The Northern Rivers Times Edition 140

NATIONALS SPLASH CASH ON POOL PROJECTS

By TIM HOWARD

Grafton swimmers

have welcomed a NSW Nationals announcement to splash $10 million on swimming pools in the Clarence electorate ahead of the March 25 State Election.

The Nationals have pledged, if elected, to stump up $6 million for the Grafton Aquatic Centre and $4 million for the Casino Memorial Pool project.

The party’s candidate for the seat, former Clarence Valley Council mayor Richie Williamson, made the announcement last Tuesday outside the Grafton Olympic Pool, which has been closed since last summer.

For regular Grafton pool users, like the president of the Grafton District Services Club Swimming Club, Stephen Donnelly, the news was a shot in the arm at the end of a summer without an outdoor swimming pool in Grafton.

“It’s fantastic news,” Mr Donnelly said. “Anything that brings the project end date closer from 2024-25 is very welcome.”

He was philosophic about the council’s inability to transfer $11.1 million of grant funding from a project to demolish and rebuild the Treelands Drive Community Centre in Yamba to the pool project.

“It would have been nice, but in the end it was council being council,” he said.

“I don’t know what was in the council’s application to have it done, but in the end, if the government says ‘no’, then you just have to get on with it another way.”

Clarence Valley Mayor Ian Tiley was another who welcomed the pledge from the Nationals, although he said he would be looking for Labor to match it.

“I will be onto Leon Ankersmit (the ALP candidate for Clarence) today to see what he can do to match it,” Cr Tiley said.

He said the Nationals pledge, plus the BLER funding would have been “wonderful”.

“Those two together would have just about got us across the line, but it wasn’t to be,” he said.

Cr Tiley said.

“But this announcement is still fantastic news and gets us halfway there.

“We already had about $6 million,

Government and from the council’s own funds, $3.8 million and the profit from the sale of the tourist information re another $880,000.”

Cr Tiley said that as he spoke, contractors were on site at the pool for a compulsory meeting with council staff about

project will close on April 14, construction will commence in June of this year.

“It will be a seamless, three-stage effort and the reason stage 1 is where it is, is primarily safety and access reasons.”

The mayor thanked Mr Williamson and the Nationals for the pledge, but pointed out there would be at least another $10 million needed for the project and the council would need to come back to the incoming government for more funds, or approach the Federal Government for assistance.

Mr Williams said the community had told him “loud and clear” how important their 50 metre pool was to them.

government was returned on March 25 or not he would continue to fight for the funds to complete the pool.

“I will represent their case very strongly in Sydney so we in the bush get our fair share.”

Mr Williamson also threw down the gauntlet to the Federal Government to match the state’s input.

“If we’re re-elected on March 25 our total commitment to the project is $7.5 million and it would be terrific if the Federal Government could come and match that,” he said.

deliver the projects they require,” he said.

He listed projects like the Pacific Highway upgrade, the new Grafton Bridge, the recent $10 million to lift flood prone areas of Yamba Rd and the $5 million for the Harwood Bridge clover leaf as evidence the Nationals delivered.

But the ALP candidate Leon Ankersmit warned voters to read the “fine print” the promise.

“The Nationals have promised $6m for the Grafton Pool. Here is the fine print,” he said.

“Four years ago they promised $263.8m for the hospital redevelopment, but only managed to deliver $1m.

“That’s equal to 0.38 of 1% of their commitment honoured.

“So, if the Nationals win government in March, and we see no more than $22,800 of the pool promise, they will say they have kept their promise to the people of Clarence.”

Mr Ankersmit said the pool was a vital piece of infrastructure and would be a top priority for him as the Member for Clarence.

which included $1.5 million from the State

the process.

“Tenders for the whole

“I was able to secure the funding fo $6 million and that’s what a good local candidate – and if I’m lucky enough a good local member – should do,” he said.

He said whether the

Mr Williamson said the pledge would help convince voters the Nationals were the party who stood up for people in NSW.

“The people in the Clarence understand that when it comes to their local representative in the parliament, they want someone who will fight for them in Sydney and

“I will work with the local councils in our district to get the infrastructure they need, including pools and water filtration and sewerage systems and so much more,” he said.

“I don’t have a glossy promise to deliver today. I have the ambition to deliver every day for the people of Clarence and I am already working on the tasks that are ahead.”

The ALP candidate for Clarence Leon Ankersmit warned voters of fine print on Nationals’ election promises.

Nationals candidate for Clarence, Richie Williamson third from left, with, from left, Cr Ian Tiley, Cr Alison Whaites. Jo Lysaught. Allan Marsh. Stephen Donnelly, not named, and Arthur Lysaught at the announcement of the $6 million election pledge for Grafton Aquatic Centre and $4 million for Casino pool.

EVANS HEAD RESIDENT ‘FLOODED’ WITH LOTTO WIN

We all love those stories where the battler gets the prize.

That happened for one Evans Head Lotto winner when he scooped the $1,000,000 in last week’s Monday and Wednesday draw.

He held one of the three division one winning entries in draw 4267, taking home way more than just spare cash.

As he checked his ticket, he showed his mother who was with him and he started to cry, according to a statement by The Lott.

“I’m shocked,” he said.

“My mum started to cry across the table when we were checking off the winning numbers from last night’s draw.

“We were affected by the floods in our region precisely one year ago. It’s been tough.

“We’ve only just gotten back on our feet. It’s been a big12 months!

“We’ve always dreamt about winning division

DIARY OF A FLOOD SURVIVOR

one, but never expected it to happen to us. We might win $1,000 on Keno here and there, but not $1 million!

“Things like this don’t usually happen to folks like us.

“We’re not too sure what we will do with the money, but we know it will go a long way.”

Evans Head Newsagency owner Jasmine McKenna told The Lott they were excited for their local winner, especially after last year’s natural disaster.

“It has already created such a buzz with our customers and has certainly increased the curiosity as to who the fortunate winner is,” she said.

“This is our first division one winner since we purchased the business nine years ago, and we’re so pleased. There’s no doubt it will be the start of a winning streak!”

Before the flood, our house was a veritable stopover place for friends and family. With many of our loved ones living in Sydney, it was not unusual to have visitors staying over from a weekend up to a week or more at any one time.

We loved it. Especially when our son moved away. He would come home often with friends in tow and we always find the space for them.

When friends staying elsewhere in 2021 were in danger of being flooded in, we were able to provide beds, where our bottom floor became one big mattress. We were always entertaining with dinners and barbeques for groups of friends and Christmas parties every year. Some of that has come back, as we held drinks last Christmas Eve, just to prove we could still show hospitality in our

newly renovated home. People had to bring their own chairs and glasses, but we did it. We have to warn friends and family now who are travelling through, that we no longer have a spare room as our downstairs has minimal internal walls and no ceiling. The spare room is now a store room of all the items we

saved from the flood that we haven’t found homes for yet.

We did manage to get a spare bed, which is what we set up for our son when he comes home, but it is in the open area downstairs with minimal privacy. We continue striving to make a homely place for visitors again. Little steps.

Our spare room which is now a store room

Our son’s bed when he comes to stay

LEAGUE STAR BRINGS MENTAL FITNESS CONCEPT TO CHANGE ROOMS

By TIM HOWARD

In the 1980s and 90s Paul Langmack was a rugby league star who won a first grade premiership with Canterbury in 1984 before he turned 20. He toured with 1986 Kangaroos, at 22 years and 22 days he was the youngest player to play 100 first grade games. He left Canterbury to play and later captain Western Suburbs. He became one of only five NRL players to play 100 games at two different clubs and finished his career in 1999 at Easts. With such a stellar career behind him, many would expect Langmack to find a nice job commenting on the game in the media.

Instead he has spent the last four years taking his vision of bringing a concept he calls “mental fitness” to rugby league change rooms around NSW.

Last Thursday it was

the turn of the South Grafton Rebels where players from 11 years to seniors spent 30 minutes in group sessions learning what it meant to work on mental fitness.

Langmack was stunned at the turn out of young players and turned the J J Lawrence cricket nets into his consulting room where he took teams of players in their age groups aside to plant the seed of his concept in their minds.

Listening into a session, Langmack didn’t pull punches. He told of his experiences, like people he went to school with ending up in jail, how he battled a cancer diagnosis, low times in his playing career when success didn’t come his way and how getting his mind mentally fit allowed him to get through the tough times to a place where he could enjoy life.

Langmack said he was not a fan of the term, “mental health”.

“When you tell players you’re going to talk about mental health, they think you’re going to tell them there is something wrong with them,” he said.

“You get to a session on it. The people that are there are not tuned in and don’t want to participate because they feel they might be singled out.”

Instead Langmack champions the idea of people using his sessions to learn techniques to become get their minds fitter to handle the stresses of competitive sport and by extension, life at work, home and play.

Langmack said he tailored his presentations to deal with issues confronting nearly all young people: depression, anxiety, bullying, suicide prevention and addiction.

“We’ve developed the sessions so we bring all these topics up,” he said. “And we’ve tailored them developmentally

for different age groups to make sure we tackle them in age-appropriate ways.”

His assistant, Josie Valenti, said this was the fourth season of taking the program on the road and it was evolving all the time.

“This year’s program is the first time we’ve talked about how young people can develop techniques to get them out of situations they might find themselves in,” she said.

“Up to now we’ve been looking at types of situation, like bullying, addictions, low selfesteem you can find yourself in.

“Now we’re trying to get to putting ideas in people’s head about how they might get out of them.”

Langmack heaped praise on the Rebels for getting so many local community services to become involved.

“When we leave town, these groups can step in and offer their services to people who have come along today,” he said.

“So many times we’re told, It’s great you’re here, there’s nothing locally for us’.

“But as you can see here today, there are stack of groups offering different services to back up what we’re doing.”

Grafton Headspace community engagement officer Claudia Ollenburg was one who “got” the concept of

DAMNN HUNT goes off with a bang

The first ever DamnN HUNT held in the World has finished in the Northern Rivers area of NSW with almost 1900 of the sports team logos and players collected over the 2 days.

The hunt dropped some 1500 ‘pins’ (team logos and players) on Saturday and the same amount on Sunday but in different locations.

mental fitness.

“This group, kids aged from 11-16, this is where we can make contact with them,” she said.

“As a group they’re right into the idea of physical fitness and they get they have to work at that.

“It’s not a big jump from there to the idea you can work on your mental fitness and improve that too.”

The groups involved on Thursday are:

The local services who will be available at the program are:

• RAMHP (Rural Adversity Mental Health Program)

• Bulgarr Ngaru

• Grafton Community Mental Health Service

• Momentum Collective-Clear Minds (Child & Youth Services)

• Headspace

• Stand By Support After Suicide

• Clarence Valley Council - Youth Community

• Development Officer

• Westpac Bank Rebels event organiser Janita Cooper was excited by the event, which was swamped with young football players.

