The Northern Rivers Times Edition 138

8PAGEFLOODSURVIVORLIFTOUTINSIDE

$6M HELPS TURN FLOOD EFFORT FROM RECOVERY TO MITIGATION

By MARGARET DEKKER

One year on from the region’s flood catastrophe, Tweed Shire’s focus is now shifting to mitigation measures, helped by almost $6 million in Federal funding from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) for local mitigation projects. The funding, announced last week by Murray Watt, Federal Minister for Emergency Management, is part of a $150 million commitment by the Australian Government to improve the disaster resilience of the Northern Rivers region.

The funding announcement coincided with the release of two CSIRO reports into the 2022 Floods in the Northern Rivers. The Tweed projects were announced as part of the first phase of the Northern Rivers Resilience Initiative which sees 16 projects, recommended by the CSIRO, funded to the tune of $50 million with the bulk of the funding for Lismore. The Tweed projects approved include: A new pump system within the East Murwillumbah Levee (south of George Street) to assist with drainage$1,461,114

New low flow pump at Lavender Creek and Murwillumbah CBD$969,106 Earthworks across Lot 4 on Quarry Road to preserve the South Murwillumbah Condong flowpath – $942,480

Additional Wharf Street, Murwillumbah pump capacity$2,355,065. Funding will also be shared between the 7 LGAs of the Northern Rivers on vital Regional programs, including a broad information campaign to increase community flood-risk awareness; Flood level surveys for buildings across all LGAs for input into flood risk assessments; and a

Regional assessment of evacuation routes, their capacity and options for infrastructure upgrades across all Northern Rivers LGAs.

Cr Chris Cherry, Mayor of Tweed Shire, welcomed funding for some of the projects put to the CSIRO by Council’s Flood Management team.

“We welcome this funding and are really pleased to see the Federal and NSW Governments change their focus on recovery to one of flood mitigation,” Cr Cherry said.

“We look forward to working with both tiers of government to deliver these projects as

part of the first tranche of funding, as well as future projects as part of the greater $150 million package.

“It is really critical for the resilience of our community moving forward that we are focused on what we can do to prevent such devastation from happening again. While we can’t do much to control the weather, we can put measures in place to reduce risk to both the community and infrastructure,” she added.

David Oxenham, Director of Engineering at Tweed Council said the additional funding was most welcome.

“The projects

selected by the CSIRO reflect those projects in Council’s various floodplain risk management plans which pre-dated the 2022 flood,” Mr Oxenham said.

“We will keep the community up to date as we schedule these grant-funded works into our existing works program.”

The record deluge of 28 February and 1 March caused $110 million damage to Tweed Shire infrastructure, particularly roads.

To find out more, visit tweed.nsw.gov.au/floodrecovery-update.

Mitigating factor: The Wharf Street Levee in Murwillumbah’s CBD, 5 pm – Feb. 28, 2022 Source: TSC

KEVIN HOGAN MP

We have reached one year since we were hit with Australia’s biggest ever natural disaster.

It will be a long road to recovery and with a disaster on such a large scale, unfortunately the recovery will never be quick enough.

House buybacks and land swaps are taking too long. The slower this is, means fewer people will take these options up. Some people are already selling their homes which means they won’t qualify. Others are putting money back into fxing their homes, so will be less willing to take up the buyback offer.

This is why I believe the bigger issue is getting food mitigation work right.

Businesses and residents are making big decisions right now. They need to see some mitigation work happening, that makes them safe. We want to see solutions that take metres off the food.

There have been ftting tributes that have taken place this week, with the Recognition of the Boaties event at the Lismore Turf Club on Tuesday.

There was also the launch of the Tinnie Heroes flm on Wednesday at Woodburn Memorial Hall which was an emotional and ftting tribute to the Tinnie Army. If you

missed the opening night at Woodburn, there are other upcoming screenings. Lismore at the QUAD on Thursday, March 2 and Friday, March 3 at 5pm and 6pm and on Saturday, March 4 at 11am, 1 pm and 2.30 pm. Broadwater screening will be on March 4 at the Broadwater Community Hall from 7pm, Casino on March 7

at the Commercial Hotel at 6pm, Mckees Hill on March 9 at Mckees Hill Hall at 6pm, Ballina on March 12 at 7pm, Evans Head on March 15 at Evans Head Library at 10am and 10.45am, Kyogle on March 17 at Kyogle Library at 5.30pm and a screening to be confrmed soon for Bonalbo. Well done to Susanna Freymark and Jimmy Malecki for

ensuring the stories are told.

On Saturday, 4 March there is a Music from the Heart event which is a day of food and entertainment in the Lismore CBD from 2pm.

Plus, on Sunday, 5 March, there is a ‘From the Heart’ free community concert at the Lismore Turf Club.

On Saturday the 11th of March, at Oakes Oval, there is a community cricket 20/20 event with Adam

Gilchrist, Ricky Ponting, Jason Gillespie and other Australian Cricket former players. There is also Opera in the Gardens at the Lismore Turf Club on Sunday, 19 March.

A big thank you to everyone who has gone over and above for their community – especially our emergency services, and our Tinny Armywe will never forget the stories of neighbours helping neighbours at the height of this emergency.

Kevin and residents cleaning

Kevin and business owner rebuilding

Saffin’s betterment lobby for infrastructure reaps dividends

LISMORE MP

Janelle Saffin’s concerted lobbying of governments to allow for betterment in infrastructure rebuilds from bushfires and flooding is finally reaping major dividends – more than $42 million in funding -- for councils in her electorate.

Ms Saffin today (Monday, 27 February) welcomed the Australian and NSW governments’ Regional Road and Transport Recovery Package for 26 disaster-declared LGAs, including eligible councils in the Northern Rivers and Northern Tablelands regions.

“I’ve been banging on to relevant Ministers about the need for betterment since before the Black Summer bushfires and before last year’s flooding,” Ms Saffin said.

“This policy change should have been put in place before the floods but at least we have it now and it should become the norm for how we ‘build back better’, a phrase I actually coined in a conversation with Premier Dominic

Perrottet and which has stuck.

“I thank Federal Minister for Emergency Management Senator Murray Watt for sealing the deal on betterment.”

Ms Saffin joined Federal Member for Richmond Justine Elliot MP, NSW Minister for

Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway MLC and local mayors for the announcement at Ross Lane, Lennox Head.

Local resilience projects among the 57 approved for funding include:

• Lismore City

Council – Betterment of strategic causeways in Lismore LGA, $9,966,646.

• Kyogle Council – Betterment of Clarence Way, Sandilands to Bonalbo, $10 million.

• Kyogle Council

– Betterment of Grieve

Crossing Bridge across the Richmond River, Gradys Creek Road The Risk, $2,461,945.

• Tweed Shire Council – Betterment of Tweed Shire causeways, $9,962,400.

• Tenterfield Shire Council – Betterment of Molesworth Street Bridge & sewer line, Tenterfield, $9,985,776. Electorate-wide total -- $42,376,767.

Ms Saffin said the good thing is that funding for these projects is not dependent on the outcome of the State election on 25 March.

The $312.5 million package, split 50:50 between the Australian and NSW governments, is a pilot program for the 26 eligible councils, which could be rolled out across New South Wales.

Saffin, Elliot, Farraway and mayors

THE NORTHERN

DIARY OF A FLOOD SURVIVOR PART 30

By MARGARET DEKKER

It’s been years in the planning, approving, explaining and making but at midday today Wednesday March 1, 2023, the Tweed section of the great Northern Rivers Rail Trail was officially opened between Murwillumbah and Crabbes Creek, to the delight of Tweed locals, visitors and Council representatives alike!

The $14.3 million project celebrates the

heritagelisted Murwillumbah Railway Station, 18 historic railway bridges, 2 tunnels and stunning scenic landscape in the world heritage-listed Tweed Caldera.

The initial, 24-kilometre Tweed section of the trail heads south from Murwillumbah, through Stokers Siding, Burringbar, Mooball and Crabbes Creek before terminating at the Shire’s southern-most boundary at Crabbes Creek/ Wooyung.

“It provides a safe, off-road active transport

route for residents and visitors,” Tweed Shire Council promotes. A big community celebration of the longawaited public rail trail is planned for the weekend of 25-26 March, visit the Rail Trail website for more details - www. northernriversrailtrail. com.au

When fully completed, the whole Northern Rivers Rail Trail is expected to follow 132 kilometres of local country between Murwillumbah and Casino.

More to come!

It was a ftting crescendo to a year of food drama for our family.

On the day we were packing our bags to head up to the Gold Coast for hubby to have his back operation, the plumber arrived to do the last connection of the basins in our vanity.

This means no more teeth brushing in the kitchen sink, but our son was going to have the enjoyment of it all, as we are currently away as hubby recovers. As I have done a few

stories for this food edition, I’ve come to realise many people are still in a very basic state in their homes. Not much has been achieved for them over the past 12 months.

Ironically, it seems those who have food insurance have had to wait the longest.

Not being an expert by any means of insurance processes, I am befuddled as to why this wait is going on. I get that there has been a shortage of tradesmen and not everyone has the

skills to put their hands to the tools, but when will it end?

The Buyback scheme has given some people some hope, but how long will that hope continue?

I have been told there will be more movement soon with at least 250 formal offers by the end of April.

It has been a long process but hopefully the anniversary of this devastating event will be a reminder that the work still needs to continue. Little steps.

The almost finished vanity in the Elley household

RIVERS RAIL TRAIL IS DECLARED .. OPEN!

Two historic rail tunnels are part of the new adventure Source: TSC

Smiles for miles (14.9 miles in fact!) as the Tweed Section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail is declared OPEN! Source: TSC

FROM THE ROCKS TO ROUS, PRICELESS ANTIQUES FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE HARBOUR TO YOU

AWARD COMES FOR JACARANDA DRIVING FORCE

By MARGARET DEKKER

For seasoned antiques dealer Michael Meadows, the move north was meant to be for a well-earned and leisurely retirement.

“It was the rat-race that brought me here, I thought it was time to get out, Sydney just got too busy, it was crazy,” Mike Meadows shared with The Northern Rivers Times.

But after just 3 years of leaving his iconic ‘Bottom of the Harbour Antiques’ store literally ‘on The Rocks’ in Sydney after 35 years of trade there, destiny - and a chock-full warehouse in Roushad other plans.

Today, Bottom of the Harbour Antiques could well be known as ‘Just Sou’-West of Alstonville Antiques,’ with Mike reopening his remarkable collection of nautical paraphernalia and cultural art for sale once again to the public.

“I opened really to get rid of a backlog of stock but now I’m actually enjoying it!” Mike said.

Being an ardent collector of ‘Nauticalia’ for decades, Mike has four main obsessions – Scrimshaw, or the old ‘art’ of intricately carved Sperm whale teeth by lost sailors; Navigational Instruments; Ships Bells; and Diving Helmets; and has travelled distant parts of the globe to search for and source these utterly incredible collectibles from another time and place.

Taiwan, India, Turkey, Pakistan, and a fascination with old Indonesia on the historic East-Indies Brouwer Route, yielded glorious finds including authentic, solid brass ships’ wheels, lamps and clocks, “which you don’t find much of anymore.”

“And that was always the fun part, going to the source,” Mike smiled.

To explore your own Nauticalia adventure, Mike’s collection will be open for sale to the public each Saturday and Sunday from 9:30am to 1pm, for the next 4-6 weeks.

“.. Just to see how it will go,” Mike suggested.

With no formal advertising and relying only on word of mouth or social media to advertise his wares, Mike’s not holding his breath; it’s just as well he’s got so many antique dive masks (from Italy, England or Russia) to choose from, to keep him buoyant about his sales prospects with the savvy Northern Rivers antiques buyer.

“Some of the things I haven’t let go of, but I suppose everything has a price for someone who’s dealt in things for 50-years! Unless of course my kids like it and want to keep it ..” he warned.

You better be quick!

By TIM HOWARD

Grafton Jacaranda

Festival manager Mark Blackadder was worried about two things when learned he was to receive a prestigious NSW Community Service Award.

The award, which Clarence MP Chris Gulaptis presented to Mr Blackadder last week, recognised his extraordinary contribution to the local community.

In particular the award recognised his work transforming the Jacaranda Festival into a spectacular regional event, while at the same time the region battled Covid-19 restrictions, which led to the cancellation of the 2020 event and a month delay to the 2021 festival.

“I wish I was wearing something a little bit more dressy than this,” Mr Blackadder said, referring to a pale polo shirt, he had donned to attend what he thought was the launch of the Grafton campaign office for the Nationals candidate for Clarence Richie Williamson.

And typically Mr Blackadder played down his role in the success of the Jacaranda Festival revamp.

“There are a stack of volunteers who turn up day in and day out to

get everything done,” he said.

“I get paid to do this, but the volunteers who make this all work do it solely for their community.”

But he did acknowledge his corporate experience after he left Grafton, working with the promotions arm of Tag Heuer, had given him skills and contacts which had helped reshape the festival.

He said the success with the festival had also enable him to attract acts of the calibre of Jessica Mauboy and Dami Im to Groove on the Grass in Grafton earlier this year.

“If we hadn’t been able to show we could handle acts like Troy Cassar Daley and Don Walker, then their management wouldn’t have touched us,” he said.

In his presentation Mr Gulaptis described Mr Blackadder as a “king doer” of all things and no mountain was too high when it comes to achieving great things for his local community.

“Not only has Mark set the bar high in terms of showcasing Grafton as an all-inclusive, international tourist destination during Jacaranda, but he was instrumental in bringing headline acts such as Jessica Mauboy and Dami Im to Grafton for the recent NSW

Government-funded Groove in the Grass event.

“Mark didn’t stop there and has topped that act by securing two of the country’s best musical storytellers, Troy Casser-Daley and Don Walker to headline the opening of this year’s 86th Jacaranda Festival along with our First Nations people.”

He said Mr Blackadder was involved in the community in many other ways: through the local Rotary Club, Australia Day events and marketing the annual Carols by Candlelight.

“Mark also plays a significant role in helping develop and implement grassroots mental health and wellbeing projects across the Clarence Valley in his role as Our Healthy Clarence Community access project officer,” Mr Gulaptis said.

“Mark is entrenched in every aspect of his local community. He lives and breathes community and pours so much energy and passion into making his local community a better place to live, and we are all the richer for it.

“I know Mark would be the first to say he doesn’t do it alone and while that may be the case, he is the true essence of leading by example and if you lead, they will follow.”

Nauticalia, authentic art, and rare ‘Scrimshaw’ are now for sale in Rous

Jacaranda Festival manager Mark Blackadder, left, accepts the NSW Community Service Award from Clarence MP Chris Gulaptis last Thursday

e Momentum Program is Funded by the NSW Government and is a program collaboration between Path nders, ACE Community Colleges and Real Futures. Design to help Aboriginal and Torres Strait peoples overcome the most common obstacles to nding lasting employment.

• Do not have a Driver’s Licence

• Are currently not employed

Momentum is FREE to join. Once you have been approved to join the Momentum program you will apply for your birth certicate on the day, please bring any ID you have available with you.

Acceptable ID: Medicare Card, Health Care Card, Certi cate of Aboriginality, Student ID card, Health Care Card, or Pension Card.

Momentum provides free support to assist successful applicants with birth certi cate applications, attending driving lessons to obtain a Driver’s Licence, and nding lasting employment.

Tuesday, 14 March | 9:30am - 3:00pm

• Gurehlgam Corporation, 18 – 26 Victoria Street

Wednesday, 15 March | 10:00am - 2:00pm

• South Gra on Aboriginal Land Council, 50 Wharf Street Sth Gra on

• Are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander

• Aged between 16-55 years of age

• Do not have a Birth Certi cate

LABOR PROMISES TO CLEAR UP WATER SUPPLY

By TIM HOWARD

The ALP’s candidate for Clarence has seized upon a topic close to the heart of many in the Clarence Valley, the clarity of the water coming from their taps. Standing for the first time as political candidate the former Anglicare North Coast CEO Dr Leon Ankersmit has made a promise to clear up the water issues in the Clarence should Labor be elected at the March 25 poll.

“Fourteen years after the opening of Shannon Creek Dam, the Clarence Valley is desperate to finish the water security project that was started under a previous Labor government,” Dr Ankersmit said.

He said it was a Labor government that had made water security for the region a priority and now it will take another Labor government to finally deliver the long-awaited and much needed infrastructure that will secure Clarence’s drinking water supply well into the future.

“The Level 4 (severe) water restrictions imposed across the Clarence Valley in recent weeks due to dirty water from both the water sources should be no surprise,” he said.

“Both the Nymboida River and Shannon Creek Dam were too dirty to use for drinking water supply following rain events and the continued impact of the 2019 bushfires.”

He said the Shannon Creek Dam was opened

in 2009 and funded by the Coffs Harbour City and Clarence Valley Councils and the NSW Labor Government, but Coffs Harbour has a filtration plant, and the Clarence Valley does not.

“The National Party have been obsessed with agricultural water issues and left regional town water supplies to languish,”Dr Ankersmit said.

“By rights, the Clarence should already have a water filtration plant to ensure a clean water supply.

“The bad news is that 14 years after the dam was built and 12 years since the Nationals came into power in NSW no filtration plant has been funded. Not even a promise.”

But he said Labor had some good newsier the Clarence community.

“Labor understands the importance of water security for regional NSW,” he said.

“If Labor is elected on March 25 we can expect priority investment for this project from the Safe and Secure

Water Program in partnership with local councils and the Federal Government.

At head office the message has also sunk in, with Shadow Minister for Water, Rose Jackson noting the community’s displeasure with the standard of the water coming from its taps in other regions.

“It is not only Clarence residents left without clean drinking water. Dubbo has also been on boiled water alerts recently, Bermagui almost ran out of drinkable water and Yass has brown, smelly water on a regular basis,” she said.

Dr Ankersmit sheeted the blame for this problem in much of regional NSW to a government that has neglected these basic essentials for the past 12 years.

“NSW Labor is developing water security policies to ensure priority investment in water infrastructure including water filtration plants can occur,” he said.

NATIONALS LAUNCH CLARENCE CAMPAIGN HQ

By TIM HOWARD

The Clarence Valley Nationals did their best for their champion in the upcoming NSW Election on March 25, creating a sea of yellow t-shirts for the opening of his Grafton campaign office.

The Nationals’ yellow and green colour scheme dominated the building which housed Elders Real Estate in Grafton for much of the past decade.

Nearly 100 turned out to see the party’s NSW chair and former MP for Coffs Harbour, Andrew Fraser, declare the office open.

The Prince St office is Mr Williamson’s second in the electorate. He opened his other campaign office in Walker St, Casino, on February 17.

Mr Williamson paid tribute to outgoing Member Chris Gulaptis who he said had been instrumental in a number of major infrastructure projects coming to the region.

He listed the Balun Bindarray Bridge, the Pacific Highway upgrade and the Clarence Valley Correctional Centre as the three most notable.

But Mr Williamson said despite the party’s comfortable lead over Labor on the two-party preferred vote (64.5% to 35.5%) there was no room for complacency.

“It’s going to be a tight election and we’ll need every vote,” he said.

It was a position the party chair also emphasised to the 50 or so party members at the launch, warning this was not the time for people to make protest votes.

He said the office, privately funded by the NSW Nationals, would be open from Monday to Friday between 10am and 2pm.

“We will have staff here to answer questions from the public about our howto-vote cards, hand out election signage to those who want

it and handle postal vote applications,” Mr Williamson said.

It was interesting to note the Nationals have welcomed a former Clarence MP Steve Cansdell back into the fold.

Mr Cansdell held the seat for the Nationals from 2003-11, but was forced to resign soon after the Coalition came to power, after it was revealed he had falsified a statutory declaration to avoid a speeding fine.

At the 2019 State Election it appeared he had ditched the Nationals when he stood for the Shooters Farmers and Fishers Party, securing 8308 votes or 16.83% of the poll.

But he has answered the call of the party this time around and Mr Williamson, whom he counts as a friend, but has downplayed his role.

“I’m just here as the driver,” he said to anyone who asks.

ALP candidate for the State Election on March 25, 2023, Dr Leon Ankersmit. Poor water quality has been an issue for the Clarence Valley for years and ALP candidate for Clarence Dr Leon Ankersmit has promised, if elected a Labor government will do something about it.

Outgoing Clarence MP Chris Gulaptis, Nationals Candidate for Clarence Richie Williamson, wife Leonie Williamson and NSW Nationals chair Andrew Fraser watch Mr Williamson’s niece Isabel McSwan, cut the ribbon to open his Grafton campaign office last Thursday.

Mavis Kitchen is a restaurant, eco accommodation, organic produce garden and providore located at the base of Wollumbin.

Immerse yourself in nature in our lush gardens and rainforest setting. Whether you ’ re dining for lunch, a 7-course degustation, a picnic under a tree or by the creek or staying for the weekend admiring the views from your private deck in our cabins. Picture waking up to breakfast on the veranda of this 100-year-old beauty, looking out over manicured gardens and stunning views of the mountain.

TWEED SENIORS AWARDED FOR GREAT ACHIEVEMENTS

APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN FOR REGIONAL APPRENTICES & TRAINEES TO ACCESS $250 HIP POCKET BONUS

Senior residents who give back tirelessly to their community were recognised recently with Local Achievement Awards at the Tweed Seniors Festival.

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

“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,” Cr Chris Cherry Tweed Mayor said. 2023 Local Achievement Award recipients are:

Brenda Blunden – for volunteering, Fingal Head Coast Care Veronese Burgess – for tireless work with local elders and community

Julie Cummings – for service to Cabarita Beach Surf Life Saving Club

Carol Edwards – for volunteering and charity fundraising

service to Crabbes Creek Community and Hall

Denis Kinzett – for service to Crabbes Creek Community Hall

Regional apprentices and trainee students living in the Clarence and Richmond valleys can now apply for the NSW Nationals in Government’s $250 Regional Apprentice and University Student Travel Card, Nationals Candidate for Clarence, Richie Williamson has announced.

Williamson said.

including Wedgetail Retreat and Murwillumbah Flood Relief

Jeannette Horne – for running weekly trivia nights at South Tweed Sports Club

Judy and Mark Eglington – for almost 65 years voluntary service to NSW Rural Fire Service

Margaret Hulbert – for

Louise Muir – for creation of local garden in Banora Point

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

Alan Vincent - for service to Crabbes Creek Community Hall. Congratulations to the deserved recipients!

Mr Williamson said the Regional Apprentice and University Student Travel Card is a budget-boosting initiative to help ease cost of living pressures in the bush where young people face long distances to get to and from work or training.

From today, more than 51,000 regional apprentices and trainees, aged between 16 and 66, can apply for the card and save $250 on fuel to help with the cost of travelling to work or study,” Mr

“I’m really excited about this new NSW Nationals initiative as it’s specifically targeted at making life a little easier for country people, just like the $250 Regional Seniors Travel card which is already making a real difference to the everyday lives of seniors in regional areas.”

“If you’re a parent or partner of an apprentice or trainee and you take them to their work or study, encourage them to apply to help towards fuel costs.”

Mr Williamson said this initiative follows a recent announcement which will see young drivers able to apply for a grant of up to $5,000 to get into a safer car.

“When you’re driving around in your safer car, with your $250 travel card which you can use on fuel, you’ll be driving on upgraded roads thanks to the NSW Nationals who have provided councils with more than $1 billion to allow safer driving in the bush.

“The Nationals have also committed a further $1 billion into improving more roads and rail across the regions if re-elected.”

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the card was a win

for apprentices and trainees hard at work in restaurants, childcare centres, and on farms and construction sites across regional NSW.

“It’s a $250 boost that will ease the cost of filling up the tank or catching transport to work or class for thousands of people working towards their future career,” Mr Toole said.

Nationals Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said eligible apprentices and trainees who apply will receive a $250 prepaid debit card within weeks.

“The NSW Nationals want to get this $250 in the back pockets of our apprentices and trainees to help lower the costs of travel and boost their budgets,” Mr Farraway said.

Applications for university students will open from the end of April when enrolments are confirmed. Apprentices and trainees have until 30 November to apply for the 2023 card.

The initiative will run as a two-year trial until the end of 2024.

More details about eligibility and how to apply can be found at: www.service.nsw.gov.au/ regional-apprentice-anduniversity-student-travelcard

Apprentices from Dimattia & Co hairdressing salon in Grafton were only too happy to promote the NSW Nationals $250 travel card that they can now access with Clarence Nationals Candidate for Clarence, Richie Williamson, and Minister for Regional Transport & Roads, Sam Farraway.

Cr Chris Cherry Mayor of Tweed Shire and Geoff Provest Tweed MP with 2023 Local Achievement Award winners

REFLECTING ON THE 2022 FLOOD, ONE YEAR ON

It will be a time of mixed emotions and memories for Tweed residents next week as the community remembers the flood events of February and March 2022.

The biggest floods in the Tweed’s recorded history left behind a trail of destruction, physically, financially and emotionally.

Now, 12 months on, the flood recovery continues and not just in a physical sense. Just as the community came together after the flood waters receded to help with the clean-up, next week the community is en-couraged to come together once again to help with the emotional re-building of lives.

Several events are planned, each allowing individuals, families and groups to not only reflect on the events of 2022 but also to come to-gether to move forward.

From community get-togethers to individual opportunities to relate ex-periences and emotions in simple ways, there are activities designed to offer support and encouragement. Mayor of Tweed Shire Chris Cherry said this small and brief

community gathering was one way to acknowledge and mark the milestone.

“We will be casting flowers into the water to

let go and to make peace with the river, which flows through and unites our Shire and gives life to the Tweed,” Cr Cherry said.

“The idea of this is a personal moment to honour the river and the con-nections it brings, whether it is the creek on your farm, your favourite swimming hole or the wide river where all the waters meet. Let’s take a moment to embrace its beauty again.

“If you feel this simple symbolic gesture would be of benefit to you and your recovery, please come along and cast out flowers for a fresh start and hope for the future.

“We acknowledge everyone’s journey is different, and some affected by the flood may be starting this second year feeling emotionally drained as well as lacking certainty about their future. But we are here to help each other and to provide a shoulder to lean on if needed.

“Flowers will be provided or if you would prefer to bring your own flow-ers (perhaps from your garden which may have been flooded a year ago) you are encouraged to do so. If you are unable to attend, you could do this simple ceremony yourself, in your own time with your loved ones.”

Range of events to be held in the Tweed to reflect, help with healing

The communty is invited to help make peace with the river, by participating in a ceremonial event where the Mayor and others will cast flowers into the river, followed by refreshments. This is part of a suite of events across the Shire to mark the first anniversary of the 2022 flood.

PRESTIGIOUS AWARD FOR “GLITTERING JEWEL” AT CASINO

NORTHERN RIVERS RESIDENTS AND BEYOND INVITED TO ‘FROM THE HEART’

Jumbunna Community Preschool and Early Intervention Centre at Casino has been singled out by State Government leader Dom Perrottet for a prestigious NSW Premier’s Award for creating a unique preschool model that gives children the best possible start to their learning journey, Clarence Nationals MP Chris Gulaptis has announced.

Mr Gulaptis surprised Preschool Director, Karen McDermott and Board members with the award on Thursday, accompanied by Nationals Candidate for Clarence, Richie Williamson.

