The Northern Rivers Times Edition 137

NEW BID TO DRIVE SAFER CARS FOR COUNTRY KIDS

By JEFF GIBBS

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The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government has announced a statefirst program, the Safer Cars for Country Kids initiative, to help young drivers in regional NSW get behind the wheel of a safer car. The program will provide a $5000 subsidy for up to 1,000 young drivers to help them purchase a safer vehicle.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said the program aims to reduce the risk of serious injury or death in car accidents for country kids by getting them into safer cars.

“We will get old and

unsafe cars off our country roads and make it easier for young drivers to get behind the wheel of a safer car,” he said.

Deputy Premier, Minister for Regional NSW and Minister for Police Paul Toole said the initiative recognized that young drivers are more likely to inherit or buy an older, cheaper or less safe vehicle as their first car.

“Every parent wants to know their kids are in the safest possible car when they head off down the road, especially in the regions where they are driving longer distances and dealing with additional challenges like dust and roos,” Mr Toole said.

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said the program will be trialled with 50 young people in selected areas before being rolled out in phases to all regional areas. Eligible participants must be under the age of 25, and driving a car with a used car safety rating of 1 or 2, or unrated and over 16-years-old.

“Having good and effective programs that help our next generation of road users such as Safer Cars for Country Kids, will help to keep our great state moving forward,” Mr Farraway said.

The average age of vehicles in NSW is 10 years, and it takes

longer for newer cars with better safety technology to filter out to younger drivers, especially those in regional areas.

Electronic Stability Control and advanced safety features such as, autonomous emergency braking or Lane Keeping System technologies have proven to reduce crashes.

Peter Frazer OAM, President of Safer Australian Roads and Highways, said the initiative will help save lives.

“Too many novice drivers in our regional communities are killed or seriously injured simply because their vehicles are not as safe

as they could be,” Mr Frazer said. Driver education specialist Matthew Irvine said staying safe on the road presents extra challenges for young people living in the country.

“People living in regional NSW usually spend more time on the road, driving longer distances and at higher speeds. Programs such as the one announced today will definitely help keep our young people safe on the roads,” Mr Irvine said.

The Safer Cars for Country Kids initiative is an important step in the right direction to improving safety on the roads for young drivers in regional NSW. The

$5000 subsidy will help give young drivers access to safer cars that are equipped with the latest safety technology, and hopefully will reduce the number of accidents and fatalities on our roads. Along with the financial assistance, the program also aims to raise awareness of road safety and the importance of being in a safe vehicle. The program is an important step in supporting young drivers in regional NSW, providing them with the opportunity to upgrade to a safer car and giving their families greater confidence in their safety every time they’re on the road.

YAMBA SIGNS UP TO SAVE COMMUNITY CENTRE

By TIM HOWARD

Yamba residents have put more than 500 signatures on a petition begging the Clarence Valley Council to follow their Plan B and save the Treelands Drive Community Centre in its current form.

The controversial centre, built in 1999, has been a target of criticism almost from the time it opened and when the council obtained a $11.1 million Bushfire Local Economic Recovery grant approval was given to demolish rebuild the centre.

The plans for the new centre in West Yamba included a library and a commercial kitchen and would provide refuge for residents during emergencies.

But the funding strategy, which included the sale of

the popular Wooli St Hall in Central Yamba, almost immediately rang warning bells for residents.

The situation

became more fraught in September last year, when potential infrastructure failure at the Grafton Olympic Pool complex led to its permanent closure and realigned the council’s spending priorities.

With the approval of both the Yamba and Grafton communities the council sought to have the BLER funding become the centrepiece of the funding strategy for stage 1 of a Grafton Aquatic Centre. Council said it would continue with the Treeland Drive Community Centre project, but would renovate the centre and improve the existing library, a proposal

labelled Option B, which lower the cost from more than $15 million to $8 million.

But this came to nothing last month when the NSW Government department controlling the grant revealed it would not allow the transfer.

In a flurry of events that followed the council announced it would continue with the pool project, but would need to borrow more money.

Mayor Ian Tiley said Option B for

the Treelands Drive Centre was suddenly at risk, with the original proposal, known as Option A, back on the table.

Cr Tiley said it was essential the council not let the grant lapse, even if it meant returning to Option A, which councillors had rejected at a meeting last year.

Dismayed at a series of council decisions which some resident believed adversely affected the region Yamba residents in September formed

the Yamba Community Action Network to give residents a voice to council and other planning instruments.

The group has questioned the way the council has proceeded with the Treelands Drive proposal from the outset.

It has questioned the adequacy of community consultation, anomalies in the plan, including a drastic reduction in the size of the kitchen facilities as well as the notion it the site could be used a an emergency centre in a flood, because the site is flood prone.

The council has flagged the community centre and the aquatic centre projects would be items the its first meeting of the year on February 28.

Convinced Yamba residents were not happy with the plan to build a “Taj Mahal” on the Treelands Dr site,

they began collection signatures on a petition on paper and online.

YambaCAN also called a public meeting in the Wooli St Hall last Tuesday. Due to deadline the outcome of this meeting is not available.

But the group’s secretary, Lynne Cairns, said more signatures were being collected and expected have many more than the 500 presented to the council so far.

“We think the council needs to look carefully at this,” she said. “When they finished their community consultation, Option A had 196 people supporting and Option B 105 from memory.

“The support for the petition would suggest the community support for the second option has grown significantly since then.”

GRISLY FIND IN CHINDERAH CARAVAN PARK

POLICE DOG RESCUE OF CONCERN

$2.1 MILLION FOR RICHMOND VALLEY ROAD FIX UNDER NSW NATIONALS LOCAL ROADS PROGRAM

The bodies of two men were found in separate caravans in a Chinderah caravan park last Thursday morning, February 16, 2023.

Emergency Services were called to the Ski Lodge Caravan Park on Chinderah Bay Drive, Chinderah, around 12.30am, following reports a male person was unresponsive.

On arrival, offcers attached to Tweed/ Bryon Police District located a body inside a caravan, before locating another body inside a

neighbouring caravan a short time later.

The bodies were yet to be formally identifed at the time of going to print but police believe both are men aged in their 50s and 60s.

A crime scene was established, and an investigation has commenced into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

Through a statement, NSW Police Media said inquiries are ongoing and no further information is available at this time.

The owner of a dog found locked in a hot car in Byron Bay on the weekend could face animal cruelty charges over the potentially deadly incident.

‘Mojo’ the brown and tan kelpie was clearly happy to be rescued from a hot car in Suffolk by police on Saturday February 18, with temperatures soaring into the 30+ degrees range in the afternoon.

The anxious dog was given a big drink and re-united with its owner after Police spoke to the owner at length.

Tweed-Byron

Police District say the owner remains under investigation in relation to an offence of “Commit act of cruelty upon an animal” that is punishable by a $1000 fne.

Tweed-Byron Police District will liaise with RSPCA NSW about ensuring Mojo’s welfare and future.

“We thank the Suffolk Park and wider community for their concern about Mojo,” Tweed-Byron Police said in a statement.

“Please don’t leave pets or young children unattended in your car,” police stressed.

Richmond Valley residents are set for safer, bump-free driving with $2.1 million locked in to upgrade the Coraki-Ellangowan Road, local Nationals election candidate Richie Williamson announced on Wednesday in the company of Richmond Valley Mayor Robert Mustow and NSW Nationals Regional Roads Minister Sam Farraway.

“As a former Mayor of Clarence Valley Council, I know well just how important Government support for improving local roads is. It is just way too big a burden to fund through Council rates especially in regional areas like the Richmond and Clarence Valleys,’ Mr Williamson said.

“The exact amount for this project from The Nationals’ in NSW Government’s $500 million Fixing Local Roads program is $2,100,001 – nobody knows what the extra dollar is for but I’ll take every cent I can get for the Richmond and Clarence Valleys.”

Richmond Valley Mayor

VOTE 1 YOUR VOTE IS POWERFUL OUR PLAN

With Tamara back in Ballina and Adam elected in Lismore, we can kick the Liberals and Nationals out and push the next government to stop new coal and gas, reform housing, and clean up corruption. Since Tamara Smith MP was elected in 2015, the Ballina electorate has seen a 50% increase in infrastructure investment and countless wins for our community. On Lismore City Council, Adam Guise has campaigned for transparency, accountability and community led food recovery.

Robert Mustow welcomed the much-needed funding saying the Council he leads appreciated the strong relationship it had with the State and Federal Governments, which benefted local residents.

“Any Minister popping in with a multi-million cheque will receive a very warm Richmond Valley welcome,” Mayor Mustow said.

Nationals Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said Fixing Local Roads was a game changer for regional communities.

“Regional NSW has been doing it tough and we know how much better roads mean to people living in the regions, so I’m especially pleased to announce this injection of much needed funds,” Mr Farraway said.

“The $500 million NSW Government’s Fixing Local Roads program supports councils to improve routes that regional communities use every day, making journeys for locals, farmers, and freight safer, more effcient, and more reliable.

End coal and gas by 2030, invest in emergency services and climate change adaptation.

Tackle the cost of living by making housing affordable, reducing electricity costs, and making billionaires and corporations pay their taxes to fund essential public services.

Stop land clearing, restore our waterways, and protect native species. Invest in regional health, water security, education and community services.

Directly compensate communities impacted by the climate crisis including relocations, buybacks, land swaps and retroftting.

A crime scene was in place around the caravans where two men were found dead

Happy to be freed, Mojo the kelpie with police in Suffolk Park

Nearly $1m for Kyogle’s CBD

By SAMANTHA ELLEY

Nearly $1,000,000 for the Kyogle CBD is definitely good news, thanks to a grant from the State Government from the Stronger Country Communities Fund.

A visit from Nationals Upper House member Scott Barrett confirmed Kyogle Council has received the grant to upgrade the main part of Kyogle’s shopping district.

“It will cover between Stratheden Street down to Geneva Street,” said council’s director of planning, Chris White.

“We are planning to include street trees and landscape features with more room for street front dining.

“Lights will be

renewed so the street will be lit up at night, giving businesses the opportunity to trade for longer hours.”

The funding has been timely as it will

fit neatly between two other grants the council has received which will see an upgrade to the civic square in front of council chambers as well as the lower end of

town.

Deputy mayor Tom Cooper said the funding will support the increased trade felt by the village.

“Kyogle has received

a lot more business as people have come to our town after being flood affected,” he said.

With South East Queensland and Brisbane a huge market

with passing trade, Mr White said the upgrade to the CBD will hopefully establish Kyogle as a destination place.

“These will be projects that provide hope of residents and businesses as they attract more people,” he said.

Mr Barrett said he was pleased to be able to provide Kyogle with the funds to upgrade the town.

“This funding is now locked in,” he said. “With the upcoming State election, a reelected coalition will see the Stronger Country Communities Fund expand by another $90 million.

“The fund helps build projects that make regional NSW the best place to live, work and raise a family.”

(L to R) Kyogle Cr John Burley, Lismore Nationals candidate Alex Rubin, The Hon. Scott Barrett MLC, Kyogle Deputy Mayor Cr Tom Cooper and Director of Planning and Community Development Chris White.

Regional NSW advertisement under fire for promoting beach burns

By MARGARET DEKKER

A state government TV ad has come under fire for promoting a communal, open fire on a New South Wales beach despite the practice being prohibited in some Northern Rivers LGAs.

The ad, approved and aired by the NSW Department of Regional NSW, was shown during the recent Oakberry Tweed Coast Pro surfing event, broadcast by Fox Sports and available via Kayo. It was also streamed globally through WSL (World Surfing League) channels.

The scene in question shows a group of people sitting around an open fire at dusk on a NSW beach in a series of ‘cool scenes’ and images taken from Regional New South Wales, appealing to the younger demographic viewing the surfing broadcast.

But on the Tweed Coast, lighting an open fire on government land is prohibited.

“Council does not permit the lighting of fires on Council controlled land, this includes beaches,” Tweed Shire

Council’s website states.

The issue is not merely the open fire, but critically its remaining hot coals which people have covered with sand without them being extinguished.

In September, The Northern Rivers Times reported a Pottsville 2-year-old was left with third-degree burns to his little foot ‘after he unknowingly stepped on hot coals from a beachfire still burning from the previous night, but its coals were hidden by sand.’

‘The shocked grandfather of the toddler, Mark Cowan, said the experience was “extremely traumatic for everyone involved,” after his grandson was taken to hospital suffering serious burns to his sole and toes, and severe blistering.’

Jared Lee from Tweed Coast Rural Fire Brigade said at the time “it’s heartbreaking to hear of another person – this time, an innocent toddler – getting seriously burnt when out enjoying a walk on the beach and this happens.”

Mr Lee also issued a grim warning to all beachgoers and campers about the lasting dangers

DIARY OF A FLOOD SURVIVOR PART 29

of beach fires:

“The heat can actually stay in there for up to 2-weeks, depending on the intensity of the original fire, not 1 or 2 days as is commonly thought but quite some time,” Jared Lee, Tweed Coast Rural Fire Brigade, said.

A spokesperson for the Department of Regional NSW said the campfire footage was filmed at Seal Rocks on the NSW Mid North Coast, in compliance with all relevant recreational fire regulations and permits required at the time.

“The Department of Regional NSW video shown at the 2023 World Surf League event at Tweed Heads promotes coastal tourism attractions and destinations in regional NSW,” a spokesperson for the Department of Regional NSW stated.

The Department did not respond to a question by The Northern Rivers Times about the mixed messaging from the promotion; that it’s good to light a fire on any beach in Regional NSW, when in some cases it is prohibited.

A FIVE WEEK GROUP COURSE BY HELPER DOGS AUSTRALIA

Family Dog Training Program.

Saturday 11-18-25-March and 1 April 2023 9:30-11:30 $225 for ve lessons A ve week group course by Helper Dogs Australia

If you had told me how exciting a toilet door was, over a year ago, I would not have believed you.

But here we are, dancing for joy that we actually have a lockable door to hide us away from the world while we do the business.

Since moving back into our home in late September, we have used sheets of gyprock to provide privacy and more recently, just advised people that we were using the loo when the gyprock disappeared and we were waiting for the door.

We still have to wash our hands and brush our teeth in the kitchen sink, however, as we wait for the fnal jobs from the plumber.

Meanwhile, as the 12 month anniversary draws

near, other more pressing issues have taken priority in our household.

Hubby has suffered from a bad back for a number of years, thanks to some cheeky little spurs that have grown on his vertebrae.

Now he has the date of the operation set, we will be heading up to the Gold Coast to get that all sorted.

We may or may not be back in time to be with our fellow residents when the 12 months tick over, but I’m chuffed that so many want to mark the day in their own way.

The local church will be holding a commemoration service on the banks of the Richmond River on February 28, to let residents know they stand with them.

The launch of the Tinny Heroes flm is creating quite a buzz and The Northern Rivers Times will be doing a special food edition as well.

The approaching anniversary has given many of us time to refect on the support and generosity we received all those months ago and for me, it brings out such feelings of gratitude. Little steps.

Surrounded by gardens

Becoming Dog Aware

- I am dedicated to helping the community to be dog aware.

- I will help families create safe lasting relationships with dogs, children and the community.

- Our goal is to increase safety and reduce stress through positive, practical real-life strategies and tools, and education supporting you and family dog.

- You will build your Dog Awareness Skills preparing your dog for life with children and the broader community.

- Helper Dogs Australia is going to support along every step of the way!

I am glad that you have decided to bring your dog for training, I’m ready to support you and your family dog/s right away.

Dog awareness is a combination of your learned skills about dogs - these experiences help you to observe how your dog is responding in a variety of life situations. When you understand your dog, this enables you to correct when needed, more importantly, you may prevent potential behaviour issues that could arise.

Almost everyone has some basic understanding about dogs, it maybe that you had a dog when you were growing up or you have always loved dogs. Whatever your knowledge there is more room for learning. By continuing to grow, and building knowledge, you strengthen Dog Aware Skills. This will help to set you and your dog up for success. You will teach your dog to make the correct choices and behave with the best manners.

Remember that the basic training has to be done with consistency. Dogs want to know and understand what their family wants

Contact Guy Le Roy Helper Dog Australia

Ph: 0448 886 682

Guy Le Roy Trainer

THE FLATPACK OF RECYCLED TIMBER FEATURE WALLS

By SAMANTHA ELLEY

Walk into the Levee Lounge and Bar in Magellan Street and you are immediately enveloped into the warmth and cosiness of the establishment.

Owners Nick and Kylie Fuad opened their business on December 16 last year and have felt the appreciation of residents who know they can come and enjoy a wine, beer or cocktail, accompanied by a well-presented cheese platter.

“We saw a need in the area and Nick has always had a passion to open a wine bar,” laughed Kylie.

“A place with mood lighting where you can get a decent glass of wine.”

One of the assets that contributes to the ambience of the bar is the outstanding wire brushed railway sides timber feature wall behind the bar.

“The timber wall was the first feature we went for,” said Nick.

“It used to be a rendered wall and when we removed the render we were hoping for brick, but it didn’t look good.

“We wanted the space to be cosy, with a subway/underground vibe but not too industrial.”

With that in mind, they reached out to Claudia Mitchell from Northern Rivers Recycled Timber/Simply Wood.

“I have been in the

industry for over 20 years which started off in traditional sawmilling, then switched bit by bit from new timbers to old,”

said Claudia.

“We were pulling down an old shed and cutting up the posts and beams and everyone was stunned by the

beauty of the timber.”

Claudia said the business has become quite specific in what they do.

“We are not a timber yard,” she said.

“We take recycled timbers and make a range of products including feature walls in just cladding or as a modular system which makes for easy installation.”

Claudia said it is truly a flatpack concept for feature walls.

“All the sizes are the

“Our designer suggested we break up the dark timber with a lighter wood,” said Kylie.

To find out more about Northern Rivers Recycled Timber/ Simply Wood please use one of the QR Codes below for their Website and Facebook/Instagram pages.

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same,” she said.

“You can mix and match them and they look great in any shop, house or commercial premises.

“They are easy to install for shop fitters or even DIY mums and dads.”

Back at the Levee Bar, the Fuads have also installed a ceiling of white-washed Oregon timber from Northern Rivers Recycled Timber that leads patrons to the back part of the lounge and intimate courtyard.

Nick and Kylie Fuad behind the bar and in front of their feature wall.

The white-washed oregon ceiling leading to the back bar.

Nick and Kylie being interviewed about their newly opened bar.

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Tennis ace here to serve Tweed Coast

By MARGARET DEKKER

He’s the tennis pro with a CV as long as his right hitting arm.

Ranked Number 14 on the International Tennis Federation (ITF) Masters Singles tour in 2015; 18 years’ coaching at the grand Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club in Melbourne; a 12-month coaching gig at the home of Australian tennis, Melbourne Park; currently #224 in the ITF Singles 55+ ranking; a weekly competitor on the Gold Coast circuit; and coming up, the prestigious TSA Oceania Championships, this counter-punch player with passion for the game - dressed in his whites and carefully groomed - even counts 80’s poster-boy Pat Cash as a formal rival, who pipped him for a place in a Davis Cup squad.

But today Domenic Gambaro counts his Head Coach role at picturesque Pottsville Beach Tennis Club in the heart of the village with the ocean lulling and tennis-kids buzzing, as a new high in a 40-year tennis career.

You could say it’s 40 .. love.

“I didn’t expect this!

Leaving Kooyong was a tough gig after many years and being under the guidance of Glenn Busby but for some fortuitous reason, to move up to the Northern Rivers, Tweed Heads, it was more about getting practice, playing competition, but somewhere along the line life throws you a curveball, a good one,” Dom Gambaro, tennis pro said.

Dom initially coached at Tweed Heads Tennis Club but last September, took on the Head Coach role in Pottsville.

“I thought, ‘why not?’ a small community, I loved the look of it when I first came here and saw it, and it just suits to my capacity, it has growth and I got to meet the committee at the time, and we were all on the same page,” Dom

Squad, U18, Adult and more. The energetic classes come complete with branded t-shirts for players, tote bags, drink bottles and sunscreen, adding to the professionalism. The Junior Memberships have doubled, and Adult

remember still, hitting that ball over and I just loved the sound of it, that’s what I was hooked on, that and the competition,” Dom Gambaro, Tennis pro said.

“We’re kind of like our own explorers out on the court .. to reach our own summit, as best we can.”

There are now waiting lists to join the Academy, but Dom keeps classes small to best apply the ‘KITA’ methodology, developed and refined by the Kooyong International Tennis Academy, breaking tennis down into 4 key aspects of learning: Physical, Tactical, Technical and Mental skill.

Players have come from around the world for this kind of coaching –Monica Seles for one is an alumni – and now it’s on offer in Pottsville!

“And why not, if you want to learn the best you’ve got to bring the best .. trying to get

“It’s a great learning trade.”

Dom also believes in his own creativity in lessons, backed by a strong ‘immigrant workethic’ and his Italian heritage and flair, applied now in Pottsville Beach.

“I mean who’s ever heard of Pottsville on the map of Australia!

To leave the city to go to the country, it’s not what I expected, but in the same breath it’s great to see my eyes open and there is more to life outside big cities in small towns like Pottsville that are flourishing,” Dom

there’s a lot of support to try and get things to grow, the Council is doing enormous effort ..” he added.

A new Pottsville Beach Tennis pro-shop and clubhouse, replacing the current Besser block and verandah building, are the next big goals for club and coach alike.

“We need that for a place like this, to nurture and grow these kids,” Dom Gambaro said.

“It is an individual sport, but you do need a team around you,” he added.

As for the local talent, Dom said it was too early to make a line-call on spotting another Nick Kyrgios or Ajla Tomljanovic in his squads.

“It takes a special quality, work ethic and time, not just talent alone .. and they’ve got to want it.”

For now, young and old tennis players of the Tweed are fortunate to have a coach like Dom in their court.

Gambaro said.

In 6-months at the Club, Dom and partner Janine Chandler have launched the Pottsville Tennis Academy, with daily lessons ranging from 5-8yo Development to Junior Pro, Fixture

Memberships are also growing in an exciting new era at the club, led by a man who’s dedicated his life to the sport.

“At a very young age playing tennis, from the very first time I

these kids to be a better version of who they are, better players, going to tournaments, watching and support them, junior kids as young as 8 years of age, why not?” Dom Gambaro, Tennis pro said.

Gambaro, Tennis pro said.

“It’s like any town along the Northern Rivers here, it’s actually amazing, it has the infrastructure, it has the weather, it has the community backing,

“I’ve been very fortunate to have such good mentors, I’m passing this on to those that want the tennis, want the experience that I am happy to give,” Dom Gambaro, Tennis pro said.

“Pursuit of excellence, I’ve always loved that phrase.”

Claude Williams President Pottsville Beach Tennis Club with Dom Gambaro, Head Coach Pottsville Tennis Academy.

The future of tennis looks bright in Pottsville The future of tennis looks bright in Pottsville

Picturesque Pottsville Beach Tennis Club on the Tweed Coast Drone Pic: David Lucas

Woodenbong Festival Woodenbong Flood Relief Celebration Saturday 25th February 2023

UPGRADE DELIVERS A SAFER RIDE ON

THE POCKET ROAD

Byron Shire Council has completed an overhaul of a 1km section of The Pocket Road thanks to a broader package of $25M in funding by the NSW Government.

“This was the second stage of works which means we’ve completed 2kms of improvements in total through both the first and second stages of this project, which is a great outcome for the community,” Council’s Director Infrastructure Services, Phil Holloway said.

This is a flood recovery event funded through Kyogle Shire Council and is designed to Reconnect Regional NSW through community events.

Officials attending, Janelle Saffin State MP for Lismore, Alex Rubin State MP candidate, Danielle Mulholland Kyogle Council representative, Tom Cooper Kyogle Council representative, Bronwyn Petrie Mayor Tenterfield Shire Council. There will be an opening speech at approximately 12:00 noon.

• Car boot/market stalls and informational stalls, from approximately 8:30 am

• All day BBQ

• Car and Ute Show. $5.00 per class. Cars can come in from 9:00 am. Entries from 11:00 am. Judging at 12:00 Noon

• Lego Competition. 3 classes – Under 6, Under 12 and Under 16. Entries between 10:00 and 11:00 am. Judging at 1:00 pm. 1st and 2nd prize for each category.

• Free amusement rides. Extreme Run, Mega Marble Obstacle, Wild West and Mickey Park Jumping Castles. Between 9:00 am and 1:00 pm

• Bar from 12:00 noon.

• Freisian Performance Troupe. Two performances 10:00 and 12:00 Noon.

• Woodenbong Progress Association photography competition results and photo display.

• Kyogle Together Youth – Whip Cracking and Chill Out Mat Activities

• Free Local entertainment Adam Enslow between 12:00 to 4:00 pm

• Mechanical bull ride competition from 4:00 pm. Who can stay on the longest? Prizes.

• A raffle will be running.

• Free entertainment – The Billy Gudgeon Band. 7:00 to 10:00 pm.

The project delivered a range of improvements including road widening with line-marked lanes for greater safety so that vehicles do not have to drive on the gravel shoulder when passing.

“We’ve also widened an existing culvert and bend in the road which is known as a safety hazard so that will be a relief for locals,” Mr Holloway said.

“We’ve been able to completely resurface the 1km section of road,

removing the old highlypatched and pot-holed surface and making it much more resilient after rain events,” he said.

“And we’ve upgraded the drainage including replacement of pipes and headwalls to help deal with rain events and flash flooding,” Mr Holloway said.

The funding also enabled Council to mark the new road with signage to warn motorists of wildlife conservation areas.

“We’ve been able to deliver a huge range of extra safety outcomes on this project that will benefit the whole

community for decades to come thanks to the funding,” Mr Holloway said.

North Coast Duty MLC Ben Franklin said the project was made possible through a landmark road infrastructure investment for the region.

“At the last election, I made a promise of $25 million to the Byron Shire to help fix local roads. The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government delivered on the commitment and I’m thrilled that another project is now complete,” Mr Franklin said.

YAMBA RESIDENTS PREPARE TO COMPETE AGAINST TOP GOLFERS

The Yamba community will soon be rubbing shoulders with some of the State’s best golfers thanks to the Liberal and Nationals Government securing a partnership bringing the Women’s NSW Open Championship to the Yamba Golf and Country Club.

The Liberal and Nationals Government, through Destination NSW and the Department of Regional NSW, has partnered with Golf NSW to secure a bumper program of men’s and women’s professional tournaments and qualifying events from 2024-2026.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the program of golf events would allow some of Australia’s leading golfers to compete at the best courses across regional NSW.

“These events will inject more money into our regional hotels, restaurants and small businesses and put more regional courses like the Yamba Golf and Country Club on the ‘must visit’ list of passionate golfers,” Mr Toole said.

“We expect that these

51 strategically placed golf events over three years will attract more than 16,000 visitors to the host regions, injecting an estimated $13.58 million into the regional NSW visitor economy,”

Clarence Nationals MP Chris Gulaptis said he was delighted that Yamba had been chosen to host this prestigious event.

“The Yamba Golf and Country Club do a terrific job in maintaining the course to a very high standard and I know they are very excited to be hosting the women’s open championships,” Mr Gulaptis said.

“This will be a real economic boost for Yamba and the wider community as well as being a sporting spectacular.”

Mr Gulaptis said this series of golf events highlights the commitment to building and securing a diverse events program across NSW with beneficiaries in the Clarence.

“The NSW Nationals have demonstrated a commitment to regional NSW through this partnership with Golf NSW by creating a pipeline of events that will provide a welcome

boost to our local visitor economy,” Mr Gulaptis said.

Golf NSW CEO Stuart Fraser thanked the NSW Government for its support.

“Golf is as popular as ever and so the variety of tournaments we can deliver for our players is growing thanks to the support of our partners, in particular the NSW Government,” Mr Fraser said.

“It is an exciting era for us to enter this three-year partnership and to plan our events schedule knowing that we will be supporting regional NSW and giving back to local communities.”

The Golf NSW major event calendar from 2024-2026 will include:

• Men’s NSW Open Championship (annual)

• Men’s NSW Open Regional qualifying events (x 6 annually)

• Men’s NSW Senior Open Championship (annual)

• Women’s NSW Open Championship (annual)

• Women’s NSW Open Regional qualifying events (x 6 annually)

• Australian Women’s Classic (annual)

• World Sand Greens Championship – Men & Women (annual)

COUNCIL PREPARED FOR IPC HEARING INTO SHORT TERM

RENTAL ACCOMMODATION

Byron Shire Council is looking forward to presenting its case to the Independent Planning Commission (IPC) hearing into its Short Term Rental Accommodation (STRA) Planning Proposal. Council’s planning proposal seeks to limit unhosted STRA in the majority of the shire to 90 days.

The IPC will consult with key stakeholder groups on Friday, 17 February and the public hearing will be held at the Byron Community Centre from 21 to 23 February.

