ideas about how Wade Park can be upgraded and improved to meet the needs of our community,” he said.
“There will be an initial survey for people to complete through Lismore Your Say at https://yoursay. lismore.nsw.gov.au/ wade-park-masterplan and we will provide consultation opportunities on a draft concept around March next year.”
A new community hub in the heart of Byron Bay will be one of more than 500 projects statewide set to come to life thanks to the NSW Government’s $160 million Stronger Country Communities Fund Round Five.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said in the past fve years the Stronger Country Communities Fund had delivered more than 2,000 grassroots projects, beneftting every Local Government Area in regional NSW.
“Today we announce
the frst of another 530 projects that will make regional communities a stronger and an even better place to call home,” Mr Toole said.
“We all know how important it is for communities to have great places to come together to build social connections and boost their wellbeing through sport or community events.
“Here in Byron Bay, we’re investing $1.2 million to convert the old Byron Hospital into the Byron Community Hub, which will offer
welfare, social, cultural and educational services in the town centre; it can also be used during disaster response and recovery.
“It’s the little things that make a big difference to the way we all work, live, play and do business, and the NSW Liberals and Nationals in Government are delivering the projects that make a difference to everyday life right across regional NSW, from Byron Bay to Bega to Broken Hill.”
Round Five of the Stronger Country Communities Fund
will support local community and sporting infrastructure projects, street beautifcation, public programs and events that display the best of local character and community spirit.
The Stronger Country Communities Fund is part of the NSW Government’s $3.3 billion Regional Growth Fund, designed to support growing regional centres, activate local economies and improve services and community infrastructure in the regions.
The NSW Government has today opened a new grant program for local governments that will recognise and encourage volunteering.
The $500,000 Unsung Heroes – Innovation in Volunteering Grants for Local Government have now opened for applications. Councils can apply for funding for initiatives between $50,000 and $100,000.
Minister for Families and Communities Natasha Maclaren-Jones said the grants program will not just recognise and support the special role of volunteers but
also encourage more people to participate.
“Whether they are on the sports feld, in the foodbank, patrolling the beach, or deploying to an emergency, volunteers are the heartbeat of every community,” Mrs Maclaren-Jones said.
“NSW is the best place to live and work in the world, and this is thanks to the selfess efforts of almost 5 million volunteers who contribute more than 1.5 billion hours of their time each year.
“While the last few years have been diffcult, they have highlighted the
critical role volunteers play in connecting communities and always offering a helping hand for people in need.”
Minister for Local Government Wendy Tuckerman said the Unsung Heroes grants builds on the existing NSW Social Cohesion Grants for Local Government program.
“Every one appreciates the sacrifce volunteers make, so these grants are yet another way the Liberal and National Government can demonstrate our commitment to recognising the sacrifces
they make,” Mrs Tuckerman said.
“These grants for councils will enable them to show their appreciation for local Unsung Heros, promoting and recognising the work they do.
“Every volunteer who takes time away from their own busy lives to help others deserves recognition and support, and these grants are designed to help provide that.”
More information on the grants is available at https://www.nsw.gov. au/grants-and-funding/
SATURDAY CALL THE MIDWIFE
THURSDAY LAW & ORDER: SVU
Strap yourself Law & Order fans. The police procedural franchise’s compelling crossover event continues at pace tonight with its actionpacked second instalment. For those not in the know, the casts of each series – Law & Order, Law & Order: and Law & Order: Organized Crime – have teamed up to take down sex tra ckers who are also domestic terrorists. In “Gimme Shelter – Part Two”, Benson (Mariska Hargitay) and Stabler (Christopher Meloni) are called in to investigate after a mysterious young girl is shot dead. With their years of expertise on the beat, the savvy sleuths soon realise it’s much more than a typical homicide.
Lovable characters and heartwarming, poignant stories are the bread and butter of this long-running, femaleled British stalwart. The secret to the show’s success may be that the storylines broaching issues such as feminism and social equality are wrapped up in a cosy nostalgia. Season 11 premieres this week with an Eastertime setting in the year 1967. Festivities are afoot for the Easter bonnet parade outside Nonnatus House, while Cyril (Zephryn Taitte) and Lucille (Leonie Elliott) settle into married life. Meanwhile, Sister Monica Joan (Judy Par tt, above) and Reggie (Daniel Laurie) are preoccupied with the Eurovision song contest. 0601
6.00 Escape From The City. (R) 7.00 News. 10.00 Searching For Superhuman. (R) 11.00 Rick Stein’s Road To Mexico. (PG, R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Belgravia. (Final, PG, R) 1.45 The Truth About Getting Fit At Home. (PG, R) 2.45 Back Roads. (PG, R) 3.15 Gardening Aust. (R) 4.10 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.00 Aust Story. (R) 5.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R) 5.55 Old People’s Home For 4 Year Olds. (R)
7.30 Camilla’s Country Life. (Ml) Follows Camilla, the then Duchess of Cornwall, as she guest edits CountryLife magazine.
8.30 MOVIE: The Child In Time. (2017, Mals, R) After their only child goes missing, a successful children’s book writer and his wife struggle with their marriage and the grief of losing their daughter. Kelly Macdonald, Benedict Cumberbatch, Stephen Campbell Moore.
10.00 Miniseries: The Accident. (Malsv, R) Part 1 of 4.
10.50 Troppo. (Final, Malv, R) Amanda confronts her demons.
11.45 Miniseries: Us. (Mdl, R) Part 2 of 4.
12.40 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) Continuous music programming.
6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 Peer To Peer. (PGa) 10.00 Legacy List. (PG, R) 11.05 Great Canal Journeys. (PGa, R) 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 ABC World News Tonight With David Muir. 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 The World’s Greatest Palaces. (PGa, R) 2.55 Great Asian Railway Journeys. (PG, R) 4.05 Jeopardy! 4.30 Letters And Numbers. (R) 5.00 Motor Racing. Dakar Rally. Stage 5. H’lights.
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R) 6.30 SBS World News.
7.35 Engineering Reborn: University Of Chicago HK, Beloit College, Convent De Sant Francesc. (PG) 8.30 Inside Central Station: After Dark. (PGa, R) Narrated by Shane Jacobson. 9.25 Why Buildings Collapse. (PGa, R) Part 2 of 2. 10.20 SBS World News Late. 10.50 Gomorrah. (MA15+sv, R)
1.35 The Kimberley Cruise: The Full Journey. (R) 3.40 Bamay. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6am WorldWatch. 9.30 Shortland St. 11.00 The Movie Show. Noon MOVIE: Still Here. (2020, M) 1.45 Lee Lin Chin’s Fashionista. 2.00 Figure Skating. ISU Figure Skating 2021. World C’ships Women’s Competition. 3.45 WorldWatch. 5.15 Takeshi’s Castle. 5.45 Joy Of Painting. 6.15 Forged In Fire. 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 Hoarders. 9.20 The Language Of Love. 10.20 Deep Inside The Sex Factory. 11.10 News. 12.05am Late Programs.
6.00 7News Local. 6.30 7News @ 6:30.
7.00 Better Homes And Gardens Summer. Johanna Griggs meets a couple who have created a compostable plastic wrap.
8.30 MOVIE: The Lord Of The Rings: The Two Towers. (2002, Mv, R) The Fellowship, now scattered across Middle Earth, tries to complete their quest under threat of total war. As Frodo and Samwise head to Mordor alone, Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli set out to rescue their companions, Merry and Pippin, from their brutish captors. Elijah Wood, Sean Astin, Billy Boyd.
