The funding strategy for the $24 million Grafton swimming pool project is in tatters after a NSW Government department has refused permission to redirect $11.1 million of grant funding.
The Clarence Valley Council’s funding strategy to build a new pool complex for Grafton, relied on transferring $11.1 million from the Bushfre Local Economic Recovery grant fund allocated for the demolition and construction of the Treelands Drive Community Centre.
But this week the council revealed the Department of Regional NSW would not allow the funds to be switched to the pool project.
Clarence Valley Mayor Ian Tiley was disappointed with the decision, because it appeared to have support from the government, through the local member, Chris Gulaptis.
“The words used were the transfer would not be allowed because it was the result of an ‘open, competitive process’,” Cr Tiley said.
Cr Tiley described the decision as disappointing and at odds with what the council had been led to expect when it applied to have the grant funds transferred to the pool project.
“We were given every indication it might be successful and with the support of the local member, Chris Gulaptis, we moved ahead on that basis to seek the transfer of the funds,” he said.
The council included $11.1 million from the BLER fund in the pool funding strategy it approved at its
November meeting. And its confdence remained high as the latest edition of its quarterly publication, Clarence Magazine, out in January, included the pool funding strategy with the $11.1 million transfer.
But in the November business paper under key issues it said: “Preliminary discussion with the Department of Regional NSW Bushfre Local Economic Recovery fund grant administration section has identifed an opportunity to lodge a formal request for the transfer of funds ($11,107,882) currently allocated to the Treelands Drive Community Centre project to the Regional Aquatic Centre. It should be noted that the BLER funds are required to be fully utilised by June 2024.”
There has been no indication when this application was made when the council could expect to know for certain of the outcome.
The decision
disappointed Mr Gulaptis, who on Friday was outside the Grafton Pool handing out $1.5 million in funding for the pool project.
Mr Gulaptis said he was aware at the time the grant transfer had been knocked back, but there was no mention of the news then.
“I believe I found out the department had knocked back the proposal about the same time as council,” he said.
He blamed “bureaucrats” and the furore around “pork barrelling”, where MPs direct government spending to their electorates to boost their electoral chances, as the reasons for the decision.
“This was a bureaucratic decision where a government department, that does not understand the needs of the community just follows the guidelines,” he said.
“We (politicians) are at arms length from the process,” he said. “If I had the say-so the money would be
transferred for the pool, it’s obvious that’s what the community wants.
“But if an MP starts directing funds to their electorates, hey, that’s pork barrelling.”
Mr Gulaptis said socalled pork barrelling was the only way regional areas could get funding for much needed projects.
“Regional areas don’t get $300 million sports stadiums as line items in the budget,” he said. “Instead we told there are competitive grant schemes going out for tender.
“These are assessed and if we’re not good enough, we miss out.”
The Mayor said the council had some tough decisions to make at its February 28 meeting, where both the pool funding and Treelands Dr projects would come up.
He said the pool remained the council’s number one priority and it had allocated about $6 million to it.
This included $3.8 million from council
funds, $882,000 from the sale of the Visitor Information Centre, and $1.4 million from the Stronger Communities Fund.
He said the $1.5 million grant announced last week would go toward demolishing the current pool structures.
“We are going to need to borrow considerably more than we hoped to,” Cr Tiley said.
But he was not confdent the pool would be ready by June 2024, as he had been at the end of last year.
“Things have changed, the goal posts have moved,” he said.
He said he had already been in contact with the local candidates for the upcoming State election to see what the major parties could come up with.
But he said the council must not allow the BLER funding to lapse even thought it put council in a diffcult position.
“We are going to have to revisit the decision not to demolish the current Treelands Dr centre,” he said.
“While that’s diffcult, I don’t believe that’s as big an issue in the community.”
Cr Tiley confrmed the council would stick to its decision not to sell the Wooli St Hall.
“The one bit of good news we have received is an extension until June 2025 to spend the BLER grant funds,” he said.
The about face has disappointed the Yamba Community Action Network, who organised public meetings opposing the proposal to demolish and build a new Treelands Drive centre.
“Yamba CAN is very disappointed,” said the group’s secretary, Lynne
Cairns. It’s a complete turn-around. Why did it take so long?
“This matter was done and dusted. Council openly advertised it as such and now we go back to the drawing board.”
She said it appeared the council was forced to do something it and the community did not want.
“Will council now approve something that the Yamba community do not want (demolish TDCC and build Option A) and force council to borrow for something that is needed (Grafton Aquatic Centre)?” she said.
“Yamba residents don’t want a Taj Mahal community centre when inadequate stormwater drainage has not been addressed.
“Residents homes were fooded. Residents are still suffering and are anxious whenever we get heavy rainfall.”
Mrs Cairns said the Option B (no demolition and develop the current library) which council resolved to accept at its November meeting was still Yamba CAN’s preference.
“In council’s business paper 22 November 2022 Option B is calculated to cost $8m and ‘is a conceptual design only and cannot be delivered by June 2024’,” she said.
“The $8m could greatly increase: obtaining detailed designs ensuring community’s suggestions are met, building cost blow outs, etc.
“The BLER funding has been extended to June 2025 so Option B is achievable.
“We hope council gets its priorities right and approves Option B.”
I am not ashamed to admit, I have had a few regular teary moments recently.
As the days power down to the 12 month anniversary of the food, I’ve become a little nostalgic and have been going through photos that were taken during and shortly after the
event.
While our family left before we became trapped by the food waters, our neighbours stayed and took photos of the water as it frst entered our house.
I can only imagine how much damage the water did, by the evidence that was left of what had fallen over, what was sopping wet, what had stayed standing and so
5.65
on.
Looking at the photos of the days that followed when friends, family and even strangers came together to form our own mud army, I can’t help but smile at the love and support that was shown to us. Then there are the photos of the house totally gutted, walls removed and foors stripped. The kitchen
and vanity areas were taken out and as I had wondered so many times in those days, how were we ever going to make this a home again? Photos taken of the piles of rubbish showed me so many of the mementoes of our memories had become just that, memories. So many items that meant the world to us, now just landfll.
One particular item I found hard to come to terms with losing was my grandmother’s sewing machine and cabinet. As a little girl, I grew up with that piece of furniture as part of the memories of my grandmother’s house and when she died, I happily took it on. Now it is gone. Now I have new photos to look at, as we
compare the damage to what has been fxed. We now have carpet in our main bedroom and a working toilet upstairs. My Fitbit will see a huge reduction in steps but at least when nature calls in the middle of the night, we won’t be at risk of breaking our necks on the stairs. Little steps.
In 1973 when Bill and Colleen Oaten opened an electrical appliance store in Kyogle, little did they know that half a century later they would be celebrating 50 years of growth and expansion.
“They would sell small amount of electrical appliances then he took on a guy who did tv repairs,” said general manager, Mark Oaten, the couple’s son.
“They expanded into furniture.”
The company kept expanding and outgrowing the various stores, even moving at one point to the Roxy Theatre for about fve years.
“That’s when I started (in the store) three days
after the HSC,” said Mark.
“From there it went up to the top end of Kyogle and then one of his mates told Dad about a place at Casino Fair there was a big open space.
“That would have been in the mid-1980s.”
By 1987 Oatens moved into the shop they are currently occupying in Canterbury Street, which at the time was only half the size it is today.
“He bought this building off the Aarons Brothers who ran Barry Aarons Motors,” said Mark.
Mark said moving to Casino was the next step.
“Just getting into a bigger populated area which allowed us to expand the business, more staff, more product,” he said.
1973 | Bill & Colleen opened the Kyogle Appliance Centre, selling electrical appliances.
1979 | The business expanded into furniture
1979 | Moved business to the Roxy Theatre building in Geneva Street.
Bill owned the Roxy for about 5 years.
1980 | Opens a store at Casino Fair in Walker Street.
W.A. OATEN PTY LTD - trading as Oaten’s
1980 | Bill was joined by his older brother, Earl who lived in Casino.
1981 | Mark (second child), joined his father in the family business after finishing school.
1983 | Moved the Casino store from Casino Fair to 150-152 Canterbury Street Casino
1984 | Moved the store in Kyogle from the Roxy to the Main St in Kyogle
1987 | The Kyogle business was moved completely to the Casino.
1989 | Bill and Colleen bought the land and building at 150-152 Canterbury Street Casino
2003 | A major remodelling project doubled the showroom floor to 2000m2 making Oaten’s home to one of the largest displays of fine furniture and quality household goods from Port Macquarie to Tweed Heads.
2023 | Celebrate 50 years of business
“We outgrew this place in 2003 and actually did an extension, doubled the size.”
Oatens have taken on many different product providers including Carpet Court, Beds R
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Us, Retravision and today they partner with Norwegian furniture company Stressless.
“(Furniture trends) have defnitely gone through couple of phases,” said Mark.
“It was all about Australian made when I started off, lounges, dining suites…
“From there it went into the Chinese phase, what I call ‘sausage made’ factor stuff.
“It’s come back totally the other way, with good quality product and back to Australian made.”
Mark said furniture is more individualised now.
“It(Furniture) is more customised now, with different sizes, so many colours to choose from, more options instead of the one size fts all,” he said.
“Things have moved
signifcantly.
“On occasions I’ve come over on a Sunday and helped people furnish a whole house as it was the only day they could get here.
“With the product we’ve got we can do the foor, they can buy their white goods and all their furniture.
“We can do the whole lot.”
Celebrations were held recently at the Lismore Turf Club, where Mark is the chairman, with a race day with family, staff, customers and suppliers.
“We’ve planned a few things during the year,” he said.
Watch this space for some exciting developments and giveaways as Oatens celebrate their 50 years.
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The orange protective tape has been an eyesore on the Richmond River waterfront at Ballina since the floods in early 2022.
With an investment from the NSW Liberal and Nationals government, significant funding will be used to repair the key crown land damaged in the two floods experienced last year.
Minister for Lands and Water Kevin Anderson was in Ballina last week to announce the state government would be providing $1,090,000 to help repair key pieces of community land.
“This funding for Ballina Shire Council will be used to repair crown land embankments on the Richmond River, in Regatta Park near Ballina Memorial Swimming Pool and in Kingsford Smith Crown Reserve
near Richmond River Sailing and Rowing Club,” he said.
Ballina mayor Sharon Cadwallader was very pleased with the announcement.
“The damage had
That’s why our award-winning care always starts with our friendly staff really getting to know you.
become a safety issue with sink holes appearing in the park near the river,” she said.
“The whole park had to be made out of bounds and we had to move the markets which had been about to expand just
before the floods.
“Not only that, it becomes a sad experience for visitors and with the orange tape there, it is not a good look.”
Mr Anderson said the repairs will go a
long way to protecting the foreshore area to ensure it can continue being used by walkers, cyclists and skaters at Missingham Park, along with recreational fishers and visitors to the Ballina Naval and
Maritime Museum. The funding is part of the $9.81 million in grants to local councils in NSW to help repair damaged crown land under the 2022 Crown Lands Flood Recovery Program.
Instead of moving to construction the revamp of Grafton Base Hospital is heading back to the drawing board.
NSW Regional Health Minister Bronnie Taylor was in Grafton last week to unveil a master plan for the $264 million project.
Mrs Taylor described the news as “an exciting opportunity to … find out more about the early planning” and “a first-look at the design of their new local hospital”.
It was not the news the committee agitating for hospital reconstruction, the Grafton Base Hospital Community
begin “in the next term of government”.
“From memory we were talking about
Barilaro said there had been $20 million allocated for planning so construction could begin in this term of government,” he said.
Mr Harvey said local Member Chris Gulaptis had then mentioned a figure of $24 million in June last year.
But when the NSW Government released the 2022-23 budget figures, it included a figure of $1 million for Grafton Base Hospital.
He said the government had not been able to confirm which of these figures was correct, which led him to suspect funding for the project had not been allocated.
Mrs Taylor, who become the Minister for Regional Health in 2021, was pressed on the whereabouts of the $20 million Mr Barilaro had promised.
would reduce its scale.
“We know delays always cost more, but the amount has not been updated from the $263.8 million from four years ago,” he said.
“The longer the delay, the less hospital we will get.”
Mr Harvey said the delay meant meant the community was not getting the health care it needed.
“Every day the hospital is turning away people who need care and they have to go to Ballina, Lismore or Coffs Harbour for care they should receive here,” he said.
“This happens daily and has been for some time, and it’s something the community should not have to accept.”
Mrs Taylor said the government had set aside the money for
with what had been originally planned
confidence that a Nationals and Liberals Government will deliver this important project.”
Mr Gulaptis said it was a critical step in moving forward with the rebuild of Grafton Base Hospital.
“No one hospital redevelopment is the same and it’s so important that it is tailored to the community’s unique needs,” Mr Gulaptis said.
“Only after we have conducted this extensive planning and design process can we start building the hospital because we want to have the best possible
no-one would have been happy,” she said.
She could not name a date for construction to begin
“The future redevelopment is the next stage of improvement works planned for the Grafton Base Hospital, following an upgrade to emergency and surgical services completed in 2012
Committee, wanted to hear.
Its chair, Grafton businessman Des Harvey, described the unveiling of the master plan as a “minuscule step forward”.
He recalled the government, prior to the 2019 election, promising the hospital reconstruction would
planning for the hospital in 2015,” he said.
“It got to 2019 and before the election we were told construction would begin during the next term of government.”
Mr Harvey said from there it became confusing.
“In 2020 the (then) deputy premier John
She said she was not aware of where it was and noted it occurred before her appointment as Regional Health Minister, but was sure it remained in the $263.8 million the government had allocated for the hospital rebuild.
Mr Gulaptis said the funding for the hospital was there and could be used as needs arose to fund the next steps of development.
Another committee member, Phil Belletty, was concerned delays in beginning the build
the hospital and extra planning was necessary which would result in a better hospital for the Grafton community.
“If we’d gone ahead
and the new Grafton Ambulatory Care Centre completed in 2020,” Mrs Taylor said.
“The community should have every
state-of-the-art hospital to support the local community’s health needs now and into the future.
As part of the redevelopment, opportunities to improve onsite car parking and greenspace will also be considered.
This is all part of the plan’s three zones:
• The new building zone for a multi-storey clinical services building and main public entry;
• the retention zone, which ensures existing buildings are retained; and
• a future development zone, that allows for greenspace, car parking and potential future expansion.
The Grafton Base Hospital Redevelopment is being delivered in partnership with Health Infrastructure and Northern NSW Local Health District.
By Janelle Saffin MP State Member for Lismore
IN JANUARY, the Zonta Club of Northern Rivers awarded me honorary membership in recognition of my battles for affordable housing, disaster relief, action on domestic violence and women’s issues, and rights for all.
This was indeed an honour as Zonta is an organisation I admire and support for its effective advocacy and practical projects for the health, safety and well-being of vulnerable women and girls.
The tagline for Zonta International is ‘building a better world for women and girls locally and globally’ and it has been doing that for more than 100 years.
The Northern Rivers group was formed in 1996 and I was a member in the early days. I’ve seen for myself the positive difference Zonta Northern Rivers has made to local lives.
Zonta advocates and raises community awareness of genderbased violence locally and globally, and has a strong focus on housing for vulnerable women.
Older women are the fastest growing group facing homelessness in our society and before the floods Zonta was working alongside North Coast Community Housing to support older homeless women.
Then the floods hit and the crisis became worse.
Zonta Northern Rivers Secretary, Julie Burton said “We swung into action immediately after the floods with paid phone vouchers, new manchester items, and personal items for delivery to NCCH to assist those in need. Our focus has always been to make their life a bit more comfortable with dignity.”
Zonta flood relief efforts are ongoing and include furnishing the emergency housing pods at Wollongbar and funding play equipment at Wardell pod village.
Their main fundraising event of the year is an Open Garden at 131 Platypus Drive Uralba on Saturday and Sunday, 11 and 12 February. Funds raised will support Zonta’s work with older vulnerable homeless women and with flood-affected women and girls in our region.
Zonta welcomes new members. Women who would like to join their efforts to build a better world for women and girls can contact northernrivers@ zontadistrict22.org for
information. Meetings are held on the third Wednesday of the month in Alstonville.
When Zonta President Lyndall Smith presented me with honorary membership she said ‘you are a powerhouse and great ally and we thank you very much for all that you do.’
I would like to express my own thanks to Lyndall and the Zonta members. It is amazing what a bunch of smart, committed Northern Rivers women can achieve together.
Giant Pumpkin and Watermelon Festival now a signature event THE 2023 Giant Pumpkin and Watermelon Festival’s popularity is growing – like the pumpkins themselves – to a point where it has become a signature event for the Kyogle Local Government Area.
This one-day festival originally grew out of food security programs, designed as an activity to encourage farmers, backyard vegetable growers and children to pass on skills and knowledge to others.
Nowadays, the festival showcases the beauty and abundance of Kyogle and its surrounds and celebrates all that makes the LGA such a wonderful place in which to live and visit.
I congratulate all the members of the Kyogle Tidy Towns Committee for their hard work and organisation which makes this community event so special.
I was joined at the festival by my friend and colleague Yasmin Catley, the State Member for Swansea and the NSW Shadow Minister for Customer Service, Digital and the Hunter. Yasmin was holidaying
in our region and I invited her along.
Like me, Yasmin was mightily impressed by the whopping great pumpkins which generated a lot of comment among the large crowd and in media coverage of the festival. Entries for this year’s Still Life Art Prize and Craft Prize were of a very high standard and I had the pleasure of presenting prizes to the following winners:
Still Life Painting Prize – June King 1st, Dilys Bond 2nd, Kym Stuart 3rd; Craft Prize Hard –Bruce Newton 1st, Bruce Newton 2nd (handmade guitars), Paul Tiernan (the Chook Chariot) 3rd; Craft Prize Soft – Janelle Cooney 1st, Eliza Scott 2nd, Eliza Scott 3rd.
I also drew the raffle and enjoyed catching up with locals.
By Samantha Elley
The Nationals in NSW Government will provide $2,127,050 to help repair key pieces of local community land that were damaged during the February and March 2022 storms and floods, Clarence Nationals MP Chris Gulaptis has announced.
Mr Gulaptis said Richmond Valley Council will use $1,527,050 to completely reconstruct Halsteads Drive in Casino and Clarence Valley Council will use $600,000 to repair the road behind the levee wall in Maclean, which are both located on Crown land.
“Our roads have taken a beating from the floods and prolonged wet weather last year and it’s important that we provide every support to councils,” Mr Gulaptis said.
“These specific projects will ensure the whole community can enjoy recreation along the iconic rivers that run through their towns.
“The road in Maclean provides safe access to the Clarence River for fishing and other water sports and Halsteads Drive provides the only accessible point to the Richmond River for the town of Casino.”
Minister for Lands and Water Kevin Anderson said the funding was part of $9.81 million in grants to local councils across the state to help repair
damaged Crown land in communities under the 2022 Crown Lands Flood Recovery Program.
“Councils in disasterstricken areas were invited to apply for grants to clean-up, repair and restore flood and storm damaged Crown land that they manage or want to repair for their communities,” Mr Anderson said.
“This could include restoring everything from community, recreational and cultural assets like parks, playgrounds, reserves and cultural sites through to Crown roads, bridges, drains and other structures on Crown land.”