Mayor Michael Lyon said the hearing is an opportunity for Council, the community, and stakeholders to speak directly to the IPC Commissioners about the impact of short-term rental accommodation on the Shire.

“Councils and communities around NSW and Australia are watching this with a lot of interest because the problems in the Byron Shire are now playing out in their towns as well,” Mayor Lyon said.

“Like us, they want a measure of control to ensure that the broader housing needs of their communities are met, so that key workers have places to live.

“The IPC hearing gives us the opportunity to make our case with strong statistical and research-based evidence to support our arguments.

“Some claims presented by groups opposed to Council’s

STRA Planning Proposal have argued that it will result in $265 million of lost economic activity and some 1,448 jobs and this is simply not true,” Mayor Lyon said.

“Actually, it has been discovered that this was an estimate of the entire contribution of all STRA in the Byron Shire to the tourist economy.

“It is clear from the research that Council’s proposal will have a limited impact on the overall availability of tourist accommodation.

“When Council meets with the IPC Commissioners, we will debunk these arguments and importantly, we will provide strong evidence to support our case for regulation.

“For example, the planning proposal will only have an impact on unhosted STRA, by reducing the cap from 180-days to 90-days in the majority of residential areas but it will increase the caps in some precincts to 365-days,” Mayor Lyon said.

This will concentrate visitation into these precincts and also into traditional, hotel-style accommodation which is only ever at capacity at

the busiest times of the year.

The data also shows that permanent residents spend roughly the same per day in the local economy as a tourist.

Apart from the fact that a resident will occupy a dwelling more days of the year than if it is used for tourism purposes, the value of their spend is far more and it supports all sectors of the economy and society, from schools to health care and sporting and recreation facilities.

“While I was initially disappointed when the NSW Planning Minister announced the IPC hearing, it is an opportunity for the IPC to hear from our community, about the impact of STRA on their lives and that’s more powerful than reading a written submission,” Mayor Lyon said.

“Make no mistake – the community is at the core of what we, as a Council, represent.

“We are simply seeking balance and this proposal is very modest, will not overly impact the tourist sector but will benefit greatly the broader economy and the Byron Shire community,” Mayor Lyon said..

‘FROM THE HEART’ A FREE COMMUNITY CONCERT FOR LISMORE

On Sunday, 5 March, locals of the Lismore area are invited to a very special ‘From the Heart’ free community concert at the Lismore Turf Club.

From the Heart will feature an outstanding line-up of Australian musical acts, including Aria awardwinning country music artist Casey Barnes and country artist Amy Sheppard.

Lismore City Mayor Steve Krieg said it is fantastic to host another concert of this quality in Lismore.

“From the Heart will provide our community with the opportunity to come together, re-flect and celebrate our community spirit,” he said “We have a great line-up of first-class Australian artists on board, who are once again stepping up to support Lismore.”

Casey Barnes, winner of Album of the Year at this year’s Golden Guitar Awards is set to excite the Lismore community with his electrifying live show.

“I am honoured to be performing as part of the From the Heart concert to celebrate the spirit and endurance of

the Lismore community,” Casey said.

“While we know it’s been a tough year for so many, the band and I are planning to bring the good times to Lismore on Sunday, 5 March.”

Amy Sheppard, Brian Cadd and The Little Steely Bros, Darlinghurst and The Buckleys will complete the line-up.

Free buses will run throughout the event from the Lismore Golf Club, Lismore Transit Centre, South Lismore Railway Station, Goonellabah Sport Club, Lismore Base Hospi-tal, Goonellabah Woolworths and the Lismore Heights Bowling Club.

HART Services are kindly providing individual pick-ups for those in need. Call Hart Ser-vices on 1300 874 278 to organise a pick-up.

From the Heart will be held on Sunday, 5 March from 1pm to 6pm at the Lismore Turf Club.

Although this is a free event, it will be ticketed due to venue capacity. Lismore postcode residents can get their free tickets on Thursday, 16 February at 4pm from www. visitlismore.com.au.

LETTERS, FEEDBACK AND OPINION

a damming report into the catastrophic bushfire recovery funding controlled by Barilaro’s office in that thresholds effectively excluded projects in Labor electorates including Tenterfield.

MARCH ELECTION

On Saturday March 25 the voters of NSW will have an opportunity to remove the third worst Coalition Govt in Australia’s history.

The two worst and most corrupt, were the Abbott/Turnbull/ Morrison Govt, and the despotic regime of Queensland’s Sir Johannes BjelkePeterson who ran Queensland for 19 years for 19 years. Thank God both these Governments were finally brought down and in Queensland’s case five Govt Ministers were sent to jail.

And we are at present hauling previous Morrison Govt Ministers before the Robo-debt Royal Commission to uncover any criminal behaviour by them. The third worst

corrupt Coalition Government has to be the O’Farrell/Baird/ Berejiklian/Perrottet circus, O’Farrell, Baird, Berejiklian all resigning over corruption allegations.

In Berejiklian’s case, still unresolved, leaving Perrottet to put out the fire. With the Nationals John Barilaro as Deputy Premier, Perrottet did not have to look too far for an arsonist. The allegations of corruption, porkbarrelling and jobs for the boys just kept on coming with Barilaro first and foremost. Still unresolved is the fiasco of his appointment to the plum role of New York trade ambassador.

And speaking of fires, two months out from the NSW election John Pork-Barrel-aro is back again. This time the Auditor General has released

The report highlighting the fact that the process lacked integrity, did not have detailed guidelines and the assessment process lacked transparency and consistency. This appalling process was nothing short of blatant National Party pork-barrelling. On March 25th voters in the Northern Rivers have the opportunity to vote Labor, remove the diabolical Nationals and the third most corrupt Govt in Australia’s history.

Alan Veacock CUMBALUM

PRICE GOUGING

Inflation is a con job and doesn’t really exist it’s just big business and governments trying to make back money they lost in the covid 19 lockdowns, and all business and governments are doing is price gouging and every other business is following suit.

Big business and the big supermarkets should be deregistered and replaced with the old-fashioned butcher fruit shop corner stores this would bring prices down with no middlemen and no monopolies on produce. We must not tolerate as a society this kind of corporate corruption and pressure government to do more to reduce price gouging which is more real than so called inflation.

Alan Mosley Yamba

RUSSIA UKRAINE WAR

One thing I’ve learnt in life is that some things are not what they seem, and I’ve had to change my mind about a few

things when I’ve heard the other side. The same happened about the Russian/ Ukraine conflict. The media was telling us that Russia was sending troops to its Ukrainian border back in early 2022 and on 24/2/22 Russia entered Ukraine. What the media didn’t tell us was what caused Russia to do this? Russia had seemingly done the same in taking over the Crimean Peninsula back in 2014 and no one seemed to care much then but this time it seems like the media and journalists are calling Putin another ‘Hitler’ and portraying Russia as the baddie of the world.

At first, I heard some of the reasons for Russia’s invasion was the people of Donetsk and Luhansk wanting Russia’s help as certain terrorist groups had been killing its people, then there have been reports of US funded bio labs in Ukraine plus Russia won’t go along with the New World Order etc.

However, this 35min interview with Col Macgregor https://cairnsnews. org/2023/02/19/ ukraine-is-on-its-lastlegs-col-macgregor/ says the war is really between NATO, Washington and the Russians as Russia maintains that after the Cold War, NATO promised it would not expand eastward to the former Soviet states and as it has, this time Russia reacted. And now it seems, the more military aid the world sends to Ukraine, the more losses the Ukrainian army and its people suffer as Russia is not going to give up. Thus, it is good to send aid to help Ukrainians, but I don’t think it is a good idea to send anymore military weapons such as Australian bushmasters as we

need them to protect our country, not get blown up by the Russians.

Lynette Evans NUMULGI

TEMPORARY PROTECTION VISA POLICY

The Pottsville Refuge Support Group welcomes the Albanese Government’s announcement that over 19,000 people who have been living on inhumane temporary protection visas will now have the opportunity to apply for permanent visas and rebuild their lives.

The abolition of the temporary protection visa policy is a triumph of compassion and humanity over the politics of fear and division that have dominated refugee and asylum seeker policy in Australia for over a decade.

This is a great first step in working towards real change for refugees and people seeking asylum. There is still a lot to be done with over 70,000 people continuing to live in our communities without security or a safety net to meet their basic human rights.

The Albanese Government has an opportunity to make further changes to immigration policy that will return Australia to a compassionate and fair society. We will

continue to work with the large network of refugee and asylum seeker support groups around the country to make sure people seeking asylum are treated fairly and humanely.

Ian Hamilton Pottsville

BEWARE

When as a small child toward the end of WW2, I can remember a man walking the bombed-out streets of Birmingham wearing a placard stating, “the end of the world is nigh” Perhaps we might see the same eighty years later!??

Here’s a few words to qualify that possibility.

• Earthquakes.

• Asteroids.

• Bird Flu.

• Putin.

• Deforestation.

• Floods.

• China.

• Covid.

• Nuclear armament.

• Bush fires.

• Cyclones.

• Egotests

• (greed) etc, etc. Whilst grateful for my lifetime, I worry for those who must face up to the current and future dangers.

Peter Walters Ballina

GAINING HIGHER GROUND

Almost a year after the devastating 2022 floods many locals are still experiencing flood-related emotional distress. “This is normal” says Ms. Duke Albada of Resilience Art Therapy. “Over time most people recover well from a disaster, however research by Gordon (2022) and Phoenix Australia indicates the gradual subsiding of initial mental health concerns, symptoms and reactions to a disaster may take up to 18 months. And it appears that demands for mental health support addressing psychological distress increase at 6, 12 and 18 months (Phoenix).”

Hence, the free mentalwellbeing program for adults Duke is facilitating in collaboration with Murwillumbah Community Centre and funded by Healthy North Coast / PHN North Coast. is timely. This 10-weekly program offers standalone sessions, providing an outlet to work through flood and recovery experiences and to look to the future. Duke notes “expressing yourself, verbally or visually, can help in processing the trauma you experienced. Collaboratively exploring

and telling one’s story can help to make sense of what happened and coming to terms with the events, disaster responses and after-effects.

Traumatic memories may be stored as disconcerting images or sensations, compatibly, verbal, and visual expression is a means to externalise and process these issues and feelings.”

The semi-structured focus will be on connectedness; empowerment, exploring personal and collective strengths and resources; psychoeducation on disaster reactive phases, coping styles and emotional states; adaptability; self-care and enjoying oneself. Participants are supported in the psychological process and guided in the verbal and creative investigation.

Duke is a registered art therapist and describes the value of the creative process as “a means of expression” emphasising participation does not require experience or artistic skills. “The desired outcome is to find different perspectives supportive of increased (self) awareness. Also, the

physical engagement can release neurobiological stressors, provide subjective emotion regulation, and function as a coping strategy. Additionally, symbolic artmaking offers a contained pathway to visualise goals or practice risk.” A range of art and craft media will be available.

From 7 February through to 11 April 2023, each Tuesday, 1-4pm at Nullum House Murwillumbah.

From 9 March thought to 11 May 2023, each Thursday, 1-4pm at 41 Pearl Street, Kingscliff. If you are interested in participating, please contact Eve 0484 913 018 evelyn@mccentre.org.au for more information or to register. Participants may join as many sessions as befits them.

“People’s notions of safety, identity, belonging, trust, and hope were shattered by the mass experience of uncertainty, loss of property, and compromised attachment bonds with one’s secure base, either home or environs (Hobfoll, et al., 2007).”

Jim is a man grieving for his wife who recently died. There isn’t much left in life for him, even to the point where he contemplates and nearly carries out his own suicide. Then, in a twist of circumstances, Bonny comes into his life.

Bonny is a young mother, also surviving devastating loss, whose choice in men has tended to get her into trouble, none more dangerous than the friend of her friend she goes out to party with on a secluded beach one night.

Jim loves fishing and it is this past-time which takes him out to the same secluded beach with his daughter Lexy, at night when the fish are biting. What takes place next

CARS OUT PEOPLE IN – BYRON BAY COMMUNITY MARKET MOVING TO THE CBD

From Sunday 5 March the monthly Byron Bay Community market will move from the beach front to the centre of town.

Jonson Street, between Marvell Street and Byron Street, will be closed to traffc on the frst Sunday of each month with the market to spread from Jonson Street, through Railway Park and into the rail corridor. Traffc detours will be in place for stall owners to set up and pack down and for the duration of the market and the Byron Bay bypass will allow drivers to avoid the

central business district (CBD). Byron Shire Mayor, Michael Lyon, said relocating the market will transform the centre of town into a vibrant precinct flled with music, delicious food and market stalls. “Bringing people instead of cars into the CBD is a key priority of the Byron Bay Town Centre Masterplan and I think people will really enjoy wandering through the rail corridor, Railway Park and into Jonson Street and the shops beyond,” Mayor Lyon said. “Many people are not aware of the large amount of

green space in the CBD and it will be terrifc to see it full of people,” he said. The current location of the market on the beachfront was only meant to be temporary. The market moved to the beach front in July 2019 when the original market site, Butler Street Reserve, was closed to allow for the construction of the Byron Bay bypass. The bypass was opened in March 2021 but the market did not move back to Butler Street Reserve because the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) determined that

because the Reserve is a contaminated former tip, that it is not appropriate to host an event the size of the community market without Council undertaking further investigations and potentially remediation work. “We think that moving the community market to the town centre will be extremely positive for stall holders, businesses, visitors and of course locals,” Mayor Lyon said. Electronic message boards will be in place, advising of the traffc and parking changes and information is also on Council’s website.

A GRAND ENTRANCE FOR LENNOX VILLAGE

Ballina Shire Council is continuing the rejuvenation works at Lennox Head with a focus on the surrounding areas of the town centre.

will smash the lives of Jim and Bonny together in a tension-building race against the clock to save a life, even at the detriment of those Jim loves.

Will Jim come out of this with his life changed forever?

Told in the brilliant haunting style that Australian author, David Tooby, has for imagery and emotion, the reader is made to feel they are right in the middle of the action.

Based on the account of a true event, Three Sisters will draw you in from beginning to end.

Sisters can be ordered through shawlinepublishing.com.au

Council will start Stage 5 works to upgrade the Park Lane and Ballina Street intersection from 27 February 2023. Once complete, the decorative paving will enhance the southern gateway and slow traffc, making it safer for pedestrians to cross Ballina Street. The works will require a full closure of the intersection for fve weeks to ensure works can be completed before the NSW April school holidays.

During this intersection closure Northbound motorists must continue along The Coast Road to access the Lennox Head CBD via Byron Street. Motorists will be able to enter and exit Ballina Street via Byron Street. U-turn bays will be available on Park Lane and Ballina Street.

“This intersection closure will allow us to complete the works in half the time, which means Stage 5 works will be completed and traffc reopened before the Easter holiday period,” said Mr Brett Dyki, Manager Project Management Offce.

“Last year we

completed the frst four stages of the Lennox Village Vision project and in 2023 we will complete stages 5 to 7, which will include upgrading both the southern and northern entrance to the village and upgrading the Lennox Park,” explained Mr Dyki.

During these works, the bus stops located on Ballina Street (Lennox Park and Lennox Head Medical Centre) will be relocated to Pacifc Parade, opposite The Lennox Hotel.

Following the NSW school holidays in April 2023, Council will focus on Stage 6, which will

involve a similar upgrade to the Ballina Street and Byron Street intersection. This work will also include the closure of the intersection with detours. Council will provide further information to the community closer to these works commencing.

Council apologises for any inconvenience this may cause and thanks the community and businesses for their patience as we complete this major project.

For more information about the staging of works and to register for project updates, please visit ballina.nsw.gov.au/ LennoxVillageVision

COUNCILS CALL ON ALL CANDIDATES TO MATCH REGIONAL ROADS FUNDING PLEDGE

By J. WILLOW

In the coming months, the construction of a roundabout linking Yamba Road to Witonga Drive will begin. This roundabout is part of the Yamba Quays development and is a requirement of the development consent. The roundabout is being constructed by Clarence Property and will provide new access to residential areas from the Witonga Drive catchment, signifcantly reducing the number of vehicles using the

intersection of Yamba Road and Treelands Drive.

Clarence Property is also advertising properties for sale in stage three of Yamba Quays, necessitating the construction of the roundabout. The Clarence Valley Council approved a Construction Certifcate in July 2022 for the roundabout, with concurrence from Transport for NSW. In order to improve the quality and lifespan of the roundabout, the design has been changed

from asphalt to concrete.

The council is actively working with the developer and their consultants Newton Denny Chapelle to design a works program, a construction management plan, and a traffc management plan. They are also currently considering the staging of the roundabout construction and investigating potential temporary diversions options, while also avoiding busy periods during NSW and QLD school

holidays.

When complete, the roundabout will provide improved traffc conditions and will be the frst roundabout motorists negotiate on Yamba Road after the Oyster Channel Bridge. An apron on the southern side of Yamba Road will also allow Orion Drive to be redirected to join the roundabout in the future. Furthermore, there is road reserve set aside in this area for the future long-term planning for a second road into Yamba.

Three

Three sisters will draw you in Book review – Three Sisters Author: David Tooby Publisher: Shawline Publishing Group Retail: $14.95

Coming Soon

Tracing character…by Nigel Dawe

Tweed Floods One Year On –Free Community Breakfast

IN life, when the chips are down and the odds aren’t good, one sure thing rises to the surface faster and more unmistakably than anything else; and that is character, albeit the strength of character – which is defined by a willingness to never concede, or to give in without having somehow given your all.

ANZAC soldiers wading through the dawn waves of Gallipoli under insurmountable gunfire last century, comes to mind when reflecting on what defines our Australian character; the sacred non-negotiables that remain as enduring legacies long after the smoke of battle clears and the artillery goes quiet.

To have never been tested (and pass) is to be condemned to a life of brittle fantasy, to lead an immature existence that plays out on the level of pure make-believe.

Fittingly, the origin of the word character derives from the ancient Greek kharakter, which was a stamping tool and the mark that becomes permanently impressed upon a coin.

Thus, our value or the value of our character, whether as individuals or as nation states are defined by readily observable traits. It is evidently something not easily altered, let alone ever erased. Like coins passed through time: true character can never be counterfeited in exchange for anything of the highest worth. Character is a denomination of the soul, and as such it is fascinating to know that it was actually referred to as ethos in ancient Greece.

As if directly channelling the timeless and weight bearing sentiments of Heraclitus, who once said, “Character is destiny”; the former US President Harry Truman

also discerned, “Fame is a vapour, popularity is an accident, riches take wings, those who cheer today may curse tomorrow and only one thing endures - character.” Or in other words, having the proven ability to stay true to what is most true, in both one’s self and in every situation we encounter, defines us more than anything else. It is not just bounding sport stars or wide-eyed politicians and public figures who have an outright stake on character. One of history’s most impressive and tenacious individuals, the deaf and blind Helen Keller once professed, “Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, vision cleared, ambition inspired, and success achieved.”

Overwhelmingly, right throughout history those that have gone on to achieve great things have done so largely thanks to having had refined characters, albeit characteristics that propelled them in the most unstoppable of ways. As R.J. Palacio once noted, “Courage. Kindness. Friendship. Character. These are the qualities that define us as human beings, and propel us, on occasion, to greatness.”

While greatness can mean a million different things to a million different people, one thing is clear over the long haul, as Howard W. Hunter made claim, “At the end of your lives you will not be judged by academic successes, the degrees or diplomas earned, the positions held, the material wealth acquired, or power and prestige, but rather on the basis of what you have become as persons and what you are in conduct and character.”

Business Kingscliff is inviting the Tweed community to a free community breakfast at Salt Bar, Kingscliff on 28 February to mark one year since the frst devastating Tweed food.

“I invite the Tweed Community to join us at this special event to ‘remember, refect, and look forward’ - all are welcome!” Business Kingscliff President and Tweed Shire Councillor, James Owen said. “Our community had never seen anything quite like the food last year and, as we move forward and rebuild, we wanted to offer an opportunity for the Tweed community to remember and refect on the food and look forward to the future.”

“Everyone is welcome, and they will be joined by those who assisted with the rescues, including members of the ‘tinnie army’, SES, Police, RFS and surf life saving.

“We will also be joined by community groups, churches, charities and

members of 8/9 RAR Army battalion who helped with the cleanup and recovery.

“The rebuilding needs support from all levels of government and I am delighted that Janelle Saffn, Member for Lismore, Geoff Provest, Member for Tweed, Justine Elliot, Member for Richmond, David Witherdin, Chief Executive, Northern Rives Reconstruction Corporation, and Chris Cherry, Tweed Shire Mayor, and our Tweed Shire Councillors and staff will join us.”

Tweed singer songwriter Ollie Twohill will perform his new single ‘Washed Away’ at the event.

“Ollie wrote ‘Washed Away’ after hearing stories about the foods from customers in the bottle shop, he worked in in Murwillumbah.”

“It’s been a busy 12 months and it’s important for the community to have an opportunity to come together and talk about their experiences of the foods.

“Everyone’s journey was differentwhether their home or businesses were fooded, or they were part of the rescue or recovery efforts – and it has certainly left its mark on us all!”

“One thing that shone through the dark times was community spirit, selfessness and the willingness of the Tweed community to help others and we want to acknowledge that at the breakfast”.

“Salt Bar have been great supporters of the community during the

recovery from the 2017 and 2022 foods and Salt Bar venue Manager Anthony Riolo didn’t hesitate when asked to help.”

Salt Bar Venue Manager, Anthony Riolo said “Salt Bar & Bistro are proud to support the community by hosting this event and we look forward to welcoming our community to this special event.”

“Please join us to remember, refect and look forward!” Councillor Owen said.

-

Lake Ainsworth: Red AlertKeep Out of the Water

Time to close lending loopholes on buy now, pay later

Key stakeholders call for buy now, pay later should be regulated as meantime credit

In submissions released publicly by the Treasury today, major banks, industry associations, regulators and consumer advocates are unified in calling for an end to lending loopholes allowing buy now, pay later providers to avoid safe lending laws. Groups who made submissions calling for the appropriate regulation of buy now, pay later loans under the National Consumer Credit Protection Act include:

• ANZ

By J. WILLOW

The council is also conducting regular testing of the lake’s water quality and health. If the testing shows a decrease in algae levels, the Red Alert will be removed. Lake Ainsworth is a popular spot for swimming, fishing and recreational activities.

The lake is a beautiful sight and is home to a wide variety of aquatic life. The council is warning visitors to stay away from the water and not to swim, wade or use the lake for primary recreation. They are also asking visitors to obey all signage, avoid algae ‘slicks and scums’ and report any suspicious

activity to the council. The Ballina Shire Council is taking this matter seriously and has issued a Red Alert for Lake Ainsworth. They are conducting regular testing to ensure the safety of the lake and its users, and ask that visitors obey all signage and avoid swimming in the lake.

Free solar - savings up to $600 on electricity bills

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.

22 consumer groups, community legal centres and financial counselling bodies

The proposed reforms will require companies such as Afterpay, Zip and Humm to comply with common-sense and well-established consumer protections, in line with other credit products such as credit cards and personal loans.

Financial Counselling Australia CEO, Fiona Guthrie

pressures rise, it is even more important that people are protected from rogue lenders.”

Financial Rights Legal Centre CEO, Karen Cox

“A broad sweep of stakeholders agree that BNPL needs to be fully regulated as credit. The Government must act to close this regulatory loophole now and make sure the same guardrails apply to BNPL as apply to other types of personal credit.”

• Westpac

• Customer Owned Banking Association

• Australian Retail Credit Association

• Mortgage and Finance Association of Australia.

• Australian Securities and Investment Commission

• CPA Australia

• National Legal Aid

• More than

“We’ll only get one chance to get the regulation of BNPL right. And this is it. As the Banking Royal Commission showed in spades, loopholes in the law are disasters. BNPL is credit. It should be regulated like all other credit products.”

CHOICE CEO, Alan Kirkland

“With some buy now, pay later providers lending up to $30,000, it’s unfair and unsafe to allow them to avoid safe lending laws. They need to operate on a level playing field with credit cards and personal loans. As cost of living

Consumer Action Law Centre CEO, Stephanie Tonkin

“The cost-of-living crisis means people are falling into debt traps faster than ever, and having easy access to multiple BNPL products just adds to the pressure and financial distress we hear about on our helplines every day. Unsolicited credit increases are already banned for credit cards, so we are calling for a level playing field, treating all consumer credit products like BNPL the same. People need real safeguards and consistency.”

“Leemo has views on just about anything”

It’s ‘Leemo Cat’ back. I’m fummoxed to-day. My ‘magnifcent & active thinking’ feline brain has much stuff whirling around in it. I’m at a loss about what to write about. Even felines with the most outstanding rhetorical talents (per se, myself) get a thing called ‘Writer’s Block.’ (I thought this was a just block of wood used for writing on ‘til ‘Mum Jane’ explained otherwise.) I’ll have to ask her about my quandary. ‘Mum, desist from making Mustard Pickles and come in here please. I need your input NOW!’

(CRIKEY, she actually did!!) ‘What’s up my Lil Buddie, how may I be of support to you?’ I explained, ‘MUM, I HAVE WRITER’S BLOCK and I don’t know what to do.

Can you help ‘cos I have to do my story.’ She pondered. ‘Oh, for God’s sake Mum, get on with it!’ ‘OK Leems, which of the 6 forms of Writer’s Block ails you?’ (SIX!! OMG, I’d forgotten!) Leems, is it number “1” meaning you are writing absolute crapp, you know it, and have fear of exposure from your lovely readers for being so humdrum. Maybe number “2” meaning you strive for perfection but forget this is only a frst draft and you can go back and make changes.

(OMG, THAT MUST BE IT…I AM a perfectionist.. hmmm!!) (Oh yes, Mum had to drone on.) OR, Leems, it could be 3 or 4 perhaps?

“3” means you have problems with your

work, and “4” means you have absolutely NO ideas in your head. Well, whaddya reckon Lil Buddie?’ (WHAT I RECKON is I wish I’d never asked her in the frst place, cos she continued.) ‘OR, Leems, it could be 5 or 6 even. “5” means you can’t get in the ZONE and “6” means you are getting far too many distractions. Think about it whilst I go check my Pickles..OK?’ I am fabbergasted she can think of her poxy pickle making at a time of huge catastrophe in my life. ‘OK Mum, come back, I’ve thought about it. There is no way that numbers 1, 3, 4, 5 or 6 apply to my writing, so the issue must be my quest for perfection. Perhaps if I were to receive a small treat, have a 1 hour meditative rest on the grass, then watch an Episode of Bluey, I will be able to re-group my thoughts, and my story will all fall into its normal excellent readworthy format?’ Mum pondered, then asked me ‘What are you writing about anyhow Leems, do tell, I’m most intrigued?’ Noooo yuk…I had hoped she wouldn’t ask, but noting the wrinkled dried raisin frowny cross countenance, knew I had to answer. ‘Eeerrr, ummm, my most adored Mother, I’m writing about your dumb Pickle & Jam making obsession of late. It concerns me. You’re becoming a most (more) boring old woman. What about ME? Our games on the grass, brushes, lullabys, Feathers on a Stick? OH NO, not happening, you just stand in front of our stove going stir stir stir as if I don’t exist. Then you’re tired and go to bed early. You haven’t taken a stunning photo of me for 2 whole days. AND, you know I hate Pickles & Jam so why bother?’ I DID get a response. ‘Leems, there is a ‘Writing & Manners’ course for Felines at the Lovely Lucinda’s Cat Shelter. Perhaps you would like to attend?’ Ooopsie. Time to gather Plush Blue Blankie, treats, & up to the eaves. Nite, Leemo with ¼ purr.

CHRIS HEMSWORTH SUPPORTS THE HOMELESS AT FLETCHER STREET COTTAGE

Local Chris Hemsworth has made a significant donation to Fletcher Street Cottage with a further commitment to help raise much needed funding. This donation will provide critical resources and support to individuals and families experiencing homelessness in the Byron Shire.

The Byron Community Centre is dedicated to giving back to the community and has a strong commitment to supporting those in need. Chris Hemsworth’s donation to Byron’s homeless hub aligns with the organisation’s mission to help improve the lives of locals who are living in tents, cars, couch surfing or on the streets.

“The Fletcher Street Cottage team are extremely grateful to Chris for this generous donation,” says Helen Hamilton, Acting Manager at Fletcher Street Cottage. “It will enable the service to keep running and provide certainty for the months ahead. We know the changes in people’s lives that these funds will facilitate because we see it every day.”

Fletcher Street Cottage provides a safe and supportive environment where people can get back on their feet and rebuild their lives. With over 6,000 visitors to the service since opening in April 2022, numbers of people seeking help have drastically increased.

In the Byron Shire, the high cost of living and limited availability of

affordable housing has contributed to the rise in homelessness.

“We provide connection and support for community members from all walks of life,” explains Helen. “For example, a safe home for a mother and child close to medical services. A clean, fresh pod for an older woman living in damp and mould for 12 months after the floods. Assistance for a young man to travel down the coast to start a new job. Temporary accommodation for a young woman camped in the bush with access to support services.”