12.05 The Good Doctor. (Ma, R) A conspiracy theorist questions Neil. 1.00 Home Shopping.
6am
6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra Summer. (PG) 11.30 Morning News. 12.00 Dream Listings Byron Bay.
(PGl, R) Amanda Gould inspects a farm. 1.00 Tennis. United Cup. Day 8. Semi- nal. 4.30 Afternoon News. 5.00 Millionaire Hot Seat. (R) Hosted by Eddie McGuire.
6.00 NBN News. 7.00 Tennis. United Cup. Day 8. Semi- nal. From Ken Rosewall Arena, Sydney.
10.30 MOVIE: Lethal Weapon. (1987, Mdlv, R) A detective partners with an o cer with a death wish to uncover a drug-smuggling operation.
Although they both dislike working with other o cers, their unique approaches appear to be the key to the case. Mel Gibson, Danny Glover, Gary Busey.
12.40 Murder For Hire: Guardian Angel. (Malv, R) A mother’s life is threatened.
1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Take Two. (R) Home shopping.
4.30 Global Shop. (R) Home shopping.
5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 5.30 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)
6.30 The Dog House Australia. (PGa, R) Narrated by Dr Chris Brown.
7.30 The Graham Norton Show. (Mls, R) Graham Norton is joined by Olivia Colman, Romesh Ranganathan, Hugh Laurie and Leah Williamson.
9.00 MOVIE: Mad Max: Fury Road. (2015, MA15+av, R) After a woman rebels against her tyrannical ruler in a post-apocalyptic wasteland, she goes in search of her home with the help of a group of female prisoners, a psychotic worshipper, and a drifter named Max. Tom Hardy, Charlize Theron, Nicholas Hoult.
11.25 MOVIE: The Gentlemen. (2019, MA15+lv, R) Matthew McConaughey.
BOLD
8.30 MOVIE: The Rainmaker. (1997, M) 11.10 Late Programs.
6am Home Shopping. 8.00 Healthy Homes Australia. 8.30 Buy To Build. 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 JAG. 6.30 Scorpion. 7.30 Bull. 8.30 NCIS. 9.25 NCIS: Los Angeles. 10.20 Evil. 11.15 Star Trek: Discovery. 12.15am Home Shopping. 2.15 48 Hours. 3.10 ST: Next Gen. 4.05 MacGyver.
(53) NITV (34)
3.00 Bushwhacked! 3.25 Red Dirt Riders. 3.40 Wolf Joe. 3.55 Tales Of The Moana. 4.00 Thalu. 4.30 Spartakus And The Sun Beneath The Sea. 5.00 Our Stories. 5.30 The Kimberley Man. 6.00 Bamay. 6.30 Treaty. 6.40 Undiscovered Vistas. 7.30 Barrumbi Kids. 8.00 MOVIE: Yogi Bear.
(2010,
9LIFE (84) 6am Sky News Breakfast. 7.00 Sky News Breakfast. 8.00 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 NewsNight. 6.00 Inside The News. 7.00 The Evening Update. 8.00 Piers Morgan Uncensored. 9.00 NewsNight. 10.00 NewsNight. 11.00 Late Programs.
continued from last week
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 my dad, James “Jim” Hall’s (1916 – 1998) return from The Second World War, ‘Riverdale’ was subdivided into 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 Fleming brothers were still single, with George, at this point, the only one married with three sons, Francis “Frank” (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
To digress, deep sorrow inficts all families, and stories describing these sad events are passed down through the generations. Mine is of mum’s elder brother Ken and my Aunty Mary Fleming’s younger brother Marshall.
three children. He was held in high esteem by all members of the family and community, so his premature death at the age of twenty-nine, following a long battle with leukemia, caused great sadness. Ken, and Alan, with patience, sound technique and good defence opened the batting for Wiangaree Village Cricket Team in the inter district fxtures; mum told us Alan never played cricket as well again after the loss of his elder brother as he was not able to see his batting partner at the end of the pitch. Ken was not only a gifted sportsperson; he played the violin with panache and was exceptionally well versed in the agriculture of the day, pasture management and cattle breeding, with a passion for the A.I.S. (Australia Illawarra Shorthorn) breed.
William Marshall Aitken (1919-1945), a twentyfve-year-old private in the 2/1st Pioneer Battalion and younger brother of Margaret and Mary Fleming and Robert Aitken, was seriously wounded in action off the coast of Balikpapan during an amphibious assault conducted by the Australian I Corps. Marshall sadly passed away 3 days later.
would religiously plant her chrysanthemums early in order to decorate a remembrance wreath in memory of Marshall.
Getting back on track, Lil would marry James “Jim” Hall (1916 – 1998) who loved life and people. He was popular, gregarious, and not backward in coming
Back in the Depression years when the large family was short of food, Gran, his mum would say, “God will provide”, and He always did. After leaving school at twelve years of age, Jim worked in a bakery, although not once during my childhood did, I see evidence to prove it.
- 1939) who married Margaret Aitken in 1937, Alan “Bant” (1911 –1988), who married Mary Aitken (1919-1996) in 1939 and Lillias “Lil” Mary (1914-1984).
Kenneth Fleming (1910-1939), married Margaret Aitken, Mary Fleming, and Robert Aitken’s elder sister in 1937. Ken was the eldest of Sandy and Lizzie’s
Marshall was a frequent visitor to ‘Riverdale’ where he enjoyed riding with mum. His favourite mount was the thoroughbred Windsplitter and the derivation of this name; I shall leave up to your imagination! Mary never totally recovered from Marshall’s premature death and each year
forward. He came from a religious family
horsewoman, was the apple of her father’s eye, could hit a six just like her two brothers, and a
modern trends in farming and in installing up-todate machinery on his properties. His A.I.S. stud
two adjoining properties, ‘Flemington’ and ‘Riverdale’. It was at one of the local dances and just before The Second World War at the local Wiangaree Village Hall that Mary
confict in the Middle East, he and Lil married in 1942.
Soon after the wedding Jim returned to duty, only this time to New Guinea. In February 1945, Lil, Jim and the
born two days short of a year later, “Same age for two days” dad would declare smugly around
arrival of children in the household, all hands were on deck at milking time, as it’s a well-known fact that young children sleep best in the engine room.
Back in 1937, after Jim initially met Lil and her father Alexander, the three embarked on the long and arduous journey to Victoria during which they visited and were entertained by Sir Chester and Mrs. Manifold. Dad writes “He (Chester) greeted Mr. and Mrs. Fleming using their Christian names. This was most unusual. Chester took Lil under his wing and spent time showing her around the property. The Manifolds were millionaires.” It
gifted pianist. Was it any wonder Lil caught Jim’s eye!
And for that matter, what of Sandy’s character. According to his obituary in the Kyogle Examiner following his death, Sandy “Possessed of a dislike for the limelight, the late Mr. Fleming did not take an active part in public affairs. He was a keen dairy farmer; a man who believed in following
contributed largely to the improvement of the breed in the Kyogle district. He was a member of the Kyogle Show Society whose judgment of horses was recognized and respected”.