Applications for funding were assessed by the Department of Planning and Environment – Crown Lands with 45 projects supported with $9.81 million funding.
Minister Anderson said the funding will ensure local infrastructure in flood-affected communities is restored to pre-flood conditions.
“The terrible flood and storm events that swept large parts of the state in February and March left many areas declared natural disaster zones,” Mr Anderson said.
“62 local government areas were impacted by record rains that saw rivers and creeks overflow causing severe erosion, landslips and road collapses.”
Byron Community College CEO, Chantal Abouchar was recognised in this years’ Australia Day Honours List and awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for her contributions to business and the media.
Chantal has been a trailblazer in her long career. Beginning her career at ABC Television Sydney, she worked as a Cinematographer, Producer and Director specialising in factual and documentary programs. In 1997, she received a Walkley Award for a story about East
Woodenbong War Memorial Reserve Land Manager
Ever wondered who is responsible for keeping Crown reserves operating?
Countless facilities like showgrounds, local halls and parks are run by Statutory Land Manager Boards, made up of people just like you. People who understand the need and have a desire to manage public land and assets for the beneft of the entire community.
Your role as a Board Member is voluntary, but the rewards of giving something back to the community are priceless.
We are looking for a good mix of people with a variety of skills, however, sound business and fnancial management skills and objective decisionmaking expertise would be a distinct advantage.
Don’t let this opportunity to do something for yourself and your community pass you by – contact us today.
The Woodenbong War Memorial Reserve Land Manager manages the Reserve No. 74787 at Woodenbong notifed on 21-Mar-1952 for War Memorial. The term of appointment will be for a period not exceeding 5 years.
Application for membership can be made via portal.crownland.nsw.gov.au
All applications are required to be lodged by 2 March 2023.
For further information contact: Joe Endean on (02) 6642 9204 or go to reservemanager.crownland.nsw.gov.au
Timor (Timor-Leste) and its resistance to Indonesian occupation. Featured on ABC’s Foreign Correspondent program and screened internationally, it detailed the East Timorese fight for independence. Other work included “Dying to Leave”, a Logie and Walkley winning documentary series which explored global stories of people smuggling and human trafficking. Later in her career Chantal helped many people on their entrepreneurial journey. In 2015 she founded “The Studio”, a not-for-profit organisation which became a leading creative business and technology incubator, community and network for entrepreneurs and industry professionals. Launched with 21 partners and sponsors across industry, business, technology and academia, partners included Dolby, Animal Logic, AWS, CSIRO, RODE, DLA Piper, University of NSW, Western Sydney University, NIDA, AFTRS, MAAAS, APRA/ AMCOS, Copyright Agency, IGEA and Cisco/Meraki. From 2018-2022, The Studio was an anchor tenant in the Sydney Startup Hub. During this time, it was home to more than 350 startups, who created
hundreds of jobs and collectively raised close to $100 million.
In 2022 Chantal relocated to Northern NSW to take up the position of CEO at Byron Community College (BRCC). Having visited the region for 40 years the opportunity to work and live in the area presented an opportunity to good to miss. Chantal said, “I am honoured and excited to be part of the college and the vibrant creative Northern Rivers community. BRCC is a much-loved and valued organisation in the Byron Shire and beyond. My vision for the college is for it to continue to deliver world class education and evolve to meet the needs of
the community. We have some exciting projects underway or in the ideation stage, including a Demonstration Garden and Arts and Cultural initiatives.”
To learn more about Byron Community College: www. byroncollege.org.au
Follow BRCC on socials: Instagram Facebook or sign up for Byron Community College newsletter: Newsletter Signup
The Australia Day 2023 Honours List recognizes and celebrates Australians for meritorious, distinguished and conspicuous service. The full list is available here: https:// www.gg.gov.au/ australia-day-2023honours-list.
The winner of the 2023 Clarence Citizen of the Year award is a man who has revolutionised theatre and musical productions in the region since he arrived here a little more than six years ago.
The Clarence Valley Conservatorium director Adam Wills was named the Citizen of the Year in front of an audience of more 200 people in the annual Citizen of the Year ceremony at the Grafton District Services Club on January 25. He won the award
spends almost as much time applying for funding for the club to improve its lawns and buy playing equipment.
Peter had a stroke several years ago and was delighted to find croquet was the perfect game to help people recover from their affliction.
“Aspects of the game, like the hand-eye coordination needed to hit the ball and the thought processes involved in the game, turned out to be perfect therapy for stroke recovery,” he said.
a humbling and “totally surprising” experience.
“I’m grateful that music and the arts has been recognised as much as anything,” he said.
“What we’ve achieved has been a real challenge and I am only a part of it.
“But it is nice to get the recognition for the work I get to do.”
ahead a strong field of candidates made up of Ashby emergency services and environment champion Barbara Winters, Townsend Women’s Shed founder Doreen Plymin and Happy Paws Haven owner Sally Rogers.
Prior to Mr Wills’ arrival in 2016, Grafton’s two theatres mostly operated independently, with some sharing of talented actors and singers.
He soon volunteered as musical director for numerous musicals at both theatres, boosting their collaboration and giving both groups a share of his wealth of expertise.
The shows proved to be hits selling out every time.
He has continued to support the wellestablished scholarship programs for students to further their studies.
During COVID he researched and initiated technology that would
allow individual and group lessons to continue between the tutors and students.
Mr Wills showed himself to be a hands-on leader who showed initiative leading from the front.
He developed a rapport with younger students, but maintained high standards and continually strove for for excellence in everything he set out to do.
Mr Wills described receiving the award as
entrants and assisting with organising events.
She also finds time to support and encourage her senior peers and for many years she has volunteered her time to enhance Maclean community events
Valley Local Hero has shown there is a lot more to the sport of croquet than a putting balls through hoops.
An unabashed devotee of the sport, Peter Martin has spent countless hours building up the
The Junior Citizen of the Year, Nicole Cowling, said she was “more than a little bit overwhelmed to receive her award.
“It’s nice to have the
and has helped obtain sponsorships to assist with covering costs.
Behind the scenes Ms Cowling works tirelessly as a committee person or member of the Maclean Show Society supporting youth and helping them recognise opportunities to succeed.
recognition, although that’s not why you do these things,” she said.
Ms Cowling has already racked up years of achievements in the Lower Clarence community.
She has represented Maclean as a junior and senior showgirl.
As well she helps organise the Highland Gathering dance section, supporting young female
Recently she was successful in obtaining a scholarship with the Next Gen’ to represent and participate in the annual NSW/QLD Ag Shows Conference.
The only other junior nominee was Charlie Beadman for her work volunteering and fund raising for aged care and cancer research.
Clarence Valley Local Hero
The 2023 Clarence
game he loves in his home village of Coutts Crossing, where he can be found most days
“I’ve seen people at the Coutts Crossing club use croquet to help in their recovery and I’ve been spreading the word around NSW.”
Peter has been determined to share the good news to all age groups in the community and has recruited the Seniors Club, Bush Walkers and other groups to play croquet.
Spurred by his example, croquet clubs have also formed at Yamba and Lawrence.
“It’s the only sport people over 80 can take up for the first time,” he said.
mowing lawns, weeding and organising working bees.
After sundown he
Other nominees for local hero were Happy Paws Haven owner Sally Rogers, Clarence cricket stalwart Bruce Baxter, Grafton Rural Fire Service icon Mick Rogan, Happy Paws Haven volunteer Robyn McCabe and Iluka’s Warren Dawson for his incredible courage and tenacity during the flood emergency in his home town last
The past year has thrown out an incredible number of challenges to the 24 Grafton Army Cadet Unit and it has accepted
with set up and pack down of materials for more than 600 people at the ball and setting up the 140 market stalls, mostly done with cadet help.
Maj Benfield said
If you are thinking of studying a Nationally Recognised Qualification under the Smart and Skilled initiative with Byron Community College in 2023, they’ve got some very exciting news to share.
record’
In addition to recognising its top citizens, the award ceremony also welcomed a record number of new
As part of the NSW North Coast Education Flood Recovery Support Package new levels of financial support are available, amounting to thousands of dollars in fee relief for future students and those who successfully completed training last year. The aim is to alleviate financial pressures on students and their families in the region, still coping
with the devastation and upheaval of the 2022 floods. The NSW Government has recognised learning and development, particularly in the adult education sector, became less of a priority during these times and for many financially impossible.
As part of the Support Package, Training Services NSW has introduced fee waivers for all new Smart and Skilled eligible students and fee reimbursements for students who enrolled in 2022
AHC30716Certificate III in Horticulture students (pictured) at Byron Community College receive fully subsidised
fee support for their nationally recognised qualification as part of the government initiative. A course that for many can be life changing, providing career opportunities and purpose after several challenging years. For anyone hoping to pursue an accredited certification in 2023 then this is a huge incentive.
So, if you’re excited by the opportunity of new horizons, get in touch with Byron Community College today to find out more and check your eligibility – www. byroncollege.org.au or call 02 6684 3374.
and risen to every one, earning it the honour of the 2023 Clarence Valley Community Achiever Award.
Led by Major (AAC) Sally Benfield
the Grafton Cadets consistently volunteered their time to help out in the community.
She said events including Maclean Highland Gathering, commemorative services, Australia Day celebrations, March of Youth, family events, markets, fun runs, visiting nursing homes, school events, dragon boat events, the Grafton Jacaranda Festival and many more all benefited from the cadets’ involvement.
The Grafton Jacaranda Festival Committee in particular, appreciated their assistance throughout the event,
involvement in the cadets was a great way for young people to set themselves up for life.
“Kids from 13 to 18 learn life skills, discipline, self control, team work and leadership which are essential to success later in life,” she said.
“Cadets are also a great stepping stone for people who are wanting to pursue a career in the armed forces.”
She said Grafton’s 20 Battalion was recruiting and would encourage anyone looking to become a cadet to attend the Grafton Parade Hall, opposite the Grafton Hockey Complex in Oliver St every Wednesday night.
The cadets competition came from Kids in Capes Pty Ltd and Happy Paws Haven.
New citizen numbers ‘a
Australian citizens.
In all Clarence Mayor Ian Tiley handed out 39 people Australian Citizenship Certificates at the ceremony.
“From my memory this had been the largest number of people naturalised at a ceremony I’ve been party to,” he said.
In addition to the Mayor, the Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan, State Member for Clarence Chris Gulaptis, deputy Mayor Greg Clancy, councillors Peter Johnston, Karen Toms, Alison Whaites and Jeff Smith attended. Cr Steve Pickering was the MC for the event and Cr Bill Day sent an apology for not being able to attend.
Governments, there has been a dramatic decrease in teaching staff of over 52%.
Teachers that are left to face unsustainable workloads as a result and with wages falling 10% behind their school colleagues, insecure work for 77% and as a result
TAFE teachers are choosing early retirement.
skills or upgrade existing skills and knowledge, will have the opportunity to do so, in a well funded, resourced and accessible local TAFE College.
Sharryn Usher President NSW TAFE Teachers AssociationBelow are some of the facts about Australia Day that few of us know about. The others can be found on https://cairnsnews. org/2023/01/28/ why-australia-dayis-celebrated-onjanuary-26/
1. Australia Day does not celebrate the arrival of the first fleet or the invasion of anything.
2. Captain Cook did not arrive in Australia on 26th January. The landing of Captain Cook in Sydney happened on 28th April 1770 – not on 26th January.
3. The first fleet arrived in Botany Bay on 18th January.
4. The 26th of January is the day Australians received their independence from British Rule. However, Captain Cook’s landing was included in Australian bi-centenary celebrations of 1988 when Sydney-siders decided Captain Cook’s landing should become the focus of the Australia Day commemoration.
5. Australians of today abhor what was done under British governance to the Aborigines, the Irish and many other cultures around the world. So, after the horrors of WW11, we decided to try and fix it. We became our own people. On 26th
January 1949, the Australian nationality came into existence when the Nationality and Citizenship Act 1948 was enacted. That was the day we were first called Australians and allowed to travel with passports as Australians and NOT British subjects.
6. In 1949 therefore, we all became Australian citizens under the Nationality and Citizenship Act 1948.
7. This is why we celebrate Australia Day on 26th January. This was the day Australians became free to make our own decisions …...It was the day we were all declared Australians.
Lynette Evans NUMULGIAs we enter the post COVID19 recovery phase, TAFE is perfectly positioned in every community to provide the necessary provide pathways into work for their youth and re-skilling opportunities for the many Australians who find themselves unemployed or underemployed.
But at a time when Australia needs TAFE more than ever, TAFE colleges are struggling with teacher shortages.
Over the past decade of Liberal/ National NSW
With the new Labor Federal Government offering 120,000 fee free TAFE courses in areas of critical skill shortages, it is envisaged student numbers will grow in 2023. However, what good are free courses if there are no teachers to teach them and how will teachers be attracted to the TAFE teaching profession when many can earn more back in their industry.
Many small communities have already had their TAFE colleges, sold off by successive coalition state governments embarked on building small ‘shop front’ alternatives instead. Once a stand alone connected learning centre has been built in a community, the local TAFE College comes under serious threat of being sold.
Public assets belong to us, the communities of NSW. They are not the Government’s to sell at whim.
It is clear that Liberal/National state governments continue to put regional TAFE colleges at threat.
If elected in March a Labor state government has promised to restore TAFE as the permanent public provider of VET education. Teachers will have pathways to permanency and fairer wages.
Regional communities like ours, will be assured that every young person or experienced worker looking to gain new
Have the Greens learnt anything from history? because all change is difficult, big change is very difficult, especially when a referendum is involved. To effect critical environmental and energy policy reform this progressive Labor Govt must stay in majority power for a number of terms; to ensure the Coalition can’t wreck it again, radical minor parties can’t impose unrealistic demands, the country does not run out of power, our economy does not tank so we can pay for it and Aussie voters are not drowning in massive energy bills.
Failure to achieve any of these policy areas could be terminal, as powerful, well financed Conservative obstructive forces will fight to stop it. The only reason John Howard was able to take this country so far to the right and enact so many discriminatory policies that hurt so many Aussies was because he managed to stay there for four terms.
If moderate elements within the Greens have learnt anything from their disastrous decision back in 2009 to block Kevin Rudd’s ground-breaking CPRS in the Senate that eventually cost Labor the Govt and ultimately gave rise to the unhinged Tony Abbott, Adam Bandt must rein in the ill-disciplined ratbag Greens and not commit the same mistake in 2023.
Radical elements
within the Greens led by that disruptive and disrespectful show pony Lidia Thorpe and spurred on by the extreme right, are also recklessly threating to derail the history making referendum on “The Voice” by running a misleading information campaign, sowing doubt and confusion, and insisting a treaty be negotiated first; that’s just not going to happen in the near future. Do the Greens ever learn that the old slogan “we want it all and we want it now” rarely works in politics.
Keith Duncan PimlicoJust what exactly does the National Party offer the people of Clarence in the lead-up to the NSW election? For 20 years we have had two members of the party representing our electorate. The first one was popular but resigned in disgrace after being found to have lied on a statutory declaration. The second one is also popular but he moved from being the property developer’s friend as Councillor to being the property developer’s friend as MP.
Now they are pushing yet another ‘popular’ candidate who has a mediocre track record in local government where he
mainly looked after his developer mates and is a close friend of the one who was caught lying. We know that he is on the radio in Grafton, but we know nothing about how he or the Nationals will serve the people of Clarence. The Nationals have presided over an electorate that has slipped backwards into serious social and economic disadvantage over the past 20 years. This is what you get when you treat the seat of Clarence as a popularity contest. We need a talented and energetic member for Clarence, not the National Party’s Greatest Hits!
Stephen FletcherLocation Withheld
Air B and B places should not be able to be negatively geared this would open housing for long term renters. Getting a tax break and extra money renting a place out is double dipping and about time it was reigned in. In contrast whilst it is double dipping to rent out to long term renters at least it helps the community and longterm locals and people looking for work especially hospitality and tourism etc.
Alan Mosley Yamba
On being offensive…by Nigel Dawe
NONE of us are entirely what we do, but some people are infnitely more in themselves and in their community all because of what they do. They don’t just earn a “living” they live in such a way that directly aids the lives of others every single day.
IN not just the glittering fields of art and science, but in life overall: the most memorable figures have always been the ones who have dared to speak their minds, shake things up – and doubly so if their views directly contravene the broadly accepted.
Relatedly, one of literature’s most celebrated figures George Bernard Shaw once thundered, “Think of me as the celestial scavenger, if you can. I stand in the middle of the road clearing away the ideological mess of centuries. It could not be done by sitting on the fence, I assure you.”
History is filled with the iron-willed souls of those that offered up alternatives, albeit challenged firmly set assumptions – mostly to their own detriment; many of whom came off second best at best, imprisoned or put to death at worst.
Being offensive can sometimes be the unintended outcome of pursuing the truth of any given topic. Society doesn’t readily accept, let alone appreciate being revealed as wanting, or ever being wrong.
Though as Salman Rushdie once said, “Nobody has the right to not be offended. That right doesn’t exist in any declaration I have ever read…To read a 600-page novel and then say that it has deeply offended you: well, you have done a lot of work to be offended.”
Not that every action of history’s touted “hell raisers” are all innocent, some are deliberately pitched to rouse the ire, if not the forced reflection of those on the receiving end of what’s being said. Unfortunately, there is often no other way to bring about broadscale change than to launch
loaded missives into the very lap of society’s accepted norms. Along similar lines (and within reason) the ever-tinkering Rowan Atkinson once said, “In my view the right to offend is far more important than any right not to be offended. The right to ridicule is far more important to society than any right not to be ridiculed because one in my view represents openness - and the other represents oppression” Being overly sensitive to the slightest provocation is a sure-fire way to not be progressive and open to improvements that might just lead to breakthroughs beyond all expectation. Afterall, as the Welsh academic Raymond Williams once surmised, “To be truly radical is to make hope possible rather than despair convincing.” Thus, being uplifting and encouraging of possibilities, and not espousing of repressive options, is the true essence of the confronting dissident. Sadly, history is filled with examples of heavy-handed responses to those that merely prided themselves on living objectively. One of the worst being the way Emperor Shih Huiang Ti buried 460 Confucian scholars alive in 212 BC, so as to control how history was written at that time. Thus, none of us should ever turn a blind eye to atrocity committed in the name of not giving truth a free reign.
At the end of the day, as Christopher Hitchens once discerned, “Those who are determined to be ‘offended’ will discover a provocation somewhere. We cannot possibly adjust enough to please the fanatics, and it is degrading to make the attempt.”
It’s hard for many of us to imagine but there are “specialists” among us who if it wasn’t for them, lives would be lost through the lack of someone like themselves with the right skills, training, fortitude and refned know-how.
Sri Lankan-born obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr Jayasekara, or Dr Jay for short, is not just one of the three million Sri Lankans who now live abroad (or one in every eight of its citizens) he is also one of the most focused individuals you could ever meet. A trait he shares with so many born on the island of Sri Lanka, that is roughly the size of Tasmania but with a similar population fgure to Australia.