“The team at Jumbunna, led by their passionate leader, Karen McDermott, who has been at the helm for 34 years, are doing some wonderful things in giving our littlest learners the supports and strategies they need to prepare for school,” Mr Gulaptis said.

“They have initiated

visiting professionals, including paediatricians and hearing and vision professionals to attend the service and run clinics for disadvantaged families who would otherwise not be able to access these services due to transport issues.

“Along with a team of dedicated teachers and allied health professionals, they have created a model that not only demonstrates care, compassion and a nurturing environment, but are improving the health and wellbeing of children of all abilities, their families and in turn the wider community.

“Jumbunna is certainly one of a kind. Its team has demonstrated inspiring leadership, and I’m thrilled to be able to present them with such a prestigious award from the NSW Premier.”

The award was endorsed by leading local paediatrician Dr Chris Ingall who

described Jumbunna as “a wonderful treasure and a glittering jewel”, in his letter supporting the award.

“Put simply children with ability and disability are cheek and jowl, learning from each other and becoming more tolerant to each as a result,” Dr Ingall wrote.

“Throw in teachers and allied health professionals who are also learning from each other valuable skills for children who have both ability and disability, and you a have a very fertile and productive mix.”

The allied health services at Jumbunna will soon be able to move into a beautiful new hub next door thanks to its success in securing a $1.6 million grant jointly funded by the NSW Nationals in Government and former Federal Government through Member for Page Kevin Hogan, with the land kindly donated by the Casino Food Co-op.

On Sunday, 5 March, an outstanding line-up of Australian musical acts, including Aria awardwinning country music artist Casey Barnes and country artist Amy Sheppard will perform at a very special ‘From the Heart’ free community concert at the Lismore Turf Club.

Tickets for the event are currently available for residents of the 2480 postcode, however from Friday, 24 February at 9am, tickets will open up to residents of the Northern Rivers and Beyond.

Lismore City Mayor Steve Krieg said we have already seen many Lismore residents secure their ticket to the event.

“We would now like to invite people from the Northern Rivers and beyond to come and enjoy this great event in Lismore,” he said “I encourage any Lismore resident who

wants to attend the event to secure their tickets now. We expect tickets to go quickly once they open up to people outside of the 2480 postcode.”

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 alongside Casey.

Free buses will run

throughout the event from the Lismore Golf Club, Lismore Transit Centre, South Lismore Railway Station, Goonellabah Sport Club, Lismore Base Hospital, Goonellabah Woolworths and the Lismore Heights Bowling Club. HART Services are kindly providing individual pick-ups for those in need. Call Hart Services 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.

Tickets will be released to the Northern Rivers and beyond from Friday, 24 February at 9am. Lismore postcode residents are encouraged to get their free tickets now to avoid disappointment. For tickets go to www. visitlismore.com.au

Chris Gulaptis is pictured with Preschool Director, Karen McDermott, Board members, Josh Miller, Cheryl Simpkins and Kim Morris, along with Nationals Candidate for Clarence, Richie Williamson and local parents and children & Karen and Board members with the special award from the NSW Premier.

The HUNT

LETTERS, FEEDBACK AND OPINION

SAE students fuelled by Byron Bay campus’ new Pulp Fiction inspired burger joint

We’d love to hear from you!

letters@nrtimes.com.au

Please

under 300

IDEOLOGICAL AND DANGEROUS

Thank God the Greens will never govern, they should not be even influencing Govt’s, they are becoming dangerous and are once again threatening to use their Senate numbers to derail the Labor Govt’s new laws to achieve 43% emissions reduction by 2030- through a new safeguard mechanism designed to cut emissions and impose costs on companies that do not achieve their targets- by insisting the Govt ban all new coal and gas projects.

The blind ideological stupidity of the Greens defies description, they never learn; world markets are phasing out coal, but if an orderly transition to renewablesthat does keep the lights on and the economy going- is to be achieved gas is going to play a big part whether the Greens

like it or not, any Govt that fails to deliver an adequate energy supply will not govern for long.

Even with the Federal Govt’s recent successful intervention in capping costs in the energy market, both coal and gas prices are still too high so just what does it take for the Greens to realize that banning new gas projects outright that have already cleared initial environmental hurdles and have billions of investment dollars involved, would undoubtedly result in massive compensation payouts, further unsettle the markets, and push prices even higher.

The Greens have no integrity, they will readily vote with the likes of Pauline Hanson, Malcolm Roberts, Tony Abbott, Matt Canavan, Barnaby Joyce, and Clive Palmer; in 2009 they shamelessly forced Kevin Rudd to abandon

the CPRS, an election promise, then later forced Julia Gillard to introduce a carbon tax, to break an election promise, both decisions resulting in complete disaster for Australia.

Keith Duncan Pimlico

TECHNOLOGY

Time to get rid of technology that’s not lifesaving technology. Technology is creating havoc with society making people narcissistic zombies wandering round with their phones glued to their heads and making them generally obnoxious with their entitled self-centred attitudes with morals and manners thrown out the window.

Privacy and personal protection an almost non-event as people air their dirty laundry at will and give away personal details at astonishing ease to scammers who are constantly on the prowl for victims and

the fact government and business doing everything online is exacerbating scamming and not to mention the severe increase in mental illness across all ages a thing that was definitely not present pre technology only a small proportion of society had mental illness and anxiety now new studies here and America say over fifty percent of people now have some form of mental illness.

Time to go back to a simpler time when a phone was a phone and use pen and paper and personal service

Remember we are mammals so need personal connection and the best way to get it is personal service plus it employs people. And why make half a dozen tech billionaires even richer and let them control your life crazy, crazy stuff people have become lemmings blindly being conned by the need for technology.

Alan Mosley Yamba

Locally owned Pulp Burger has revealed their longawaited permanent home, at SAE Creative Media Institute’s Byron Bay campus Monday to Friday. Owned by long-term industry innovators

Garry Cowland and Kerri Sharp, the burger joint has cultivated a community of burger addicts, called Pulpies, who have loyally inundated their pop ups at farmers markets and food festivals around the Northern Rivers for almost two years.

Pulp fiction is a cult movie classic following an endearing group of unique characters as they merge to deliver a series of stories that can only be described as a masterpiece. The motion picture seemingly revolves around ‘burger culture’, revelling in its casual, authentic and gritty themes, while leaving its audience blissfully wondering ‘what was going to happen next’.

Regular classics include the ‘Royale with Cheese’, ‘What’s in the Case’ and ‘Zed’s Dead’, as an ode to memorable scenes from the movie.

Pulp Burger also regularly astonishes its tribe with innovative classics dreamt up by food guru Gary, using local beef, pork, chicken, seafood & produce including vegan & vegetarian options.

Now with a permanent residence at SAE Byron Bay, Kerri said that the location feels like home. “It just feels like the perfect address for Pulp Burger,” she said. “The

Pulp Burger themes of innovation and gritty authenticity certainly blends with SAE’s creative community, and we’re looking forward to sharing our passion with the Byron community.”

“We pride ourselves on using local providers where we can. Our burgers are handmade daily, using meat that we grind ourselves. We’re really passionate about using quality ingredients, from local artisan producers who really take pride in producing quality Northern Rivers produce, resulting in a really bloody great burger,” she said.

SAE Byron Bay Campus Manager, Ben Funnell was delighted with the new cafe, and welcomes locals to drop into the campus.

“Garry, Kerri and their team have been a wonderful addition to our campus community, and have a mutual love for the creative industries” Ben said. “We encourage members of the Byron community to head to reception at SAE to try Pulp Burgers’ range of delicious food, and check out everything SAE has to offer; they won’t be disappointed!”

The Conservation “Conversation”

The Councils within the North Rivers are rolling out their conservation zoning and its emerging as a key concern for members of the newly formed Far North Coast branch of NSW Farmers.

Members are alarmed by the threat to livelihood and public safety it poses.

They also note the lack of support or financial relief offered in the wake of the imposed changes.

“Many landholders are joining the branch to address this onerous overreach,” Chair Craig Huf said.

“There are huge unknowns with both the immediate constraints and loss of future use rights.”

Vegetation removal without a development application (DA) is not allowed in a C Zone.

The overlays pose additional complication and expense for farmers, who are already often overrun with long hours as well as physical and administrative work on their properties.

“It is unreasonable for farmers to foot the bill for the cost of preparing a Development Application and the typically $8000 ecology report normally required,” Mr Huf said.

But the overlays also pose a risk to public safety and may in fact cause damage to the flora and fauna they seek to protect.

In an information sheet issued to landholders on C Zones, Tweed Shire Council states: “if clearing of vegetation is needed to allow farming activities to happen you would need to make a Development Application”.

Under the scheme, farmers lose their ability to independently maintain tracks used to manage fire risk, especially if that maintenance means removing encroaching native regrowth.

“What you will see is farmers with this added burden not being able to afford to undertake road maintenance. Less access

in the case of a bushfire will mean less control in a fire and greater damage to the environment, especially fauna like koalas as we have seen in recent bushfires, not to mention the massive increase in risk to human life,” Mr Huf said.

their properties every few years for use with fencing, yards and sheds on their own farm, but C Zones remove that ability.

NSW Farmers also calls on councils to better understand that farming practices such

management practices. So, the property will have diminished existing use rights under the proposed C Zones, despite claims in council brochures that everything will be OK.

“The big unknown is just how many future

landowners will still be required to pay the rates and maintenance,” Mr Huf said.

The TSC have posted the following in the FAQ regarding the imposition of C Zones:

If the way the land can be used under the new zoning is more limited than the old zoning, there is no legal right to financial compensation simply because the planning rules have changed. Similarly, there is no tax on a landowner if a zoning change means there are more ways they can use their land and they have potential financial benefit.

Based on the C Zone information sheets issued online by Tweed Shire, farmers will lose their existing use rights, despite assurances in the next information sheet headed ‘existing use rights’ that they will not.

Currently farmers are able to use a small amount of timber from the native forest on

as forestry activity once every five or so years, may mean that the principles of ‘continuing use’ (assessed in a 12 month window) does not properly apply.

Farmers consider that management of private native forest, fencing and yard building, sometimes with years between activity, as normal

use rights will be diminished,” Mr Huf said.

“Just as future dwellings were struck out in a C2 zone in Tweed, but not in Ballina, managed and planned activities which can give landowners some return, will also not allowed in C Zones.”

“While council purport

that certain future activities will still be permitted with a DA in C Zones, the practice of council historically has demonstrated that the conditions required as part of the approval will likely make any application unviable,” Mr Huf said.

“It reminds us of the Tweed council’s claims that there are provisions for farm workers’ cottages where council have told rural landholders in public meetings they can have these additional dwellings on their land, but in reality, the strict conditions required for approval are impossible to meet by virtually any rural landholders.”

In addition to the immediate loss of use rights, rural landholders are also faced with the prospect of keeping C Zones weed-free at a time when extreme wet weather events were occurring more frequently, making weed establishment more intense than ever.

“Considering all these aspects, the reality is that the handbrake is pulled on the main incomeearning activity available from C Zones, while

“Historically there have been no significant zoning changes that “mean there are more ways” farmers can use their land in the Tweed Shire - just more restrictions and impositions. It’s a one way street. This demonstrates a lack of understanding on how farm businesses work,” Mr Huf said.

“C Zones will be held at a private expense for a broader public benefit. At the very we are calling for a 100% rates exemption on any C Zone areas can help carry the burden they are imposing.”

The ‘E-Zone Review’ (now renamed C Zones) document states land will be assessed based on its primary use, and that assessment had been placed in the hands of the local authority.

“Based on the online information TSC have provided there appears to be no mechanism for review from an independent body on a C Zone burden imposed by the TSC if the landholder disagrees,” Mr Huf said.

“We encourage all affected landholders to engage with the Far North Coast Branch of NSW Farmers and have their concerns and voices heard so they can be represented. Leading into the state election an elected government will need to step up and sort this mess out.”

Prime grazing land currently zoned C Zone in the Tweed Shire.

NSW Farmers Far North Coast Chair - Craig Huf discuss’ the implications of CZones with Steve Peterson who now has proposed C zones over grazing land he revegetated left of picture.

Author: Kim Clayton

Publisher: Shawline Publishing Group

By SAMANTHA ELLEY

Retail: $22.95

his students do the impossible and change the course of history?

Imagine if you found yourself in a situation where you could go back in time and change a major event.

That was the circumstance in which history teacher Ken Claybourne and two of his former students found themselves in when they were able to slip through whatever barrier holds the timeline continuum in place.

Travelling back to the year 1969 in Los Angeles, Ken and his side-kicks find themselves in the era of the Beach Boys, beehives and the beginnings of the growth of a small band of hippies under the spell of a little known cult leader by the name of Charles Manson.

Knowing what he knows, can Ken and

Kyogle Garden Club Inc will be holding their Annual Flower & Foliage Spectacular again this year –Friday 21st April 9am – 5pm & Saturday 22nd April 8am – 3pm @ St Brigid’s School Hall & grounds.

Entry will be $2 & light refreshments will be available & these have proved to be very popular with visitors to the show. Having a cuppa & scones with friends as well as looking at the wonderful plants and other garden related products on display & for sale. Phil

Dudman from ABC Gardening will make a guest appearance on the Saturday around 10.30am. Save up your questions & he’ll provide some enlightening answers. There will be a number of Raffes over the two

days & chances are you will go home with a new plant or some other item for your garden. There will be a variety of stalls to choose from – Fresh Flowers –Succulents – Natives & many more

including the Club Stall which will be packed with plants.

Save the Date & come along – Kyogle area has a lot to offer as far as gardening, plants & products go. Look forward to seeing you there.

LENNOX HEAD LIONS FINALLY HAVE A SHED!

A Community Building

Grant for the shed was frst approved in 2020 and after reviewing many options, Ballina Shire Council allocated a suitable site at Skennars Head Sports Field. The shed will be used to house the Lions BBQ trailer and all the equipment and goods used in various service activities throughout the year.

Helping Lions celebrate the opening of the shed were Tamara Smith, MLA for Ballina, who championed the cause, and Justine Elliot, MP for Richmond, who has been supportive of Lions

opening. Many people

Can they save the lives of five people on the night of August 9 on Cielo Drive, including that of actress Sharon Tate and her unborn baby?

Can the evil effects of Charles Manson and The Family be snuffed out?

Knowledge is power and this is the main weapon Ken and his team use as they enter a dangerous world, but will they end up becoming history themselves?

This is Australian author Kim Clayton’s first published work and he will take the reader on a journey that will leave them wondering about the possible ‘what ifs’ when changing the course of history.

Go to www.dymocks. com.au to order your copy today.

efforts. Lions members were happy that regular sponsors were also able to attend the offcial

willingly gave their time and effort to have this shed come to fruition.

Under the guidance

of Gerard Wilkinson, and assisted by Ben Farrow, Sales Director for Steeline, Lions members and quite a few community volunteers slowly but surely built and ftted out the shed.

Janelle Gaggin, President of Lennox Head Lions, thanked everyone who played a part in getting this project off the ground. ‘We are especially grateful for the Grant and for the community members who gave of their time voluntarily.’

Tamara Smith thanked Lions for the wonderful effort throughout the last few years, especially in supporting those affected by food, and congratulated Lions on their recent award

in the Australia Day Celebrations. Ms Smith cut the ribbon to offcially open the shed and Lions celebrated with a barbeque. Ms Gaggin thanked the three willing community members, Geoff, Gary and Pip, who gave the Lions members a well-earned break from cooking the Barbeque.

Gerard Wilkinson who coordinated the purchase and building of the shed said ‘ So many Lions members helped on this project. It was a long journey and we had a few scrapes and injuries along the way, but we got there and now Lennox Head Lions can be so much better organised and ready for service than ever before’.

What if you could change a major history event…. would you? Book review – Slip on Through Cielo Drive

Tamara Smith, MLA for Ballina and Gerard Wilkinson

Tamara Smith, MLA for Ballina

Learning to be smart…by Nigel Dawe

FIRST VOLUNTARY BUYBACK OFFERS MADE TO NORTHERN RIVERS RESIDENTS

Home buybacks are progressing for homeowners in the Northern Rivers, with the frst offers now underway.

OVER the course of the last few decades, I don’t think one day has gone by where I haven’t reflected in some way on the subtleties, or the less than subtle differences between intelligence and stupidity.

Funnily enough, albeit evidently enough, you can never really be half smart or half stupid, there is not a midpoint between the two cerebral executional spheres where you might be mistaken for equally one or the other at the same time. It is like being half pregnant, there is no such thing.

Even the references we use to explain those evidently blessed with an apparent endowment of grey matter put to good use. From brainy to cluey, clever to smart, and the downright intelligent –I’ve often wondered, are they all words that denote the very same attribute?

Interestingly, the origin of the word intelligence derives from the old Latin word intelligentia, which basically meant ‘to choose between’, or in other words making the right decisions at the right time – be that a simple yes or a no; or asking yourself before doing something – is this good or bad? Even the word clever hails from an old East Anglian dialectic that meant ‘expert at seizing’.

The above two examples seem straightforward enough, but things get somewhat confusing when you delve into the origin of the word stupid, which is admittedly a word (and perhaps rightly so) that has been bundled onto the rickety departing bus of all things politically incorrect. But stupid apparently derives from the Latin stupidus, which meant ‘struck senseless, or amazed’. Which is

not quite the brainless insinuation that the word has acquired in modern times.

To peel the potentially tear-inducing onion a different way, being considered smart or clever can have everything to do with the setting or the context in which you find yourself, not to mention the company you keep, and what is considered noteworthy or impressive to them. Though one trait seems to rise to the top when it comes to ‘smarts’, and that is being able to think and act sensibly.

Arguably, one of the most accomplished authorities on intelligence, if not thinking that is applied in the most constructive manner, was Edward de Bono, having once raised the loaded chestnut, “Many highly intelligent people are poor thinkers. Many people of average intelligence are skilled thinkers. The power of a car is separate from the way the car is driven.”

And so, if we book that aforementioned vehicle in for a long overdue service, I think we’ll find that what De Bono was highlighting was the limited, albeit (at times) limiting book learnedness of your self-professed and rather smug intellectual type. The one’s that use their ever referred to qualifications or specialities more like back scratches for their own egos, rather than humble tools or passports into grander, more inclusive theoretical terrains.

Relatedly, the American author Francesca Zappia one very aptly surmised, “Intelligence is not measured by how much you know, but by how much you have the capacity to learn.”

The buybacks are part of the Northern Rivers Resilient Homes Program, jointly funded by the Federal and NSW Governments, with the frst of them being made to residential homeowners located in the highest-risk food zones.

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Murray Watt said the $700 million program aimed to support thousands of homeowners in the Ballina, Byron, Clarence Valley, Kyogle, Lismore, Richmond Valley and Tweed Local Government Areas to reestablish their lives after the devastating foods.

“By getting people out of harms’ way we can help to prevent repeats of the life-altering foods we’ve seen in the last few years in the Northern Rivers,” Minister Watt said.

“This package is about protecting families and properties from future foods, and is one of a number of recovery supports being offered in the region.”

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional

Rivers Reconstruction Corporation (NRRC) aims to make buyback offers to the frst 250 residents whose homes are in the region’s highest food risk areas by the end of April and would only ramp up from there.

“The frst buyback offers mark an important milestone for the recovery of the Northern Rivers,” Mr Toole said.

“This can give the community the confdence that we are moving forward with our promised support and confrms we will leave no one behind on the recovery ahead.

“This program allows food-affected locals to weigh up their options on their own terms and in their own time – and puts support around them through that process.”

New South Wales Minister for Flood Recovery Steph Cooke said a trial of the program was carried out to ensure the smoothest possible process.

“Given the scale of the fooding disaster and its impact on communities, it’s important we get the buyback process right,” Ms Cooke said.

“These frst offers have involved the establishment of a considered property

dedicated call centre and an expanded team of case managers who have real-world experience having worked with homeowners during the recovery from the Black Summer bush fres.”

NRRC chief executive David Witherdin said all residents registered with the Resilient Homes Program would be contacted about their eligibility to receive a buyback, or funding support for house raising or home retroftting by mid-2023.

“I know for many people, receiving a buyback offer will be life changing and the next step on their recovery journey. I want to assure everyone there is no pressure to decide and people can take as long or as little time as they need to consider their offer and their options,” Mr Witherdin said.

“I cannot overstate the scale, complexity and importance of the Resilient Homes Program and want everyone to know we are committed to working with and listening to the community, ensuring homeowners have the information they need and providing access to independent support and advisory services.”

The Northern Rivers Resilient Homes

Program will also provide fnancial assistance of up to $100,000 for house raising or up to $50,000 for retroftting for homeowners in areas where food risk can be reduced by better building standards. Work on house raising and retroft work is expected to commence from mid-2023 onwards.

Since the announcement of the program, the NRRC has hosted more than 50 community information sessions attended by more than 1,800 residents. Information session details are regularly published on the NRRC Resilient Homes Program webpage.

The $700 million program builds on the more than $3.5 billion already committed by the Commonwealth and NSW Governments to help food-impacted communities recover. Both Governments will continue to work together to provide the appropriate support to these communities.For detailed information about the program, including guidelines, eligibility and cocontributions, go to: www.nsw.gov.au/ resilienthomesprogram.

-

ENGLISHES BRIDGE –rebuilt and ready for traffc

Saffn hears paramedics on food-free station and staffng

LISMORE MP Janelle

Work on Englishes Bridge at Upper Coopers Creek in the Byron Shire hinterland is almost fnished and it will be open to traffc next week.

The $1.8 million project involved the replacement of the original old timber bridge as well as repairs to Englishes Road.

The new bridge is reinforced concrete and has been designed to cope with future weather events after the area was badly affected by fooding in 2022.

The replacement of Englishes Bridge was funded under the NSW Disaster Assistance program.

Council is also replacing Upper Main Arm Bridge at Upper Main Arm and Sherrington’s Bridge at

The Pocket.

These projects are funded via a grant from the NSW Government’s Fixing Country Bridges Program.

“With the exception of the refurbished South Arm Bridge at Brunswick Heads, these bridges are some of the last timber bridges in the Byron Shire,” Phil Holloway, Director Infrastructure Services, said.

“They have served the community well for many years but time, and foods, have taken their toll and they need to be replaced,” he said. Work on the new bridge at Upper Main Arm is expected to fnish in March and Sherringtons Bridge at The Pocket should be fnished by the end of April.

Saffn has met with local paramedics to hear them on the need for a new food-free, purpose-built ambulance station in Lismore, for more paramedics to be recruited to the Northern Rivers region, and their rightful pursuit of professional recognition.

Ms Saffn says the Lismore Ambulance Station in Keen Street has served the city well but had been inundated by foodwaters three times in the past six years.

“Our ambos are temporarily sharing Southern Cross University’s mailroom with Police Rescue, so if the Government is planning to open 22 more ambulance stations over the next three years, surely Lismore has a very strong case to be one of those,” Ms Saffn says.

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.

Ms Saffn says NSW Labor’s $150-million commitment to fund an additional 500 paramedics over four years should help ease the workload pressures that our frontline emergency healthcare workers have been facing for many years.

“This commitment is over and above the

Government’s June 2022 announcement that it will recruit 1,858 paramedics over four years,” Ms Saffn says.

“The Health Services Union estimates that if our region secured up to 100 extra paramedics, it could give us 24/7 coverage in most stations, so I will be fghting for our fair

share of an expanded workforce.”

The MP has made representations on both of these issues to the Minister

for Health

Brad Hazzard and the Ministers responsible Anthony Roberts and Steph Cooke, and the Shadow Ministers Ryan Park, Paul Scully and Jihad Dib.

Ms Saffn added that NSW Labor will also seek bipartisan support for an inprinciple agreement to the outcomes of the NSW Government’s taskforce looking at professional recognition for paramedics.

Professional recognition for paramedics will formally acknowledge the higher levels of education, training and skills required of paramedics over the years.

BACKING OUR PARAMEDICS: Lismore MP Janelle Saffn with, from left, Lismore Ambulance Station Offcer Tracey Wheeler, Ballina paramedic and HSU delegate Luke O’Hearn, Lismore paramedic Tony Cremona and Lismore Ambulance Station Offcer Michael Edwards.

“Leemo has views on just about anything”

old woman to that of a demon from Hell..mega wrinkled from the heat)

A loud voice started.

‘YOU LISTEN TO ME LEEMS.’ Eeek!

‘OK, frstly, pray tell, for what halfwitted reason do you think there is a Feline Pandemic on the way and next, don’t try to convince me your food cupboard just magically opened. Explain please.’

FIRST PROJECTS ANNOUNCED UNDER NORTHERN RIVERS RESILIENCE INITIATIVE

It’s ‘Leemo Cat’. Oooh. A predicament. ‘Mum.. answer me now!!

Is there a Pandemic thingie coming that will impact Felines? (Like the COVID one for humans) In her usual desultory (most rude) manner of speaking, ‘Mum Jane’ mumbled. ‘Go away Leems, I’m MOST busy.’ OMG! There are certain critical actualities surrounding my compelling enquiry. My normal feline LIONHEART bravado did waver a wee bit. NUP, I’ve got to face this dilemma like the astute, strong, intelligent and aware Feline that I am.

RIGHTO! I took deep breaths, stood tall and determined, swished my magnifcent tail, and addressed ‘Crabby One’. ‘Mum, I need to make a miniscule confession, but frstly, I need you to answer my question. IS THERE a Pandemic affecting Felines coming? She peered at me with eyebrows ever so high, (the bald look) and queried how I could possibly envisage there might be such a disaster imminent. (Crikey. I am in deep S..awdust!)

‘Ahhr, errrm, well, beloved Mum of Mine, I, purely, just by ACCIDENT, fell into my food cupboard this morning. I know you lock it to keep out marauding koalas, but due to strange (alien?) forces affecting me I fell against it and it just, kinda, opened. It was like an Aladdin’s Cave, wherein I discovered a space flled with a HUGE stash of most precious items.’

(Ooopsie, Mum’s facial expression turned from

‘Eerrm, Mum, when I truly accidently fell into my food cupboard I discovered it was bulging with FELIX cat treats. I realised you are stock-piling it for ME, rather like humans did with toilet paper & pasta & ice-cream & chocolate & pate & cheese & wine & fne steak & hot chooks & chips ‘cos of the human COVID pandemic.

(Oh, and tissues in case toilet paper ran out.) Hmmm..I am confused Mum, so you had betta explain why my FELIX supply is in such plentitude.’

Crikey, her face went purple like a prune and she shouted ‘Leemo, you are a totally insufferable, fbbing, cunning, conniving cat. DO NOT try and turn this debacle back on me with all your blarney about ‘falling’ into a cupboard & pandemics. What utter rot. I highly suspect you ‘pilfered’ the key to your food cupboard so you could sneakily count how many FELIX sachets were left?’ (Oh Lordy, she’s worked it out, now I’m in humongous strife. Pray pray pray Leems!!) She addressed me further. (aaarrgh!)

‘Leemo, F.Y.I., the reason there is so much of your favourite treat in your cupboard is purely budgetary. As FELIX was on SALE, I PURCHASED heaps, specially for YOU Leems, gottit? Ooooh, I am mortifed, rather embarrassed. Mum was only thinking of meesie…how special is that? I ‘spose it is because I AM so special. I shall make her a cup of tea and some of Margaret’s fruit cake. I will then help her pick up leaves. MEGA purrsies, Leemo.