Following the depression in 1933, Jim and elder brother Tom, found themselves working as gangers on Back Road, in particular, the road between the
Fleming introduced Jim and Lil. It was following this fateful meeting Jim “successfully” enlisted in the Army and while on leave from the deadly
‘Riverdale’ household celebrated the arrival of my elder sister Ann, ‘a little ray of sunshine’, and the ‘apple of their eye’ at ‘Riverdale’. I was
birthday time every year. You could say that Ann and I were co-reared by mum and her sister-in-law Mary, to whom we were devoted. After all, we all lived in the same house at ‘Riverdale’, plus mum’s farming and agricultural expertise made her indispensable in the dayto-day functioning of the dairy farm. Despite the
was during this visit in 1937 that Chester invited Sandy to join him at the Melbourne Cup, where they celebrated a win by The Trump, who stormed home with a phenomenal burst of speed. Sandy, on returning home in high spirits, presented mum with a gift she always treasured, a bronze kangaroo mystery clock.
The state’s peak farming body has welcomed a ‘common sense’ timeline for electronic sheep and goat tags in NSW.
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 across all sectors to determine what critical infrastructure was needed and how it would be funded.
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.”
continued from page 31
The hits keep coming for grain growers after one of the toughest years in living memory, with congested and dysfunctional supply chains causing chaos across the state.
Many grain growers saw their crops wiped out or severely damaged by widespread rain and fooding this season, but those who have managed to salvage some harvest are now fnding it hard to get their product to market.
A number of issues are facing farmers at receival sites across the state – grain from previous years still in storage, uncertain grade outcomes and severely discounted prices for their products, and gross diffculty getting access due to damaged roads.
The end result, according to NSW Farmers President Xavier Martin, was
incredibly costly and disappointing for growers who have had their hopes of breaking even dashed.
“I’ve had people very emotional on the phone to me – we’re talking about losses of hundreds of thousands of dollars just before Christmas,” Mr Martin said.
“This winter crop was one of the most expensive they’ve ever grown, and there have been so many hurdles and challenges this season just to try and get something out of the paddock.
“To then fnd they either cannot sell that produce for a fair price, it’s just devastating and many will have a very pensive Christmas indeed.”
NSW Farmers has long called for serious scrutiny of the deregulated and dysfunctional grain trade in Australia, with issues of price transparency,
fair value and supply chain access among the top issues of concern.
“Farmers are in the business of growing healthy plants and healthy animals to make food and clothing for people,” Mr Martin said.
“Ours can be a tough industry, but one that can be quite rewarding when everyone’s on a level playing feld.
“What’s unfair is when marketeering or poor infrastructure tips the balance in favour of big business and multinational middlemen, and that’s why we have advocated for things like the Port of Newcastle container terminal, and an ACCC market inquiry of the grain trade.”
Panania Hotel publican
Mark Malloy and his wife, Danielle, have emerged as the $15m buyers of the Centennial Park home of Merrill Lynch executive Geoff Lee and wife Karen.
It was sold in August, with settlement this week.
The Martin Rd auction result equalled the $15m price guidance, with three bidders competing for the home, which was built 15 years ago to a design by Ken McBryde
The listing attracted more than 8600 views on realestate.com.au during its marketing.
The two-storey, fourbedroom house sits on an 878sq m block. Fashion designer Kerry McGee sold it 21 years ago for $3.125m.
“Claiming a level 878 sqm parcel in an exclusive pocket of beautiful Martin Road,
“Architecturally
incredibly central to a range of wonderful lifestyle attractions.”
The Lees have since downsized to Walsh Bay, paying $7.15m to secure a pier apartment through
The sale of the Kangaroo Valley weekender of the collapsed AI start-up director David Fairfull and has slumped to the year’s highest known NSW property loss.
its midweek auction, the 48ha luxury escape, Heggy’s, fetched $6.25m. It was $1.45m – and 18 per cent –down on the $7.7m paid in November last year.
acclaimed Professor Ken McBryde, you’ll love its open spaces and connection to the landscape, while ensuring no compromise to the sprawling garden surroundings.
“The property is private, peaceful and
McGrath Estate Agents.
Malloy, the business partner with publican Arthur Laundy, bought a 48ha Kangaloon farm for $4.5m in early 2020, and has since made two subsequent purchases costing $3.3m, adding a further 32ha.
The sale of the Kangaroo Valley weekender of the collapsed AI start-up director David Fairfull and wife Deborah has resulted in the year’s highest known NSW property loss.
With only one bid at
The Wattamolla Rd property features a fourbedroom residence plus a one-bedroom cottage, amid grounds with pool, waterfall, tennis court and horse and cattle facilities.
The sale comes three weeks after Fairfull’s Mosman mansion sold
for an undisclosed price having been bought for $10.5m in September last year with a loan from the collapsed AIdriven small business marketing platform Metigy.
The properties come with a frst mortgage to Pallas Commercial Lending, plus four caveats, including one from Regal Funds Management and the Chief Commission of State Revenue.
this striking home redefnes contemporary family luxury,” the marketing collateral for the home read.
envisioned by thePanania Hotel publican Mark Malloy has emerged as the buyer of the Centennial Park home of Merrill Lynch executive Geoff Lee and wife Karen. Mark Malloy, the Panania publican, has bought at Centennial Park. on left (next to John Stevens) The luxury Kangaroo Valley retreat owned by Deborah and David Fairfull, the founder of collapsed artifcial intelligence start-up Metigy, has been sold. Source: realestate.com.au
Nissan all-new ffthgeneration Pathfnder is on the road.
Nissan says new Pathfnder marks a return to its rugged roots, but not at the expense of comfort or mod cons.
Available with seven or eight seats, it’s not all that new however, sitting on the same platform as the previous model, with a revised VQ-series 3.5-litre petrol V6.
No sign or mention of the previous 2.5-litre supercharged hybrid or for that matter the latest e-Power hybrid in other models.
New Pathfnder is slightly shorter, 38mm shorter to be exact, with the same 2900mm wheelbase (distance between axles).
But it’s 15mm wider and sits 5mm higher which Nissan reckons translates to more interior space – more headroom, more legroom and more hip room.
In terms of luggage capacity, new Pathfnder offers 782 litres with second and third rows folded, 554 litres with the third row folded and 205 litres behind the rear seat
with all three rows in use.
In contrast, the previous model boasted fgures of 2250/1354/453 litres.
The direct-injection 3.5-litre V6 offers the same 202kW of power and 340Nm of torque, but is now paired with a lighter, nine-speed automatic rather than a CVT-style transmission.
Fuel consumption is a claimed 10.0L/100km for front-wheel drive models and 10.5L/100km for all-wheel drives.
C02 emissions are 234g/km and 245g/km respectively.
Consumption was previously 9.9L and 10.1L/100km respectively, while emissions were 230g and 234g/km.
Braked tow rating is the same 2700kg.
The new gearbox is shift-by-wire, designed to deliver more direct response and better performance in all situations. Nissan says it also features a wider spread of gear ratios to ensure the car is in the right gear at the right time, as well as comfort and improved fuel economy.
But you’d have to wonder whether the
previous CVT had that one covered, with a continuously variable range of ratios.
The rack-mounted electric steering has been refned to provide better damping and improved response.
The doors are lightweight aluminium which together with a 50 percent increase in highstrength steel contribute to reduced weight and increased rigidity.
Wider tyres help to deliver better handling, improved cornering and improved steering response.
Ride quality is enhanced through updated front and rear suspension, with a 28 per cent increase in roll stiffness at the front and 14 percent increase at the rear. The focus was on producing a quiet, refned ride, with a thicker carpet, increased door isolation, thicker secondrow glass, improved door and foor isolation and acoustic laminated glass in the front.