There is assistance with housing, mental health, physical health, legal advice and counselling, plus other basics like providing

a safe place to enjoy a meal, have a shower and do some washing. With no ongoing government funding, Fletcher Street Cottage relies on community support to continue providing these vital services to those less fortunate.

“We are grateful for Chris’ support and his commitment to making a difference in the lives of our community’s most vulnerable,” says Louise O’Connell, General Manager at the Byron Community Centre. “We are seeing locals seeking help that have never come to us before, people with jobs and young children who are struggling. We can only provide this desperately needed service through the generosity of donors,

which keep the doors open.”

Chris Hemsworth’s donation is a testament to his commitment to giving back to the community and making a positive impact on the lives of those in need.

The Byron Community Centre encourages others to join him in supporting this important cause.

For more information or to make a donation, visit fletcherstreetcottage. com.au.

or Scan the QR Code and make a Donation from the heart.

LEEMO’S ‘WRITER’S BLOCK’ DILEMMA

Happiness and Fun for All!

The Kalbar Sunfower Festival is entering its 3rd year this year. It is a great boost to the local economy, with visitors travelling from around South East Queensland and Northern NSW making a weekend of it, booking out local accommodation, eateries and attractions, taking in all that our beautiful area has to offer.

There’s lots of free activities to keep the kids happy, and a great variety of food and drinks available for everyone.

Come along and enjoy the majesty of the felds, the sunfowers have a special presence about them and you can’t help but be happy in the feld of one million sunfowers.

Sunfowers bring a unique type of joy to those who wander

amongst them. At the Kalbar Sunfower Festival we want to give you an up close experience in felds full of them.

“I fnd comfort in contemplating sunfowers”….Vincent Van Gogh.

Tickets go on salegeneral public 12pm Sunday 19th February.

Tickets are limited so will sell out fast - run don’t walk to buy them!

This year’s attractions: One million sunfowers to enjoy!

Bring your family, bring your bestie and your camera there are lots of new photo props throughout the felds for you to get that amazing insta shot.

Long lunch in the sunfower feld –

chef Richard Ousby – Scenic Rim local produce themed.

Sunset Soiree –featuring some special surprise guests (you won’t want to miss this).

Plus Laura Frank will be our feature artist at all the long table events – just won most promising new talent at the TMA and is our local girl made good.

Painting, iphone photography class, edible food workshop.

Mini photo shoots, helicopter rides are all extras you can prebook.

On the weekend – drop in and make your very own sunfower crown with Maria from Sohum Heart $25. Or make your own sunfower coaster with Jess from Grounded

We acknowledge the Yuggera people as the Traditional Custodians of the Country where we meet and conduct our festival (Kalbar Sunfower Festival). We recognise their continuing connection to the land and waters, and thank them for protecting this country since time immemorial. We pay our respects to elders past and present, and extend that respect to all First Nations People.

Village $11

Free children’s activities include –plant a sunfower pot with Urban Utilities, face painting, sandpit area, paint a sunfower, carissa the bubble princess will be here to entertain on Sat and Sun.

Cancer Council, our charity partner, will be on site all weekend manning the sunfower cutting area, raffes and handmade sunfower items for you to purchase and support this great cause. Pick your own sunfowers $2 a stem.

Lots of food and bar on site all weekend. Our partners Brasshound Distillery will have tastings and gin & vodka available to purchase by the bottle, and cocktails available at the bar. We will have lots of shade areas available for lunch and enjoying the live music.

Please remember to bring a hat, sunscreen and closed-in shoes as it is a working farm.

All information is on our website www. kalbarsunfowers. com.au/faqs

We stock a great range of Scenic Rim products in store!

Come visit our Country Style Café

V-DAY LEAVES LASTING IMPRESSION

TWEED COUNCIL DENIES PERMISSION FOR ILLEGAL WORK AND WEDDING VENUE

By J. WILLOW

By J. WILLOW

The V-Day event in Byron Bay was attended by around 115 people, rising in solidarity to show that violence against women is a global issue and that we must take actions to end it.

The event was organised in light of the tragic death of Lindy Lucena in Ballina, to remind the local community of the work that needs to be done to create safety for women who experience

domestic violence. The event also coincides with the Vagina Conversations Fundraiser, held on the 15th and 16th of February, which supports women who are escaping partner and family violence. The event was a powerful reminder of the global efforts being taken to end violence against women and children, and the efforts made to create a world where violence is unthinkable.

The application for the DA for Bellingdale Farm at 47 Hindmarsh Road, Nunderi for work undertaken without consent was refused at the recent Tweed Shire Council planning meeting. The site had an approved ‘restaurant, cafeteria and gallery (craft shop) in existing buildings on the subject site under D88/0153 on 19 April 1988’. The applicants had sought to expand the existing restaurant as well as the site being used as a wedding venue. However, the zoning is RU2 which only allowed the restaurant/café with consent and prohibited function centres.

Before purchasing the property the buyers sought advice from the council on what they could potentially do at the site. However, since 2020 when the site was taken over by new owners there have been works without consent, which has resulted

in noise complaints. Council staff pointed out that, ‘Prior to the purchase of the property in 2019, Council officers provided detailed advice to the applicants, highlighting the need to reconcile any new use of the existing site and buildings within the terms of these historical approvals, or seek relevant modified approvals to respond to any variance in business operations’.

The report to the council meeting

highlighted key issues with the DA, including: concern over previous work that was done without consent and was non-compliant, failure to address noise assessment adequately, deficiencies with the Onsite Sewage Management, concerns over water management, failure to demonstrate road access and driveway are adequate, and limited ecological assessment information. Essential Energy also ‘raised some concerns in relation to safety given

the limited information shown on the plans’.

Mayor Chris Cherry (Independent) commented that there ‘seem to be too many inconsistencies and issues that have been raised within the report to be able to address this in terms of further information or amended plans’. The application was refused by the majority of councillors with only conservative councillor Warren Polglase voting in favour.

Bellingdale Farm. Photo sourced from Tweed Coast Weddings

Council continues to promote dog leashing in high conservation areas

Take the Lead program continues in 2023

xx NORTHERN RIVERS HARVEST FOOD TRAIL

RICHMOND Valley Council, in conjunction with Northern Rivers Food, is providing an opportunity for three food businesses within the local government area to take part in a special support program to help them get back on their feet after COVID lockdowns and devastating floods.

The selected businesses will get to participate in this year’s renowned Northern Rivers Harvest Food Trail, which will be held over the weekend 6-7 May.

Council’s Manager Community Connection

Sharon Davidson said the past few years had been incredibly challenging for farmers and this special support program offered by Northern Rivers Food would help build resilience in the sector. “Our region’s producers faced drought and devastating fires, which led straight into a global pandemic, and then flooding,” Ms Davidson said.

After a successful pilot trial, Tweed Shire Council is extending its Take the Lead program which aims to reduce the number of dogs off-leash in high conservation value areas and other public places in the Tweed.

The program, frst launched in October last year, has to date focused on high conservation value areas at:

• Casuarina/ Kingscliff

• Fingal Head

• Hastings Point

• Pottsville, and

• Wooyung Beach.

As part of the program, Council has increased its enforcement patrols in partnership with Tweed Byron Police, with 122 fnes issued last year as part of the program.

Council’s Project Offcer for Wildlife protection Emily Clarke said the program was crucial to ongoing efforts to protect endangered wildlife in the Tweed, as well as other animals and even people.

“No-one expects their

dog to attack wildlife or another dog, but as a recent attack on an endangered Bush Stone-curlew in Tweed Heads and an increase in dog attacks on people and pets demonstrates, unexpected attacks can be very traumatic,” Ms Clarke said.

“Keeping your dog on a leash is the best way to prevent an attack.

“We are pleased our patrols, combined with new beach signage and a social media campaign, have resulted in an estimated 37% increase in people doing the right thing and exercising their dogs on-leash in key designated on-leash beach locations.

“This is great news for our local wildlife, it also makes our beaches a safer and more enjoyable place for people and other pets to visit.”

Ms Clarke said the program had been generally well received

a designated off-leash area, so don’t risk being fned,” Ms Clarke said.

“We are asking locals and visitors to take the lead when on our beaches. If you like exercising your pooch off-leash, please visit

The Harvest Food Trail provides visitors and locals with an opportunity to jump in their car and visit some of the Northern Rivers region’s best farms, distilleries, breweries and restaurants and enjoy the distinct provenance of our region.

Visitors on the trail can plan their own itinerary over the weekend to experience the range of more than 40 unique food and beverage experiences and connect with our amazing producers, growers, farmers and chefs, showcasing the best the region has to offer.

by the community, with many expressing their support through social media and directly to Council staff.

To keep this initial success going, Council Rangers will continue to run targeted patrols across the Tweed in 2023, in partnership with Tweed Byron Police.

“It’s a $330 fne for walking a dog off-leash unless it’s in

one of our designated off-leash areas.”

A handy map is published on Council’s website to help residents locate the designated off-leash areas easily. Visit tweed.nsw.gov.au/ dogs/where-can-I-walkmy-dog.

This project has been assisted with funding from the NSW Government through its Environmental Trust.

This opportunity has received support from Council to allow three local businesses to align with some of the most high-profile food and beverage producers and providers in our region, and open their doors to new customers and markets, as well as receiving the industry support offered by Northern Rivers Food.

“The Harvest Food Trail is renowned for its celebration of the region’s capable and determined producers and it would be terrific to be able to showcase the talent we have here in the Richmond Valley.”

Successful applicants to the program will receive a one-year membership of Northern Rivers Food and free participation in the 2023 Harvest Food Trail with support in promotion and planning from both Northern Rivers Food and Richmond Valley Council,

The program is open to an assessment process run in conjunction with Richmond Valley Council and Northern Rivers Food, and interested businesses should contact Lorissa Phelan, Communications and Festival Coordinator at Northern Rivers Food, on socialmedia@ northernriversfood.org or 0409 028 153, or head to Council Notices on the Richmond Valley Council website.

Council Rangers and the NSW Police will be monitoring public spaces in the Tweed to ensure dogs are kept on leash unless in designated off-leash areas

Be sure to keep your dog on lead when walking in a public space, unless in a designated off-leash area.

NEW BOARD CHAIR AND MEMBERS APPOINTED TO NORTHERN NSW LOCAL HEALTH DISTRICT

Northern NSW Local Health District has announced the appointment of Peter Carter as Chair, joining several new members on the District Board.

Mr Carter joined the Board in 2019 and served as Deputy Board Chair from 2021.

Mr Carter has worked in the healthcare sector for more than 35 years specialising in healthcare strategy, planning, innovation and management. His former roles include Chief Executive Officer of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists. He is a former Board member and Chief Executive Officer of the International Society for Quality in Health Care. “Being involved in healthcare innovation, and safety

and quality nationally and internationally for most of my working life,

I can think of nothing more rewarding than applying what I have

learned to enhance healthcare outcomes in my own district,” Mr

Mr. Monopoly Surfs Into Ballina-Byron

After months of anticipation, residents of one of Australia’s most stunning locations, Ballina and Byron, are celebrating the offcial launch of their own MONOPOLY board and Top Trumps card game. Locals and visitors can now revel in everything the region has to offer all while playing the world’s most popular board game!

Over the last few months, thousands of locals across the Ballina and Byron regions have placed their votes for the landmark locations to feature on the editions. After thoughtfully selecting the town’s hotspots they feel best represent the area, the fnal custom themed squares and cards have been announced. The custom themed squares on the BallinaByron MONOPOLY board are:

• Brown –Tyagarah Nature Reserve, Cape Byron Hinterland

• Light Blue – Clarkes Beach, Richmond River, Lake Ainsworth

• Pink – Killen Falls, Ballina Byron Airport, Out of the Blue Adventures

• Orange – Newrybar, Byron Theatre, Byron Markets

• Red – Belongil Beach Italian Food, Seven Mile Brewing Company, Byron Bay Cookie Company

• Yellow – Tallow Beach, Watego Beach, Main Beach

• Green – Byron Community Centre, Bayleaf Cafe, Byron

Wildlife Hospital and

• Sanctuary

• Dark Blue – Big Prawn, LightHouse Byron Dale Hackett, representative from Winning Moves – the makers of custom Monopoly Boards and Top Trumps – said: “Ballina and Byron are remarkably stunning areas which are loved by locals and tourists. We are excited to launch this new edition and celebrate everything the area has to offer.”

The MONOPOLY game frst hit shelves in 1935 – since then it has

Carter said. Mr Carter welcomed several new members to the Board, following the recent departures of Mark Humphries and Allan Tyson after 10 years of service. Dr Cathy Adams and Dr Andrew White have now joined, along with fellow new Board Members Scott Monaghan and Thomas George who were appointed during 2022.

Dr Adams is a former Clinical Midwifery Consultant with NNSWLHD, now working with the Clinical Excellence Commission. She has a strong background in education, training and evidence-based maternity care models.

Dr White is Director of Intensive Care at Grafton Base Hospital and Chair of the Clarence Valley Medical Staff Council, and brings experience

in strategic planning, quality improvement and workforce redesign.

Mr Monaghan is the Chief Executive of Bulgarr Ngaru Medical Aboriginal Corporation. He has long-established links with Northern NSW Local Health District, and was a previous member of the North Coast Primary Health Network Board.

Mr George brings a wealth of knowledge of local heatlh services and issues affecting the community, having served for nearly twenty years as the State Member for Lismore.

“I am delighted that these outstanding community and clinical leaders have joined our Board, to complement the existing mix of impressive skills and experience of continuing Board members,” Mr Carter said.

Clarence Valley Level 4 Water Restrictions Lifted

Clarence Valley Council are pleased to advise our water storage facilities are now full, and the Nymboida River is clean enough for us to extract water under the NSW Health regulations.

Water Restrictions for the whole Clarence Valley.

Although there are no water restrictions for the Clarence Valley, we do have the following permanent water conservation measures are in place

been played by more than 1 billion people. Today, the game is adored all around the world, being played in 114 countries and enjoyed in over 47 different languages.

The new MONOPOLY and Top Trumps: Ballina-Byron edition is available now at Ballina Council, Seven Mile Brewing Company, Byron Bay Cookie Company, Bayleaf Cafe, Byron Wildlife Hospital and Wildlife Park and Westpac Helicopter Service. RRP $69.99 and $9.99

On 31 January 2022 it was determined that the water in the Nymboida River and Shannon Creek Dam were both too dirty to use for drinking water supply following rain events and the continued impact of the 2019 bushfres.

The successful renegotiation of a return fow of clean water from Coffs Harbour and improvements in turbidity levels of Nymboida River mean we are now able to lift the Level 4 (Severe)

The use of sprinklers and unattended hoses is banned permanently from 9am- 4pm Building maintenance is allowed with trigger nozzle hoses or pressure cleaners only Hosing any hardstand area (e.g. driveways and paved/concrete surfaces) is banned except for health/ safety reasons, or with pressure cleaners

Car washing is allowed providing, where practical, the runoff is onto a lawn and not down the drain.

Peter Carter Board Chair

Legends of the Game 20/20 cricket picnic day

Councils Call On All Candidates To Match Regional Roads Funding

On Saturday, 11 March, Local sporting icon Adam Gilchrist (Gilly), will team up with some of Australia’s biggest names in cricket for a one of a kind free 20/20 cricket picnic day.

Players will include Adam Gilchrist, Ricky Ponting, Chris Lynn, Jason Gillespie, Michael Kasprowicz, Andy Bichel, Dan Christian, Steve O’Keefe, Stuart MacGill, Stuart Clark and Jimmy Maher, with more to come.

Lismore City Mayor

Steve Krieg will lead the Mayor’s 11 into battle against Gilly’s 11.

“This is an amazing sporting event for Lismore. The calibre

of legendary cricket players who have donated their time to play for Lismore is incredible,” Mayor Krieg said.

“It is sure to be a day to remember in Lismore’s sporting history.”

Both teams will consist of local junior and senior cricketers mixed with Australian legends. Cricket NSW has worked closely with Gilly to select some local cricketing legends and up and coming junior talent to play.

Those attending are encouraged to bring a blanket or a chair and enjoy this once in a lifetime event. A range

of local food vendors will be on site serving meals. Grandstand seating will be frst come frst served. This will be an alcohol-free event.

The Legends of the Game 20/20 cricket picnic day will take place on Saturday, 11 March from 3pm to 6pm at Oakes Oval, Lismore. Gates will open at 1pm. Although this is a free event, it will be ticketed due to venue capacity. Tickets will be released on Monday, 20 February at 4pm. For tickets go to www. visitlismore.com.au.

Richmond and Clarence Valley Residents to Receive Further Electricity Bill Relief

People in the Richmond and Clarence Valleys will get extra help against rising power bills, if the NSW Liberals and Nationals Government is reelected on 25 March, Clarence Nationals candidate Richie Williamson has announced.

“The NSW Nationals Energy Bill Saver program will allow households to receive $250 off their energy bills by simply comparing their current energy deal and also unlock up to $400 in further savings by switching energy plans to a lower deal,” Mr Williamson said.

“Locals I have been talking to said they were struggling with rising energy costs which is

why we’re delivering immediate bill relief as well as helping them get a better energy deal.

“The Labor Party and its army of career politicians just don’t get it.

“The Nationals for Regional Australia do get it. That is why we are providing cost of living measures like this to help reduce electricity bills along with measures like the $150 back to school vouchers and $250 fuel cards for seniors, apprentices and uni students living in regional areas like the Richmond and Clarence Valleys,” Mr Williamson said.

“Eligibility will be open to every household in NSW, including

existing rebate recipients“, he added.

The comparison tool will be provided by Service NSW and households will still receive $250 off their energy bill even if they don’t switch plans.

Households are encouraged to shop around for a better deal right now by heading to the Energy Made Easy website. Switching providers between now and 1 July won’t prevent households from being eligible for the $250 if they search again when the program launches.

The NSW Energy Bill Saver will be available from 1 July through to 31 December 2023.

NSW councils have welcomed a pledge by the State’s Coalition Government to inject $1 billion into the regional road network, and called on all candidates to make the same commitment. The call follows the announcement by Deputy Premier Paul Toole that the current Government, if re-elected, would signifcantly increase roads and rail funding in regional NSW in response to the state road emergency declared late last year.

The funding commitment includes:

• A further $400 million injection into the successful Fixing Local Roads program to help regional coun-cils continue their work to repair, maintain and seal the roads in their communities;

• $300 million for the establishment of a new Fast Tracking Freight program to tackle freight pinch points on the road and rail network, better connect road and rail with key and emerging freight hubs and increase

the capacity and reliability of the network; and

• $300 million for a Build Back Better program to invest in more resilient State, regional and local road and transport infrastructure across regional NSW.

Local Government

NSW President Darriea Turley said the commitment is fully consistent with LGNSW’s election priorities and ongoing advocacy for increased road funding, improvements to the regional road network and importantly, greater investment in resilient road infrastructure.

“Last month we welcomed the $500 million emergency pothole repair package announced by the Government in the wake of torrential rain and massive fooding,” Cr Turley said.

“While grateful we pointed out at the time that despite the signifcance of the package, it would only go a short way to help fx the $2.5 billion disaster damage bill.

“So it is really

pleasing that the Coalition has recognised that simply patching holes is not enough, and that future extreme weather events have the potential to literally wash away and repairs.

“The road networks need to be built back better.

“They need to be built to higher standards so they can stand up against future foods and other natural disasters.

“We welcome this additional funding package which is so desperately needed, and are currently digging into the detail to allow us to fully assess how it should be best spent to deliver lasting results.

“Getting our roads up to scratch and having the ongoing funding to keep them there will not only save NSW and its people money in the long run, it will also help support the economic growth this state needs.

“Good roads are good for us all: for business, for our agricultural sector, and for everyday drivers who just want to get to where they need to be safely and without damage to their vehicles.”

James Witchard is the principal at Kadina High Campus, having recently joined e Rivers Secondary College at the end of 2021.

” ere is something incredibly special about what we create at Kadina High Campus. Students here have in nite opportunities that enrich and engage their learning experiences. No matter a student’s interests or passions, they are catered for both in and out of the classroom. Backed by a deep sense of pride in their school and community, our students leave Kadina High Campus proud of who they are, where they come from and where they are going.”

“As principal, I am proud of the strong relationships between sta and students within our school that ensures every student feels known, valued and cared for. When students feel this way at school, they achieve. While some of this can be measured in HSC and NAPLAN results, another signi cant measure is the great sense of belonging that students feel when they attend our school.”

Joseph Patterson - School Captain

“To me, the role of a school captain is a chance to have a positive in uence on students, teachers and the school community through being a model learner. Being school captain will bene t my leadership skills and enable me to be a voice for not just myself and my peers but for the entire community, allowing me to represent what our school stands for: Success with Honour. A er school I plan to go to university and I know the sta at Kadina High Campus provide the right tools for students to succeed in our future endeavours. I love what this school stands for and the sta who are passionate about us. eir passion makes them feel like family.”

Linh Le Do - School Captain

“I felt very honoured to be elected school captain of our campus. I want to be someone who our community can rely on and trust in regards to creating change. I want to work on improving certain aspects of our school and listen to my peers to ensure that they are able to make the best out of their Kadina High Campus experience. A er high school, I plan to strive for a degree in engineering in university. e opportunities, con dence and bonds with people that I have acquired from attending Kadina High Campus are irreplaceable and I am forever grateful for all that I’ve been given.”

Meet the Captains THE RIVERS

SECONDARY COLLEGE

Equity, Excellence & Engagement

e Rivers Secondary College consists of three campuses: Kadina High Campus, Lismore High Campus and Richmond River High Campus e college focus is on working together to ensure every student is safe, supported and successful with a bright future. Its structure enables students to excel in academic, sporting, cultural and extra-curricular endeavours that may otherwise not have been available to them.

Executive Principal, Chris Randle

“Our College welcomes diversity, nurtures individual social and academic needs and equips every student with the knowledge and skills to positively and con dently contribute to society. We are proud to welcome our new student leaders for 2023.”

Luke Woodward Principal at Richmond River High Campus.

“Richmond River High Campus community has been through a challenging year, with support from the college, the community and the Department of Education we have an excellent school site that is fully equipped to continue with the outstanding teaching that improves the learning of students. We foster a culture of inclusivity and high expectations. Our vision of ‘inspired learning for lifelong success’ is the basis of our strong relationships between our whole school community.” “As Principal of Richmond River High Campus, the strong connection to our community is vitally important to the success of our students. It takes student, school and family commitment for students to achieve at their best. We celebrate successes and encourage our students to be inquisitive, analytical and enjoy all aspects of their school life. As a school we have a focus on building strong relationships ensuring every student is known, valued and cared for.”

Rosalea Vassella - School Captain

“Richmond River High Campus is a wonderfully unique school that I have attended since year 7. I have always admired Richmond River High Campus for fostering a school environment of inclusion and creativity. I am unbelievably proud of our school’s resilience and commitment to maintaining our identity and community through the chaos of last year and I am excited to contribute to the future of our great school in the role of school captain. A er school I plan to go to university for a creative arts degree and I know that Richmond River High Campus has given me the foundational skills that I need to thrive in further education and any future endeavours.”

Sienna Gilmore- School Captain

I had many reasons for why I wanted to become school captain of Richmond River High Campus but my main reason is that I wanted to give a voice to students, to allow them to take part in their school and take pride in our school. My hope for this year coming is a calm year for everyone to expand their knowledge and creativity, and just to take time in bettering ourselves so that we can have a fun year. In my future I plan to explore many di erent paths, not limiting myself to any opportunities that I may come across.

Chris Williams has returned as Principal, Lismore High Campus a er acting as Executive Principal for the past 2 years. He joined e Rivers Secondary College in 2010. “Lismore High Campus is a friendly and inclusive learning community, characterised by academic excellence and a broad spectrum of curriculum options. It is where every individual is valued and supported to achieve their personal best in sport, arts and academic success.”

“School is more than just academic results. At Lismore High Campus we are shaping young people to positively contribute to society, through extensive leadership, extra-curricular and volunteering opportunities. We have a strong P&C, with a highly committed sta , resulting in a school community that produces outstanding young people. We celebrate success and live by our school moto ‘Spectamur Agendo- Let us be judged by our actions’.”

Madison Standford-King - School Captain

“Being school captain means upli ing student voice, creating positive change, and representing Lismore High Campus. rough my role I am provided with the opportunity to connect with my school community, honouring my student leader goals for 2023, and I am looking forward to the creative opportunities that come with being a year 12 student. A er school, I am debating between pursuing a music career or in youth work, both however will involve attaining a university degree. e best thing about Lismore High Campus is the incredible sta and how they help students learn and grow. Booglebeh, thank you.”

Harriet Freund - School Captain

“Becoming school captain is important to me as it means that I am able to instill a sense of belonging and pride throughout not only students, but sta and the wider community. I am able to portray Lismore High Campus in a positive light and become the advocate for the rest of the student body. My focus for this year is to continue making the school inclusive and welcoming where students can be themselves and thrive. Next year I would like to further my education and attend university. Lismore High Campus is a place where all students are given the opportunity to achieve their full potential supported by the work of the amazing teachers and sta who are the backbone of the school community.”

KADINA HIGH CAMPUS

LISMORE HIGH CAMPUS RICHMOND RIVER HIGH CAMPUS

What do you love about BCHS?

e warm and welcoming sta and students, as well as the environment I have to learn in.

What do you hope to achieve this year?

I hope to make an impact on the school and achieve the grades I need.

CAPTAINS Meet the

What do you love about BCHS?

What are your biggest challenges?

Second guessing myself and my height.

What are your dreams beyond High School?

Go to University and become a high school teacher.

What’s your favourite food? Butter chicken.

What do you love about BCHS? e support from the teachers, the inclusivity and the friendliness of sta

What do you hope to achieve this year?

I hope to achieve the best I possibly can in my ATAR and excel academically. I also hope to be able to help other students with schoolwork and promote a more positive school playground.

What are your biggest challenges? Finishing my HSC with the best result possible and time managing to put my study rst.

What are your dreams beyond High School?

I’m aiming to leave high school and do a Bachelor of Science. en venturing either into teaching or possibly dentistry.

What’s your favourite food? Either chocolate or mango

I like the faculty here, they all can help with any problems you may encounter during your schooling career.

What do you hope to achieve this year?

I wish to expand on my academic success within my senior studies.

What are your biggest challenges?

My biggest challenge is to achieve

What do you love about BCHS? BCHS has provided me with countless opportunities to better myself academically and as a person, helping me put my “best foot” forward for my future.

What do you hope to achieve this year? I hope to graduate with no regrets. Putting in as much e ort into my assessments and exams, achieving what I can to the best of my

and sustain a balance in my academic and home life.

What are your dreams beyond High School?

To have the intellectual prowess that will allow me to achieve freedom nancially and physically. What’s your favourite food? Beluga caviar.

abilities and leaving a hard-working legacy at BCHS. What are your biggest challenges?

Fear of failure. Considering we have been told that this nal year counts, failing is something I wish to avoid, but become more accepting of it if the time comes.

What are your dreams beyond High School?

I would like to attend university to complete a Bachelor of science, majoring in marine sciences and maybe minoring in Environmental resource economics in the hopes to become a successful marine biologist and activist for a foreseeable future of our oceans.

What’s your favourite food?

All kinds of Inari and Sushi.

November Webb

Bonnie Tinworth

Sophie-Lee Sariago

Nathanael Kelly

LOCAL ACHIEVERS RECOGNISED FOR COMMUNITY WORK AS PART OF SENIORS FESTIVAL

12 seniors take out 2023 Local Achievement Awards

LOCAL HOSPITALS WELCOME NEW VOLUNTEERS

Health facilities in Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) are reopening their doors to volunteers, offering a variety of new roles that support health staff and improve the experience of patients and visitors.

NNSWLHD Chief Executive, Wayne Jones said 12 months of planning had gone into considering how the health service could maximise volunteering across the District.

or warm blanket when it’s needed. Small acts of kindness can make a big difference.”

seeking new volunteers to help raise money for the health service.

Senior residents who tirelessly give back to the community were recognised during the opening of the Tweed Seniors Festival recently, with a presentation of the Local Achievement Awards.

Mayor of Tweed Shire Chris Cherry commended this year’s 12 nominees for their dedication and service to the community, as did Tweed MP Geoff Provest who handed out the awards.

The ceremony, hosted by comedian Mandy Nolan, signalled the beginning of this year’s Tweed Seniors Festival, a 12-day celebration of the contribution older people make to our community.

The festival, which attracted hundreds of participants across more than 40 events, is an annual NSW Government event supported by Tweed Shire Council for local seniors to enjoy.

Congratulating all of the award winners, Cr Cherry said it was important to recognise the signifcant contribution made by Tweed seniors to the community.