When asked what motivates and inspires him, Dr Jay said in a very understated way, “I have saved so many mothers and their newborn children. To save lives. There is tremendous selfsatisfaction in that. Many patients I have also saved through having detected early cancers. “I’ve performed nearly 6,000 Caesarean sections. I’m always building, if you become specialised, it’s a case of the more you learn, the more you can serve. Which is my driving force, and the confdence to work anywhere in the world, these have been the constants over my entire 22-years in obstetrics.”
Since the time of ancient Greece, medical practitioners upon graduating have taken what’s called the Hippocratic Oath, which is essentially a 350-word pledge or a doctor’s creed of standards and ethics accredited to the “Father of Medicine” Hippocrates, who was
also a contemporary of the renowned philosopher Plato. When it comes to embodying these principles, none encapsulate them more succinctly than Grafton’s Dr Jay, or particularly the oath’s fnal passage, “If I do not violate this oath, may I enjoy life and art, respected while I live and remembered with affection thereafter. May I always act so as to preserve the fnest traditions of my calling and may I long experience the joy of healing those who seek my help.”
Happily married to his wife Achini, who Dr Jay refers to as, “my greatest support, role model and inspiration,” she too is a medical practitioner, having specialised in
general practice and infectious disease. That one household in Junction Hill contains two pillars of the community is something the entire Clarence Valley can take solace in, not to mention rest assured that if anyone falls ill, they will fnd themselves in the very safest of medical hands. Whilst he is also an academic tutor and honorary lecturer for Wollongong university, Dr Jay enjoys growing Begonias in his downtime, he is currently nurturing 25 different types of this vibrant-leafed plant in a nursery at his home. However, there are more than 2,000 varieties of Begonias – from angel wings to green golds, and glowing embers –
thus Dr Jay certainly has his work cut out to make sure one of each kind fnds a place in his own backyard.
As for advice that might beneft others in their own quest for personal accomplishment, Dr Jay said, “Every day once I fnish my work, I feel I’ve done something for the community and people, correctly and completely. There’s a job for me to do and I try to fulfl that. My expectation is to give maximum service to the community, I’m always aiming at 100%, as there is no scope whatsoever for error in obstetrics. Work hard and be honest, don’t get disheartened by any obstacles, and one day you will succeed in your chosen career.”
‘Mum, I do appreciate you placing a tray of ice in front of my fan to keep me cool, but there’s a bit you’ve missed. Mum, you’ve gotta top UP the ice, not let it just melt.’ (It’s ‘Leemo Cat’ writing. I can barely use my paws to type these words I’m so hot.) ‘Mum, do you reckon if I were taller, I may not feel the heat so much? At times I feel dizzy ‘cos of my enviable glorious thick fur.’ ‘Mum Jane’ removed a cool towel from her head and found the vigour to speak. ‘Leems, if, per chance, you WERE taller, you may get a kind of cooling ‘breezethrough’ scenario between the ground (like wind under a bridge built over a road) and your body. However, as your tummy almost skims the foor ‘cos of your fur and your, ummm, ‘fullish fgure’ it can’t happen ‘cos the breeze is trapped!’ (Crikey, this is grim!) ‘Mum, how can I get taller? Will you help?’ Her stare-glare went right into my brain as she wiped her sweaty brow emitting a crabby sigh. ‘Leems, if you think I am paying for surgery to get you longer legs, you’re dreamin! PERHAPS if you reduce your GIRTH by reducing your treat intake, & let me trim your fur, it MAY help you get cool. Think about it! BIG $ savings all round, and you would feel sooo nifty about yourself.
Gottit?’ NUP..I didn’t GOTTIT!! (can you believe I heard her
mutter ‘go join a Circus you idiot cat and learn how to walk on stilts if you wanna be tall.’ Oooh, how RUDE!) Time for intense meditation. I lay in front of my fan with paws in air and went into ‘conundrum solving mode’ with my ooormoohs. Aha, I’ve got it! ‘MUM oh adorable one, could I pleassies make a long distance phone call to USA to talk to ‘Fenrir’, the world’s tallest living domestic cat. He will help me I’m sure. ‘Fenrir’ is a Savannah Cat and stands almost 19” tall, and he’s only 3 years old. Crikey, I SO much wish to chat with him.’ Mum’s response was ‘WHY Leems?’ In a sneaky ‘sucky-up’ way, with sad pleading eyes, I told Mum that if I could get ‘Fenrir’ to send me a vial of his DNA, (yep, I know about DNA from crime novels) you Mum, can get the nice Vet to inject it into my legs, and hey presto, I’ll be the enviable ‘Leemo Long Legs’. I’ll be so high above the ground I’ll always be cool & comfortable, even in hot weather like now. I’ll get the ‘breeze through’ effect you mentioned.’
‘Sit down Leems, and I’ll tell you something. AND LISTEN. I am from a family of 8 kids, and I am the shortest. At 73 I am only 5.3ft and ¼”. I do not sit around moaning my shortiness. Even reading about the nice girl Rumeysa from Turkey born in 1997 who is now 7.07ft tall didn’t make me envious. SO, Leems, get over your piffe. You are what God made you so suck it up! All you need to do is to LOVE who you are even if you are a plump, short, overfuffy cat. Bear in mind Leems, ‘good things come in small PLUMP packages like YOU..just like fruit cakes! Never Mind my ‘lil buddie’ I love you. (I so wanted to ask why she had her NOSE changed if God had indeed made it..
NUP.) Thinking ahead.. this would be a bad plan ref future treats & brushes! Truly, Mum is quite potty at times. Nite with purrsies, ‘Leemo the Short’ but “magnifcent”.
The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government has announced a new $175 million Growing Regional Economies Fund to boost economies and jobs growth across regional NSW.
The fund will invest in infrastructure and facilities projects that will unlock housing and economic growth in regional communities.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW, Paul Toole, said the fund will deliver infrastructure initiatives such as bridges, access roads, airport upgrades and regional research facilities that will have a positive and lasting impact that supports increased investment, land activation, and employment opportunities in regional areas.
He emphasized that regional NSW is the best place to live, work and raise a family, and that the fund will only increase the appeal to live and invest in regional NSW.
The fund will also offer
support to communities right across regional NSW, with Member for Coffs Harbour, Gurmesh Singh, stating that it will mean more local jobs and more opportunities to grow industry in the regions.
The $175 million Growing Regional Economies Fund is part of the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government’s $3.3 billion Regional Growth Fund, which is being invested in local projects that improve the lives of people living in regional NSW. Expressions of Interest open on 8 February 2023 and close on 23 May 2023.
In addition to the Growing Regional Economies Fund, the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government also announced an Adventure Cycling Strategy to boost regional tourism and grow adventure cycling experiences.
The plan aims to make regional NSW a global destination for adventure cyclists and will focus on
developing and creating awareness of new and existing tracks across the region.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW, Paul Toole, said that in the past fve years, the government has invested more than $30 million in tracks and trails across the State, including signifcant projects in Thredbo, Mogo, Wagga Wagga and Narooma, that will bring more visitors to regional communities and put more dollars in local tills.
The Adventure Cycling Strategy is part of the NSW Government’s Visitor Economy Strategy goal to make NSW the premier visitor economy of the Asia Pacifc by 2030.
The government is investing in adventure cycling projects across the State, including recent upgrades to the Wedding Bells Mountain Bike Trail Network at Woolgoolga, and the Snowy Mountains Adventure Park within the Snowy Mountains
Special Activation Precinct, which will include mountain biking trails and a range of tourism and recreational uses.
In conclusion, the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government has announced two major initiatives to boost the economies and tourism in regional NSW.
The $175 million Growing Regional Economies Fund will invest in infrastructure and facilities projects to unlock housing and economic growth in regional communities, while the Adventure Cycling Strategy aims to make regional NSW a global destination for adventure cyclists by developing and creating awareness of new and existing tracks across the region.
Both initiatives are part of the government’s goal to make NSW the premier visitor economy of the Asia Pacifc by 2030.
Investigators from Coffs-Clarence Police District have renewed calls for assistance to identify the driver of a vehicle allegedly involved in a fail to stop crash last year.
About 10pm on Friday 28 October 2022, a 45-year-old woman was riding a
non-motorised scooter north on Armidale Road, South Grafton, when she was hit by vehicle and knocked to the ground.
The vehicle failed to stop and render assistance before continuing north on Armidale Road.
The woman was treated at the scene by NSW
Ambulance paramedics before being taken to Coffs Harbour Health Campus for further treatment. Offcers attached to CoffsClarence Police District attended and established a crime scene.
Investigators have now released CCTV footage of a vehicle – described
as a white utility with silver tray back – and are appealing for public assistance to help identify the vehicle and any occupants.
Anyone with information that may assist investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
“Leemo has views on just about anything”
CAN I GET TO BE TALLER?
The Chinchilla Melon Festival is a wild week of melon themed events that culminate in the hilarious Melon Games.
Visitors provide the entertainment as they participate in the many competitions taking place including melon skiing, the melon toss, pip spitting, melon bungee and the melon iron man races.
Have you ever seen anyone split open 47 watermelons in 60 seconds using nothing but, well... their own melon? You should probably come to the Chinchilla Melon Festival for one heck of a good laugh!
Known as the ‘Melon Capital’ of Australia, Chinchilla produces a quarter of Australia’s melons.
Chinchilla is 300km west of Brisbane, nestled in the pristine beauty of the Western Downs.
The Melon Festival is held every 2 years in February, and encompasses a week of activities with the highlight being the classic family fun day and colourful street parade. Chinchilla
To learn more about this quirky and iconic festival please visit the website: www.melonfestival.com. au.
If you’ve never skied on watermelons or attempted to melon bungee, then you need to put the Chinchilla Melon festival on the top of your to do list!
The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government has announced funding to improve the facilities of the Mullumbimby Showground.
Minister for Lands and Water, Kevin Anderson, stated that $30,000 will be provided from the government’s Crown Reserves Improvement Fund to ensure that the multi-use facility continues to be a centerpiece for the local community.
“Mullumbimby Showground is used for a wide range of activities by the community, so it’s vital that we support it,” said Mr Anderson.
The funding will be used to replace old wooden stockyards with new steel cattle yards, providing a safe and secure environment for livestock and creating better opportunities for community groups. The upgraded facilities will allow Mullumbimby Agricultural Society to source increased
revenue through camp drafts, host team penning competitions, and provide camping facilities during equestrian events. It will also enable horse clubs to introduce new events and attract more members.
Mr Anderson also stated that the Mullumbimby funding is part of $16.48 million being offered statewide by Crown Lands to support projects on Crown reserves.
“Crown reserves provide communities with land for everything
from showgrounds, parks, ovals, green space, and walking trails to racecourses, surf lifesaving clubs, and community halls,” he said.
“These grants to improve Crown reserves and facilities will benefit many thousands of people and the cultural, sporting, and recreational life of hundreds of local communities.”
Lismore MP, Janelle Saffin, also welcomed funding for the repair of the flood-damaged Wilsons River foreshore
and small grants for improvements to the Lismore and Woodenbong showgrounds. Ms Saffin stated that she had lobbied hard to make riparian repair and showground upgrades priority issues during this Parliamentary term.
“Every dollar counts with our flood recovery so I welcome this money for local projects on Crown land,” she said.
Under the 2022 Crown Lands Flood Recovery Program,
Lismore City Council will receive $218,127 to repair riverbanks, restore biodiversity, and stop erosion, including planting 1,150 trees and 8,000 plants. The projects will help restore critically endangered Lowland Rainforest in Albert Park and prevent erosion threatening the baseball fields and walking track, as well as encourage biodiversity in Currie Park near the Turf Club and Rugby Club. And under the Crown Reserves Improvement Fund, which Ms. Saffin has heavily promoted, a total of $109,000 is going to the Electorate of Lismore: $52,000 for Lismore Showground towards replacing aging timber stairs and terracing, with a new concrete staircase and metal handrails and $57,300 for Woodenbong Showground towards the installation of safety railing and fencing for the grandstand.
The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government will provide funding to repair Crown Land on the Wilsons River foreshore in Lismore, that was damaged during last year’s foods.
Minister for Lands and Water Kevin Anderson said the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government will provide $218,127 to Lismore City Council to; repair riverbanks, restore biodiversity and stop erosion, including
by planting 1,150 trees and 8,000 plants.
“The February and March 2022 foods had a devastating effect on Lismore and these Crown land projects will restore and protect some of the riverside areas where many locals come to relax and enjoy,” Mr Anderson said.
“These projects will restore critically endangered Lowland Rainforest in Albert Park and prevent erosion threatening
the baseball felds and walking track, as well as encourage biodiversity in Currie Park near the Turf Club and Rugby Club.
“This funding from the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government is part of $9.81 million in grants for local councils across the State, to help repair damaged community Crown land under the 2022 Crown Lands Flood Recovery Program,” Mr Anderson said.
“Councils in disasterstricken areas were invited to apply for grants to clean-up, repair and restore food and storm damaged Crown land that they want to repair for their communities.”
Applications for funding were assessed by the Department of Planning and Environment – Crown Lands.
Minister Anderson said this funding will ensure infrastructure in food-affected
New South Wales welcomed a record intake of 1,100 medical graduate interns to city and country hospitals last week, more than any other state or territory in Australia.
The new medical graduates will be entering a training program with networked hospitals throughout the state, providing formal and on-the-job training.
A volunteer Community Fire Unit (CFU) has been established in Wategos Beach area of Byron Bay, to help protect homes along one of Australia’s most famous stretches of coastline.
The CFU is a program by Fire and Rescue NSW that empowers local residents to be proactive in protecting their neighbourhoods from bush fres. The CFU acts as a fre safety trip wire, alerting authorities when properties are under threat and protecting businesses and homes.
A state-of-the-art tanker has been added to the Brunswick Heads Fire and Rescue NSW Station, which will bolster bushfre-battling capabilities.
communities is restored.
“The terrible food and storm events of last year that swept away large parts of the State in February and March left many areas declared natural disaster zones,” Mr Anderson said.
“62 local government areas were impacted by record rains that saw rivers and creeks overfow causing severe erosion, landslips and road collapses.”
As the NSW State Government election nears, candidates and their supporters are reminded they must comply with State and Council regulations when erecting political signage.
Ahead of the ballot on Saturday 25 March
2023, Council is reminding candidates of the strict rules governing the erection and display of political signage, which is now permitted to be displayed up to 8 weeks ahead of the polling date.
Council offcers will
undertake a program of compliance and monitoring to ensure all posters and signage containing electoral material comply with the State Environmental Planning Policy (Exempt and Complying Development Codes)
2008 Division 2, Subdivision 13Election signs. All unauthorised signs will be removed by Council offcers. Election signs can be affxed to private telegraph poles, however the owner needs to be certain the
pole is not owned by an electricity provider as legal action has occurred elsewhere in NSW. All signage connected to power poles will be reported to Essential Energy for their attention and action.
The new multi-purpose tanker, which cost $530,000, is specifcally designed to respond to bushfre threats with a water spray system to protect the crew, a compressed air foam system to extinguish blazes and a 3,500-litre water tank.
The new appliance will not only boost frefghting capability in the community but also ensure that frefghters have the best possible equipment and technology to protect life and property.
Have you seen this beautiful quilt made by the Ballina Library craft group “Sew Can I”?
The quilt was on display at Ballina Shire Council last month and will be moving to Lismore City Council in early February, before returning to Ballina Library.
• Based in Ballina, we are locally owned and operated by experienced Registered Nurses
• We ofer individualised care and support that is overseen by Registered Nurses
• Our qualifcatons and experience allow us to provide a higher level of specialised care
• We are an approved Home Care Package (HCP) provider and in additon, provide tailored services for private clients
It would be fair to say that the success Pearl Home Care is experiencing, comes because of two main reasons.
Christine Stevens
• We provide that additonal link between the client and their family who may live some distance away
0402618 569
• We understand the health care system and its various components, thereby helping clients and their families to navigate the system efectvely and efciently
e rst, according to CEO Peter Frendin, is the importance of people within the company.
And the newest area that Pearl Home Care is being established, Lismore/Casino – Alex Clough 0403 735 518.
• Whilst we are initally concentratng on servicing Ballina and its surrounds, in tme we will be expanding our services to other locatons along the North Coast
“ ese are all local people
Not just the clients but also the sta
“We have had an increasing demand (for our services) from the Tweed Heads area, out to Casino and down to Gra on,” he said.
“With that in mind, we’ve spent a lot of time trying to nd the right people to work in these areas.”
Mr Frendin said they have been very lucky to get local people who are well-con nected, not only in the aged care and disability sector but also the com munity.
“As a result of that, we have now appointed managers for the di erent areas,” he said.
e managers include:
Ballina/Yamba – Jodie Lund 0411 268 343
Tweed/Byron – Linda Dixon 0431 002 833
Gra on/Clarence Valley –
who know the areas they are working in very well,” said Mr Frendin.
“ ey also have family connections in the area.
“ at’s been the secret to our success.
“We have been getting more clients all by word of mouth.
“We like to see ourselves
as a place where people can get information on the aged care journey.”
Mr Frendin and his wife Jennifer are both qualied, registered nurses and established Pearl Home Care North Coast NSW in
“
“We can tailor our services to best deliver to our clients.
Having this group of people who are very experienced means we can be innovative, too.”
Mr Frendin used the exam ple of their imminent consumer advisory groups.
alled in Ballina where a group of our clients will become our
continue to grow, but do it mindfully.
“We will be getting our NDIS approval within the next six months and moving into that space but also want to work with the
Ballina back in 2021 and this is where the second reason is highlighted for their successful growth.
“Being smaller, we are appropriately able to respond to individual needs,” said Mr Frendin.
“We are not like a multi-national where one size ts all.
“We hope to run one in each of our areas.”
As the new services are established in the Casino area, Mr Fren din said they will
• Based in Ballina, we are locally owned and operated by experienced Registered Nurses
• We ofer individualised care and support that is overseen by Registered Nurses
• Our qualifcatons and experience allow us to provide a higher level of specialised care
• We are an approved Home Care Package (HCP) provider and in additon, provide tailored services for private clients
• We provide that additonal link between the client and their family who may live some distance away
• We understand the health care system and its various components, thereby helping clients and their families to navigate the system efectvely and efciently
• Whilst we are initally concentratng on servicing Ballina and its surrounds, in tme we will be expanding our services to other locatons along the North Coast
The master plan for the Grafton Base Hospital redevelopment has been unveiled for the new $264 million health facility.
Minister for Regional Health and Mental Health Bronnie Taylor said the NSW Nationals and Liberals Government are investing in a major redevelopment of Grafton Base Hospital to modernise and improve health service facilities for the community.
“The release of this master plan provides the local community with an exciting opportunity to not only find out more about the early planning but also a first-look at the design of their new local hospital,” Mrs Taylor said.
“The future redevelopment is the next stage of improvement works planned for the Grafton Base Hospital,
following an upgrade to emergency and surgical services completed in 2012 and the new Grafton Ambulatory Care Centre completed in 2020.
“The community should have every confidence that a Nationals and Liberals Government will deliver this important project.”
Member for Clarence Chris Gulaptis said the master plan is a critical step in moving forward with the rebuild of Grafton Base Hospital.
“No one hospital redevelopment is the same and it’s so important that it is tailored to the community’s unique needs,” Mr Gulaptis said.