The first tranche of projects funded under a $150 million Australian Government commitment to improve the disaster resilience of the Northern Rivers region have been given the green light.

Part of Phase 1 of the Northern Rivers Resilience Initiative, the 16 projects were recommended by CSIRO following extensive community consultation, and agreed by the Albanese and NSW governments. They deliver on 41 individual project proposals put forward to CSIRO through their review process, with the scope of some proposals expanded to provide benefits across the entire Northern Rivers Region.

Today’s announcement enables work to commence in the first tranche of projects while the NSW Government continues a due diligence review of the remaining recommended projects. All projects to be funded from the $150 million will be confirmed within the next six months.

The Tranche 1 projects, totalling $50 million, include $17.2 million for seven combined upgrades to pumps and pump stations in Lismore, $1.1 million for a new pump system to assist in draining East Murwillumbah and

$470,000 to install box culverts through a river bank levee to improve local drainage in Grafton.

Region-wide programs to increase flood risk awareness, will benefit all seven regions, delivering floor level surveys, assessing evacuation routes and options for infrastructure upgrades and establishing community-led resilience teams.

Many of the projects align with recommendations from the NSW Flood Inquiry, and with local floodplain risk mitigation programs. All seven local government areas of the Northern Rivers region – Ballina, Byron, Clarence Valley, Kyogle, Lismore, Richmond Valley and Tweed – will benefit.

Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Murray Watt said the recovery of the NSW Northern Rivers region following last year’s devastating and destructive floods will continue for quite some time.

“For many people the events of last year are still very raw, with the upcoming anniversary bringing into sharp focus what they’ve been through and what they’re still going through,” he said.

“The Albanese Government remains with the people of the

Northern Rivers on this recovery and today’s announcement of projects funded under the Northern Rivers Resilience Initiative builds on the billions of dollars in assistance dedicated to the region.

“As previously announced, $150 million has been set aside for projects that local communities told us are a solid first step in improving the region’s resilience to future disasters.

“This money will be signed over to the NSW Government to manage the agreed projects and I’ve asked that this first tranche of projects commence implementation as soon as feasible.”

New South Wales

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the NSW Government welcomes the Australian Government’s announcement of funding for these important projects.

“The successful projects align with the recommendations from the Independent NSW Flood Inquiry and play an important role in improving flood preparedness and flood resilience across Northern Rivers communities.

“With the funding secured, we look forwarding to work starting. The NSW Reconstruction Authority will

manage the program administration and governance and the Northern Rivers Reconstruction Corporation (NRRC) will be responsible for coordination and delivery of on-ground works.”

The NSW Reconstruction Authority and Northern Rivers Reconstruction Corporation (NRRC) will continue to undertake due diligence for the remaining $100 million of projects, including larger infrastructure projects requiring further engineering assessment to determine feasibility. The CSIRO study which informed the allocation of the funding, and details of the first tranche of projects, are available at https://nema.gov.au/ programs/emergencyresponse-fund/northernrivers-resilienceinitiative CSIRO is now preparing to undertake the second phase of the Northern Rivers Resilience Initiative. This larger project will collect suitable data and construct a whole of catchment model for the Richmond River to inform longerterm flood mitigation measures. The final report from this phase will be delivered in November next year.

‘LEEMO’S PANDEMIC PREMONITION’

One Year On… how far we’ve come

There are events and activities being held across the Northern Rivers region honouring how far we’ve come, one year on from the February/March 2022 natural disasters. While there’s still a long way to go, these events provide an opportunity to share and support each other as we look towards a stronger, brighter future. Due to the date of this going to publication and receiving the information, shown below are March events. We suggest contacting your local Council for further information. All information was correct at the time of printing.

LISMORE EVENTS

Music From the Heart

4 March 2023, 2 pm to 8 pm, Lismore CBD, Magellan, Keen, Woodlark and Molesworth Streets

Music From the Heart will allow the community to come together and reconnect. Live music stages will be located on Keen Street, Woodlark Street, Molesworth Street and Magellan Street, each with its own musical theme, including Country, Soul, Rock and Roll and Youth. Delicious food will be available throughout the event from local food businesses and mobile food vendors.

Rescue: Stories and portraits of civilian rescuers from the February 2022 food 24 February to 18 March, Serpentine Gallery, 104 Molesworth Street, Lismore

An exhibition by Jeanti St Clair and Raimond De Weerdt. Rescue is a collection of stories and photographic portraits of people involved in the heroic civilian rescue operations during the 2022 Northern Rivers foods.

Community Concert (ticketed event)

5 March 2023, 1 pm to 6 pm, Lismore Turf Club, Woodlawn Road, Lismore

A community concert for the people of Lismore will feature local and well-known

entertainers. Food Vendors and bars will be available throughout the event. Free buses will run from Lismore, Goonellabah and South Lismore.

HART Services will provide individual pick-ups for those in need. This is a ticketed event, tickets are available https:// lismoretickets.com.au/event/ from-the-heart-17598. Tickets are for residents of 2480 postcode only.

For more details and information about events in Lismore call 02 6625 0500 or visit the Lismore City Council website. Groovin’ on the Green 1 pm to 5 pm Saturday 4 March 2023, Cherry Street Sports Club Groovin’ on the Green is a free ticketed family fun event for Ballina Shire residents affected or impacted by the food. There will be live music, food and drinks and kid’s activities.

TWEED EVENTS

Disaster Recovery of Personal

Stories (DROPS)

Monday, 27 February to Saturday 4 March 2023

Murwillumbah Civic Centre auditorium, 10-14 Tumbulgum Road, Murwillumbah, Mon to Fri, 10 am to 2 pm, Sat, 9 am to 12 pm

The Red Cross and Tweed Shire Council are providing an

opportunity for the community to share their own 2022 food experiences through words or adding to an art installation during the week starting on Monday 27 February 2023 and running until Saturday 4 March. This is open to all residents of the Tweed Shire and people who supported the clean-up and recovery who can participate through a drawing, story, poem, song or simply refection. For more visit facebook.com/ redcrossauestweedbyron

POTTSVILLE COMMUNITY Resilience

Together, Community GetTogether

8 am to 12 pm, Saturday, 4 March 2023, St Mark’s Anglican Church gardens, 15A Coronation Avenue, Pottsville

The Pottsville Community Resilience/Together Pottsville will be holding a free community get-together event in the church grounds from 8 am to 12 pm. The event will include community gardening, a clean-up of the area ahead of the annual Clean Up Australia Day and a barbeque from 10 am. This is an alcoholfree event. For details email togetherpottsville@gmail.com.

CLARENCE VALLEY EVENTS

Over the coming months, there

will be a series of public art events and installations along the river hosted by the Grafton Regional Gallery. For updates about events and activities see the Grafton Regional Gallery website or follow the Grafton Regional Gallery on Facebook.

RICHMOND VALLEY

EVENTS

Broadwaters Residents Group’s free community dinners will return from Saturday 4 March 2023. There will be live music, free raffes, a jumping castle/ obstacle course and great food. Community events are being organised for Woodburn. Contact the Mid-Richmond Neighbourhood Centre or Woodburn Hub for information.

BYRON EVENTS

Tinnie Heroes Screenings

When the February 2022 record food trapped thousands of Northern Rivers residents in their homes, a virtual army of local community members pulled out their tinnies, kyaks and jet skis to come to the rescue. Recognising the magnitude of this effort, journalist Susanna Freymark and cameraman Jimmy Malecki joined forces to create a short flm, commemorating the heroic efforts of the Northern Rivers Tinnie Heroes.

The flm was screened for the frst time on 18 February 2023 in the annual Byron Shorts short flm competition and won the Audience Award for Best Short Film. Tinnie Heroes will be screening at venues across the region throughout March. Entry is free unless otherwise specifed.

• March 1 is the offcial launch at Woodburn Memorial Hall at 7pm. Live music, a barbecue by Upper Richmond Rotary Club, and a satellite of the Evans Head Rotary Club with the flm screening at 7.30pm.

• March 2-4 in Lismore as part of the food commemoration events. Venue to be announced.

• March 3 in Coraki at the Uniting Church in Adam St, 7pm. There will be a free light meal after the screening. Tea/coffee and cakes available.

• March 7 at the Commercial Hotel in Casino at 6pm.

• March 9 at McKees Hill Hall, cnr Fig Tree Lane and Bruxner Highway at 6pm. Freesausage sizzle.

• March 10 at Casino Library at 10am, 10.45am, 11.30am and 12.15pm.

Because of limited space there are several screening sessions. Bookings are required by close of business on Thursday, March 9. Call 6660 0354.

• March 12 at Ballina at Cherry Street Sports at 7pm.

• March 17 at Kyogle Library at 5.30pm. Bookings required by close of business on Thursday, March 16. Call 6660 0354.

• Evans Head Library date to be confrmed.

• Evans River K-12 School screening to be confrmed.

There are plans to show the flm in Bonalbo, Broadwater and Wardell. Organisers are still working out the details, which will be posted on the indynr.com website. top RICHMOND VALLEY FOODIES INVITED TO JOIN HARVEST FESTIVAL FOOD TRAIL

Richmond Valley Council, in conjunction with Northern Rivers Food, is providing an opportunity for three local food businesses within the Richmond Valley local government area to take part in a special support program. The program aims to help local food and beverage businesses get back on their feet after the foods and participate in a regional food trail organised by Northern Rivers Food. EOIs close on 3 March 2023.

NR SUICIDE PREVENTION AND AWARENESS GROUP GRANTS

New ‘Drink Safe’ coasters and drink covers available across NSW to help prevent drink spiking

Grants available to assist mental health in communities

In the lead up to the anniversary of the catastrophic floods in the Northern Rivers, a local charity is aware that the need to support community mental health is especially important.

Northern Rivers Suicide Prevention and Awareness Group (NRSPAAG) has been distributing funds to local organisations for more than five years.

The group was formed when Dot Orchard, Chair, who is also a Funeral Celebrant was concerned at the number of suicides for which she was officiating.

‘Our committee is small, grant applications are always open and there are no overheads so we can distribute funds we raise to organisations that need a helping hand quickly and without bureaucracy,’ said Chair Dot Orchard.

Since NRSPAAG was formed, our committee has raised and distributed funds to StandBy Assist, Lifeline, GROW, local Mental Health support groups and others including post flood support hubs. It has also funded education sessions for funeral directors and other community awareness gatherings.

‘Suicide affects everyone so our aim is to prevent it where we can by supporting those who are on the front line and by raising awareness ourselves.

We also help support agencies dealing with the aftermath of a suicide,’ said Dot.

Research indicates that a natural disaster such as we have experienced can have significant impacts on relationships and psychological health for many years.

NRSPPAG has been involved in local wellbeing networks to ensure organisations and groups that are working in flood recovery now and into the months and years ahead, are aware of this funding avenue.

‘Whether is be a grant for $2000 for a significant project or $300 for catering or printing, our group may be able to assist,’ said Dot, ‘and applications are open at any time.’

The money NRSPAAG distributes comes from its own fundraising events and from community and personal donations.

Recently NRSPAAG received a grant of $5000 from a charitable organisation and the Palm Lakes Resort Tai Chi Group made a donation of $600.

The committee also includes Sam Green (Treasurer), Jenny Dowell (Secretary), Scott Vievers and Jay Gibson..

If an organisation wants to apply for a grant to assist at any time, the first contact is the Secretary on jennydowell@hotmail. com

It this content has caused you distress, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14

The NSW Police Force has expanded the ‘Drink Safe’ campaign with the introduction of drink covers and coasters to support and promote safe drinking at licensed venues across the state.

Developed and launched by the Crime Prevention Command, ‘Drink Safe’ aims to educate the community about safe drinking behaviours and highlight tips to mitigate potential risks to personal safety.

A key element of the campaign is education in relation to drink spiking, a crime that has been of concern to industry and consumers alike for decades.

To build on the education packages, police are rolling out a trial of drink coasters and single-use self-adhesive drink covers to NSW licensed venues, with priority to licensed venues within the Sydney WorldPride precinct.

The covers and coasters depict an anti-drink spiking message and are designed so patrons can get up and dance or socialise without fear of their drink being spiked.

The drink covers include instructions for use and are manufactured in a recyclable food safe material which is compliant with the Plastic Reduction and

Circular Economy Act 2021.

Similar measures have been used successfully overseas and police hope to see a positive impact in terms of reduced incidents and reports of suspected drink spiking and increased conversation in the community – particularly among patrons – against dangerous drinking behaviours.

Drink or food spiking is a criminal offence, and, in NSW, it carries a maximum penalty of two years imprisonment and/ or an $11,000 fine.

Corporate Sponsor for Alcohol-related Crime, Assistant Commissioner Brett McFadden, said police treat all reports of drink spiking seriously, as it can be a precursor for something more sinister.

“In cases where a drink is spiked and another indictable offence occurs, such as sexual assault, the offence rightfully carries a much higher penalty,” Assistant Commissioner McFadden said.

“For those who think they can slip something in someone’s drink and take advantage of them, they should know they could spend the next quarter of a century behind bars.”

Section 38 of the Crimes Act, ‘using intoxicating substance

to commit an indictable offence’ carries a maximum penalty of 25 years imprisonment.

“The priority for anyone who suspects their drink had been spiked is to seek urgent medical assistance and in a life-threatening situation, contact Triple Zero.

“In cases where the victim has also been taken somewhere without their knowledge, I encourage them to get to a safe place and call the police immediately.

“For all other instances, make a police report as soon as possible. It is vital for investigators to start gathering evidence quickly, so they can track down the person/s responsible before they harm someone else.”

In NSW, police have seen an increase in reports drink spiking, however, the number of actual drink spiking incidents remains low.

Assistant Commissioner McFadden said there is no single typical example of a drink spiking, nor a pattern to indicate how and when it may occur.

“The commonality of incidents reported to police is that victims find it difficult to recall the events of the night and the effects they experience are not consistent with

the number of drinks consumed,” Assistant Commissioner McFadden said.

“While cases of drink spiking using drugs such as benzodiazepines, GHB or ketamine are rare – the most common type of spiking is with alcohol – the majority of reports come after the victim has been in a social setting where alcohol is consumed.

“We know that the most effective ways to reduce the chances of your drink being spiked are to keep an eye on your drink and never accept drinks from people you don’t know well or trust.

“These coasters and covers can help with keeping drinks safe and importantly, they’re a conversation starter – hopefully raise awareness of the issue and keep it at top of mind.”

Anyone who believes they have been the victim of a drinking spiking incident are encouraged to report the matter to police. Reports can be made by contacting or attending your local police station. All other information about occurrences of drink spiking can be provided in strict confidence to Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw. crimestoppers.com.au

New ‘Drink Safe’ coasters and drink covers available across NSW to help prevent drink spiking

Committee- Jay Gibson, Scott Vievers, Dot Orchard, Sam Green and Jenny Dowell

Saffn welcomes the start of serious food mitigation work

MOBILITY REFORMS TO PROVIDE GREATER CHOICE FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITY

LISMORE MP Janelle

Saffn has welcomed the frst injection of $150 million in Commonwealth funding for serious mitigation work as the Northern Rivers region charts a more food-resilient future.

Ms Saffn and Lismore City Mayor Cr Steve Krieg joined Federal Minister for Emergency Management Murray Watt in Lismore where he announced $50 million worth of tranch 1 priority projects under the CSIRO-led Northern Rivers Resilience Initiative.

“The bulk of this money ($42 million) is for upgrades and maintenance of local councils’ existing food management infrastructure such as upgrading pumps and pump stations, and some road and bridge raisings,” Ms Saffn said.

“I was working with local councils on

these type of practical projects and lobbying for State funding in the months leading up to the 28 February 2022 food, so the Albanese Government’s focus on our region is most welcome.

“About $5 million will go towards increasing local communities’ food risk knowledge and awareness, including a comprehensive food gauge, information and communication network, foor level surveys for building across the region and assessment of evacuation routes.

“Another $3 million will fund a two-year program to establish or consolidate communityled resilience teams for about 70 communities across seven Local Government Areas, sharing local knowledge with emergency management organisations such as the State Emergency Service and Rural Fire

Service, and councils.”

Ms Saffn said the priority projects come after the CSIRO undertook a proper community consultation process, where people and community groups with their passion and experiences, were really listened to.

“Local people living and doing business on our foodplains need to feel a sense of safety and security, and this helps chart the way in,” Ms Saffn said.

“All of this needs to be complemented by a comprehensive, wraparound economic and environmental plan to support our community rebuild and reimagine our communities, and to undertake the transformational adaption that is required now.

“We can do it and we need government to support us in the articulation of our needs, then carefully

consider it and back us in.

“The Northern Rivers Reconstruction Corporation (NRRC) will have a standalone unit, staffed and resourced to implement the frst round of priority projects.”

Minister Watt also released CSIRO’s Rapid Project Prioritisation for Flood Resilience in the Northern Rivers Report.

Ms Saffn said the CSIRO had briefed her on how they had assessed all the projects and programmes put to them against some strict criteria, including:

• Would they work to support mitigation-restoration, strengthening;

• Were they evidence based;

• Were they scientifcally sound;

• Consideration of economicenvironmental and social impacts;

• And were they viable and feasible?

Reforms to road transport laws will allow the use of electric skateboards (e-skateboards) by people living with a disability that impairs their mobility.

Minister for Infrastructure, Cities and Active Transport

Rob Stokes said the amendment was about providing greater freedom and more options for people who need it most.

“Active transport is about liberating people from reliance on motor vehicles to get from A to B, in a way that is convenient and beneficial to their lives,” Mr Stokes said.

“These are common sense changes based on feedback from disability groups and advocates that will make life better and easier for many.

“These changes will allow a person living with a disability that affects their mobility to use an e-skateboard on public roads and footpaths, just as electric wheelchairs and mobility scooters are permitted now.”

Member for Port Macquarie Leslie Williams welcomed the changes that would make a difference to

many people in her local community.

“It seemed silly that a device critical to people’s freedom of mobility and paid for by the NDIS was illegal to use in NSW. That’s why I raised it with the Minister and now welcome the changes,” Mrs Williams said.

“It is thanks to the passionate advocacy of Steve Lyons who raised his concerns with me at a meeting last year there will now be more choice for people who need it.

Users will not be permitted to exceed a speed of 10km/h. They will also be required to obtain and carry certification from a medical or health practitioner stating that they are able to use the device as a mobility aid.

To enable the use of e-skateboards as a motorised mobility device, regulatory amendments are required, including to the NSW Road Rules 2014, Road Transport (Driver Licencing) Regulation 2017 and the Road Transport (Vehicle Registration) Regulation 2017. The reform will come into effect Friday 24 February 2023.

Lismore MP Janelle Saffn makes a point during today’s press conference, fanked by Lismore City Mayor Cr Steve Krieg and Federal Minister for Emergency Management Senator Murray Watt.

Jane Kreis – seeing the world as a wonderful stage

MORE THAN $80 MILLION TO KEEP FREIGHT MOVING ON COUNTRY ROADS

The renowned American acting teacher Stella Adler once said, “The word theatre comes from the Greeks. It means ‘the seeing place’. It is the place people come to see the truth about life and the social situation. The theatre is a spiritual and social X-ray of its time.”

Like a discerning technician devoted to such an approach and ethos, is Jane Kreisthe current Chair of Regional Arts NSW, Grafton resident, and the Services Leader in Cultural Development and Programs with Coffs Harbour Council.

Having lived in just about every remote corner of the country, Ms Kreis has enjoyed and nurtured a lifelong love of the arts, theatre, creativity and culture. Which are all inclinations that led her to study journalism and French (a language she now understands and speaks fuently).

When asked about her biggest infuences, Ms Kreis said, “My parents have always encouraged learning and supported all my career paths through journalism, languages, editing, back to theatre and then onto a longer career in arts support and development. I also had a fabulous French Teacher Ellie McKee at school who inspired me to study.

“These days I’m also grateful to my Mum’s parents for braving a new world in Australia after WWII and

choosing to remain; and to my Dad’s parents for their pride in their Irish heritage…That mishmash of love across time, distance and place combines with the reality of working to put food on the table explains who I am or what I do.”

Having attained a PhD and numerous highlevel roles in the arts sector, Ms Kreis said, “For me though success or achievement are not a goal but a feeling. I can get as good a sense of achievement from weeding the garden as I can from having an event or project wrap up well. I’m pretty process driven and love detail and discovery, so I tend not to feel achievement at the end of a project, but during it.”

“Success should be a lot simpler really because at the end of the day I know when my husband or kids tell me they love me, or a friend or family member gets in touch, that they are doing that because I have done something right to have them in my life. THAT is success.”

Ever refective of the purpose and signifcance of her chosen feld, if not her very own calling in life, Ms Kreis said, “For me working every day in the arts means that I can forget to laugh out loud, or that I can allow myself to become immune to all those moments where creativity shines.”

“And then ‘Bam!’ it reveals itself. Like

when you’re suckerpunched by clever writing or gobsmacked by a costume or a fne performance, intrigued by a line in a drawing, or a camera angle reveals more of the world than you ever thought possible; or sometimes it’s the warmth of a shared story or song: that is the impact of humanity’s creativity.”

Alongside a sustained passion and interest in creative expression is an abiding regard for the value of community, this being a notion, albeit a responsibility Ms Kreis explains, “People with different lives and ideas coming together for the beneft of all. Looking out for one another and caring for each other and the world we inhabit. I believe that we lose community when loud voices try and steer that community to do things that are not done with care.”

“We are all so different with different hopes and dreams and life contexts. (So) notice the value you bring to your family and friends and allow that to build a ledge of confdence to spring from when you need it. Enjoy life.”

Which is a line of thinking that wonderfully refects the outlook of East Germany’s greatest playwright Bertolt Brecht, who once said, “All art forms are in the service of the greatest of all arts: …The art of living.”

The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government will invest more than $80 million to upgrade critical freight routes in regional NSW to improve connectivity and road access for heavy vehicles.

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said the latest round of funding under the Fixing Country Roads program will deliver road upgrades to fast-track journeys for freight operators and drive down the cost of getting goods to market.

“The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government is strengthening our supply chain to keep our state moving forward,” Mr Farraway said.

“Every 100 kilometres out of a truck driver’s way costs more than $300, so helping councils build the infrastructure to reduce time on the road will ultimately reduce costs for families at the supermarket check-out.

“We know that costof-living pressures are hurting household budgets, which is why a re-elected NSW Liberal and Nationals Government will work to keep strengthening our supply chain by upgrading freight rail and road infrastructure and appointing a new Supply Chain Commissioner.

“Today’s funding also delivers benefts for all regional road users, including school bus

drivers, other transport operators, and locals in rural communities who use these roads on a daily basis.

“Better surfaces and wider lanes can lead to fewer accidents and less travel time, reducing fatigue risks.”

The latest round of funding brings the total number of projects funded through the Fixing Country Roads Program to more than 340 across over 80 regional NSW councils. Full list of projects funded under round six of the Fixing Country Roads https://www. transport.nsw.gov.au/ projects/programs/fxingcountry-roads

VOLUNTARY BUYBACK TIMELINE ANNOUNCED

Nationals Candidate for Lismore, Alex Rubin, has welcomed today’s announcement of the delivery timeline for voluntary home buyback offers being made to the food affected communities of the Northern Rivers.

Alex Rubin said the $700 million program is one of the largest resilience responses of its kind in Australian history, and today’s announcement marks a key milestone in the recovery timeline for our Northern Rivers communities.

“This program will allow food-affected locals to weigh up their options, on their own terms, to support them through their personal recovery”, he said.

“This is an individual decision for each homeowner, that allows them to choose what their future will be on their own terms.”

Alex Rubin said that by mid-2023, all residents who have registered with the

Resilient Homes Program will be contacted about their eligibility for the program across the region.

“Due to the size and scale of the disaster faced last year, it has taken the NRRC time to systematically evaluate the unprecedented level of damage, and they are advising that 250 buyback offers will be made to residents in the highest risk areas by the end of April”, he said.

“With the anniversary of the foods fast approaching, I am glad we are now seeing real progress towards delivering recovery.”

To register for the program or for more information, visit: www.nsw.gov.au/ resilienthomesprogram

FACT FILE

The Resilient Homes Program will offer eligible homeowners one of the three options, based on food impact severity, safety risk and potential future food levels:

• Home Buy-Back – Homeowner can receive a payment for the purchase of the land

and house based on a valued amount; or

• Home Raising - up to $100,000 towards the cost of elevating home liveable areas and associated retroftting; or

• Home Retroft - up to $50,000 towards the cost of retroft and/or repair works to incorporate food resilient design and materials in liveable areas.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

1. Homeowner (owner-occupier or landlord) of a residence (house/unit/duplex) in the Ballina, Byron, Clarence Valley, Kyogle, Lismore, Richmond Valley or Tweed LGAs (Local Government Areas) prior to the February and March 2022 foods.

2. Homeowners of a residence that was either:

• Directly damaged by food waters in the February and March 2022 foods; OR

• Damaged as a result of landslip caused by the February and March 2022 foods.

• Your home is a residence (house/unit/duplex) not used primarily for business purposes.

• You meet the impact eligibility criteria relevant to each program stream.

Alstonville High School Integrity in all aspects of life

Alstonville High School is a fully comprehensive school of over 600 students. We enjoy a well-deserved, long-standing reputation as a high performing school, and pride ourselves on maximising student success by addressing the educational and wellbeing needs of each student. We support our students’ aspirations to grow into confdent and creative citizens, resilient in the face of the breadth of challenges they will face throughout their lives and provide a safe and challenging learning environment to maximise student engagement and achievement. At Alstonville High School, we promote a positive school culture of integrity and resilience. We believe that to empower all students to achieve their best and become respectful, responsible, and successful citizens we must be partners in learning and are committed to building strong partnerships to beneft the students in our care.

Our strong community links both within and beyond the Alstonville village have always enhanced the success of our students. As part of our connection to community, we proudly acknowledge that our school stands on Bundjalung land and we pay our respects to the Aboriginal Elders and the broader First Nations community living on this country.

The school is hosting an Information Evening for all new families keen to learn more about joining the school in Year 7, 2024.

The event will be held on Tuesday, 14th March at 5.30pm. There will be a short information session in our school hall followed by a tour of our facilities along with the opportunity to meet school staff. For more information, please contact the school on 6628 5222.

Meet the Captains

Alstonville High School students, staff, families and community congratulate our school captains of 2023, Coen Acret, Ewan Chate,

Molly Spencer and Lucy Trease. Our school captains were elected by popular vote by students across all cohorts of the school. With this they take on an important responsibility of this prestige title whilst leading and guiding fellow students throughout the 2023 school year. The role of school captain for all four students, will help to develop their leadership and communication skills, whilst creating a respectful and accepting environment. Our school captains will assist with the organisation and conduct of school assemblies and activities, organise and motivate students to participate in school activities and speak on behalf of students at school functions and other special events.

We wish these wonderful young leaders all the very best for a productive and satisfying year as our 2023 school captains and we are excited to see their good work unfold for the year.