Together with improved dash and hood insulators and a new engine cover, they deliver signifcant reduction in noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) levels.
Pathfnder’s new 4WD system features direct coupling, allowing for confdent, immediate take-off in low-traction situations.
Drive modes include: Standard, Sport, Eco, Snow, Sand, Mud/Rut and Tow in 4WD models, while 2WD models are equipped with Standard, Sport, Eco, Snow and Tow modes.
The Drive and Terrain Mode Selector changes shift mapping and torque control, altering throttle response, VDC tuning, steering weight and 4WD torque distribution.
By CHRIS RILEYThe limited edition Mercedes-Maybach S-Class Haute Voiture is described as the ‘ultimate’ collectible.
Based on a concept shown earlier this year, the car made its debut this week at a fashion show by local couture designer Atelier Zuhra in Dubai.
Benz says a combination of utmost craftsmanship, highquality materials and exquisite details creates a new level of exclusivity -- evocative of a drivable art piece.
Strictly limited to 150 examples, Haute Voiture is the work of Mercedes Benz’ specialised customisation team in the Manufaktur, Sindelfngen.
In line with the Concept Haute Voiture, the exterior of the car is characterised by exclusive two-tone paint, with a combination of metallic nautical blue over a light shimmering rose and nautical blue metallic rims.
Surround lighting with animated projection has been added as an additional highlight.
When the doors are opened, animated Mercedes-Benz or Mercedes-Maybach patterns using light up, illuminating both the front and rear entry areas.
Dark nautical blue and rose gold tones extend inside, with additional crystal and glossy opal white highlights.
The interior showcases the most exquisite
attention to detail, perfectly underlining its Haute Couture inspiration.
A high-quality fashioninspired bouclé fabric remains a constant throughout, in blue, beige, rose gold and gold shades, with additional intricate details featured within the seat covers and cushions.
Highlights of crystal white leather embrace the passengers throughout the consoles, doors and scatter cushions.
The foor mats are made of linen and mohair.
Rose gold coloured champagne futes are seamlessly integrated into the spacious rear alongside an Haute Voiture badge in the door panel.
Also original to the series car is the blue tone leather piping within the consoles.
The MBUX infotainment system picks up on the splendid exclusivity of the interior.
Sparkling glitter clouds and a variety of accents in shimmering rose gold emphasise the catwalk atmosphere.
In the profle selection menu, the driver is
greeted with a magnolia blossom and sparkling particles.
Twelve different avatars are adorned with fne accessories and elegantly dressed, for example in a dinner jacket, tailcoat, or evening gown.
To complete the Maybach experience, the S-Class Haute Voiture will be accompanied by a hand-made gift box featuring its badge number, alongside a scaled model and key ring.
In addition, a special car cover featuring the Maybach and Haute Voiture logo will be gifted to customers.
A bag collection will accompany the car, retailing early 2023 at Maybach Icons of Luxury physical and online stores.
Available in different styles and sizes in a limited run, items will be comprised of select materials featured in the vehicle interior, combining Haute Couture extravagance with detailed craftsmanship.
The price? It’s the old story – if you need to ask then you can’t afford it.
A MAN CALLED OTTO
M 126 MIN
Thurs-Wed: 12.05pm, 8.30pm
AVATAR: THE WAY OF WATER M 192 MIN
Thurs-Wed: 12.25pm, 5.05pm
AVATAR: THE WAY OF WATER 3D M 192 MIN
Thurs-Wed: 3.55pm, 7.25pm
BLUEBACK
PG 103 MIN
Thurs-Wed: 10.10am, 3.40pm
I WANNA DANCE WITH SOMEBODY M 144 MIN
Thurs-Wed: 2.25pm, 7.45pm
LYLE, LYLE, CROCODILE G 105 MIN
Thurs-Wed: 10.25am, 1.45pm
PUSS IN BOOTS: THE LAST WISH PG 102 MIN
Thurs-Wed: 9.55am, 11.50am, 5.40pm
CHAOS WALKING (M) 120m
Thu: 12:40pm, 3:10pm, 5:20pm
A Man Called Otto (M) 130m
Fri, Sun: 12:10pm, 2:45pm, 7:35pm Sat: 12:50pm, 3:45pm, 8:20pm Tue, Wed: 1:00pm
Thu: 10am, 4:10pm, 8:25pm Fri, Sat, Sun, Mon, Tue, Wed: 10am, 1:40pm, 8:10pm
CRISIS (MA15+) 130m
Avatar: The Way of Water (M) 203m
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
Thu: 10am, 4:10pm, 7pm Fri, Sat, Sun, Mon, Tue, Wed: 10am, 4:15pm, 7:10pm
NOMADLAND (M) 120m
Thu: 10:30am, 1:00pm, 7:35pm
Blueback (PG) 112m
Fri, Sun: 10:00am, 12:30pm, 7:10pm Sat: 10:30am, 1:30pm, 6:15pm Tue, Wed: 10:30am, 1:00pm
Thu: 12:20pm, 5pm Fri, Sat, Sun, Mon, Tue, Wed: 12:20pm, 5:05pm
RAYA & THE LAST DRAGON (PG) 125m
I Wanna Dance with Somebody (M) 154m
Thu: 10:30am, 3:15pm, 5:35pm
Fri, Sun: 10:15am, 3:15pm, 5:00pm
Thu: 1:30pm, 7:45pm Fri: 2:20pm, 7:50pm
Sat: 11:00am, 3:10pm, 5:40pm Tue, Wed: 10:45am
Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile (G) 116m
THE LITTLE THINGS (M) 138m
Thu: 12:45pm, 5:10pm; Fri, Sun: 12:40pm, 4:40pm
Thu: 10.45am Fri: 12pm, 4pm
Sat: 3:40pm, 8:00pm; Tue, Wed: 12:40pm
Mummies (PG) 99m
WRONG TURN (MA15+) 112m
Thu: 7:50pm; Fri, Sun: 5:30pm; Sat: 8:30pm
Thu: 2:20pm Fri, Sat, Sun, Mon, Tue, Wed: 10.10am
RATINGS:
Puss in Boots: Last Wish (PG) 112m
Thu: 12:55pm, 3pm, 6:25pm Fri, Sat, Sun, Mon, Tue, Wed: 2:10pm, 6:10pm
You don’t necessarily have to travel very far to get o the grid. In the Royal National Park, Uloola Falls Campground is beside a small waterfall and surrounded by lush bushland. It’s only accessible on foot or mountain bike and you’ll need to bring all your own supplies, but there are toilets on site.
Heathcote National Park is just south of Sydney but a world away from the city. Pitch a tent at King sher Pool Campground, perched 50m above the tranquil King sher Pool; waterside Lake Eckersley Campground, with space for just six tents; or and the pretty Mirang Pool Campground. You have to walk in to all three and bring food, water and fuel.
Marramarra National Park in the Hawkesbury is also the perfect bush escape. You’ll need to hike a 10km trail or paddle in by kayak to reach Gentlemans Halt Campground, but once you’re there your only companions will be wedge tailed eagles.
Or take a boat to reach Twin Beaches, where you can camp by the river and explore the colonial ruins on Bar Island.
ere’s something extra soothing about setting up camp beside the water. Many campsites sit right along the edge of the Murray River, like Benarca Campground near Moama, Quicks Beach Campground near Barooga and the remote 4WD-only Woperana Campground, which has room for just a few tents or trailers.