“It was great to see so many here and even if we just help one overcome issues in their life, it will be worth it,” she said.

With the hunt starting at 9am and going for 12 hours each day, people were seen roaming around sports fields, streets, parks, the beach and others places to find a logo.

Owner of the hunt Duncan Smith said that he was very happy with the hunt that saw around 700 people from cities and towns like Lismore, Mullumbimby, Byron Bay, Ballina, Murwillumbah, Tweed Heads, Casino and others joined up to play.

“Yes to have around 700 people playing the game and collect logos and players was great to see. It is all a bit of fun and after collecting the logos people can do what they want with them. All in all around $1.8 million was collected and people can now keep these logos and players and watch the price go up and down in sportstrade, just like they would do on a stock market or sell them and get the money”.

“There was around $4,000 in free money found over the two days along with players that included Lewis Hamilton, LeBron James and Lionel Messi”

Smith said the next hunt will be in Queensland with the location to be revealed in the next few days but he did say that it would be a regional area.

“On the weekend we will reveal where the next hunt Is going to take place, but what I can tell you is that it is going to be in regional Queensland for sure. What I can say is that the next hunt will be on the 1st and 2nd of April and be in the order of around $2 million in value, so it is worth downloading the app and getting out and about to find the logos. It is completely free to play and some people collected 15 logos in less than an hour worth around $1,200 value based on the price of that logo in sportstrade last weekend. Not bad for a bit of fun out in the fresh air I would say”.

Former NRL star Paul Langmack, second from right, and Josie Valenti, kneeling second from left, with representatives from eight Clarence Valley community service providers at a mental fitness workshop at J J Lawrence Fields, South Grafton, on March 9.

KEVIN LOUGHREY

25 TH MARCH 2023

I am running as an independent candidate, because I think I can make a significant contribution; benefiting everyone in the Electorate of Ballina. Specifically, I want to:

1. Faithfully represent the interests and concerns of my constituents, free from the intrigues of petty politics and the agendas of political activists and commercial entities that parties attract.

2. Work as a State Parliamentarian towards:

• Cause a five-fold reduction in the cost of electricity and halve the cost of fuel;

• Building dams to reduce flooding and provide water & food security;

• Preventing the Government from interfering with your relationship with your doctor as it did during COVID where Government bureaucrats prohibited doctors from prescribing effective early treatment; causing thousands of needless deaths – not to mention forcing on people an ineffective, dangerous, experimental gene therapy, now responsible for an excess mortality greater than 15%;

• Ensuring that all Australians, regardless of race or gender, are treated exactly the same under the law and entitled to exactly the same benefits; and

• Reduce the causes of Domestic Violence through prosperity and education.

I need your help so that I can help you! Vote 1 Kevin Loughrey. To learn more please visit: kevinloughrey.com.au

The short version is that I served for 32 years in the Australian Army rising to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Over the following 15 years, I held senior management positions in large Government and private enterprises before forming my own companies and employing people.

Authorised by Kevin Loughrey, 1 Keith Hall Lane, Keith Hall, NSW 2478

Village rocked by triple fatality

Celebrating our wonderful women of the Northern Rivers!

By MARGARET DEKKER

International Women’s Day last Wednesday, March 8, gave reason

for women across the region to come together to recognise and celebrate local ladies, their achievements,

talents, and inspiration under this year’s theme, ‘Accelerating Equality and Empowerment.’

The Northern Rivers

Times has some highlights. The 6th Lismore Women’s Festival also ran from March 8-12.

By TIM HOWARD

The sickening realisation that three lives had been tragically cut short in a horrific crash near Coutts Crossing on Saturday night was just beginning to sink in around the village by next morning.

Police said three people, including two children, died in a single-vehicle crash.

At about 9.30pm emergency services were called to Kangaroo Creek Road, Coutts Crossing, about 30km south of Grafton, following reports a twin cab utility had left the roadway and struck a tree.

The driver, a 43-year-old man, and two passengers, a 14-year-old boy and an 11-year-old girl, died at the scene.

Officers from Coffs/ Clarence Police District established

a crime scene and commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.

Local identity Peter Martin, on whose property the crash vehicle ended up, spoke to the media about the crash.

He said it would take the village a while to come to terms with the tragedy.

“It was pouring with rain and very dark and I heard a bang,” he told a local TV reporter.

“I looked outside and couldn’t see anything.

“When I got up this morning I found out three people had died.”

Police inquiries are ongoing. Investigating officers have asked anyone with dashcam footage or further information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or https://nsw. crimestoppers.com.au.

“We at Billabong

Rain and rescue crews have not left much at the scene of a car crash near Coutts Crossing on Saturday night which killed three people: a 43-year-old man, a 14-year-old boy and an 11-year-old girl.

A large gathering of ladies lunched at Fins at Plantation House in Duranbah on Friday March 3 at an event hosted by Sourdough Businesswomen. The day featured media personality Tracie Spicer as guest speaker together with ‘change-makers’ from the STEM industries (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.)

Casuarina swim school owner Judy Bonning (right) of Billabong Swim School received ‘The Heart’ Award in the Heart of Women Awards, ‘for women who show outstanding achievement in the community and have courage, passion, enthusiasm and generosity.’

swim school are so unbelievably proud of her!”

A special Sunday Lunch was held at Farm & Co Kingscliff with guest speaker Vanessa Ring (centre) from Corporate Culcha, sharing and inspiring 50 guests with ‘her empowering experiences of ‘Women and Culture’.’

The Northern Rivers Women and Children’s Services Inc. (NORWACS) marked IWD2023 together in Lismore. “We particularly honour the strength, courage and grace of our local Northern Rivers’ women and girls. Today we celebrate International Women’s Day.”

Ladies lunched at Fins at Plantation House in Duranbah on Friday March 3

SURFING SAFETY QUESTIONED AFTER BYRON SURFERS WIPED OUT BY ‘LEGGIE-LESS’ BOARDS

By MARGARET DEKKER

The safety of surfing on busy breaks like The Pass or Wategos in Byron Bay, is back in the spotlight after two surfers in Byron Bay in as many months were hospitalised – one critical - after being struck by stray boards in the water.

At The Pass on Friday, March 10, 2023, a surfer was rescued from the water and taken by ambulance to Tweed Hospital in Tweed Heads after he was knocked unconscious by a rogue, riderless surfboard.

A source close to The Northern Rivers Times who was on the beach at the time, said if it weren’t for the quick-thinking actions of others, the outcome may’ve been far worse.

“Lot of water on his lungs, I think he got knocked out by a collision, almost would’ve drowned if the public didn’t get him out,” the source said.

Insp Matt Wood Tweed Police confirmed the incident.

“There was an unfortunate accident in the water where a gentleman was struck with a surfboard, no police investigation per se, the gentleman was taken to Tweed Hospital for observation,”

Inspector Matt Woods, Tweed Byron Police said.

Just over a month ago on February 8, 2023, at Wategos, popular Byron Bay local Mathew Cassidy almost died after he was struck by a stray longboard, its fin gashing his bicep and severing tendons

and an artery through to the bone. Bystanders and friends rushed to his aid, applying a critical torniquet until paramedics arrived.

It’s understood a female surfer in the lineup hadn’t been wearing a leg rope – by choice or it had snapped – rendering her long, heavy board effectively a missile in the water, heading toward its innocent and unknowing target, in this case Mat Cassidy.

“Two days ago, I nearly bled out on the beach and nearly lost my arm when someone dropped in on me out 2ft Watego’s without a functioning leg rope.

“After an hour on the beach being held together by some absolutely legendary humans, I was rushed via ambulance then helicopter to GC.” Mat Cassidy posted to social media at the time.

Despite the ongoing danger and collateral

damage from surfing without a ‘leggie’/

experiencing the glide.”

At what and whose

total forgiveness and compassion as long as you practice safe surf etiquette for the rest of your surfing life.

“I’d ask the community to do the same in regard to her but let’s continue the surf safety conversation this accident has started. We clearly need better education and management in the surf,” Mat Cassidy, injured surfer said.

“If three things can come out of this, I’d wish they be these: 1. I get full use of my arm back so I can surf again. 2. That people look on the inside twice before even paddling for a wave. Kids look both ways before they even step onto a road to cross it, the surf should be

boards because they are too egotistical to wear a safety device. Please let’s get this mandated and back it up with strong education.”

“Now I’m going to hug my wife, pat my dog and love my mates,” an unlucky/lucky Mat Cassidy said.

Mat’s accident sparked an outpouring of support online, and sharing of similar harrowing tales of surfing in Byron Bay:

“I truly feel for you, my friend. I just had my nose broken at the pass. Missing my eye by one centimetre ...”

“Risk is ever present in the water; it can be our own board or Bernie’s 12ft mal coming sideways through the line-up ...”

“Could it come to the point of needing a licence to surf?”

Friend Luke Jolly hasn’t got time to wait for authorities to maybe one day legislate mandatory leg rope use in New South Wales, or even Australia. Instead, he wants that unwritten but widely known “Surfers’ Code” to now include, without doubt, the clear message: ‘wear a leg rope.’

leg rope or leash, the practice is gaining popularity with the cool set of surfers for reasons explained by one surf publication:

“Surfing on a leashless board is a question of style, authenticity, and attitude. Paddling out on a cordless surfboard can also be a different way of

expense?

Incredibly, Mat Cassidy holds his unwitting offender no malice or blame, but wants to change in the water, starting now.

“I hold you no bad will, I saw your face on the beach and I have no doubt you have learned a lesson. You have my

no different. 3. As I’ve stated, I’ll accept that the girl says her leg rope broke but CLEARLY there is a massive issue in our town with people not wearing them ... there’s been a litany of injuries to children, wives, mothers, husbands, partners from people losing their

“Surfers as a community can start doing the right thing and calling out those not using them. I’m not suggesting a witch-hunt, nor am I suggesting open confrontation... but if the culture of the sport is to ALWAYS wear a leg rope, the ones who continue to not wear one will be made to feel uncomfortable and know they are not doing the right thing.”

Before someone is killed out there, by this.

Mat Cassidy receives critical care after being gashed by a stray board at Wategos

The Byron Bay local was taken to a Gold Coast hospital with serious injuries

BALLINA AND TWEED CANDIDATES ANNOUNCED

By MARGARET DEKKER

The 10-day countdown to the March 25 NSW Election is on.

The Australian Electoral Commission has published the long-awaited full list of local candidates as they’ll appear on the 2023 NSW State Election ballot following its official paper draw last Thursday, March 9, 2023.

Eager voters can already cast their vote from this Saturday, March 18, at one of several Early Voting Centres opening across the region to decide who’ll lead the state for the next four years.