AHS School Captains 2023, left to right: Coen Acret, Molly Spencer, Lucy Trease and Ewan Chate.

Ty Scott (Vice Captain), Lincoln Close (Captain), Daniel Moar (Principal), Ella Keep (Captain), Lilly Oosterbeek (Vice Captain), SRC Patron Jane Duley.

O 2023 Sch l Captai

Sophie Jarrett

What do you love about CCS?

The opportunities in sport, music and lunchtime clubs.

What makes you a good School Captain?

I always try to do my best.

Which Christian characteristic would you like to grow in this year?

I would like to grow in helpfulness.

Angus Clark

What do you love about CCS?

My friends.

What makes you a good School Captain? Being kind to everyone.

Which Christian characteristic would you like to grow in this year?

Praying to God.

Ginger Geurts

What do you love about CCS?

I love the friendly environment within the school.

Prim y Second y

What makes you a good School Captain?

I listen to what people have to say.

Which Christian characteristic would you like to grow in this year?

I would like to grow my confidence within Jesus and myself.

Richard Gaut

What do you love about CCS?

I love the opportunity that CCS provides for everyone to learn.

What makes you a good School Captain?

My dedication, hard work and ability to adapt.

Which Christian characteristic would you like to grow in this year?

My compassion and servant heart, which would help me to help others more, as well as serve better.

Primary School Leaders: Jacob Boag (Vice Captain), Angus Clark (Captain), Sophie Jarrett (Captain), Paipa Abersteiner (Vice Captain)

Secondary School Leaders: Julia Rankin (Prefect), Ginger Geurts (Captain), Richard Gaut (Captain), Mika Adar (Prefect), Shayla Duffy (Prefect)

Flood ravaged garden resurrected as part of Val’s therapy

Val Blackler of South Lismore has come a long way since the February 28 oods last year.

By SAMANTAH ELLEY

Her beautiful two-storey brick house and garden su ered the same fate as many people in the Northern Rivers, with water inundating every part of her house.

“I didn’t move because I was on the second oor and (the water) would never reach us there, I thought,” she said.

“I said, ‘if it gets me, it will get the lot of you’,”

And that’s what the ood waters did. Many people saw the photo of Val’s two dogs José and Milo, stranded in a ooded loungeroom on the Lismore What’s Happening Facebook page. “ e water keeps coming. I am watching my lounge go under,” Val said. “(Milo) started to drown and the table’s oating, well this is the end and I stepped up on the table and my head was on the roof and I thought ‘What

now?’,”

en, Val likened it to a movie. Her rescuers were at the door.

“ e boat came across the top of the carport. I am at the front door with the current coming through,” said Val.

“It all happened so quick.”

Happily, Val and both her dogs were rescued and are back in their South Lismore home.

While the house still needs a lot of work, the same need not be said for Val’s resurrected garden.

“I’ve been home since two weeks a er the ood,” she said.

“Once upstairs (became) liveable, there is nothing more I can do in the house.

“We are waiting on my son, he is a tradie.”

Val realised there was plenty she could do in the garden and so began the long task of cleaning up and redesigning her

outdoor area.

“I’ve lost a lot of plants,” she said.

“My gerberas were beautiful but with all that rain and ood, I’d moved them and packed them high, but I lost the lot as they were all washed away.

“My (Wishing) well, I watched it up and oat away.”

e wishing well became famous when Val put a call out on Facebook asking if anyone had seen it.

Four months later, she was messaged to say there was a well outside a local business.

“I asked where they found it. It was up a tree,” she said.

“It had obviously been cleaned up, all the mud was o it.”

With Val’s lost gerberas, a grower from Rockhampton got in touch and asked if she would grow them again.

“I said ‘no’, I am too old, too much trouble,” she said.

“I’d just give up.

“He said, ‘I think you should. I’ve got too many plants, I’ll send you some’,” Two months later, Val received 50 plants from the generous Rockhampton gerbera grower.

“Because I knew they were coming, I had to make all new beds, so that’s got me going,” she said.

“( e garden) has been my saviour.

“I get out here, I relax, I start doing what needs doing. I’ve got so much more to do and I don’t even think about anything else.”

Val is as happy as a pig in the proverbial when she is in her garden and the work she has done has been a therapy for her.

At 76 years of age, she has no plans to slow down. Even a bout of cancer with a diagnosis of only three months to live, hasn’t stopped her.

“I had two and a half years treatment, but for six months it was intense and I only had one week out of three I was any good,” she said.

“ at one week I was ne, I was out here.

“ e cancer doctor said gardening stimulates the calming, relaxing side of the brain which helps with the healing.”

Val’s favourite area of the garden is under the shade of the poinciana tree on the lawn.

“If I stopped this I’ll be cripple in six months,” she said.

“My back is full of arthritis.

“I am really upset if I don’t achieve something in the garden.”

Tips from Val

• If a plant seems dead, check for green shoots. Cut them o , replant in a pot and water.

• Do a little bit each day in the garden to keep moving and appreciate being in nature.

• Buy plants already owering like marigolds and petunias for a quick, pretty x in the garden.

“Commercially aligned industry relevant cattle”

Including 350 EU Accredited Females

Saturday 4th March ‘23 - NRLX Casino - 10am Start

150 Sangus Heifers, PTIC (Angus Bulls)

250 Santa Hereford Heifers, PTIC (Angus Bulls)

In the Sh…? Call Motion Mover!

Motion Mover, based in Wardell, is a locally owned family business, operating for over 40 years, servicing the Northern Rivers and surrounds, Ballina, Byron, Lismore, Casino right through to the border. The crew here specialise in Septic Tank Pumping & Cleaning as well as Hydro Vacuum Excavation.

Council and EPA approved and fully insured you can relax knowing your job is

being carried out by professionals providing a reliable, swift service.

Having your septic tank pumped regularly (around every 3 years) you avoid problems of build up in the system, which could cost thousands of dollars. If you are unsure about your system feel free to give us a call.

Call Bill “Pump Out” Reynolds on 0428 813 310.

Servicing Grafton and the entire Clarence Valley

since 1978 Grafton Air Conditioning & Refrigeration supply, install, repair and maintain a wide range of air conditioning systems and commercial refrigeration equipment.

We offer a select range of technician approved brands to suit every need – like our Panasonic split systems that feature 3-way fltration: anti-allergen, anti-bacterial & antivirus protection along with Wi-Fi connectivity for convenient control via your mobile phone. Grafton Air also

specialise in ducted air conditioners for the ultimate in home climate control.

All our residential air conditioners are covered by a 5 year Manufacturer’s Warranty and Grafton Air provides the support and care for your system over its lifespan.

If cool, clean fltered air is at the top of your wish list call the professionals now on 6643 1490 to book your free quote for a new or updated air conditioner!

Everything you need! Grafton Hydraulics has the largest hydraulic parts inventory in NSW. We have all the hydraulics products and parts you could need to ensure you are covered, whatever you need. Based in South Grafton we service all surrounding areas.

We stock a wide range of hydraulic parts including hoses, oils, lubricants, industrial belts and flters, gas struts, seals, wipers, rings, pneumatics and

more. We’re committed to providing the best mechanical and automotive solutions available, so your project remains on track. In the unlikely event we don’t have the part you need in our inventory, we’ll track it down and order for your immediately.

Call in and see Darryl and the team at 14 Induna Street in South Grafton Monday to Friday 8-5 and Saturday 8-12, or give us a ring on 02 6642 4401.

BEST ON THE BOX

MONDAY WOULD I LIE TO YOU? AUSTRALIA

TEN, 8.40pm

SUNDAY VERA

ABC, 8.30pm

Devoted fans of this long-running detective drama can breathe a sigh of relief – no-nonsense sleuth DCI Vera Stanhope (Brenda Blethyn) will return for at least one more instalment after this latest four-episode run wraps up next week. Rest assured, Vera isn’t hanging up her iconic green mac and sherman hat just yet. In tonight’s penultimate episode of season 12, simply titled “Blue”, Vera gets her teeth stuck into another ba ing mystery when a second-generation police o cer is found dead oating in a park lake. The unorthodox but perceptive crime-solver treads carefully on both sides of the thin blue line as she bids to uncover the truth.

FRIDAY, March 3

6.00 The Drum. Analysis of the day’s news.

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

7.30 Gardening Australia. Costa

Georgiadis tours an expert’s vegie patch. Jane Edmanson cultivates autumn colour.

8.30 Endeavour. (Mav) Part 1 of 3. A grisly discovery in a College garden raises suspicion among a celebrated Oxford orchestra, but when a second tragedy hits, this time within their ranks, Endeavour discovers a story the would sooner forget.

10.00 Van Der Valk. (Mav, R) Part 1 of 3.

11.35 ABC Late News. Coverage of the day’s events.

11.50 Miniseries: Butter y. (Mal, R) Part 2 of 3.

12.35 Adam Hills: The Last Leg. (R)

1.20 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

Chrissie Swan hosts this entertaining local take on the hit UK panel show, in which two teams try to outwit each other with anecdotes that may or may not be true. It’s then left up to the studio audience and viewers at home to try and sort the facts from the bs. Team captains Charlie Pickering and Frank Woodley (right) guide competitors as each hilarious story is picked apart through a series of probing questions until the truth (or lie) is nally revealed. Tonight’s guests include performer Em Rusciano, comedian Mel Buttle, actor Josh Lawson and retired politician Christopher Pyne.

WEDNESDAY THE SWAP

SBS, 8.30pm

This rst-of-

in diverse communities – all by giving 12 very erent Brisbane high school students and their families the chance to swap schools for a term. Ali Kadri, CEO of the Islamic College of Brisbane, is behind the exchange, which sees six Muslim families, four Catholic families and two atheist families take a leap of faith that will test their preconceptions of each others’ lives. The results are eye-opening, and at times challenging, but there’s no doubt the students, their families – and viewers – will ultimately be changed for the better.

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (PG)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Wrecks That Changed The World: Danger Ahead. Takes a look at shipwrecks.

8.30 Walking Britain’s Lost Railways: Devon. (PG, R) Rob Bell discovers the now-abandoned lines that unlocked the wild coastline of north Devon.

9.25 Royal Autopsy. Part 1 of 2.

10.25 SBS World News Late.

10.55 Gomorrah. (MA15+v, R)

1.25 Romulus. (MA15+sv, R)

3.25 Mastermind Australia. (R)

4.30 Bamay. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 7News Local.

6.30 7News @ 6:30.

7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. Johanna Griggs and Pete Colquhoun check out LiveWorkShare House. Adam Dovile meets Bega artist Jen Mallinson.

8.30 MOVIE: Hacksaw Ridge. (2016, MA15+v, R) Based on a true story. A conscientious objector, who worked as a medic on the frontlines of World War II without ever ring a shot or even carrying a gun, wins the US Medal of Honor. Andrew Gar eld, Sam Worthington, Vince Vaughn.

11.15 MOVIE: Point Of No Return. (1993, Mlsv, R) A junkie cop killer is o ered a job as an assassin for a shadowy government agency. Bridget Fonda, Gabriel Byrne.

1.30 Home Shopping.

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 A Current A air.

7.30 Rugby League. NRL. Round 1. Penrith Panthers v Brisbane Broncos. From BlueBet Stadium, Sydney.

9.55 Golden Point. A wrap-up of the Penrith Panthers versus Brisbane Broncos match, with news and analysis.

10.40 All The Way: Panthers Title Defence. (PG) Narrated by Mick Fanning.

12.10 The First 48: Bad Love. (Mav, R)

A woman is gunned down in broad daylight.

1.00 Sur ng Australia TV. (R) Showcases Sur ng Australia’s programs.

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. Hosted by comedian Graham Norton.

8.30 Taskmaster Australia. (PGl, R) Comedy game show featuring comedians Danielle Walker, Jimmy Rees, Julia Morris, Luke McGregor and Nina Oyama performing a series of tricky tasks. Hosted by Tom Gleeson.

9.30 To Be Advised.

10.30 Just For Laughs. (Ml, R) Hosted by Nick Cody.

11.00 Just For Laughs Uncut. (MA15+ls, R) Hosted by Nikki Osborne.

11.30 The Project. (R)

12.30 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG)

1.30 Home Shopping. (R)

6am Children’s Programs. Noon Motor Racing. SpeedSeries. TCR Aust Series, TransAm Series and the S5000 Austn Drivers C’ship.

GRAFTON

THERE WERE 392 HEAD YARDED AT GRAFTON FAT CATTLE SALE 21ST FEBRUARY 2023. The fortnightly Fat Sale has once again drawn a very good yarding of prime export cattle. Compared to last Fat Sale, the market for heavy Bullocks was frm while the heavy Cows sold slightly cheaper to see a top of 291.2c/ kg. Plainer Cows saw increased competition and sold dearer with an extra processor competing on those types. Young cattle were low in numbers making it hard to get an accurate quote.

Sale Highlights includ

e:

A/c RA & CA Connor sold Angus/Brahman Bullocks

CASINO

NRLX MARKET REPORT

WEEK ENDING FRIDAY 24 FEBRUARY

Agents yarded a total of 1,489 head at the Northern Rivers Livestock Exchange regular prime sale on Wednesday 22 February. There was a large yarding of young cattle along with a fair penning of cows. The yarding of young cattle consisted of a good supply of light and medium weight vealers, and several pens of heavy veal and yearlings. Quality was mixed with several good runs of well-bred cattle, however there were a fair number of plainer type cattle through the sale. The market was cheaper with secondary type cattle most affected. Cow prices saw a slight increase on last week averaging

WARWICK

MC DOUGALL & SONS SHEEP & LAMB REPORT

Agents today yarded 1836 head of sheep and lambs for the weekly sale, with the lambs drawn from the Balonne, Traprock, New England and local areas. The market frmed for most descriptions, the only anomalies being with light mutton and light store Xbred lambs. Lambs topped at $210 to average $140.31($3up), hoggets topped at $142 to average $110.94($24up), ewes topped at $130 to average $60.35($2up), rams topped at $100 to average $49.61($143down), lamb rams topped at $169 to average $102.20($19up), ewe lambs topped at $210 to average

WARWICK

LIVESTOCKMARKETS WARWICK W/E 25/02/2023

Agents yarded slightly larger yarding’s of cattle and sheep and lambs this week, pigs and poultry numbers were similar to last week. The markets for the cattle saw slight falls for most categories with the exception being some lines of Angus light steers and heifers in the feed on back to the paddock types which held their own. Sheep and lamb numbers were up slightly with a large percentage of stock in the light trade or back to the paddock types. The heavy end if fnished was slightly dearer as well as the good fresh light lambs. Mutton was up and down with the price fuctuations being for either restocker types or heavy trade and export types.

Vealer steers averaged 438.5kg topping at 598.2c/kg or $1143.70 to $1431.79

335.2c/kg averaged 716.7kg - $2,402.27 p/hd

A/c PJ & WJ Beel sold a Charolais Cross Steer 334.2c/kg weighed 610kg - $2,038.62

A/c PL & J Parr sold Charolais Cross Steers 331.2c/kg averaged 729.2kg - $2,415 p/hd

A/c David Carmont sold Brangus Steers 321.2c/kg averaged 643.6kg - $2,067.15 p/hd

A/c WG & JA Weick sold Angus Heifers 322.2c/kg averaged 523.8kg - $1,687.52 p/hd

A/c Baryulgil Pastoral Co sold Brahman/Hereford Cows 291.2c/kg averaged 526.3kg - $1,532.44 p/hd

A/c JA & KA Clancy sold Brahman Cross Cows 291.2c/ kg averaged 623.8kg - $1,816.36 p/hd

A/c MJ & T Middelbosch sold Brahman/Hereford Cows 285c/kg averaged 572.5kg - $1,631.63 p/hd

265c/kg and reaching a top price of 300c/kg. Heifer prices were easier with lighter stock up to 250kg averaging 373c/ kg and topping their category at 484c/kg. Heavier heifers over 250kg averaged 328c/kg and reached a top of 428c/ kg. Bull prices were cheaper with 24 head sold averaging 241c/kg and 675kg. Steer prices saw a drop with lighter stock up to 250kg averaging 452c/kg and reaching a top of 536c/kg. Heavier steers over 250kg averaged 371c/kg and topped their market at 492c/kg. A small number of bullocks sold on the day averaged 297c/kg and reached a top of 310c/kg.

Vealer prices fell this week averaging 401c/kg and 224kg and reaching a top of 546c/kg.

T&W McCormack and Ramsey & Bulmer held a store

$143.75($5up). The total yarding averaged $113.09, which was $16/head up on last week’s sale.

Matthew McArthur sold Dorper x lambs 58.8kg to Warwick Meats for $198, 41.8kg to GR Prime for $144 Sunnymount Farming sold Dorper lambs 51.6kg to Eversons for $187

Bodumba Farming sold Dorper lambs 53.7kg to Eversons for $188, hoggets 58.6kg to Eversons for $110 and restockers for $87

Les Holton sold 60kg ewe lambs to Warwick Meats for $180

Kayla Bowman sold 48kg Dorper lambs to Eversons for $170, hoggets 50kg to Take IT Easy Meats for $116

Kellie Gillam sold Southdown ewe lambs 34.1kg to Black

Vealer heifers averaged 385.3c/kg topping at 487.2c/kg or $968 to $1444.52

Feeder steers averaged 373.4c/kg topping at 390c/kg or $1593.98 to $1900.06

Feeder heifers averaged 346.5c/kg topping at 357.2c/kg or $1336.66 to $1467.10

Yearling steers averaged 394.7c/kg topping at 460c/kg or $1313.30 to $1755.00

Yearling heifers averaged 358.9c/kg topping at 420c/kg or $1175.01 to $1933.92

Steers averaged 349c/kg topping at 398.2c/kg or $1888.49 to $2441.60

Heifers averaged 316.8c/kg topping at 370c/kg or $1479.72 to $2086.92

Cows averaged 264.7c/kg topping at 292.2c/kg or $1458.18 to $2328.15

Bulls averaged 290.3c/kg topping at 410c/kg or $1136.42

A/c B & S Howlett sold a Santa Cross Cow 286.2c/kg weighed 505kg - $1,445.31

A/c PJ & WJ Beel sold Charolais Cows 288c/kg weighed 630kg – $1,814.40 p/hd

A/c Brad McLennan sold Angus Cross Cows 288c/kg averaged 597.5kg - $1,720.80 p/hd

A/c Lindsay & Lesley Eagles sold Droughtmaster Cross Cows 288.2c/kg averaged 545.8kg - $1,573.09 p/hd

A/c T & N Heyman sold a Droughtmaster Bull 270c/kg weighed 820kg - $2,214.00

A/c Phyllis Ball sold Angus Cross Steers 460.2c/kg averaged 277.5kg - $1,277.06 p/hd

A/c G Skinner sold an Angus Steer 508.2c/kg weighed 235kg - $1,194.27

sale at the NRLX on Friday 24 February with 1,638 head going under the hammer. Steers topped their category at 568c/kg and averaged 451c/kg and 275kg whilst heifers reached a top of 450c/kg and averaged 376c/kg and 249kg. Cows reached a top price of $1,675 whilst cows & calves topped their market at $2,500.

T&W McCormack and Ramsey & Bulmer will hold another store sale this Friday 3 March with 2,000 head expected. Further bookings are welcome!

Saturday 4 March will see the annual Yulgilbar Genetics

Commercial Female sale held at the NRLX from 10am. With 470 quality PTIC Santa Gertrudis heifers going under the hammer, this is a sale not to be missed. The sale will be streamed live and online via StockLive for those unable to attend on the day.

Beauty Pigs for $124, 37.5kg wether lambs to restockers for $123

Landers & Little sold 2nd x Dorset sucker lambs 42.4kg to GR Prime for $121, 40kg to restockers for $120

Matt Kajewski sold Dorper x lambs 41kg to GR Prime for $107, 68kg ewe hoggets and ewes to restockers for $130, ewes to Eversons for $105 and restockers for $72

Camco Trust sold 1st x Ewe hoggets 60.3kg to Eversons for $142, 53.5kg to restockers for $112, 50kg to GR Prime for $90, ewes to restockers for $55

Simon & Lee Gore sold Suffolk ewe lambs 44.6kg to restockers for $122

Kim Nielsen sold 1st x Xbred hoggets 64kg to Eversons for $115

to $1930.68

Lambs topped at $210 to average $140.31 up $3/head

Hoggets topped at $142 to average $110.94 up $27/head

Ewes topped at $130 to average $60.35 up $2/head

Rams topped at $100 to average $49.61 down a whopping $143

Lamb rams topped at $169 to average $102.20 up $19/ head

Ewe lambs topped at $210 to average $143.75 up $3/head

Sale total of 1836 head averaged $113.09 up $16/head on last week’s sale.

Sows sold to $95, Gilts to $170, Pork $50 to $144, Baconers to $190

Poultry numbers were up with chicks selling to $35/units, Pullets to $16/unit, Roosters to $10, Hens to $7, Quail to $16, Guinea fowl to $26, Ducks to $10, Ducklings to $28/unit

Australian Sustainable Timbers

Australian Sustainable Timbers is looking to work with farmers with hardwood plantations to unlock their future value.

Many landholders in NSW have ended up with young plantations on their properties from abandoned government forestry schemes (failed MIS’s (managed invest schemes)) handed back these plantations. This has left them with the responsibility of looking after tens of thousands of trees with very few tools available for managing the timber outcomes, weeds and the fre risk of the plantations on their land.

Eucalypt plantations, planted at high densities for good forestry outcomes, need thinning as the

trees grow and start to compete with each other for light, water and space. Without thinning the trees will become stressed and vulnerable to disease and insect attack and it becomes diffcult to maintain a healthy forest.

Good plantation management ‘thins’ out (removes) the weaker trees progressively as the forest grows to focus growth onto the best trees and ensure a healthy productive forest is maintained for timber and for biodiversity. This thinning process is usually undertaken early to keep the trees growing as fast as possible, it is staged process and should start as early as years 5-12 depending upon how fast the trees are growing. Traditionally it is diffcult to justify thinning operations as

there are few market options for the small, low-quality trees being removed due to their small diameters and high proportion of sapwood.

On the north coast of NSW we have beautifully diverse forests with some of the most versatile

timber species in the world. Managed well, these forests are capable of providing both biodiversity outcomes as well as timber for generations of landholders in perpetuity.

At AST, we work with farmers in a FSC group scheme

to regenerate their forests both big and small. We carry out the planning, certifcation, tree marking and harvesting of native forests and plantations on private land as well as milling and marketing a wide range of timber products. It has always been our aim to fnd uses for small logs to enable the rehabilitation and renewal of native forests and plantations on private land.

Our systems are focussed on restoring the ecological function as well as the commercial productivity to the forest. Each forest is unique, and we cannot simply apply a recipe book to management. The key to our approach is the development of a comprehensive

and site-specifc management plan for each area of forest we work in.

Australian Sustainable Timbers is a forest management and timber company based in NSW. Established 2007, Australian Sustainable Timbers was the frst company in Australia to achieve the internationally recognised Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certifcation in native forest.

Primarily we are passionate about good forestry and a major part of this is retaining the potential of young plantations on private land into the future. If you would like to discuss how we can unlock the value of your plantations today call James on 0415 457 973.

australiansustainabletimbers

HERBERT AND MONICA MCINNES

By Helen Trustum

Herbert, known as Bert, was born in Casino on 19th June 1902. He married Monica Mulherin who was the daughter of William and Hilan Mulherin. Monica was born on 10th December 1906 also in Casino. Bertie’s parents were Donald Richard and Mary Elizabeth McInnes. Bert and Monica frst lived at the Runnymede Homestead at Fairy Hill for fve years before moving to Boundary Creek, Bentley in February in 1933 and took on a clearing lease. The mountain surrounding them was very high and they never saw the sun till 9am and by 3pm it was gone again. This property is now owned by Geoff Manning.

Their family: Joan, Pat, Trevor, Leonard, Todd, Mary, Betty and Margaret.

The following story is told by Monica McInnes and written up in the Casino and District Historical Society Bulletin, Volume 17. “We hadn’t any money but four small children. There was only a big tin shed for a house, so Bert felled the trees and split the slabs to make three rooms in the house. One became a sleeping place for the children the other a kitchen. The bottom half of the place was timbered up and the top half was made of hessian from chaff bags. We lived in that for nine years. Prior to our family

moving into the shed it was used by timber getters to keep feed in for the bullock teams. For the frst three months we did not have a stove and I cooked outside in a camp oven. When we purchased the stove, I started making my own bread. Walter

Pratt lent us a dairy cow which provided us with milk and homemade butter. Sixpence sent in by the cream carrier to Lismore got us a sugar bag of pork bones, which was our weeks meat. We cleared the scrub and planted vegetables which my husband sold

People Product Partnerships

to the farmers around the creek. He also went as far as Kyogle selling his vegetables and with the money he would buy some part of the groceries, often half a pound of salt, 2 pound of sugar and some four.

As we got started, we eventually had fve acres

of bananas and six acres of vegetable crops. The land was worked by Bert using a hoe as we didn’t own a horse to do the

work. Bert often chipped into the moonlight to keep up with the work. In the nine years we never went out one

Monnie

Back L to R- Monnie & Clare; Front Sadie, Mary & Vera 1925

Herbert and Monica

As we mark the first anniversary of our catastrophic floods I am inspired by our community every day From rescue, to recovery, to rebuild it’s been our local people banding together and leading the way.

I am optimistic about our future and I will always back in our communityled recovery.

Remembering the 2022 Flood

Special Anniversary Breakfast a chance to re ect, give thanks and move forward

From across the Northern Rivers they came, despite the early 7am start, to a special Anniversary Brekky to remember and be reminded you’re not alone, a year on from the region’s worst ever ood disaster.

Survivors, rescuers - including those in the legendary ‘tinnie army’ who performed sole (soul) rescues in their own small aluminium boats, to recovery crews, the SES, Police, RFS and surf lifesaving heroes, all sharing a cuppa and the real question ‘so, how are you doing now?’

Community groups like Pottsville’s Mens Shed, churches, charities including Red Cross and Club Tweed, and members of 8/9 RAR Army battalion who helped with the massive clean-up job also attended along with leaders from all tiers of government, including

By MARGARET DEKKER

the NSW Minister for Flood Recovery, Steph Cooke MP.

Janelle Sa n Member for Lismore, Geo Provest Member for Tweed, Justine Elliot Federal Member for Richmond, David Witherdin Chief Executive Northern Rives Reconstruction Corporation and Cr Chris Cherry Tweed Shire Mayor together with all Tweed Shire Councillors and sta came together in a spirit of bipartisanship to remember the harrowing natural emergency which rede ned our region and people.

“Our community had never seen anything quite like the ood last year and, as we move forward and rebuild, it was an opportunity for the Tweed community to remember and re ect on the ood and look forward to the future,” Cr James Owen, Tweed Shire

Council, and President of Business Kingscli said.

Cr Owen told e Northern Rivers Times everyone had their own experience of the ood and remembered it in di erent ways, some people – like the Condong artist who had her life’s collection of works wiped out – still nding it di cult to nd the words.

“Everyone’s journey was di erentwhether their home or businesses were ooded, or they were part of the rescue or recovery e orts – and it has certainly le its mark on us all,” Cr James Owen said.