“Data taken from the 2021 Census shows seniors make up a signifcant portion of the Tweed population, with 34.3% of the Shire’s

population aged 60 years and older,” Cr Cherry said.

“This compares with the State average of 21.4% and 29.1% for regional NSW – showing just how important this section of the community is here in the Tweed.

“We are so grateful to all of this year’s Local Achievement Award winners for all they do in their local communities. It is people like this who make the Tweed such an incredible place to live.”

2023 Local Achievement Award winners include:

• Brenda Blunden – recognised for volunteering, particularly with Fingal Head Coast Care

• Veronese Burgess – recognised for tireless work with local elders and community

• Julie Cummings – recognised for service to Cabarita Beach Surf Life Sav-ing Club

• Carol Edwards – recognised for volunteering and fundraising efforts for local charities including Wedgetail Retreat and Murwillumbah Flood

Re-lief

• Jeannette

Horne – recognised for volunteering to run weekly trivia nights at South Tweed Sports Club

• Judy and Mark Eglington – recognised for almost 65 years voluntary ser-vice as members of the NSW Rural Fire Service

• Margaret Hulbert – recognised for service to Crabbes Creek Community Hall and local community

• Denis Kinzett – recognised for service to Crabbes Creek Community Hall

• Louise Muir –recognised for creation of a much-loved local garden in Banora Point

• Alan Rogers – recognised for years volunteering at Murwillumbah Hospital coffee shop and Murwillumbah Theatre Company

• Alan Vincent - recognised for service to Crabbes Creek Community Hall.

Tweed Seniors Festival runs annually as part of NSW Seniors Festival – the biggest event for people aged over 60 in the Southern Hemisphere.

Guests were treated to performances by the Murwillumbah Philharmonic Choir and Coolangatta Ukulele Players and a mouthwatering morning tea provided by the Murwillumbah Evening Branch of the Country Women’s Association.

“We are delighted to introduce Healthcare Helpers, a volunteer program offering individuals the opportunity to volunteer at their local health facility in a supported and meaningful way,” Mr Jones said.

“Healthcare Helpers can assist with a variety of tasks, such as lending their creative skills to craft projects with older patients, helping out with gardening the hospital grounds, or just being a companion for patients – fetching a cup of tea

Lismore Base Hospital General Manager, Ian Hatton said the hospital was seeking volunteers to greet and guide patients and visitors throughout the facility, as well as roles to offer comfort and companionship to patients during their hospital stay.The health service will also recruit female volunteers to help support women accessing the BreastScreen Assessment Clinic.

Applications for Lismore based Healthcare Helper roles are open now, while a general expression of interest application is open for all other locations across the District, with more specifc roles in other areas being announced shortly.

Local fundraising groups, Our Kids and the United Hospital Auxiliary (UHA) are also

NNSWLHD Volunteering and Fundraising Manager, Claire Quince, hopes the eagerness of staff to welcome volunteers is matched by community response to advertised roles.

“We are encouraging people from all walks of life to join us as Healthcare Helpers. We hope this new volunteer community will refect the diversity found within broader communities and help ensure our staff are supported when responding to the needs of patients and their loved ones,” Ms Quince said.

More information on the Healthcare Helpers program can be found on the NNSWLHD website.

Volunteer enquiries can be directed to Claire Quince via email: nnswlhdvolunteer@ health.nsw.gov.au or phone 0459 953 520.

LOCAL HOSPITALS WELCOME NEW VOLUNTEERS

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Mayor of Tweed Shire Chris Cherry and Tweed MP Geoff Provest with winners of the 2023 Local Achievement Awards who were acknowledged for their incredible contribution to the community.

FUNDING BOOST FOR GRASSROOTS SPORT IN BALLINA ELECTORATE

February 16th, Tamara Smith MP, Member for Ballina announced the recipients of this year’s Local Sports grants.

Ms Smith said, “I am particularly pleased to announce the 2023 sports grants after such a challenging time for players and clubs over the last 3 years. With the disruptions to playing sport and holding competitions through the pandemic, and the impact on our community from the 2022 foods, these small grants go a long way towards improving morale and reinvigorating our clubs.”

“Projects funded across the Ballina Electorate are set to increase participation in sport across all age groups, and bring the community closer together”.

“Clubs such as Ballina Bowling & Recreation Club received funding for a wheelchair for bowlers, while the Mullumbimby Giants

Junior Rugby League received funding to purchase new goal posts.”

“It is so important we continue supporting our local sporting clubs. They bring so much joy to people of all ages, and are key to ensuring that members of our community are given every opportunity to live a healthy and happy lifestyle,” Ms Smith said.

“I congratulate all 12 of the clubs that were successful this year and look forward to seeing how these projects make a real difference to sporting in our community”. Ms Smith said.

“As always, my focus in recommending projects to the assessment panel is on giving as many clubs support as possible.”

More information about the NSW Government’s Local Sport Grant Program, visit https://www.sport. nsw.gov.au/grants/localsport-grant-program.

Much-needed fund to boost the wellbeing of Casino’s community

Momentum Collective has been awarded funding of over $450k for the Casino Neighbourhood Centre Renovation and Expansion Project under Round 5 of the Stronger Country Communities Fund (SCCF).

The SCCF was established in 2017 by the NSW Government and has since provided over $400 million for more than 1,500 local projects that enhance the lives and wellbeing of regional communities.

The Casino Neighbourhood Centre, managed by Momentum

Collective, has provided a range of support and services for the local community since 1979. The additional fund is welcome by the residents as the demand for its service continues to increase due to the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and the series of fooding last year.

Momentum Collective’s CEO, Dr Tracey Mackie, says that the grant will be used to open up over 250 square metres of inaccessible space in the second story of the building.

“We want to create a safe environment for vulnerable clients and expand the community

areas. Installing new accessible facilities to assist community members affected by natural disasters and homeless clients will ensure we provide higher standard amenities for our clients”, says Dr Mackie.

By upgrading the centre and introducing new activities, Casino Neighbourhood Centre will be able to support and expand its services to local residents with a disability, homeless people and Domestic Violence victims and Support Groups.

By GEOFF SMITH

The collapse in the number of new homes on the market, particularly in Sydney and Melbourne, is outpacing even the shaky listing rates recorded during pandemic lockdowns.

Jason Pellegrino, chief executive of property portal company Domain Group, said on Thursday the scale of listings declines during the last three months of 2022 also eclipsed pullbacks recorded during the banking royal commission, which scrutinised lending

practices in public hearings in 2018. Domain reported a drop in net proft of almost 38.9% to $15.9m in the six months to December, due to the lack of homes hitting the market. This is despite revenue increasing across the various business units of the listed company, which is 60% owned by media group Nine Entertainment. The market initially experienced a shock in early 2020, however buyers soon poured into properties as lending rates fell and the government stimulated the economy, leading

to sharp price rises. However, a series of interest rate increases dating back to May last year, designed to tame infation, have shifted the property market into reverse, cutting prices and reducing the number of houses coming on to the market. Rents, however, have been steadily increasing.

Data from CoreLogic shows that the number of new listings are tracking at 22% lower than the fve-year average. Sydney prices for dwellings – houses and apartments – shrank 12.1% last year, or more

Sydney and Melbourne Real Estate Profts Plummet

than double the 5.3% average national drop, while Melbourne prices slid by 8.1%.

This trend is also evident in other countries where interest rates are rising, with house prices falling and listings dropping across the UK. Pellegrino said the business was prepped for demand to return, asserting that “history has shown that we can be confdent these listings have not disappeared”. He went on to state that “it’s only a matter of time for confdence to recover and support the inevitable bounce back

in market listings”.

The Reserve Bank has fagged that rate hikes likely have further to run given infation remains too high, with nine consecutive rate increases so far. The lack of new homes on the market is having a signifcant effect on the profts of real estate companies, as well as on the property market as a whole. To prevent this from continuing to weigh on the market, it is essential that confdence is restored, and people are encouraged to list their homes for sale. It is also necessary for the government to

continue to stimulate the economy and make it more attractive for people to invest in properties. In addition, the Reserve Bank must consider the effect that their rate hikes are having on the market. As long as the rate hikes remain in place, the cost of borrowing money to invest in properties will remain high, making it much less appealing for people to do so.

Ultimately, it is essential for the Reserve Bank to consider the market implications of their rate hikes in order to ensure that the housing market can begin to recover.

Stunning 360º Degree Views

705 Manifold Road Bentley 2480

You know you have found something really special here, as you drive up to the entrance of this property curving gently curving to the ridgeline and come upon fabulous views of the mountains, valley and surrounds. The property of 28 acres (11ha) has been lovingly cared for the by the current owners – live here in ultimate privacy with the wallabies, birds, koalas and gumtrees.

The elevated position of the property provides 360 degree views over green pastures with happy cattle and beautiful native trees. With open plan living, huge outdoor living and entertainment areas facing north, this double brick home is open plan design with immaculate presentation.

Contact Jodie Mitchell on 0421 989086, for any questions and to arrange your private inspection.

Scan the QR code for all details and pictures of the property.

Selling from the country to the coast including lifestyle acreages to luxurious coastal oasis’s. 0421 989 086

Healthy Food on the Run!

Options in Alstonville has brought the local food scene to life with their stunning food located in the heart of Alstonville, a relaxing locale secluded from the busy surrounds of the Ballina-Byron Shire.

We offer a wide variety of fresh, delicious snacks and meals for breakfast and lunch, and deliver fresh dinners twice a week. Monday night customers in the immediate Alstonville area can enjoy a home cooked corned meat and vegie meal for $13.50 delivered and Wednesday its roast of the day

and vegies for $13.50 delivered.

Enjoy our gourmet burgers, sandwiches and wraps, bacon and egg rolls, some sweet options all accompanied by a hot or cold beverage.

Options is open 7 days from 7am to 4.30pm with dinner delivered in Alstonville by request Monday and Wednesday nights.

We are at 75 Main Street Alstonville. You can order ahead by dialling 02 6628 0090 or visit our website on www. optionsinalstonville. weebly.com. Looking forward to serving you soon.

Café in Beautiful Uki

With breathtaking views of Mt Warning to enjoy, your coffee has never been more enjoyable.

Village and Co in the heart of Uki serve all day breakfast and lunch, and are open Wednesday to Sunday from 6.30am till 2.30pm. We offer vegan and gluten free options. All our ingredients are local and fresh, your food

is prepared on order, and our cakes, scones and muffns are made fresh every day. There is something for everyone and our welcoming environment ensures your breakfast or lunch is relaxing and delicious.

Call in and see us at 1451 Kyogle Road in Uki, our friendly staff are ready and waiting to welcome you. All your excavation requirements covered Tweed Valley Hire in South Murwillumbah can help with an array of jobs around your property.

Servicing the Northern Rivers, we have very competitive prices, are reliable and effcient and will get the job done on time to your satisfaction. Our qualifed and experienced staff will provide a complete service, from site preparation right through to fnished project.

Prepare for next summer and have your pool space

excavated and your fre breaks cleared. We do driveways, trenching, post hole boring, drainage and much much more.

If you have a special project give us a call for expert advise on how to proceed. We will supply an obligation free quote so you can feel confdent of receiving the best value.

Our digger is also available for dry hire –just the digger and do the job yourself. Give Luke a call on 0472 575 014 for further information on our range of services.

BEST ON THE BOX

SUNDAY DEATH IN PARADISE

ABC, 7.30pm

FRIDAY

A

FANTASTIC WOMAN

ABC TV PLUS, 8.30pm

Sebastian Lelio (Disobedience) crafted one of the most dizzyingly a ecting lms of recent years with this electrifying rumination on death and discrimination. It scooped the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film of the Year and Daniela Vega (above) is the breakout star as the captivating Marina, a trans woman working as a waitress and nightclub singer in Santiago. After celebrating her birthday at the club with her lover Orlando, who is twice her age, he suddenly dies. This tragedy shatters Marina’s existence; faced with her partner’s disapproving family and tangled in grief, her involvement in the death is also questioned by the hostile police.

FRIDAY, February 24

6.00 The Drum. Special show to coincide with the Opening Concert of Sydney WorldPride.

7.00 ABC News. Takes a look at today’s top stories.

7.30 Sydney WorldPride Opening Concert. (M) Coverage of the Opening Concert of WorldPride 2023 from the Domain, Sydney.

10.00 Kylie Minogue Golden: Live In Concert. (R) Footage from various UK venues over the course of Kylie Minogue’s Golden concert tour in 2018.

12.00 Miniseries: Butter y. (Mal, R) Part 1 of 3.

12.45 Would I Lie To You? (R)

Hosted by Rob Brydon.

1.15 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

Continuous music programming.

The stakes are higher than ever in tonight’s headscratching episode of this Caribbean-set crime drama. For his latest case, police detective Neville Parker (Ralf Little, right) is tasked with investigating the curious death of a high-pro social media in uencer (Akshay Kumar), who appears to have been fatally stabbed mid-air while skydiving with a group of colleagues. When the victim is found dead, caught up in a tree with a knife sticking out of his back, Parker gets busy working out who would want him dead. Turns out, the list is rather long, but Parker never fails to methodically narrow down his list of suspects to ensure justice is served.

MONDAY AUSTRALIAN STORY

ABC, 8pm

8.30

10.05 Video Killed The Radio Star. (Mlns, R)

10.35 SBS World News Late.

11.05 Gomorrah. (MA15+v, R)

1.45 Das Boot. (MA15+v, R)

3.55 Mastermind Australia. (R)

4.55 Destination Flavour Scandinavia Bitesize. (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. Johanna Griggs and Charlie Albone go on a food tour of Vancouver. Adam Dovile builds a desk for compact spaces. Fast Ed prepares a buttered snapper and salad.

8.30 MOVIE: Kingsman: The Golden Circle. (2017, MA15+sv, R) After the Kingsmen are attacked by a mysterious enemy, Eggsy and Merlin are the organisation’s sole survivors and must join forces with their US counterpart, the Statesman, to defeat the villain. Taron Egerton, Colin Firth, Mark Strong.

11.30 To Be Advised.

1.30 Home Shopping. (R)

everyday Australians. Tonight, inventor, author, scientist and changemaker Saul Gri ths shares his vision and contagious passion for renewable future energy in Australia. Also this year, the always insightful series goes behind the scenes with actor and producer Claudia Karvan Bump, Love My Way) and takes a deep dive into the incredible story of underwater lmmaker and shark advocate Valerie Taylor.

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 A Current A air.

7.30 For The Love Of Pets. (PGm)

Two cats are reunited with their families.

8.30 MOVIE: The Intern. (2015, Mal, R)

After a 70-year-old retired widower and former marketing executive is hired as a senior intern for an online fashion startup, his worldly wisdom helps shed new light on the lives of his younger co-workers. Robert De Niro, Anne Hathaway, Rene Russo.

11.00 MOVIE: Danny Collins. (2015, Madln, R) Al Pacino.

1.00 Postcards. (PG)

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)

6.30 The Project. A look at the day’s news and events.

7.30 The Graham Norton Show. Guests include Paul Rudd, Michael Douglas, Hugh Jackman, Michael B. Jordan, Dame Judy Dench, Eugene Levy and Pink!

8.30 To Be Advised.

10.30 Just For Laughs. (Ml, R) Stand-up comedy performances from Aaron Chen, Georgie Carroll and Nath Valvo.

11.00 Just For Laughs Uncut. (MA15+ls, R) Sophie Buddle, Zainab Johnson, Julia Hladkowicz and Luisa Omielan showcase some of their material.

11.30 The Project. (R) A look at the day’s news and events.

12.30 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) Late-night talk show.

1.30 Home Shopping. (R)

MARQUIS MACADAMIAS ANNOUNCES NEW CEO

The world’s largest grower, processor and marketer of macadamias, The Marquis Group, has welcomed Ben Adams as Chief Executive Offcer of Marquis Macadamias Australia, following the retirement of former CEO Larry McHugh.

Mr Adams brings more than 20 years of senior management experience in agriculture to the role, and was most recently

the General Manager of an Australian macadamia processing company and Director of its associated marketing organisation, prior to joining Marquis. He has also worked in key management roles both domestically and internationally, including heading up a hybrid seed business with major operations in the United States and Mexico.

Chairman and Board

2023 Sale Dates

Director of Marquis Macadamias Australia, Clayton Mattiazzi, said Ben would bring a fresh perspective to the opportunities and challenges the Group expected to face in the coming seasons.

“Ben has the full support of the Board to drive the long-term development strategy for Marquis Macadamias to create the most effcient processing

operation to maximise the benefts to our growers, shareholders, partners, and staff,” Mr Mattiazzi said.

“Based on the strong foundations established over many years by former CEO Larry McHugh, Ben will look to drive productivity and innovation in these challenging times for the macadamia industry.

“Our focus is on providing the greatest

of the Week

returns possible to our grower and shareholders both year on year and economically and sustainably for many seasons to come,” he said.

Mr Adams has started meeting with staff with visits to both Lismore and Bundaberg sites in his frst weeks and will soon take time to speak with the suppliers.

“I am keen to meet with shareholders and suppliers

to ensure we are listening to their concerns and supporting them through these challenging times”. The Marquis Macadamia group is working to develop new strategies, markets, and end uses for macadamia products. As a result, we have absolute confdence in our full range of expanding products, and I look forward to creating the maximum value for our shareholders and suppliers.

to build their dream home and either convert the current to a shed or leave it as a residence and rent it out for additional s an additional 5 bay farm shed plus a set of cattle yards operty is situated at the headwaters of the Coldstream River and will know this area as The Forks” ly, most of the wetland area has water laying on it, and the birdlife is spectacular During a dry season, the low country becomes abundant wamp couch – ideal for fattening steers, bullocks or cows Please JoJo Newby on 0417 69 637 to arrange your inspection

CASINO

NRLX MARKET REPORT

WEEK ENDING FRIDAY 17 FEBRUARY

Agents yarded a total of 1,270 head at the Northern Rivers Livestock Exchange regular prime sale on Wednesday 15 February. There was a larger yarding of young cattle and cows were also well supplied. The yarding of young cattle consisted mainly of vealers along with a small penning of yearlings. Quality of the young cattle improved this week, with a few more well bred vealer steers and heifers through the sale.

Cow prices saw a slight decrease on last week averaging 254c/kg and reaching a top price of 318c/kg. Heifer prices

WARWICK

MC DOUGALL & SONS SHEEP & LAMB REPORT

Agents today yarded 1197 head of sheep and lambs to the market for the weekly sale. The split between Sheep and Lambs was nearly half and half. The yarding consisted of high numbers of lighter end lambs which led to a lack of interest in the exporters. The mutton job was well represented with the female portion of 575 well above the male representation of 14. The lambs were a varied quality of good light suckers, good trade lambs, fewer export weights and a fair run of unfnished lambs. Restockers were to the fore with the ewes on offer with the exporters only jumping at the heavy end.

WARWICK

LIVESTOCK MARKETS WARWICK W/E 17/02/2023 10/02/2023

Agents saw increases to the Cattle sales this week following last week’s numbers as well as a breeder sale last weekend. The Sheep and Lamb numbers were back slightly with a more Mutton orientation to the numbers as well as a higher percentage of light trade lambs available. Pork and Poultry numbers were in decline with a larger than normal drop in numbers.

Vealer steers averaged 441c/kg topping at 504.2c/kg or $1165.31 to $1440.00

were easier with lighter stock up to 250kg averaging 395c/ kg and topping their category at 500c/kg. Heavier heifers over 250kg averaged 335c/kg and reached a top of 450c/ kg.

Bull prices saw an increase with 23 head sold averaging 265c/kg and 643kg. Steer prices saw a drop with lighter stock up to 250kg averaging 470c/kg and reaching a top of 608c/kg. Heavier steers over 250kg averaged 417c/kg and topped their market at 546c/kg. A small number of bullocks sold on the day averaged 302c/kg and reached a top of 324c/kg.

Vealer prices were stronger this week averaging 425c/kg and 243kg and reaching a top of 556c/kg.

Ian Weir & Son held a store sale at the NRLX on Monday 13 February with 929 head going under the

Ferrier Family sold Dorper lambs organically produced 50kg to GR Prime for $185

Gary Hurtz sold Suffolk lambs 45.3kg to restockers for $134, 36.5kg to restockers for $86, 33.3kg Southdown sucker lambs to GR Prime for $94

Warwick Ryan sold Dorper wether lambs 41.5kg to Victoria Hill for $121

Giles Family sold 45kg Dorper lambs to restockers for $135

Ralph Snars sold 55kg Dorper lambs to Eversons for $186, hoggets 61kg to Eversons for $95

Athol & Robyn Sutton sold Dorper lambs 47.1kg to GR Prime for $170, 41.8kg to GR Prime for $146, 42.5kg to GR Prime for $147, 36.8kg to D M Luck for $112, 46.6kg ram lambs to Warwick meats for $100

Vealer heifers averaged 383.2c/kg topping at 480.2c/kg or $1030.90 to $1480.00

Feeder steers averaged 404.1c/kg topping at 457.2c/kg or $1598.74 to $1896.84

Feeder heifers averaged 346.7c/kg topping at 370c/kg or $1251.19 to $1725.20

Yearling steers averaged 412.6c/kg topping at 480.2c/kg or $1381.81 to $1681.00

Yearling heifers averaged 356.9c/kg topping at 468.2c/kg or $1339.47 to $1896.21

Steers averaged 333.5c/kg topping at 375c/kg or $2001.25 to $2608.00

Heifers averaged 314.2c/kg topping at 430c/kg or $1569.42 to $2326.50

hammer. Steers topped their category at 550c/kg and averaged 429c/kg and 252kg whilst heifers reached a top of 492c/kg and averaged 380c/kg and 215kg. Cows reached a top price of $1,820 whilst cows & calves topped their market at $2,750.

T&W McCormack and Ramsey & Bulmer held a breeder sale at the NRLX on Friday 17 February with 458 head going under the hammer. Cows reached a top price of $1,850 whilst cows & calves topped their market at $3,175. PTIC heifers saw a top price of $2,975 and the top priced bull went for $6,500.

T&W McCormack and Ramsey & Bulmer will hold a store sale this Friday 24 February with 1,500 head expected. Further bookings are welcome!

John Doherty sold 55kg lambs to Take IT Easy Meats for $177, 59kg hoggets to Eversons for $100, wethers to GR Prime for $100, ewes to Eversons for $80

Warboys Family sold Dorper x lambs 49.6kg to Warwick Meats for $188

Val & Trev Lindenmayer sold Dorper x lambs 34.2kg to restockers for $88, 27.5kg to restockers for $51, 61.8kg hogget ewes to restockers for $91, 4tooth ewes to Eversons for $50 and restockers for $44

Gordon & Sharon Kerr sold Dorper x lambs 41.66kg to Victoria Hill for $126, 33.2kg to Highchester Meats for $90

Lyal Farming P/S sold Dorper ewes to restockers for $94, $81, $75, $61, $53 and $49 and to Eversons for $80

Cows averaged 273.5c/kg topping at 311.2c/kg or $1543.80 to $2479.50

Bulls averaged 347.1c/kg topping at 550c/kg or $1143.52 to $2987.50

Lambs topped at $202 to average $137.81 par on last week

Hoggets topped at $101 to average $86.38 up $2/head

Ewes topped at $94 to average $58.33 up $14/head Lamb rams topped at $100 to average $73 down $3/head Sale average of $97.60 was $16/head lower than last sale. Boars sold from $70 to $270, Pork sold from $165 to $178, light Pork to $171, Stores from $60 to $148 Ducklings sold to $17.50, Chicks sold to $22.50, Pullets sold to $15, Roosters sold to $8

Australia’s sheep fock to reach largest size in over 15 years

The Australian sheepmeat industry is set for another bumper year in 2023 as the national sheep fock grows to its highest level since 2007 at 78.75m head, according to the latest Sheep Industry Projections update from Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA).

Driving this increase are optimal breeding conditions nationwide, a genetically superior fock, improved lambing percentages and medium-term industry confdence at the farm gate level.

Growth is forecast across all states, with larger improvements in fock numbers expected from South Australia, Western Australia, Queensland and Tasmania. The key sheep producing states of New South Wales and Victoria are also forecast to lift numbers, although not as signifcantly as other states.

In 2024 the national fock’s growth is projected to moderate and plateau, reaching 79.5 million head, a rise of 1%, or 750,000 head year-on-year. While in 2025, the national fock is estimated to fall to 2023 levels, although it will remain above the

10-year average.

According to Senior Market Information Analyst at MLA, Ripley Atkinson, the growth of the national fock in 2023 will lead to increased slaughter numbers and production.

“Lamb slaughter is forecast to reach 22.6m in 2023 as a result of large numbers of breeding ewes and strong marking rates. This is a rise of 595,000 head or 2.7% year-onyear.

“2022’s slaughter performance showed that small stock processors had a greater ability to increase their throughput in line with higher

supply, a trend MLA expects will continue in 2023.”

“Looking further ahead to 2024, we forecast it to be a record year for lamb slaughter, reaching 23.2m head. This would be a rise of 3%, or 560,000 year-on-year and higher by 1.1m head or 5% on the 10-year average,” said Mr Atkinson.

Carcase weights are also forecast to increase in 2023. This is primarily due to structural genetic investment and productive improvement in the national fock over the past two years.

In 2023, lamb carcase weights are forecast to

remain high at 25.1kg. This would be 11%, or 2.5kg/head, above the 10- year average. This is despite weather forecasts suggesting drier conditions will occur in the second half of 2023.

The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has forecast that the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) will enter a positive phase in 2023. A positive IOD results in less rain across southern Australia, where most of Australia’s sheep population is located.

As the second largest sheepmeat exporter in the world, New Zealand plays an important role in the global lamb

and mutton market. However, according to Mr Atkinson, a decline in the New Zealand sheep fock size presents an opportunity for the Australian sheepmeat industry.

“New Zealand, like Australia, has good market access, quality assurance schemes and a strong reputation internationally meaning that they are an international competitor to Australian lamb and mutton.

“However, new opportunities may be made available to Australian producers and exporters as New Zealand fock size

decreases, wool and lamb production become less proftable compared to dairy production, and land availability decreases.

“In recent years, successive Australian Governments have made considerable strides in gaining European market access, with talks ongoing for an Australia (AU)-European Union (EU) Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and the AU-UK FTA signed in December 2021.

“As New Zealand sheepmeat exports have increasingly shifted away from Europe, and towards China, improved opportunities for Australian sheepmeat in European markets may continue,” said Mr Atkinson.

Overall, Australia’s sheep industry is in an exciting position of continued growth and development, with local production and the fock forecast set to rise, while global demand for high quality sheepmeat in established and emerging markets continues.

The industry’s ability to continue to deliver high quality protein and be a world-leading producer will defne 2023 as a positive and optimistic year.

Low locust levels across inland eastern Australia, with exceptions in the south

According to recent surveys, the locust population is likely to have remained at low levels across inland eastern Australia, except for southern parts where some medium-level populations were identifed.

In January, limited surveys identifed Concentration-density adults in the Buckalow area of New South Wales and Numerous-density adults in the Orroroo area of South Australia and the Weethalle area of NSW. Isolated and Scattered-density adults were also detected in south-western parts of the SA North East

Pastoral district, as well as in the NSW Riverina and Central West districts. Only occasional Present-density nymphs were identifed in the NSW Riverina district. However, no surveys were conducted in January in other regions due to persistent widespread fooding and adverse weather. The light traps at Dulkaninna (SA), Fowlers Gap, and White Cliffs (NSW) did not capture any locusts during January.

Nevertheless, the Insect Monitoring Radar in Hay (NSW) detected several nights of short-range migration in midJanuary, refecting some

general redistribution of spring-generation adults. Additionally, several reports of locust banding activity have been received from the Berrigan and Deniliquin areas of NSW and the Durham Ox area of Victoria since midJanuary.

In January, rainfall ranged from 5 mm in south-western parts to over 150 mm in northeastern parts of inland eastern Australia, with less than 50 mm rainfall received across much of the arid/semi-arid inland, generally refecting average to aboveaverage levels. January temperatures were

above average levels across the arid inland but below average levels over the north-eastern parts of the inland, within the range of ±2 degrees. The slowly weakening La Niña has been infuencing inland areas, especially in Queensland. Belowaverage rainfall and cooler temperatures are likely for February, but average rainfall and warmer temperatures are expected for March and April.

The outlook for February to April is for a low to moderate population increase up to medium density levels. Some localized

areas of higher density are possible from current low background populations in the arid and semi-arid interior areas, plus persistent medium to high-density populations in southern parts of inland eastern Australia. Further medium-density populations are possible after any successful breeding in the northern and north-eastern parts of inland areas. Localized bands of summer generation nymphs will continue to develop in the southern portion of inland eastern Australia. Some small bands may also develop in the arid/semi-arid

inland areas. Summer generation adults should continue fedging from now on in southern parts, with overlapping generation adults likely to appear in the interior. Redistribution by nocturnal migration and daytime dispersal is likely to occur in the inland areas from now until mid-April.

