The Northern Rivers Times Edition 131

By SAMANTHA ELLEY

Crowds would have easily numbered around the 5,000 mark when including the number of adults and children at Evans Head’s Buckin’ by the Beach event, according to organiser Jackson Felton of J & J Rodeo.

“We were getting phone calls from people in Brisbane, down to Grafton, up to Ballina, Casino, Kyogle and Lismore all saying they were coming to the event,” he said.

“The whole night was a buzz with plenty of action.

“We had a local bullock ride for the football clubs, and they were pretty good.

“One guy dressed up as superman and when thrown he had his arms out and looked like he was fying.”

Sponsored by the Richmond Valley

Council, the rodeo was a unique event for the seaside town.

“By all accounts the inaugural Buckin’ by the Beach was a huge success,” said an RVC spokesperson.

“We can see this event growing so are pleased Richmond Valley Council was able to provide seed funding under the NSW Government’s Reconnecting Regional NSW – Community Events Program.”

Janaya Felton, the other half of J&J Rodeo, said the success ensured the rodeo in Evans Head would become an annual event.

“We got really positive feedback, and everyone had a good time,” she said.

“We didn’t expect it to be as big as it was.

“Next year we will look at putting in more seating and a big screen.”

Despite J&J Rodeo running the night as their business, there were many in the community

who benefted, according to Janaya.

Photographer is Hollie Mariconte

“The Stan Payne Oval committee ran the bar and there were eight different food vans,” she said.

“Northern Rivers Jumping Castles were in charge of the mechanical bulls and a number of rides for the kids.

“Sam Handford from 2UP entertainment handled the preperformance and intermission with equine demonstrations and trick riding.”

Photographer is Hollie Mariconte

The rodeo was promoted as a family event with children

under 12 allowed in free and the support shown by the community and

surrounding towns, means it will defnitely be back next year.

NEWS BRIEFS

Aged fitness grants

People aged 60 and over in the Northern Rivers will soon have more options to help them stay fit, with applications now open for the ‘Active Ageing’ grants program.

Active Ageing grants are now available to support exercise providers and fitness leaders to provide lowcost exercise programs for people over the age of 60 in the Northern Rivers.

Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) is providing eight grants of $500 to support existing group exercise programs and five grants of $800

to help start new group exercise programs.

The exercise programs must be delivered in the NNSWLHD footprint (the areas covered by Ballina, Byron, Clarence, Kyogle, Lismore, Richmond Valley and Tweed Councils).

Applications close on January 27. To apply, or for more information visit: healthupnorth.info/ activeageinggrant

Holiday fun for free

The holiday fun continues in the Clarence Valley this week with free activities available for your people aged between

12-18.

On Thursday from 10am to noon there is a skate workshop at the Wooli Skate Park/ Bookings are essential. Contact 0432 049 408 or go to https://www. yambaskate.com/events

Stand up paddle boarding is available at Whiting Beach Yamba on Thursday and at Charlie Ryan Park (the Bay) Iluka on Friday. Times are 9am to noon both days. Bookings are essential. Contact 0447 693 863.

Prince St widening Parking in Grafton’s Prince St has been disrupted due to road

widening work which began this week.

Work has begun to widen footpaths, install plants and trial front to kerb parking between Fitzroy and Pound streets.

No parking available on western side of Prince Street between the two pedestrian crossings (Cotton On to Flame Trees Café) from Monday Friday January 13.

From January 13-20 on the eastern side of the street between the two pedestrian crossings (Harveys Arcade to Best & Less) there will be no parking.

Prince Street will remain open to traffic and

pedestrians.

These latest works are part of the Rediscover Grafton project funded by the NSW Government’s Streets as Shared Spaces program.

Archibald action

The Grafton Regional Galley is making the most of the visit from the 2022 Archibald Prize entrants.

Locals can see it for $5 as park fo the Summer Splash Program with vouchers available at the council office at 2 Prince St, Grafton. General admission is $12.

On Saturday January 21, visitors can meet

the subject of the 2022 winning entry, Karla Dickens at an ArchieTalks session from 11am.

The renowned artist sat as the subject for the Archibald Prize 2022 winning artwork Moby Dickens, painted by Blak Douglas – the first time a portrait of an Aboriginal woman has been awarded the prize.

Book your ticket at https://www. eventbrite.com.au/e/ artist-talk-karla-dickenstickets-488315233007