Legislative Assembly:

In BALLINA: 5 candidates including incumbent The Greens’ Tamara Smith will contest the district which includes the noted towns of Byron Bay, Brunswick Heads, Bangalow, and Mullumbimby. The candidates will appear in this order on the Ballina ballot:

JENKINS Peter, Bellingen, Sustainable Australia Party – Stop Overdevelopment/ Corruption

BROADLEY

Andrew, East Ballina, Labor

- LOUGHREY

Kevin, Keith Hall, Independent - SMITH Tamara, Lismore Heights, The Greens - BOOYENS

Josh, Ballina, The Nationals

TWEED: In the Tweed, 6 candidates are running in a district including Banora Point, Cabarita Beach, Carool, Murwillumbah and Tweed Heads.

Incumbent member for Tweed, The Nationals’ Geoff Provest is third on the Tweed ballot, as follows:

McDONALD

Ronald, Banora Point, Stop Overdevelopment/ Corruption - SELAN Marc, Nimbin, Legalise Cannabis Party - PROVEST

Geoff, Tweed Heads South, The Nationals

ELLIOT Craig, Fingal Head, Labor

DENHAM

Ciara, Bilambil, The Greens

HEARDER

Susie, Tyalgum, Animal Justice Party

Legislative Council: In the Legislative Council or Upper House of the NSW Parliament, 21 members – being half of the 42-member Council – will be elected

CANDIDATES FOR

As the NSW state election is ear-marked for Saturday, 25 March, 2023, we list the candidates for the seat of Lismore and the parties they belong to, if any.

Shooters, Fishers and

on March 25 for an 8-year term (the other half will be elected at the next state general election, in 4 years’ time.)

Northern Rivers candidates - representing the lead candidate of their listed party –include:

- BERTRAM

Jordy, Lismore, Animal Justice Party

- HAHN

Christine, Richmond Hill, Animal Justice Party

- PRINS Stewart, Lismore, Labor - MCKENZIE

Deni, Armidale, Elizabeth Farrelly Independents - FRANKLIN

Ben, Byron Bay, Nationals - FENWICK

John, North Tumbulgum, Informed Medical Options Party

BALDERSTONE

Michael, Mount Burrell, Legalise Cannabis Party - HOOD Frances, Nimbin, Legalise Cannabis Party - LINDNER

Nicole, Nimbin, Legalise Cannabis Party - WILLIAMSON

Kathleen, Tuntable Creek, Legalise Cannabis Party - GRAVES

Louise, Wadeville, Legalise Cannabis Party

- SMITH Roger, Nimbin, One Nation - LLOYD Eddie, Lismore Heights, The Greens - BURKE

Ann, Lismore Heights, Sustainable Australia Party, Stop Overdevelopment/ Corruption - TAYLOR

David, North Arm, Sustainable Australia Party, Stop Overdevelopment/ Corruption

Early voting: Early voting centres open this Saturday March 18 at 9am for early birds to cast their vote and are open all next week in the lead up to NSW Election Day. Check the AEC website for exact days and opening hours – www. elections.nsw.gov.au

In Ballina District, early voting centres are at:

- Ballina Election Managers Officer, 55 Dalley Street, Mullumbimby

- Marvell Hall, 37 Marvell Street, Byron Bay

- The Richmond Room, 5 Regatta Ave, Ballina

In the Tweed: - St Joseph’s College, Doyle Drive, Banora Point - Casuarina Beach Hockey Club, 1 Barclay Drive, Casuarina

LISMORE IN THE 2023 NSW STATE

Farmers party - Matthew George Bertalli

Labor - Janelle Anne Saffin, currently the sitting member.

Independent - James Ian McKenzie

Independent - Allen

STAYING HOT AT CHINDERAH CHILLI FESTIVAL

By MARGARET DEKKER

The skies threatened rain, but it stayed cloudy with a big chance of chilli meatballs at the annual Chinderah Chilli Festival at Seagulls Tweed Heads West on Saturday, March 11.

ELECTION

Stanley Crosthwaite

Animal Justice PartyVanessa Ann Rosayro

Sustainable Australia Party – Stop

Overdevelopment/

Corruption - Ross William Joseph

Honniball

The Greens - Adam Guise

The NationalsAlexander Rubin

Hundreds spiced up their day with food, drinks, cocktails and eating competitions all featuring the killer fruit’s ‘capsaicinoids’ in one way, shape or form, and the hotter the better for this not cool crowd.

For those who’d bitten off more than they could chew, festival organisers were on hand with big cups of milk to counter the sting, the milk proudly donated by IGA Tweed Valley in Murwillumbah.

The charity event – part of a national network of Chilli Festivals - raised precious funds for RuralAid offering free confidential counselling for farmers, and the Tweed District Rescue Squad – VRA Rescue NSW.

TO ALL DINING PATRONS FOR .. THE NEXT DAY!

COMMISERATIONS

EIGHT ON CLARENCE STATE ELECTION BALLOT PAPER

By TIM HOWARD

The field to find the next Member for Clarence at the March 25 NSW Election has filled out with the nomination of four more candidates.

Joining the Nationals Richie Williamson, ALP’s Leon Ankersmit, the Greens Dr Greg Clancy and Independent Debrah Novak on ballot paper are:

Mark Rayner, Legalise Cannabis Party, Brett Duroux no affiliation listed, Nicola Levi, Independent and George Keller, Sustainable Development Australia. The ballot draw order is:

1. Mark Rayner

2. Greg Clancy

3. Debrah Novak

4. Richie Williamson

5. Leon Ankersmit

6. Brett Duroux

7. Nicki Levi

8. George Keller

The Clarence electorate has relished their chance to grill candidates at meet the candidate evenings around the electorate like one at the Grafton District Services Club on February 28.

The Grafton Chamber of Commerce invited the known candidates: the Mr Williamson, Mr Ankersmit, Dr Clancy and Ms Novak to a night of question and answer.

The evening, compered by former Grafton City Council general manager Ray Smith, provided some illuminating questions asked by both the meeting conveners and the audience of about 50 community members.

To start each candidate introduced themselves for a few minutes and talk about their

connection to the local community. Then the three, set questions began.

1. With 90% of the North Coast National Parks or conservations reserves of that 10% available to the timber industry, just 4% is harvested a year. Do you support a timber industry that only harvests under strict guidelines.

Dr Clancy said forests on Australia’s east coast had been heavily logged and timber and when plantations began, the industry chose to use pine instead of native hardwoods, which was a mistake.

He said Greens policy was to phase out native forest logging because of the remnants of those early forests were wildlife corridors.

But he said the Greens wanted to discuss these issues with the industry and also to

begin planting the timbers mills wanted in plantations.

“It’s Greens policy to move out of native forests as quickly as we can,” he said.

Dr Clancy also made the point that disturbance of native forests can affect drinking water, as the Clarence electorate found after the 2019-20 fires.

“I would like the Greens to sit down with the timber industry and see if we can come up with some plan to phase out native forest logging,” he said.

Ms Novak said her knowledge of the industry largely came from local timber legend, the late Spiro Notaras.

She said his main concern was how the state of the industry affected his employees and their families.

But she said other friends, who were environmentalists, had

similar concerns.

“It’s family, it’s future, it’s sustainability,” she said. “How do we keep going? How do we make it work.”

She said the answer would come from getting the two sides together the come up with local solution, that’s best for the community on both sides of the fence.

Mr Williamson said his views and the Nationals was a “pretty simple yes”.

“Sustainable logging in the forest is exactly that, sustainable,” he said.

“There are literally thousands of jobs at risk if the Greens ever get control of the State.

For people with timber jobs, this question was the most important and there were clear choices: those who supported continued logging and those who would shut it down.

Mr Williamson also ridiculed Labor’s Koala

National Park, claiming it was a threat to timber jobs.

“You can’t take a resource away, In the State Forests, without consequences,” he said.

Mr Ankersmit said he and Labor were not against people having jobs.

But he pointed out Grafton had a history of losing industries and perhaps forestry was a declining industry in the region.

He dismissed criticism of the Koala National Park as affecting the timber industry.

“Most of the area set aside (for the park) is largely National Parks – 85% already National Park – with some set aside to create corridors and links to other areas to create sustainable koala population,” he said.

He said the mapping had not yet been done to create these koala

corridors.

But he said Labor would work locally to support workers in a world that was changing.

2. NSW was the last state to legislate minimum rates for bands and performs at $150 to $200 for three hours plus costs of $350 per person. When will this legislation be passed in NSW?

Mr Ankersmit said it was actually a policy for Labor, but he pointed out it was just for performers at events that attracted grant money. It was not for performers contracted privately.

“That’s a private arrangement between the employer and the performer,” he said.

Mr Williamson said there was not a lot of difference between the parties.

“We want to see performers paid a fair

Continued page 14

The four candidate for the seat of Clarence in the March 25 State election: from left, Greens Dr Greg Clancy, Independent Debrah Novak, Nationals Richie Williamson and Labor’s Leon Ankersmit at a Meet the Candidates Forum at the Grafton District Services Club on February 28. Four more candidates have since joined the contest.

quid for a fair gig,” he said.

He said for the Nationals it was already a requirement that the $250 minimum would be paid.

Mr Williamson said the only reason it had not been legislated was because it might disadvantage regional areas.

Ms Novak said it came down to musicians getting the support of their representative in the union and government.

“Whoever is elected, its their job to go and lobby on behalf of our musicians in the seat of Clarence,” she said.

Dr Clancy said the Greens would support the payment but could not say when it happens.

He said as an amateur drummer and singer he had gigged with musicians and was well aware how tough it was for them particularly when time for practice was factored in.

3. Each party has a policy for the future of poker machine operations in NSW. What knowledge does

each candidate have of the club industry and the effect that a mandatory cashless gaming card will have on clubs and they communities?

Dr Clancy said the Greens have raised major concerns about gambling and the social problems it created, but recognised this meeting was being held in a club with poker machines that did a lot of good in the community.

Dr Clancy said the Greens campaigned against poker machines in clubs and he was sympathetic to that idea.

Mr Williamson said cashless gaming is coming and said local clubs need to be part of the discussions of the future.

He said the industry would change and the Minister, Kevin Andrews was from Tamworth and understood the problems facing communities.

But he would hate to see regulations that forbad someone having a “$20 flutter on the pokies” after a birthday party.

He said there also

needed to be issue about keeping track of problem gamblers.

His main issue was online gambling and there needed to a more nuanced and holistic approach to the issue.

Mr Ankersmit said he agreed with Mr Williamson, particularly about gambling online, which was impossible to regulate.

He said clubs already had measures in place to control problem gamblers, called Know Your Customer, which allowed club staff to intervene if they noticed people gambling irresponsibly.

He liked the Labor idea of trialing a cashless seem in 500 machines to iron out unintended consequence.