There is a low to moderate likelihood of region-wide infestations developing in the southern portion of inland eastern Australia.

BRIGHT FUTURE FOR AG CAREERS THROUGH FEE-FREE TAFE

More Australians will have the opportunity to start a career in the agriculture sector in 2023, thanks to the Albanese Government’s fee-free TAFE program. This year, it is expected 13,200 TAFE and vocational education and training places will be available for people to take up fee-free agriculture courses across the country.

Minister for Skills and Training, the Hon Brendan O’Connor MP, said widespread skill shortages pose one of the greatest economic challenges in decades.

“Wherever you look, there are skills gaps, which is why Fee-Free TAFE and vocational education and training is so important.

“The agriculture sector is always evolving and needs

ongoing access to new and updated skills to succeed into the future, and we are pleased to deliver another pathway to help people succeed.

“Enrolments are open now and I encourage anyone with an interest in agriculture to take advantage of this opportunity.”

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Murray Watt, said this outcome

was a win for the agriculture industry. “This is an excellent opportunity to encourage new people to join our thriving sector, or for current workers across agriculture to further their careers and deepen their skills,” said Minister Watt.

“The government has rightly prioritised agriculture under the Fee-Free TAFE

commitment as part of our plan to address the agriculture sector’s workforce and skills shortages.

“Discussions at the tripartite Agricultural Workforce Working Group have reinforced the importance of skilling Australians for rewarding careers in agriculture.

“There is a wide range of exciting qualifcations

and skillsets to choose from, from agricultural technology, livestock production, digital agronomy, and agribusiness management, among many others.

For further information on Fee-Free TAFE and vocational education courses vis-it yourcareer.gov.au/ fee-free-tafe.

Business Benchmark on Animal Welfare has no place in Australia

The peak body for Australia’s farm sector is calling on businesses assessed under the Business Benchmark on Animal Welfare to rethink their links to the scheme.

The call follows revelations that the Benchmark will target a contraction in Australia’s livestock sector.

A consultation paper released by the UKbased organisation, which is affliated with some of Australia’s largest companies, proposes to rank companies based on their

commitment to ‘reducing reliance on animal products’ – including a plan to halve the multibillion dollar livestock industry by 2040.

National Farmers’

Federation CEO Tony Mahar said the new target confrms what the Benchmark is really about, and said businesses should instead work directly with customers and suppliers to progress welfare outcomes.

“This proposal lays bare the agenda of the radical activist groups behind this benchmark.

“It’s not about sciencebased improvements to animal welfare.

“It’s an extreme agenda that puts livestock producers and their communities in the crosshairs,” Mr Mahar said.

Mr Mahar said that Australia’s strong regulatory environment and track record – both on animal welfare and sustainability – meant there was no ethical reason to reduce demand for Australian livestock products.

“We take animal welfare incredibly

seriously in Australia.

“Happy, healthy animals are the core of any successful livestock business.

“The idea that we need to reduce demand for sustainable, ethicallygrown animal products is completely off the deep end.

“It’s just out of touch, extremist ideology.”

The NFF is now calling on some of Australia’s largest companies which are assessed under the scheme to withdraw their support.

“This should be a catalyst for any company

using this benchmark to get out.

“These activist groups are no longer even pretending to be sensible.

“They’re asking companies to phase out a core part of their business.

“Businesses should be working with their suppliers and their customers to progress animal welfare outcomes, not extremist groups on the other side of the world.

“Involving farmers and real consumers in these conversations is the

sensible and pragmatic way to get results.”

Mr Mahar said the implications of being led by extremist groups could not be more serious.

“These are our members’ livelihoods they’re targeting - real people, with real businesses, creating hundreds of thousands of jobs.

“We’re talking about a signifcant slice of the Australian economy.”

Online improvements provide more support for farmers

An online platform to support farmers manage climate risks and build drought resilience has been improved following input from across the agricultural sector.

The improvements follow engagement across the agricultural sector, including testing the platform prototype in pilot regions, to ensure it provides practical information to help build farmers’ climate adaptability.

Minister for Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry, Senator Murray Watt, said new additions to the Climate Service for Agriculture (CSA) platform would give more farmers and agricultural businesses a clearer picture of climate trends likely to impact them.

“Regions across Australia have experienced widespread

and devastating fooding for the past three years,” Minister Watt said.

“However, drought is also a natural part of our landscape, and periods of drought are likely to

become more frequent

and severe with climate change.

“That’s why innovative digital tools for farmers, like CSA, are essential to prepare for the return

of dry conditions and the changing climate.

“Farmers can use CSA to assess how the climate variables that matter to their business could change in the future at

their location.

Minister Watt said the CSA platform was developed through the Bureau of Meteorology and CSIRO, with funding from the Future

Drought Fund.

“Australian farmers have a great story to tell when it comes to sustainability and by building resilience on farm their sustainable credentials will only increase,” he said.

“The Albanese Government is committed to ensuring our agricultural industry has the tools it needs to be sustainable, helping them reach their own climate goals.”

CSA provides historical climate data, seasonal outlooks and future climate projections to help inform decision making and build drought resilience – now, and in the future.

For more information on the Climate Services for Agriculture visit https:// climateservicesforag. indraweb.io/

JAMES WILSON DRAPER

By Helen Trustum

James Wilson Draper was born at Murwillumbah on the 8th February 1916. Wilson as he was known was the second son to Mary Adeline, nee Johnston and Oswald George Draper. His maternal Grandparents were Andrew and Catherine nee Noble Johnston, who were one of the original selectors at Eureka in 1881.

James Wilson Draper was known by his second name because of the Scottish naming system, as his Great –Grandfather and Uncle were also called James.

Wilson frst attended school at Eureka then the family moved to a property at Tamrookum, near Beaudesert. After a few years the family moved back to Eureka. The extended family enjoyed many days of activities all together such as cricket, tennis, and many picnic days.

Wilson met up with Evelyn Marion James, while both attended High School, which was known as the Lismore Rural School on the corner of Magellan and Keen Street.

Wilson enlisted in the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) on the 13th July 1941 and with three months training became a radar operator and was posted to New Guinea. During his service Wilson rose to the rank of Corporal. Despite the tyranny of distance, the War bought Wilson and Evelyn closer together with the

writing of many letters to each other. When Wilson came home on Harvest leave, he proposed to Evelyn. They were married at the Lismore Methodist Church on 20th September 1944 whilst Wilson was still in the RAAF. They were on their honeymoon when word came through, that he was discharged from the RAAF.

Wilson and Evelyn started their married life on a dairy farm called “Cedar Vale”, Possum Creek. They purchased the property for £ 2,750 pound complete with a homestead. At “Cedar Vale” they operated the dairy and a pure bred Large White piggery.

Wilson and Evelyn left “Cedar Vale” in February

1950 and moved to another dairy farm at Pumpenbil on to another dairy farm. They sold that farm in 1954 and moved to Bangalow in November 1954. Wilsons father, Ozwald was on the Murwillumbah Shire Council from 1951 -1954 and his Grandfather George Draper was an Auctioneer at Tyalgum. Their family: Marion born 1945, Ray 1946, Colin 1949, Alison 1951, Narelle 1953 and Beverly 1955.

In 1955 Wilson purchased a business from Vic Graham, who ran a Saturday morning auction of a variety of goods including live poultry, household items and backyard grown vegetables. In those

purchase an auctioneer’s licence and not have to be trained or do a government approved course. Vic Graham’s business was operating

who conducted a mixed business during the War. He kept an “Anthony Hordern” type business, well noted for service.

William Slattery, J.G.

days you were able to

out of a building that was in the main street of Bangalow, next door to the Funeral Parlour. The rental for the building was a pricely sum of £1/17/6 ($3.75) a week. Wilson’s Auctioneering Licence was granted on 23rd March 1956.

In 1958 Wilson purchased a store for £350 pound ($700) which included a residence attached at the rear from Mr J. Black who had won it in a game of cards. During the time that Mr Black owned the building, he always rented it out. One well remembered tenant was Harry Lakis,

Farquharson, S. Wiley, J. N. Ferguson and Ben Bannister were Auctioneers in the early days of Bangalow along with Virtue, Noble and Weir whose business was below Wilsons building in Byron Street.

At this stage Wilson could only show his love of Auctioneering by holding disposal sales and continuing the Saturday Morning Goods and Chattel Sales. By 1964, Wilson was applying to gain entry into the Bangalow Saleyards which were situated on the Bangalow Showground. Byron Shire Council

Wilson Drapers licence

Wilson Draper

Wilson Draper’s add in paper

and the Showground Management Committee were the deciding factor whether he could gain admittance to the

JAMES WILSON DRAPER

By Helen Trustum

yards. The Department

He was fnally allowed to put up his sign and build up a small business of selling calves and pigs every Wednesday. Wilson, along with Bishop & Company would take it in turns who would sell frst and every Wednesday. Each week Wilson would turn up with his lunch basket of sandwiches, tea and cake for the buyers and sellers. The cake was usually a sponge roll, triple layer cake or a marble cake. Two thermos’s fasks of tea would also go, with spare mugs for anyone that wanted a cuppa. Everything would come back after the sale and daughter Alison can remember washing it all up ready for the sale the following week. Tom Wills did the ear tagging at the saleyards for Wilson and Kevin Jarrett supported him.

years of age. With the downturn in dairy farms and the selling of small farms to the infux of city escapees the demand for the sales dropped. The weekly sales in Bangalow thus became fortnightly. Those days at the saleyards were enjoyed by all, where everyone would stand around for a good old yarn amongst the cattle bellowing. Even a surprise attack from a vealer which inficted Wilson with four broken ribs, did not deter him from attending the saleyards.

In June 1999 Wilson had a stroke. After rehabilitation he returned to the saleyards. Many of the caring people that attended the sales were worried for his safety, but Wilson loved the saleyards, the hustle and

His favourite saying was “Support your local man”.

Sadly, Wilson lost is wife Evelyn Marion on

away on 11th April 2000 aged 84 years. They are both buried in the Clunes Cemetery.

of Lands suggested to Council that Wilson be given the same privileges as Bishop & Company.

On 8th June 1994 Wilson sold the business and semi- retired but kept on his love of auctioneering and operated his business from the front verandah of his home which was right in the middle of the retail precinct of Bangalow. When the local newspaper interviewed him on his retirement, he said he would still be attending the calf and pig sales also visiting local farmers despite his 78

bustle of livestock and talking to the farmers.

13th July 1995 aged 77 years and Wilson passed

The fnal sale at the Bangalow Saleyards was held on the 21st June 2000. End of an era. Each year at the Bangalow Show a trophy is given to the exhibitor, the owner of the Supreme Champion Cow and Calf in the Beef Cattle Section, honouring this great man, Wilson Draper. This way Wilson’s legacy lives on.

Ref: Alison Draper (daughter) January 2001.

Wilson Draper Ad

Mark Noble at Bangalow Saleyards- 2000

Buyers Kevin Jarrett and Noel Bryant at Bangalow Saleyards2000

Wilson and Evelyn

Headstone in Clunes Cemetery

Rural health system needs overhaul

The state’s peak farming body is calling for the federal government to commit to an overhaul of how rural health is handled.

NSW Farmers health spokesperson Sarah Thompson said plans to get doctors into the bush by wiping HELP debts were ‘promising’, but would not be a silver bullet.

“One of the big issues facing rural and remote communities is access to health professionals, and we need to move to a place-based solution,” Mrs Thompson said.

“This is not just about doctors and nurses, this is about getting unity between state and federal governments, universities and health providers to ensure

we have the skills and capacity to meet patient needs.

“We recognise the incredible contribution of those already working to provide health services in rural and remote areas, we simply do not have enough of them!”

Among the solutions put forward by NSW Farmers was the

Murrumbidgee model of training doctors to work in rural communities, and developing a scholarship program to support existing rural and remote nurses and allied health professionals to gain higher level qualifcations to improve local service delivery.

“Rather than just trying to attract people to rural

areas, as the federal government’s HELP plan does, we must encourage more locals to train as health professionals, as they are shown to be more likely to live and work in their home communities,” Mrs Thompson said.

“Giving doctors with HELP debts this incentive may help them consider a rural

or remote area, but if there is no local training option, or no house for them to live in, or no connection to the community, they may not even consider it.

“It’s not just about doctors and nurses either – we must also have complementary and allied health services as well as investment in regional liveability.”

NORCO AND THE NATIONAL FARMERS’ FEDERATION PARTNER IN FIRST-EVER

Norco, Australia’s oldest and largest 100% farmer owned dairy co-operative has today announced a partnership with the National Farmers’ Federation to conduct a frst-ofits-kind study into Australian farmer mental health and wellbeing.

Commissioned by Norco and in partnership with the National Farmers’ Federation, the purpose of the research is to better understand some of the key issues facing Australian farmers today, particularly in light of recent natural disasters and fuctuating market conditions.

The National Farmer Wellbeing Report will also compare and contrast perspectives and experiences across farming sectors, regions and demographics, in order to help drive recommendation on

how the sector, and Australians in general, can better support our nation’s hard-working farmers.

Nearly twelve months on from the unprecedented fooding event that devastated the Northern NSW town of Lismore and the co-operative’s heartland, Norco Chief Executive Michael Hampson comments how important this body of work is, in order to truly quantify the impact of natural disasters on our nation’s farmers.

“From droughts, bushfres and the more recent fooding events, our dairy farmers in particular have been doing it tough for many years now, and we know these experiences aren’t exclusive to just our sector of farming,” he says.

“As a 100% farmer-

owned co-operative, and Australia’s last operating dairy co-operative, it is a core mission of ours to continuously support and deliver value to our farmers, and to identify ways that we can also help safeguard the future of our industry.

“Partnering with the National Farmers’ Federation on this important body of research is just one of the ways we can better understand the issues and challenges our hardworking farmers face, in order to better support them into the future,” he adds.

David Jochinke, National Farmers’ Federation Vice President comments how pleased they are to be able to partner with Norco on this worthwhile initiative.

“As the peak national body representing

farmers and the agricultural sector in Australia, this is an incredibly meaningful piece of work for us to be involved with and help drive,” he says.

“We exist to champion the issues affecting farmers and to advance the agricultural sector in general.

“The frst-of-its kind data will be incredibly valuable for us to quantify key issues facing our farmers, and its impact on their wellbeing, helping us to further advocate for changes or policy outcomes that can better support the industries we represent,” he says.

Taking approximately fve minutes to complete, the survey is currently open until Friday, February 17, 2023 and Australian farmers wanting to have their voices heard are

encouraged to take part by accessing the survey at https://surveydau. pureprofle.com/ survey/ selfserve/5e1/ 230156?list=3#?.

The research is being conducted by a credible, third-party research agency with all survey responses being completely anonymous. In return for their valuable insights, participants can also optin to go in the running to win one of fve $200 Visa gift cards.

The inaugural National Farmer Wellbeing Report will be released to industry and the public at the end of March 2023.

Supporting mental health in regional communities

As a further demonstration of their commitment to supporting farmer wellbeing, Norco has

also partnered with the Black Dog Institute to provide easy access to online mental health support tools for regional communities.

From March to May, Norco’s high volume 2L full cream and lite milk will feature special labels and a QR code linking to bespoke mental health tools provided by the Black Dog Institute.

Additionally, during March and April 2023, fve cents from every Norco branded white milk purchased at Coles will be donated to the Black Dog Institute to help fund research, resources, and digital tools which are particularly essential in regional areas where access to traditional mental health support is limited.

NEW MEASURES TO LEVEL THE PLAYING FIELD AMONG COAL

The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government today delivered on its commitment to level the playing feld among coal companies as part of the Commonwealth Government’s coal price cap.

Treasurer and Minister for Energy Matt Kean said revised directions mean both domestic

and export-focused coal companies will be required to provide cheaper coal to NSW power stations.

“In response to soaring coal prices caused by the war in Ukraine, the Albanese Government asked NSW to introduce a coal price cap to put downward pressure on electricity prices,” Mr

Kean said.

“As a result of our efforts, federal Treasury analysis shows that future electricity prices for NSW have dropped by 41 per cent since the price caps were announced.”

Mr Kean said this was a modest ask of coal producers, who exported more than $61 billion

of coal from Newcastle alone last year.

“Where possible, coal mines will be required to provide power stations with the amount of coal they have supplied in the past, and export-focused mines will be required to provide additional coal needed to meet any difference,” Mr Kean said.

“Export-focused coal mines that are now covered by the expanded directions will be required to provide no more than fve per cent of their production.”

These directions do not require any coal mine to break a pre-existing contract, including evergreen contracts to avoid

impacting longstanding international commercial arrangements.

Under the national Energy Price Relief Plan, coal suppliers can apply to the Australian Energy Regulator for a higher price cap if they can demonstrate that their costs of production are above the $125 per tonne coal cap.

RESTORING DAMAGED RIPARIAN AREAS

A series of projects will begin across NSW to fx riverbanks and waterways left devastated by a series of natural disasters.

Minister for Agriculture Dugald Saunders said 50 projects will be funded by the $2.4 million Riparian Restoration Grants Program, demonstrating the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government’s ongoing support to communities that have been impacted.

“When we look around our neighborhoods,

it’s not hard to see just how dilapidated these important riparian zones have become after being smashed by continuous fooding, bushfres and drought,” Mr Saunders said.

“This funding will make a real on-theground difference to landholders who have seen parts of the riverbank washed away, while also creating a better habitat for our wildlife.

“Whether it’s using local plant species to

revegetate, building fences, installing alternative water supplies or implementing weed control programs, healthy riparian areas are essential to a healthy environment.”

Ozfsh Chief Executive Offcer Craig Copeland welcomed the project and said it is critical to sustaining our natural resources.

“Fixing our riverbanks is an important activity for our waterways and their fsh and it is essential to overcome

the impacts of the foods as well as resist future fooding,” Mr Copeland said

“Recreational fshers from OzFish are really pleased to be able to help deliver some important projects as part of this program.”

The program is being run by Local Land Services with projects being delivered by Landcare and other natural resource management groups.

Landcare NSW CEO Turlough Guerin

acknowledged the support of the NSW Government and said Landcare groups will use the funding to ensure landscapes are prepared for future disasters.

“Landcare’s extensive network will deliver projects such as riverbank and stream restoration, on-farm erosion works and tree planting, to help mitigate erosion and ensure riverbanks and the wider ecosystems are healthy,” Mr Guerin said.

“A resilient community

is one that can withstand and bounce back from natural disasters, by engaging and supporting each other and that is what Landcare does.”

The $2 million committed to the Landcare Riparian Restoration Grants is part of the NSW Government’s $200 million Regional Recovery Package. Works are expected to be complete by September 2023.

For more, visit www. lls.nsw.gov.au/

BACKING NEW DROUGHT RESILIENCE PROJECTS

The Albanese Government is investing up to $10 million in a new two-year initiative to help make drought resilience products and services more commercially available.

The Drought Resilience Commercialisation Initiative will work with creators to get drought resilience innovations closer to market and closer to Australian

farmers, in order to help them adapt to a changing climate.

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Murray Watt said the Initiative continued the work of the Future Drought Fund (FDF) in supporting farmers and regional communities to prepare for and better manage dry conditions in the future.

“While some regions across Australia are experiencing widespread and devastating fooding at the moment, drought is also a natural part of our landscape, and periods of drought are likely to become more frequent and severe with climate change,” Minister Watt said.

“The Albanese Government understands that by helping

farmers prepare now, communities will be better prepared to weather the impacts of future droughts.

“This will help farmers remain drought resilient, whilst increasing proftability and sustainability.

“The Initiative will be a two-year pilot through to mid-2025 to assess the impact of Commonwealth

involvement in drought resilience commercialisation and help inform future policy development.”

Applications for the delivery partner role are now open via open tender procurement process until March 10, 2023. The chosen delivery partner will provide a tailored, one-on-one commercialisation

service, to support innovators increase their commercial viability and overcome barriers to market.

Applications for pilot participants are expected to open early in the 2023-24 fnancial year. To learn more about the Initiative, visit AusTender.

White spot under biosecurity management in NSW prawn

White spot has been detected at a prawn facility in northern NSW and confrmed by NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) and Australian Centre for Disease Pre-paredness (ACDP) tests.

White spot is a highly contagious viral infection affecting crustaceans, which can cause major mortalities in farmed prawns, but

poses no threat to human health and safety.

NSW Chief Veterinary Offcer, Sarah Britton, said the affected property followed biosecurity protocols and immediately reported their detection to the department.

“NSW DPI acted swiftly to work with the farm to contain and manage white spot,” Dr Britton said.

“Biosecurity teams are undertaking tracing and surveillance to identify the source and pathway of white spot into NSW.

“DNA sequencing from the ACDP will determine if this detection matches any previ-ous white spot samples.

“As a precaution, a short-term control order has been issued to restrict the movement of raw, uncooked

green prawns from the Clarence Estuary.”

NSW DPI is working closely with commercial fshers, the bait industry and prawn farmers to manage the impact of this order while investigations are underway.

NSW Government movement restrictions have been in place to limit the risk of white spot entering NSW since

it was frst detected in south-east Queensland in 2016.

Dr Britton said there was no indication the virus has spread beyond the affected farm.

“Importantly, NSW prawns remain safe for human consumption and consumers can continue to purchase NSW prawns from local seafood suppliers,” she said.

“NSW DPI takes

biosecurity matters like these extremely seriously and we will con-tinue to work closely with industry to minimise disruption.”

White spot was frst detected in NSW in August 2022 at another prawn facility and was contained and eradicated from the enclosed hatchery in September that year.”

Look out for three-day sickness in your herd

Cases of Bovine Ephemeral Fever, also known as three-day sickness, are being seen in cattle on the NSW North Coast.

The disease has been confrmed via laboratory testing in herds across the northern rivers and far north coast. It is expected that the disease will move south as the season progresses.

Three-day sickness is an insect transmitted virus of cattle that causes a high fever and pain in the muscles and joints. On the North Coast it is usually seen in cattle between 6

months and 2 years of age, however if they are from outside the region adult cattle can also experience the disease.

Affected cattle are often by themselves, off their feed, seek shade and water, shiver, drool and are lame. Signs usually last only a few days and most cattle recover uneventfully.

Some cattle –especially bulls and heavier conditioned cattle - may go down and take several days to get back on their feet. Heavier cattle are at an increased risk of secondary complications

as a result of being down. Pregnant cows may abort and bulls may become infertile for up to six months. Milk production can drop signifcantly in lactating cows.

The virus appears on the North Coast in summer as the population of the biting insects that transmit it increase. The occurrence of the disease is likely to increase following the recent rainfall in the region, providing favourable conditions for the insect populations to increase rapidly.

Producers are encouraged to seek veterinary advice and medication is highly effective in bringing down the fever and reducing the muscle and joint pain. Recovery tends to be quicker with less weight loss. There are several other diseases that may resemble three-day sickness requiring alternative treatment, so veterinary diagnosis is essential.

A paddock with plenty of shade, water and feed and free of steep gullies is ideal for cattle to recover

in. Any affected cattle should be provided with shade, water and feed and turned or lifted twice daily to help prevent secondary complications. Recently recovered cattle should not be sent to the abattoirs for several weeks, to give the body a chance to heal and avoid the possibility of downgrades from any residual muscle damage. Where treatments have been given any withholding periods must be observed.

A vaccine is available and its use

is recommended for bulls and any cattle introduced from areas which do not normally experience the virus. In those areas where the virus is already active the vaccine is unlikely to provide protection, though in more southern areas there may still be time for the vaccine to provide protection before the virus arrives.

For further advice contact your North Coast Local Land Services District Veterinarian or private veterinary practitioner.

FLOOD ALERTS AT YOUR FINGERTIPS

Residents across NSW can now receive the latest food and fre warnings in the palm of their hands, with the launch of the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government’s Hazards Near Me app.

The widely used Fires Near Me app, which has more than four million users, has been expanded and renamed to include food alerts from the NSW State Emergency Service (SES), delivering on a key recommendation of the independent Flood Inquiry.

Minister for Customer Service and Digital

Government Victor Dominello said it is critical for the community to have access to the latest information when it matters most.

“Being informed in an emergency situation can save lives, and the Hazards Near Me app will help people stay safe during fres, foods and other natural disasters,”

Mr Dominello said.

“The app has been jointly developed by the Department of Customer Service, SES and NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS), and I’m excited that app users will see additional features roll

out in the future.”

Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience and Minister for Flood Recovery Steph Cooke said empowering people with information is key to improving emergency responses.

“The independent Flood Inquiry identifed the need for a single source of advice that can provide warnings for different types of hazards, and this app delivers on our commitment,” Ms Cooke said.

“In an emergency every minute counts. Hazards Near Me will provide reliable and

timely information directly from emergency services so people can make decisions to keep themselves and their families safe.”

RFS Commissioner Rob Rogers said the NSW community has shown how important apps are during emergencies.

“For more than a decade, the NSW community has used Fires Near Me for bush fre information, and with nearly three million downloads during the 2019-20 bush fre season, it’s a trusted source for fre information

and warnings,” Commissioner Rogers said.

“The Hazards Near Me app builds upon this experience, familiarity and extensive user base by allowing people to see localised and customised information based on the hazards in their area.”

SES Commissioner Carlene York said the app is another way that emergency services can alert the community when action is required.

“In recent months, the SES has delivered a new approach to food warnings in NSW through the adoption of

the three-level Australian Warning System,” Commissioner York said. “The app will not only show where foods are happening and what people should do, but also alert users when new information is available so they can stay up-to-date and make safe decisions”.

Existing users of Fires Near Me will need to update their app through their phone’s app store. New users can download the app by searching for ‘Hazards Near Me’ in their app store.

Pollies tackle tough topics at regional debates

Potholes, solar panels and compulsory land acquisition are some of the biggest issues to emerge from NSW Farmers’ election debate series, which is set to heat up in the fnal two weeks.

The energy transition and its impact on country communities has emerged as a major issue during four debates hosted by NSW Farmers,

alongside road and rail repair, water security and climate policies.

Ministers, shadow ministers and minor parties faced tough questioning during the debates in Goulburn, Bega, Armidale and Muswellbrook, and NSW Farmers Head of Policy Annabel Johnson said people wanted to know how the next government would make

things better.

“This is going to be a very tight election with the cost of living crisis hurting everyone, families and farmers alike, and they’re wanting to know what will be done about it,” Ms Johnson said.

“Roads range from ordinary to terrible across the state, and at the same time there’s this huge land development

pressure – people are feeling like things are being done to their communities without any consultation.

“For those people who have their land compulsorily acquired for big new projects, there’s a real question around whether they’re being treated fairly and getting paid enough.”

The community of Merriwa, in the

Upper Hunter, was a prime example of the pressures facing rural areas, Ms Johnson said.

Situated on the Golden Highway between Newcastle and Dubbo, Merriwa will become a major thoroughfare for trucks and workers building renewable energy projects. Locals raised concerns about schoolchildren crossing highway to access

sporting felds, and feared Sydney-style traffc jams without urgent intervention.

“Locals told the politicians that Merriwa isn’t beneftting from all this new development, but it’s bearing the burden, and it’s just one of many towns facing similar pressures,” Ms Johnson said.

RAM TAKES THE LEAD IN LOCAL VEHICLE MANUFACTURING

The 20,000th 3500 COMES OFF THE MELBOURNE PRODUCTION LINE

2023 HYUNDAI IONIQ 6: READY FOR AUSTRALIA’S ROADS

The IONIQ 5 is a great choice if you want a luxurious electric sedan with all the bells and whistles

By FRANK LEE

By FRANK LEE

RAM Trucks Australia has become the biggest motor vehicle manufacturer in Australia since the demise of local production by Ford, Holden, and Toyota. After building its 20,000th right-hand drive vehicle – a 6.2-litre supercharged V8 Hemi TRX in Hydro Blue – the company

parent company Stellantis were on hand to witness the event. As the world’s only

celebrated the milestone at its recentlyexpanded Melbourne manufacturing facility. Representatives from

RAM-authorised manufacturer of righthand drive RAM trucks, RAM Trucks Australia produces ‘full-size’

pickups for the local market. The company’s range starts with the RAM 1500 Express Crew and Warlock models in the original DS variant, followed by the 1500 Laramie and 1500 Limited in the recently launched DT model range, along with the Heavy Duty 2500 Laramie and Heavy Duty 3500 Laramie. Lastly, the all-new RAM TRX, a powerful new halo model, is also available with a 6.2-litre supercharged Hemi V8 engine producing 523kW of power and 882Nm of torque.