The master plan outlines the main areas for development on the site, and importantly allows for key services to remain operational during all stages of construction.
Patients, carers and staff at Murwillumbah District Hospital are set to benefit from a suite of improvements to hospital facilities as part of an almost $2 million renovation.
Construction work will commence 28 January 2023 to upgrade the emergency department triage area and reception, medical imaging reception, palliative care room and fire safety measures throughout the site.
District Chief Executive, Wayne Jones said the hospital will remain open throughout the refurbishment works, and people should continue to present to the emergency department if they require urgent medical care.
There will be some changes to public access at the front and rear of
the hospital, which will be clearly signposted.
“Patients rate the care they receive at Murwillumbah Hospital very highly, and these upgrades will build on the already excellent experience our staff continue to provide to our community,” Mr Jones said.
“The enhancements to the hospital will create a more accessible ED triage and waiting area which caters for all patients, including those
with a disability.”
Upgrades to the medical imaging department will improve patient flow and disabled access and create a purpose-built brighter reception area – all improving the patient and staff experience.
Palliative care room improvements will create a calm and peaceful environment which feels more like home. There will be facilities for family members to stay overnight with
their loved one and a living room will provide a breakout space with tea and coffee making facilities.
“We will also redesign the space to enable patients to enjoy the beautiful views that surround the hospital” Mr Jones said.
“Murwillumbah District Hospital is an excellent facility and plays an important role in delivering health services across the Tweed Valley.”
Young families in Grafton and surrounding areas now have access to increased support with the opening of the Tresillian in Clarence Family Care Centre.
Minister for Mental Health Bronnie Taylor said the service inside the Clarence Family Care Centre, Grafton, is a win for families as it will provide parents in regional NSW increased access to specialist early parenting support services.
“We know how diffcult it can be adjusting to life with a newborn and having specialist services available closer to home makes a massive difference to the lives of young families living in regional areas,” Mrs Taylor said.
“Adding a baby to the family is an incredibly special time, however new parents often face challenges whether that be with feeding, settling the baby, toddler behaviour and perinatal anxiety and depression,
which is why the support Tresillian offers is so important.”
Member for Clarence Chris Gulaptis said the extra support will ensure people living in the region have quick and easy access to support when they need it. “This is fantastic news for local families, who can now access a purposedesigned facility which will ensure that they are practically and expertly supported through the frst stages of their parenting journey,” Mr Gulaptis said.
Tresillian’s CEO, Rob Mills said the team at Tresillian aim to support parents to build confdence and enjoy the critical early years of their child’s life.
“Since opening in October 2021, the team at Tresillian in Clarence have delivered over 1000 occasions of service to local families”.
The Tresillian Family Care Centre is located at Unit 2, 21 King Street, Grafton and will operate Monday to Friday. Telehealth is also offered for families in other parts
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.
of the Clarence region.
“Parents in the region can either self-refer to Tresillian in Clarence by completing a short online contact form on the Tresillian website or ask their local general practitioner or child and family health nurse for a referral,” Mr Mills said.
“Tresillian’s services have transformed the lives of thousands of Australian families. We’re thrilled to be working in partnership with the NSW Government, the Northern NSW Local Health District and Gidget Foundation Australia to ensure every child has the best start in life.”
The NSW Government has committed $12.2 million to Tresillian over two years, which commenced in 2021.
Families seeking parenting support can call Tresillian’s Parent’s Help Line on 1300 272 736 Monday to Friday.
The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government is investing in the community of Ballina by providing significant funding to repair Crown Land damaged during last year’s floods. Minister for Lands and Water Kevin Anderson said the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government will provide $1,090,000 to help repair key pieces of community land in Ballina that were damaged during the February and March 2022 storms and floods.
“This funding for Ballina Shire Council will be used to repair Crown Land embankments on the Richmond River, in Regatta Park near Ballina Memorial Swimming Pool and in Kingsford Smith Crown Reserve near Richmond River Sailing and Rowing Club,” Mr Anderson.
“These vital projects will rebuild embankments into robust structures to withstand storms and flooding after erosion caused sinkholes
between the Richmond River shoreline and the shared pedestrian and cycle path.
“This $1.09 million investment will protect the heavily-used foreshore area for thousands who enjoy it every day, from walkers, cyclists and Missingham Park skaters to recreational fishers and visitors to Ballina Naval and Maritime Museum.”
The funding was part of $9.81 million in grants to local councils across the State to help repair damaged Crown land in communities under the 2022 Crown Lands Flood Recovery Program.
Applications for funding were assessed by the Department of Planning and Environment – Crown Lands with 45 projects supported with $9.81 million funding.
Minister Anderson said the funding will ensure local infrastructure in floodaffected communities is restored to pre-flood conditions.
Singh has welcomed the commencement of 24 medical graduate interns at Coffs Harbour Health Campus this week.
Mr Singh said that a record intake of almost 1,100 medical graduate interns will start work in NSW public hospitals this week – more than any other state or territory in Australia.
“I want to extend a warm welcome to the class of 2023 and thank them for choosing a rewarding career in health. Each of these new starters will play an important role in keeping the people of the Coffs Coast safe and healthy for years to come,” Mr Singh said.
“These new medical graduate interns will also provide a major boost to their new colleagues – our dedicated health staff across the region who have performed remarkably during a very challenging few years.”
Minister for Regional Health Bronnie Taylor said the new medical graduates will be welcomed with open
arms to our rural and regional communities, with almost one third or 396 of the positions in the bush.
“The NSW Nationals and Liberals in Government are committed to strengthening our regional health workforce, and ensuring the people of rural and regional NSW continue to have access to the high quality healthcare they need and deserve,” Mrs Taylor said.
“Interns seeking to complete their internship in our regions were able to apply through the Rural Preferential Recruitment pathway and, this year, 176 Rural Preferential intern positions were available – an increase of 13 positions from 2022.”
Interns are medical graduates who have completed their medical degree and are required to complete a supervised year of practice in order to become independent practitioners.
The new doctors starting their internship will be entering a training program with
networked hospitals throughout the state, providing formal and on the job training.
They receive twoyear contracts to rotate between metropolitan, regional and rural hospitals to ensure the diversity of their experience. They also rotate across different specialties during the intern year, including surgery, medicine and emergency medicine.
e NSW Government is investing a record $33 billion in health as part of the 2022-23 NSW Budget.
e NSW Government has also announced the largest workforce boost in the nation’s history with a $4.5 billion investment over four years for 10,148 full-time equivalent (FTE) sta to hospitals and health services across NSW.
The latest addition to the Marine Rescue NSW feet, a $556,000 rescue vessel, has been unveiled at Evans Head to better protect Northern NSW coastal communities.
Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience Steph Cooke said ‘Evans Head 31’ is one of 38 new vessels delivered through a $37.6 million NSW Liberal and Nationals Government investment.
“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.
Member for Clarence Chris Gulaptis said ‘Evans Head 31’ is an investment in the safety of the boating community and 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.
Marine Rescue NSW Deputy Commissioner Alex Barrell said the rescue vessel has been custom-designed and built to meet demanding local conditions.
“As well as operating
on the river, the boat can quickly deploy up to 30 nautical miles out to sea to rescue boaters who fnd themselves in trouble offshore,” Deputy Commissioner Barrell said.
Marine Rescue NSW Evans Head Unit Commander, Greg Blackburn, thanked the community for its support of the Unit’s fundraising efforts to contribute 20 per cent of the cost of the new vessel.
Property experts have identifed Australia’s most attractive suburbs for property investors in 2021. The realestate. com.au Hot 100 list reveals the locations around the country that hold the best prospects for the coming year.
New South Wales’ East Tamworth is a scenic, elevated suburb near the city centre that offers a peaceful lifestyle. The town is home to many agriculture, mining, food processing, and industrial sectors, making it a one-stop shop for the New England and northwest region of NSW. Tamworth Regional Council is aiming to grow the population from 55,000 to 100,000 by 2040, which should keep demand for housing high. The median house price is $589,000 and the median house rent is $425 per week, with
a yield of 4.2%. The median unit price
plenty of investment going into infrastructure
Points of Interest:
signifcant changes in recent times, which has
Belmont in Geelong is a perfect mix of
1. Tamworth Regional Council has a target of growing the population from 55,000 currently to 100,000 by 2040.
2. Western Sydney is popular for buyers, with the region one of the largest economies in the country behind Sydney and Melbourne CBDs.
3. Eagleby, halfway between Brisbane and the Gold Coast, has seen demand for homes surge over recent years.
is $325,000 and the median rent is $320 per week, with a yield of 5%.
Glenmore Park in Greater Western Sydney is in an ideal spot to beneft from the growth drivers in the region, which has outperformed other areas in terms of price growth. Western Sydney has become one of the country’s largest economies outside of Sydney and Melbourne CBDs, and there is
such as the Western Sydney Airport and major projects like the Camden Valley Way and Bringelly Road upgrades. The median house price is $1.02 million and the median house rent is $620 per week, with a yield of 3.3%. The median unit price is $700,000 and the median rent is $420 per week, with a yield of 3.7%.
In Victoria, Sunshine West has seen
put it on the radar of more buyers. Population growth, increased local amenities, and an infux of younger buyers and growing families have all contributed to a strong demand for housing. The median house price is $735,000 and the median house rent is $380 per week, with a yield of 2.8%. The median unit price is $564,500 and the median rent is $350, with a yield of 3.7%.
family-friendly appeal and trendy amenities. It is close to the CBD, parks, and good schools, making it a desirable spot for families. The median house price is $750,000 and the median house rent is $450, with a yield of 3.3%. The median unit price is $560,000 and the median rent is $393 per week, with a yield of 3.7%.
In Queensland, Eagleby is halfway
between Brisbane and the Gold Coast, and has seen a surge in demand for homes. The location is ideal for those looking to enjoy easy access to the city and the beach, as well as a pleasant lifestyle on the Albert and Logan rivers. The median house price is $508,000 and the median house rent is $450 per week, with a yield of 4.6%. The median unit price is $321,000 and the median rent is $338, with a yield of 6.5%. Also in Queensland, Bli Bli in the centre of the Sunshine Coast is a popular spot thanks to its close proximity to all the region has to offer and its “country feel”. The median house price is $865,000 and the median house rent is $660, with a yield of 4.1%. The median unit price is $699,000 and the median rent is $530, with a yield of 4.
Tweed River House
– Looking pretty spectacular!
Our magnifcently restored century old grand river house evokes the gentler pace of the Northern Rivers, where you can dine enjoying the panoramic views from the river terrace or inside under the elegant, pressed tin ceilings.
We have recently been awarded a chefs hat n the 2023 Australian Good Food Guide, which is a fabulous achievement for our team. Our restaurant is currently serving its Summer Menu, featuring
classics from Cote D’Azur region of France – perfectly suited for summer dining.
During summer, we have live music in the Lawn Bar as part of our Sunday Summer Soirees. Enjoy cocktails and lite bites by the riverside Lawn Bar listening to each week’s guest artist.
Our restaurant is open Thursday to Sunday and the Lawn Bar Saturday and Sunday.
To book, simply go to tweedriverhouse.com. au. Looking forward to serving you soon.
Take a Journey with the Stones
Prepare to be soothed, nourished and nurtured! Lightbulb Crystal Healing is open now at Wholehearted Collective, a vibrant space for holistic practitioners in the green caldera of Murwillumbah.
Working with stress, anxiety, trauma, wellbeing, disease and recovery and more, Jedda is a certifed crystal body worker with 2 decades experience working with stones.
Through deep relaxation, Jedda transports you to a place of safety and nourishment. From here, your body can resonate with the powerful array of crystals enclosing you, supporting the healing of cells and mind. Take a journey with the stones, and turn on the light!
Visit our website www. lightbulbcrystalhealing. com email us on
lightbulbcrystalhealing@ gmail.com or send a message on 0402 535113.
We are open Friday & Saturday 9am –4.30pm and Monday, Wednesday & Thursday by appointment.
ABC, 8pm
PORTILLO
SBS, 8.30pm
Stunning scenery? Tick. Michael Portillo ditching locomotives for walking boots and a cosy purple beanie? Tick again. In this breathtaking series soaking up the vistas of the Pyrenees, train-lover Portillo invites viewers on a personal journey as he walks stretches of the stunning mountain range between Spain and France. It’s a pilgrimage of introspection and physical challenge as the Great British Railway Journeys presenter takes on the snowy peaks and re ects on his 70th year. The four-part adventure kicks o tonight in the Spanish Basque region, which forms an integral part of Portillo’s heritage. Savour the culture, history and Portillo’s philosophical musings.
6.00 The Drum.
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 Monty Don’s Adriatic Gardens: Greece. Part 3 of 3. Monty Don travels from Corfu to the Greek capital of Athens.
8.30 Van Der Valk. (Mav, R) Part 1 of 3. Against the backdrop of impending elections, Dutch detective Piet Van der Valk investigates the mysterious deaths of two innocents with no apparent connection to each other or to crime.
10.05 The Larkins. (PG, R) The lives of a working-class family.
10.50 ABC Late News.
11.05 The Larkins. (Ms, R)
11.55 Adam Hills: The Last Leg. (R)
12.35 Unforgotten. (Mal, R) Cassie and Sunny interview the suspects.
1.25 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
ABC TV PLUS (22)
Curl up on the couch for a master class in witty jibes and sarcasm with Tom Gleeson. After nabbing the coveted Gold Logie for his deadpan humour in this comedic quiz show, and now hosting the local version of the much-loved British game show Gleeson is riding a career high – and this is where it all started. In tonight’s season eight premiere, Gleeson enters the fray with a process engineer who adores The Lion King knows smallpox; a software engineer who plays Legend of Zelda a dill-pickle maker who likes antique purses. Tune in to nd out who will thwart Gleeson’s own specialist subject to score the Big Brass Mug.
TEN, 8.30pm
After 24 seasons,
Benson (Mariska Hargitay) is every worst nightmare.
“You know, men like you become so good at lying they even begin to believe the ones they tell themselves,” snarls Benson in tonight’s disturbing instalment titled “Breakwater”. It’s glaringly obvious who the bad guy is, but the problem lies with whether the SVU team can pin this conniving predator for his crimes. The story has some distressing developments, making for hardto-watch TV, but Carisi’s (Peter Scanavino) surprising and gratifying turn against the predator makes for a welcome thrill.
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.35 Scotland: A Wild Year: Summer. (PG) Part 2 of 4.
8.30 Inside Central Station: W3 Restoration And St James Tunnels.
(PGa, R) Narrated by Shane Jacobson.
9.25 Lighthouses: Building
The Impossible: The Wolf Rock. (PG, R) Part 1 of 3.
10.20 SBS World News Late.
10.50 Gomorrah. (MA15+s, R)
1.25 Das Boot. (Mlnv, R)
3.40 Mastermind Australia. (R)
4.40 Bamay. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 7News Local.
6.30 7News @ 6:30.
7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. (Return) Charlie Albone, Adam Dovile and Melissa King transform a backyard into a stunning space. Johanna Griggs and Pete Colquhoun visit an amazing home that takes indoor/ outdoor living to the next level.
8.30 To Be Advised.
1.30 Home Shopping. (R)
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current A air.
7.30 For The Love Of Pets. (Premiere, PGm) Narrated by Jai Courtney.
8.30 MOVIE: The Dry. (2020, MA15+alv)
A Federal Agent returns to his hometown in regional Victoria to attend the funeral of a childhood friend. Eric Bana, Matt Nable, Genevieve O’Reilly.
10.45 MOVIE: Six Degrees Of Separation. (1993, Mlns, R) A young man cajoles his way into a couple’s home. Stockard Channing.
12.40 Tipping Point. (PG, R)
1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Take Two. (R)
4.30 Global Shop. (R)
5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
5.30 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)
Death In Paradise.
12.20am Killing Eve. 1.05 The Trip To Greece. 2.05
ABC News Update. 2.10 Close. 5.05 Curious George.
5.25 Mi y’s Adventures Big And Small. 5.35 Charlie And Lola. 5.50 Late Programs.
6am Children’s Programs. 11.30
Yu-Gi-Oh! Sevens. Noon Rich Kids Go Skint. 1.00
I’m Having Their Baby. 2.00 Full House. 2.30 3rd Rock. 3.30 That
6.30 The Project. A look at the day’s news and events.
7.30 The Graham Norton Show. Graham is joined by Claire Foy.
8.30 Taskmaster Australia. (PGl, R) Comedy game show featuring comedians performing a series of tricky tasks.
9.30 The Graham Norton Show. (Mls, R) Celebrity guests include Tom Holland, Zendaya, Henry Cavill, Gugu Mbatha-Raw and Little Mix.
10.30 Just For Laughs Australia. (Mls, R)
11.00 Just For Laughs Uncut. (MA15+als, R)
11.30 The Project. (R)
12.30 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG)
1.30 Home Shopping. (R)
Agents yarded a total of 830 head at the Northern Rivers Livestock Exchange regular prime sale on Wednesday 25 January. The yarding consisted of a few less cows while there was a good supply of young cattle. Quality was much plainer and there were increased numbers of light young cattle throughout the sale this week. The market was easier across most categories, which was affected by the overall quality along with selective buyers. Cow prices held frm on last week averaging 261c/ kg and reaching a top price of 292c/kg. Heifer prices were stronger with lighter stock up to 250kg
MC DOUGALL & SONS SHEEP & LAMB REPORT
Agents today yarded 1529 head for the weekly sale. The lambs were drawn from the local as well as the South West and Maranoa. The market was frm for the heavy trade weights for both Mutton and Lambs and scaled off as the fnish and weights fell. Lambs topped at $192 to average $139.56($5up), hoggets topped at $121 to average $82.96 ($11up), Ewes topped at $110 to average $56.19($26up), Wethers topped at $100 to average $91.82($8down), Rams topped at $60 to average $59.50($29up), Lamb Rams topped at $100 to average $80($21up), Ewe lambs topped at $172 to average
LIVESTOCK SALES W/E 27/01/2023
$1609.15 Numbers were on the rise for the Cattle, Sheep & Lambs were on a par and pork and poultry were down on recent sales. The markets are subject to a few events at the moment with rain and holidays affecting markets in various ways. The cattle numbers are mainly looking towards the processors with limited supply of restockers cattle coming on to the market. The sheep and lambs are following the same patterns with the restockers keeping their hands in their pockets.
Vealer steers averaged 430.5c/kg topping at 576.2c/kg or $1063.98 to $1482.65
Feeder steers averaged 386.5c/kg topping at 419.2c/kg or $ 1609.15 to $2053.50
with lighter stock up to 250kg averaging 466c/kg and reaching a top of 594c/kg. Heavier steers over 250kg averaged 381c/kg and topped their market at 500c/kg. A good number of bullocks sold on the day averaged 311c/kg and reached a top of 331c/kg. Vealer prices held frm this week averaging 400c/kg and 235kg and reaching a top of 516c/kg.
T&W McCormack and Ramsey & Bulmer held a joint store sale at the NRLX on Friday 27 January with 1,718 head going under the hammer. Steers topped their category at 570c/kg and averaged 433c/ kg and 283kg whilst heifers reached a top of 522c/
$161.33($20up). The total yarding was an average of $3/ head dearer than last week.