“I think it’s also important that people know they haven’t been forgotten and that the community is still behind them.”

“It’s only a year ago, and there’s still so much to do,” he said.

Around 150 people attended the big breakfast at Salt Bar and Bistro in Kingscli , hosted by the generosity of Business Kingscli and Salt Bar. Tweed singer songwriter Ollie Twohill performed his song ‘Washed Away,’ which he wrote a er hearing stories about the oods from customers in the Murwillumbah bottle shop he worked in.

“ e ood event really brought people together .. and so has this breakfast,” Cr James Owen said.

Takingpeoplepowerto thelevee

By Samantha Elley

It’sbeen a long 12 monthsand while there are many public structuresthathave been repaired February andMarchfloods,the BungawalbinLevee isstillindisrepair,according toresidents. The historic Bungawalbin levee, that has protectedthe Bungawalbin, Swan Bayand Woodburn communities fromminor and moderateflooding since1945 , did not escape the effects of the major disaster 12 monthsago.

An onsitemeeting is tobe held on March 2 at the Rocks, located at 650 Bungawalbin-WhiporieRoad 10am.

“(The Bungawalbin levee) is a flood mitigation asset maintained by Rous County Council,” said BungawalbinresidentDeborahJohnston.

“They did some temporary fix works, however, have not been able to complete them as they don’t the funds.

“Unlessthey getgrants(they have appliedfor)they willnotbe inapositiontofixthe levee properly.”

The concern from residents is that areas such asBungawalbyn, Swan Bay and Woodburnwill be much sooner,withoutthe levee and theevacuationroutealong Bungawalbyn-WhiporieRoad willbecut offsooner.

Taking people power to the levee

“We are holding a community meeting for two reasons,” said Ms Johnston.

Unless they get grants (they have applied for) they will not be in a position to x the levee properly.

It’s been a long 12 months and while there are many public structures that have been repaired since the February and March oods, the Bungawalbin Levee is still in disrepair, according to residents.

e historic Bungawalbin levee, that has protected the Bungawalbin, Swan Bay and Woodburn communities from minor and moderate ooding since 1945, did not escape the e ects of the major disaster 12 months ago.

An onsite meeting is to be held on March 2 at the Rocks, located at 650 Bungawalbin-Whiporie Road at 10am.

“( e Bungawalbin levee) is a ood mitigation asset maintained by Rous County Council,” said Bungawalbin resident Deborah Johnston.

“ ey did some temporary x works, however, have not been able to

By SAMANTHA ELLEY

“The first is to make sure the community knows the levee can no longer (protect us) and two, to community to lobby RousCounty Council, Public Works, Stateand Federalgovernments and political representatives, NRRC and CSIROto encouragefunding ofrestoring this vitalhistoric infrastructure.”

complete them as they don’t have the funds. “Unless they get grants (they have applied for) they will not be in a position to x the levee properly.”

e concern from residents is that areas such as Bungawalbyn, Swan Bay and Woodburn will be ooded much sooner, without the levee and the evacuation route along Bunga walbyn-Whiporie Road will be cut o sooner. “We are holding a community meeting for two reasons,” said Ms Johnston.“ e rst is to make sure the community knows the levee can no longer (protect us) and two, to get the community to lobby Rous Coun ty Council, Public Works, State and Federal governments and political representatives, NRRC and CSIRO to encourage funding of restoring this vital historic infrastructure.”

Tinny heroes honoured in short lm

e buzz around the locally made lm Tinny Heroes has become palpable. e short piece was created by IndyNR. com editor Susanna Freymark and lm maker Jimmy Malecki a er an enquiry from Woodburn resident Bob May.

“Bob contacted me a few weeks a er the oods and wanted to nd the two guys who rescued him,” said Susanna. “Adam Bailey, Woodburn’s local policeman knew who they were and they turned out to be Derek (Stratton) and Marcus (Smith).

“ en I started hearing more and more about these tinny heroes and I was more than happy to sing their praises. “For the rst time ever words didn’t feel like enough as I wanted people who hadn’t been through the ood, to know what they did.”

And with that Susanna applied to the Walkley Foundation for funding, which she received, and asked Jimmy to direct the photography and lming.

By SAMANTHA ELLEY

“It has been a labour of love for the past 7-8 months,” said Susanna. ey entered the lm into the Bangalow Flickerfest in mid-February and walked away with Best Short Film as voted by the audience.

“It was pretty nerve wracking, as it was the rst public viewing of the lm,” said Susanna.

“People laughed and cried and that’s what I wanted.

“It was quite emotional to watch people watching it.”

For Susanna the Flickerfest viewing

The Best Place

was a test run for the launch of the lm which takes place tonight (March 1) at the Woodburn Hall.

“Woodburn will be much harder as it is for them, as well as Broadwater and Coraki.

“It’s everyone’s story. “I want people to feel it and I hope it is an inspiring lm.”

All viewings are free and the o cial launch at Woodburn will have live music and a barbeque run by the Upper Richmond Rotary Club and co ee and cake by the Evans Head CWA.

Viewings:

March 1 – Woodburn Hall, 7.30pm

March 2-4 – Lismore. Wellbeing Hub

space in the Quad in the heart of Lismore CBD. Between the Lismore Regional Gallery, Lismore Library and the Northern Rivers Conservatorium. Showing on ursday, March 2 and Friday, March 3 at 5pm and 6pm and on Saturday, March 4 at 11am, 1 pm and 2.30 pm.

March 3 – Coraki, Uniting Church, 7pm. Light meal a er the screening.

March 7 – Casino, Commercial Hotel, 6pm

March 9 – McKees Hill Hall, 6pm

March 10 – Casino Library, 10am, 10.4am, 11.30am and 12.15pm. Bookings required by COB ursday, March 9 Ph: 6660 0354

March 12 – Ballina, Cherry Street Sports, 7pm

March 17 – Kyogle Library, 5.30pm

Bookings required by ursday, March 16 Ph: 6632 1134

Flood insurance no guarantee

By SAMANTHA ELLEY

Being insured for ood is no guarantee that ood survivors have been able to get into their house faster than those who weren’t insured.

Woodburn resident Susan Beetham, along with her husband and daughter, have found this out the hard way. “I’m insured but they won’t let me raise my house before they x it,” said Susan of her insurance company.

“So we have had to ask for a payout gure.

“Twelve months and still no change to our house.”

Susan’s house has no internal walls or ceilings, making it totally unliveable for her small family.

“We live on our property in a caravan from insurance,” she said.

“We washed the front of our house for our own mental health.”

e rest of the house, however, is still coated in river mud with no timeframe for when the house will be made liveable again.

Helping our communities to recover:

✓ Establishing local recovery advisory groups to ensure Council remained connected with food-afected communities

✓ Completing urgent food damage repairs to Council’s roads and water and sewerage networks

✓ Working with government agencies to successfully secure and establish temporary housing sites and options

Supporting the Richmond Valley in times of need Building back better

Proud of how far they have come

By SAMANTHA ELLEY

During the ood MJ Connell of Woodburn was able to take photos of her backyard as it quickly disappeared under ood waters.

“ e peak of the ood it entered our house,” she said.

A er the water Ms Connell had to get

to work cleaning the mud and rubbish that had collected in their backyard and house. “Our home feels like home, even though it is not nished,” she said.

“But we feel very proud of how far we have come since the oods and so has a lot of the community.

Fighting back for the buy back

By SAMANTHA ELLEY

Woodburn resident, Bob May is not happy with the progression of government help since the oods 12 months ago and is doing what he can to shake up the process a little faster.

“I am waiting to see if Buy Back will provide me with enough money to buy a place above any future ood,” he said. “It is likely to be away from Woodburn.”

Bob was trapped in his home the day of February 28, 2022 and ended up on his dining room table as ood waters swirled around him. His rescue by Derek Stratton and Marcus Smith were the inspiration for the lm Tinny Heroes, a tribute to the many civilians who got in their boats to save stranded residents across the Northern Rivers.

Twelve months on and Bob’s house is back to a basic restoration with only sarking on the walls.

“I have no carpets on my oors, no curtains or blinds and I have not done anything with my bathroom,” he said.

“It is still just open timber studs and the plumbing has been disconnected.”

Bob feels there is no point spending money on bringing the house back to a comfortable living condition as it will no doubt ood again and he plans to live elsewhere.

“My nephew, who is a builder, came up from down near Forster and construct-

ed some kitchen shelves from waste plywood and these are enabling me to prepare meals,” the octogenarian said.

“I have a fairly basic shower and toilet out in the carport, which serves the purpose quite well.”

Sadly, Bob is a passionate orchid grower and hundreds of the beautiful plants died a er being submerged for days a er the ood went through. But there is hope.

“Some are amazingly, beginning to shoot again, so I am nurturing these as well as possible,” he said.

Bob is prepared to ght to get the process of buybacks happening, having already seen a case manager who has forwarded his request to the Northern Rivers Reconstruction Corporation (NRRC).

“Unless someone puts the foot down, little is likely to happen for some months yet,” he said.

“I am expecting a visit from a Member of the NSW Upper House and will be impressing on her the need for considerable acceleration in the whole process.”

Bookshop/Cafe renews life in riverside village

By SAMANTHA ELLEY

When the small CBD on River Street, Woodburn had ood waters reach to the ceilings of all the business premises, it was a small miracle that any of them would be able to open their doors again.

Some didn’t as Woodburn currently doesn’t have a newsagent, supermarket or petrol station, but the pub, chemist, bakery, takeaway were the rst to reopen, followed by a few more shops later on.

Now, in the premises of the old newsagent, a new shop has been established, called Hemlock Bookshop and Café, sparking hope for residents that life can go back to normal.

Samuel Allis is the owner of the café and brings with him the experience of a Melbourne barista who knows his beans.

“I’m originally from Melbourne, with a Brunswick St hospitality background and I wanted to open a place that was nooky and warm, where you could read a book,” he said.

“We moved to Woodburn from

Tabulam about three years ago, and I always wanted to open this kind of place.”

Entering the shop, the cosiness of bookcases lled with an eclectic range of books, period music playing in the background and the smell of co ee being made, is a good start.

ere are the nooks to sit and read in comfortable lounges with co ee tables and even places to have a game of chess.

“People have been very warm in their welcome,” said Samuel.

One customer told e Northern Rivers Times, she had already texted her friends in Casino, telling them they had to come over for a co ee.

Live poetry readings and music are events Samuel is organising as well.

“Artist friends are also selling their works here,” he said.

While Samuel wants to keep the culture of a bygone era alive, Woodburn residents are just happy to see life coming back to their town.

Live poetry readings and music are events Samuel is organising as well

Ghost streets 12 months from the ood

Survivors of the 2022 oods that hit the Northern Rivers in February and March are at di erent stages of recovery, even 12 months a er the major event.

By SAMANTHA ELLEY

Claire

Andrews

While East Lismore’s Claire Andrews has managed to get back into her house just this past month, others are still living in caravans, camping in the shells of their homes or still living with friends and family.

“I just got back into my house and I may be getting a bathroom very soon,” she said.

“I haven’t had a proper bathroom for so long, but I am very thankful for the help I have been getting through Resilience Lismore.”

It seems such little achievements are overwhelmingly appreciated when such conveniences have not been available.

e Lenane Family

Crystal Lenane of East Lismore said they are still in the same position they were 12 months ago.

“We nished raising our house a week before the ood,” she said.

“Our cars didn’t t under the house, so we wanted to make it more functional rather than for ood reasons. We thought we were prepared.”

e Lenane family - Crystal, her husband Frank and children, Frank, 5 and Ruby-Lou, 3 - stayed at the house, believing they were safer and higher than the ood waters could reach. How wrong they were.

“We woke up to water lapping our oorboards and panic mode set in as we wondered how we’d get out,” said Crystal.

“We were rescued by the tinny brigade, along with our dog.”

e ood waters ended up going a metre through the house, despite the house being raised.

“ e waters went four metres in East Lismore, three metres above anything that had ever come through,” said Crystal.

“Everything in our house was stripped

out, no walls, no bathroom, no kitchen.”

Over the next few weeks, the family moved around, staying with friends until, despite the tight rental market, they managed to nd a rental in Lismore Heights for six months.

“We were paying huge rental prices and couldn’t keep paying a mortgage and rent,” said Crystal.

“So we used our contents insurance to buy a caravan and are now living under our house.”

While construction has started on the house, with a couple of walls erected in the bedrooms, Crystal knows they have a long, long way to go.

“We built a bathroom in our laundry downstairs with a shower and toilet and our kitchen is an outdoor one with a barbeque and sink attached,” she said.

“It’s been like this since October.

“I feel like I am at breaking point and am losing my mind as it makes life harder without the normal amenities.”

Young Frank and Ruby-Lou, both now 6 and 4 respectively, seem to have taken more in their stride.

“Kids are way more resilient and adaptable,” said Crystal.

“But there is stress with the living arrangements and they miss their bedrooms and their own space.”

Husband Frank is a tradie so is more skilled than most to be able to repair their home, but it is a balancing act every day.

“I cried the other night as I want him to work on the house, but we need money coming in as well,” said Crystal.

“I started the East Lismore Flood Action Group to highlight the issues on this side of Lismore.

“Only two families have moved back into the street and every other house is for sale. It is a ghost street with so many houses still empty.”

Gary Shallala-Hudson

Close to the CBD of Lismore, Gary Shallala-Hudson had bought his two bedroom, double storey home in 2013, a er a period of homelessness and had plans for renovations. en the worst ood in Lismore’s history made a visit.

“I was watching all the warnings on the Bureau of Meteorology’s website and moved my car up the hill,” Gary said. He followed the predictions of Lismore’s levee being topped at 9am the next morning, revised to 6am and then he fell asleep.

“I woke at 4.49am and it was too late to get out,” he said.

“At one point I was standing near my front door and watching my PC, set to the BOM, and ABC on the television, and both screens were oating around in the water.

“I had a small ashlight and someone had seen it, as a guy showed up on a paddle board, with no oars, just paddling with his arms.”

It was his neighbour down the road, who despite having a family, including a 2-3month old baby and a dog, had come to get him.

e paddle board tipped over and Gary and his neighbour used it as a oatie for the next 40 metres back to his neighbour’s house. His neighbour continued to paddle a person at a time to safety. e last three remaining people were eventually rescued by boat and taken up the road to dry land.

Gary found himself back to sleeping on other people’s oors. During this time he was volunteering with Resilience Lismore setting up a tool library.

“I ran into an electrician who got my hot water working so I went back to my house,” he said.

“I was without a front door for a week and no windows for a month.”

As a woodworker, making high end guitars, Gary has felt the loss of his workshop keenly.

“In between the two oods, I got my rst commission to build a guitar but have nowhere to build it,” he said.

“I need somewhere to install my tools that has power and is lockable. at is at least a double garage size.”

Twelve months a er the ood, Gary still has ood mud on his ceiling fans. “My house is in major disrepair,” he said.

“I am living in half of it like a bed sitter arrangement.

“I’ve got a huge piece of ceiling missing and the walls around my kitchen are still gutted.

“ e bathroom is semi-functional but in a bad state.”

“A plumbing volunteer got in contact with me through the Koori Mail, but couldn’t nish the job, as we were evacuated for the second ood.”

Gary is on the list for a partnership between Resilient Lismore and Reece Plumbing in the hope of getting his damaged bathroom more functional.

“For a long time, I didn’t know what I was eligible for. I got the Home Grant of $20,000 but it went quickly, spending a few thousand just rewiring the house,” he said.

Gary is worried about his future as he doesn’t believe he is eligible for the government buyback scheme.

“My little two-bedroom house wouldn’t be worth a lot, anyway,” he said.

“If I did get a buy-back at previous to ood prices, I still have a mortgage to pay and would wind up homeless again.

“ e only thing that would get me out of trouble is if there was a land swap option on the table.”

KYOGLE DARRA TOWNSVILLE COFFS HARBOUR ROCKHAMPTON YATALA TOOWOOMBA CABOOLTURE TAMWORTH

The Northern Rivers Times

HERBERT AND MONICA MCINNES

By Helen Trustum

would try and come out and see us every few months. All sheets, tablecloths and clothing were made from calico bags that the four came in.

night.

The children attended Boorabee Park School. They had to walk three miles there and back each day. The children had to cross the creek (there were

the cream lorry where I would spend a couple of days with my mother and sisters. I would take the youngest child with me. Mother would cut my hair, make me a dress and take me to

no bridges) fve times before reaching the road. Boorabee Park School opened 11th July 1904 with teacher John Roache.

To get to town Bert would take me out to

the pictures, which was lovely. I remember when I was going to town to stay with mother for the birth of my sixth child. I was very ill and big as the side of a house. As I sat in

102-104 Queen Elizabeth Drive

the sulky, Bert led the old horse through the creeks until we got to the road where my brother was waiting with a car. When the time came for the birth, I went to bed with fve children and got up with seven, I had premature twins. They were very tiny. There were no humidicribs in those days, so they survived with hot water bottles in their bassinets. The twins were born on 12th July they were called Mary and Betty, weighing 8lb 4ozs together. It was such a shock I cried for days, I just couldn’t see how we were going to rear them. My husband was very proud. One more child, Margaret, was born. The only people we saw were the timber getters with the bullock teams and banana inspectors. My family

As time went by, we got a little money together and bought a second hand wireless, a second-hand sewing machine and a second hand utility. It was a 1926 Buick, where I was the proudest woman in Australia when that car came and stood at the front of the house. A short time after we were there my husband went over the mountain to see someone about the clearing lease where there were papers to

I walked up the bush track thinking he had an accident carrying the gun. Finally, I got word to the neighbours, who formed a search and went looking for him. I never closed my eyes all night, wondering how I would face the future and bring up the children on my own had anything happened to him. When morning broke Bert made his way home, very cold and badly scratched from the vines and thorns in the scrub. Often dingoes would come down to the clearing where the house stood. The boys would call them. One hot afternoon we decided to take our afternoon tea

the hill. This tyre went straight through our afternoon tea and spilt it everywhere. We packed up and went home. After nine years we decided to give dairying a go, so we moved to Spring Grove.

Our days were long, the work was hard, but no one complained and in spite of hardships and very little money they were the happiest of our lives. We were very sad to leave, as a lot of love and peace were our lot in our little bush house”. Bert passed away 22nd March 1971 aged 68 years and Monica 24th April 1997 aged 90 years.

sign. He was later coming home than he intended, so he thought he had better stay until morning. He didn’t come home so

across the creek in the shade of a big tree. All was laid out on a cloth when Len, who was 7 years at the time, decided to roll a spare tyre down

Ref: Casino and District Historical Society Bulletin, Monica McInnes 24/7/1982.

Helen Trustum

McInnes children

Twins Mary and Betty with Margaret - 1944

(L-R) Pat with Monnie & Mary

Australian Sustainable Timbers is looking to work with farmers with hardwood plantations to unlock their future value.

Many landholders in NSW have ended up with young plantations on their properties from abandoned government forestry schemes (failed MIS’s (managed invest schemes)) handed back these plantations. This has left them with the responsibility of looking

after tens of thousands of trees with very few tools available for managing the timber outcomes, weeds and the fre risk of the plantations on their land.

Eucalypt plantations, planted at high densities for good forestry outcomes, need thinning as the trees grow and start to compete with each other for light, water and space. Without thinning the

trees will become stressed and vulnerable to disease and insect attack and it becomes diffcult to maintain a healthy forest.

Good plantation management ‘thins’ out (removes) the weaker trees progressively as the forest grows to focus growth onto the best trees and ensure a healthy productive forest is maintained for timber and for biodiversity.

CONTINUED PAGE

50

FROM PAGE 37

This thinning process is usually undertaken early to keep the trees growing as fast as possible, it is staged process and should start as early as years 5-12 depending upon how fast the trees are growing. Traditionally it is diffcult to justify thinning operations as

there are few market options for the small, low-quality trees being removed due to their small diameters and high proportion of sapwood.

On the north coast of NSW we have beautifully diverse forests with some of the most versatile timber species in the world. Managed well, these forests are capable of providing both biodiversity outcomes

Challenges in traditional tree thinning due to limited market options for small trees National survey shows signifcant benefts of recreational fshing

A national social and economic survey of recreational fshers has shown that one in fve Australian adults participate in recreational fshing every year, improving wellbeing and contributing 100,000 jobs and $11 billion to the Australian economy.

The National Social and Economic Survey of Recreational Fishers, jointly conducted by ABARES, the University of Canberra and the Australian Recreational Fishing Foundation, is the frst national survey of its type in over 20 years.

ABARES Executive Director, Dr Jared Greenville, said the survey provides a contemporary picture

of recreational fshing in Australia, including information on participation rates, as well as the contribution to the economy and society.

“A total of 4.2 million

or one in fve adult Australians were estimated to participate in recreational fshing each year. The number of recreational fshers has increased since 2000 as the population has

also increased, however the proportion of fshers has remained relatively stable overall,” Dr Greenville said.

“Australians were estimated to spend 28 million days fshing

as well as timber for generations of landholders in perpetuity. At AST, we work with farmers in a FSC group scheme to regenerate their forests both big and small. We carry out the planning, certifcation, tree marking and harvesting of native forests and plantations on private land as well as milling and marketing a wide range of timber products. It has always

each year. While most recreational fshers fsh fewer than fve days a year, a small proportion fsh more than 52 days a year.

“Recreational fshing was estimated to contribute over 100,000 jobs and over $11 billion per year (including direct and indirect contributions) to the Australian economy.

“Recreational fshers were found to have, on average, higher levels of wellbeing than non-fshers, and those who fsh more often have higher wellbeing. Recreational fshing appeared to support positive social connections, nature connection, relaxation and can help achieve recommended levels of

physical activity.

“The survey results also showed that most Australians have a positive outlook on recreational fshing, with 79% of Australian adults considering recreational fshing to be an acceptable activity.

“Recreational fshers also contribute to environmental stewardship by picking up rubbish when out fshing, while some participate in habitat restoration activities or donate to organisations trying to improve aquatic health.”

Managing Director of the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC), Dr Patrick Hone, said recreational fshing is an important part of Australian culture and contributes to our health and wellbeing.

“Timely research on recreational fshers is critical to informing fsheries management in a changing climate,” Dr Hone said.

“Critical to FRDC is investing in research to ensure scientifc evidence underpins sustainable management of our aquatic resources for the beneft of all Australians - whether it’s for commercial or recreational purposes.

Politicians must partner with farmers to avoid job losses

A reported loss of farm jobs due to emissions reduction policies would threaten the state’s food security, NSW Farmers says.

According to the Institute of Public Affairs, 63,765 agricultural jobs –almost half of the total workforce – were at risk because of the emission reduction policies both major parties are taking to the March state election.

NSW Farmers workplace relations spokesman Chris Stillard said the agricultural sector supported the Net Zero target, but the transition had to occur in an orderly way to prevent a dramatic loss of production.

“Australian farmers are arguably the most innovative in the world,

but we cannot do more to reduce emissions without advances in technology,” Mr Stillard said.

“For example, diesel remains the only commercially viable fuel for food and fbre production, and for

transporting that produce to consumers.

“At the end of the day, every Australian needs farmers to grow their food, and we cannot risk lazy policies that threaten production.”

While the IPA report found the heaviest job

losses would occur in the agricultural sector, it also identifed farm workers on average produce far fewer emissions than jobs in other industries; oil and gas extraction workers accounted for 2.4kt of CO2 each, while agricultural workers

accounted for just 0.36kt.

The NSW Farmers state election platform contained a number of policies that could help address climate change and secure the future of food production in NSW.

“It’s undeniable

the economic and environmental landscape is changing, and that’s why we are calling for the establishment of a dedicated Climate and Emissions Reduction Innovation Fund to help fnd emissions reduction solutions for farms,” Mr Stillard said.

“We need the research and development funding for farmers to take the next leap forward, and matched funding or low interest loans to encourage the adoption of small-scale renewable energy generation and storage on-farm.

“It is critical we secure ongoing food and fbre production in our state, and balance this important goal with any climate change mitigation policies.”

ANNUAL BLUE RIBBON FEATURE FEMALE SALE

A/c T & S MCCALLUM

16 x 16 Angus Cows with calves at foot

10 Unjoined Purebred Brahman Heifers 18 mths

A/c DIAMOND SEVEN TRUST

26 F1 Brahman/Hereford Heifers 18-21 mths

10 Charolais/Angus Cross Heifers 20-23 mths

A/c MCCRATH CATTLE CO

2 Stud Booroomooka Angus Bulls

4 & 5 yrs, purchased off the Munro Family at their production sales, low birth weight figures.

A/c BA & MJ MORAN

CATTLE CO

40 Angus & Angus Cross PTIC Cows

7 x 7 Angus Cross Cows with big Calves at foot

A/c AG & GI CHAPMAN

8 F1 Brahman/Hereford PTIC Heifers PTIC to low birth weight Wakefield Charolais Bull

A/c J & R MCCALLUM

10 Charolais Cross Heifers 20-24mths

33 Brahman & Brahman Cross Heifers 20-24 mths

All excellent quality unjoined heifers, ready to join

A/c GR & JA PIGG

8 F1 Brahman/Angus Heifers 16 months, unjoined

A/c AJ & KA MCINTYRE

11 Angus Cross Hereford Unjoined Heifers

2 Hereford Cross Simmental Unjoined Heifers

8 Droughtmaster/Hereford Cross Simmental Unjoined Heifers

Pre-sale Registrations please contact our office

3 Stud Simmental Bulls rising 2 yrs

Excellent quality, GlenAnthony Wyata & Tennysonvale Genetics

A/c A MCMAHON

1 Hereford Bull 2 yrs old

5 x 5 Hereford Cows & Calves

A/c A R & B J GREEN

2 Brahman Bulls, Bizzy Bloodlines

3 years old in August, Dark Red

3 years old in July, Light Red

$250 HIP POCKET BONUS FOR REGIONAL APPRENTICES AND TRAINEES

More than 50,000 regional apprentices and trainees can now apply for the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government’s $250 Regional Apprentice and University Student Travel Card.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said the initiative would help ease budget pressures for apprentices, trainees and university students in the bush.

“We know that young people in our regions are faced with greater travel costs than those in the city, often having

to travel long distances to work or training,” Mr Perrottet said.

“This card will reduce travel costs by providing a $250 boost to the budgets of young apprentices and trainees in the bush, covering the cost of fuel, taxis and public transport.

“Slashing travel costs will make a real difference to young people in the bush who clock up the miles travelling to work or to university.

“This $250 hip pocket bonus for regional apprentices and trainees

is only possible thanks to the Liberal and Nationals long-term economic plan to keep our state moving forward.”

Around 51,000 regional apprentices and trainees, aged between 16 and 66, can start taking up this offer right now by applying through Service NSW and save $250 on fuel, taxis and public transport to help with the cost of traveling to work or study.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the card was a win for apprentices and

trainees hard at work in restaurants, childcare centres and on farms and construction sites across regional NSW.

“It’s a $250 boost that will ease the cost of flling up the tank or catching transport to work or class for thousands of people working towards their future career,” Mr Toole said.

“This is not just an investment that is putting fuel in the tank of apprentices and trainees now. This is an investment that is fuelling the training

of the workforce our regional businesses need for the future.