Hyundai Australia has announced local pricing and specifcations for the all-new 2023 IONIQ 6 electric sedan. Starting from $74,000 plus on-road costs, the IONIQ 6 will be available in three guises: Dynamiq, Techniq and Epiq. The Dynamiq variant will be the most affordable option and will be powered by a 77.4kWh lithium-ion battery pack that offers a WLTP driving range of 614km. Both the Techniq and Epiq variants feature a dual-motor powertrain which offers a WLTP driving range of 519km. The IONIQ 6 offers a range of features, including 18-inch alloy wheels, Bluelink connected car services, full LED exterior lighting, eco-leather upholstery, heated 10way power adjustable front seats, a 12.3-inch digital instrument

cluster, head-up display, an eight-speaker Bose sound system, wireless phone charging, tyrepressure monitoring, adaptive cruise control, four drive modes, trailer pre-wiring package, powered tailgate, bio-PET carpet, dualzone climate control, vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality, overthe-air (OTA) updates, remote start and smartphone mirroring. In terms of performance, the Dynamiq variant features a rear axle-mounted motor generating 168kW/350Nm, while the dual-motor versions offer a peak output of 239kW/605Nm. The dual-motor versions are claimed to accelerate from 0-100km/h in 5.1 seconds.

For an additional $9500, the Techniq variant offers 20-inch wheels shod with highperformance Pirelli P Zero rubber, ventilated

‘relaxation’ front seats, a heated steering wheel, full-width glass sunroof and heated rear seats. Spend an additional $4500 for the Epiq and you’ll also get digital side mirrors, a heatpump high effciency heater, and a batteryconditioning system.

Hyundai Australia has yet to reveal the initial allocation size and exact time of release for the IONIQ 6, but CEO Ted Lee said the local division was excited about welcoming its second dedicated IONIQ EV. “IONIQ 6’s 800V EV architecture is just the beginning of the advanced technology. IONIQ 6 showcases the Hyundai brand’s technological ambition and our commitment to developing sustainable mobility solutions, while giving customers an exciting, accessible and versatile EV,” he said.

By FRANK LEE

Ford Australia and Carbon Revolution have created an impressive showcase of the 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse which will be released in Australia later this year.

The wheels are designed with a fve-spoke layout that pays homage to previous Mustang generations while also featuring new innovations. These include the ‘plasma arc spray’ technology, a ceramic and metal-based heat protection technology which is traditionally associated with the aerospace industry.

Furthermore, the wheels are ftted with Carbon

Revolution’s Diamond Weave Technology, lug nuts mounted between the spokes and blue carbonfbre detailing to match the exterior and interior trim

highlights.

The wheels are said to be 37 per cent lighter than traditional wheels, offering a 9.1kg of unsprung weight saving per set.

Pirelli P Zero Trofeo RS tyres encompass the carbon-fbre wheels, suggesting that they will be offered as a package deal, like the Ford Everest

off-roader’s 18-inch alloy wheel and all-terrain tyre combination. The Mustang Dark Horse will be powered by an overhauled version of the familiar 5.0-litre ‘Coyote’ V8 developing 373kW/566Nm, compared to 358kW/563Nm for the Mustang GT. The entrylevel Mustang HP fourcylinder, meanwhile, will develop 235kW/475Nm and all variants will remain rear-wheel drive with the option of a sixspeed manual or 10-speed automatic transmissions.

Local pricing details for the new S650-series Mustang, including the Dark Horse fagship and its optional carbon

wheels, have not yet been announced by Ford Australia. However, a recent leak out of the US indicates a $US57,970 ($A83,871) starting price for the new Mustang fagship in its native market. Overall, the 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse is a powerful and eyecatching car, made even more impressive with its optional fve-spoke carbon-fbre wheels. The wheels are not only aesthetically pleasing, but they also offer a signifcant weight saving over traditional wheels, as well as cutting-edge innovations not typically seen in the automotive industry.

2024 FORD MUSTANG DARK HORSE SHOWCASE: CARBON WHEELS FROM DOWN UNDER

Polestar 3 Prices and Specifcations Announced

By FRANK LEE

Polestar Australia has announced full local pricing and specifcation details – and opened the offcial order book – for the all-electric 2023 Polestar 3 via its public website, where $1000 deposits are now being taken. As expected, Aussies will face a long wait for the all-new large electric SUV, which won’t arrive here until the frst quarter of 2024, but the good news is pricing is slightly lower than the ChineseSwedish EV brand previously announced.

Two all-wheel drive versions will be available, with a starting price of $132,900 plus on-road costs for the Long Range Dual Motor variant, and the beefedup Long Range Dual Motor with Performance Pack fagship priced at $141,900 plus onroad costs. That makes Polestar’s second model after the Polestar 2 fastback a direct rival for large electric SUVs like the Audi Q8 e-tron, BMW iX, Jaguar I-PACE and the upcoming MercedesBenz EQE SUV and 2024 Volvo EX90, with which it shares its SPA2 platform and is also due here in 2024.

However, unlike the seven-seat Volvo EX90, the 4900mm-long Polestar 3 will offer only fve seats, and giving it an unequivocally high-performance bent are muscular 380kW/910Nm outputs for the fagship version, which is claimed to hit 100km/h in just 4.7 seconds, and a handy 360kW/840Nm for the standard version (4.7sec).

Both variants are powered by a big CATL-sourced 111kWh lithium-ion battery pack – feeding a pair of electric motors –yielding a maximum effective (WLTP)

driving range of up to 610km from a single charge. 400-volt electrical architecture allows a peak charging rate of 250kW and both Polestar 3 models have a 2200kg towing capacity.

Specifcation highlights for the Australiabound vehicles include adaptive dual-chamber air suspension, a fulllength panoramic glass roof, full LED lighting, retractable door handles with proximity sensing, rear torque vectoring, 14.5-inch infotainment interface with OTA updates, heat pump and 21-inch alloy wheels.

Apart from extra power and torque, vehicles with the Performance Pack, which will become a $9000 option, add Pirelli P Zero tyres on forged wheels and adaptive dampers. Initial 2024-plated examples will also come with the eventually optional Plus and Pilot packs, which throw in a bunch of extra goodies like a 25-speaker 3D Bowers & Wilkins audio system, soft-closing doors, head-up display and Pilot Assist. Bi-

directional charging capability will also be included out of the box, offering vehicle-to-load (V2L) and eventually vehicle-to-grid (V2G) functionality.

Drivers, passengers, and other road users alike will be protected by an arsenal of fve radar modules, fve external cameras and 12 external ultrasonic sensors as standard. But

the aforementioned Pilot Pack can be had with an optional LiDAR suite that adds another three cameras, four ultrasonic sensors and cleaning functions for the frontand rear-view cameras.

The catch is these LiDAR-equipped vehicles aren’t expected to arrive on Aussie soil until the third quarter

have to wait until 2024 to get

packs a punch with its powerful dual electric motors and its 111kWh lithium-ion battery pack, allowing for a maximum driving range of up to 610km from a single charge.

The 400-volt electrical architecture allows for a peak charging rate of 250kW, and the vehicle is capable of both vehicle-to-load and vehicle-to-grid functionality, once the optional Plus and Pilot packs are included.

of 2024 and will cost an extra $6000. Other options will include premium paint colours among the six hues available ($2000), 1.3-megapixel HD LED headlights ($3000) and ‘animal welfare’ Nappa leather ($7500), which one of three interior trim options including wool and bio-attributed MicroTech vinyl.

Polestar Australia says it has received almost 7000 expressions of interest in the 3 between its unveiling in October last year and the opening of order books today.

“Polestar 3 is a highly anticipated addition to the Polestar range in this market,” CEO Samantha Johnson said. “We know Australians want more electric vehicles

that are ‘ft for purpose’ and with Polestar 3 we will deliver just that –a new, premium benchmark for driving excellence, technological integration, and sustainability for the electric age.”

Allocation sizes and exact ETAs for the Polestar 3 are yet to be confrmed and will be announced in the lead-up to the model’s local launch.

The 2024 Polestar 3 will be quickly followed on sale by the Polestar 4 medium SUV, the 2025 Polestar 5 grand tourer and the 2026 Polestar 6 roadster. Polestar’s all-new, all-electric large SUV is set to revolutionize the Australian car market and is sure to be a hit with drivers looking for an environmentally friendly and technologically advanced way to get around.

With its muscular outputs, long range, ample towing capacity and cutting-edge safety features, the Polestar 3 is set to be the car of choice for those who want the best of both worlds. The Polestar 3

The Polestar 3 also sports a range of cutting-edge safety features, with an arsenal of fve radar modules, fve external cameras, 12 external ultrasonic sensors and optional LiDAR suite with three additional cameras and four ultrasonic sensors. This means that drivers, passengers, and other road users alike can have peace of mind that they are in safe and reliable hands. The Polestar 3 also features a range of luxurious features, including adaptive dual-chamber air suspension, a fulllength panoramic glass roof, full LED lighting, retractable door handles with proximity sensing, rear torque vectoring, 14.5-inch infotainment interface with OTA updates, heat pump, 21inch alloy wheels, Pirelli P Zero tyres on forged wheels, soft-closing doors, head-up display, and Pilot Assist.

Australians will have to wait until the frst quarter of 2024 for the Polestar 3 to arrive, but with almost 7000 expressions of interest already, the wait is sure to be worth it.

The Polestar 3 is set to revolutionize the electric car market in Australia and is sure to be a hit with drivers looking for a luxurious and technologically advanced way to get around.

It’s going to cost a pretty penny for the all-new, all-electric large SUV – and you’ll

it

Superior performance with the Long Range Dual Motor and Performance Pack variants, which boast up to 380kW/910Nm outputs and a 0-100km/h time of just 4.7 seconds

TOYOTA MAKES ITS MOVE INTO FULL ELECTRIFICATION

By ALISTAIR KENNEDY

The name might sound like a robot from Star Wars, but bZ4X is actually the name Toyota has picked for its frst fully-electric vehicle, due to arrive in Australia late this year.

In fact, the ‘bZ’ stands for Beyond Zero, as in zero-emissions, while the ‘4X’ identifes that the vehicle is a compact crossover SUV.

Under the Toyota/Subaru model sharing arrangement, which brought us the 86 and BRZ sports cars, the bZ4X will also be sold here as the Subaru Solterra.

Available in two and allwheel drive form, power comes from a 71.4 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, together with a 150kW electric motor for the front wheels and 80kW unit for the rear in all-wheel drive models.

In the all-wheel drive, total output is 160kW.

Maximum range meanwhile is understood to be 460km (WLTP) for the all-wheel drive version.

Toyota was one of the pioneers of petrol/electric vehicles when it launched the Prius back in 2001 and has had an on-going commitment to expanding and improving the technology.

Indeed, such has been its success that in 2022 almost one-third of Toyota’s 231,000 vehicles had hybrid-electric powertrains.

Rather than join the early rush into full and plug-in EVs, Toyota has held off in anticipation of improvements in battery technology, vehicle range and the expansion of charging infrastructure.

The lack of battery charging stations continues to be a signifcant deterrent to EV sales but Toyota has signalled its commitment to EVs with the unveiling of a $20 million investment by its dealers in charging facilities.

Installation of the frst stage of the dealership charging network, involving 232 sites, is underway and will be completed well ahead of the arrival of bZ4X.

Toyota’s Sean Hanley said the move by dealers to invest in charging was recognition that facilities – and not just

Tugun ca rs

vehicles – had to continue to evolve to meet the changing needs of customers.

“Our dealers will have a mix of AC and fast-charging DC outlets in prime metropolitan and regional sites as well as smaller locations across the country, ensuring they deliver the best possible customer experience for Toyota EV owners,” he said.

Mr Hanley said that at least two more EVs will be added

within the next three years and that, by 2030, Toyota globally plans to release 30 new EVs and lift EV sales to 3.5 million a year.

“During the same timeframe for Australia, we are committed to offering an electrifed version of every model in our range, excluding performance cars.”

Toyota Australia has yet to provide any details of the two key factors for potential EV

buyers: price and range.

However, based on information from overseas where the bZ4X has been on sale since mid-2022 it’s likely to cost upwards of $A70,000 with maximum range up to around 500km – in the same ballpark as its most likely competitors, Hyundai Ioniq5 and Kia EV6.

There’s no mention in this scenario of the hydrogen-based fuel cell technology that Toyota has also been working on over the past few years.

The company has confrmed hydrogen and fuel cell technology will play a signifcant role in Toyota’s global goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.

“We will continue working with Government and Industry partners to support the further development of the hydrogen economy in order to maximise

the role hydrogen can play in a decarbonised society,” a spokesman said.

“Australians have vastly different motoring needs, and Toyota will offer a diverse portfolio of electrifed powertrains that meet the needs and circumstances of all our customers, so that nobody is left behind.

“By 2025, we expect over half of our sales will include some form of electrifcation. Whether the technology is BEV, HEV, FCEV or a yetto-be-discovered technology, Toyota is committed to making every effort to offer better mobility solutions for the people of Australia and around the world.”

More specifc information will be published as and when we receive it.

The arrival of the new bZ4X will mark a major milestone for Toyota.

Reliving

TARDY TARDIS OF OFF-ROADERS CELEBRATES 55 YEARS

By CHRIS RILEY

Check out the ‘guns’ on this Mercedes-AMG G 63 Edition 55.

It’s one of three special editions to mark the 55th anniversary of the Mercedes go-fast brigade.

Edition 55 adds $29,900 to the already asking price of $365,091 for the standard G 63, making it just that much more exclusive.

Trouble is, even if you’ve got the readies to buy what could be described as the ultimate ‘bogan’ accessory – it could be a long wait because the standard G 63 remains out of stock.

Why? That’s a very good question. Someday Benz might actually reply to one of our emails -- God forbid return a phone call.

Originally designed as a military vehicle, the G-Class or G Wagen as it is often called, still occupies a ladder

chassis like fair dinkum 4x4s and retains go anywhere capability – the AMG version perhaps less so.

And, a bit like Dr Who’s TARDIS, the rugged good looks hide a sumptuous interior with all the mod cons that will ft.

Standard kit includes Nappa leather, a leather-trimmed dash, microfbre roof liner, leather AMG Performance steering

wheel, heated outer rear seats and a digital TV tuner – not to mention a 590-watt Burmester sound system and 64 shades of mood lighting.

The Edition 55 package ups the ante, with the addition of the Night Package and Night Package II.

This adds gloss black fnishes for the front splitter, trim elements on the louvres in the outer air intakes, plus the inserts in the AMG

side sill panels, the beltline trim strip, the window line trim strip and the exterior mirror housings.

Tailpipe trims are fnished in black chrome, as are the louvres in the AMGspecifc radiator grille. Heat-insulating dark tinted glass is added, while model badges on the boot lid and wings in high-gloss black complete the exclusive appearance.

Matt carbon-fbre trim elements and the addition of AMG 22inch cross-spoke forged wheels underline the attitude.

Inside, the seats of the Edition 55 are fnished in distinctive red and black.

Powering the G 63 is a twin turbo 4.0-litre V8 that produces 430kW of power and 850Nm of

new G-Class must conquer the Schöckl.

Benz uses the 1445-metre-high local mountain near the Austrian city of Graz as a test track.

The 5.6 km route includes gradients of up to 60 percent and lateral inclinations of up to 40 percent.

Mind you, introduced

torque, in combination with a nine-speed auto.

There’s also an AMG performance selectable exhaust system, AMG dynamic select and AMG ride control.

Just like Jeep has the Rubicon Trail, every

in 2018, this is only the second-generation G-Wagen.

Edition 55 went on sale February 7 and is available from Benz dealers and the Mercedes-Benz online showroom.

Béla Fleck & Abigail Washburn

Soaring coming-of-age drama

By ROBERT KING

Béla Fleck is an iconic instrumentalist and composer with sixteen Grammy awards to his name, and a background in bluegrass. He is

clawhammer banjo, incorporating far east culture and sounds. Together, the duo are presenting songs from their Grammy-winning self-titled debut and Echo in the Valley at

into new realms. Their deep bond and musical chemistry makes Béla Fleck & Abigail Washburn one of the most pioneering, yet familiar banjo-picking partnerships in the world. They are redefning the bluegrass genre and pushing the boundaries of the banjo.

By ROBERT KING

renowned for pushing the boundaries of the banjo, taking it across multiple genres with his virtuosic, jazz-toclassical ingenuity.

Abigail Washburn, a postmodern, old-time singer-songwriter, has a unique take on the

QPAC’s iconic Concert Hall for one night only.

Béla and Abigail’s musical styles and banjo styles interact, creating a unique sound. They merge tradition with innovation, showcasing America’s rich heritage while bringing the banjo

Performing:

Scan the QR Code to book tickets

8 Mar 2023, 8pm 2 hours (including interval, subject to change without notice)

Choir Boy, written by Academy Awardwinning writer Tarell Alvin McCraney and directed by Dino Dimitriadis and Zindzi Okenyo, is a powerful and moving story of sexuality, race, hope and a young gay man fnding his voice. It follows the journey of Pharus Young, a student determined to make his mark as the best choir leader in the 50-year history of Charles R. Drew Prep School for Boys, while facing the challenges of trying to conform to masculine expectations and gain the respect of the choristers he leads. The production features uplifting music and electrifying dance routines and is threaded with soul-stirring a cappella tones. Music

Direction is by Allen René Louis, with a cast including Darron Hayes and Tony Sheldon (Priscilla, Queen of the Desert). Choir Boy is a Tony Award® nominated musical drama and has won awards for Outstanding Vocal Arrangements, Best Sound Design of a Play, and Outstanding Music in a Play. It has been highly acclaimed in its Australian premiere in Sydney and is now coming to QPAC for a strictly limited season. Don’t miss this inspiring production and the opportunity to raise your voice and cheer as one student boldly stands up to the traditions that seek to silence him!

AWARDS: Tony Award® nomination for Best Play Tony

Award® Special Award winner for Outstanding Vocal Arrangements Tony Award® winner for Best Sound Design of a Play Drama Desk Award winner for Outstanding Music in a Play

Performing: Scan the QR Code to book tickets

15-18 Mar 2023, 8pm 2 hours (including interval, subject to change without notice)

Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania

By ROBERT KING

During her time in the Quantum Realm, Janet van Dyne encountered Kang, an exiled traveler who promised they could both escape if she helped him rebuild his Multiversal Power Core. Janet was horrifed when she saw a vision of Kang conquering and destroying worlds, so she used her Pym Particles to enlarge his

Power Core beyond use, trapping them both. Fast forward to the present day, after the Battle of Earth, and Scott Lang is a successful memoirist, happily living with his girlfriend Hope van Dyne.

Lang’s daughter Cassie has become an activist and when she reveals she has been working on a device that can make contact with the Quantum Realm, Janet

PH: 6686 9600

panics and tries to shut it off. However, the message gets through, opening a portal that pulls the fve of them into the Quantum Realm. Lang and Cassie are found by natives who are rebelling against their ruler, Kang, whom Janet had unwittingly caused to be exiled.

Upon meeting with Lord Krylar, a former ally of Janet’s, they fnd out that Kang is now the ruler of

the realm. The three are forced to fee, but the Langs are taken to Kang, who demands Lang help him get his power core back or else he will kill Cassie. Hope helps Lang acquire the power core, but Kang destroys Janet’s ship with Pym on it. Pym helps Lang and Hope as they make their way to Kang and Janet fxes the power core, allowing them to jump

through a portal home. Kang attacks Lang, but Hope returns and helps him destroy the power core and knock Kang into it, causing him to be pulled into oblivion. In a mid-credit’s scene, Kang’s variants are seen commiserating and planning their multiversal uprising, while in a post-credits scene, Loki and Mobius spot another Kang variant. Janet’s

encounter with Kang led to a chaotic battle of epic proportions and a journey of discovery for both herself and the Langs. With her Pym Particles, Janet was able to outsmart Kang and ensure his imprisonment in the Quantum Realm, saving the universe and allowing the Langs to fnally return home.

Victorian State Ballet The Snow Queen

BEAR MA+ 95 MIN

Thurs-Wed: 12.05pm, 4.00pm, 8.15pm

FISHERMAN’S FRIENDS 2 PG 112MIN

Thurs-Wed: 10.00am, 1.50pm, 5.50pm

MAGIC MIKE’S LAST DANCE M 112MIN

Thurs-Wed: 10.20am, 8.00pm

Thurs-Fri: 3.15pm Mon-Wed: 3.15pm

PUSS IN BOOTS: THE LAST WISH PG 102MIN

Sat-Sun: 10.20am, 12.25pm

TÁR M 158 MIN

Thurs-Wed: 10.10am

THE BANSHEES OF INISHERIN M 114MIN

Thurs-Fri: 12.25pm Mon-Wed: 12.25pm

The Victorian State Ballet proudly presents The Snow Queen in a beautiful ballet story performance!

Outstanding skill, artistry and technique will be on show in this visually inspiring and highly entertaining performance. Enjoy a magical

experience delighting in the beauty and splendour of stunning sets, costumes, music and icy magic lighting. Pure delight!

Based on the wellknown classic fairy tale of Hans Christian Andersen, The Snow Queen, is a beautiful ballet that portrays the

heart-warming story of the young Gerda and her struggle against an evil and icy foe. The Snow Queen is full of magical imagery, intrigue, drama and suspense. This performance is suitable and enjoyable for all ages.

Performing:

1 Apr 2023, 7pm 2 hours (includes interval, subject to change without notice)

Time is running out

False face must hide what false heart doth know

By ROBERT KING

The ticking clock of the natural world is a reminder of how quickly our resources are being depleted. It is a sign of the urgency of our need to act now and protect our planet for the future. Through RED, Dancenorth is bringing awareness to this issue in an incredibly powerful way. The dancers’ movements represent the struggle of redheads and other endangered species to survive. As the infatable structure is slowly defated, the audience is made aware of how little

time we have before these species become extinct. This serves as a reminder of our need to take responsibility for preserving the environment before it’s too late. RED is an emotional performance that captures both the beauty and fragility of life. By combining dance, music, and visual effects, Dancenorth creates a thought-provoking piece that encourages us to consider the consequences of our actions. It’s a stark reminder that time is running out, and we must act now if we want to

preserve the beauty of the natural world.

Performing: Scan the QR Code to book tickets 29 March to 1 April 50 minutes (nointerval, subject to change

By ROBERT KING

Umberto Clerici, the new chief conductor of the Queensland Symphony Orchestra, will lead the orchestra and the Opera Queensland Chorus in a spellbinding performance of Giuseppe Verdi’s Macbeth. This timeless tragedy of ambition and betrayal, based on Shakespeare’s tragedy, is as relevant today as it was when it was frst performed in 1847. The stellar cast features José Carbó as Macbeth, Anna Louise-Cole as Lady Macbeth and Rosario La Spina as Macduff. With their powerful voices and intense

interpretations, they bring the characters to life in a way that only a live performance can. Verdi’s music is the perfect accompaniment to the drama and tragedy of Shakespeare’s story. His score is flled with thrilling moments that will leave the audience on the edge of their seat. From the eerie opening chords to the stirring fnale, the orchestra and chorus will bring the story of Macbeth to vivid life. The Queensland Symphony Orchestra and Opera Queensland Chorus will transport audiences to a world of treachery and ambition, as they present Giuseppe Verdi’s Macbeth. Under

the masterful baton of Umberto Clerici, with a cast of internationally acclaimed singers, this is sure to be a performance to remember. Vocal Arrangements Tony Award® winner for Best Sound Design of a Play Drama Desk Award winner for Outstanding Music in a Play

Performing: Scan the QR Code to book tickets 9 & 11 Mar 2023 3 hours (including interval, subject to change without notice)

Sunday – Jason Kafoa

Kokoda Fish

SURPRISING DISCOVERY: ANTIOXIDANTS IN BEEF, CHICKEN, AND PORK

The research team led by Professor Hideshi Ihara from the Osaka Metropolitan University Graduate School of Science has discovered a new form of imidazole dipeptides (IDPs)

-- 2-oxo-imidazolecontaining dipeptides (2-oxo-IDPs) -- which are unique in that they have one more atom of oxygen than normal IDPs. These new compounds have been found to have especially high antioxidant activity, making them highly valuable for medical and pharmaceutical use.

The researchers have developed a method to selectively and sensitively detect very small amounts of 2-oxoIDPs, and in doing so, they have revealed for the frst time that several types of 2-oxo-IDPs are contained in meat, including beef, pork, and chicken. Through the use of mass spectrometry, the team has been able to quantify trace 2-oxoIDPs in living organisms, thus providing a valuable tool for advanced analysis of 2-oxo-IDPs.

The team’s fndings have far-reaching implications, as they suggest that these 2-oxo-IDPs may play a signifcant role in the health and wellbeing of humans and other animals. In particular, they may be effective in relieving fatigue and preventing dementia, although the exact physiological mechanism by which they work has yet to be determined.

The research team has expressed the hope that their fndings will be applied to various felds such as medicine, agriculture, and pharmacy, where it will help improve peoples’ health and prevent diseases. This new method for detection of 2-oxo-IDPs opens up a vast array of potential applications and is certain to have a lasting impact on the feld of antioxidant research.

WHO SHOULD BE GIVEN ACCESS TO OZEMPIC FOR WEIGHT LOSS?

Semaglutide, sold in the forms of Ozempic and Wegovy, suddenly became a popular weight-loss medication last year, after being spruiked by social media infuencers and people such as Elon Musk. This unexpected increase in demand for the drug has resulted in a world-wide shortage. Producing semaglutide involves a unique manufacturing set-up, and it will take some time to re-establish a global supply, with an expected return to Australia at the end of March.

Originally intended for type 2 diabetes management, Ozempic has controlled blood sugar levels more effectively than other medications for many people with diabetes –and the shortage has left them struggling to fnd pharmacies with their treatment in stock. For weight loss, Wegovy has been approved by both US and Australian regulators, though it hasn’t been available for use in Australia yet. When the shortage is resolved and semaglutide is once again available in Australia, it is unclear who will be able to access it for weight loss and how much they will

pay.

SO HOW DOES SEMAGLUTIDE WORK? It increases feelings of fullness by acting on appetite centres in the brain and slowing stomach emptying, and affects the secretion of insulin and glucagon. Studies show it helps 66-84 per cent of people to lose weight, making it more effective than other drugs on the market. The downside is that once stopped, patients notice a gradual regain of up to two-thirds of the weight they lost. This means semaglutide works only while taking it – it “manages” but does not “cure”. It is meant to be an add-on, not a replacement, for exercise and a healthy diet.

Side effects of semaglutide can include nausea, bloating, constipation and diarrhoea, though research is reassuring so far on the risk of pancreatitis, thyroid and pancreatic cancers. The biggest barrier to the drug for weight loss is the cost – in Australia it is estimated to cost around $130 a month in 2022, though it could be pricier once supply issues are fxed. People with lower incomes may struggle to afford it, so

from a public health perspective subsidising on the Pharmaceutical Benefts Scheme (PBS) may be necessary. One serious concern is the potential for semaglutide to be used by people who are not obese, particularly those with eating disorders. The psychological and social pressure to be thin is a powerful driver, and people may see semaglutide as a way of “treating” their body image issues. Another concern is the impact on enjoying food – patients feel full after just a few bites, making meals with friends awkward and limiting their social life.

First-line obesity management should always be lifestyle interventions, but when this is insuffcient, patients’ options are limited. Semaglutide could possibly play a role in weight loss management in Australia, though this will require input from the community and from doctors, and clear, evidence-based guidelines that consider the psychological and social impact of the drug. Equity of access must also be addressed, alongside protection for those with body image issues.

PHARMACY DUO HANDED PRISON TIME

The Department has a wide range of compliance and enforcement powers to detect, investigate and punish those who are found to have committed fraud and other offences under the Health Insurance Act 1973.

The sentencing of two individuals in Victoria and New South Wales last week serves as a reminder to the public that the Department will take action against those who seek to defraud the Medicare system.

The Department of Health and Aged Care and the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions (CDPP) have jointly sent a strong message to those who seek to defraud the Medicare and Pharmaceutical Benefts Scheme by handing down two prison sentences to a pharmacist and practice manager from across Australia.

Carson Au, a Victorian pharmacy practitioner, was sentenced to two years imprisonment after having made 76 false PBS claims between 25 February 2018 and 20 September

2019. Au received PBS payments in the amount of $110,461.68 to which he was not entitled. He was sentenced to two years imprisonment commencing on the 2 February 2023, with eight months to be served in custody before being released on a $5,000 Good Behaviour Bond of two years. All monies owed by Mr Au have been repaid.

Former practice manager Amanda Blackburn of St Clair was sentenced to a maximum of four years imprisonment with a minimum two years to be served by the Parramatta District Court after pleading guilty to defrauding taxpayers of almost $315,000 by lodging false MBS claims. Ms Blackburn was found to have made 3,915 false or misleading MBS claims for 6,897 services between 26 March 2014 and 1 February 2021 that were not actually provided to patients. A Restitution Order was issued by the Court for $314,253.60.

The Department of Health and Aged Care has a zero tolerance

policy for those who seek to defraud the Medicare system. As such, the Department has a wide range of compliance and enforcement powers to detect, investigate and punish those who are found to have committed fraud and other offences under the Health Insurance Act 1973. The Department is committed to protecting the integrity of the Medicare system and will take action against those who seek to undermine it.