He did not want to cut out the fun side, which he said described as an unintended consequences.

He said the trial would reveal more of the issues.

He also noted that money laundering was unlikely to be an issue.

A question from the floor from Clarence

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Catchment Alliance coordinator Shae Fleming about the candidates’ their views on mining in the Clarence catchment and what they would do to prohibit mining in the Clarence, brought was also noteworthy.

Dr Clancy said he was a foundation member of the CCA.

He said mining in the Clarence should be banned entirely here and in neighbouring catchments.

He said the Clarence Valley Council had written to the State Government to let them know about their opposition to mining, which confirmed he was speaking for most of the community in opposing mining in the region.

But Dr Clancy said the government had largely ignored a petition against mining in the Clarence with 11,000 signatures and the current local member had voted against it.

Mr Williamson, who as Clarence Valley Mayor from 2008-16, spoke out against mining in the Clarence, continued his

opposition to mining, even if it meant going against his party policy.

“I have always stood up for the Clarence River. Always,” Mr Williamson said.

“It’s on the record, three or four mayoral minutes and a couple of notices of motion around water diversion.

“There’s also a couple of motions around CGS and the Nats were the party that revoked CSG mining licences.”

“And I’m on the public record of being against mining in the Clarence Valley.”

Mr Williamson said he was acutely aware of the “wilderness ark” in the Clarence and also Richmond Valleys.

“It needs proper protection and that protection should be through the form of no mining, because we’re not built for mining here,” he said.

Mr Ankersmit said local Labor branches were against mining and had worked to protect the catchment from mining and would continue to do so.

He said there needed to be a concept that this is something that community won’t permit and any idea of a social licence to the contrary should be withdrawn.

He said there did not appear to much difference between the views of all the candidates on this topic.

“We love our river and our river is a fragile ecosystem,” he said. “We’ve got industries down river that depend on clean water.

“We need to protect that and it’s worth protecting. We need to be a community that stands together and says that.”

Ms Novak said mining was needed for some things and not others, but one of the things that was not needed in Clarence was mining in water catchments.

“That would have catastrophic impacts downriver.”

There have other candidates nights more recently including one in Yamba on Monday.

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NEW BUSINESS VENTURE GOES ‘NUTS’

By SAMANTHA ELLEY

Thanks to a craving for salted peanuts, New-Zealand born, Thomas Hoult discovered and established the macadamia industry on the Northern Rivers.

At a recent talk with the Lismore Garden Club at East Lismore Bowling Club, the octogenarian shared the history of his experiences and how he was introduced to the ‘bush nut’ known worldwide as the macadamia.

“In 1976 I came to Brisbane and looked after a clinic,” he said to many of Lismore’s keen gardeners.

“I loved salted peanuts and bought them each day from a young girl who was selling them.

“One day she offered me these strange round nuts that she called bottle nuts or bush nuts.”

Thomas was fascinated

by the small round nuts and investigated them further.

“I soon developed a new idea for a business,” he said.

“I convinced my business partner Mel (Braham) that (the macadamia) industry was the one we should get in to.

“I flew up to Lismore and bought a farm at Tuntable Creek and another farm at Dunoon.”

After planting 10,000 trees at Tuntable Creek, Thomas soon

came to realise the area was too steep to use mechanised harvesters. These were needed as harvesting by hand was unaffordable.

“We hand dug out all the trees and took them to Dunoon,” said Thomas. From there the business

partners established Macadamia Plantations of Australia.

“I promoted the bum out of the industry,” said Thomas.

“I had 50-60 farms being managed.

“I told investors, ‘you buy the farm and our team will do the rest’.”

From there Thomas started up the Australian Macadamia Society which is still going strong, supporting the world’s second largest macadamia market.

And how does Thomas like to eat his macadamias?

“Roasted and salted is the best way,” he said.

EXCITING $1.4M UPGRADE ON THE WAY FOR GILMORE CRESCENT

Gilmore Crescent in Byron Bay will get a $1.4M road upgrade and other improvements after Council awarded a tender for the works this week.

The works have been made possible thanks to the Australian Government’s Local Road and Community Infrastructure Program – and they’re set to get underway on Monday (13 March), weather permitting.

The Gilmore Crescent project was jointly funded by the Australian Government and Byron Shire Council. Australian Government funding of $1 million was provided through the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) Program. This program supports local councils to deliver priority local road and community infrastructure projects across Australia.

In addition to a road upgrade, the project will deliver 250m of shared path for cyclists and pedestrians that connects through to Tennyson St and 100m of shared path through to Lawson Street where a pedestrian refuge crossing is also being constructed.

18 additional car parking spaces will be provided and the existing parking will be line marked and formalised as part of the project.

“We are thrilled to have the chance to fnally upgrade Gilmore Crescent which has been in need of improvements and will be of great beneft to local residents, as well as the community of Sandhills Early Childhood Centre and the Youth Activity Centre,” Byron Shire Mayor, Michael Lyon said.

“These works will also provide safe and vital connections from the foreshore area through to Council’s fantastic new Skatepark for everyone who is walking, rolling or riding – so we are very happy to be delivering this upgrade for the whole community.

Member for Richmond, Justine Elliot MP congratulated Byron Shire Council for being awarded this important funding to deliver vital upgrades to Gilmore Crescent in Byron Bay.

“Many locals have contacted me regarding Gilmore Crescent, and I am proud as your strong voice in the Albanese Government to deliver this important funding,” Ms Elliot said.

“The Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program supports local councils to deliver important local road and community infrastructure projects,” she said.

Funding announced for local Rum Distillery

The Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Murray Watt has announced that Sunshine Sugar is amongst seven agricultural processing business in the Northern Rivers to receive funding under the Australian and NSW Governments’ Supply Chain Support Program.

For Sunshine Sugar, this grant will help kick start a new era of both food resilience and re-establishing a link to the regions storied past with the development of a world class Rum Distillery based at the Broadwater Sugar Mill site.

Sunshine Sugar and Sydney Rum Distillery have a Heads of Agreement for a long-term relationship that will see a ‘craft with scale’ distillery

established to showcase the fnest Northern Rivers sugarcane to the world through a portfolio of premium to ultrapremium rum brands. The distillery will reestablish an important historic link with the regions past, when rum was distilled at the Harwood Sugar Mill in the late 1800’s and into the early 1900’s.

Sydney Rum Distillery Chief Executive, Steve Magarry said; “This new distillery will incorporate some of the latest developments in sustainability and environmental credentials, from raw material sourcing to design and energy usage.” While the brands will be available in the local market, the focus will be to showcase quality

Australian provenance to consumers all over the world. It also offers

our strategic focus on long-term sustainability of our growers and

our sugar industry the opportunity to diversify into high value products and signifcant export markets.

Chris Conners Chief Executive of Sunshine Sugar added; “Not only does this initiative have a great link to our heritage, it fts squarely into

our industry through business diversifcation and innovation. It also an important plank in the long-term sustainability of the Broadwater Mill with diversifcation projects supplementing the cane crushing operation.

Exciting $1.4M upgrade on the way for Gilmore Crescent

Gilmore Crescent in Byron Bay will get a $1.4M road upgrade and other improvements after Council awarded a tender for the works this week. The works have been made possible thanks to the Australian Government’s Local Road and Community Infrastructure Program – and they’re set to get underway on Monday (13 March), weather permitting.

The Gilmore Crescent project was jointly funded by the Australian Government and Byron Shire Council. Australian Government funding of $1 million was provided through the Local Roads

and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) Program. This program supports local councils to deliver priority local road and community infrastructure projects across Australia.

In addition to a road upgrade, the project will deliver 250m of shared path for cyclists and pedestrians that connects through to Tennyson St and 100m of shared path through to Lawson Street where a pedestrian refuge crossing is also being constructed. 18 additional car parking spaces will be provided and the existing parking will be line marked and formalised as part of the project.

“We are thrilled to have the chance to fnally upgrade Gilmore Crescent which has been in need of improvements and will be of great beneft to local residents, as well as the community of Sandhills Early Childhood Centre and the Youth Activity Centre,” Byron Shire Mayor, Michael Lyon said.

“These works will also provide safe and vital connections from the foreshore area through to Council’s fantastic new Skatepark for everyone who is walking, rolling or riding – so we are very happy to be delivering this upgrade for the whole community.

Member for Richmond,

Justine Elliot MP congratulated Byron Shire Council for being awarded this important funding to deliver vital upgrades to Gilmore Crescent in Byron Bay.

“Many locals have contacted me regarding Gilmore Crescent, and I am proud as your strong voice in the Albanese Government to deliver this important funding,” Ms Elliot said.

“The Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program supports local councils to deliver important local road and community infrastructure projects,” she said.

Where poetry leads the way…by Nigel Dawe

Clarence Valley Orchestra Tour to Norfolk Island 13-18 April 2023

SO often, when we are pressed for an explanative for things that truly impress us, whether it be at a football match or a business meeting, we’ll often say, “That was poetry in motion.” Equally, during the aftermath of observing someone ‘getting theirs’ we’ll add, “Wasn’t that poetic justice!”

Clearly, the influences of poetry in our daily lives manifest in ways more often than we realise. And yet, poetry in itself is one of the most underconsidered, if not outright dismissed modes of expression there is. None other than John Keats once said, “Poetry should surprise by a fine excess and not by singularity—it should strike the reader as a wording of their own highest thoughts, and appear almost a remembrance.”

And clearly, the aim of not just the finest poetry but poetry of any kind is to be memorable, memorable to the point of being utterly unforgettable. Great poetry shapes and moulds the minds and spirits of people, all whilst occupying a place of held reverence in the very soul of nations. Or as Salvatore Quasimodo deeply felt, “The poet’s spoken discourse often depends on a mystique, on the spiritual freedom that finds itself enslaved on earth.”

Relatedly, the Nobel Prize-winning poet Odysseus Elytis once enthused, “Poetry should express the apex, should constitute a kind of pioneering outpost in the unexplored area of life, should precede other arts in the depiction of sensitivity. It should be the word and sword intervening in the spirit, so that matter, docile, can follow.”

Because when poetry

leads, the sublime and that which is truly refined are sure to follow. Some of the most impressive poems ever written have been penned under duress, during dark periods of turmoil, trial and suffering. The American civil war poet Walt Whitman is someone who comes to mind; not to mention Wilfred Owen, the WWI soldier who wrote some of the most haunting phrases in Western literature, all whilst fighting on the frontline.

Without poetry, the human being becomes the absolute walking embodiment of its archaic relative – the grunting, stunted and self-want serving Neanderthal. It is poetry that enables a person’s sense of life to expand, and their soul to soar beyond all confines and limitations. Similarly, Jose Saramago once noted, “Poets often begin at the horizon, for that is the shortest path to the heart.”