On the South Coast, Blue Gum Flat Campground is by the Clyde River in the Morton National Park near Ulladulla. Look out for shy wombats. Nearby in the Budawang National Park, the isolated Long Gully Campground beside Yadboro River is a spot for experienced campers to escape. Campers with dogs in tow can stay in the Yadboro Flat campground. Close to Mudgee, you can camp amongst the trees that line the riverbank at Big River Campground in the Goulburn River National Park. Or explore the tranquil waters of Dunns Swamp in the Wollemi National Park from the Ganguddy-Dunns Swamp campground. Both sites have BBQ facilities, picnic tables and
Station Creek Campground sits on a calm estuary that’s the perfect swimming spot for families.
If you’d like to get even further away from civilisation, Outback camping might be for you. In the Sturt National Park, on the very edge of NSW, you can pitch a tent or set up a camper at Olive Downs, Fort Grey or Dead Horse Gully. Meet the emus and soak up the sunsets at Emu Lake Campground in Kinchenga National Park. Escape into the ancient rainforest of Tapin Tops National Park near Taree and camp at Dingo Tops, a perfect base for exploring creeks and waterfalls. Or if you don’t mind the cold, set up a tent in the snow in the Snowy Mountains for the ultimate o -the-grid adventure. Just be sure to speak to the experts first.
NSW Chief Health O cer, Dr Kerry Chant encouraged parents to have early conversations with young people to help discourage vaping.
“We are encouraging parents to be aware of the dangers vapes pose and to be on the lookout for devices which could look like USB sticks, pens or highlighters,” Dr Chant said.
“Vapes contain dangerous ingredients which could cause irreversible damage to the health and development of young people. ere is no such thing as a safe vape.”
“We are also aware that there are links between mental health concerns and vaping among young people. If parents or young people are concerned for their mental health, they can call the Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511 for referral to the most appropriate service. Quitline counsellors on 13 78 48 are also available to answer questions about vaping and provide advice and support for parents and young people.”
As part of the Do You Know What You’re Vaping? awareness campaign, which NSW Health launched earlier this year, a toolkit was published for parents, school sta and others who have interactions with young people, with information and guides to have a conversation with children about the dangers of vaping.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said evidence shows that vaping is akin to breathing in the same harmful chemicals found in weedkiller and nail polish remover, dressed up in hundreds of avours and bright colours to be attractive to kids.
Between March and June 2022, the Do You Know What You’re Vaping? campaign had over 11.5 million social media impressions and enabled over 100,000 young people, parents, carers and teachers to access materials and have conversations about the harms of vaping.
Dr Chant said: “It’s encouraging to hear parents are taking action to protect their children, and we continue to urge the community to report retailers who are selling illegal vapes via the NSW Health website. is information really helps to inform our enforcement e orts.
“We continue to use this information to close in on retailers who break the law and sell illegal vapes and liquids containing nicotine. is quarter alone we broke records with nearly 53,000 products seized, worth over an estimated $1.6 million.
“Earlier this year we put retailers across the state on notice, if they were selling illegal vapes, they would be caught, illegal items seized and destroyed, and they could face prosecution. We continue to make good on this commitment with NSW Health seizing more than 166,000 e-cigarette products totalling an estimated street value of over $4.6 million from February 2021 to September 2022,” Dr Chant said.
Parents and the community can provide information to inform the enforcement action at Report a complaint.
Quitline counsellors are available to answer questions about vaping on 13 7848 (13 QUIT). Quitline is a telephone-based service o ering information and advice. Quitline counsellors can provide tips and strategies, and help people to plan their quit attempts, based on their own needs and preferences. ey can also help parents and carers think of ways to approach a conversation about vaping with young people.
e Mental Health Line can put you in contact with the most relevant mental healh service. It is available to everyone in NSW and operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call 1800 011 511.
$120. It is such joy discovering restaurants with sensible BYO policies. Who wouldn’t happily pay another $18 if the wine you’re bringing has this pricetag? Classic, commanding stuff wherever you drink it. 9.7/10.
Whalebone Vineyard Merlot
Cabernet Franc, 2018, $90. A whale-sized price-tag, but given energy infation, in time it will be less than a KW of electricity. At any time it is positively lovely and likely the best merlot and best ‘value’ $90 wine around. Delicious. 9.7/10
Mount Majura Vineyard Canberra District ‘Dry Spur’ Tempranillo 2021, $73 This lives up to its name somewhat, and maybe it’s because it’s still a bit young, there’s plenty of drying tannins going on. 9.4/10.
Traditionnelle Brut Blanc de Blancs 2016, $70. Apparently all things bright and beautiful can be had for a mere $70. So sharp and lemony you could cut out the ribbon on your Mumm forever and never miss it. 9.5/10.
Vasse Felix Margaret River
Cabernet Sauvignon 2019, $55. $55 is almost affordable, and without exception, everyone who tasted this on grand fnal day commented…favourably, which was a frst. Football crowds often comment how awful a wine is. All
wanted more but alas we couldn’t oblige. Next year, byo Vasse Felix. 9.7/10.
Yeringberg Yarra Valley 2020, $80. Who doesn’t love a label confdent enough to say just their name and vintage? A classic Yarra Valley red and each new vintage is eagerly awaited in Crus-ville.
Whether
to Xmas, and hang on, should that be capped too? Yes, the rules are murky, but let’s not forget what Christmas is really about, the birth of Christ…and rampant commercialism.
Well, how could you forget, unless you are of another faith or none, or don’t have any money, in which case Xmas is even more invidious.
So let’s spare a thought for those less fortunate such as the unemployed, under-employed, or low-income earners struggling to pay for the electricity for their stove to cook a turkey let alone afford a turkey in the frst place.
Equally, let’s not forget gas company executives who will struggle now that the government
has capped their proftability to ‘handsome’ rather than ‘super’ on that barely 15 per cent of their production that goes to the local market and the hardship it will bring to them and their families when their bonusses are pared back from obscene to barely egregious, not to mention the money they will waste on the scare campaign to remind us of Chicken Little if this communist plot proceeds, during which we will hear nothing of the fact that the gas they are mining actually belongs to us all and all about how expensive it is to get it to your table at Christmas, politely avoiding mention of the vast sums going straight into their own and shareholders pockets while paying minimal, if any, tax as they demonise other, sustainable energy
sources and burn the planet down.
But I digress.
Yes, christmas, capped or not, is a time to consider others and ponder how it is all slightly back-to-front that the wealthier you are, the more you can afford to pay less for your electricity (and buy more effcient cars, or appliances etc).
If you have a lazy $5k foating around, and no big trees nearby, you can buy solar panels and cut your electricity bill in half, while the best low-income people can do to achieve that is turn the xmas lights off or buy a pair of scissors.
Hey, instead of $250 off next year’s electricity bill, why not pull the plug on power politics and just give everyone interest-free solar panels which we can repay with the
savings?
Naturally there is the issue of energy companies (and landlords) merely putting their prices up to compensate for their reduced Christmas bonusses (as they already do), but hey, that wouldn’t happen if we all owned the power grid (and houses) again!
Imagine that in your Xmas stocking?
(See opposite page)
Imagine what you could buy with the savings? Maybe even some of these wines which executives have enjoyed this xmas:Max Crus
ACROSS 1 Surgical instrument (7)
Tableland (7)
Reference book of Roget (9)
Mock assault (5)
Dining (6)
Table of days (8)
Clear river bed (6)
Dispense, allot (4)
Skulk (4)
Association (6)
Ponder (8)
Long-distance racehorse (6)
(5)
(9)
(7)
(7)
(6)
(8)
Old stringed instrument (4)
(10)
Anglo-Saxon king, – the Great (6)
1 Who (pictured) provided the voice of Tiana in the 2009 Disney lm The Princess and the Frog? 2 During daylight saving time, how many hours behind Canberra is Perth?