The recent sentencing of Carson Au and Amanda Blackburn sends a clear deterrent message to those who might consider engaging in fraudulent activities under the Medicare and Pharmaceutical Benefts Scheme.

The Department of Health and Aged Care and the CDPP have shown that they are committed to ensuring that the Medicare and Pharmaceutical Benefts Systems are upheld and protected against fraud, and will not hesitate to take action against those who seek to exploit it.

RECEPTIONIST FOUND GUILTY OF DEFRAUDING MEDICARE OF $253K

The public should be aware that convictions for Medicare fraud can lead to signifcant penalties and jail time. This case serves as an important reminder that the Department of Health and Aged Care takes allegations of Medicare fraud seriously and will not hesitate to refer matters to the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions (CDPP) for prosecution.

On Wednesday, 25 January 2023 in the Southport District Court, Ms Angela Rose was sentenced to a total of 18 months imprisonment after pleading guilty to the fraudulent claiming of more than $253,000 in Medicare payments under the Medicare Benefts Scheme (MBS). The charges included four counts of obtaining a fnancial advantage under section 134.2 (1) of the Criminal Code Act 1995, and two counts of attempting to pervert

justice under section 43 (1) of the Crimes Act 1914.

This case was referred to the CDPP by the Department of Health and Aged Care’s Benefts Integrity and Digital Health Division after an investigation revealed that Ms Rose had unlawfully claimed benefts under the MBS between the 21 March 2016 and 16 August 2017. Ms Rose was ordered to pay back the $253,224.85 she had received in Medicare benefts to which she was not entitled.

The Department of Health and Aged Care is committed to identifying, verifying, and investigating incorrect or fraudulent Medicare claiming. The Department takes all tip-offs seriously and has a range of methods to address instances of non-compliance. It is also able to call upon the assistance of law enforcement bodies such as the Australian Federal Police (AFP)

or State Police as necessary.

In order to protect the integrity of the Medicare system, the Department encourages members of the public to report any suspected non-compliance or fraud of Government health payments by health providers. This can be done via the “Reporting Fraud” page on the Department of Health and Aged Care›s website at www.health. gov.au/fraud-tip-offs or by calling the Provider Benefts Integrity Hotline on 1800 314 808.

The conviction and sentencing of Ms Rose is a stark reminder of the serious consequences of committing Medicare fraud. The Department of Health and Aged Care will not hesitate to refer matters to the CDPP for prosecution, and individuals convicted of this crime can face signifcant penalties and jail time.

New Store Open next to Aldi!

Campbells Tree Care

Mastering The Maidenhair Fern

There is a lot of misinformation out there about maidenhair ferns (Adiantum sp.) which paints them as being fnicky and easy to kill when they are actually one of the easiest plants to care for. By looking at their natural habitat you can quite quickly start to see that there are really only two things that matter when it comes to growing this super lush fern. Light and water!

Maidenhair ferns can be found natively around Melbourne. After some research, and trial and error we have fgured out how to grow the perfect maidenhair fern and are ready to share our secret with you.

Light/ Position:

Maidenhair ferns need to be in a very bright position. Look for a spot where there is enough natural (indirect) light that you don’t always have to use any electric lighting to be in the space comfortably. If the room is a bit darker try to keep the fern closer to window to maximize how much light it receives. A good way to tell if it’s a good position is that you will be able to see the sky from the plants perspective.

Cool direct sun either in the morning all year round, or direct afternoon sun in winter provides a huge boost to the growth speed without burning the plant. Our maidenhair fern receives direct morning sun everyday which is how it managed to grow to this size in only three months.

Water:

Maidenhair ferns are one of the few plants that you cannot over-water! They love to be consistently moist at all times. The easiest way to achieve this is to keep a deep tray under the pot they are in (self watering pots work great for this too.)

If the tray is empty, add water to it, if it’s full then your job here is done! In summer they can drink up quite a bit of water so be sure to keep the tray topped up at all times. In winter the tray can be allowed to empty for a short time without damaging the plant. Avoid watering onto the leaves as they may snap. Watering directly onto the soil or just top up the tray.

Fertilising:

During the warmer months of the year, apply a liquid fertilizer every two weeks. Make sure to dilute the fertilizer per the instructions on the back. Feel free to use a seaweed extract or similar product at the same rate to elevate your plant’s health.

During winter the growth will slow down so fertilizer will not be necessary, however if you are blessed with the right conditions and your plant continues to rapidly grow then keep fertilising but consider using a weaker dosage. Most newly purchased plants will come with a few months worth of slow release fertilizer already in the soil.

Re-potting: Due to the maidenhair water requirements it is easiest to get a pot that comes with a deep tray or self watering feature unless you want to water it everyday. It’s always better to re-pot during the warmth of spring and summer when the plant is actively growing but I haven’t found this plant to be particularly sensitive to being re-potted at other times of the year provided it is a well established plant is well looked after. (If you have any well researched resources on re-potting ferns please send them our way.)

Simply massage the plastic nursery pot to help it release and slide the root ball free. The root ball may stay in a solid cylinder shape due the matted form of the roots holding all the soil together. You do not need to tease the roots or loosen the soil up to encourage growth. Simply place it into it’s new container and fll in the spaces.

The large plant featured in the comparison is in a 16cm in diameter and 16cm tall pot. The small plant is in a 14cm x 14cm pot. A larger pot does not always mean a larger plant. It is best to increase pot sizes incrementally to avoid shocking the plant, but even so the maidenhair is quite happy to be root bound and will become very large regardless. The only real difference between the two plants is three months of time.

Terracotta pots are perfectly fne to use. The porous nature of unsealed terracotta does wick water out of the soil and tray but as long as the tray is constantly flled there is no difference to the health of the plant. The plant may release spores that can even grow on the outside of this kind of pot!

I have regularly seen maidenhairs happily growing in pots with no drainage holes although I don’t recommend this as the soil can rot and become full of mould and algae (this will kill most plants too.) Any premium potting mix should be fne to use but always be sure it is high

quality. In Australian you’ll most likely be spending about $8-$12 for a bag depending on the size. To guarantee it’s good quality in Australia, keep an eye out for the ‘Australian Standard’ logo. If it doesn’t have this logo it is probably not going to beneft your plants. Make sure the potting mix is stored in the dry space and is fresh (before purchase). Many large chain nurseries will store low quality potting mix in the same space as the premium soils causing contamination of gnat fies and fungus. (We will have a more in depth article on soil soon!)

Resurrection: If you’re reading this article it is highly likely you have killed a maidenhair at least once in your life. Don’t stress as they are easily resurrected by simply trimming off the damaged leaves (even if it is all of them) and then returning to the proper care routine. It may take some time but the new fronds will start to emerge from the roots as long as they are kept moist.

Propagation: Maidenhair ferns can be propagated via division or from their spores. For higher chances of success and survival always propagate during the warmer months.

Take an established plant and divide the root ball in half by gently ripping or cutting it. Don’t worry if a few leaves die off once the division is complete. Place the new plants into pots and then continue so treat them as usual. A little seaweed extract added at this time can help the plants deal with any shock from being torn in half by YOU! Make sure the new pots you plant into aren’t too large. Choose something bit bigger than the new root ball until the new plant is well adjusted to it’s new life.

Propagation via spores: Ferns don’t produce a fower or seed, they create spores! We will write a detailed article about the life cycle of ferns at a later date. It is both beautiful and confusing!

Propagation via spores is easy to try! You will know your plant is ready to produce spores when you see the sori (little brown dots on the underside of the leaf tips.) Cut off a few fronds with the sori and place them between two pieces of paper and leave it in a protected space for a week. The spores will drop onto the paper where you can then spread them over the soil in a small pot.

Cover the top of the pot with plastic wrap to create a mini greenhouse. Make sure this is not in direct sun as it may get too hot.

Keep the soil moist and after a few weeks you will begin to see the gametophytes emerging. This is just one step in the process to achieving a new plant. After fertilisation of the gametophyte, the sporophytes aka ferns will begin to emerge!

Misting/ Humidity: Common maidenhair fern varieties don’t need any additional humidity. This is hard to believe when you see the thin, feathery leaves but it’s true! There are defnitely some species that may be more sensitive, but for the more common ones the natural humidity in Melbourne is perfect. Our average year round relative humidity is 55%. Considering you can fnd this plant growing in the wild in Victoria it makes sense that it doesn’t need any additional misting or protection.

A regular amount of natural air fow is perfectly fne, whether it’s from an open window or because you keep your plants in a sheltered spot outside. Be careful that heating and cooling is not blowing onto any of your plants though as the air is often very dry and will disturb the natural transpiration processes.

Black tea and tannins: We’ve seen a lot of posts about watering your maidenhair with cooled off black tea and mixing the spent tea leaves into your soil to add extra tannins to the mix. While I see the logic behind this I haven’t seen any results or well researched articles discussing this. If you know of any resources discussing this topic please send them to us.

Maidenhairs do natural grow along waterways, and in organic matter rich soils which would contain a lot of tannins. I don’t know for sure whether or not additional tannins added to your plant would be benefcial but doing this occasionally certainly won’t have negative effects. The potting mix you use will release tannins as it breaks down. This is what makes the water that drains out of your pots a darker colour.

We don’t use this technique for any of our plants and for now simply recommend using a regular fertilizer and a premium potting mix. Try adding seaweed extracts if you want to take your plant nutrition to the next level!

Heat a large non-stick frying pan over high heat. Season the chicken & place, skin side down, in the pan. Cook for 3 minutes or until golden. Turn and cook for a further 2 minutes. Transfer to the bowl of a slow cooker.

Drain the rendered fat from the pan and discard. Heat the oil in the frying pan. Reduce heat to medium-low. Add the onion and garlic and cook, stirring o en, for 2 minutes or until so . Add to the slow cooker.

3 small chicken breast fillets

2 tsp extra virgin olive oil

40g butter

2 eschalots, sliced

2 garlic cloves, crushed

1/2 cup brandy

3 tsp dijon mustard

Meanwhile, place the corn our in a large jug and gradually whisk in the stock. Add the cream, passata, Worcestershire sauce and mustard.

Cover and cook on Low for 3 1/2 hours. Add the mushroom and cook for a further 20 minutes. Add the pasta and cook for 10 minutes or until tender. Sprinkle with parsley to serve.

2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

3/4 cup Bulla Cooking Cream

1 tbsp chopped fresh chives

1 bunch broccolini, steamed Mashed potato, to serve

Grape Expectations by Max Crus

Better late than feta

Here we go again.

A bunch of tiny villages in Italy, Spain, Türkiye and Greece and, okay, all over the place, are shirty about us using their names on our products. The nerve.

Why shouldn’t I be able to make ‘Feta’ here in Betoota, just because the good burghers of Greece invented the stuff (and don’t even put it on their burgers), and want to put a patent on it?

Fair suck of the saveloy. Hang on, can’t use that either if Wikipedia is to be believed…”The word is believed to be derived from Middle French cervelas or servelat, originating from Old Italian cervellato (‘pigs brains’), ultimately from the Latin cerebrus (‘brain’). Its frst known use in the English language in this meaning was 1784. Cervellato is still the name of a sausage in Italy; it is longer and

thinner than standard Italian sausages”….so to whom does the humble sav’ belong now?

Work that one out guys. But then again, why bother, since no-one is going to eat them now after discovering the active ingredient is pig’s brains. Hmm, actually, many thought it was worse than that.

Yep, here we go again, the way of Champagne, Hermitage, Port, Burgundy and Claret, just to name what we drank last night, under a different name, with our feta, gruyere, parmesan and prosecco, all the latter coming under the same threat.

So what do we do? Engage a bevy of embarrassingly highly paid lawyers to fght the inevitable.

Idiots.

Instead of funnelling all our hard (or soft) earned money into the

superannuation funds of people dressed in stupid, woolly wigs, just drop the names and start a campaign, a competition even better, to fnd a new name for feta et al. Okay, our chances aren’t good. We still haven’t found something half decent to replace Champagne, and while they’re already onto it with ‘Beta’, actually, that’s taken already too, how about ‘Meta’, um, guess not. ‘Zeta’? Sounds like a Greek granny, but nonetheless slightly inappropriate. ‘Deta’? Yeah, nah.

To the cheese (and wine) industry, suck it up guys and get a wriggle on and stop throwing good money after bad advice, you’re starting to look like the tobacco industry…and don’t think that debate isn’t coming with alcohol.

Um, am I allowed to say, even in jest, that I am from Betoota, or is that a breach of copyright?

Best’s Great Western Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 $25

Actually maybe you could take these to court. I gave the nod to the cab originally, but maybe I had to get up earlier the next day, and the shiraz is older… better try them again 9.4/10.

Dalfarras South Eastern Australia

Prosecco 2021, $20.

Bright enough bubbles with a slightly Italian edge, in name at least. Perfectly good plonk for a party so enjoy it until the party is over.

9/10.

(Wine X Sam) Central Victoria The Victorian Prosecco 2021, $24. Queen Victoria has a lot to answer for but this prosecco is one of her better outcomes. Toast the monarchy or its demise along with that of prosecco with each glass.

9.2/10.

Mayfeld Vineyard Orange

‘Backyard’ Riesling 2022, $34.

Fancy having riesling vines in your backyard? Yep, that’s where this gets its name. Who apart from the kids, wouldn’t give up a cricket pitch for a riesling patch? You wouldn’t get any argument from the current Aussie cricket team surely. Smart stuff, defnitely more Smith than Warner.

9.4/10.

Mayfeld Vineyard Orange

‘Sophie’s Godmother’ Sauvignon Blanc 2022, $34.

A sauv blanc in the old style but not so old that you’d call it White

Bordeaux. Refreshingly traditional without the new world (NZ) excess or trendy use of oak. Apparently Sophie’s Godmother found this vineyard! “To lose one vineyard is unfortunate...”.

9.3/10

Best’s Great Western Bin No.1 Shiraz 2020, $25. One way to tell which of two lovely wines is the better, is to see how much remains the next morning. This possibly got the edge over its cabernet sibling, but you wouldn’t engage a lawyer to debate it. Both full bodied reds from full-bodied red country.

9.4/10.

Max Crus

Anyway, let’s raise a glass of prosecco to toast its new name while we can.

10% of Variable Rate Mortgage Holders Struggling to Make Ends Meet as RBA Raises Interest Rates

By GEOFF SMITH

The Reserve Bank of Australia’s (RBA) Governor, Philip Lowe, has recently been facing questioning by federal politicians about rising interest rates, infation and Australia’s cost of living crisis. With the RBA having lifted the offcial cash rate a record nine consecutive times since May to 3.35 per cent this month, this has resulted in soaring interest rates, with one-in-ten variable rate mortgage holders now being in fnancial stress.

The RBA has opted to aggressively raise rates in a bid to tame runaway infation, which reached 7.8 per cent in December, its highest since 1990. Despite this, Governor Lowe has conceded that the central bank “did too much” when it dropped the cash rate to just 0.10 per cent during the pandemic, and has since had to “backtrack”. At the same parliamentary hearing, RBA assistant governor Brad Jones highlighted the disparity between Australian households in terms of how much they are struggling with interest rates.

He revealed that about half of variablerate owner-occupiers are more than a year ahead on their mortgage payments, and a third more than

Parliament Challenges Lowe on RBA Rate Hikes and their Impact

two years ahead, yet about 10 per cent of variable-rate owneroccupier borrowers have “virtually no spare cash fow” after their mortgage payments and their living costs.

Governor Lowe has explained that the RBA is navigating a “narrow path” between reining in infation and falling into recession, and if the economy stays its current course, interest rates

could start to come down in early 2024.

Despite this, the market is still tipping the RBA to lift the cash rate as high as 3.85 per cent before next year. The Governor has been open about the diffcult path that lies ahead and the consequences it may have on Australian families. Despite this, when questioned on what keeps him awake at night, he joked he’d

like to be in the media less. Governor Lowe’s statements, however, have highlighted the diffcult balancing act that the RBA has to perform in order to effectively manage the economy and prevent it from falling into a recession. On the one hand, it must take the necessary steps to reduce infation, but on the other, it must also take into consideration

the potential impact that raising interest rates could have on the Australian public.

The RBA is therefore tasked with fnding the right balance between controlling infation and managing expectations, while at the same time taking into account the potential impact that this could have on businesses and households. This requires a delicate balancing act, as raising

rates too quickly could lead to a recession, while not raising them quickly enough could result in an over-infated economy.

Ultimately, the RBA must take a long-term view and consider the potential implications for the entire economy.

The Governor’s recent statements suggest that the RBA is taking this into account and is doing its best to navigate this diffcult path.

REBUILDING LISMORE

QUICK CROSSWORD

ACROSS

1 Husks of corn (5)

4 Workers (9)

9 Support (7)

10 Of su cient quality (2,2,3)

11 Those sharing a house (9)

12 Edgar – Poe (5)

13 Exclamation of surprise (3)

14 Body of water to the East of Italy (8,3)

16 Not belonging to a time period (11)

19 Male sheep or goat (3)

20 Follow as consequence (5)

22 Speed of pulse (9)

25 Avoiding contact with others (7)

26 Print process (7)

27 Complementary item (9)

28 Mystics (5) DOWN

1 Understandable (5)

2 Closest galaxy (9)

3 Public assembly (5)

4 Voter (7)

SUDOKU

5 Former German state (7)

6 Social exclusion

1 Is a monteith a type of bowl, cape or curtain?

2 The tangelo is a hybrid of which two fruits?

3 What is a farthingale?

4 On which continent would you nd the world’s largest sand desert?

5 What does the Latin phrase caveat emptor mean?

6 What is the capital of Saudi Arabia?

7 Who played Susan in the 1980s lm Desperately Seeking Susan?

8 The emblem of which state or territory belongs to the same genus as cotton?

9 In which year did the Berlin Wall (pictured) fall?

10 In terms of carbon dating, what does BP stand for?

WORD FIND

1 Forbidding (4)

5 Take on cargo (4)

6 Region (4)

7 Deceased (4)

1 Contented

No. 134

Using the nine letters in the grid, how many words of four letters or more can you list? The centre letter must be included, and each letter may only be used once. No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural words ending in “s”.

Safety Corp RTO 91694

Tweed Heads

0466 015 373 www. rstaidsc.com

Each number corresponds to a letter. Can you crack the code?

HIDDEN WORD

Solve all the clues and an eight-letter word will be spelled out.

1 A type of snake

2 Roses have these

5 Cute aquatic mammal

Insert each number from 1 to 9 in the shaded squares to solve all the horizontal and vertical equations. –

addition + = 9

–+

+ = 57

× ×

÷ ×

+ = 15

–×

=

= =

2 46

3 Topmost room of a house

4 What a wizard performs

6 Eagles have these on their feet

7 Jeans are made of this

8 Popular Italian food

HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW...

1. Who did Karvan star opposite in 1990 Aussie teen comedy

The Big Steal?

A. Guy Pearce

B. Heath Ledger

C. Ben Mendelsohn

D. David Wenham

2. She won a Logie for her role in which Australian drama?

A. Rake

B. Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries

C. O spring

D. The Secret Life of Us

3. Which of the following Australian TV series did she not feature in?

A. Puberty Blues

B. Spirited

C. SeaChange

D. Jack Irish

4. Who starred alongside her in the critically acclaimed series Love My Way?

A. Asher Keddie

B. Lisa McCune

C. Georgie Parker

D. Rebecca Gibney

= 2

7

70 –+

= 15 =

= 57 ÷

× –× +

+ × × +

= 9 –

4 6 9 2

5 3 1

8

CROSS MATH 5X5

46 70 A G A I N B R I N E B O D E S O V E R T T E S T S WORDFILL

This page is dedicated to all those that have passed

Notice is hereby given on the 20th February 2023 for the Annual General Meeting of SSAA Northern Rivers Branch Inc This meeting will be held on Monday 20th March 2023

6.30pm for a 7pm start at the Lismore Heights Bowling Club

181A High Street, Lismore NSW 2480

Business to be transacted at the meeting includes:

Welcoming special guests SSAA National President, SSAA NSW CEO

• Confrmation of minutes from AGM 2021

• Business arising from minutes of AGM 2021

• 2021/2022 Treasurers Report

• Presidents Report - Achievements of the Branch in 2021/2022

• Agenda Items

• Election of Committee

• Election Branch Discipline Panel

• General Business

* Appointment of disciplines Captains

* Appointment of Accountant

* Annual Return to Department of Fair Trading

• Set the date for 2024 AGM

PLEASE NOTE: Members attending MUST produce their current S.S.A.A membership card and be a Member of the S.S.A.A- (NSW)-Northern Rivers Branch Inc.

Any member wishing to submit items for the agenda, must be submitted by 5pm March 10th 2023 to president@ssaanrb.com.au

The Returning Offcer is Scott Wagner

SSAA No: 356343

Email: returningoffcer@ssaanrb.com.au

In accordance with CI 9.6.3.1 the Returning Offcer calls for Nominations of candidates to fll the vacant offces on the Committee and the Branch Disciplinary Panel. Nomination forms must be received on or before the 13th March 2023, either by email to the returning offcer, or by mail to the Branch at PO Box 899, Casino NSW 2470.

This AGM Notice and Nomination forms are available at http://www.ssaanrb.com.au

Remember… the AGM is important…no less than***50*** people are required to come along and participate to make the AGM work…All members are encouraged to attend.

Public Notice

Casino Boolangle Local Aboriginal Land Council

Exciting Management Role with Great Benefts!!!

Are you looking for an exciting new challenge and have a desire to work directly with community members in a rewarding and fulflling career?

The Casino Boolangle Local Aboriginal Land Council (CBLALC) are searching for an experienced and committed Chief Executive Offcer (CEO) who can take the organisation in a positive direction and accomplish a number of key projects that will secure the fnancial future of the CBALC.

This role requires a person with key organisation and planning skills and an ability to multitask. You will be surrounded by a supportive and committed Board and Membership and have access to great salary benefts including salary sacrifcing. The CBLALC are one of the region’s smaller land council’s and have unlimited potential in terms of economic and social development opportunities. For information on the position and to obtain a recruitment package please contact the contact offcer Darlene Caldwell (02) 6662 6286 or email ceo@cblalc.com.au to obtain further information.

Applications marked “Confdential” and posted to: The CBLALC Chairperson

P.O. Box 1047 CASINO NSW 2470

Applications close: Friday 31st March 2023

Personals

Lonely/Looking For Companionship

A happy natured caring lady, slim build, blonde hair & hazel eyes. Interests include keeping ft & active, swimming, camping & beach walks. She is looking for companionship built on mutual respect, trust & honesty.

To meet, Please call & quote code 53 1800 261 848 or 0488 200 554

“Old stereo equipment” Ampli ers, Record players, Portable Cassette players, CD players and Speakers. Pioneer, Sansui, Marantz, Sony etc..

Cows & Calves

A/c The G Brangus

12x12 Droughtmaster/Santa Gertrudis Cross Cows & Calves, Droughtmaster Calves @ foot, 4 years

(Cows Running back to Droughtmaster Bull)

A/c Pillar Valley Pastoral

12x12 Brahman Cross Cows & Calves, 3 years, (Cows running back to Angus Bull)

A/c Franklin Angus

6x6 Angus Cows & Calves, 3 years, PTIC (Franklin Angus Bull)

2x2 Angus Cows & Calves, 10 years, PTIC (Franklin Angus Bull)

A/c B & BH Guest

8x8 Hereford Cross Heifers & Calves, 2½ years

A/c Baryulgil Pastoral Co.

6x6 Hereford Cross Heifers & Calves, 3 years

A/c Jizzy Genetics

7x7 Brangus Cows & Calves, 5-7 years, PTIC (Black Simmental Bull)

A/c IM& JL Fahey

5x5 Brangus Cows & Calves, 3-5 years

A/c J & FL Buchanan

5x5 Angus Cross Heifers & Calves

A/c M McGuren

2x2 Brangus Cows & Calves, PTIC (Angus Bull)

A/c R Tozer

2x2 Brangus Cows & Calves

A/c RL Donoghue

3x3 Speckle Park/Charolais Cows & Calves, 5 years

(Cows Running back to Doctors Creek Speckle Park Bull)

A/c T Payten

3x3 Charolais Cows & Calves, 3-6 years,

2x2 Santa Gertrudis Cows & Calves, 6 years,

(Cows Running back to Palgrove Charolais Bull)

A/c DW Morgan

4x4 South Devon Cross Cows & Calves, 4 years

2x2 Droughtmaster & Simmental Cross Cows & Calves

(Cows Running back to Angus Bull)

Unjoined Heifers

A/c WR Bultitude Pastoral

20 Brangus/Angus Cross Heifers, 18-24 months, Unjoined

8 Charolais Cross Heifers, 18-24 months, Unjoined

A/c Cinnabar Station

40 Charbray & Charolais Cross Heifers, 14-16 months, Unjoined

A/c Edwards Livestock - Nettle Creek

28 Simbrah & Brangus Heifers, 16 months, Unjoined

A/c JA & KA Clancy

20 Angus & Brangus Cross Heifers, 18 months, Unjoined

A/c DW Morgan

6 Angus Heifers, 18 months, Unjoined

A/c Wakehurst Investments Pty Ltd

5 Angus Heifers, 16 months, Unjoined

A/c J & FL Buchanan

5 Angus Cross Heifers, Unjoined

A/c R Cavanough

14 Simmental Cross Heifers, 18 months, Unjoined

A/c IM & JL Fahey

20 Brangus Heifers, 15-20 months, Unjoined

15 Brangus Heifers, 8-10 months

A/c GR & JA Pigg

8 F1 Angus/Brahman Heifers, 12-14 months, Unjoined

A/c TL & JM Atkinson

11 Angus/Droughtmaster Heifers, 16 months, Unjoined

A/c Farmer Pastoral

13 Brahman/Santa Gertrudis Heifers, 18 months, Unjoined

A/c TA & NL Heyman - Riverstone

3 Droughtmaster Heifers, 16 months, Unjoined

A/c Hillview Herefords

6 Hereford Heifers, 12 months

10 F1 Brahman/Hereford Heifers, 7 months

A/c Lanbruk Stud

4 Charbray Heifers, 8-9 months

Livestock

Preg Tested Heifers

A/c Edwards Livestock Nettle Creek

22 Grey Brahman Heifers, 2½ years, PTIC (Angus Bull)

14 Red Brahman Heifers, 2½ years, PTIC (Angus Bull)

A/c B & BH Guest

8 F2 Brahman/Hereford Cross Heifers, 2½ years, PTIC

11 Brangus/Hereford & Hereford Cross Heifers, 2½ years, PTIC

8 Black Baldy Heifers, 2½ years, PTIC (Heifers PTIC LBW Speckle Park Bull)

A/c T McLennan

20 Brangus Heifers, 3 years, PTIC (Angus Bull)

A/c GR & JA Pigg

12 F1 Angus/Brahman Heifers, 24-26 months, PTIC (Clarence Park Angus Bull)

A/c C Bloch

12 Angus/Brangus Heifers, 2 years, PTIC (Angus Bull)

A/c McGrath Cattle Co.

15 Angus Heifers, 18 months, PTIC (Angus Bulls)

A/c AM Armfield

7 Angus Heifers, 2½ years PTIC (Angus Bulls)

A/c J & FL Buchanan

6 Angus Cross Heifers, PTIC

A/c Jembrae Droughtmasters

10 Droughtmaster Heifers, 26 months, PTIC (Droughtmaster Bull)

A/c MF & SL Searles

15 Black Simmental/Angus Cross Heifers, 2½ years, PTIC (Angus Bull)

A/c BA & MJ Moran

10 Simmental Heifers, 2½ years, PTIC (LBW Simmental Bull)

A/c AMG Grazing

18 Santa/Hereford Heifers, 2 years, PTIC (Angus Bull)

A/c Brett Ellem

8 Santa Gertrudis Heifers, PTIC (Angus Bull)

4 Charbray & Angus Heifers, PTIC (Angus Bull)

A/c Hidden Valley Grazing

3 Santa/Hereford Heifers, 3 years, PTIC (LBW Clarence Park Angus Bull)

4 Angus Heifers, PTIC (LBW Clarence Park Angus Bull)

A/c Lanbruk Stud

2 Charbray Heifers, 20 months, PTIC (Charbray Bull)

A/c Tully Guest

4 Droughtmaster Heifers, 2½ years, PTIC (LBW Speckle Park Bull)

A/c TA & NL Heyman - Riverstone

2 Droughtmaster Heifers, Rising 2 years, PTIC (Droughtmaster Bull)

A/c M McGuren

7 Charbray Heifers, PTIC (Angus Bull)

A/c Baryulgil Pastoral Co.