On the topic of shortest paths to the heart, I remember being struck first hand by how the influence of poets reach way beyond their own lifetimes. Whilst in Paris some years ago I visited the grave of Charles Baudelaire, and was touched by the scarlet red lipstick kiss that someone had just planted on the headstone of his grave. It somehow symbolised for mine the affection, loyalty and deep intrigue that great poets generate long after they are gone.

In the very least, one reason why we ought to invite poetry into the very inner sanctum of our minds is to always heed Salman Rushdie’s veiled plea, “A poet’s work is to name the unnameable, to point at frauds, to take sides, start arguments, shape the world, and stop it from going to sleep.”

The Clarence Valley Orchestra (CVO) is thrilled to announce their upcoming concert tour to Norfolk Island in April 2023. After eight years of successful concerts in the Saraton Theatre Grafton and regional areas of New South Wales, the orchestra is excited to spread their success abroad and perform on an island that has never experienced the sound of a 40-piece orchestra before.

CVO’s conductor, Greg Butcher, said, “We’re looking forward to this unique opportunity to perform on Norfolk Island. The orchestra will be slightly reduced in size, but we’re still excited to bring our music to the island.” The orchestra was formed in 2014 to provide large-scale community entertainment with around 40-50 members at each concert. The

Let

volunteer membership is comprised of amateur musicians, young music students, qualifed music teachers, semiprofessional and professional musicians of all ages, from the Clarence Valley, Coffs Harbour, Lismore and Casino regions. The orchestra has also welcomed guest musicians and old friends. It has become the musical fagship of the Clarence Valley and promotes classical music and popular entertainment on a grand scale. CVO has performed with a variety of guest artists, including international pianists David Helfgott and Simon Tedeschi, actor Nicholas Hammond (from the original motion picture The Sound of Music), celebrity vocalists Rhonda Burchmore, Denis Walter and Monica Trapaga, and Queensland Opera stars

such as Baritone vocalist Jason Barry-Smith and Soprano Dominique Fegan. Profts from the concerts are donated to registered charities or small scholarships for CVO members enrolled in university music programs, to help them further their musical careers.

Since the orchestra’s inception in 2014, over $75,000 has been donated to charity. The tour to Norfolk Island will include a special High Tea on Sunday 16th April, set in the grounds of the 5-star boutique waterfront property Forrester Court. Guests will enjoy fne food and music from the 1940s Glen Miller era to the 1980s Disco era and anything in between. The orchestra will also perform at a family fundraising concert in Rawson Hall, celebrating the Rotary Club of Norfolk Island’s 50th

Anniversary. This is the frst time the orchestra has left Australia’s mainland to perform, and they are eager to share the cultural exchange of the Clarence Valley with the people of Norfolk Island. The orchestra will play music from Star Wars, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Harry Potter, Mozart and The Sound of Music, and they hope to collaborate with some island groups on a few pieces.

The Clarence Valley Orchestra is excited to bring their music to the people of Norfolk Island and share the unique experience of a 40-piece orchestra with them. This will be an unforgettable event for both the orchestra and the islanders, and the CVO looks forward to making the most of this incredible opportunity.

Reserve Creek Road landslip work takes major step forward

A significant step forward in the repair of Reserve Creek Road has been achieved with Transport for NSW issuing confirmation to allow further design work to progress.

Contractor SEE Civil Pty Ltd has been

awarded the restoration work contract worth $5,978,36.

Initial work on site is expected to start after Easter, with the aim of temporary access being completed part way through construction, about 7 weeks after site

work begins.

Council Director Engineering David Oxenham said allowing the full design work to progress would be welcome news to residents who live in the Reserve Creek area.

“The Reserve Creek

Road landslip presents a major design and engineering challenge,” Mr Oxenham said.

“The 2022 February – March floods significantly undermined the road, causing a 15-metre high, nearvertical landslip. We are

pleased to finally sign off with Transport for NSW for their funding approval to cover the cost of repairs, which will allow SEE Civil to commence work to build greater resilience to combat natural disasters and the impacts of

climate change into an important part of our road network.”

To follow Council’s Flood Recovery works program, visit tweed. nsw.gov.au/floodrecovery-works.

FUNDING BOOST TO HELP PROTECT SENIORS FROM SCAMS

Older people across NSW will be better protected from scams, as part of the Liberal and Nationals Government’s comprehensive plan to support seniors.

A re-elected Liberal and Nationals Government will provide an additional $2 million to double funding for the Tech Savvy Seniors Program, with a focus on boosting scam-awareness and enhancing training for Service NSW staff who interact with older customers.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said this additional support for digital education

and training builds on the Liberal and Nationals strong record of delivery for seniors living in NSW.

“We will ensure more seniors have access to scam-awareness training and that customer service representatives can better support them when they need to access government services,” Premier Perrottet said.

“This funding boost is about ensuring elderly people have the support they need when using technology in our rapidly changing digital world and that our government services are the most

accessible in the country.

“Better protecting the elderly from scams builds on the Liberal and Nationals comprehensive plan to support the growing number of seniors in NSW through dozens of rebates and thousands of discounts through the NSW Seniors Card.

“Whether it’s the Senior Savers Card, Pensioner Water Rebate, Gold Opal Card or the Seniors Energy Rebate, the Liberal and Nationals will continue to help relieve household budgets and back

seniors across NSW.”

Minister for Multiculturalism and Minister for Seniors Mark Coure said the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government is committed to ensuring that our older Australians feel safe, protected, and included.

“When our society changes, we need to make sure everyone, especially our seniors, are not left behind, and our plan will ensure that doesn’t happen,” Mr Coure said.

“That is why we launched the Tech Savvy Seniors Program ten years ago, and by

expanding it, we will ensure more seniors can access what they need to stay active and protected in our increasingly digital world.”

The Tech Savvy Seniors Program provides free and low-cost classes to seniors to help build their skills and confdence when engaging with the digital world, and is part of a raft of initiatives and programs to help keep seniors socially active, safe and resilient.

The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government’s comprehensive plan to support the

growing number of seniors in NSW includes our:

- Seniors Card and Seniors Savers Card, which give almost 1.9 million older people in NSW access to discounts at more than 6,600 businesses, travel, entertainment, and professional services;

- Regional Seniors Travel Card, a prepaid $250 card which helps regional seniors with the cost of travel;

- Gold Opal Card which gives seniors in NSW unlimited travel for no more than $2.50 a day;

- NSW Seniors Energy Rebate which is available to self-

funded retirees to help cover the cost of electricity, up to $200; and,

- Dozens of savings measures that are available through the Service NSW Savings Finder Program, including 67 rebates for eligible pensioners and 39 rebates for eligible self-funded retirees.

The number of seniors in NSW is expected to grow from 1.9 million today to more than 2.4 million by 2031. Seniors can go to the NSW Savings Finder Program homepage to fnd out more on how they can save.

2023 EGYPT & JORDAN

ESCORTED SMALL GROUP TOUR

Departure Date: 08 October 2023

$10,400 per person Single Supplement - $1,000.00

Egypt and Jordan are two countries that o er unique travel experiences for tourists. Both o er a rich history, culture, and cuisine that attract visitors from all over the world. A trip to Egypt and Jordan cis the perfect way to explore the ancient world and witness some of the most breathtaking natural wonders on the planet.

Egypt is famous for its ancient history, and no trip to Egypt is complete without visiting the Pyramids of Giza. ese massive structures, built over 4,500 years ago, are considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World. e Pyramids were built as tombs for Pharaohs and their consorts, and they are the last surviving member of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Another must-see attraction in Egypt is the Sphinx. e Sphinx is a limestone statue with the head of a human and the body of a lion. It is located on the west bank of the Nile River in Giza, and it is believed to have been built around 2500 BC.

Another fascinating site in Egypt is the Valley of the Kings. is is the nal resting place of the Pharaohs, and it is home to more than 60 tombs. ese tombs are adorned with incredible paintings and hieroglyphics that tell the stories of the Pharaohs and their lives.

Tick off two bucket list destinations in one trip and explore the cradle of civilisation in Egypt and Jordan. From the spectacular deserts to green oases, there is little you will not be completely enchanted by as you follow the Nile or walk in the footsteps of Lawrence of Arabia.

Price Includes:

• Home pick up and drop-off from the Northern Rivers

• Return international & internal airfares including taxes

• 17 Nights accommodation with breakfast & dinner daily & 8 lunches

• Quality Accommodation throughout

• 1 Night in Hassan Zweidah Bedouin Desert Camp

• 3 Nights 5* Nile Cruise

• Air conditioned buses throughout

• Services of an English speaking tour guide in Egypt & Jordan

• All sightseeing entry fees per itinerary

Jordan, on the other hand, is home to some of the most impressive natural wonders in the world. e most popular attraction in Jordan is Petra, an ancient city carved into the red rock cli s. is UNESCO World Heritage Site is over 2,000 years old and was once a bustling trade centre.

Another must-see and experience attraction in Jordan is the Dead Sea. It is the lowest point on earth, and it is known for its high salt content, which makes it impossible for anything to sink. is saltwater lake is a popular tourist destination, and visitors can oat in its waters or apply its famous mud to their skin for a natural spa treatment.

In addition to its natural wonders, Jordan is also known for its hospitality and food. Jordanian cuisine is a blend of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean avours, and it is characterized by its use of herbs, spices, and fresh ingredients. Visitors can enjoy traditional dishes like mansaf, a lamb and rice dish, or mezze, a selection of small dishes like hummus, falafel, and baba ganoush.

A trip to Egypt and Jordan is not complete without experiencing the local culture. In Egypt, visitors can explore the bustling markets, known as souks, and haggle for souvenirs like papyrus, spices, and jewellery. Jordan is known for its Bedouin culture, and you can experience a traditional Bedouin camp, ride camels through the desert, and learn about the history and traditions of this ancient culture.

A trip to Egypt and Jordan is a unique travel experience that offers a blend of ancient history, natural wonders, and rich culture. Both countries have something for everyone, from the Pyramids of Giza and the Valley of the Kings in Egypt to Petra and the Dead Sea in Jordan. You can explore the local markets, enjoy the delicious food, and immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of these two fascinating countries.

Image by Simon from Pixabay

Image by 00luvicecream from Pixabay

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Image by Ri Butov from Pixabay

Image by Simon from Pixabay

Council appoints Bennett Constructions as Managing Contractor

Lismore City Council has appointed local company, Bennett Constructions, as the Managing Contractor for the next stage of the city’s recovery and rebuild.

Lismore City Council’s Chief Operating Offcer Brendan Logan said following the February 2022 natural disaster, work to date had focused on emergency and immediate restoration works on all of Council’s buildings and facilities.

“After completing these works, Council is pleased to announce the appointment of Bennett Constructions as Managing Contractor to complete a next stage of the city’s rebuild,” he said.