Neville Darr sold Xbred lambs off feed 47.9kg to Eversons for $168
Sally Caladora sold Dorper lambs 53.1kg to Thomas Foods for $185, 45kg to Eversons for $174 Higgins Family sold Dorper lambs 57.5kg to Thomas Foods for $187, hoggets 63.1kg to Eversons for $117
Drew Wilson sold Dorper lambs taken off the ewes 39.8kg to Restockers for $130, 33.2kg for $110, 25kg for $80, 45kg to Eversons for $162
John & Regina Henry sold Dorper lambs off feed 58.3kg to Thomas Foods for $192, 46.6kg to Eversons for $174, 47.5kg Xb lambs to Take IT Easy Meats for $159
Camco Trust sold Xbred lambs 59.7kg to Thomas Foods
Feeder heifers averaged 340.2c/kg topping at 410.2c/kg or $1245.32 to $1504.99
Vealer heifers averaged 373.5c/kg topping at 494.2c/kg or $956.13 to $1555.92
Yearling steers averaged 383.1c/kg topping at 518.2c/kg or $1162.26 to $1896.84
Yearling heifers averaged 387.5c/kg topping at 458.2c/kg or $1312.20 to $1702.86
Steers averaged 355.4c/kg topping at 383.2c/kg or $1896.16 to $2513.61
Heifers averaged 300.4c/kg topping at 348.2c/kg or $1412.21 to $ $2303.54
Cows averaged 253.4c/kg topping at 309.2c/kg or $1439.85 to $2411.76
Bulls averaged 273.5c/kg topping at 417.2c/kg or $1255.86 to $2754.13
Lambs topped at $ 192 to average $139.56 up $5/head Hoggets topped at $121 to average $82.96 up $ 11/head
on Saturday 28 January with excellent results. A large crowd was in attendance with 840 head going under the hammer. The top priced bull went for $5,600, top priced PTIC heifers went for $3,400 and cows & calves topped their market at $3,900. Congratulations to all involved and we look forward to hosting this sale again in 2024.
George & Fuhrmann will hold a store sale this Friday 3 February with 1,500 head expected. Ray White Rural will hold a breeder sale on Saturday 4 February with 500 head booked. Further bookings are welcome for both sales.
for $145, Merino lambs 48.33kg to Restockers for $63, Xbred hoggets 65kg to Eversons for $80, 59.5kg to Eversons for $89, Merino ewes to restockers for $85
Giltrow Family sold Dorper lambs 50kg to Elliots Butchery for $187, 49.2kg to Thomas Foods for $182, 46.2kg to Eversons for $172, 40kg lamb rams to GR Prime for $80
King Family sold Dorper lambs 42.7kg to Eversons for $133, 35.6kg to Victoria Hill Lamb F/lot for $90, 29.2kg to restockers for $80,52.7kg Ewe hoggets to restockers for $111, ewes to Thomas Foods for $90
Gradenfoe Grazing sold Merino ewes to Eversons for $85
Warwick SHS sold Texcel hoggets $61.4kg to Eversons for $110, ewes to Eversons for $50
Ewes topped at $ 110 to average $56.149 up $26/head Wethers topped at $100 to average $91.82 a drop of $8/ head
Rams topped at $60 to average $59.50 a rise of $29/head
Lamb rams topped at $100 to average $80 a rise of $20/ head
Ewe lambs topped at $172 to average $161.33 a rise of $20/head
The total yarding of 1529 head averaged $108.38 a rise of $3/head
Poultry saw an increase in numbers with Guinea fowl topping at $35, Quails topping at $15, Hen& chicks topping at $27.50, Roosters topping at $20, Pullets topping at $27.50, Hens topping at $12.50
Boars sold from $50 to $152, Sows sold from $166 to $390, Gilts sold to $122, Stores sold from $51 to $175, Baconers sold to $100, Pork sold to $190, Cow & Litter sold to an astonishing $750
The state’s peak farming body has issued a challenge to match a billion-dollar Western Sydney roads pledge across regional NSW.
It’s been more than a week since the Premier announced $1 billion to “upgrade critical roads” in Western Sydney, while the rest of the state was left to make do with a $500 million road repair fund for local roads. NSW Farmers Vice President Rebecca Reardon said there was an even greater need to fx country roads, and called for far greater funding – and resources – to tackle the problem properly.
“We’ve seen funding promised to local councils to repair potholes – but the damage is signifcant –
multiple patching of the road surface is not going to increase safety,” Mrs Reardon said.
“Our backroads have become defacto highways over the past year and while there have been some bigticket announcements,
there are no clear plans of how to tackle this very serious issue that’s impacting safety and livelihoods.
“The farming communities of our state produce the food Sydney needs, it’s only fair we get safe, ft-for-purpose
roads.”
There was an estimated 10,000km of fooddamaged roads across the state, and while local councils were doing their best to prioritise works Mrs Reardon said it was clear it was a huge task given the unprecedented damage.
“And while we’re calling for a billiondollar funding pool, the money must be accompanied by a workforce and access to materials – both are in short supply – and a strategic approach to the road network.
“The damage has led to increased traffc on regional roads at a time when harvest vehicles also need to move safely, and we will continue to raise this issue until we get a solution.”
Catastrophic fooding, unprecedented clean-up and tens of millions of dollars in damage. This is what the NSW cane industry has faced, and dealt with, over the past eleven months.
More than 1.3 million tonnes of sugar cane have been crushed across the three NSW sugar mills.
Condong mill in the Tweed completed their crush of around 395,000 tonnes of sugarcane in December of 2022, followed by Harwood in early January 2023, which crushed some 525,000 tonnes.
Broadwater mill on the Richmond is now celebrating the completion of their crushing season that didn’t even start until September 2022. The crushing of almost 400,000 tonnes fnished on the 24th of January, to the great relief of staff and growers.
As Sunshine Sugar CEO Chris Connors
said, “The team at Broadwater have achieved what many would have thought impossible. To get the mill up and running in a matter of months after the most devastating food event on record, is an amazing effort that I am incredibly proud of.” The three mills will now undergo their normal off-season maintenance ahead of a July 2023 start to the next season.
Although the current cane crop is expected to be down on previous years following the fooding and wet conditions experienced last year, prices are up and the spirits of those in the NSW sugar industry are on the way back are as well.
Continued from Edition 133 (26/01/2023)
It’s called reverse culture shock which means the emotional and psychological distress suffered by some people when they return home after spending a prolonged period overseas. I had a serious attack! Back on the farm I had been made redundant as I had been replaced, both in the ‘pit’ and offce. It was now 2004 and thinking of my future, I enrolled in a two-week face to face ESL (English as a Second Language)
Course delivered by a privately owned Chinese ESL College at Forest Lake, Brisbane. Upon completion, the college offered a two-week holiday in China, teaching English to primary school students for the frst week then sightseeing for the second week, all expenses paid. It was to be my introduction to the dynamic and vibrant China. I said to myself when saying my goodbyes, “I’ll be back soon”, which turned out to be two years. At the start of these two years, in 2004, John and I bade farewell to the dairy industry with mixed feelings, reminding ourselves what an incredible journey of
memorable experiences and inordinate challenges we had encountered. A roller coaster ride, and like life itself characterized by massive ups and downs. Within a week of each other, we celebrated Angela and Jason’s wedding, said goodbye to Sandy who was going to live in London, and John and I left for Madura, East Java.
Our daughter Angela, Jason and Jagger holidaying in Hawaii, 2019.
It was somewhat of a surprise to have been contacted by an Australian Government Recruiting Agency inviting me to apply for a position as Teacher/Trainer (ESL) in an Islamic Boarding School in the famous tobacco growing island of Madura, East Java.
This was even prior to actually completing my ESL course. Once again, the universe was working its magic.
There is much to be said about life on a dairy farm. It puts everything else in perspective. It requires great perseverance and fexibility. Our assignment to a 5,000-student strong pesantren (Islamic Boarding School) at a remote location in East Java from 2004 - 2006 was in stark contrast to that of English Language teachers for the Oil Exploration and Drilling Company COSL (China Oil Services) in Tianjin, China from 2006 -2011 that followed.
Joining the corporate world in China, 2006.
Firstly, we relocated to Madura, East Java, a dry, barren,
tobacco growing and non-English speaking island, which was a ‘mere’ six-hour bus and ferry ride to Surabaya, the capital of East Java Province. Then to our life in Tianjin, China, population 15 million, once again non-English speaking, and lived in an apartment complex of 25 blocks each 35 stories high, complete with department store, supermarket, swimming pool and gymnasium; we had it all.
Secondly, with the Madurese population considered some of the most devout Muslims in East Java, if not Indonesia, strict Islamic protocol demanded complete gender segregation in the pesantren, not only amongst the students but classroom
teachers as well. For the delivery of English Language and Methodology classes to both male and female teaching staff, a large partition down the centre of the room was used with me alternating from side to side. In China it was a different story. I was presented with an old copy of a well-known self-development book ‘Developing the Leader Within You’ by well-known self-help guru and leadership training expert John C. Maxwell and expected to write a programme with accompanying lesson plans for the three months in advance. My ‘captive
whilst employed offshore in the China Sea. Examples of terminology used by the oil riggers (in English) were tool pushers, anchor handling towing resupply vessel and derrick man, vastly different to familiar terminology used on the dairy farm and in Timor-Leste.
Writing about these seven years of my life, from 2004 – 2011 conjures up images of the myriad of magical moments experienced in these two culturally diverse, non-English speaking, geographically spectacular countries of Indonesia and China. However, most of all it was the many people we met along the way, who, with kindness, generosity and true affection welcomed us into their homes. I am forever grateful for their guidance in helping me adjust to my new surroundings. However, it was time to come home, once again.
audience’ were a bunch of 21 rowdy, beer swilling, fun loving and hardworking oil riggers working offshore in the Bohai Gulf, whose main aim in life was to make adequate money to care of their own families and parents
This is the story of my life, but the book is not yet fnished. It is 2011. “I’m back where I started.” Once again, I am ecstatic! Once again, I have returned to my roots. I am still a country girl at heart; I still live roughly one kilometer as the crow fies from my birthplace. For me,
there is still a great sense of belonging and close emotional ties to this property, extending to the broader Kyogle community, no matter where I am in the world.
south, always ending up in Santiago de
Compostela, attended the Beijing Olympics and witnessed the legendary Usain Bolt “The Lightning Bolt “, bolt home and take
the fnishing line. I
‘Flemington’ with family and friends,
gradually taking on tinges of purple and pink. Looking around to the north, out across the fertile ‘Flemington’ fats, I gaze lovingly at the truly majestic mountain, ‘The Helmet’, the one thing that has always been and always will remain constant in my life.
My dear friend and well-known local historian, Helen Trustum, has asked me to write this account and for that I am very grateful. It has allowed me to examine my family’s past, and now when I drive to town from ‘Flemington’, past ‘Glen Isle’ and ‘South Plains’ I acknowledge and “salute” with respect
I have met Queen Elizabeth II, walked over 5,000 kilometres across Spain, from the north, east and
out gold, breaking a world record with an untied shoelace and celebrating his win before he hit
have interpreted in the United Nations for charismatic and dashing ex-guerilla fghter, poet, and
Gusmao. However, nothing can quite compare with sitting out the back at
looking westwards as the sun makes its hasty retreat below the horizon with the sky
the fve
brothers and one sister who made it possible.
New funding will support Australian farmers to demonstrate their sustainable farming practices, leading the way on developing a provable product-claim that assures key export markets.
Applications are now open for the new $4 million grant round of the National Agriculture Traceability Sustainability Reporting Uplift program.
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Murray Watt made the announcement from Berlin where he is holding talks with his EU counterparts to promote Australia’s sustainable farming practices.
Minister Watt said this new funding will help stakeholders verify sustainability credentials through consistent collection, measurement, and reporting of data.
“Australia has a great story to tell but there are gaps in the data, frameworks and credentials we have available to tell this story,” Minister Watt said.
“We need better cohesion on sustainability reporting across commodities and the whole supply chain.
“Demonstrating the sector’s sustainability credentials is becoming increasingly important for Australia’s
agricultural production and export, including market access.”
Minister Watt said by providing provable claims will assure key export markets of our sustainability credentials.
“Improved data capability can reduce compliance and regulatory costs, aid in meeting emerging international requirements and better meet Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) reporting requirements,” he said.
“Better data and governance also ensures value-add benefts from agricultural traceability are realised at the farm gate.
“That means farmers can prove and leverage their natural capital for economic beneft.”
Grant funding is available to peak industry bodies, research organisations and consortia applicants.
Organisations can apply for grants between $50,000 to $500,000 for projects lasting up to 24 months – ending in June 2025. Applications close on Thursday 23 February 2023.
For more information and to apply, visit www. communitygrants.gov.au/ grants.
This week, northern Australia experienced widespread rainfall and thunderstorms due to a low-pressure trough.
In contrast, southern Australia received little to no rainfall. The dry conditions in cropping regions of Victoria, South Australia, and Western Australia have allowed for the successful harvesting of winter crops. However, the heavy rainfall in northern Queensland may negatively impact the development of summer crops.
On a global scale, rainfall has been variable for major grain and oilseed producing regions, leading to a decline in production compared to earlier forecasts. In the next eight days, tropical
northern Australia is expected to continue experiencing widespread rainfall, while central and south-western Australia will likely have clear skies and dry conditions. Southern and south-eastern Australia may also experience rainfall due to an approaching cold front and trough.
Overall, the dry conditions forecasted for most cropping regions in the next eight days will provide favourable conditions for planting and maintenance of summer crops. However, there remains a risk of fooding in some areas. Water storage levels in the Murray-Darling Basin decreased this week, but are still 4 percent higher than last year.
Appalling water management is to blame for the complete eradication of the iconic Murray Cod in stretches of the Darling-Baaka River in New South Wales.
The Commonwealth Environmental Water Offce Monitoring, Evaluation and Research program’s 2022 survey found not one single Murray Cod between Bourke and Louth.
Nature Conservation Council Chief Executive Offcer Jacqui Mumford says the native fsh is being lost because too much water is being taken from
the Murray Darling Basin.
“While it’s great to see inland rivers and wetlands full of water now, the foods are not enough to combat terrible water management decisions that have led to this disaster.
“The Coalition Government in NSW has enacted some shocking pieces of water management legislation. Recent droughts are ignored when irrigation allocations are worked out. The gradual stroll-out of compulsory irrigation extraction meters is so overdue that it’s embarrassing.
“It’s no wonder that community outrage has led to the Upper House disallowing disgraceful foodplain harvesting regulations a record 4 times - the Perrottet Government is hellbent on giving away too much water and letting our incredible fsh and wildlife vanish,” said Ms Mumford.
Before the development of inland rivers with thousands of weirs, huge public dams and industrial scale corporate irrigation, the Darling-Baaka River teemed with an amazing array of aquatic life. The territorial Murray
Cod could grow to 1.8 metres in length and weigh over 10 kilograms.
Ms Mumford says the fate of the Murray Cod is an alarming taste of what’s to come for the Basin unless more water is bought back to stay in rivers.
“The NSW Government can try all it likes to convince us that the DarlingBaaka used to regularly dry up like it did in 2019, but the disappearance of an entire species doesn’t lie. The collapse of the Darling-Baaka is happening before our eyes as a result of the politics of greed.”
Ms Cathy McGowan AO has been appointed the new AgriFutures Australia Chairperson – the latest move in a long career advocating for rural and regional areas.
AgriFutures Australia is one of 15 Research and Development Corporations (RDCs). It invests in rural growth and development, including for emerging high-potential industries like sesame, industrial hemp and seaweed.
A sixth-generation farmer from north-east Victoria, Ms McGowan has held various leadership roles in rural and regional organisations, including as President of Australian Women in Agriculture, prior to her service as a Member of Parliament.
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Murray Watt welcomed Ms McGowan into the position, and said he was looking forward to working with her on building the innovation, sustainability and success of the agriculture sector.
“The appointment of Ms McGowan as chairperson of AgriFutures Australia will continue to provide strong leadership for the corporation and industry,” Minister Watt said.
“AgriFutures Australia is
uniquely placed, as it supports a wide range of established and emerging industries and addresses national rural issues across the agriculture sector.”
“Ms McGowan’s past experience in the Australian Parliament as the Federal
Expanding overseas markets for Australian agriculture and demonstrating our sustainable agriculture credentials will be the focus of high-level talks being held in the United Kingdom and Europe over the next week.
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Murray Watt will travel to London and Berlin this week, to lead these discussions with UK and European government and industry leaders.
“These meetings will allow me to keep up the momentum on important free trade agreements and ensure that overseas decision makers and buyers have a true picture of Australia’s commitment to sustainable agriculture,” Minister Watt said.
“This visit comes off the back of a recent push by Trade Minister Don Farrell, and allows me to reinforce the importance of fnalising the trade deals as soon
as possible.
“The UK FTA is making good progress through the UK Parliament, but we need to keep up the momentum, so Australian producers can take advantage of this high value market.
“I will also be pressing the point that we need meaningful market access, across a range of commodities, as part of any new FTA with the European Union.
“These FTAs will bolster trade opportunities for our farmers and that means jobs and export dollars for the whole country.
“In London I will meet with the UK Food and Agriculture Minister, Shadow Ministers and industry stakeholders to advocate for urgent ratifcation of the freetrade agreement and to ensure buyers are ready to take more Australian product.
“In Berlin, I will meet with the EU Trade and Agriculture
Commissioners, along with several Agriculture Ministers from European countries, whose views are crucial to the EU FTA.
Minister Watt said he will also use his attendance at the Global Forum for Food and Agriculture in Berlin to spruik Australian Agriculture’s climatesmart credentials.
“Together with around 80 other agriculture ministers from all over the world, I will be putting forward Australia’s position on issues of food security, sustainability, global supply chains, climate change and how we can improve our agriculture and food systems to face these challenges.
“It’s important the world knows Australia has a new government, that is determined to partner with our ag sector to build on its strong record on sustainability.”
Member for Indi means she is well positioned to be a strong advocate and leader for the organisation and sector.
“Australia’s rural Research and Development Corporation (RDC) model is the cornerstone of our
agricultural innovation system.
“Our RDCs allow industry an opportunity to invest in targeted research and development and marketing to drive productivity, proftability and sustainability.
Ms McGowan has been appointed for a three-year term.
Ms McGowan’s appointment as AgriFutures Australia Chairperson follows the retirement of Mrs Kay Hull AO from the position in December 2022.
“I would like to thank Mrs Hull for the strategic leadership and direction that she has provided to AgriFutures Australia since her appointment in 2016,” Minister Watt said.
“She has overseen many signifcant investments in research and development that have delivered outcomes for levy payers, industry and government and I wish her all the best in her retirement.”
Strengthening biosecurity, improving trade connections and expanding the PALM worker scheme are some of the key agricultural outcomes of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s historic visit to Papua New Guinea (PNG).
A key focus of the discussions between the Prime Minister and his PNG counterpart James Marape was support for PNG’s plans to expand its agricultural production and to build on Australia’s signifcant investment in infrastructure, commodity development and biosecurity.
The two leaders also declared their intention to signifcantly boost PNG’s participation in the Pacifc Australia Labour Mobility Scheme (PALM), a crucial source of agriculture workers in Australia.