6 Hereford Heifers, 3 years, PTIC (Amos-Vale Hereford Bull)

Preg Tested Cows

A/c T Payten

10 Charolais Cows, 3-6 years, PTIC (Palgrove Charolais Bull)

A/c Jizzy Genetics

9 Brangus Cows, 5-7 years, PTIC (Black Simmental Bull)

A/c M McGuren

6 Brangus Cows, PTIC (Wakefield Angus Bull)

A/c RL Donoghue

2 Angus/Hereford Cows, 4 years, PTIC (Doctors Creek Speckle Park Bull)

3 Speckle

MACHINERY AUCTION

A/c Rodney Jackson and others Oakland Rd, Coraki ursday 2nd March, 10am

Tractors: Case 1690 2wd with Cab (7446 Hours), Zetor 4911 2wd (Not Running)

Machinery & Farm Gear: Approx 80 Concrete posts, Stump Jump harrows in frame, 6 Southern Cross Slasher, 2 small quad/mower trailer, “Bonel” cane fert spreader, Berends chisel plough, Hydraulic bag li er, tractor weights, over head fuel tank, tipping trailer, 2 water carriers, land plane, Silvan spray tank, o set drain plough, scarri er, 7 tyne chisel plough, 3 furrow plough, 4 disc plough, cane side cutter, cane trailer, carry all, stick rakes, seeder, jib, Gerni high pressure cleaner, Mey 30” reel mower.

Vehicles: 2008 Toyota Hilux Dual Cab, DAF 55220 Truck 24’ Curtain Side Pantec (Blown Motor), Ryan Turf harvester

Collectables/Ornaments: Old Sycle mower, corn dropper, Steel Wheels.

Sundry: Dismantled cabin approx 4x3m, pallet racking.

Terms - Cash, Cheque or Bank Transfer Day of Sale..

Directions: Cross the bridge from Coraki Township and take rst right onto East Coraki Rd, then Right again onto Oakland Rd, Follow Signs.

e: auctions@weirandson.com.au

www.ianweirandson.com.au

Contact Glenn Weir: 0427 299 104 Kevin Cocciola 0427 653 450

Roofng Services

Rooftech Roofing Services For Everything Roofing

• New & replacement metal roofs

• Painting of tile and metal roofs

• Roof repairs: tile and metal

• Guttering: whirly birds: mesh

• Emergency/insurance repairs

Phone office on 66811793 enquiries@rooftechroofing.com.au

2/32 Southern Cross Drive, Ballina Lic 303299C and 301815C www.rooftechroofing.com.au

INSURANCE - COMMERCIAL STRATA - RESIDENTIAL

Technology

Byron Sensor Tech

www.byronsensortech.com.au

vs. Melbourne MCG

vs. Western Bulldogs MRVL

Crows vs. St Kilda AO

GMHBA

St Kilda vs. Brisbane Lions MRVL

Sydney Swans vs. West Coast Eagles SCG

Fremantle vs. Essendon OS

Collingwood vs. Adelaide Crows MCG

Gold Coast Suns vs. Hawthorn MS

ROUND 16

JUNE 29–JULY 2 Adelaide Crows vs. North Melbourne AO

Brisbane Lions vs. Richmond G

Essendon vs. Port Adelaide MCG

Gold Coast Suns vs. Collingwood MS

Hawthorn vs. Carlton MCG

Melbourne vs. GWS Giants TP

Sydney Swans vs. Geelong Cats SCG

West Coast Eagles vs. St Kilda OS

Western Bulldogs vs. Fremantle MRVL

ROUND 17

JULY 6–9 Brisbane Lions vs. West Coast Eagles G Essendon vs. Adelaide Crows MRVL

Fremantle vs. Carlton OS

Geelong Cats vs. North Melbourne GMHBA

GWS Giants vs. Hawthorn GS Port Adelaide vs. Gold Coast Suns AO

Richmond vs. Sydney Swans MCG

St Kilda vs. Melbourne MRVL

Western Bulldogs vs. Collingwood MRVL

ROUND 18

JULY 13–16 Adelaide Crows vs. GWS Giants AO

Carlton vs. Port Adelaide MRVL

Collingwood vs. Fremantle MCG

Geelong Cats vs.

1st 2nd 3rd

FORECAST

Warnings

See www.bom.gov.au/australia/warnings

Northern Rivers District:

Partly cloudy. High (70%) chance of showers. Winds S/SE and light becoming southeasterly 15 to 25 km/h during the morning then becoming S/SE and light during the evening.

Thursday. Partly cloudy. High (80%) chance of showers, most likely in the morning and afternoon. The chance of a storm inland. Winds south to southeasterly 15 to 20 km/h becoming southeasterly 15 to 25 km/h during the afternoon then becoming south to southeasterly and light during the evening.

Northern Tablelands District:

Partly cloudy. Medium (60%) chance of showers on and east of the ranges, slight (20%) chance elsewhere. The chance of a storm in the south. Winds E/SE 20 to 30 km/h.

Thursday. Partly cloudy. High (70%) chance of showers on and east of the ranges, slight (30%) chance elsewhere. The chance of a storm. Winds east to southeasterly 20 to 30 km/h.

TIDES, SUN & MOON Ballina

New South Wales:

Showers in the east. Storms possible along the coast and central and southern inland. Hot, dry and sunny elsewhere in the west. Early fog patches about the northern ranges. Daytime temperatures above average in the west and below average along the southern half of the coast. East to southeasterly winds, fresh near the coast and tending northeasterly across the inland.

Thursday. A few showers in the east, mainly along the northern coast. The chance of storms in the northeast and across the Snowy Mountains. Hot and sunny in the west. Early fog patches possible in the east. Daytime temperatures above average in the far west and a little below average in the east. Southeast to northeasterly winds, freshening along the far southern and northern coasts in the afternoon.

Byron Coast: Winds: Southeasterly 15 to 20 knots. Seas: Around 1 metre, increasing to 1 to 1.5 metres north of Yamba during the morn-

ing. 1st Swell: Southerly around 1 metre inshore, increasing to 1 to 1.5 metres offshore north of Cape Byron during the evening. 2nd Swell: Easterly around 1 metre inshore, increasing to 1 to 1.5 metres offshore north of Cape Byron.

Weather: Partly cloudy. 60% chance of showers.

Coffs Coast:

Winds: Southeasterly 10 to 15 knots. Seas: Around 1 metre. 1st Swell: Southerly around 1 metre inshore, increasing to 1 to 1.5 metres offshore south of Coffs Harbour during the evening. 2nd Swell: Easterly around 1 metre inshore, increasing to 1 to 1.5 metres offshore.

Weather: Partly cloudy. 70% chance of showers.

Gold Coast Waters:

Winds: Southeasterly 15 to 25 knots. Seas: 1 to 1.5 metres, increasing to 1.5 to 2 metres during the morning. 1st Swell: East to southeasterly 1 to 1.5 metres inshore, increasing to 1.5 to 2 metres offshore. 2nd Swell: Southerly below 1 metre, increasing to 1 to 1.5 metres during the evening.

Weather: Partly cloudy. 60% chance of showers.

EASTS STORM TO OUTRIGHT WIN OVER SOUTHS/WESTLAWN

By TIM HOWARD

GDSC Easts has stormed to an outright victory over Souths/Westlawn smashing the 58 runs needed for victory in just 6.5 overs in the CRCA Premier League cricket match at Lower Fisher Turf.

Easts declared at 9/164 in reply to Souths 56 and then dismissed Souths/ Westlawn for 165, just 57 in front.

Star all-rounder Aaron Macfadyen made light of the task scoring 39no including eight boundaries.

The normally consistent Souths/Westlawn opening bowler Nathan Blanch conceded 40 of those run in just 3.5 overs.

Earlier Easts skipper Shannon Connor had

reach.

Connor made the decisive breakthrough n the 33rd over, bowling veteran Tom Kroehnert for 10 after a stubborn stand with Martin.

He trapped Adrian Boyd in front two balls later to put the Souths/Westlawn innings on the skids.

Five overs and four

SPEEDWAY

Results Saturday, February 11, 2023.

Grafton

RSA Street Stockers NSW Title. Heat 1: Brock Armstrong 1, Shaun Davoodi 2, Troy Dawes

3. Heat 2: Chris Marino 1, Dale Corbett 2, Steven Walsh 3. Heat 3: Jakob Lesha 1, Jak Davies 2, Chris Corbett 3. Heat 4: Brendan Hayes 1, Kyle Armstrong 2, Shane Carlson

3. Heat 5: Shane Carlson 1, Adrian Williams 2, Nathan Diews 3. Heat 6: Chris Corbett 1, Troy Dawes 2, Dale Corbett 3. Heat 7: Brenden Hayes 1, Caitlyn Healey 2, Greg Dickinson

3. Heat 8: Shaun Davoodi 1, Chris Marino 2, Geoffrey Stuart 3. Heat 9: Chris Corbett 1, Brock Armstrong 2, Connor Reeves 3. Heat 10: Shane Carlson 1, Tayler Lofthouse 2, Greg Dickinson 3. Heat 11: Geoffery Stuart 1, Troy Dawes 2, David Putsey 3. Heat 12: Jakob Lesha 1, Shaun Davoodi 2, Dale Corbett 3. B-Main (Top 6 Stockers into feature event): Connor Reeves 1, Tayler Lofthouse 2, Trent Morgan 3, Steve Hall 4, Scott Perkins 5, Nelson Mooney 6. Feature Top 10 place-getters RSA NSW Title: Shane Carlson 1, Brock Armstrong

2, Brenden Hayes 3, Kyle Armstrong 4, Greg Dickinson 5, Chris Marino 6, Nelson Mooney

7, Robert Grill 8, Trent Morgan 9, Tayler Lofthouse 10.

RSA 4 Cylinders. Heat 1: Brody Putsey 1, Jeremy Wade 2, Nathan Harper 3. Heat 2: Wally Rudder 1, Troy Rogers 2, Jeremy Wade 3. Heat 3: Jeremy Wade 1, Troy Rogers 2, Brody

Saturday

game of the season with a semi-fnal spot up for grabs.

Tucabia Copmanhurst prepared itself for a semi-fnal clash piling up 4/216 in a comfortable win over Brothers, bowled out for 129.

First drop Jay Yardy, 63no, built on a brilliant 54no from opener Matt Pigg last weekend. Pigg was unable to take his place in the team this week and was listed retired not out in the scorebook.

Yardy found stubborn support from veteran Andrew Buchanan, 49no, in an unbeaten 99-run partnership.

Putsey 3. Feature: Jeremy Wade 1, Brody Putsey 2, Troy Rogers 3.

Juniors New Stars. Heat 1: Luke McNabb 1, Aida Miller 2, Lawson Clarke 3. Heat 2: Aida Miller 1, Luke McNabb 2, Samuel Bodley 3. Heat 3: Aida Miller 1, Samuel Bodley 2, Poppy Airey 3. Feature: Aida Miller 1, Poppy Airey 2, Erika Robinson 3.

Juniors Top Stars. Heat 1: Tyler Burnham 1, Sophie Santin 2, Jaiden Santin 3. Heat 2: Jaiden Santin 1, Indi Butcher 2, Tyler Burnham 3. Heat 3: Sophie Santin 1, Tyler Burnham 2, Indi Butcher 3. Feature: Tyler Burnham 1, Sophie Santin 2, Brock Stubbs 3.

AMCA Nationals. Heat 1: Jai Jones 1, Glen Braithwaite 2, Andy Wilcox 3. Heat 2: Tony Blanch 1, Paul Reeves 2, Jai Jones 3. Heat 3: Jarrad Eveleigh 1, Andy Wilcox 2, Tony Blanch 3. Feature: Tony Blanch 1, Paul Reeves 2, Raymond Kime.

Late Models. Heat 1: Carter Armstrong 1, TJ Horne 2, Allan Schultz 3. Heat 2: TJ Horne 1, Allan Schultz 2, Carter Armstrong 3. Heat 3: Carter Armstrong 1, TJ Horne 2, Peter Jenner 3. Feature: Carter Armstrong 1, TJ Horne 2, Allan Schultz 3.

Results Saturday, February 18, 2023.

Lismore

Super Sedans East Coast Grand National. Heat 1: Zac Brims 1, Matt Pascoe 2, David Nichols

3. Heat 2: Brad Pascoe 1, Mitchell Gee 2, Michael Hally 3. Heat 3: Darren Kane 1, Adam Beechey 2, Steve Latham 3. Heat 4: Darren Kane 1, Michael Hally 2, Ty Pascoe 3. Heat

5: Steve Jordan 1, David Musch 2, Hayden Brims 3. Heat 6: Trent Wilson 1, Matt Pascoe

2, Steve Latham 3. Bronze Shootout: Steve Latham 1, Adam Beechey 2, David Nichols 3. Silver Shootout: Steve Latham 1, Trent Wilson 2, Adam Beechey 3. Gold Shootout: Steve Latham 1, Darren Kane 2, Matt Pascoe 3. Feature: Matt Pascoe 1, Trent Wilson 2, Steve Latham 3.

AMCA Nationals. Heat 1: Darren Miller 1, Greg Dickinson 2, Tim Gamble 3. Heat 2: Tony Blanch 1, Shane Newstead 2, Steve Price 3. Heat 3: Tim Gamble 1, Darren Miller 2, Jai Jones

ripped apart the Souths/ Westlawn innings with 7/51 from 16 overs.

The Souths/Westlawn middle order looked like staving off the outright, with John Martin scoring 54 with eight fours and a six.

But it was Connor who did for him in the feld with his accurate throw to the keeper beating Martin to the line.

Earlier captain Dylan Cleaver, 6 and Mick Fletcher, 21, batted stubbornly but couldn’t put together the big score to put the outright out of

wickets later it was all over, leaving Easts a tight run chase.

In the end, thanks to Macfadyen, they did it at a canter, losing just two wickets, Connor for 16 and Tom Gerrard for a duck.

Easts already had an unassailable lead, but the outright loss has relegated Souths/Westlawn to third spot and the 2021-22 grand fnalist is is in danger of missing the semi-fnals.

They play fourth-placed Brothers at Ellem Oval next week in the fnal

The partnership had to resist a probing spell of off-spin bowling from Andrew Kinnane , who took 3/50 from 17 overs.

Unfortunately for the Brethren he was the only bowler who looked likely to make a breakthrough as Yardy and Buchanan settled in for the afternoon.

After tea with the result decided and the captains called it quits and headed for their favourite watering holes.

Next week Tucabia, which jumped to second spot on the table, hosts Easts in a trial run for the semi-fnals in the last competition game of the season.

3. Heat 4: Tony Blanch 1, Paul Reeves 2, Shane Newstead 3. Feature: Tony Blanch 1, Shane Newstead 2, Tim Gamble 3.

Production Sedans. Heat 1: Lindsay Clapham 1, Matthew Layton 2, Geoff Hayes 3. Heat 2: Matthew Layton 1, Geoff Hayes 2, Jake Twin 3. Feature: Matthew Layton 1, Geoff Hayes 2, Lindsay Clapham 3.

SSA Street Stockers. Heat 1: John Stoward 1, Luke Gray 2, Josh Donnelly 3. Heat 2: Adam Grill 1, Josh Donnelly 2, John Stoward 3. Feature: Luke Gray 1, Adam Grill 2, John Stoward

3.

SSA Juniors Top Stars. Heat 1: Tyler Burnham 1, Aidan Rigby 2, Jaiden Santin 3. Heat 2: Aidan Rigby 1, Brodie Hollyman 2, Hayden Fleming 3. Feature: Aidan Rigby 1, Brodie Hollyman 2, Tyler Burnham 3.

SSA Juniors New Stars. Heat 1: Jackson Bailey 1, Jackson Kunny 2, Lawson Clarke 3. Heat 2: Jackson Kunny 1, Jackson Bailey 2, Poppy Airey 3. Feature: Jackson Kunny 1, Lawson Clarke 2, Deacon Turner 3.

Maryborough

V8 Dirt Modifeds. Heat 1: Kevin Britten 1, Ray Klarich 2, Mitchell Randall 3. Heat 2: Phil Roberts 1, Mitchell Randall 2, Kevin Britten 3. Heat 3: David Clark 1, Riley Smith 2, Mitchell Randall 3. Feature: David Clarke 1, Kevin Britten 2, Ray Klarich 3.

Archerfeld

Wingless Sprints. Heat 1: Nicholas Whell 1, Brody Thomsen 2, Scott Thomsen 3. Heat 2: Jacob Jolley 1, Andrew Sayre 2, Dave Sansby 3. Heat 3: Liam Atkinson 1, Tim Harris 2, Chris Catchpole 3. Heat 4: Matt Gamble 1, Jeremy Burt 2, Nicholas Whell 3. Heat 5: Scott Thomsen 1, Jacob Jolley 2, Ben Manson 3. Heat 6: Liam Atkinson 1, Ian O’Toole 2, Jacob Waller 3. B-Main: Andrew Sayre 1, Lachlan Robertson 2, Ben Manson 3. Feature: Scott Thomsen 1, Jacob Jolley 2, Liam Atkinson 3.

Brothers off spinner Andrew Kinnane fights down a delivery during his spell of 3/50 against Tucabia at Ellem Oval on

Souths/Westlawn loses its frst wicket as opening batsman Brenden Cotten, on 18, runs a ball into the slips where Aaron Macfadyen accepted the chance.

BALLINA SEAGULLS VOLUNTEER APPLAUDED AT GOOD SPORTS AWARDS

Ballina Seagulls Life Member and Football Manager, Michael Koellner, was named the 2022 New South Wales Good Sports Volunteer of the Year, at the Good Sports Awards at Parliament House in Canberra (16th February).

The national Good Sports Awards celebrate Australia’s best community sporting clubs and volunteers, for their commitment to building healthy and inclusive club environments, and their work with the Alcohol and Drug Foundation’s Good Sports program in tackling topics like alcohol, illicit drugs, smoking, mental health and safe transport.

Mr Koellner, who’s been part of the Ballina Seagulls family for approximately 40 years, won the award for making his club stronger and more family-friendly by going above and beyond the usual undertakings of a

volunteer.

“Without Michael, our club would not be where it is today. He works tirelessly for the club, always giving of his time to make sure that it can be the best it can with the limited resources we have,” said Vice President, Max Beecher.

The club said Mr Koellner was once team captain and led the club to a premiership. He was commended for being ‘instrumental’ in building the current clubhouse, with the club saying he plays an important role in maintaining or fxing items that require urgent attention.

“There are hundreds of jobs, like the returfng our feld, that Michael has done for the club. Michael is always frst to arrive and last to leave when work needs doing around the club on game day, and on any day work needs to be done,” Mr Beecher explained.

“The game of Rugby League is a greater

BALLINA MAHJONG

17TH FEBRUARY 2023

Jeanette Henwood 1, Jan Small 2, Vanessa Reynolds

3, Coral Lavelle 4, Lorna Simpson 5, Joy Lowien 6, Janene Jarvis 7, Pauline Kearney 8, Val Heinritz 9, Frances Millmore 10, Lesley Richie 11, Denise Bridge, Kath Hubbard 12, Lynda Lovett, Pam Farrell 14, Shirley Atkinson, Shirley Coleman 16, Valda McLerie 18, Bev Lasater, June Greenway, Susan

Allan 19, Cindy Smith,Lisa

Wong 22, Wendy Thornton 24, Shirley Henry 25, Sally Lowry 26, Kathy Pickles

27,Yvonne Weddup 28, Sally Hudson 29, Barbara

Ellan, Gail McDonagh 30, Deborah Green 32, Jan

Henley 23, Janena Bird, Pauline Bolte 34. Mahjong is played on Friday at 12:30pm at the Ballina Bridge Club North Creek Road. Enquiries for new players phone Vanessa on 66874181.

CASINO SOCIAL GOLF

RESULTS 19-02-2023

The winner of social golf on Sunday was J. Lawlor

with a stable ford score of 31 points from Matthew Gooding with 26. The putting trophy went to Vinny with 15 putts and D. Slade won the players draw. Nearest to pins:

8th, 10th & 11, R. Ruttley. 9th, J. Rankin. 12th & 13th, M. Gooding. 14th & 15th, G. Randall 16th, J. Lawlor. 17th, B. Yates. 18th, G. Shephard. Next Sunday there will be no social golf played at Casino as the club is off to Lismore to play a 2 person ambroes and the sponsor is Potubi Transport Pty. Ltd. Casino

CASINO WOMENS

BOWLS RESULTS

D. Grice presenting prizes to the 2022 club champions for the fours

N. Moran, J. Cooke, D. Skinner &. A. James

Results from Wednesday 15/2

The winners for the day were calculated on the lowest margin & they were:

V. Cole, C. Doyle & K. Jonsson def J Creighton, D. Grice & A. James

The other rink winners were:

game because of the involvement of Michael Koellner. He is one of the most generous, unassuming men I have had the privilege of knowing. He is always there to lend a hand not just for Rugby League, but the Ballina Shire community. This region is all the better for a

T. Maxwell, D. Skinner & H. Lavelle def T. Maxwell, J. Dwyer & I. Watson

R. Skirrey & M. Hellyar def J. Carthew & M. Mead

champion man like Michael Koellner,” Mr Beecher added.

Ballina Seagulls Rugby League Club is a gold level accredited Good Sports club, which means it has policies that cover alcohol and tobacco management, illegal drugs, mental health and safe transport.

G.Kerr M.Russell 13

N.Poynting J.Hannigan 13 d P.Scott N.Watts 11

R.Poynting J.Doust 11 d

M.Field N.Barnes 11.

TWILIGHT CROQUET :

J.Hannigan 7 d W.Gilmore 4

D.Jones 7 d C.Edlund 4

J.Hannigan 3 d C.Edlund 3

W.Gilmore 3 d D.Jones 1

J.Hamilton R.Poynting 7 d

R.Hannigan G.Porter 6

R.Hannigan R.Poynting 3 d

Working with more than 10,000 communi ty sports clubs across Australia, including more than 3,000 in NSW, Good Sports is Australia’s largest community health sports program.

In New South Wales, Good Sports is funded by the Australian

Government and the New South Wales Government (Transport for New South Wales) and managed by the Alcohol and Drug Foundation.

“Good Sports supports local sporting clubs to identify and reduce potential risks around alcohol and other drugs, as well as other important issues such as mental health and road safety,” said the Alcohol and Drug Foundation’s NSW Manager, Greg Howe.

“The Good Sports Awards are the ultimate trophy for any Good Sports club. They shine the spotlight on success, celebrate the volunteers who are the backbone of Good Sports clubs and give winning clubs with the recognition they deserve,” Mr Howe added.

For more information on the Good Sports Awards, including the full list of winners, visit: www.Goodsports. com.au

GOLF RESULTS

THURSDAY 16/2/23

M Flower 25 def G Pollard 12

CHERRY STREET CROQUET CLUB

SPORTS RESULTS ASSOCIATION

CROQUET :

G.Porter 17 d G.Drew 9

L.Hardy 6 B.Hardy 4

D.Scott 16 d R.Chapman

G.Porter 14

G.Drew 16 d H.Young 6

RICOCHET CROQUET :

C.Woodlands G.Drew 13 d

J.Hannigan 9

B.Wellings N.Watts 8 d

P.Scott J.Doust 7

N.Poynting R.Allen 9 d

R.Poynting 6

P.Bolte R.Chapman 4 d

G.Kerr N.Barnes 10

J.Doust B.Wellings 16 d

R.Allen J.Hannigan 12

P.Scott N.Barnes 10 d

R.Poynting N.Poynting 9

H.Young R.Chapman 15 d

J.Hamilton G.Porter 2

Monthly Badge Winners : R.Poynting, L.Wesley, N.Alfonso, J.Bate, J.Huxley, G.Drew, P.Waters, N.Barnes, P.Doyle, N.Poynting, G.Porter.

TOURNAMENTS :

Australian Presidents

Eights Golf Croquet

Championships

MEN’S WINNERS

R.Fletcher, M.Fletcher, S.Downie, B.Jennings, M.Scruton, J.McHardy, D.Bull, S.Burns.

WOMEN’S WINNERS

M.McMahon, H.Gammon, Y.Shaw, B.Pftzner. All new players very welcome Ph : 0439240251

CORAKI VETERANS

Another large feld of 51 golfers played last Thursday, Winner P Brophy, 2nd J Sauer, 3rd, J Nilsson, 4th W Swindle, chicken/ball winners A Parr, P Bruggy, T Patch, B Waterson, M Fairfull, J Kelly, P Martin, R Bolger, R Rodda, Z Browse, G Gibson, D Bullock, W Henwood. Nearest pins 3rd/12th W Swindle, 6th/15th T Patch. This Thursday will be another single stableford commencing at 8.00am with a shotgun start followed after golf by our monthly barbque. Golfers

PLEASE note from the !st March we will be returning to 8.30am starts. Thursday

2/3/23 will be the monthly medal for march and the frst of the 8.30am starts.

AS USUAL TILL THEN

GOOD GOLFING

Max

EAST LISMORE BOWLS RESULTS

A Grade Pairs results

J Olley, N Harding 27 def J Heffernan, W Morrissey 15

B Grade Singles

Social results

A Phillips, S Clarke 22 def

T Gibson, S Wade 14

J Cook, Rocco 40 def T Alcorn, G Painter 14

L Griffn, B Griffn 19 def J Burbridge, B Adams 13

M Morrissey, M Prior, G Finnigan 35 def R Prior, R McInnes, R Parkes 11

EVANS HEAD WOMENS BOWLS

Major/Minor Pairs Results15-02-23 - Round 5 - Skips only

V. Hart defeated L. Stratton. T. Cselka defeated K. Keevers.

J. Fernance defeated B. Montague. P. Freeman defeated K. Hickey.

E. Gollan Bye. Round 6 - V. Hart defeated K. Hickey. K. Keevers defeated J. Fernance.

B. Montague defeated L. Stratton. T. Cselka defeated E. Gollan.

P. Freeman Bye. Thank you. Joan Fernance, Publicity Offcer.

TWEED COAST PRO SHOWCASES STUNNING NEW SURF TALENT

continued from back page

Jordy Lawler (AUS) and Sarah Baum (RSA) have kicked off their 2023 competitive seasons perfectly with wins at the Oakberry Tweed Coast Pro World Surf League (WSL) Qualifying Series (QS) 5,000 event, held at Cabarita Beach all last week.

As the World Surfng League explained: The pair battled a massive feld of Australia and Oceania’s best up-andcoming surfers with ‘Caba’ Headland turning on fne conditions for Finals Day with waves in the two-to-three foot range.

The men’s Final was a tussle between two of the most impressive surfers of the week, with the eventual winner Jordy Lawler (AUS) and Te Kehukehu Butler (NZL) runner-up.

The 30-minute matchup saw freworks from the get-go, with the competitors trading set wave for set wave and signifcant scores coming from every ride. There wasn’t much to separate the competitors until Lawler found a short left with a big ramp and took to the air, riding out of a super fast full-rotation

that, so I just had to sit out there for a moment and take it all in. I forgot what this feeling was like, and I’ve got a lot of friends down here and my brother, so this feels really special.”

air-reverse to post a 9.07 (out of a possible 10), the equal highest single ride of the entire event. In the end, Lawler’s two-wave total of 15.74 (out of a possible 20) was too much for Butler to chase down, leaving North Narabeen’s Lawler to take his frst major victory since 2019.

“I don’t know what feels better right now, the points or the winning feeling,” Jordy Lawler, Winner Tweed Coast Pro said.

“It’s been a few years since getting a win like

The women’s Final saw a generational clash as the veteran Sarah Baum (RSA) came up against teenager Coco Cairns (AUS) in a thrilling matchup between two event standouts. Cairns came out of the gates strong, posting multiple scores early, only to be chased down by Baum, whose backhand surfng had been impressing the judges all week. Baum took the lead with a two-wave total of 13.06 and then played defence for the remainder of the heat. Cairns found a couple of waves under priority, but in the end, the experience of South African-born Newcastle local Baum took the win, the biggest and most important of her career.

“I can’t even believe this; it hasn’t sunk in yet,” Sarah Baum, Winner Tweed Coast Pro said.

“I felt like I was struggling out there and couldn’t fnd the waves I was hoping for, but in the end got a couple of hacks in, and it was obviously enough to get me over the line.

“This is defnitely the biggest win of my career, and I’m stoked to get it

done at the start of this run of events so I can surf with some comfort in the next few. It feels good to have all this hard work and commitment pay off, and I hope to keep it going now.” Competitors then

moved north to the Gold Coast Open QS 1,000 at Burleigh Heads on the weekend, congratulations to Lennix Smith of Barrack Point/Shell Harbour in the Mens and Bilinga’s Isla Huppatz in the

Womens.

Northern Rivers’ rising stars, Dakoda Walters of Angourie and Tru Starling of Cabarita Beach (coached by Adam Dufner) were runners-up in the event presented by Cocobella.

Jordy Lawler is chaired to victory at Cabarita Beach

Photo: WSL/Cate Miers

Sarah Baum in the biggest win of her career at the Tweed Coast

Pro Photo: WSL/Cate Miers

Sarah Baum in the biggest win of her career at the Tweed Coast Pro Photo: WSL/Cate Miers