In computer terms, what does VOIP stand for?
4 What is the men’s equivalent of the women’s Fed Cup in tennis?
5 Touareg tea, a type of mint tea, originates in which part of the world? 6 The Benelux is a union of which three countries? 7 To which religion does the set of ideas and practices known as dianetics belong? 8 Name Pink Floyd’s eighth studio album, released in 1973.
What is ethology? 10 What is the name of the traditional German loaf-shaped fruitcake powdered with icing sugar?
BOYLE Leonard Patrick “Len”
13.08.1937 – 23.12.2022
Who passed away On 1/1/22
From his wife Beverley Family and friends
(nee KING)
26.11.1922 ~ 27.12.2022
Passed away peacefully at St Andrews Nursing Home, Ballina. Dearly loved wife of John (dec) and former wife of Fred Williams (dec). Much loved mother and mother-in-law of Robyn (dec), Stuart and Von. Beloved gran to Christopher, Richard and Brad. Loved sister to Eric (dec), Bruce (dec) and Kerry. Special aunty Mollie to Dave, Cameron, Lachlan and Anna. Very special great aunty to Anjali, Asher, Evie, Reuben, Molly, Albert, Walter and Odamae.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend Mollie’s Funeral Service to be held at St Mary’s Anglican Church, Ballina on THURSDAY (January 12, 2023) commencing at 10.30am. Please wear or bring something green to the service. Ballina 02 6686 7036
Passed away peacefully aged 85 years. Reunited with his loved wife Carmel. Adored Father & Father-in-law to John & Gisela, Richard, Frank & Andrea, Helen & Paul O’Connor, and Phillip & Michelle. Cherished Pop to his 7 Grandchildren and Great Grandson.
Loved by the extended Boyle & McGuiness Families.
e Requiem Mass for Repose of the Soul for Len was held at St. Carthages Cathedral, Leycester Street, Lismore, Tuesday 3rd January 2023, and followed by interment at Lismore Memorial Garden Lawn Cemetery. ose wishing to view the service may do so via the following link https://streaming.naoca.com.au/e/41ab6e1756c9-4723-98d3-cf3949263092?pin=1411
Passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family.
Beloved husband of Catherine, much loved father and father-in-law of Sonya & Garth and Kyle & Ali and special poppa of Jye and Kirra.
Relatives and friends are welcome to attend a service celebrating his life at 2:30pm on Friday the 6th of January at the Parkview Funeral Home, 21 Kalinga St, Ballina
CANNANE, MARY PATRICIA (nee CUSKELLY)
17. 03. 1937 ~ 23. 12. 2022
Passed away peacefully, late of Ballina & formerly of Evans Head. Beloved wife of Jim (dec).
Loving mother & mother-in-law of Jenny & Michael, Helen & Paul, Lynn & Robert.
Cherished Nanna of Stacey, Kristy, Mathew, Melissa, Simon, Megan and Harry.
Treasured Old Nanna & Great Nanna of Blake, Katelyn, Emily, Millie, Chloe, Alice, Lucas and Olivia.
“Close to our hearts you will always stay, loved & remembered everyday”
A Celebration of Mary’s life will be held at Evans Head Cemetery on FRIDAY (January 6, 2023) commencing at 11am. Can be viewed at ~ Funeral Livestreaming Northern Rivers, Facebook page.
Ballina 02 6686 7036
Late of Uralba. Formerly of Sydney. Passed away peacefully on Sunday 25 December 2022, aged 82 years.
Dearly loved Husband of Patricia. (dec.) Much loved Father, Father-in-law and Grandfather.
Family and friends are warmly invited to attend Keith’s Funeral Service to be held at Parkview Funeral Home, Goonellabah on Friday 06 January 2023 at 10am.
A er the service a cortege will leave for the Alstonville Cemetery.
7th January 2023 ~ 10.00 am
A/c MJ McKeown onsite at 3089 Big River Way Ulmarra NSW
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
Bidding card system will apply, light refreshments available, photos on website Terms strictly Cash/Cheque or Eftpos on the day Office 6642 5200 | David Farrell 0437 448 455 | Ben Clark 0477 123 770
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For a free quote and advice contact NOEL
The noticeboard is a place for residents and community organisations to fnd the latest news from community and social services in The Northern Rivers.
All content is submitted by community organisations. The Northern Rivers Times provides the noticeboard facility and approves submissions before publication.
All Notices submitted must be no longer than 300 WORDS MAX and supplied via email on an attached word, pages or PDF document.
Photos will not be accepted.
AGM’s (annual general meetings) are not part of the community pages and if required to be published you must submit your AGM for the Classifeds Section of the newspaper, an advertising fee will be charged. Call Sharon on 02 6662 6222 for all AGM’s. The Northern Rivers Times management has the right to refuse and/or not publish any content not following the above guidelines.
NOTE:
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.
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.
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
“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
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.
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 9.30am to 3.30pm. Scrapbooking, card making, paper craft, knitting
Ballina CWA Handicraft and Friendship mornings will be commencing on Wednesday 11th January from 9.00 am until 12 noon, in our rooms on River Street (Next to the RSL). Why not come along with or without your handicraft to have a chat and enjoy morning tea for $3. For more information, please ring our Handicraft Offcer, Barb on 0428116668. Our CWA Branch meeting will be held on Monday January 16th at 9.00am. All are welcome to attend. Mahjong is being played in our rooms from 12 noon on Wednesdays and Thursdays at a cost of $4. For more Information, please ring David 0473587412.
BALLINA CWA
Ballina CWA Handicraft and Friendship mornings are in full swing on Wednesdays from 9 until 12 in our rooms on River Street next to the RSL, come along with or without your handicraft, have a chat and enjoy morning tea for $3, for more information please ring our Handicraft Offcer Barb 0428116668.
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
TOASTMASTERS
at: president-3209990@ toastmastersclubs.org or our PR offcer at: vppr-3209990@ toastmastersclubs.org
NORTHERN RIVERS NAVAL & MARINERS ASSOCIATION
This association was formed to attract veterans for companionship, wellbeing and to supply advocacy to veterans. We hold an informal gathering every Friday, 2.30pm at Ballina Angling Club (families are welcome).
Contact Allan Watt for more information on 0402 749 582 or email jakknco@bigpond. net.au
Casino R R Country Music Club
will be holding a special CHRISTMAS social upstairs at the Casino RSM Club on Sunday the 16th of January from 10.00am - 4.30 pm.
Come along and enjoy some great country music and take advantage of the meals & drinks offered by the RSM Club.
New Artists always welcome. Free entry, raffes and lucky door prizes
More Info contact Carole 0438641500
Casino Lions club now meets each 4th Wed at the RSM.
CASINO COMMUNITY MEN’S SHED
Mon, Tues, Wed, attendance limited to 50 members, 8am1.30pm. Contact 66626423 DH or casmenshed@live.com. au
CASINO CWA
The Casino Day CWA Our next meeting will be Thursday 16th February 2023. Everyone is welcome. Enquires Margaret Good 66621746, Jennifer Baker 043892060.
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.
