The Northern Rivers Times Edition 133

BOAT BLESSED FOR THE WATERS

By SAMANTHA ELLEY

When Heather Stacey and her husband Reg Ross came to Evans Head and joined the local Marine Rescue

Minister Steph Cooke and Heather Stacey christen the Evans Head 31 - Heather Stacey Photos: Samantha Elley

Unit in 1995, she would have had no idea that 27 years later they would be naming their new vessel after her.

“I have just always been treasurer for the unit and been very happy to do my bit for the community,” she said.

“I am very humbled.”

As the heads of Marine Rescue NSW gathered

with the Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience, Steph Cooke to commission ‘Evans Head 31 - Heather Stacey’ to the waters, the sun shone down and the wind blew as if

anticipating the newest arrival to the Evans Head Marine Rescue family.

“With powerful Suzuki engines, specialist Raymarine navigation equipment, radar, sonar and night vision capability, this 10-metre vessel has the speed and technology our volunteers need to undertake rescues and

save lives in situations where every second counts,” Ms Cooke said.

At $556,000 the rescue vessel is one of 38 new boats delivered through a $37.6 million NSW Liberal and Nationals

Government investment. Commander of the Marine Rescue NSW Evans Head Unit, Greg Blackburn, thanked the local community for its generous support of the Unit’s fundraising efforts to contribute 20 per cent of the cost of the new vessel.

“The new vessel is a significant improvement

Marine Rescue padre’s blessing Photos: Samantha Elley

over our Unit’s former boat. With improved handling and manoeuvrability and greater volunteer comfort, our crews are able to operate more safely for longer periods and in a wider range of weather and sea conditions,” Mr Blackburn said.

Member for Clarence Chris Gulaptis said ‘Evans Head 31 –Heather Stacey’ is a valuable investment in the safety of the area’s boating community and its many visitors.

“Evans Head is in an enviable position on the North Coast with access to both inland and offshore waters, and our boaters can rest a little easier knowing that this state-of-the-art vessel is ready should they run into trouble,” Mr Gulaptis said.

With a blessing from Marine Rescue’s padre, Ms Stacey and Minister Cooke washed the bow with champagne, preparing it for all who sailed on her and those who will benefit from her capabilities.

TWEED SENIORS FESTIVAL BACK WITH BUMPER PROGRAM

An Open Day at FABS (Fun Activities for Banora Seniors) at Banora Point Community Centre is included in the program of this year’s Tweed Seniors Festival. Pictured here are fabulous FABS participants Katrina Cornell, Val Hayward and Carol Price.

Tweed seniors, you have reason to celebrate. This year’s festival, which runs from 1 – 12 February is our biggest yet, with a full program of more than 40 exciting events just for you!

The festival’s theme for 2023 is Celebrate Together, a wonderful theme that promotes our goal of fostering an inclusive community where we care for each other.

The festival will showcase a range of community groups, services and fun activities that allow people to learn a new skill, enjoy themselves and socialise with others. It also involves our Local Achievement Awards, which celebrate seniors in our community who have gone above and beyond to help make the Tweed a diverse, active, and inspiring place to live.

The opening ceremony for the festival will be held on Wednesday 1 February at the Murwillumbah Civic and Cultural Centre Auditorium from 10 am –11.30 am.

The ceremony is a free event, open to all in the community, and will include music by the Murwillumbah Philharmonic Choir and Coolangatta Ukulele Player, followed by a presentation of our Local Achievement Awards.

A morning tea will be provided at the ceremony by the Murwillumbah Country Women’s Association. There will also be information from service providers related to

programs and services for people aged 65-plus.

Transport to the event on the day will also be available from Tweed Heads and Banora Point.

Other events throughout the festival include morning tea and tours of Tropical Fruit World, chair yoga, indoor bowling, croquet - even a country music concert!

There will be bus day trips, art-making sessions as well as volunteer opportunities.

Council’s Community Care Coordinator Joanne Watters encouraged all local seniors to join in the fun.

“The Tweed Seniors Festival is all about celebrating our community and the diverse range of opportunities we have open for seniors in the area,” Ms Watters said.

“You can come and meet other seniors in your area, socialise, learn something new or just have fun with like-minded people.”

Every year, the Tweed Seniors Festival is run in conjunction with the NSW Seniors Festival – the biggest celebration of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere.

For more information and a full program, please visit Council’s website at Tweed Seniors Festival | Tweed Shire Council (nsw. gov.au).

To book a spot at the opening ceremony (and transport) please contact communityservices@ tweed.nsw.gov.au or phone 07 5569 3110. You can also book via Eventbrite at tweed_seniors_2023. eventbrite.com.au.