“Our Regional Seniors Travel Card has proven successful, delivering more than one million cards and injecting $196 million into regional economies since its launch in 2019, and we believe this card will be just as successful.”

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said eligible apprentices and trainees who apply will receive a $250 prepaid debit card within weeks.

Applications for

university students will open from the end of April when enrolments are confrmed.

Apprentices and trainees have until 30 November to apply for the 2023 card.

The initiative will run as a two-year trial until the end of 2024.

More details about eligibility and how to apply can be found at: www.service.nsw.gov. au/regional-apprenticeand-university-studenttravel-card

State’s best farming land under threat

Farmers on the state’s best agricultural land have faced years of uncertainty because of complex red tape that threatens food production.

New analysis from NSW Farmers revealed a cloud over ongoing farm production on two-thirds of State Signifcant Agricultural Land because of conficting mapping and land use defnitions from the NSW Government.

NSW Farmers Vice President Rebecca Reardon said there was an urgent need for clarity and co-ordination from government so farmers could get on with the job of growing food and fbre without worrying about inaccurate maps and indecipherable restrictions.

“It’s simply not good enough for government

to slap a restrictive map layer nearly the size of Tasmania over the state’s best farmland, and then drag their feet for over two-and-a-half years failing to give farmers clear guidelines on what they can and can’t do on

their land,” Mrs Reardon said.

“This is why we’re calling for a truly independent, fullyresourced Agriculture Commission to call out this sort of nonsense and be a source of truth

to pull government agencies back into line.”

According to the data, more than half a million hectares (545,308Ha) of the state’s best farmland was listed as containing critically endangered ecological communities

and at the same time was covered in petroleum exploration licenses. Only 30 per cent of State Signifcant Agricultural Land had no competing land uses listed.

Under state laws there were fnes of up

to $1.65 million for corporations or $330,000 for individuals for breaching environmental protections, but the guidelines on what continuing agricultural uses would be permitted in listed zones was years overdue.

“It’s time governments recognised they need to work with farmers rather than tying them up with spools of red tape,” Mrs Reardon said.

“Australia experienced a 14 per cent decline in land used for food and fbre production between 1973 and 2017, a loss of about 106 million hectares.

“We’ve got politicians talking about strategic plans to retain important food and fbre production lands and ‘avoid land use conficts’ but the reality is we’ve got more – not less – confict.”

1st 2nd 3rd

CELEBRATING THE GALLERY FOUNDATION’S LATEST BENEFICIARY GIFT TO THE GRAFTON REGIONAL GALLERY

AFLW start coming to the North Coast

In a huge boost for girls footy, AFLW star Cambridge McCormick will be sharing her passion and knowledge at the second “Force Girls Development Clinic”.

have Cambridge in attendance.

In 2022, The Gallery Foundation in collaboration with Grafton Regional Gallery commissioned a Sculptural Bench Seat by an artist from the Northern Rivers and

awarded numerous prizes for his work, and travelled to Italy to show, as well as exhibiting nationally across Australia, The Grafton Regional Gallery is honoured

independent organisation established in 2005 to support the Grafton Regional Gallery. The Foundation values the vital role the Gallery plays in the cultural, social and educational life of the Clarence Valley.

As a volunteer run not for proft organisiation, The Gallery Foundation actively advocates for donations from individuals and groups.

With great excitement we can confrm that GWS GIANTS player and former Port Macquarie Magpies premiership player, Cambridge, will be present at the session Saturday 11 March in Nambucca Heads. Cambridge’s role will coach and mentor the girls in the session.

Matt Crawley, AFL NSW/ACT Development Lead, is excited to

“I am thrilled that we’ll have Cambridge in and amongst the girls. It’s a rare experience to have elite players involved so closely in the development of players. This is a great opportunity for players to learn and expand their knowledge of the game with Cambridge’s guidance,” Crawley said.

In turn, McCormick is keen to be involved in the ongoing development of female footy.

“I’m really keen to return to the area and be involved in this fantastic initiative. The development of female

footy in the North Coast area is phenomenal and I’m excited to be a part of that,” said Cambridge.

“I heard that the girls had a great time at the frst session and I’m eager to join in the fun.”

The Force Girls Development Clinic with Cambridge is on Saturday 11 March at E.J Biffn Playing Fields, Nambucca Heads between 10:00am and 12:00pm.

All sessions in the series are free to participants, players are able to take part even if they didn’t participate in the frst program.

Coffs Coast via public call out.

After receiving an incredible number of submissions, The Gallery Foundation we honoured to announce the artist and unveil the artwork at a celebratory event last night at the Gallery.

Clarence Valley artist, blacksmith & sculptor Eoin McSwan was chosen with his work “Jaca, re, vir “(Jacarandas by the river), 2023.

The sculptural piece was created from 12mm polished 316 Marine grade, round section stainless steel.

Eoin has been creating industrial sculptural works since 2003 after retiring as a professional Blacksmith here in the Valley. He has been

to receive this gift and exhibit it as a part of the

Up next; Art in the Paddock presented by The Gallery Foundation, is back for 2023! The Foundation fagship event will be held Sunday March 26th at the Nymboida Canoe & Camping Centre. Tickets are on sale now via Eventbrite https://www. eventbrite.com.au/o/the-

APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN FOR INAUGURAL $10,000 MILITARY HISTORY PRIZE

Applications are now open for the inaugural $10,000 Anzac Memorial Trustees

Military History Prize – a new annual award within the prestigious NSW Premier’s History Awards.

Minister for Transport, Veterans and Western Sydney David Elliott said the establishment of the award highlighted the importance of recording our military history to honour and remember our veterans.

of the work which is already being done to record the events and stories of those who served in confict and peacekeeping missions but also provides an avenue for that work to be shared more widely.

permanent Collection in our stunning sculpture garden.

The Gallery Foundation is an

Find more information on their website thegalleryfoundation. com.au

“Capturing our military history is vital in ensuring future generations are educated on the service and sacrifce of Australians in armed conficts,” Mr Elliott said.

“This prize is not only an important acknowledgement

“This is another step in ensuring the sacrifces of all those who have served in the defence forces and military operations continue to be profled as part of the nation’s military history, so our veterans will not be forgotten.

“I encourage all historians with an interest in our military history to apply for this award as it will help future generations learn about and understand the bravery, dedication and legacy of our veterans,” Mr Elliott said.

The Military History Prize is for a work of non-fction on the involvement of Australians in wars, campaigns, battles and/or peacekeeping operations which are represented in the Anzac Memorial’s Hall of Service. The Hall of Service displays 100 international sites of military signifcance for NSW service personnel from the 19th Century to more recent military operations.

In the Anzac spirit, the Prize is open to citizens and permanent residents of Australia and New Zealand. Entries close on 6 April with winners announced in September 2023. For more information visit: https://www.sl.nsw. gov.au/awards/nswpremiers-history-awards

gallery-foundation

Englishes Bridge – rebuilt and ready for traffc

Work on Englishes Bridge at Upper Coopers Creek in the Byron Shire hinterland is almost fnished and it will be open to traffc next week.

The $1.8 million project involved the replacement of the original old timber bridge as well as repairs to Englishes Road.

The new bridge is reinforced concrete and has been designed to cope with future weather events after the area was badly affected by fooding in 2022.

The replacement of Englishes Bridge was funded under the NSW

These projects are funded via a grant from the NSW Government’s

Program.

“With the exception of the refurbished South Arm Bridge at

Brunswick Heads, these bridges are some of the last timber bridges in the Byron Shire,” Phil Holloway, Director Infrastructure Services, said.

“They have served the community well for many years but time, and foods, have taken their toll and they need to be replaced,” he said. Work on the new bridge at Upper Main Arm is expected to fnish in March and Sherringtons Bridge at The Pocket should be fnished by the end of April.

Free Caravan Safety Workshops

Ballina Shire Council is inviting the community to improve their caravan skills and knowledge.

Three free workshops will be held in Ballina on 20 March 2023 for local caravan owners.

“Whether you are an experienced caravan tower or new to the game, come along and hear from the experts, get some great tips and have your questions answered,” said Ms Helen Carpenter, Road Safety Offcer, Ballina Shire Council and Transport for NSW.

The Caravan Safety

Workshops will provide information, demonstrations and support on the safe

loading and towing of caravans to ensure you are safe on your next adventure. These interactive workshops will be run by Tow-Ed, a training company who provide specialised programs for caravan enthusiasts.

Three sessions will be held on Monday 20 March at the Gawandii Room, Lighthouse Beach Ballina Surf Club:

• Session 1 – 8.30am

• Session 2 – 11am

• Session 3 – 1pm

Each session will go for

HISTORIC FUNDING BOOST FOR OUR

Nationals candidate for Ballina, Joshua Booyens has welcomed the commitment by the NSW Nationals to inject $23 million in to Surf Life Saving NSW (SLSNSW) - the biggest investment in the organisation’s 116-year history.

Mr Booyens said the funding will signifcantly enhance SLSNSW’s capability in the Ballina electorate with new rescue vehicles, jet skis, and more.

“There are 21,000 volunteer lifesavers in NSW and hundreds of these are in our own region,” Booyens said.

“I am proud to be part of a government that

is delivering record funding to secure a brighter future for our volunteer lifesavers who are so integral to our community.”

Nationals Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience Steph Cooke said the funding

commitment for SLSNSW comes at a critical time.

“This summer is not over yet but we’ve already experienced record numbers of rescues and sadly drownings. This extra funding will go a long

way towards ensuring our volunteers are better supported to keep our communities safer and stronger,” Ms Cooke said.

SLSNSW President George Shales said an investment in lifesavers is an investment in

approximately 1.5 hours. Online registration is essential, and each session is limited to 50 places.

A demonstration vehicle and caravan will be used on the day so please do not bring your own caravan. This event is a collaboration with Tweed Shire Council and proudly supported by the NSW Government. To register visit Ballina CaravanWorkshops. eventbrite.com.au

LIFESAVERS

community safety.

“I welcome today’s announcement, which is a signifcant increase on previous NSW Government support for our thousands of volunteers and staff. Every single dollar will make a difference to the equipment and resources our volunteers rely on, helping us to save more lives,” Mr Shales said.

The NSW Government’s $23 million funding commitment consists of:

• 22 new rescue vehicles and 68 new jet skis, which can also be deployed during other natural disasters like foods;

• 40 additional Emergency Response

Beacons, enabling lifesavers to remotely monitor unpatrolled sections of the NSW coastline;

• Additional emergency management staff permanently based in Regional NSW;

• Radio communications upgrades on the Far South Coast, South Coast, North Coast and Mid North Coast; and

• An additional $5 million for the Surf Club Facility Program (taking it to $15 million in total), which is administered by the Offce of Sport to develop facilities that increase participation in surf life saving for all people, increase usage and improve safety.

Disaster Assistance program. Council is also replacing Upper

Main Arm Bridge at Upper Main Arm and Sherrington’s Bridge at The Pocket.

Fixing Country Bridges

Toyota Corolla is the latest model to get the GR treatment

MAKE WAY FOR THE GR COROLLA

By CHRIS RILEY

Toyota’s fre-breathing

GR Corolla blasts into Australian showrooms next month priced from $62,300.

Toyota Australia has secured 700 examples of the GR Corolla GTS for sale in the frst year, to be joined in coming months by the limited-run Morizo Edition – of which just 25 will be available.

The rally-bred GR (for Gazoo Racing) features a turbocharged petrol engine, all-wheel drive, wider front and rear track, completely overhauled suspension as well as a fresh design to set it apart.

It’s the same high-output 1.6-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine found in GR Yaris, but tuned to produce an extra 21kW of power, delivering an output of 221kW at 6500 rpm and 370Nm of torque over a wider 3000-5550 rpm.

The boost comes from enhancements such as the triple-exit exhaust which reduces back pressure, reinforced pistons and

exhaust valves and increased capacity for the direct-injection fuel pump and engine oil cooler.

All GR Corollas come equipped with a close-ratio six-speed manual transmission with intelligent revmatching, engineered to provide maximum driver enjoyment.

The $77,800 Morizo Edition pushes the envelope further again, extracting around 30Nm of extra torque, with different gear ratios to

make better use of the extra torque.

Underpinning this powertrain is a sophisticated all-wheeldrive system, supported by Torsen limited-slip diffs on both the front and rear axles for optimal torque distribution.

Optimised suspension geometry, extensive chassis reinforcements, weight reduction and dedicated ventilated disc brakes all contribute to a thrilling driving experience.

The Morizo Edition offers even further weight reduction and structural reinforcement, with the removal of the back seat. Exterior enhancements for both variants include unique front and rear

bumpers to accommodate the wider track, additional air ducts to enhance aerodynamics and cooling, a special tripleexit exhaust system, raised hood and unique 18-inch alloys with highperformance Yokohama tyres.

Morizo adds 18inch BBS forged, dark silver alloys with sticky Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 rubber, as well as a carbon-fbre reinforced polymer roof that helps

All versions gain a dedicated gear shifter and centre console, aluminium pedals, manual parking brake and a leatherwrapped steering wheel adapted from the GR Yaris.

Together with the removal of the 60:40 split-fold rear seats to save weight, the Morizo Edition is differentiated inside with unique bucket front seats with contrast red stitching, red seatbelts, suede trim for the steering wheel, gear shifter and parking brake, a red centre marker for the steering wheel and alumite red trim on the shift knob. GTS grades are available in four colours: Glacier White, Ebony, Liquid Mercury metallic and Feverish Red mica metallic.

lower overall weight and the centre of gravity.

The functional design of the exterior is mirrored inside, with changes to the interior that refect the GR Corolla’s status as a hot hatch.

Morizo will be offered with the choice of Frosted White pearl, Tarmac Black metallic and the exclusive Matte Steel.

Premium paint adds $575, Matte paint available only with the Morizo Edition is $2500 extra.

TOYOTA LANDCRUISER 300 SERIES

New Toyota LandCruiser 300 is a large vehicle with a squared off shape

By EWAN KENNEDY

The Toyota LandCruiser 300 is the replacement for the 200 Series which had been around for many years, over several generations in Australia. Toyota says that it has so many improvements over its predecessors that it deserved the new title of 300.

Despite being available since mid-2021 new Toyota LandCruiser 300s are still relatively rare on our roads largely because of supply issues. Many enthusiasts who were aware of the arrival of the LC300 got in early and put down deposits to avoid delivery delays.

Toyota lists the driveway price of the LandCruiser 300 GX model we tested as $99,422. However, this may change because Toyota says “Due to extended wait times, the fnal vehicle we can offer you and its price are likely to be different.”

STYLING

New Toyota LandCruiser is a large vehicle with a squared off shape which is not only handsome to look at but also provides plenty of interior space.

The front is big and bold and makes no secret of the fact that Toyota considers this to be a tough vehicle willing to take on the roads of Australia. Indeed, it has “Toyota” in very large letters spread across most of the grille’s width to let others know that this is King of the Hill Downunder. Which may seem a bit arrogant – but look at the sales fgures of Toyota over many years and you will understand why Toyota feels it can boast.

The wheel arches as squared off at the top. There’s plenty of space above the wheels so they can take large wheel/tyre movements. We feel it looks a bit over the top (sorry) but it works and that’s what matters.

INTERIOR

Before we talk about the interior let’s discuss how it’s not easy to get in there. The foor sits a long way off the ground and climbing up to get in there is quite a chore. Some models have a step to help get in, others don’t.

Our test car, the LandCruiser GX did not have steps and my wife Julie said some (beep, beep) words about this. I’m tall and lanky and still found it a bit of a pain. Why, oh why, Toyota did you get this so wrong?

IT’S THE ‘MIGHTY’ MITE OF ELECTRIC TRUCKS

Some models have seven seats, others fve. The GX we tested has fve seats. The rear seats on the seven seaters that we looked at in our local Toyota dealership are rather narrow but have good legroom. If you’re considering carrying large people it would be wise to take them along to try out the rear seats.

The fnish of the interior is to a high standard with quality materials and tight margins. It looks good and is a pleasant place to travel, all the more so when you’re spending hour after hour there as we did on our long trek.

INFOTAINMENT

Control is through a nineinch touchscreen with some items also offered on the steering wheel. The audio system has six speakers. We found the quality of the sound to be very good.

As is often the way when you’re out of residential areas the radio reception became weak and often disappeared. As ours was a long interstate trip we tuned in to catch local news and weather reports.

ENGINES / TRANSMISSIONS

The LandCruiser has a new-design 3.3-litre twin-turbo diesel engine. It has up to 227 kW of power and 700 Newton metres of torque, spread over a range from 1600 to 2600 rpm. See the Driving section of this test for our comments.

It drives all four wheels through a 10-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode.

SAFETY

Toyota LandCruiser 300 series was tested in 2022 and awarded a fvestar safety rating from ANCAP, Australasia’s independent voice on vehicle safety. It is ftted with dual frontal, side chest-protecting and side

head-protecting airbags, as well as driver and passenger knee airbags.

The LandCruiser is able to avoid collisions and has autonomous emergency braking tests, with collisions avoided or mitigated across all scenarios during tests. Should everything still go wrong and you have a crash the 10 airbags will do their best to protect all the occupants.

The LandCruiser has Toyota Safety Sense. This includes Pre-Collision Safety system with pedestrian and daytime cyclist detection, Active Cruise Control (all speeds), Automatic High Beam, Lane Departure Alert with brake to steer and Road Sign Assist (speed signs only).

There are IsoFix mounting points beside each of the outer secondrow rear seats.

It might seem a bit odd to talk of the reversing camera being useful when you’re out driving in the middle of the bush. But keep in mind that when you’re in a large, bulky vehicle parking can be tight in places where you stop for fuel and/or food in servos.

The cameras worked well on the big Toyota at times where it might have been necessary to have someone outside it to warn of small clearances.

DRIVING

The LandCruiser we tested was the GX, the lowest cost model. Which is interesting because car companies usually give us top line variants to try and impress us. But the GX is obviously something Toyota is proud of and was happy to lend it to us.

We did a considerable amount of driving during our week’s test because we went from our home on the Queensland Gold Coast to Armidale New South Wales and back.

Total distance covered

from where we picked up the LandCruiser in Brisbane to returning it there was almost 1200 km.

As mentioned, torque is spread over an impressively wide range from 1600 to 2600 rpm. Which means that you’re in the meat of the engine’s performance all the time.

Downhill Assist Control and Hill-start Assist Control were standard in the GX but we didn’t do any off-road driving so didn’t test them. We have no doubt they would have worked well as Toyota has had many years in this type of driving. Toyotas are hugely popular in the outback and in Northern Territory and we have no doubt the company worked on them to provide the best results.

Fuel consumption on the combined urban/nonurban cycle is offcially measured at 8.9 litres per 100 kilometres. During our test, which was predominantly on open roads we averaged 8.6 L/100 km. This is an impressively low number for such a large, heavy vehicle which was at, or perhaps even over, the speed limit (tut-tut!) a fair bit of the time.

Steering is reasonably responsive, certainly good enough for a large vehicle where moving people is its principal reason for being. It turned in nicely and held the road well on the twisty bits and lets the driver know what is happening.

SUMMARY

Toyota LandCruiser 300 is an impressive vehicle that makes an excellent replacement for the muchloved LandCruiser 200 series. It has all the latest in technology both in safety and entertainment and looks certain to become a big seller in its class and remain that way for many years.

By CHRIS RILEY

Think electric vehicles and Tesla springs to mind. But in parallel with cars, manufacturers have also been developing electric bikes and trucks. Hyundai has been at the forefront of this development with trucks like its heavy-duty fuel cell-powered Xcient which is being trialled across the world.

Closer to home it has just taken the wraps off a tradie-friendly

tonnes, depending on the variant and upper body specifcation.

From launch it will be available in a single 7300kg GVM variant, in 4x2 confguration with a 3300mm wheelbase.

Bare cab-chassis, tray or pantech versions (regular or refrigerated) will be offered to Australian customers – a tipper is also under consideration.

Mighty electric will help drive an expansion in emissions-free

lightweight truck called the Mighty which is set to join its local electrifed line-up in mid-2023.

Mighty will join Kona Electric, Ioniq 5 and the soon-to-arrive Ioniq 6 state-of-the art EVs, with expressions of interest to be coordinated directly through Hyundai Motor Company Australia (HMCA).

Hyundai is also evaluating the Xcient prime mover for potential trial in Australia. That’s a big one.

Mighty electric has a loaded electric range of about 240km. With a 120kW/320Nm electric motor and 114.5kWh battery system with rapid charging capability, it can be charged from 10 to 100 per cent in under 70 minutes.

Mighty is classed as a Light Duty Heavy Truck with a 3501-8000kg GVM and has a cargo capacity of up to 3.5

commercial transport by demonstrating its driveability and everyday practicality, while helping to reduce the carbon footprint of transport and logistics operations in Australia.

Heavy vehicles make up just four percent of vehicles on the road, yet they are responsible for 25 percent of all vehicle emissions in Australia. This means each Mighty electric could have a disproportionately large impact on total emissions reduction.

Production of Mighty electric for Australia is set to start in the second quarter of this year, with fnal specifcations and pricing to be confrmed closer to launch.

Customers can register their interest in Mighty electric here: https:// www.hyundai.com/au/ en/cars/coming-soon/evmighty-truck

Hyundai Mighty is set to join the growing range of the company’s electric vehicles.

By GEOFF SMITH

Chantelle Schmidt was blindsided when she received a letter last week informing her the rent for her Redfern share house would jump from $1900 to $2600 a fortnight. The letter explained the reason for the rent increase was “to bring rent in line with what the current market is achieving”. With the rising cost of rent, Sydney is facing a rental crisis. Ms Schmidt went viral after posting about her predicament on TikTok, later appearing on Nine’s Today show.

In an update posted to her TikTok on Friday, Ms Schmidt said she suspects the cause of the increased rent to be linked to a “dead animal smell” the housemates complained about the day before they were notifed of the rise. In the TikTok video, she questioned: “Is my $700 rent increase linked to this?”

The housemate had emailed their real estate agent about the stench, which seemed to be coming from the ground foor. They asked if someone could inspect the issue, with the agent responding: “That’s an

odd one … I will see if the landlord can have a look around”. The housemate’s followup email explained the smell had moved to the second foor. Interestingly, it was the day after this email that the tenants were informed their rent had jumped to $2600 per fortnight.

The housemate also posted a video on TikTok in which she illustrated an array of issues at the property, including water damage, mould, a cockroach infestation and the dead animal smell. She added a sarcastic heart-

Sydney Renter’s

Rent Hikes

face emoji next to her comment, “Yes, we’ve raised these issues with our real estate agent multiple times”. The two housemates are freelance writers and podcast hosts. With little rental supply on the market, it will be diffcult for them to move out if negotiations with the landlord fail.

The latest data has revealed that across the entire country, there are only 31,000 residential rental properties available.

As Ms Schmidt stated, “Everyone was saying move out, but you can’t”. This situation

highlights the dire state of the rental market in Sydney, with many people around the country facing similar struggles. Tenants are feeling the effects of the rental crisis, with many unable to secure affordable housing and now at the mercy of the landlords. Despite the fact that rent increases should serve to improve the quality of accommodation, it has often been used as a way to beneft landlords, while tenants are left feeling powerless. The increasing cost of rent makes it diffcult to save for a deposit and become a homeowner.

It is also becoming more diffcult for individuals to move out independently, with young people particularly impacted. With additional pressure to move out brought on by the sudden rent hike, tenants are put in a diffcult position.

This story is a reminder of the hardships brought on by the rental crisis and the powerlessness tenants feel in the face of rent hikes. It is important to recognise the need for reform to ensure fair outcomes for tenants and landlords alike, and to ensure greater control for tenants in the future.

PREPARE YOURSELF FOR AN UPCOMING RATE INCREASE: HOW IT MAY AFFECT YOUR HOME LOAN

Experts Predict the Future of the RBA Cash Rate

As Australia prepares itself for the highly anticipated rise in the cash rate over the next two years, worried homeowners and prospective borrowers may wonder how high their home loan rates will go. In response to this, the major banks have issued their forecast for the cash rate movements over the coming months.

Chantelle Schmidt was blindsided when she received a letter last week informing her the rent for her Redfern share house would jump from $1900 to $2600 a fortnight. The letter explained the reason for the rent increase was “to bring rent in line with what the current market is achieving”. With the rising cost of rent, Sydney is facing a rental crisis. Ms Schmidt went viral after posting about her predicament on TikTok, later appearing on Nine’s Today show.

In an update posted to her TikTok on Friday, Ms Schmidt said she suspects the cause of the increased rent to be linked to a “dead animal smell” the housemates complained about the day before they were notifed of the rise.

In the TikTok video, she questioned: “Is my $700 rent increase linked to this?” The housemate had emailed

their real estate agent about the stench, which seemed to be coming from the ground foor. They asked if someone could inspect the issue, with the agent responding: “That’s an odd one … I will see if the landlord can have a look around”.

The housemate’s follow-up email explained the smell had moved to the second foor. Interestingly, it was the day after this email that the tenants were informed their rent had jumped to $2600 per fortnight. The housemate also posted a video on TikTok in which she illustrated an array of issues at the property, including water damage, mould, a cockroach infestation and the dead animal smell. She added a sarcastic heart-face emoji next to her comment, “Yes, we’ve raised these issues with our real estate agent multiple times”.

The two housemates are freelance writers and podcast hosts. With little rental supply on the market, it will be diffcult for them to move out if negotiations with the landlord fail. The latest data has revealed that across the entire country, there are only 31,000 residential rental properties available.

As Ms Schmidt stated, “Everyone was saying move out, but you can’t”. This situation highlights the dire state of the rental market in Sydney, with many people around the country facing similar struggles. Tenants are feeling the effects of the rental crisis, with many unable to secure affordable housing and now at the mercy of the landlords.

Despite the fact that rent increases should serve to improve the quality of accommodation, it has often been

used as a way to beneft landlords, while tenants are left feeling powerless. The increasing cost of rent makes it diffcult to save for a deposit and become a homeowner. It is also becoming more diffcult for individuals to move out independently, with young people particularly impacted. With additional pressure to move out brought on by the sudden rent hike, tenants are put in a diffcult position. This story is a reminder of the hardships brought on by the rental crisis and the powerlessness tenants feel in the face of rent hikes. It is important to recognise the need for reform to ensure fair outcomes for tenants and landlords alike, and to ensure greater control for tenants in the future.

The reserve bank has set the cash rate at 0.10% in April of 2022, and the four major banks (CBA, Westpac, NAB, ANZ) have assumed that the cash rate will rise to 3.85% by April 2023, with NAB and ANZ expecting the peak to occur in May of 2023 at 4.10% Understandably, this is a signifcant jump that homeowners may struggle to keep up with.

Following the April 2022 cash rate of 0.10%, a potential 400 basis points increase over the following year could mean that the average existing owner-occupier variable home loan rate could jump from 2.86% to 6.86% in May 2023. It’s important to note that while theres no defnitive prediction of the cash rate, and banks have been known to change their forecasts, there are some steps that borrowers can take to help manage the potential increase in repayments.