More than 250 Council assets were damaged during the February 2022 natural disaster and the following month’s major food. Initial inspections immediately after the natural disaster estimated the damage to all Council assets including buildings, roads and sewerage was half a

Funding boost to upgrade local libraries

billion dollars. This could change as more detailed inspections is undertaken in the second stage of recovery.

“Bennett will design, manage, coordinate and deliver food restoration works for the majority of the civic buildings that were damaged during the disaster,” Mr Logan said. He said the Managing Contractor delivery model differed from a simple Construct only model as it involves a two-stage arrangement where Council will pay Bennett for project development costs (scoping, design, procurement of subcontractors and cost estimation). This will be followed by an assessment of a proposal from Bennett for delivery of the construction scope.

“Council chose the delivery model to progress our next stage of the rebuild while we still confrm the full scope, risks, constraints and opportunities,” Mr Logan said.

“This model allows

for maximum design fexibility while also providing greater oversight in monitoring the prices charged by subcontractors, in order to meet funding obligations with State and Federal governments.”

Mr Logan said subcontracting will be competitively tendered by the Managing Contractor. Selection of subcontractors will be done in consultation between Council and Bennett.

“Development of the individual projects has commenced and Council will be liaising with user groups during this period,” he said.

“At this stage, we do not have frm timeframes for the reconstruction of specifc buildings but will let the community know as soon as we can. In the meantime, Council would like to thank the community for their patience and understanding as we undertake this mammoth reconstruction task.”

Mayor of Tweed Shire Chris Cherry today welcomed an announcement to boost the funding of library services across the region. Local library services will be boosted with a $995,402 share of $6 million in funding for public libraries across the State as part of the Public Library Infrastructure Grant program announced by the NSW Government today.

Richmond Tweed Regional Library will receive $475,000 toward the replacement of its Mobile Library which services the communities of Lismore, Ballina, Byron, and Tweed local government areas. Lismore Library will receive $325,427 to replace the shelving, furniture, and equipment that was destroyed in the recent foods, while Kingscliff Library will receive $194,500 for an upgrade to library facilities including a new children’s area, a new

study area, a new layout and better service areas.

Cr Cherry said the additional funding would be well received by residents.

“Many of our residents rely on the Mobile Library to get their books each week so to get the funding to replace the service is most welcome and we are grateful for it,” she said.

“Our library at Kingscliff is a vital place of connection for our residents and particularly our families, who will love to hear the upgrade will provide new children’s facilities and study areas.”

NSW Minister for the Arts, Hon Ben Franklin MLC, said: “I am particularly pleased this funding will transform library buildings and spaces for communities all over NSW. Good libraries contribute to community resilience with quality facilities, great collections and access to the internet, and

we are pleased to help councils to upgrade these critical services.”

Richmond Tweed Regional Library Manager Lucy Kinsley said the funding announcement showed a real commitment and acknowledgement of the important role public libraries play in our communities.

“We are so excited to be moving forward with these important projects that will enhance library services,” she said.

“Whilst we will see progress relatively quickly with the Kingscliff Library project, the Lismore Library and Mobile Library projects have a way to go before the community sees the result of the funding injection.”

The full funding announcement can be read at www.sl.nsw. gov.au/about-library/ media-centre/6m-boostnsw-public-libraryinfrastructure.

OOOH,

mean to Monitor

Lizards’

Hmmm. It’s ‘Leemo Cat’ back on the point of starvation due to ‘Mum Jane’ ‘Cos I said I didn’t like it for now, she gave away my FELIX stuff, and bought some susso TINS of food home. They have writing on them saying ‘Feast-like Fodder for Felines’.

(FODDER? OMG, I am not a bovine!) The tins have no pics. of happy kitties licking their paws purring ‘YUMM’ There was no discussion about whether I might change my mind and decide I liked FELIX again, NUP. I was simply informed by ‘Scrooge McMum’ that ‘she has more nifty ways to spend her time & money than a selfobsessed erratic cat and that I should ‘suck it up’ and eat what was put in front of me like she did as a child.’

It’s all well for her, with many brothers & sisters to secretly swap food with. I DON’T!

Ooooh, what to do. My scary ruminations were interrupted.

‘Leemo, come here, I have something to ask you.’ Oooh! A change of mind in my food rations? I sat in my most beguiling pose with paws neatly crossed, purring loudly, looking at her adoringly. ‘Leemo, could you perhaps explain why you felt it necessary to bring a 10” Monitor Lizard into our house, chase it down the hall, to our bathroom and scare it so much it jumped into the shower whilst I was

abluting. It hissed and bared razor like fangs, distressing me greatly. Mercifully I was able to avoid a severe mauling by throwing a towel over it, scooping it up and placing it in our garden. However, in my angst, I had forgotten I had no clothes on. Our neighbours now avert their eyes when they see me. SO, pray enlighten me as to your actions NOW.’ ‘Mumsie, it was only a lizard…aargh, she yelled.’ ‘Leemo, Monitor Lizards are PROTECTED and they DON’T become hissy or fangy unless threatened by idiots like yourself, at which point they become very cross. AND, by the way, they’re not fussy about what they eat, anything they can grab and overpower will do. They also eat dead and rotting things. SO, I may well have been cornered and become Lizard food for 9 years for all you care, lying there in the shower being slowly gnawed to bones.’ Oooh, this was most visually harrowing, compounded by my real concern about who would fll my food bowls & brush me whilst a poxy Monitor Lizard family were feasting away. (Think Leems, think & pray!)

‘Mum, just listen to me. The reason I chased ‘Monty’ was because I was SO hungry and not thinking rationally. I thought maybe if I directed him to you in the shower, you would recognise my hunger conundrum and think I was about to eat him. I knew you would regret your actions on giving me crapp food and reinstate my foodful rights. I had no intent to hurt ‘Monty’, but crikey, I was tempted ‘cos of my tummy rumbles.’ She spoke!

‘Leemo, your behaviour was atrocious. I have told you many times you can go to jail for harming wildlife, and you’re heading that way due to your lack of care for precious critters.

Gottit? AND, what do you propose to do about my neighbours? Well?’

OMG, I KNOW. I’ll head to Northern Asia where he originated and smoke a peace pipe with ‘Monty’s’ rellies. After that. Hmmm! Dunno?

Some of our neighbours are mean to me anyhow. Nite, Leemo. (no purrs, I have to pack!)

TWEED RAIL TRAIL COMMUNITY WEEKEND

Visit the MoW (Museum on Wheels) at the Murwillumbah Rail Station and explore historic photographs of the Tweed Railway dating back to the early 1900’s. The photographs, from the Tweed Regional Museum collection, capture the lives of local people and the railway stations that connected them along the Tweed Rail Trail, from Murwillumbah to Crabbes Creek.

But wait there is more! Embark on your Rail Trail journey with our specially designed

Scavenger Hunt and uncover hidden stories with your family and friends!

Join us in celebrating the rich history and cultural infuences of the Tweed Railway, as you experience the new Rail Trail and the beauty of the natural world around.

Dates

Saturday 25th March 9am – 2pm

Sunday 26th March 9am – 1pm

Enter to win a generous $100 Fruit and Veg box donated by Bio Organic Farm by visiting us at Murwillumbah Train

Station on March 25-26. Don’t miss your chance to participate in the giveaway!

Brought to by the Tweed Regional Museum

This program is

supported by the NSW Government through

Create NSW Event URL https://museum.tweed. nsw.gov.au/whats-on/ mow

ENHANCED ACCOUNTABILITY FOR POLITICAL PROMISES

A re-elected Liberal and Nationals Government will implement important new measures to increase government transparency and accountability on the delivery of election commitments.

The new measures include:

• Establishing a new website to provide the public with information on the status and delivery of statewide and seat specifc election commitments, to be updated twice a year;

• Producing an annual report on the progress of election commitments, which will be tabled in

Parliament; and

• Tasking the Premier’s Implementation Unit in the Department of Premier and Cabinet with driving the delivery of commitments across government as its core focus.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said it’s critical that voters have confdence in governments delivering on their commitments.

“Good governments have a strong vision for the future, but voters rightly expect them to deliver on their plans and commitments and be transparent about any hurdles that arise,” Mr Perrottet said.

“This will raise the bar

across the country when it comes to government transparency and accountability.

“We have a strong track record of delivering on our commitments, but this will set a new standard by allowing people to more easily track the projects, policies and commitments that matter to them and their communities.

“Trust in our democracy relies on the community having the confdence that what they vote for will actually be delivered.”

These measures complement a signifcant program of reform already undertaken by the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government

to improve integrity and build community trust in government and the public service, including:

• Legislating compliance with the grant guidelines;

• Amendments to the Independent Commission Against Corruption Act 1988 clarifying

• that the NSW Ministerial Code of Conduct is a prescribed code of conduct in respect

• of Parliamentary Secretaries;

• Amending the Government Sector Employment Act 2013 to uphold an independent

• and apolitical public service.

“Leemo has views on just about anything”

don’t be

MUSEUM

Lower Clarence Tennis welcomes Gemma Eaton, the new Tennis Coach

Lower Clarence Tennis welcomes Gemma Eaton, the new Tennis Coach Tennis enthusiasts in the Lower Clarence have a reason to cheer as Gemma Eaton, one of the best community coaches in New South Wales, has arrived to take charge of local Tennis. With her years of experience in coaching players of all levels, Gemma has established herself as a respected name in the tennis coaching community.

Gemma is conducting group and private lessons in Yamba and Maclean, making it easier for tennis enthusiasts to access quality coaching. She is also collaborating with several schools to impart tennis skills to young players, thus fostering the growth of the sport in the region. Additionally, Gemma will be running evening competitions and social

doubles, providing players with ample opportunities to improve their game and enjoy the sport.

Gemma is thrilled to be a part of the Lower Clarence tennis community and looks forward

to helping players reach their potential. “Tennis is a great sport that o ers many physical and mental

bene ts. I believe that with the right guidance and practice, anyone can improve their skills and

enjoy the game,” she said. Her arrival has already generated buzz among tennis enthusiasts, and the response to her coaching has been overwhelming.

As we welcome Gemma Eaton, the Lower Clarence can look forward to an exciting future for tennis. With her knowledge and experience, she is sure to elevate the skills of tennis enthusiasts and make the sport more accessible to everyone.

For those interested in signing up for lessons or competitions, Gemma can be contacted at 0412 200 923 or via Facebook, Coast Community Tennis.

Mountain biking legend to go distance fo youth mental health!

Former Yamba mountain biking legend Morgan Pilley has returned from Europe to saddle up for the seventh annual Clarence Valley Ride for Youth. With the emphasis this year on participation, Pilley has urged riders of all abilities to join him at the Criterium Track at Junction Hill on Saturday, March 18.