Agriculture Minister Murray Watt welcomed the announcements, which resulted from months of work by offcials from both countries, and said
The arrival of the Year of the Rabbit on 22 January is a reminder to be biosecurity aware this Lunar New Year.
Acting Secretary of the Department and acting Director of Biosecurity, Dr Chris Locke, said
they offered signifcant potential for both countries to expand their agricultural production.
“As our closest neighbour, Papua New Guinea is such an important partner to the Australian agriculture sector,” Minister Watt said.
“I particularly welcome the announcement of Prime Minister Marape’s ambition to deploy 8,000 PALM workers to Australia.
“The PALM scheme is rapidly growing and helping farmers and meat processors across Australia to fll gaps in their workforce.
“At the same time, the scheme assists Pacifc workers earn important income which supports their families back home.
“So it is great to see these channels of opportunity begin to open up.”
Minister Conroy said the Pacifc Australia
Labour Mobility scheme is central to the Albanese Government’s strategy for ensuring Australia is partner of choice for Papua New Guinea and the Pacifc region.
“In a region where more than one third of people live on less than $1,000 per year, long term PALM workers send home an average of $15,000,” Mr Conroy said.
“This is lifting Pacifc families out of poverty,
sustaining communities and boosting economies devastated by the impact of COVID.
“I look forward to working with the PNG Government on strengthening Papua New Guinea’s worker mobilisation system and enhancing its participation in PALM.
“This will be good news for Australian farmers facing labour shortages and good news for PNG workers who will gain skills
Lunar New Year gifts could be stopped at the border as they may pose an unacceptable risk to Australia.
“I know this is the time of year when family and loved ones from overseas want to reach
6643 2428
out and send presents,” Dr Locke said.
“Unfortunately, there are some traditional gifts for Lunar New Year that could introduce pests and diseases into Australia.
“We often see items at the border that contain pork, fruit, plants, herbs and eggs. Items like these could pose a high risk of introducing pests and diseases.
“Pork, for example, is a serious risk as it can carry both foot and mouth disease (FMD) and African swine fever (ASF).
“FMD is a highly contagious disease affecting many animals Australia relies on for food, milk and fbre.
A widespread FMD outbreak could cost the Australian economy $80 billion over ten years. ASF would ravage our pork industry, market access and economy.
“Australia remains ASF and FMD free, but we must continue to stay alert to the risk.
“Fruit, plants and herbs could carry diseases such as citrus canker and fre blight, which attack fruit trees, destroying our horticulture industry and barring our producers from overseas trade.
“If you want to buy gifts for your family this year, buy locally. There are Australian businesses who stock plenty of traditional Lunar New Year gifts.
and income to support their families and communities back home.”
Minister Watt said strengthening the biosecurity capability of both nations was vital.
“We need to be incredibly vigilant, particularly with exotic animal disease outbreaks such as foot and mouth disease and lumpy skin disease in Indonesia.”
“If left uncontrolled, there is a risk these diseases could spread through PNG and come to Australia.
“That’s why last year the Albanese Government provided $5 million in funding to provide technical expertise and support to PNG to assist their work in combatting livestock diseases.
“I’m looking forward to engaging in further dialogue with my ministerial counterpart in PNG to continue progressing these opportunities.”
“If you have relatives or friends overseas who might send gifts, make sure they are aware of what they can and can’t send to Australia by checking the department’s website or the imports database, BICON.
“If you’re travelling to Australia for the New Year, make sure you complete your incoming passenger card truthfully, by marking YES on your card to declare if you are carrying certain food, plant material or animal products.
“If you fail to declare biosecurity risk items, you may receive an infringement notice of up to $5,500 and you may have your visa
cancelled. Not packing any of these products and buying locally in Australia is a much safer option and will also reduce your time at the airport!
“Biosecurity is everyone’s responsibility, and none of us can afford to be complacent.
“Australia’s agricultural industry and environment rely on all of us playing our part to keep out dangerous pests and diseases.”
Check what you can bring into Australia at www.agriculture.gov. au/biosecurity-trade/ travelling/bringingmailing-goods.
With electric vehicles making landfall Down
Under like lightning strikes in a tropical summer storm, the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid stands out from the deluge, being one of the few family-size sports utility vehicles to take up EV status.
It’s not the ‘Full Monty’ electric model but retains in tandem an internal combustion power plant. Until recently the only seven-seater SUV hybridised was the Toyota Kluger. Now the Santa Fe joins the Kia Sorento hybrid and Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-In Hybrid in adding to the mix.
No plug-in hybrid here, with its interminable search for external charging points, the Santa Fe hybrid has the brains to charge its lithium-ion battery through conversion of kinetic energy while working in conjunction with the petrol engine and regen brakes when on the move.
Available only as upper-crust Elite and Highlander variants, the hybrid is kitted out essentially like its petroland diesel-powered cousins. However, an electric shock comes in the price differences – a high voltage $6500 over the petrol and $3000 the diesel, which equates to $63,000 for the Elite and $69,550 for the Highlander, the test vehicle, without on-road costs.
Both are seven-seaters but can be reconfgured as a six-seater with two captain’s chairs in the second row instead of the bench. With seven seats, the third row is ft only for littlies’ use in comfort, although it does have its own air-con.
As with all Santa Fes, both hybrids are covered by a fve-year unlimited kilometre warranty, while the battery earns an eightyear 160,000-kilometre
guarantee. Service intervals are 10,000 km or 12 months.
What’s new? Not much. A major facelift three years ago saw the Santa Fe put on a fresh face and interior. The new Hybrid differs from the petrol and diesel versions only in the wheels –smaller 19-inch alloys with different design here – said to be more aerodynamic and save fuel.
shared.
An option for the Hybrid is six seats, in which the second-row bench is replaced with a pair of captain’s chairs. With seven seats, the third row is ft only for littlies’ use with comfort. Head room is restricted by the intrusion of the sun roof workings. The boot has a spot for a fullsize spare wheel under a fat cargo area with third row folded, there’s room for family shopping or a stroller. With fve seats
Under the bonnet a 1.6 litre, four-cylinder turbo-charged petrol engine with a combined output of 169 kW and 350 Nm are hitched up to a six-speed automatic transmission and allwheel drive.
While this compares favourably with petrol and diesel performance, when it comes to towing, the hybrid is left behind with 1650 kg to the
also takes on 360-degree surround-view camera, blind spot monitor and reverse automatic emergency braking.
At a whisker less than 4.8 metres long, the Santa Fe Hybrid Highlander is on the cusp of bursting out of the mid-size SUV mob into the big time. However, a well-sorted suspension and responsive steering come up with relaxed ride and handling.
More buttons than the pantomime Cinderella’s eponymous family servant, known for having rows of gilt buttons down the front of his tunic, the foating centre console controls offered up a few missteps. However, familiarity came with repeated use. Tight parking spaces are easily avoided by using the remote parking system operated from outside the vehicle from the key fob. Back inside, head-up windscreen display is never an unwelcome driving aid.
Not exactly early adopters, Santa Fe Hybrid buyers get the latest in hybrid technology at a price. But what’s new about bidding for a pollutionfree climate.
Note: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your local Hyundai dealer for drive-away prices.
The shapely Santa Fe exterior is well known for its so-called cascading grille, which in the Hybrid case covers a yawning chasm of a radiator. In profle, looks are toned down a tad in readiness for a robust, yet shapely rear.
With the Hybrid in the higher-grade Elite and Highlander corner, the interior has a classy look and feel, with Nappa leather in the latter and other quality materials
in use there is up to 782 litres on offer. A power tailgate takes away the trauma of loading in the rain.
There’s a confgurable 10.2-inch instrument display, which features a digital energy meter and a 12.3-inch infotainment dashmounted touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay and digital radio. A 10-speaker Harman / kardon premium audio is standard.
internal-combustion pair with 2500 kg.
The Santa Fe Hybrid comes with all the latest safety systems from Hyundai. These include automatic emergency braking, which operates at intersections, blindspot warning, lane keeping assist, rearcross-traffc alert, rear occupant alert automatic high-beam head lamps and adaptive cruise control.
The Hybrid Highlander
Off the mark, there’s more than a hint of sporty performance, while a centre console dial is in charge of driving modes from Eco to Smart to sand, snow or other obstacles thrown up of road.
In a fraction of more than 400 kilometres of mixed urban / highway going the Santa Fe Hybrid Highlander recorded fuel consumption of 6.1 litres per 100 kilometres, in line with the claimed 6 litres per 100 kays.
Fuel Type: Regular
DRIVELINE: Six-speed automatic, all-wheel drive STANDARD WARRANTY: Five years / unlimited kilometres
Not satisfed with registering its seventh straight year as Australia’s top-selling vehicle, Toyota has unveiled the latest, and most powerful, version of its HiLux ute.
The HiLux GR Sport is the latest Toyota to get the Gazoo Racing treatment, joining the LandCruiser 300, Yaris, Yaris Cross, CH-R, Supra and GR86. Available exclusively in dual cab format, the new HiLux GR Sport uses an upgraded version of the standard 2.8-litre turbocharged diesel, but with revised turbo-supercharging and fuel-injection increasing power from 150 to 165kW and torque from 500 to 550Nm making it the most powerful diesel HiLux ever offered by Toyota in Australia.
The GR Sport builds on Gazoo Racing’s Dakar rallying
experience, with a wider track, greater approach angle, higher ground clearance, re-tuned suspension and bigger disc brakes.
There was input from Toyota Australia engineering which is recognised as a global centre of excellence for Toyota 4WD vehicles.
Combined with sportier tuning for the automatic transmission and an expanded lockup area, the HiLux GR Sport provides added confdence for accelerating and overtaking in all conditions, enhanced by optimal control through paddle shifters on the steering wheel.
The wider stance gives it a strong, stable and muscular image with prominent satin-black fenders fares that integrate seamlessly with the bumper.
A strong upright grille with GR mesh maximises the cooling area while exterior body
parts have been sculpted in the wind tunnel for aerodynamic effciency.
The HiLux GR Sport rides on 17-inch alloy wheels with all-terrain tyres while its off-road credentials are further reinforced by the addition of a skid plate, rock rails and red rear recovery points.
Inside, the monochromatic black theme is set off with bright sports pedals and red seatbelts.
There’s GR branding all round, including on the steering wheel, headrests, red brake callipers, exterior badges – and even embossed into the tubliner.
Having whetted the appetite of those who are looking to buy a HiLux GR Sport they have a wait in front of them, with deliveries not expected until the second-half of 2023. Then again, in these time of stock shortages, that’s not unexpected.
By CHRIS RILEY
Suzuki has a brand new, never before seen model, on the way called Fronx. Based on the same platform as its bestselling Baleno hatch (and Swift), Fronx will replace the Baleno – at least for the time being. That’s because the current Baleno has come to the end of the line and Suzuki Australia is waiting on a replacement.
Fronx is designed and built in India by the Maruti division and will slot between Ignis and Vitara in the Suzuki range.
Suzuki says all-new Fronx is a new-genre SUV with coupe styling that’s strong and fuid with an easy-to-drive compact body. No word yet on what engine or engines will power the compact crosser, but it will most likely be either its Boosterjet 1.0-litre threecylinder turbo petrol or 1.2-litre four cylinder naturally aspirated engine. A 1.0-litre mild hybrid is also a possibility.
The Boosterjet
produces 73kW/147Nm, while the naturallyaspirated 1.2-litre engine is good for 66kW/113Nm.
The turbo engine is hooked up to a fve-speed manual transmission or six-speed auto, while the naturally-aspirated engine gets a fve-speed manual or fve-speed auto.
Measuring 3995mm long, 1765mm wide and standing 1550mm tall, with a 2520mm wheelbase, raked coupe lines, bold front grille and slit headlights, combine to give the car a more dynamic look than other models in the line-up.
In addition to the high-quality interior which makes effcient use of space, advanced equipment includes a 360-degree camera, 9.0-inch touchscreen, head-up display, satellite navigation, wireless
charger and rear-seat air conditioning vents.
A six-speaker Arkamys stereo is available on some models.
Suzuki Australia’s Michael Pachota said the introduction of Fronx is another stepping stone for Suzuki to solidify its presence in the light SUV segment in Australia.
“With the launch of the all new Fronx, we’re combining unique sporty styling with SUV heritage, to deliver an exciting new product to our line-up,” he said.
“Not only solidifying our presence in the light SUV segment, but this vehicle will also open the doors to younger buyers looking to upgrade from a smaller hatchback to an SUV”
Further details will be revealed closer to launch, at this stage not until early 2024.
The new Fronx SUV has a more dynamic style than other Suzuki models
Yarrh Wines grows and makes authentic Canberra District wines, true refections of variety, vintage and place.
Free delivery when you order 6 or more bottles (mixed OK)
General Enquiries
Ph: 02 6227 1474
440 Greenwood Road, Murrumbateman, NSW 2582
Ours is a journey of interconnection, a winding road, over the creek, up through the stringy bark forest and onto the freedom of an open clearing.
Small parcels of fruit grow here, with healthy soil, clear air, brilliant sunshine and a natural approach, rewarding us with exquisite fruit. With her hands and a meticulous manner Fiona creates Yarrh Wines - Running Water.
Established in 1997, Yarrh Wines is located 45 minutes from Canberra and 10 minutes from the rural village of Murrumbateman, in the heart of the Canberra District. All wines are made from our own vineyard and bottled on site, in our beautiful rammed earth and straw bale winery, nestled into a hill and providing spectacular panoramic views of the vineyard and the Yass River Valley.
We make a range of red and white
wines that are authentic expressions of our vineyard, their variety and their vintage. Sustainable practices such as composting, mulching and limiting the use of arti cial inputs creates wines of great character.
Critical acclaim (4.5 star winery, James Halliday, 2016) is important, but so is the joy we are able to bring to our everyday customers.
About the Makers
Fiona Wholohan - Winemaker
Our quietly spoken winemaker, Fiona Wholohan, cra s her wines with a gentle hand, a feminine touch.
Trained at Charles Sturt University, Fiona was making wines at Yarrh before she nished - it’s been 19 vintages now.
“My wine making philosophy is simple - let the grapes speak for themselves. Carefully nurture them through the wine making process to
allow them to express their vintage, their location, their variety. is means I spend as much time in the vineyard with my husband and vineyard manager Neil as I do in the winery. I love being in the vineyard, and on a crisp, bright winters day, Yarrh is a magical place. I see wine as a pinnacle of civilisation, and a fundamental part of life. What a privilege to be a winemaker.”
Neil McGregor - Land & Farming
Neil McGregor, grandson of a dairy farmer, son of a geophysicist father and a gourmet mother, became a grape grower a er a life in Information Technology.
“Farming, the natural world and a love of food and wine was in my blood. We learned viticulture as we planted our rst blocks here at Yarrh. Excellent advisors, a willingness to listen and a get on with it attitude helps!
bypass Smart TVs
Wine Flight
A tasting of four wines, selected by you. $10 a head (rebateable on any wine purchase). Bookings recommended.
BOOK NOW
Winemaker’s Sail
A tasting of four wines to re ect the season, paired with food, curated by Fiona and Neil. $35 a head. Available Saturday and Sunday. Maximum group size is 8 people. Bookings essential by Midnight ursday for coming weekend.
BOOK NOW
Winemaker’s Tale
486 River Street, Ballina
p: 02 6686 3399
If you want to learn about how we grow and make our wines, then the Winemaker’s Tale is for you. Let Neil or Fiona take you on a tour of the vineyard and winery. Learn about our sustainable growing techniques, low intervention wine making philosophy (including our very popular Mr Natural range of wines) and the unique avours of the Canberra District and Murrumbateman. Sit down and enjoy a Sail and nish o your Winemaker’s Tale experience with a glass of your choice on our Wine Patio. $60 a head. Please email at least one week in advance to assist in scheduling.
EMAIL US: info@yarrhwines.com.au
People in NSW are encouraged to stay on alert for symptoms of gastroenteritis, with testing and hospital data showing a signifcant rise in cases in recent weeks across the state.
Rotavirus is one common cause of viral gastroenteritis and can be particularly severe in young children.
The latest testing data shows rotavirus notifcations are at some of their highest levels of the last decade. In the frst two weeks of 2023, 197 cases of rotavirus were identifed, compared with about 40 cases during the same period usually. Director of NSW Health’s One Health branch Keira Glasgow said reducing the spread of gastro before schools returned in the next few weeks is important.
“Last week, there were more than 2,250 presentations to NSW emergency departments with symptoms
of gastroenteritis. Presentations were particularly high in children under fve years old, and in children aged fve to 16 years old,” Ms Glasgow said.
“The message to the community is clear – simple measures can help stop the spread of gastro. Maintaining good hand hygiene and keeping children at home when they are unwell will give us a good chance to slow the spread before February, when children will all be back together at school.”
Viruses are spread from the vomit or stool (faeces) of an infected person. This can occur when cleaning up body fuids, during person-to-person contact, sharing of contaminated objects and occasionally inhaling airborne particles when people vomit.
Viral gastroenteritis symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea,
fever, abdominal pain, headache and muscle aches. They can take up to three days to develop and usually last between one or two days, and sometimes longer.
Advice for parents and caregivers includes:
Keep children experiencing gastroenteritis home from childcare services, vacation care and school. Children should not return until 48 hours have passed since their last symptom.
Wear gloves and a mask when cleaning up bodily fuids, including vomit.
Wash your hands thoroughly and regularly with soap and running water, particularly after changing nappies, assisting someone with diarrhoea and/or vomiting and before preparing food. Alcohol hand sani-
tiser is generally less effective than soap and water but can be used if these are not available.
Immediately and thoroughly clean contaminated surfaces with hot, soapy water and then disinfect the area using a household disinfectant. If possible, disinfect with a freshly made sodium hypochlorite (bleach) solution, prepared according to manufacturer’s instructions.
Immediately remove and wash clothing or linen that may be contaminated with stool or vomit (use hot water and detergent).
Immunisation to prevent rotavirus infection is recommended and part of the childhood immunisation schedule. Immunisation is free for children under six months of age. The vaccine is given as two oral doses, at six weeks and four months of age, with completion of the course by 24 weeks of age.
Pet Nat (Sangiovese/Shiraz, Wild fermentation Preservative Free) 2021, $25. The Cooper’s Ale of the wine world. Cloudy but fne and about as interesting as natural wines get without falling into the vast vat of weirdness that many such creatures do. 9.2/10.
Bowen Estate Coonawarra Shiraz
2020, $28. One of the few remaining wines in Australia with a cork, it’s almost a nuisance, specially if you forgot the corkscrew on a picnic. But you will fnd a way, for the wine is worth the inventiveness. 9.2/10.
Patrick of Coonawarra ‘Home Block’ Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2018, $50. From one hectare of 60-year-old vines and with a gold label, no wonder it’s expensive. Makes a great gift but make sure you get a glass if you do give it away. 9.5/10.
$25
Patrick Of Wrattonbully ‘Joanna’
Single Vineyard Shiraz 2017, $50. I wonder if there is a pecking order in the Patrick clan, sort of where they stand in line to the throne. Coonawarra or Wrattonbully. Mt Gambier? Whatever, you’re drinking royalty here. 9.5/10.