Making extra repayments now, if your lender allows it, or paying into an offset account or redraw facility, may help to

reduce your interest charges and make the rise in repayments more manageable. Refnancing to a lender with a lower-rate may also be an option and could be worth exploring if it lines up with your fnancial needs and budget. As an example, based on a 25-year, $500k home loan, comparing repayments with the Reserve Bank of Australia’s (RBA) average rate in April of 2.86% to a potential 400 basis point increase from cash rate hikes to NAB’s predicted peak of 4.10% in May 2023, the repayment difference could be as high as $1,154.

This amount could cover two utilities bills, or an entire long weekend away. It’s important to remember that these are just estimates and forecasts, and the cash rate could rise even further or not at all.

However, it’s something that prospective borrowers and those with existing home loans should be conscious of, in terms of how it could affect their budget. As with any major fnancial decision, it’s wise to do your research, consider your options and speak to a qualifed fnancial advisor for personalised recommendations.

With this in mind, it’s possible to prepare for the potential increase in home loan rates and ensure that you’re equipped to manage the rise in repayments.

Australia’s Interest Rate Forecast For the Next Five Years

Recent remarks by the Governor of the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) have raised the question of whether Australia is headed toward recession.

The RBA’s December 6th speech forecasted an economic growth rate of 1.50% from 2023-2024, which is a downgrade from their August prediction of 1.75%.

Such a decrease in the growth rate is due to a slowdown in the global economy, a diminished spending return on services, and a decrease in household

consumption due to tighter fnancial conditions. Banks other than the RBA have also projected a softening economy in the coming years. For example, ING projected a GDP growth rate of 1.9% in 2023, 2% in 2024, and 3.1% in 2025. Westpac is anticipating the GDP to settle at 1% in 2023, and reach 2% by 2024.

Meanwhile, NAB predicted a growth rate of 0.8% in the fourth quarter of 2023 before it picks up to 0.9% throughout 2024.

The unemployment rate

also remains at 3.5%, as there are a high number of job vacancies and ongoing labour shortages according to the Australian Labour Force Survey. The RBA anticipates the unemployment rate to remain at 3.5% until June 2023, before increasing to 3.75% in December.

NAB forecasts the rate to go up to 3.6% in the frst quarter of 2023, while Westpac anticipates a rate of 4.2% in the end of 2023 and a peak of 4.5% in the third quarter of 2024. The outlook for the Reserve

Bank of Australia’s interest rate is a bit more complex. In his speech, Governor Lowe expressed that interest rates would need to increase further, but not on a pre-set path. He specifed that the size and timing of future interest rate increases will depend on incoming data and the Board’s assessment of the infation, labour market, and household spending. As for the specifc predictions of how interest rates will move, ING has predicted a rate of 3.60% in the frst quarter of 2023,

before reaching 4.10% by the second quarter of 2023, and then decreasing to 2.35% in the fnal quarter of 2024.

NAB forecasts a 3.60% rate at the start of 2023, which will then climb to 4.2% by the end of 2023 and remain at 4.5% in the third quarter of 2024. Westpac’s forecast sees a 3.60% rate in March of 2023 before rising to 3.85% in June and then decreasing to 3.10% in September of 2024 and 2.85% in December of 2024.

While this provides a good

idea of how the RBA’s interest rate could move over the next fve years, it is important to remember that a wide range of factors shape the RBA’s decisions, such as infation, economic growth rate, and unemployment, which are diffcult to predict due to other variables, such as energy and commodity prices, and global economic growth.

Therefore, it is important to do your own research before trading and never to risk money that you cannot afford to lose.

In 1985, drug smuggler Andrew C. Thornton II attempted to parachute out of his plane with a drug-flled duffel bag, only to knock himself unconscious on the doorframe and fall to his death in Knoxville, Tennessee. Detective Bob concluded that the cocaine was likely from St. Louis drug kingpin Syd White, and the remainder was missing. Meanwhile, in the ChattahoocheeOconee National Forest, an American black bear

consumed some of the cocaine, becoming highly aggressive and attacking two hikers, Elsa and Olaf, killing the former.

Middle schooler Dee Dee, who was upset at her mother Sari for changing their weekend plans, skipped school with her best friend Henry to spray paint the falls. On the trail to the falls, the pair found a lost brick of cocaine and ingested some before they were attacked by the bear. Sari, with park ranger Liz and her crush

PH: 6686 9600

Peter, ventured into the forest to fnd the kids. The bear attacked, sending Peter stumbling through a pile of cocaine and slashing Liz in the process. Paramedics

Beth and Tom arrived and collected Liz in an ambulance, only for the bear to pursue and jump into the vehicle, resulting in the deaths of Liz and both paramedics.

St. Louis fxer Daveed and Syd’s son Eddie arrived in Georgia in order to recover the remaining cocaine. At the forest station, Daveed

got into a fght with the Duchamps gang, one of whom, Stache, took Daveed and Eddie to recover the cocaine he stashed in a gazebo. Bob arrived and attempted to take the cocaine, resulting in Daveed losing two of his fngers. Syd arrived with Reba, revealed to be on his payroll, and attempted to kill Sari, Henry, and Dee Dee. The bear arrived to protect its cubs and Syd was disemboweled by the bear and her cubs.

Daveed and Eddie returned to their car

where Reba gave Bob’s dog to Eddie to look after. Sari, Dee Dee, and Henry walked back home, while Stache hitchhiked to New York with a duffel bag of cocaine. The mid-credits scene showed Eddie giving Bob’s dog to his son Gabe, only for Eddie and Daveed to realize that the dog consumed Daveed’s disconnected fngers.

The tragic events of 1985 in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest changed the lives of everyone

involved. The bear’s consumption of cocaine caused it to become highly aggressive and attack innocent people, while the drug smugglers, fxers, and kingpins all put their lives at risk to retrieve the cocaine. Despite the danger, Sari and Henry were able to fnd Dee Dee and escape to safety, and Reba was able to give Bob’s dog to Eddie. In the end, justice was served and the bear was able to protect its cubs from danger.

We have an amazing line up of shows coming to the Saraton. CIRQUE MOTHER AFRICA

Monday March 13, 2023 @ 7.30pm

DREAMS: FLEETWOOD MAC & STEVIE NICKS SHOW

Friday March 17, 2023 @ 8pm

STEVE O: THE BUCKET LIST TOUR DOWN UNDER PT 2

Thursday April 20, 2023@ 7.00pm.

CELTICA: A NEW ERA OF IRISH

HERITAGE

Wednesday May 3, 2023 @ 7:30pm.

LUKE KIDGELL HAPPY HOUR

Sunday June 11, 2023 @ 6.30pm

QUEEN BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY

Friday 16 June 2023 @ 8pm

THE ROBERTSON BROTHERS 60’S VARIETY SHOW

Sunday June 18, 2023 2:00pm

MUSIC OF THE NIGHT TRIBUTE TO ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER

Sunday August 27, 2023 @ 2pm

Elizabeth Banks - Director

Ray Liotta stars

Sunday – Jason Kafoa

Kokoda Fish

Government Funds $10 Million for Aussie Wine and Cider Industries

By JEFF GIBBS

The Australian wine industry has been especially hard hit by global developments, such as changing consumer tastes, competition from other winemakers, and tariffs on exports. In response to this, the Government recently announced a $10 million grant, distributed directly to wine and cider businesses and awarded up to $100,000, through the Wine Tourism and Cellar Door Grant Program.

This program is administered by Wine Australia and is supported by the Albanese Government, who believes it will help to promote agri-tourism and attract visitors to Australia’s many wine regions. This fourth round of funding has seen an amazing 206

businesses beneft from the grant, allowing them to invest in infrastructure, business planning, and enhance their cellar door tasting experiences.

Speaking at Barristers Block Winery in South Australia, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Mr.

Murray Watt praised the contribution of the grape and wine sector to the country’s economy, noting that it has been especially benefcial for regional areas.

He acknowledged the sector’s resilience, and expressed his hope that this grant funding will aid its recovery.

Lee McLean, Chief Executive Offcer of

Australian Grape & Wine, believes that cellar door tourism can have a huge fow-on effect to other local businesses, and with more support, will be able to help drive investment in world-class tourism experiences. The Wine Tourism and Cellar Door Grant Program is just one

way in which the Australian Government is supporting the wine industry. The Agricultural Trade and Market Access Cooperation program provided $2.815 million in grants to Australian Grape and Wine to explore new markets, and a $500,000 grant was awarded to the Food and Wine Collaboration Group to assist with its programs.

Government assistance is helping to drive investment in infrastructure and business planning for wine and cider businesses, as well as attract visitors to our many stunning wine regions. These measures, along with the resilience of the sector, will ensure the continuing success of the Australian wine industry.

Unpaid Overtime A Burden for Australians: Could it Help Solve Cost-of-Living Crisis?

The debate around the cost of living crisis has been raging for some time now and it›s fair to say that Australian workers are feeling the pinch.

The latest research from The Australia Institute has revealed that, for the average worker, if they were paid for all the hours they actually worked, they would net an extra $8,000 a year. This fgure is a result of the typical worker doing 4.3 hours of work a week beyond what they’re paid for, and full-tme employees, who donate almost a full hour a day, or more than six weeks a year, to their employers. It’s estimated that Australian workers are gifting 2.5 billion unpaid hours to their employers and Eliza

Littleton, report author and research economist at the Australia Institute, says that “unpaid overtime harms our quality of life and reduces our time with family, friends and those we care for.” Recent Fair Work actions against employers found to be underpaying their staff have provided further evidence to support this fgure.

The ABC, media companies, universities, Qantas, Coles, Wesfarmers, Woolworths, CBA, Westpac, NAB, 7-Eleven and Super Retail Group are just some of the companies found to have underpaid their staff for the hours they worked.

With such a widespread problem, it›s no wonder that fgures from the

annual survey conducted for The Australia Institute revealed that 7 out of 10 workers do overtime, with almost half of those saying they did it often.

The survey also found that men do more unpaid overtime than women, which is likely due to the fact that more men are employed full-time and many women have to do a lot of unpaid housework and caring tasks.

Young people are also on the receiving end when it comes to doing extra hours for no immediate reward. Those aged 18-39 do about fve-and-aquarter hours of unpaid hours a week, which drops dramatically to 3.8 hours for those in their 40s and less than 3 hours for those over 50. For a

typical full-time, 38-hour worker doing 4.9 hours of unpaid work a week, being paid for that work at normal rates of pay would be close to a 13 per cent pay increase. That would more than compensate for the 7.3 per cent jump in consumer prices over the past year. Although the survey results are supported by Fair Work actions, it’s important to note that the survey size was not huge and that working hours are selfreported.

As such, the tendency might be to overestimate how many hours are done rather than underestimate. What’s more, the surve also didn’t ask respondents how much time they spent doing personal “life admin” at

work and how many of us have never done any of that during work hours? There are also chats with colleagues at the water cooler to consider and all the little work tasks that many people now do at home outside their standard hours without a second thought. Ultimately, it’s an issue of give and take between staff and their employers. While the pandemic caused a spike in unpaid overtime, the “take” has now eased back to more normal levels and, today’s annual “Go Home on Time Day” might be a good opportunity to test the theory of refusing to work for free, particularly with unemployment at a 50-year low. There are a number of changes

that could be made to support the workers who are doing the hard yards and having a right to disconnect is just one of them. The Senate Select Committee into Work and Care has recommended such a right, as exists for employees of Victoria Police, and teachers in Queensland have recently just won this right. By creating a “right to disconnect”, workers would have the right to turn off their work devices outside of work hours and, hopefully, put an end to the systemic, multibillion-dollar problem of unpaid overtime that is costing Australian workers $93 billion a year.

1. The Australian Government has provided $10 million in grant funding to more than 200 wine and cider businesses through the Wine Tourism and Cellar Door Grant Program.

2. This grant is distributed directly to wine and cider businesses and awarded up to $100,000.

3. The grant will help businesses attract visitors to the various wine regions of Australia, as well as promote Agri tourism and draw visitors to regional Australia.

LIMA

Fromits colonial architecture to its mouth-watering cuisine, Lima is a city that has something to offer everyone. In this travel article, we’ll explore the top loctions and highlights that you can’t miss when visiting Lima.

1. Mirafores

Mirafores is a trendy neighbourhood that›s located on the cliffs overlooking the Pacifc Ocean. It’s known for its up-scale shops, cafes, and restaurants, making it a popular spot for tourists and locals alike. Mirafores also offers stun-ning views of the ocean and the city, particularly from the Mirafores Boardwalk.

This boardwalk stretches for several kilometres along the coastline and is a great place for a leisurely stroll or jog. Another must-see attraction in Mirafores is the Huaca Pucllana,

a pre-Columbian adobe pyramid that dates back to 500 AD. The Huaca Pucllana is an archaeological site that’s been partially restored, and visitors can take guided tours to learn more about the history and signifcance of this ancient structure.

2. Historic Centre of Lima

The Historic Centre of Lima is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that›s home to some of the city’s most impressive colonial architecture. The Plaza Mayor is the heart of the Historic Centre and

Camp Fire Yarns

Friday 31st March 6pm

is surrounded by the Presidential Palace, the Archbishop’s Palace, and the Cathedral of Lima. Visitors can take guided tours of these buildings to learn more about their history and signifcance. Another highlight of the Historic Centre is the Monastery of San Francisco. This stunning 17th-century monastery features intricate Baroque architecture and is home to a library that contains more than 25,000 antique texts. Visitors can also take guided tours of the catacombs that lie beneath the monastery,

which were once used as a burial site for Lima’s wealthy citizens.

3. Barranco

Barranco is a bohemian neighbourhood that’s known for its art galleries, cafes, and vibrant nightlife. It’s a great place to explore on foot, as there are many colourful murals and street art installations throughout the neighbourhood. One of the must-see attractions in Barranco is the Bridge of Sighs, a wooden bridge that dates to the 19th century. Legend has it that if you make a wish and cross the bridge

ARRAL MOTEL

without taking a breath, your wish will come true.

Barranco is also home to the MATE Museum, which is dedicated to the work of the renowned Peruvian photographer Mario Testino. The museum houses a collection of Testino’s photographs, including portraits of some of the world’s most famous celebrities.

4. Lima’s Culinary Scene

Lima is known as the gastronomical capital of South America, and for good reason. The city is home to a diverse range

of restaurants that serve up traditional Peruvian dishes, as well as international cuisine with a Peruvian twist. Some of the must-try dishes in Lima include ceviche, a dish made from raw fsh marinated in lime juice, and Lomo saltado, a stirfry dish that›s made with beef, onions, tomatoes, and French fries. One of the best ways to experience Lima’s culinary scene is to take a food tour. There are many tour companies that offer guided tours of some of the city’s top restaurants and markets, giving visitors the chance to sample a wide range of Peruvian dishes. In conclusion, Lima is a city that’s full of surprises and delights. From its stunning architecture to its mouthwatering cuisine, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this vibrant and dynamic destination.

Lima, the capital city of Peru, is a vibrant and dynamic destination that is rich in history, culture, and natural beauty.

WHICH IS DEADLIER?

COVID VS. FLU:

A new study published this week in JAMA Network Open indicates that COVID-19 is still deadlier than infuenza, even among those requiring hospitalization.

The Swiss-based research included 5,212 patients hospitalized with either COVID-19 or the fu. The study revealed that people who were hospitalized with COVID-19 were 54% more likely to die than those with the fu.

The fndings provided by the study not only debunk the belief at the start of the pandemic that the fu was more dangerous than COVID-19, but also demonstrate that the deadliness of COVID-19 has remained consistently higher over time. In fact, the death rate for hospitalized COVID pa-tients had declined since the frst COVID wave in 2020, from 12.8% to 7% in the most recent study.

It is noteworthy that this decline occurred despite the virus evolution, improved man-agement strategies and the fact that 98% of the Swiss population has been vaccinated. When examining the impact of the vaccine, researchers noted that unvaccinated COVID patients were twice as likely to die compared to fu patients.

This kind of data further strengthens the argu-ment that vaccination still has a signifcant role to play, despite other explanations like virus evolution and management strategies.

Although the mortality rate among COVID patients was higher, the rate of ICU admission was similar between the two, at 8%. This data indicates that even if COVID patients stay alive, they are also more likely to require intensive care than peo-ple with the fu.

Altogether, the results of this study make it clear that COVID-19 still cannot be compared with infuenza and that the seriousness of the disease still remains appreciably higher.

BREAKTHROUGH IN EGG FREEZING TECHNOLOGY COMES WITH GENEROUS REBATE

By JEFF GIBBS

For many women, the decision to have children later in life is a deeply personal one. In an Australian frst, the NSW Government is taking steps to make it easier for these women to make their dream of starting a family a reality with its $4 million expansion of the $80 million Affordable IVF Initiative.

The initiative, announced as part of the NSW Government’s 2022-23 Budget, will provide a $2,000 rebate to eligible women who undergo egg freezing. This rebate will help alleviate some of the fnancial stresses associated with the procedure, which can cost up to $10,000.

Treasurer Matt Kean said that the expansion of the Fertility Treatment Rebate is about giving women more choice and taking some of the stress away from undergoing fertility treatments. “More than 2,200 rebates have already been paid to women undergoing IVF treatments since applications opened on 1 January,” Mr Kean said. Minister for Women and Regional Health Bronnie Taylor added that the rebate will help remove the fnancial hurdles for the 1,000 women who undergo egg freezing each year in NSW.

“NSW is already one of the most affordable places in the world to have fertility

treatments thanks to our IVF rebates, and we hope these new egg freezing rebates set a precedent for further Commonwealth investment in women’s health and fertility treatments,” Mrs Taylor said. Minister for Health Brad Hazzard said that the new criteria is an important step towards ensuring that everyone in NSW has more options to start a family if they want to, no matter their fnancial position.

“While no-one can guarantee that fertility preservation treatments will lead to pregnancy, if you and your doctors decide that egg freezing is a safe, effective and appropriate option for you, then the Government will help relieve the fnancial stress that it incurs,”

Mr Hazzard said. To be eligible for the $2,000 rebate from Service NSW, women must be a resident of NSW, have incurred an out-of-pocket cost from a registered Assisted Reproductive Treatment provider who has determined the procedure is in their best interests, and have accessed the treatment from 1 July 2023.

The Affordable IVF Initiative also includes providing a $2000 rebate for fertility preservation, IVF or other assisted reproductive technology treatments, extending the $250 rebates for pre-IVF fertility testing, expanding statewide access to lower cost

IVF treatment through publicly-supported clinics, boosting fertility preservation services for patients with cancer and other medical needs, and providing up to fve days’ paid fertility treatment leave for teachers, nurses and other public servants across NSW.

The NSW Government is committed to making it easier for women to make their dream of starting a family a reality, and this expansion of the Affordable IVF Initiative is a positive step towards achieving this. With the help of the rebate, women who undergo egg freezing will be able to take some of the fnancial burden off their shoulders, allowing them to focus on themselves and their health in preparation for parenthood. The NSW Government is also hoping that this rebate will set a precedent for further Commonwealth investment in women’s health and fertility treatments.

With the help of this investment, women will have access to the treatments and care that they need in order to start a family. By investing in programs such as this, the NSW Government is taking steps to ensure that everyone in NSW has more options to start a family if they want to, and is helping to make the journey to parenthood a less stressful experience.

LABOR MP URGES GOVERNMENT TO OPEN UP COVID ANTI-VIRAL ACCESS IN AUSTRALIA

By JEFF GIBBS

Labor MP and doctor, Michelle Ananda-Rajah, is calling for an overhaul of the eligibility criteria for powerful anti-viral drugs to allow far greater access for more people to combat the Covid-19 pandemic.

She has expressed her frustration that she had to pay more than $1,100 out of her own pocket for one of her family members who was not eligible for subsidised access to the drugs. Currently, the drugs Lagevrio and Paxlovid are available at a subsidised price on the Pharmaceutical Benefts Scheme for people over 18 who are moderately to severely immunocompromised, and for all people over 70, people over 50 with two additional risk factors or who have been previously hospitalised with Covid, as well as for First Nations people over 30

with one risk factor or previous hospitalisation.

Dr Ananda-Rajah is advocating for the policy to be changed to allow access to all people aged 12 and up, in line with the United States.

The Australian Medical Association’s Vice President, Dr Danielle McMullen, supports the current eligibility criteria and the approach of the Pharmaceutical Benefts Advisory Committee,

noting that a balance of factors surrounds benefts and risks.

Professor Mark Morgan of Bond University and a spokesperson for the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, also advocates for a cautious approach to changing the criteria.

He believes that the decision to access the drugs must be made on evidence, rather than guesswork. The Health

Minister, Mark Butler, said the government takes advice from the Pharmaceutical Benefts Advisory Committee on drugs, and that Labor had already asked the committee to widen eligibility earlier this year.

He noted that general patients accessing antivirals on the PBS pay $30 for a general script or $7.30 for concessions.

The Shadow Health

Minister, Anne Ruston, has also called on the government to reevaluate the eligibility settings. She believes that if expanding eligibility keeps more Australians out of hospital and prevent serious disease, it should be considered.

The evidence surrounding the use of anti-virals to reduce the risk of long Covid is still emerging. One US study

published in November analysed medical records of 56,000 patients from the US veterans’ health system and reported that those who were given Paxlovid shortly after their diagnosis were 26% less likely to experience long-term Covid symptoms than those who didn’t take the drug.

However, researchers noted the limitations of the study’s data, such as the majority of the research cohort being white and male. It is clear that the government needs to take a focused and well-informed national response to the Covid-19 pandemic. Dr Ananda-Rajah’s push for greater access to anti-viral drugs is a step in the right direction, as is the consideration of wider eligibility criteria. However, the decision-making must be evidence-based and consider the balance of benefts and risks.

New Store Open next to Aldi!

As autumn approaches, it›s important for Australian gardeners to start thinking about preparing their gardens for the cooler weather ahead. With some careful planning and preparation, you can ensure that your garden stays healthy and vibrant throughout the autumn season. Here are some tips and tricks for getting your garden ready for autumn.

Clean up your garden

The frst step in preparing your garden for autumn is to clean up any debris or dead plants from the summer season. This includes removing any weeds, pruning back dead or damaged branches, and clearing out any fallen leaves. This will help to prevent diseases and pests from taking hold in your garden over the cooler months.

Prepare your soil

Autumn is a great time to prepare your soil for planting. Start by

adding compost to help improve soil fertility and structure. You can also add mulch to help retain moisture in the soil and protect plant roots from the colder temperatures. If you›re planning to plant cool-weather vegetables or fowers, consider adding a slow-release fertilizer to provide extra nutrients.

Plant autumn vegetables and fowers

Autumn is a great time to plant a variety of vegetables and fowers in your garden. Some cool-weather vegetables that thrive in Australian autumn include broccoli, caulifower, kale, and cabbage. Autumn is also a great time to plant bulbs for spring blooming fowers such as daffodils and tulips.

When planting autumn vegetables and fowers, be sure to choose varieties that are well-suited to your local climate and soil conditions. You can fnd advice on which plants are best for your area

from local nurseries, gardening groups, and online resources.

Watering and irrigation

In some parts of Australia, autumn can bring drier weather conditions. It›s important to ensure that your garden is properly watered and irrigated to keep your plants healthy and thriving. Consider installing a drip irrigation system to provide water directly to your plants› roots, which can help to conserve water and promote healthy growth.

Protect your garden from frost and wind

As temperatures start to drop in the autumn, it›s important to protect your garden from frost and wind damage. Consider adding a layer of frost cloth over your plants on cold nights or using a portable greenhouse to protect them from the elements. You can also use mulch to help insulate plant roots and protect them from

temperature fuctuations.

Maintenance and upkeep

Throughout the autumn season, it›s important to continue maintaining your garden to keep it healthy and thriving. This includes regular watering and fertilizing, pruning back any dead or damaged branches, and keeping an eye out for pests and diseases.

In conclusion, preparing your garden for autumn in Australia requires some careful planning and preparation, but it›s well worth the effort. By cleaning up your garden, preparing your soil, planting autumn vegetables and fowers, watering, and irrigating, protecting your garden from frost and wind, and maintaining your garden throughout the season, you can ensure that your garden stays healthy and vibrant throughout the cooler months.

Tips and tricks for keeping your garden thriving in the cooler months

Pumpkin soup

One healthy and delicious recipe thats perfect for the cooler autumn months is roasted pumpkin soup. Here›s a recipe that serves 4-6 people:

Ingredients:

• 1 large pumpkin, peeled, seeded, and cubed

• 1 onion, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 cups vegetable stock

• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk

• 1 tsp dried thyme

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 200°C.

2. In a large bowl, toss pumpkin cubes with olive oil, thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Spread in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, or until tender and lightly browned.

3. While the pumpkin is roasting, sauté onion and garlic in a large pot over medium heat until softened.

4. Add roasted pumpkin, vegetable stock, and almond milk to the pot. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes.

5. Using an immersion blender, puree the soup until smooth. (Alternatively, transfer to a blender and puree in batches.)

6. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste and serve hot.

This roasted pumpkin soup is a healthy and comforting meal that›s perfect for the cooler autumn months. It›s packed with nutrients from the pumpkin and is dairy-free, making it a great option for anyone with dietary restrictions. Enjoy!

Chocolate Crackles

Chocolate Crackles® are simple and easy to make and a hit at kids› birthday parties. INGREDIENTS

4 cups Kellogg›s® Rice Bubbles®

1 cup icing sugar

1 cup desiccated coconut

250g copha®*, chopped

3 Tbsp cocoa

DIRECTIONS

1. In a large bowl, mix the Kellogg’s® Rice Bubbles®, icing sugar, cocoa & coconut.

2. Slowly melt the copha® in a saucepan over a low heat. Allow to cool slightly.

Add to Rice Bubbles mixture, stirring until well combined.

3. Spoon mixture into paper patty cases and refrigerate until frm.

Grape Expectations by Max Crus

Airing gambling industry’s dirty laundry

What is it about gambling?

Well, that’s the problem, few people - apart from gaming machine manufacturers, clubs and pubs, politicians, the tax offce, criminals, academics, psychologists, support workers, rich people, recovered gambling addicts and the families of current ones, actually, pretty much everyone except gamblers themselves, really understand what’s going on in the heads of gamblers.

For which the frst fve above are truly grateful, not least for the generous salaries gambling provides.

So it’s easy to see why successive governments and industry groups have, since the Greeks frst invented governments, promised to clean up gambling but have insidiously done exactly the opposite until now sort of.

Some states hope to introduce cashless gambling cards to root out evil money laundering by crooks and nationally the slogans

Thanks maaate.

What about the cashless gambling card? Sure it might slow down money laundering until criminals fnd a way around it, but they’re not giving the industry much money anyway, they’re just laundering it to buy guns, gold jewellery and gangster cars with heavily tinted windows. Not sure it’ll do much for problem gamblers, yet the gambling industry are crying blue murder and imminent poverty anyway over both moves, which in case they hadn’t noticed, is exactly the point. Remember the tobacco industry crying the same thing, which was even more ironic?

Gee, lucky the wine industry is so squeaky clean although I seem to remember alcohol industry bodies crying foul every time a health warning had to be added to their labels because, well, it can be very unhealthy.

Enotria Wines Bungendore Reserve Pinot Noir 2018, $45. There’s nothing better with which to show off on New Year’s Eve than a red bubbles, except another red bubbles. Just aim the bottle away from anything white. 9.4/10.