Organisers have created options for all levels of participants.

You can ride the entire 24-hours or just one lap of the track. You can also walk, run, skate, scooter, roller-blade or roller-skate if you choose not to cycle.

Over the last six Ride for Youth events, participants have ridden a staggering 53,600km to raise awareness and funds for youth mental health initiatives in the Clarence Valley, raising $35,476 in the process.

All the money raised has been directed towards local youth mental health initiatives, including mental health literacy training, youth drop-in, youth sporting and cultural events and youth activities across the Clarence Valley.

Pilley was excited to be

returning to the Clarence Valley to participate and lead this fundraising event and threw down the gauntlet to the community.

“Why not challenge your

friends, family members and work mates to see if they can go the distance to support Clarence Valley youth and form a fundraising team,” he said. “Don’t have a bike?

Doesn’t matter. We have bikes and helmets you can borrow.

“Can’t come to the ride? You can still support this amazing cause by making a donation.”

You can also register from 11am at the event on Saturday, March 18.

Event Details

What: Clarence Valley Ride for Youth (24 hour cycle challenge with Pilley Pilley)

Where: Junction Hill Criterium Track, Cnr Carrs Peninsular Rd & Back Lane, Junction Hill NSW.

When: Saturday and Sunday, March 18-19.

Time: Cycle challenge will commence at midday, registrations will commence from 11am

Cost: Children $10.

Adults $20. Family tickets available. (Children under 5 years are free). Get your tickets at https://bit.ly/ R4Y2023

Book

How: Stay for a lap, an hour or all day... it’s completely up to you. Pre-register online at or register on the day.

Donate: You can donate to the cause at https://bit.ly/ R4Y2023

Top tips for exploring the new Rail Trail

and others locate users. These markers also help users report any issues to Rail Trail operators. Users can Report a Problem for maintenance related issues such as surface damage or debris or Report an Incident (preferably within 12 hours) for any safety, conduct or person related issues. For those planning a visit, the offcial website has

handy information available and everything you need to know to plan a safe and enjoyable experience.

Visit www. northernriversrailtrail.com.

au/plan/safety-rules and access Rail Trail Rules, safety tips, and a helpful ‘plan, pack and prepare’ checklist before you visit. You can also watch the safety videos online, download your copy of

the safety tips and rules and read the frequently asked questions.

A community celebration to mark the opening of the Rail Trail is planned for the weekend of Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 March, with a host of fun, familyfriendly activities on offer. Stay tuned to The Northern Rivers Rail Trail on Facebook and Instagram for further details.

From preparing for dark tunnels to how to identify your location, a raft of safety tips and handy hints on how to use the new Northern Rivers Rail Trail are published to help users make the most of their experience.

The 24 km Tweed section of the Rail Trail is a new shared recreation and nature trail where users can walk, ride and explore the region between Murwillumbah and Crabbes Creek at their own pace.

Council’s Manager Destination, Communication and Customer Experience

Tiffany Stodart said the new attraction had been enthusiastically embraced by everyone from walkers to runners, cyclists, and people of all abilities since its offcial opening on 1 March.

“It’s been incredible to see the abundance of people enjoying the Rail Trail in its frst week,” Ms Stodart said.

“With many people focking to be among the frst to experience this new shared space, it has also been an important reminder about the importance of safety and individual responsibility on the Rail Trail.

“Users need to follow the safety tips and rules –clearly identifed in signage on the Rail Trail and through the offcial website and social media channels –so everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience.”

The Northern Rivers Rail Trail website highlights the shared nature of the trail, which adjoins local farmland, and encourages visitors to be aware and plan for potential risks.

Rail Trail safety tips explain how to:

• Share the trail

• Be safe

• Be alert

• Be visible

• Be prepared.

“While there has been an overwhelmingly positive response to the Rail Trail,

the main areas of concern reported to us in the opening week are road safety, cyclist speeds and user behaviour.

“While this is entirely expected in the frst few months as trail etiquette and user behaviours are established, it is important all users take responsibility for their own actions and understand it is a roadrelated area and rules do apply,” Ms Stodart said.

“Cyclists should adhere to general road rules including keeping left, adhering to speed limits and always ride at safe speeds. And at all times all wear a helmet. We’ve had reports of some close calls so please always pass with a gap – a metre matters – and alert pedestrians as you pass –use your bell or a polite ‘on your right’.

“We’re also encouraging people to use common sense when crossing any roads and intersections accessing the Rail Trail. Slow down, and take note of all signage and safety measures for road or trail crossings, they are there for a reason.”

There is a 2.2 km section near Burringbar to Upper Burringbar where horses and their riders are allowed with a permit. Pedestrians and cyclists need to pass with a gap, slow down and take caution around all animals.

To support the community and users to adopt the safety tips and rules, Council Rangers in conjunction with Tweed Byron Police are actively on the rail trail to monitor trail safety

and behaviours to ensure everyone is using the recreation space in a safe manner.

Caution signs have also been placed at the entry to the Burringbar Range Tunnel, which at 524 m in length is home to populations of glow worms and microbats who enjoy its darkness.

“Users need to be mindful of each other as well as the wildlife that lives inside the tunnel,” Ms Stodart said.

“Preservation of the ecology inside the tunnel is an important part of maintaining the Rail Trail corridor. It relies on people taking notice of the warning signs and using common sense. We want to make sure our glow worms and microbats are protected for years to come.”

TAFE NSW COFFS HARBOUR PRODUCING A PIPELINE OF IN-DEMAND COMMUNITY SERVICES WORKERS

With the rising demand for community service workers, TAFE NSW is producing a stream of qualifed locals with the skills needed to support the Coffs Harbour community.

By 2031, the Committee for Economic Development of Australia has forecast that 20% of the Australian population is expected to be aged over 65, which is set to rapidly increase demand for care and support services.

TAFE NSW’s Diploma of Community Services provides students with valuable skills training in the health sector and helps communities have greater access to support services, including homelessness, mental health, and family violence organisations.

the TAFE NSW Community Services course focuses on cultural awareness, safety, and inclusivity which has equipped her with skills to help improve the lives of people in her local community.

important learning and employment opportunities for future community service workers, while also supporting the rising demand for diverse services driven by Australia’s ageing population.

When Rail Trail users approach the tunnel, they are reminded to keep noise to a minimum and to not shine lights on the glow worms or microbats. It is recommended riders dismount to travel through the tunnel which is quite dark.

Other tips include:

• Bring a torch and/ or cycle lights to be pointed to the ground to help with direction

• Remove sunglasses and let eyes adjust to the darkness

• Move slowly in single fle

• Be respectful and stay to the left.

On the Rail Trail itself, location markers with unique codes are placed every 1 km along the track to help emergency services

Kesalini Tongia from Macksville is one TAFE NSW graduate who is using her training to support the local community in her housing cadetship with Coffs Harbour Mission Australia.

“The Diploma course gave me the opportunity to build on my skills and knowledge and to play an important role in our healthcare system, says Ms Tongia.

“I’ve learnt how to sustain positive changes in my community. The course encouraged and empowered me to use my skills and fnd new ways to support my clients and their evolving needs.

Ms Tongia said

“I’ve developed so much passion and motivation to work towards building a stronger community because of the lived experiences I’ve had. I now know how to identify what a client needs and to connect them with the right support services.

“In housing, I am increasingly working with elderly people who need a high level of care and attention. I recognise their diverse needs, such as mobility and safety issues, and help match them with reasonable accommodation.”

TAFE NSW Community Services Teacher, Patricia Cahill, said the Diploma course provides

“Many organisations report that levels of demand for wider services have increased, and that their existing clients are presenting with additional needs.

Local services are experiencing an infux of new people requiring assistance.

“Through TAFE NSW, students get the opportunity to receive hands-on, practical training they can apply to a meaningful career serving the greater Coffs Harbour community and its changing needs,” said Ms Cahill.

To fnd out more about the range of Community Services courses at TAFE NSW, visit www. tafensw.edu.au.

Follow these simple tips to ensure everyone has a fun and safe experience on the newly-opened Tweed section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail

Kesalini Tongia

SCCU and partners thank the community for a great Clean Up

Southern Cross Credit Union and their community partners came together on Sunday 5th March 2023, to host one major impact event for the Kingscliff community, and the results were incredible. The community came out in numbers, with over 200 volunteers, including SCCU staff, families, nippers and locals.

In just under two hours, 23.7 kilos of rubbish was removed from the Kingscliff foreshore, which was a substantial amount considering most of the items were small. These items included hundreds of pieces of small plastics, cigarette butts, sushi soy sauce fsh containers, bottles, hundreds of lids, fshing gear, cans and more.

“It was fantastic to see the local community turn out to join us at this event.

“The results were huge in such a short period of time, and whilst it is great to see this amount of rubbish removed before it could wind up in the digestive systems of our wildlife, it was sad to see so much collected on a beach that appears to be clean on a

surface level.

“We need to continue raising awareness around the importance of healthy waterways and reducing rubbish on our beaches, creeks and oceans for our future.’ SCCU Community and Sponsorship Specialist, Cassie Nicole shares.

‘’Caring for our environment is up to all of us, and through community effort and

understanding, we can help reduce the negative impact. Events such as Clean Up Australia Day give us the opportunity to come together and raise awareness, but our actions daily will create change.’’

SCCU, Positive Change For Marine Life, Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital, Australian Seabird and Turtle Rescue, and

Cudgen Headland Surf Life Saving Club are extremely proud of the results, and believe it is important to continue to raise awareness of the damage caused by rubbish left in our environment.

To read the full report on both the Kingscliff and Byron Bay Clean Up Events, head to https://pcfml.org.au/ blog/cuad2023

New access road and carparking for Mullumbimby skate park

Work is about to start on a much-needed carpark and access road at the Mullumbimby skate park.

The existing gravel access road, which is off Stuart Street, was only

intended as a temporary access route.Council will also be improving drainage on the sporting field and installing bollards to stop people driving on to the oval and damaging the grass.

The budget for the project is $360,000.

The skate park is part of a sporting, youth, and community precinct, which includes the community garden, the netball and tennis courts,

a cricket pitch and green, open space.

“The skate park is well used by young people but there is no formal parking in the area and to address this we will be putting in around

16 car parking spaces,” Byron Shire Mayor, Michael Lyon said.

“This means parents will be more easily able to drive their children to the skate park and supervise them which

will hopefully see more smaller children enjoying the precinct,” he said.

Work will start in midMarch and take about four weeks to finish.

NEW RESCUE VEHICLE & TRAILER FOR WOODBURN SES

Richie Williamson, the Nationals’ candidate for Clarence, welcomed the handover of a new $400,000 rescue vehicle and trailer to the Woodburn SES Unit by Minister Steph Cooke.