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 VIEW CLUB
Monthly luncheon meeting at Casino RSM Club at 11am, second Thurs of every month. Contact Jan on 0418715374.
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
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: 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@
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, & Group Projects are just some of the crafts done.
Our frst meeting for 2023 is on 7th February @ 9am.
TABLE TENNIS AT GOONELLABAH
Tuesday and Thursday mornings social playing:
9am-12noon; Monday and Wednesday nights social playing: 7-9pm; Training Monday mornings: 9am12noon; Junior coaching after school Wednesday 3.30pm-4.45pm, $6 a session. Everybody is welcome – all levels. Phone centre on 66251602. Mon-Thurs 9.00am-1.00pm or visit website www.fnctabletennis. com.au
THE PROBUS CLUB of Goonellabah meets on the 3rd Thursday of each month at the Workers Sports Club in Oliver Ave. All welcome. Goonellabah Probus is solely a social club. We have a guest speaker each month and go for outings throughout the year. Meetings on Thursday commence at 10am and fnish at midday. For further information, please contact Gloria Francis on 02 6629 1442.
GRAFTON
Next meeting Thursday 2nd February at the Joan Muir Centre in Turf St. 10am as per usual. Jane Rhodes 0438 593032 graftondistrictgardenclub@ gmail.com
Perhaps it’s time to fnd out what it’s all about! If you would like to improve your communication and leadership skills. Make new friends and have fun, you are warmly invited to attend the Mighty Clarence Toastmasters Club. We meet on the 1st & 3rd Wednesday evening of each month. You may attend either from the comfort of your own home via zoom or join us in person at the Joan Muir Community Centre: 194 Turf Street, Grafton. For more information please contact: Vice President on email Jan Coleman janetlcoleman@ gmail.com or Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ graftontoastmasters
GRAFTON SENIOR CITIZENS
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 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!
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 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
The Tweed Hospital, it recognises that the new hospital will be located south of Tweed Heads and residents in those areas may be interested in volunteer work when the new hospital opens. The branch welcomes the opportunity to talk to those who are retired, unemployed or simply looking for a chance to give back to one of our most critical services – our hospital. There is a range of jobs that can be performed. The branch runs raffes, a gift shop, fashion parades, jumble sales and luncheons. People with cars are very important to the running of these operations to transport material to the various venues. The branch meetings are held monthly, and the cost of membership is only $5 per year. There are some procedures that must be processed, such as police checks. Full vaccination is required for those volunteers who are working in the hospital. So, the public in the Kingscliff area and surrounds are invited to talk to our volunteers about our UHA branch of The Tweed Hospital. For more information contact John on 0421085985.
Kyogle Country Music’s next Musical Day is on Sunday 8th January commencing at 11am at KYOGLE BOWLING CLUB food and drinks available. Hope to see you there. All Welcome
KYOGLE SUNSHINE CLUB Meets every Thursday at 9.30am. For more details contact 0499824274.
KYOGLE TIDY TOWNS FARMERS MARKET
Held every Saturday morning in Stratheden Street from 8am -12. Come along grab some local fruit & veggies, experience all Kyogle has to offer. New Stall Holders welcome. Enquiries Anne 66321851
LINE DANCING CLASSES
Beginners are welcome –Kyogle every week Friday 5.30pm. All interested phone Lorraine 0418264489.
LION’S CLUB OF KYOGLE
Meeting is held on the 1st & 3rd Tuesday each month at the Kyogle Lion’s shed from 6.30–7pm For more information contact Neville Moon on 0448222334.
RICHMOND RIVER BEEF PRODUCER’S ASSOCIATION
Meet on the 2nd Wednesday of every month at Kyogle Showgrounds in the luncheon room at 7pm. For more details
Phone Jan on 0427293455.
LENNOX HEAD 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.
LENNOX HEAD EVENING VIEW CLUB
Meets on the second Tuesday of each month upstairs at the Lennox Hotel at 6.30pm for dinner at 7pm. Guests are welcome. “VIEW members support the education of disadvantaged Australian children by raising much needed funds for The Smith Family. Through fundraising activities and social events in local communities, members raise money that goes directly to The Smith Family’s learning and mentoring programs for disadvantaged students.” Lennox Head Evening VIEW Club currently sponsors two Learning for Life students. Contact Sue Brennan 0409728814.
New members welcome to join our close-knit club where the emphasis is on community service in a fun environment. Meetings are on the frst and Third Wednesday of each month at Club Lennox starting at 6.30pm. Members do what they can, when they can to facilitate the needs of our club.
PROBUS CLUB OF LENNOX HEAD
Meets 9.30 for 10 at Club Lennox, 10 Stewart Street, on the frst Thursday of each month. Visitors are welcome, also retired or semi-retired people wishing to join our non-service club to hear interesting guest speakers and to join in trips and outings are invited along. Phone Jan 66876859.
LISMORE ORCHID SOCIETY INC.
LISMORE
Rehearsals are held during school terms on Mondays, 6.15-7.45pm at Southern Cross University. If you can play a concert band instrument: brass, woodwind, or percussion, please come and join us! All ages welcome. We have some instruments available for loan. For more information, Tel: 0432575911 visit: www. lismorecityconcertband.org. au, and our Facebook and Instagram pages.
LISMORE EMBROIDERERS GROUP
Lismore and District Embroiderers 2022 Exhibition. By special request from Crawford House this exhibition has been extended until the end of January 2023. This will allow those who missed out on seeing the exciting range of embroidery art works in November to now have more time to plan a visit. Theme: The Natural World – celebrating the natural environment around us. Venue: Crawford House Museum, 10 Wardell Road, Alstonville.
Date and times: December 2022 and January 2023. Fridays 10am-4pm and Sundays 1-4
LISMORE MEN & COMMUNITY SHED
President: Don Abrahams 0437576837
Vice President: Bob Greig 0404860504
Email: lismoremcs.contact@ gmail.com
Opening Hours: Tuesday & Thursday 9.00am – 3.00pm We are a community based 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 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
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
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 2023.
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
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
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.
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
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 Sprung!! is a registered charity and a not-for-proft community organisation that offers Dance, Theatre & Movement workshops and training to people with disabilities. We are currently looking for volunteers to assist our organisation in a number of ways including supporting our Tutors and Disability Support Workers; transcribing; catering; professional skills; technical support and backstage support. Our workshops and performances run in Lismore, Mullumbimby, Tintenbar and Lennox Head expanding to Ballina and the Tweed. Any interested volunteers can reach us here and for general information please contact us on info@ sprung.org.au
SUMMERLAND AMATEUR RADIO CLUB
Meetings of the club are normally held on the second Sunday of each month at the clubrooms: 412 Richmond Hill Road, Richmond Hill at 1pm. Visitors are welcome. The clubrooms are usually open on Sunday afternoons from about 1pm onwards. We are primarily amateur radio enthusiasts and welcome persons interested in radio, electronics, astronomy and similar subjects. For more details about the club and its activities see the club’s website: https://sarc.org.au/
MACLEAN VIEW CLUB
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.
MURWILLUMBAH COMMUNITY GARDEN
Members and visitors are invited to join the group for activities and gardening tips most Sundays. Time 3-5pm (NSW time), street parking, BYO, covered footwear, comfy clothing, hat and water. Children ok with strict supervision. Covid plan operating. Enquires: phone Bob Johnson (02)66225792.
POTTSVILLE 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.
Meet the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month at South Tweed Community Center from 9-1pm at 18 Heffron Street Tweed Heads south all beginners welcome phone Moira on 0418686643. A friendly group of people with common interest in seeing, quilting and related craft.