Enotria Wines Bungendore Winemakerís Barrel Selection Pinot Noir 2017, $40. Even softer and rounder than its reserve sibling, which, come to think of it, is not a bad description of moi. What a difference a year makes perhaps? 9.5/10.

Silver Lining Adelaide Hills Sauvignon Blanc 2022, $25. A delicious throwback to sauvs of old, with tang and the scent of cut grass, if not lemongrass, without a hint of feline piddle or overly clever

Bird In Hand Sparkling 2021, $21 (on special).

warning gamblers to stop it or go blind are about to change from the long-running, self-regulated and completely ineffectual Gamble Responsibly.

Yes, about as effective as the Pope’s missive all those years ago.

So, what are the new slogans? Chances are you’re about to lose; Think. Is this a bet you really want to place?

; What’s gambling really costing you and What are you prepared to lose today? Set a deposit limit.

Okay, a notch up, but not enough.

What we need is a competition to come up with the most effective anti-gambling slogan.

My suggestion is a picture on every gambling machine or screen, of a gambling industry CEO in budgie smugglers, on a yacht in the Mediterranean, bottle of Bollinger in one hand, wad of (your) cash in the other and a fat cigar in his gob, with the slogan underneath

winemaking tricks that I could detect. Should be more of it, but not enough to be irresponsible. 9.4/10.

Silver Lining Adelaide Hills Pinot Noir 2022, $32. Perhaps a tad young yet but 13 percent alcohol keeps it calm enough to consume now as a perfect choice for an evening tipple in summer, if it ever arrives. Have it with lunch until then. 9.3/10

Winton Road (Vines of the Barossa) Eden Valley Riesling 2021, $20 (half price). Another Ms L special. $40 riesling is ‘up there’ and close to the most expensive in the country, so putting it in a box makes you feel better. Defnitely superior Riesling but defnitely better at halfprice 9.5/10.

Drink these responsibly ooh, hang on, um...

Max Crus

$250 MILLION BOOST TO MOBILE RECEPTION IN THE BUSH

The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government will invest $250 million to boost mobile reception in the bush in small communities, tourism hotspots and along key transport corridors.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the program would drive better coverage and better choice in the regions.

“We’ve already invested in more than 120 mobile towers across regional NSW to boost coverage in known blackspot areas but we know there’s more to do,” Mr Toole said.

“Over the last three years, we’ve done the hard yards to ensure every dollar we invest in telecommunications infrastructure goes further and delivers more for regional communities.

“Our $250 million investment in this program shifts away from traditional ‘one tower, one provider’ model thinking in favour of a nationleading approach to deliver shared infrastructure available for use by all carriers.

“That means not just better coverage but the change to drive better competition and better choices for consumers.

“This is the frst program of its kind in Australia - and it’s further evidence of the future-focused approach that the NSW Liberal and Nationals are taking in Government.”

The new program will target three key areas:

• Small regional communities with little to no existing coverage;

• Key transport corridors, where a boost to coverage can help drive increased productivity and improved safety; and

• Visitor economies where major events draw large crowds.

Mr Toole said events like the Mundi Mundi Bash at Broken Hill and Deni Ute Muster attract thousands of visitors – and we want to ensure those visitors stay connected and can share their experiences with friends all over the world in real-time.

“This program will focus on ensuring these visitor economies are better connected to meet event needs all year-round.

“This program will put a focus on flling those gaps. Applications for the program will open from May,” Mr Toole said.

The funding will be delivered through multi-carrier partnerships, such as today’s announcement of the OneWiFi and Pivotel neutral host towers for Brewarrina and Wilcannia.

“We are excited to partner with the NSW Government to move away from legacy models and take real steps toward a future that serves the interests of all customers and industry participants equally,” OneWiFi Managing Director Mevan Jayatilleke said.

“Under this type of model, we’re bridging the digital divide to provide regional customers more choice than ever.”

“We’ve worked hard to develop alternative commercial and technical sharing models through the active sharing program and are proud to be the frst mobile network operator in this innovative investment by the NSW Government,” Pivotel Chief Executive Peter Bolger said.

The Mobile Coverage project is part of the Regional Digital Connectivity program and funded through the Snowy Hydro Legacy Fund. For more information, visit: www.nsw.gov.au/ connectregionalnsw.

FIRST VOLUNTARY BUYBACK OFFERS MADE TO NORTHERN RIVERS RESIDENTS

Home buybacks are progressing for homeowners in the Northern Rivers, with the frst offers now underway.

The buybacks are part of the Northern Rivers Resilient Homes Program, jointly funded by the Federal and NSW Governments, with the frst of them being made to residential homeowners located in the highest-risk food zones.

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Murray Watt said the $700 million program aimed to support thousands of homeowners in the Ballina, Byron, Clarence Valley, Kyogle, Lismore, Richmond Valley and Tweed Local Government Areas to reestablish their lives after the devastating foods.

“By getting people out of harms’ way we can help to prevent repeats of the life-altering foods we’ve seen in the last few years in the Northern Rivers,” Minister Watt said.

“This package is about protecting families and properties from future foods, and is one of a number of recovery supports being offered in the region.”

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the Northern Rivers Reconstruction Corporation (NRRC) aims to make buyback offers to the frst 250 residents whose homes are in the region’s highest food risk areas by the end of April and would only ramp up from there.

“The frst buyback offers mark an important milestone for the recovery of the Northern Rivers,” Mr Toole said.

“This can give the community the confdence that we are moving forward with our promised support and confrms we will leave no one behind on the recovery ahead.

“This program allows food-affected locals to weigh up their options on their own terms and in their own time – and puts support around

them through that process.”

New South Wales Minister for Flood Recovery Steph Cooke said a trial of the program was carried out to ensure the smoothest possible process.

“Given the scale of the fooding disaster and its impact on communities, it’s important we get the buyback process right,” Ms Cooke said.

“These frst offers have involved the establishment of a considered property assessment and valuation process, a dedicated call centre and an expanded team of case managers who have real-world experience having worked with homeowners during the recovery from the Black Summer bush fres.”

NRRC chief executive David Witherdin said all residents registered with the Resilient Homes Program would be contacted about their eligibility to receive a buyback, or funding support for house raising or home retroftting by mid-2023.

“I know for many people, receiving a buyback offer will be life changing and the next step on their recovery journey. I want to assure everyone there is no pressure to decide and people can take as long or as little time as they need to consider their offer and their options,” Mr Witherdin said.

“I cannot overstate the scale, complexity and importance of the Resilient Homes Program and want everyone to know we are committed to working with and listening to the community, ensuring homeowners have the information they need and providing access to independent support and advisory services.”

The Northern Rivers Resilient Homes Program will also provide fnancial assistance of up to $100,000 for house raising or up to $50,000 for retroftting for homeowners in areas where food risk can

be reduced by better building standards. Work on house raising and retroft work is expected to commence from mid-2023 onwards.

Since the announcement of the program, the NRRC has hosted more than 50 community information sessions attended by more than 1,800 residents. Information session details are regularly published on the NRRC Resilient Homes Program webpage.

The $700 million program builds on the more than $3.5 billion already committed by the Commonwealth and NSW Governments to help food-impacted communities recover. Both Governments will continue to work together to provide the appropriate support to these communities.For detailed information about the program, including guidelines, eligibility and cocontributions, go to: www.nsw.gov.au/ resilienthomesprogram.

FACT SHEET

Available funding

The Resilient Homes Program will offer eligible homeowners one of the three available measures, based on expert property assessments, food impact severity data, safety risks and potential future food levels:

Home Buy-back - the homeowner receives a payment for the purchase of the land and house based on a valued amount; or

• Home Raising - up to $100,000 towards the cost of elevating home liveable areas and associated retroftting; or

• Home Retroft - up to $50,000 towards the cost of retroft and/or repair works to incorporate food resilient design and materials in liveable areas.

Eligible recipients

To be eligible, you must meet the following criteria:

• You are a homeowner (owner-occupier

or landlord) of a residence (house/ unit/duplex) in the Ballina, Byron, Clarence Valley, Kyogle, Lismore, Richmond Valley or Tweed LGAs (Local Government Areas) prior to the February and March 2022 foods.

• You are the homeowner of a residence that was either:

1. directly damaged by food waters in the February and March 2022 foods; OR

2. damaged as a result of landslip caused by the February and March 2022 foods.

• Your home is a residence (house/ unit/duplex) not used primarily for business purposes.

• You meet the impact eligibility criteria relevant to each program stream.

Resilient Homes Program registration and next steps

To register for the Resilient Homes Program, or review the program guidelines, eligibility criteria, go to: www.nsw.gov.au/ resilienthomesprogram.

A NRRC representative will contact applicants to discuss next steps. These include being assigned a case manager, who will arrange an independent valuer to inspect and assess the property, a review of the report by the NSW Valuer General, followed by application assessment and a letter of offer to eligible applicants.

All Resilient Homes Program applicants will be contacted about their eligibility for one of the three measures (Home Buy-back, Home Raising, Home Retroft) by mid-2023.

A fact sheet and Frequently Asked Questions document outlining timing, key steps and additional information is available at: www.nsw.gov.au/ resilienthomesprogram.

QUICK CROSSWORD

1 Pierogi are dumplings from which country?

2 The 1850 novel The Scarlet Letter was written by which American author?

8 Outlay (11)

10 Collections of songs or photos (6)

12 Prioritising material possessions (11)

15 Rocks containing silica (9)

17 Exaggerated self importance (9)

18 Mount (6)

SUDOKU

5 Supernatural aired its nal episode in November 2020 after how many seasons?

6 The Melbourne Renegades and Brisbane Heat are teams in which sporting league?

7 In what year was the Bureau of Meteorology rst given weather recording responsibilities: 1904, 1906 or 1908?

8 Which Chinese politician tweeted a doctored image of an Australian soldier holding a bloody knife?

9 Former prime minister Scott Morrison (pictured) was the inaugural director of which government agency?

3 Sterling silver is an alloy of silver and what other metal?

4 What was the rst Olympics to be postponed rather than cancelled?

21 In ancient architecture, a horizontal design (6)

23 Metal rod for stirring a re (5)

25 Celestial being (5)

28 Speak (3)

10 Which of the following novels did not begin as fan ction: City of Bones (Cassandra Clare), After (Anna Todd) or Divergent (Veronica Roth)? Using

ending in “s”.

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 The cost of something

2 Cartoon strip character, – the Horrible

5 The edge of a piece of bread

6 Large mammal that lives in the ocean

7 You wear these on your feet

8 Shiny liquid that is put on lips

HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW...

1. LaPaglia had a lead role in which cult hit film of the 1990s?

A. Clerks

B. Dazed and Confused

C. Empire Records

D. The Big Lebowski

2. He won a Golden Globe for his role in which US drama series?

A. The Mentalist

B. Without a Trace

C. Criminal Minds

D. Person of Interest

3. He featured in eight episodes of which hit US sitcom?

A. Seinfeld

B. Friends

C. Frasier

D. Will and Grace

4. He starred in the 2009 war film Balibo that featured which conflict?

A. Boer War

B. Korean War

C. Indonesian invasion of East Timor

D. Six Day War

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 The cost of something

2 Cartoon strip character, – the Horrible

5 The edge of a piece of bread

6 Large mammal that lives in the ocean

7 You wear these on your feet

8 Shiny liquid that is put on lips

HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW...

1. LaPaglia had a lead role in which cult hit film of the 1990s?

A. Clerks

B. Dazed and Confused

C. Empire Records

D. The Big Lebowski

2. He won a Golden Globe for his role in which US drama series?

A. The Mentalist

B. Without a Trace

C. Criminal Minds

D. Person of Interest

3. He featured in eight episodes of which hit US sitcom?

A. Seinfeld

B. Friends

C. Frasier

D. Will and Grace

4. He starred in the 2009 war film Balibo that featured which conflict?

A. Boer War

B. Korean War

C. Indonesian invasion of East Timor

D. Six Day War

Death Notice

Keith Leslie Mitchell

24.07.42 – 25.02.23

Aged 80 Years

Passed away peacefully surrounded by family

Loved son of Leslie (dec) & elma (dec)

Cherished brother of Betty & Judy (dec)

Loved father and father in law of Michael & Natalie, Mark & Tracey, Grant, Brendan and Lara & Andrew. Proud Grandfather of Erika, Nicholas, Lucas and Hunter.

A private cremation service will be held by family.

In Memoriam In Memoriam Funeral Notice Funeral Notice

Graham Carey of Alstonville aged 82 years

Passed away on 17 Feb 2023

Much Loved husband of Judith Carey (deceased) Dad Father in-law and Poppy Funeral will be at Parkview Funeral Home in Ballina on Friday March 3rd at 2pm

Honor May Lavelle-Maloney Aged 85

Passed peacefully, surrounded by her loving family on Saturday the 25th at 11:56 pm. Loved and treasured by all she touched during her time on this earth. Mother of Melanie and John Lavelle-Maloney. Grandmother of Jack, Teisha, Riley, Max and Gretta. A caring friend to many.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Honors life at The Goonellabah Sports Club on Saturday 4 March from 2 to 5 pm.

This page is dedicated to all those that have passed

FORECAST

Warnings

See www.bom.gov.au/australia/warnings

Northern Rivers District:

Mostly sunny. The chance of morning fog inland. Slight (30%) chance of a shower in the south in the afternoon and evening. The chance of a storm in the afternoon and evening, possibly severe. Light winds becoming north to northeasterly 15 to 25 km/h during the day then becoming light during the evening. Thursday. Partly cloudy. Medium (50%) chance of showers, most likely in the morning and afternoon. The chance of a storm. Light winds becoming southeasterly 15 to 20 km/h during the day then becoming light during the evening.

Northern Tablelands District:

Mostly sunny morning. Medium (50%) chance of showers in the afternoon and evening. The chance of a storm in the afternoon and evening, possibly severe. Winds northwest to northeasterly

TIDES, SUN & MOON Ballina

15 to 20 km/h tending west to northwesterly 20 to 30 km/h during the morning then tending northeast to southeasterly 15 to 20 km/h during the evening.

Thursday. Partly cloudy. Medium (60%) 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.

New South Wales:

A few showers about the east, most likely along the northern coast and ranges. The chance of an afternoon storm for the northeast. Warm and humid about the northern and northeast, cooling towards the southwestern inland. Daytime temperatures above average in the northeast, grading to near to below average in the far southwest. Southeast to southwesterly winds, tending northeasterly along the northern coastline. Fresh and gusty southerly change moving up the coast through the day.

Thursday. A shower or two about the coast, most likely along

the northeast. The chance of a storm in the northeast. Mostly clear in the west. Warm and humid. Daytime temperatures near average. South to southeasterly winds, fresh and gusty along the coast.

Byron Coast:

Winds: Northerly 15 to 25 knots. Seas: 1.5 to 2 metres. Swell: Easterly around 1 metre. Weather: Mostly sunny morning. The chance of a storm in the afternoon and evening, possibly severe.

Coffs Coast:

Winds: Northerly 15 to 25 knots. Seas: 1.5 to 2 metres. Swell: Easterly around 1 metre. Weather: Mostly sunny morning. The chance of a storm in the afternoon and evening, possibly severe. Gold Coast Waters:

Winds: East to southeasterly 10 to 15 knots tending east to northeasterly during the evening. Seas: Below 1 metre. Swell: Easterly around 1 metre. Weather: Sunny.

CAVALRY COMING AS BATTLE FOR SEMI-FINAL BERTH HOTS UP

By TIM HOWARD

Brothers and Souths/ Westlawn will be looking for the cavalry to arrive after beginning their must-win CRCA Premier League cricket match low on frepower.

South’s went into the game, which will decide which team takes the fnal semi-fnal spot, without skipper Dylan Cleaver, his brothers Brendan and Chris and opening bowler Adrian Boyd, while Brothers took the feld without the pace bowling duo of Dylan and Ethan Lucas.

It’s expected most of these players will be subbed into the game for day two, but it made for some interesting play on the opening day.

Batting frst, the Brethren struggled to 146 in the face of marathon spells from stand-in captain Nathan Blanch and leg spinner Brenden Cotten.

The pair shared all but nine of the 59 overs of

the Brothers innings, with Cotten taking 6/65 from 21 overs and Blanch 3/35 from 29 overs. Off spinner Joe Pigg, 1/38, bowled the

the spinners. Brother’s opening Beau Sevil, 64, did the bulk of the scoring in the frst half of the innings.

After his dismissal

ability to move the ball off the wicket, unlucky not to have several more wickets in his bag. But Cotten benefted from the pressure he exerted and despite a couple of expensive overs later in the day, posed a constant threat to the batters.

Brothers opted for a funky opening to the Souths/Westlawn innings with spinner Andy Kinnane introduced early and taking the only wicket to fall, Anthony Dickson, 8.

Tucabia Copmanhurst had no answer to some inspired fast bowling from GDSC Easts all-rounder Aaron Macfadyen.

Easts spinner David Bruton-Duroux also also lethal taking 3/9 from nine overs and Shannon Connor took 2/59. Tucabia’s

other nine overs.

Cotten’s lengthy spell gave stand-in wicket keeper John Martin a chance to shine and responded with a catch and two stumpings from

several batters got to double fgures, but none were able to push on and get the total close to the 200-mark.

Blanch was particularly miserly and with his

On Saturday Souths/ Westlawn hopes to have a full complement of Cleavers available for the run chase, plus the dangerous lower order hitting of Boyd. But Brothers should also be able to call on the left-arm pace of the Lucas brothers, which will make for an interesting contest with a semi-fnal place up for grabs.

At Ulmarra Showground hosts

He continued some excellent form with bat and ball, taking 5/22 from 12.5 overs as Tucabia crashed to 96 all out.

A battling innings of 47 from Dan Cootes and a quick fre 19 from Matt Dougherty were the only scores of note.

Brad Chard did his best to get his team back in the game taking 3/34 from 10 overs as Easts fnished the day at 3/56. Easts most dangerous players, Shannon, 24no and Macfadyen, 12no, will resume the run chase on Saturday.

skipper

Brothers batter Mick Summers is castled by a superb leg cutter from South/Westlawn bowler Nathan Blanch on the frst day of their match at Ellem Oval, Grafton on Saturday.

South/Westlawn all rounder Brenden Cotten put in a marathon spell of legspin bowling against Brothers at Ellem Oval on Saturday and answered the call with a six-wicket haul.

Brothers middle order batter Jamie Firth jumps done the wicket to play a delivery from Souths/Westlawn legspinner Brenden Cotten at Ellem Oval on Saturday.

Over the weekend our Cudgen Nippers competed at NSW State at Queenscliffe Manly! Cudgen Headland SLSC came 11th overall in the point score with our members showing great teamwork and sportsmanship!!!

Cudgen Nippers at State

CASINO SOCIAL GOLF RESULTS

26-02-2023

The Mexican 2 ball aggregate stableford played in Lismore was won by Donald Hampson & Troy Hook with 87 stableford points on a count back from Nathan Rose & D.Diews also 87. No others results were available and next Sunday’s event is yet to be decided sponsored by Newstead Automotive Services, Casino. Visitors are welcome to play with hit off from 6-30am till 7-30am.

CASINO WOMENS

BOWLS CLUB

N. Moran presenting I. Watson with her award for being 2022 champion

Attached are photos of our medal winners.

Below is a list of our State medal holders for 2023!

1st Place:

• U12 Board

for the Minor Singles. Results from Wednesday 22/2.

Winners for the day were: C. Doyle, J.

Relay - Leo Allsop, Alfe George & Dean Arghyros

• U14 Board

Race - Phoenix Preston

2nd Place:

• U13 Board

Rescue - Isabella Arghyros & Charli Mills

• U14 Board Rescue - Phoenix Preston & Charlie George

• U10 Surf RaceScarlett Mison

• U13 Cameron - Jarrah Onley, Isabella Arghyros, Charli Mills & Ivy Mison

New members welcome we play on Wednesday at the RSM club from 9am to 12.30pm.

CHERRY STREET CROQUET CLUB

SPORTS RESULTS

ASSOCIATION

CROQUET :

L.Hardy 16 d B.Hardy

13

L.Sampson 25 d

G.Porter 17

RICOCHET CROQUET :

N.Poynting R.Poynting

16 d P.Bolte D.Scott 10

N.Barnes R.Allen 14 d

Dwyer & M. Hellyar def

C. Doyle, J. Creighton & I. Watson

Other rink winners were: D. Grice, J. Cooke & H. Lavelle def J. Carthew, V. Cole & A.James

N. Moran, K. Walters & D. Skinner def L. James, R. Skirrey & M. Mead

J.Doust P.Doyle 13

N.Poynting 14 d P.Scott

D.Jones 2

G.Kerr H.Young 4 d

B.Wellings R.Chapman

11

Club Championships :

J.Doust N.Watts 14 d

N.Barnes P.Doyle 10

R.Poynting 26 d M Field 3

B.Wellings G.Porter 14 d

P.Scott N.Watts 12

TWILIGHT CROQUET :

D.Jones M.Rennie 6 d

J.Saunders M.Malony 3

L.Hudson C.Lane 6 d

R.Poynting C.Woodlands

6

M.Russell N.Alfonso 6 d

E.Astley C.Gale 4

L.Whiteman J.Taylor 5 d

J.Hamilton W.Gilmore 2

B.Taylor 6 d L.Wesley 4

M.Rennie 5 d N.Alfonso

L.Wesley 4

R.Poynting B.Taylor 6 d

M.Russell W.Gilmore 4

C.Gale D.Jones 4 d

L.Whiteman C.Lane 2

C.Woodlands J.Hamilton

5 d M.Malony J.Taylor 2

J.Saunders 5 d E.Astley

L.Hudson 2

C.Woodlands N.Alfonso

3 d M.Russell

L.Whiteman 2

C.Lane L.Hudson 6 d

• U11 FlagsAndie Prichard

• U12 BoardIvy Mison

3rd Place:

• U12 Board

Rescue - Lyla Wessel & Ivy Mison

• U10 Beach

R.Poynting E.Astley 4

D.Jones 6 d L.Wesley

C.Gale 3

W.Gilmore 9 d

J.Saunders M.Rennie 6

Club play days 9am start Tuesdays, Thursdays, Sundays. All new members very welcome.

EAST LISMORE

BOWLING CLUB

RESULTS

Club championship results:

A Grade Pairs: G Finnigan, P Russell 24 def J Olley, N Harding 14

R Nind, G Stewart 20 def P Nicholls, G Nicholls 18

B Grade Pairs: P Campbell, J Essex 26 def R Prior, R Mohr 16 E Allen, M Flower 30

Sprint - Kiara Irving

• U13 2km Beach

Run - Isabella Arghyros

• U11 Beach

Sprint - Jack Brown

• U12 Iron - Lyla

Wessel

• U14 IronPhoenix Preston

def T Alcorn, G Revis 20

B Grade singles: M Prior 25 def A Carrall 19

W Morrissey 25 def L Softley 12

EVANS HEAD WOMENS BOWLS

Major/Minor Pairs played 22-02-23 Results Round 7 - Skips only. V. Hart defeated B. Montague. P. Freeman defeated T. Cselka. E. Gollan defeated J. Fernance. K. Keevers defeated L. Stratton. K. Hickey Bye. Round 8 - T, Cselka defeated K. Hickey. P. Freeman defeated J. Fernance. E. Gollan defeated L. Stratton. B. Montague defeated K. Keevers. V. Hart Bye.

Local Sports Teams Illuminate the Field with New Lights

from back page...

Ms Newby said the upgrades to the Grafton Hockey Complex are expected to be completed in the next two years, and said the club is looking forward to taking advantage of the new LED lighting.

“The new lighting will be a major improvement for our facility,” she said.

“It will make us more sustainable with reduced running costs, it will also make our facility more attractive for night-time activities and it will allow us to be more competitive with other sporting facilities in the area.”

The Grafton Hockey Association is thrilled with the news that their complex will be receiving $335000 in funding through the NSW Nationals

in Government’s $25 million Female Friendly Sport Facilities and Lighting Upgrades Program. This funding will be used to install LED lighting on both synthetic felds at the Fisher Park premises, allowing the local

hockey club to increase the number of night games they host, beneft both local and visiting players, and welcome more people to the Clarence Valley.

The Vice President of the Grafton Hockey Association, Lyn

Eight sporting groups share $50,000 in Local Sport Grants

Newby, described the announcement as fantastic news, saying that the LED lighting will have a lifespan of 40 plus years, which will make the facility more sustainable and optimise the club’s fnances. She also noted

that this upgrade will make the facility more attractive for night-time activities and make it more competitive with other sporting facilities in the area.

The Deputy Premier, Paul Toole, also announced that the

South Grafton Rugby Club’s grounds in Hay Street will also receive funding, with $160000 to go towards lighting and women’s facility upgrades on site. The Grafton Hockey Association is looking forward to the upgrades being completed in the next two years, and taking advantage of the new LED lighting.

The Member for Clarence, Chris Gulaptis, was pleased to be able to invest in local sporting infrastructure, commenting that it is terrifc to support the interest in hockey in Grafton through these funds. Ms Newby was also delighted with the news, saying that it means a lot to the club to have the best possible facilities to support the growth of the sport in the area.

LISMORE MP Janelle

Saffn has congratulated eight community sport organisations on sharing in $50,000 worth of funding under the Local Sport Grants Program.

Ms Saffn says the successful local projects are aimed at increasing participation in sport across all age groups and bringing local communities closer together, so important as we recover from last year’s foods.

“Supporting our local sporting clubs is a priority for me because they are the lifeblood of our communities and key to ensuring our kids live healthy and active lifestyles,” Ms Saffn says.

“I encourage clubs from across the electorate to apply for the next round of Local Sport Grants when they open.”

Grants of between $2,000 and $10,000 per project were available with up to $50,000 available in each electorate.

Projects funded locally include:

• Far North Coast Baseball Association, coaching development program -- $8,610.

• Northern United Rugby League Football Club Incorporated, Back to Lismore Aboriginal Knockout tournament -- $7,500.

• Tweed Valley

Triathletes Incorporated, website rebuild and new laptop purchase -- $6,850.

• Lismore City Archers Incorporated, feld target butts for bigger competitions -- $6,062.

• Goonellabah Football Club, training gear for women’s teams -- $5,998.

• Tweed Valley Equestrian Group, tablets for event scoring -- $5,820.

• Murwillumbah Rowing Club Incorporated, purchase exercise bikes, gym mats, weight rack -- $5,124.

• Far North Coast Hockey Incorporated, umpire development program -- $4,036. Electorate total -- $50,000.

Representatives of the South Grafton Rugby Club toss the ball around with NSW Deputy Premier Paul Toole, alongside Member for Clarence Chris Gulaptis and Nationals candidate for Clarence Richie Williamson after they received a $160000 grant to upgrade lighting and facilities for women. Photo supplied.

Northern United Rugby League Football Club. Photo supplied from Facebook

Grafton hockey players were thrilled after NSW Deputy Premier Paul Toole, alongside Member for Clarence Chris Gulaptis and Nationals candidate for Clarence Richie Williamson, announced a $335000 grant to install LED light upgrades at the Grafton Hockey Complex on February 16. Image: contributed