Taylors Clare Valley St Andrews Chardonnay 2019, $45 (Bottle No.1913). Probably a new vintage out soon, but meanwhile beautiful citrus and stone-fruit in a gentle but over-arching, woody surround, sounds just like our back yard. All it needs is a dog and a ball. Thank you St Andrew, the patron saint of chardonnay. 9.5/10.
Taylors Estate Label Clare Valley
Adelaide Hills Pinot Gris 2021, $22. Pinot gris is Ms L’s frst picks from the fridge and my last, but this time even she baulked. However we soldiered on and suffered for the cause, but probably should have waited until we were in a more agris-able mood. 8.9/10.
$45 $50
$22
You know what really gets on my goat? This notion of having, being or needing a GOAT, Greatest Of All Time, and speaking of goat, what really fries my bacon is when fsh and chip shops don’t cut the rind off your burger with the lot, and a lot of it ends up in your lap on the frst bite.
Ditto when they don’t cut your sandwich all the way through.
It’s so hard to stay in your lane when you’re eating lunch out of the footwell. Just touching the brake lightly turns off the cruise control and then you smear barbecue sauce all over the ‘Set’ button as well as the brake pedal just as you’ve fnally overtaken that other idiot that’s been giving you the ‘irits’ for the last 25 kms by speeding up when you try to overtake them, then slowing down as they pull in front of you to overtake someone else before suddenly waking up and realising they’re doing 60kmh on a motorway not realising the bloke behind them is already cranky because the egg on his burger has dribbled onto his crotch.
And don’t get me started on people who can’t get started at roundabouts, whom, for those waiting behind, the car on the right can’t come soon enough, just like autonomous driving.
Meanwhile, it’s a wonder computers haven’t taken over from kettles since Bill Gates and Steve Jobs took over our lives, given how many aspects of our computers make our blood boil.
How about getting an email to say you have unsubscribed from an email list? Or worse, asking which email address you want unsubscribed. How about the one you just sent that garbage to?
How about each computer upgrade adding three more clicks to whatever you want to do?
Almost as bad is getting an email to say you have sent a parcel. Wouldn’t you know that already?
Then another three to say it’s on its way.
You’d think the last in this chain would be one to say it had arrived, but wait, there’s more, asking how happy was the experience and would recommend the service!
Similarly, when you buy something online, or even in a shop, emails will be waiting for you when you get home unless you’ve got them already because your phone went ping
by Max Crus
a microsecond after your purchase and you can’t leave it alone for 30 seconds...which they know.
Hey, want to know if I enjoyed the experience? Look at my face.
Naturally, the only realm of modern life which doesn’t get under your skin is purchasing wine, although having to say you are 18 if you do so online, is a bit silly. No, everyone loves buying wine and the only thing that may test your patience is whether you should go Barossa or McLaren Vale…or Clare…or ACT. Tassie anyone? Margaret?
ACROSS
1 Hand-held curved blade for reaping (6)
4 Inverted (8)
10 Dilapidation (9)
11 Seize (5)
12 Cupid for the ancient Greeks (4)
13 Dinner (4)
14 Money-bag (5)
16 Bag (4)
17 Example (8)
20 Mechanisms (8)
22 Indigent (4)
25 Beautiful woman in Muslim paradise (5)
26 Corrosion (4)
28 French abbot (4)
30 Japanese dish (5)
31 Sewing (9)
32 Merchant (8)
33 Dragnet (6)
DOWN
1 2000 Olympic city (6)
2 Traditions (7)
3 Falsehoods (4)
5 Having impaired vision (arch.) (8)
1 Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are characters in which Shakespeare play?
2 In what year did Thailand change its name from Siam?
4 What is the secondlargest rainforest on Earth?
5 Kristen Stewart and Mackenzie Davis (pictured) both star in which 2020 rom-com?
6 Which language has the most native speakers: French, English, Spanish or Hindi?
7 Bad Behavior is a podcast hosted by Nikila Cranage and which other person?
8 Finger Lime is a citrus fruit native to which country?
9 A tetradecagon is a polygon shape with how many sides?
3 How many Australian prime ministers have served since Federation?
1 Boat (4)
5 Pottery (4)
6 Actor – Rickman (4)
7 Fictional spy, James – (4)
DOWN
1 Absorbent pad for cleaning wounds (4)
2 Corona (4)
3 Persia (4)
4 Remain undecided (4)
10 The O ce for the Arts is part of which federal government department? Using
Safety Corp RTO 91694
Tweed Heads
Each number corresponds to a letter. Can you crack the code?
CROSS MATH
Insert each number from 1 to 9 in the shaded squares to solve all the horizontal and vertical equations. Multiplication and division are performed before addition and subtraction.
5x5
M M
S
M G
T M D
Z N
No. 107
Solve all the clues and an eight-letter word will be spelled out.
1 Belly button
2 Another word for animals
3 Small edible crustacean
4 Sticky-footed lizard
R S S
No. 106
Insert the missing letters to make 10 words –ve reading across the grid and ve reading down.
NOTE: more than one solution may be possible
5 Organ of the body
6 Noise people make when sleeping
7 Precious stones
8 Language of ancient Rome
1. Bobby Brown played Enola Holmes in the 2020 Netflix film, who played her brother Sherlock?
A. Sam Cla in
B. Liam Hemsworth
C. Henry Cavill
D. Timothée Chalamet
2. Her character in Stranger Things has what special ability?
A. Shapeshifting
B. Telekinesis
C. Levitation
D. Invisibility
3. She shot to fame for her role in Stranger Things. Who created the television series?
A. M. Night Shyamalan
B. Joss Whedon
C. The Du er Brothers
D. J.J. Abrams
4. She made her feature-film debut in 2019 in which flick?
A. Godzilla: King of the Monsters
B. Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker
C. Captain Marvel
D. X-Men: Dark Phoenix
ALLAN ROBERT OLIVER VIRTUE
1/1/1944 - 7/2/2019
No longer in our lives to share But in our hearts you are always there Missed by your family who love you Dawn, Allan, Jayne, Craig and Mark
‘DOT’
Of eresa Creek
09.09.1937 – 27.01.2023
Loved wife of Walter (decd). Dearly loved mother & mother-in-law of Karen & Don Hoy, Vicki & John Broadribb, Leanne and Geo & Jacqueline. Cherished Ma Dot of Belinda, Sally & Tim McQuade, Cindy & Jarrad and Scott and her two great grandsons Xander and Al e. Dear sister of Margaret, Beryl and Betty. Aged 85 years
‘Rest in Peace’
Relatives & friends of Dot are invited to attend her Funeral Service Monday 6th February 2023 commencing at 10.30am at St Mark’s Anglican Church, Barker Street, Casino. Followed by Burial in Casino Lawn Cemetery. Live streaming link: https://vimeo.com/event/2834237
LANDRIGAN, NANCY (nee Donnelly)
29.04.1934 – 26.01.2023
Passed away peacefully ursday 26th January 2023. Aged 88 years.
Loving and devoted wife of Allan (decd).
Cherished sister of Heather, Connie, John, Kevin & Jim (all decd). Special friend to Eileen.
Much loved & sadly missed by all her nieces, nephews and many friends.
Relatives & Friends of Nancy are invited to attend a celebration of her life to be held this Friday 3rd February 2023 commencing at 10:00am at e Arentz Chapel, Parkview Funeral Home –41 Walker Street Casino followed by interment in Casino Lawn Cemetery.
Livestream link: https://vimeo.com/event/2830969
Passed away suddenly and unexpectedly at her home, on Saturday January 28, 2023. Aged 75 years. Beloved daughter of Albert and Teresa Campbell (both dec), of Fairy Hill.
Dearly loved by all her sisters and brothers and their families. A much loved aunty, great aunty and great great aunty; Janice will be sadly missed by all who knew her.
Service details can be found on the Simplicity Funerals website under Upcoming Funerals or by contacting the funeral home as listed below.
13.01.1993 – 25.01.2023
James Joseph Maguire, Late of Tullera
Passed away on Wednesday the 25th of January, aged 30 years. Dearly loved Son of Susette and Terry.
Loved Brother and Brother in Law of Sally & Tor.
Much loved and loving Uncle to Jett James And Daly. Greatly loved by all His Mates.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend James’ Funeral service to be held at e Lismore Turf Club, 9A Woodlawn Rd, North Lismore on ursday 9th February 2023, commencing at 11.00am.
Loved”
Special Lines Include:
A/C GT & KA Richards
45 Super Baldy Heifers (PTIC to Braford Bulls, commence calving March)
A/C McKenna Pastoral
20 Angus Baldy and Brangus Baldy Heifers (PTIC to Angus & Brangus Bulls)
15 Brangus Heifers (PTIC to Angus & Brangus Bulls)
A/C Graeme Patison
22 Angus/Brangus Heifers (PTIC to Angus Bulls)
A/C B & T Simcox
30 Santa/Hereford Weaner Heifers - EU
Accredited
A/C NJ Summerville
25 Santa/Hereford Weaner Heifers - EU
Accredited
A/C Welbatch Pastoral
20 Santa/Hereford Weaner Heifers - EU
Accredited
A/C G & J Yates
35 Santa/Hereford Heifers - EU Accredited (PTIC to Clunie Range Angus Bulls, commence calving mid-march)
A/C C & D Love
7x7 Simmental Heifers & Calves
A/C R & M Gay
20 Brangus Heifers
A/C Four Winds Grazing
15 Silver Brahman Heifers
15 Red Brahman Heifers (PTIC to Angus Bulls - Red Tags)
A/C Gregory Family
15 Speckle Park Heifers - PTIC (1st & 2nd Calf)
A/C Irvington Investments
16 Charbray Heifers - PTIC to Lyle Angus Bull
A/C Owner
11 F1 Heifers PTIC to Palgrove Ultrablack
3 x 3 Droughtmaster Heifers with Angus calves at foot
A/C Owner
14 Angus Heifers - Running with Angus Bulls
A/C Owner
7 Top Quality Red Angus Cows, PTIC red tag or with calf at foot
15 Angus & Angus X Cows, some with calf at foot
3 x 3 Angus Shorthorn X Cows, 2nd calf
*All new buyers to register with Ray White Rural prior to bidding please*
50 Hereford X Weaner Steers
Steers
100 Charolais X Weaner Heifers
50 Santa X Weaner Heifers
50 Angus & Angus X Weaner Heifers
30 Hereford X Weaner Heifers
S p e c i a l L i n e s : A/c RC, KJ & NK Ellevsen - Woodenbong
20 Santa Gertrudis Heifers (Unjoined)
18-24 months old
A/c Lagoons Grass - Lismore
40 Brangus Cows & Calves - 2nd Calf With Limousin Calves at Foot
20 Brangus Cows - PTIC
In Calf to Limousin Bull - 2nd Calf
A A/c Leacrister - Coraki
25 Santa Hereford Heifers & Calves
5 Santa Heifers & Calves
5 Brangus Heifers & Calves
5 Charbray Heifers & Calves
A A/c Cheviot Hills Station - Drake
30 Brahman X Weaner Steers
A A/c P & L Hannigan - EU Accredite d 125 Charolais Angus X Weaners Mixed Sex -
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.
ALSTONVILLE
ALSTONVILLE BRANCH OF THE RED
CROSS
The Alstonville Red Cross branch meets monthly in Alstonville. As meeting dates sometimes vary, please call Carol on 0424 742 774 for details of our next meeting.
ALSTONVILLE PROBUS
Our frst meeting, therefore, for 2023, will be held at the Alstonville Plateau Bowls & Sports Club, Deegan Drive, Alstonville, on 23 February at 10.00 am. The guest speakers for this meeting will be four of our own members who will be telling of a special time or event in their lives. All visitors or new members are welcome.
ALSTONVILLE QUOTA CLUB
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.
ALSTONVILLE COMBINED CHURCHES
ANNUAL WORLD DAY
The Alstonville Combined Churches annual World Day of Prayer service will be held this year at the Alstonville Uniting Church. The service has been prepared by the women of Taiwan and the theme is I have Heard About Your Faith.
Details are: Friday 3 March, commencing at 1.30 pm in the Uniting Church, Cnr Main Street and Bugden Avenue, followed by Afternoon Tea in the Hall.
Men and women from all churches and the community are very welcome to attend.
Contact Person: Olwen King, 6628 0522.
CRAWFORD HOUSE MUSEUM
Visit Crawford House Museum, an original farmhouse where you can see many interesting household objects which refect family life from the turn of the century to the 1960s. There are also facilities for research about Ballina Shire families, as well as books about local history and commemorative wineglasses and keyrings for sale. The museum is at 10 Wardell Road Alstonville and is open Fridays 10am-4pm and Sundays 1pm-4pm or at other times by appointment for groups. Enquiries (02) 6628 1829, aphs2477@yahoo.com.au or www. aphsmuseum.org.au. By the way, we have openings for people of any age to volunteer in administration or in the museum and if you’re on a Jobseeker payment and 55 or older, it’s a great way to meet your mutual obligation requirements. If you’re interested, visit us at the museum or phone or email us.
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 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.
SQUARE DANCING
Summerland Larrikins Squares Alstonville, Fridays 7.30pm-9.30pm at Uniting Church Hall, 59 Main Street, Alstonville. Contact 0407663017 for further information. New dancers welcome.
BALLINA
BALLINA ARTS & CRAFTS CENTRE INC.
(BACCI)
We are a diverse group of Artists and Crafters that participate in wonderful group exhibitions. Over 50 members are from all over the Northern Rivers. Meetings are usually on the 1st Monday of every month at the Cherry Street Sports Club. Social gathering at 5, for a 5.30 start. For more information - info@bacci.com.au or phone Deb on 0432105540
BALLINA BRIDGE CLUB
“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
BALLINA CWA
Ballina CWA Handicraft and Friendship mornings are now in full swing every Wednesday from 9 until 12 noon in our rooms on River Street, next to the RSL. Come along with or without your handicraft, have a chat and enjoy morning tea for $3. For more information, please ring our Handicraft. Offcer Barb 0428116668. Our Land Cookery competition will be held in the rooms on Wednesday 8th February. This is open to the public. For further information please contact Lorraine (Branch Cookery Offcer) on 0427672911. Cooking etc. not sold at this competition will be available for sale to the public. All are welcome.
Mahjong is played in our rooms Wednesdays and Thursdays from 12 noon at a cost of $4. All are welcome.
BALLINA COUNTRY MUSIC CLUB
The Ballina Country Music Club’s “LIVE COUNTRY MUSIC DAYS” are scheduled for the frst Sunday of the Month. After an 8 week break our next “LIVE MUSIC DAY” is SUNDAY 5th February 2023 at THE BALLINA RSL CLUB, Grant Street BALLINA. To hear the best of Live Country Music be there at 10.45am and share part of the afternoon with Special Guest Artist the ever popular local “Jeff Massey” There will be our fabulous “WALK UP-ARTISTS” and with Santa Claus back in the North Pole we will be looking to hear some original Australian Country styles, so it’s going to be a great Australian Country Music Day. Backing band for the day is the Northern Rivers ever popular “ANN, BILL and the 2J’s” back from Surfboard Riding and Fishing.
BALLINA EVENING VIEW CLUB
Meets on the second Wednesday of each month at the Ballina RSL Club at 6.30 for dinner at 7pm - Guests 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.
BALLINA RSL SWIMMING CLUB Carnival brings communities together.
It is no secret that our wider community has experienced hard times over the last two years. In tough times we band together as a community and support our neighbours in any way we can.
The Ballina RSL Swimming Club have combined with Grafton and the Far North Coast Zone Carnival is being held on February 4th at Ballina pool.
Currently, in our Far North Coast zone there are 7 Swimming Clubs of which 3 pools have been closed (Grafton, Twin Towns and Lismore due to the food damage. Also attending are representatives from Southport, Nerang and Bellingen RSL swim clubs, all looking forward to Ballina hospitality.
The Grafton Swimming Club is more than happy to combine with Ballina to host this carnival as there has been a long association between these Clubs over many years.
While swimming is important for all communities, the level of support from the Ballina community including the Ramada and particularly the Ballina RSL helps to ensure the ongoing success of RSL Swimming Clubs in the North Coast region.
‘With the sponsorship support from Ballina RSL Club we have been able to include all local swim clubs to join in the carnival said Nicci Carter, Ballina RSL Swim Club President and Joint Event Co-ordinator’.
‘We are expecting around 100 swimmers, men and women 18 years and over with most senior participant is now 93 years young and still diving in from the blocks’ Nicci added.
BALLINA SENIOR CITIZENS CLUB
Has activities every day for Senior Citizens. Monday – Line Dancing 9:30am, Art 1 pm. Tuesday - Line Dancing 9:30am. WednesdayTai 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
ASSOCIATION OF INDEPENDENT RETIREES
“The next branch meeting of the Association of Independent Retirees, Far North Coast Branch, will be held on Friday 5 February 2023 at the Ballina RSL Club at 9.30am for a 10.00 start. The guest speaker for this meeting will be Blair Dewhurst, from the Australian Bond Exchange. Come along and hear what interesting comments Blair has to pass on about this subject. Morning tea and coffee will be available at this meeting. Any enquiries can be addressed to the President/ Secretary of AIRFNCB, John Ritchie, 0437509618.”
FREE COMMUNITY BRUNCH BALLINA
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
IN FOCUS TOASTMASTERS CLUB
How about trying something different? If you would like to improve your communication and leadership skills or simply make new friends and have fun, you are warmly invited to attend the In Focus Toastmasters Club. We meet the 3rd Wednesday evening of each month. You may attend either from the comfort of your own home via zoom or join us in person at the Cherry Street Sports Club, Ballina. For more, contact our President via email at: president-3209990@ toastmastersclubs.org or our PR offcer at: vppr-3209990@toastmastersclubs.org
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
PROBUS CLUB OF BALLINA WATERS
An Australia Day morning tea will be held on the 26th as the frst social function for the year. This will be followed by a luncheon on Friday 27th. This club is a mixed club and both men and women are invited to join us for a range of interesting social functions. Further information is available from the President Brian on 0432277170.
BRUNSWICK HEADS
BRUNSWICK VALLEY VIEW CLUB
Brunswick Valley VIEW Club’s monthly luncheons are held at Brunswick Heads Bowling Club on the 2nd Thursday of each month at 10.30am for 11am. The frst meeting for 2023 is on February 9. It will be followed by the AGM. Casual members need to advise if they are attending. Apologies to Wenda on 0449 563 580 or email wjhunt@yahoo.com no later than the Monday before. VIEW stands for Voice, Interests and Education of Women. The club supports seven disadvantaged students in The Smith Family’s Learning for Life program. Info: view.org.au, call 1800 805 366 or email view@thesmithfamily. com.au.
CASINO
CASINO & BONALBO UPPER CLARENCE LIONS CLUBS
Casino Lions club now meets each 4th Wed at the RSM.
CASINO COMMUNITY MEN’S SHED
Mon, Tues, Wed, attendance limited to 50 members, 8am-1.30pm. 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.
CASINO & DISTRICT FAMILY HISTORY
GROUP INC
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@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.