TWIN TOWNS
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 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 likeminded gardeners.
See you there, bring a mug. Gwen: 0468 872 199, (leave a message please).
YAMBA
YAMBA DAY VIEW CLUB
Yamba Day View Club’s monthly luncheons are held at Yamba Bowling Club on 3rd Monday of month, starting 10am for 10.30am. Acceptance and apologies to President Lyn 66463164 by Friday prior to luncheon for catering purposes. We hold a monthly social outing either for lunch or morning tea and visitors are always welcome.
YAMBA LIONS CLUB
Yamba Lions Club’s meetings are held 2nd & 4th Thursdays of month at Yamba Bowling Club, commencing at 7pm for 7.30pm. For further information, please contact the Secretary Peter 0417546097. Social outings also held at various time and visitors and new members welcome.
BUSHWALKING
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/women’s-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.
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.
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
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. The chance of morning fog inland. Medium (60%) chance of showers, most likely in the afternoon and evening. The chance of a storm. Light winds becoming east to northeasterly 15 to 20 km/h during the day then becoming light during the evening. Thursday. Cloudy. High (80%) chance of showers, most likely in the morning and afternoon. The chance of a storm. Light winds becoming southeasterly 15 to 25 km/h during the morning then tending southerly 15 to 20 km/h during the evening.
Northern Tablelands District:
Partly cloudy. The chance of morning fog. High (80%) chance of showers on and east of the ranges, medium (50%) chance elsewhere. The chance of a storm. Light winds becoming northwest to southwesterly 15 to 20 km/h during the morning then tending northeast to southeasterly during the afternoon.
A few showers and the chance of a storm in the east, possibly severe in the northeast. Fine and mostly sunny in the west. Daytime temperatures near average along the coast and in the south, tending above average across the northern inland. East to southeasterly winds ahead of a south to southeasterly change in the southeast. Winds mainly south to southwesterly inland. Thursday. A shower or two in the east. The chance of a storm in the northeast. Fine and mostly sunny in the west. Daytime temperatures near average inland, tending a little below average along the coast. South to southeasterly winds.
Byron Coast:
Winds: Variable below 10 knots becoming northeasterly 10 to 15
knots during the day then tending easterly during the afternoon.
Seas: Below 1 metre. Swell: Easterly 2 to 2.5 metres, tending southeasterly 1.5 to 2 metres during the afternoon. Weather: Mostly sunny morning. The chance of a storm in the afternoon and evening.
Coffs Coast: Winds: Variable below 10 knots becoming northeasterly 10 to 15 knots during the day then tending easterly during the afternoon. Seas: Below 1 metre. Swell: Easterly 2 to 2.5 metres, tending southeasterly 1.5 to 2 metres during the afternoon. Weather: Mostly sunny morning. The chance of a storm in the afternoon and evening.
Gold Coast Waters: Winds: North to northwesterly 15 to 20 knots. Seas: Around 1 metre, increasing to 1 to 1.5 metres offshore during the afternoon or evening. Swell: Southeasterly 1.5 to 2 metres, decreasing to 1 to 1.5 metres during the afternoon. Weather: Partly cloudy. The chance of a storm.
Low:3:19am0.3m High:10:16am1.7m Low:4:52pm0.4m High:10:29pm1.1m
Low:3:55am0.3m High:10:50am1.6m Low:5:24pm0.4m High:11:04pm1.1m
RiseSet
Sun5:53am7:48pm Moon5:42pm3:16am
Peter Haynes has been appointed as interim CEO of Northern NSW Football. Haynes has stepped into the role following the departure of former CEO David Eland earlier this month. Haynes is well qualifed having served as NNSWF’s Head of Football Development for the last four years following a 10-year stint as NNSWF’s Community Football Manager. In these roles, Haynes has directed NNSWF’s Community Football and Player Development functions towards achieving the governing body’s strategic goals and priorities. He is also highly regarded in the football community thanks to his time as a player. Haynes spent
time at the Newcastle Jets in 2008 and 2009 and enjoyed a glittering career in NNSWF’s top tier men’s competition with Broadmeadow Magic. Haynes said he looked forward to stepping into the role. “NNSWF as an organisation is in a really good place. It is in a sound position fnancially so from my perspective it is certainly business as usual,” Haynes said. “NNSWF has obviously gone through a period of change so it is now about steadying the ship until a permanent appointment is made. “I am extremely proud to lead the organisation while adhering to its values and delivering what is best for football. There are huge opportunities on the horizon so it is about
maximising that time between now and the new season. “But to achieve this it needs to be done together as a football community and by doing what is in the best interests of the game. One of my main goals for this interim period will be to reconnect the football family and ensure the relationships are strong in order to collectively grow and develop the sport. “I thank the NNSWF board for their vote of confdence and look forward to getting started.” NNSWF Chair Mike Parsons congratulated Haynes on his appointment. “Peter is well respected in the northern NSW football community,” Parsons said. “He understands the game very well and has existing links with community
football and its stakeholders. “The process towards recruiting a new full-time CEO has already started. We are committed to taking the necessary time to do our due diligence and make the correct appointment in the best interests of NNSWF and the game in our region.
“We know that NNSWF will be in safe hands with Peter guiding the business in the interim until a permanent appointment is made.
I and the NNSWF board congratulate Peter on his appointment and wish him all the best.”
WHEN it comes to Hessions Auto Parts Grafton Speedway over the Christmas-New Year period, Christmas came a bit late for speedway enthusiasts, with the second running of the two-night Super Dirt Series for V8 Dirt Modifeds on the Thursday and Friday night of December 29 and 30.
After the successful running of the inaugural event last season, the Super Dirt Series for this season has attracted a selection of the country’s best V8 Dirt Modifeds, which includes fve-time Australian Champion and defending Super Dirt Series Champion Kevin Britten (Qld).
Apart from the driver talent of Britten, there was a heavy line up of local contenders aiming to vie for the overall Super Dirt Series spoils, such as youngster Seiton Connor-Young who took out last month’s Grafton Speedway season opener, the father and daughter duo of Andrew and
Taylah Firth, Joshua Rose and the Corbett brothers Chris and Dale, along with out-of-town challengers in two other young chargers in Blake Eveleigh and Brock Gardiner.
There is no doubt that the Super Dirt Series was hotly contested with a feld of 20 V8 Dirt Modifeds expected to tackle the 400-metre Grafton Speedway track and picking a winner over the two nights of action was certainly no easy feat.
Supporting the Super Dirt Series over the two nights was the AMCA Nationals, which featured the likes of Australian Champion Steve Price, Matt and Russ Hardy and Late Model veteran and AMCA National newcomer Ross Nicastri, Street Stockers, Production Sedans, Four Cylinder Sedans and Junior Sedans.
Grafton Speedway would like to thank Hessions Auto Parts for their 2022-23 season support, which is their
sixth consecutive season as the track’s naming-right’s sponsor. With store locations in both Grafton and Coffs Harbour, Hessions Auto Parts stock a wide range of parts and accessories at competitive prices. To fnd out more, contact them on 0266 423 085 (Grafton) and 0256 456 361 (Coffs Harbour) or visit their website at hessionsautoparts.com.au. Grafton Speedway is part of the Grafton Showground, which is located on 208 Prince Street in Grafton, NSW.
For more information, contact Grafton Speedway promoter Mick Corbett on 0427 310 009. You can also visit their website at