CASINO R R COUNTRY MUSIC CLUB will be holding their next social upstairs at the Casino RSM Club on Sunday the 19th of February from 10.00am - 4.00 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 prize More Info contact Carole 0438641500
All Community Notices must be submitted each week on or before 11am every Monday for the next edition to be published.ALSTONVILLE BRUNSWICK BALLINA CASINO
CASINO MEALS ON WHEELS
If you would be interested in volunteering your time to help with meals on wheels give the offce a call on 66621217.
MONDAY B.McEnerny & C.Moulden J. Yates
TUESDAY K.O’Reilly & L&N O’Reilly
WEDNESDAY M.&M. Ayshford G.Mannix & P.Muntelwit
THURSDAY J.Crooks
S. Garrard & E. Grogan
FRIDAY M.Anderson J.Connell
CASINO MINI RAIL
Every Sunday 10am to 4pm. Weather permitting. West Street Casino. Phone 0455673722.
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.
FAIRY HILL CRAFT GROUP
Fairy Hill Craft Group will be on Thursday February 2, 10 a.m. at the Fairy Hill Hall on the Summerland Way. Please bring your lunch and your craft to work on while we plan for the coming year. New members are welcome to join our friendly group which meets on the frst Thursday of each month. For more details, please phone Sue: 66633233.
FAIRY HILL HALL
Fairy Hill Hall Committee meeting
Thursday, March 2, 1200 noon at the Fairy Hill Hall on Summerland Way. All interested community members are invited to attend this meeting to ensure the continuation of the committee and to see the hall improvements which have been completed in the last couple of years.
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.
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
EVANS HEAD CWA BRANCH meets every third Tuesday for lunch at noon. New members welcome. More info Roz 0427825560
EVANS RIVER RSL DAY CLUB
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.
EVANS HEAD SEAGULLS
CRAFT & QUILTERS GROUP
Meet every Tuesday 9am-12noon 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.
GOONELLABAH
TABLE TENNIS AT GOONELLABAH
Tuesday and Thursday mornings
social playing: 9am-12noon; Monday and Wednesday nights social playing:
7-9pm; Training Monday mornings: 9am-12noon; 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
GRAFTON CWA
Grafton CWA meetings for 2023 start on 10th February. We meet on the 2nd Friday of each month in CWA rooms, corner of Duke and Pound St - morning tea at 9.30am, followed by the meeting at 10am. Craft mornings are held on 2nd and 4th Mondays. Everyone can bring along their own craft and enjoy a chat and morning tea. If you are looking for a new interest and enjoy meeting other people and being involved in the community, why not come along to our next meeting, new members are always welcome. For more information, ring Grafton Branch on 0409363248.
GRAFTON’S MIGHTY CLARENCE
TOASTMASTERS CLUB
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
Next meeting: Tuesday, 14 Feb, 10.30am. No meeting in January. Bus trips: frst for new year Friday, 24 Feb,
to Bellingen area, still spare seats. Enquiries: Sandra 6642 7720, or 0417 464 946;’
GRAFTON SENIORS BE FIT EXERCISE CLASSES
Every Friday at the Uniting Church, Prince Street
Join us for gentle exercises designed for Seniors.
We meet at 10.30 a.m. for a cuppa and a chat with the exercises commencing at 11.
All equipment is provided and there is no cost to the participants.
Further information can be obtained from Joan or Brian on 6644 7347 or 0416 067 315, or from Dot on 66423248 or 0477 213 017
GRAFTON VIEW CLUB
Grafton VIEW Club meets on the 4th Tuesday each month at Grafton District Services Club, Mary Street, commencing at 10.30am. Please come along, enjoy yourself with a tasty meal, a motivated guest speaker & ultimately disadvantaged children will be helped. Please phone Vorna at 66424719 for catering purposes no later than the Friday before the meeting. As well, a social outing is held each month. You are warmly invited to come along to the next meeting to have some fun & help disadvantaged children. See you there!
CLARENCE RIVER HISTORICAL SOCIETY
“Schaeffer House Museum at 190 Fitzroy Street, Grafton. 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
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
PROBUS CLUB OF HASTINGS POINT
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.
KINGSCLIFF
HOSPITAL AUXILIARY
MEMBERSHIP DRIVE AT KINGSCLIFF
The Tweed Hospital, it recognises that the new hospital will be located south of Tweed Heads and residents in those areas may be interested in volunteer work when the new hospital opens. The branch welcomes the opportunity to talk to those who are retired, unemployed or simply looking for a chance to give back to one of our most critical services – our hospital. There is a range of jobs that can be performed. The branch runs raffes, a gift shop, fashion parades, jumble sales and luncheons. People with cars are very important to the running of these operations to transport material to the various venues. The branch meetings are held monthly, and the cost of membership is only $5 per year. There are some procedures that must be processed, such as police checks. Full vaccination is required for those volunteers who are working in the hospital. So, the public in the Kingscliff area and surrounds
are invited to talk to our volunteers about our UHA branch of The Tweed Hospital. For more information contact John on 0421085985.
KYOGLE
Kyogle Country Musics next day is on KYOGLE BOWLING CLUB Sunday 12th February. at 11am we have our AGM followed by General Meeting. Music should be underway before 12 noon. All Welcome, this is a fully catered event with Lunches available.
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
HAPPENINGS ON THE HILL- 27th
January 2023
St James Anglican Church Op Shop is looking for a man to assist with moving the bags of clothes from the Op Shop to the Anglican Church Hall on Monday mornings, at approx. 8am. Our “Team” are becoming older and not as able to continue with the needs the Op Shop requires. Join our friendly “Team” at the Church Hall on Mondays and enjoy a lovely morning tea together with great fellowship.
If you are interested in joining our “Team”, please contact:
Charlie Lehman – Phone 0429 321 395
Margaret Armstrong 66 321 021 or M. 0487 330 284.
Many thanks in anticipation
Rev. Leslie and Pete Fotakis are moving to Nambucca Parish, to continue ministry in that area. Rev
Leslie’s last service will be at Kyogle St James Anglican Church at 8.30am, to be followed by a “Farewell Morning Tea” commencing at approx. 10.30am. We would be delighted to have you attend and join with us for Morning Tea and Fellowship. If attending could you, please R.S.V. P. to Margaret Armstrong 66 321 021 by the 6th of February, Thank You
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
LENNOX HEAD CWA
Handy Craft Mornings on Mondays 9.30am-12noon in the community centre at Lennox Head. Call Jan on 66816150.
LENNOX HEAD DAY VIEW CLUB
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.
LENNOX HEAD LIONS CLUB
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
LISMORE CITY CONCERT BAND
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 CWA
IT’S ‘23’ SO COME AND SEE what being a member of the Lismore CWA DAY BRANCH could mean to you. We would like YOU to join us for the opportunity to be involved with a truly friendly group of fun, diverse & interesting women of all ages. You will make new friends who will support you, plus you’ll be part of contributing to the lives of Women and Children in our area through our fundraising endeavours. PLEASE THINK ABOUT IT! Why not come along as a ‘guest’ to see how you feel and experience the difference. being a CWA Member could bring to you and your life. We meet on the frst Thursday of each month at 9:30am for a 10am start. Our 2023 meetings commence in February. FOR MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION call our President Allison Kelly on 0428 216 079. We also run CRAFT meetings each Friday.
You’ll learn new things, once again meet new friends, and enjoy creating beautiful craft in great company. FOR CRAFT INFORMATION call Vicki Boyle on 0437 465 642. WE LOOK FORWARD SO MUCH to meeting you.
Lismore Friendship Festival Inc is hosting a community entertainment BEYOND VENICE with a celebration of entertainment with an Italian twist. Enjoy a welcome opportunity for locals and visitors to return to a great night out that has been on hold because of Covid. It’s time to party!
Beyond Venice is a fun flled masquerade dance party on Saturday, February 18, 2023 (6.30 p.m. –midnight) at the SCU Lismore campus Deck and Lounge. Come dressed for the carnival of masks for prizes and good times with friends.
For information and ticket bookings (essential) contact Julie at 0493631611. Price ($75 per person) includes 3 course dinner, an open bar
and dance music by popular Domenico and his Latin Mafa Band!
The event is a fundraiser for the free family friendly LisAmore! day of celebration on Sunday, June 18, 2023, at the Lismore Turf Club. There guests will be able to enjoy special kids’ activities, great stalls of yummy Italian food, entertainment, games, dancing, and a chance to learn more about Lismore’s sister city links to cities in Italy.
LISMORE HOME GARDEN AND EDUCATION CLUB.
Meeting for February will be held on Thursday 9th Feb. 1pm at Goonellabah Soccer Club Reserve Street Goonellabah.
New Members welcome. Bring and Buy Table. Show Bench Special for February Cacti or Succulent, please bench by 12.45pm.
February Morning Tea Sat 25th Feb
1124 Dunoon Road Modanville.
Info please contact Sec,0448294496 dcoles39@outlook.com
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 wellbeing of people in our community.
Shed Activities
Members work on their own projects
Mentoring is available
General woodworking
Welding & light engineering
Repair & restoration of items for the public
Constructing projects, of items for the public
Constructing projects for preschools, hospitals & other organisations
Assembling fatpack
Minor maintenance work for the elderly & disabled
Working with the disabled
Talking with other members or simply having company
Memberships: $40-year
Attendance Fee: $3 tea/coffee
Location: 15 Industry Drive East
Lismore
LISMORE ORCHID SOCIETY INC.
Lismore Orchid Society now meets 3rd Wednesday each month, 1:30pm to 4:00pm at Goonellabah Community Centre in the Goonellabah Public Library, 27 Oliver Ave Goonellabah . . .’ Contact Bev on 0400326289
“LISMORE REGIONAL PARKINSONS SUPPORT GROUP:
CHANGE OF VENUE
Lismore Regional Parkinson’s Support Group will meet at South Lismore Bowling Club, 25 Wilson St, South Lismore, at 10am, Friday the 17th of February. All members of the Parkinson’s Community, family and friends are invited to come along, meet with us.
Parkinson’s Nurses and share in a positive, confdential, and supportive setting. Tea and Coffee will be available for a gold coin donation. Bring snacks if you wish to eat. Looking forward to seeing you all there. For further information phone Di: 0423941119”
LISMORE SENIOR CITIZENS
Meet at the Goonellabah Community Centre every second Thursday starting at 9am where we have morning tea followed by games bingo how etc we play cards Monday and Friday and play bowls Tuesdays and craft every second Tuesday afternoons come and join our friendly group you will be very welcome.
LISMORE SPINNERS & WEAVERS
Please join us…... Weaving, Spinning, Felting, Dyeing, Knitting, Crochet, Workshops, Chat…. Sharing Craft & Ideas. From 10am, on the 1st, 3rd and 5th Fridays of each month. (Formal business meeting is 10.30-11.30 every
1st Friday) McLeans Ridges Hall Cnr
Cowlong and McLeans Ridges Rds (off Bruxner Hwy) Morning Tea provided. Bring your lunch (and a mug)
Contac: Kim- 0423935060 Linda0419489987
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).
CAROONA STAFF REUNION PAST & PRESENT Lismore Reunion Past and Present of Caroona Staff from all areas. Friday 10th February at 12 noon for 12.30 Lunch @ Lismore Workers Sport Club Oliver Ave Goonellabah.
Contact Jane 66290211
EAST LISMORE BOWLING CLUB
Community Bingo Tuesday night
7.30pm start. 20 games of bingo + progressive jackpot Neilson Street East Lismore. Everyone Welcome
MAINLY MUSIC
Fun, interactive, music sessions for young children [birth to school age] and their parents/caregivers in a relaxed setting on Tuesdays starting at 9:30am during School Terms. Children will be introduced to music, creativity and more. They will develop gross motor skills, as well as socialise with others in a loving, shared family environment. Morning tea with snacks included. Mainly Music at Lismore Anglican Parish Centre, 10 Zadoc Street, LISMORE. T: 0266213200
NR U3A LISMORE INC.
(UNIVERSITY OF THE THIRD AGE)
Have you retired or just about to, from the workforce?
Are you looking to exercise your mind and body and keep both well oiled?
Well, Lismore U3A [university of the third age} could be just the place for you. This worldwide organisation has been running in Lismore for the past 30 years and thousands of local people have benefted from its programmes. It’s a great place to meet like-minded people and make new friends. The last three years have been diffcult for us as they have for everyone, and we are on a recruitment drive to meet and greet you!
We start 2023 with a choice of at least 30 classes, which include, Languages, Photography, Science, History, Qigong, Genealogy, and many others. We also have a social calendar each term. All our courses are listed on our website www.lismoreu3a.com.au
U3A is entirely run by volunteers, with the committee and tutors coming from our membership. The joining fee Is $50 for 1 year and entitles you to attend any course you choose throughout the year; you can go every day if you wish. Why not peruse our site to see if there is a course that would be of interest to you.
There is an online enrolment form that you can complete and any queries you have can be directed to our secretary, Pat, McLaren- Smith Ph. 6622 7408 We look forward to meeting you. On behalf of Lismore U3A committee.
PROBUS CLUB OF LISMORE HEIGHTS
Our mixed group meets on the 1st Tuesday of each month at the Lismore Heights Bowling Club in High St.
Our brief meeting is followed by morning tea and a guest speaker.
Senior’s lunch for $15 at noon is optional. Guests and visitors are welcome. Ring/text Pam on
0418766247 for details of our other monthly social gatherings and outings.
ROTARY CLUB OF LISMORE NETWORKING
Want to be part of an innovative, interesting, and inclusive networking group who meet fortnightly to share ideas, meet other professionals and work together to make a difference in your community? Then Rotary Club of Lismore Networking could be the answer for you! Meets fortnightly at The Sherwood Hotel (75 Molesworth Street Lismore) on Wednesdays at 5.30pm. For more information contact Rita on 0413300578 or Gae 0412742095.
ROTARY CLUB OF LISMORE WEST INC
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
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
COMMUNITY PRINTMAKERS
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 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.
POTTSVILLE LADIES LIFEBALL
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.
TWEED HEADS
Poets and writers on the Tweed meet every Tuesday at the South Tweed Sports Club 1.30-3.30pm. Beginners welcome. Phone 0755248035.
TWEED HEADS PROBUS CLUB
Probus Club, Coolangatta/Tweed Heads. Be at Club Tweed at 10-00am on the frst Wednesday of the Month. Visitors and new members are very welcome.
TWEED PATCHWORK GROUP
Meet the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month at South Tweed Community Center from 9-1pm at 18 Heffron Street Tweed Heads south all beginners welcome phone Moira on 0418686643. A friendly group of people with common interest in seeing, quilting and related craft.
TWIN TOWNS DAY VIEW CLUB
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 & DISTRICT GARDEN CLUB
Twin Towns and District Garden Club meets every second Monday of the month. 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).
WOLLONGBAR
WOLLONGBAR PROBUS CLUB
The frst general meeting of the Wollongbar Probus Club will be on the 16th Feb at the Alstonville Plateau Bowls Club Deegan Dr at 10am. Come along and enjoy fun and friendship. Visitors are welcome.
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.
ALL NORTHERN RIVERS
NORTHERN RIVERS
BUSHWALKING CLUB
Are you interested in exploring the beauty that our region contains. The Northern Rivers Bushwalking Club offers a variety of activities for people of all abilities and ages in bushwalking, cycling, kayaking, abseiling, qigong and social interaction. Visit our Facebook page or our website nrbc.org.au for more information.
NRCF WOMEN’S GIVING CIRCLE
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.
NORTHERN RIVERS PARKINSON’S SUPPORT GROUP Covering Wollongbar to Ocean Shores. Meets 2nd Friday of each month at Summerland Farm, Wardell Road, Alstonville. A general catch up & chat with the opportunity to join in a casual Q&A session with Rebecca, our Parkinson’s nurse. She will be there to answer any questions that you may have about anything to do with living with Parkinson’s or supporting or caring for a loved one. Maybe you want to know about symptoms, medication, treatments or services etc. Rebecca is there to support us and help you manage your disease so that you live your best life. All those living with Parkinson’s Disease or those supporting them are most welcome. Please RSVP Cheryl 0428286753.
NORTHERN RIVERS DAY PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT GROUP
The frst meeting of the Northern Rivers Day Prostate Cancer Support Group for 2023 is to be held on Wednesday February 8th 10am until 12 noon at the Alstonville Plateau Sports Club (previously known as Bowling Club), Deegan Drive, AlstonvilleMen previously and newly diagnosed with prostate cancer are urged to join with the group to experience the personal cancer stories told which give a great opportunity for all present to share, learn and beneft from each other - Partners and Carers are also most welcome to attend as family are very much involved with the process and treatment of those with this diagnosis –
This will be a morning of quality sharing on health and wellbeing updatesEnquiries: phone Bob Corney 0493 075 612 -
Warnings
See www.bom.gov.au/australia/warnings
Northern Rivers District:
Partly cloudy. Medium (60%) chance of showers, most likely in the morning and afternoon. The chance of a storm. Light winds. Thursday. Partly cloudy. The chance of morning fog. Medium (50%) 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 afternoon then becoming light during the evening.
Northern Tablelands District:
Partly cloudy. Medium (60%) chance of showers, most likely in the morning and afternoon. The chance of a storm. Winds northwesterly 15 to 20 km/h tending westerly 15 to 25 km/h during the morning then becoming light during the evening. Thursday. Mostly sunny. The chance of morning fog on and east of the ranges. Slight (20%) chance of a shower on and east of the ranges in the afternoon and evening. The chance of a storm
on and east of the ranges in the afternoon and evening. Light winds becoming west to northwesterly 15 to 25 km/h during the morning then tending N/NW 15 to 20 km/h in the evening.
New South Wales:
Scattered showers in the east, easing during the day. Storms possible along the northern half of the coast and ranges, some possibly becoming severe. Fine and mostly sunny in the far west. Areas of morning fog about the ranges. Daytime temperatures near average in the east, tending below average in the southwest. Southeast to southwesterly winds across the west and south, fresh along the southern coastal fringe. Northeast to northwesterly winds in the northeast. Thursday. A shower or two along the coast and ranges. Chance of a storm along the north coast. Fine and mostly sunny in the west. Temperatures well below average across the west and south, tending slightly above average in the northeast. W/SW winds across the ranges and inland, freshening in the south. NE/NW winds in the east, fresh along the coastal fringe.
Byron Coast:
Winds: North to northwesterly 15 to 25 knots, reaching up to 30 knots offshore north of Ballina before tending northwest to northeast 10 to 20 knots in the afternoon. Seas: 1.5 to 2.5 metres. Swell: East to southeasterly around 1 metre shifting northerly in the evening. Weather: Partly cloudy. 70% chance of showers. The chance of a storm.
Coffs Coast:
Winds: West to northwesterly 15 to 20 knots shifting easterly about 10 knots during the day. Seas: 1 to 1.5 metres, decreasing to 1 metre during the morning. Swell: North to northeasterly around 1 to 1.5 metres, shifting northerly about 1 metre in the afternoon. Weather: Partly cloudy. 60% chance of showers. The chance of a storm.
Gold Coast Waters:
Winds: North to northwesterly 20 to 30 knots. Seas: 1 to 1.5 metres, increasing to 1.5 to 2.5 metres offshore. Swell: East to southeasterly below 1 metre. Weather: Partly cloudy. 60% chance of showers. The chance of a storm.