The new vehicle and trailer will enhance the Unit’s capability when responding

to storm and rescue jobs, according to Mr. Williamson.

The Medium Rescue Vehicle, weighing 5 tonnes, will be a valuable resource when responding to storm jobs, road crashes, and rescue operations, including agricultural, animal, industrial, vertical, and urban

search and rescue incidents. The Light Storm Trailer will allow the Woodburn SES Unit volunteers extra capability when it comes to tree and roof related jobs.

Mr. Williamson expressed his delight that the NSW Nationals in Government are continuing to support

SES volunteers with additional life-saving equipment.

Minister Cooke joined Richie Williamson and SES volunteers to offcially hand over the keys to the new truck and trailer.

Last year’s unprecedented fooding had a signifcant impact on Northern Rivers

communities, including Woodburn, and Ms. Cooke is grateful to all volunteers who went above and beyond in service to others.

SES Acting Commissioner Damien Johnston said the two new assets would provide additional capability for volunteers.

Commander of the Woodburn Unit, Ashley Slapp, said the past year had been the busiest on record, with volunteers responding to 250 incidents.

The new assets will enable them to provide a more effcient and effective service to the community.

Groundswell of approval for Tweed’s exciting new inclusive play space

Livvi’s Place at Goorimahbah Place of Stories has been described as the ‘best playground ever’ due to its inclusive design and celebration of local Indigenous culture.

Located on the northern side of Jack Evans Boat Harbour in Tweed Heads, the playground was offcially opened in late December 2022, with Mayor of Tweed Shire Chris Cherry, NSW Minister for Planning and Minister for Homes Anthony Roberts, Tweed MP Geoff Provest, and Justine Perkins OAM, founder of the Touched by Olivia Foundation and Olivia’s mum, cutting the ribbon.

The $980,000 precinct upgrade, which included the playground, was completed just in time for the busy summer holiday season.

The playground was designed in collaboration with the Touched by Olivia Foundation, local landscape architect Dan Plummer, Council’s Aboriginal Advisory and Equal Access and Advisory Committees, and the community. Its design places inclusion at the heart of the play space, allowing children of all abilities, ages, and cultures to enjoy it.

In addition, the playground celebrates the cultural heritage of the local Bundjalung

people, with Indigenous artwork and storytelling central to the theme of the play space. The Aboriginal calendar, which celebrates six seasons, is integrated into the play space design through art and story to provide cultural and historical understanding.

Mayor Chris Cherry expressed her excitement at how the community had embraced Livvi’s Place at Goorimahbah Place of Stories since its completion.

Families have been

focking to the park from across the Tweed and even north of the border.

The Tweed Chamber of Commerce presented the Parks and Active Communities team with a business award this month, indicating that the playground has breathed new life into Jack Evans Boat Harbour and is a signifcant step in the transformation of Tweed into a vibrant regional centre that champions good design, the environment, and cultural heritage to create attractive and diverse

public spaces.

Minister Roberts was impressed with the development and was pleased that the community had a wonderful facility to enjoy. He stated that it is wonderful to see the $20 million Everyone Can Play program continuing to deliver more accessible and inclusive places to play across NSW.

Mr Provest added that Livvi’s Place at Goorimahbah Place of Stories would provide easy access to play for

children of all ages, cultures, and abilities. The new project has been designed to cater for people of all abilities, including those with mobility, sensory, sight, and hearing challenges.

Justine Perkins OAM was proud to add the new Tweed play space to its national network of Livvi’s Places. She said that as Olivia’s handprint continues to touch the lives of families, the Touched by Olivia Foundation strives to spread inclusion and bring joy to communities

through the gift of play. The organization has loved working in partnership with Tweed Shire Council, which places the utmost value on a child’s right to play, and is proud of this fagship inclusive play space.

She also stated that true success is seeing inclusion embedded into everyday practices, and they look forward to the gains that Tweed Shire Council is committed to delivering in all future public spaces, so that inclusion isn’t something special – it just is.

The new inclusive play space is an outcome of community consultation as part of the Jack Evans Boat Harbour Plan of Management developed in 2018, and the Open Space Strategy 2019–2029. The innovative play space design was funded by Variety – the Children’s Charity NSW/ACT, and the construction of Stage 1 was proudly funded by NSW Government in collaboration with Tweed Shire Council.

Work on Stage 2 of the park is now underway, and will include a youth recreation area, additional seating, picnic tables, and barbecue facilities outside of the fenced play area.

AGRICULTURE SKILLS PROGRAM EXPANDS TO LIVESTOCK INDUSTRY

Fee-free training will be rolled out to the livestock sector in the Clarence and Richmond Valleys and across NSW thanks to the expansion of a NSW Nationals in Government program investing in upskilling and growing the agricultural workforce.

Nationals Candidate for Clarence, Richie Williamson said he was delighted to have the Minister for Agriculture, Dugald Saunders at the Grafton Regional Livestock Centre this morning to talk about the expanded

program, which is designed to deliver industry-relevant training, drawing on new and emerging technologies, with a focus on driving effciency and productivity.

“Our State’s agriculture sector is already extremely dynamic and responsive, and this program will help us take it to the next level by giving more people the opportunity to gain industry specifc skills,” Mr Williamson said.

“It will help farmers boost productivity, proftability and competitiveness, and create a highly skilled

2023 Sale Dates

workforce that will drive the industry and grow the economy for generations to come.

“Today’s announcement is all about investing in the next generation of NSW farmers and ensuing our farmers are getting the workers with the skills they need.”

Under the expanded program, livestock includes beef cattle, dairy, sheep, goats, pigs, poultry, honey-bees, other livestock, animal management services used for commercial agricultural

(food and fbre) production, and pest and disease management for these animals.

Minister for Agriculture, Dugald Saunders said from inception AgSkilled has focused on plant-based industries like cropping, cotton, viticulture and horticulture, where it has delivered approximately $9.6 million in training across the State since 2020.

“Almost 5,400 training places have been delivered through AgSkilled since mid-2020 and this expansion to the livestock

2844

sector will turbocharge the take-up of skills and training for the people driving an $8 billion industry,” Mr Saunders said.

The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government’s record $3.1 billion skills budget is delivering more fee-free training opportunities than ever before.

Mr Saunders said a single, streamlined training and workforce development program for the entire agricultural sector will generate more opportunities

Big River Way, Ulmarra

for people to get the skills they need for the jobs they want.

“The program is about removing barriers for people to get skilled for in-demand jobs, and will help address industry workforce shortages, give more people the skills they need to secure meaningful employment and provide career development opportunities for those already in the industry,” Mr Saunders said.

Quality, productive farms close to town are a very rare and highly sought commodity. 2844 Big River Way is host to 60 acres of quality alluvial soil and is perfectly situated just 20 minutes(approx) from Maclean and Grafton, and only 35 minutes(approx) from the beach hub of Yamba.

The farm has a proven carrying capacity of 60 head of cattle and has enjoyed a history of pastoral improvement. Having once been utilised as a horse stud, equine pursuits are also well accounted for, with the property hosting a 5 bay stables plus feed & tack room.

If the location and land were not enough, the property also boasts a well appointed, 5 bedroom family home which overlooks the Clarence river from the front and enjoys sweeping views of rural farmland and coastal ridges at its rear. For peace of mind and stock security, the homestead and its adjoining paddock sit on a flood free rise.

9th May- Prime Cattle Sale 8am

Minister Saunders and Nationals Candidate for Clarence pictured with some of the Clarence Valley’s up-and-coming young farmers L-R: Nash, Georgie, Laura & Tully (in caps), Michelle Page from Heifer Station and Operations Manager of the Northern Rivers Livestock Exchange at Casino, Brad Willis

RECENT CATTLE MARKET REPORTS

CASINO

NRLX MARKET REPORT

WEEK ENDING SATURDAY 10 MARCH

Agents yarded a total of 1,173 head at the Northern Rivers Livestock Exchange regular prime sale on Wednesday 8 March. Young cattle made up the majority of the yarding with cows making up the bulk of the grown section. It was a fair to good quality penning of vealers along with a few yearlings. The usual buyers were in attendance with QLD restocker orders dominating the young cattle section. There was little processor competition.

WARWICK

LIVESTOCK MARKETS WARWICK SALES W/E

10/03/2023

Market numbers were similar to last week with cattle numbers reaching 1185 head and Sheep and Lamb numbers reaching 1751 head. The markets were on a par as far as prices were concerned with both markets falling slightly on last week’s sales. The stock presented for sale if they were not showing any signs of suffering from the dry seasonal run were on a par with previous weeks. The heavy steer and feed on steers were bearing the brunt of the falls, lighter trade cattle if they were of good type and fnish were still in demand. Lambs were still frm for the heavier export weight lambs , mutton and hoggets were frm for the top end , light mutton and lambs was cheaper all round.

Vealer steers averaged 392.7c/kg topping at 442.2c/kg or

WARWICK

MC DOUGALL & SONS SHEEP & LAMB REPORT

Agents today yarded a total of 1751 head for the weekly sale. The market was nearly a perfect split between lambs and sheep. The yarding was also a split between the lambs and mutton from local areas verses lambs and mutton from some districts that have had worse seasonal patterns than the local Southern regions. Lambs topped at $197 to average $128.26($down), Hoggets topped at $138 to average $93.57($2up), Ewes topped at $128 to average $68.60($5up), Wethers topped at $110 to average $80.37($7up), Rams topped at $91 to average $63.58($28up), Lamb rams topped at $150 to average

CONTACT

Cow prices saw a slight decrease on last week averaging 247c/kg and reaching a top price of 278c/ kg. Heifer prices were easier with lighter stock up to 250kg averaging 316c/kg and topping their category at 410c/kg. Heavier heifers over 250kg averaged 313c/kg and reached a top of 395c/kg.

Bull prices held frm with 19 head sold averaging 233c/kg and 706kg. Steer prices saw a drop with lighter stock up to 250kg averaging 379c/kg and reaching a top of 496c/kg. Heavier steers over 250kg averaged 366c/kg and topped their market at 478c/kg. A large number of bullocks sold on the day

$997.01 to $1245.78

Vealer heifers averaged 333c/kg topping at 416.2c/kg or $886.01 to $1474.00

Feeder steers averaged 355.7c/kg topping at 382.2c/kg or $1389.24 to $1907.28

Feeder heifers averaged 323.8c/kg topping at 398.2c/kg or $1152.97 to $1433.25

Yearling steers averaged 368.1c/kg topping at 452.2c/kg or $1095.59 to $1746.23

Yearling heifers averaged 322.3c/kg topping at 384.2c/kg or 905.64 to $1805.74

Steers averaged 299.8c/kg topping at 344.2c/kg or $1787.81 to $2300.16

Heifers averaged 288.2c/kg topping at 328.2c/kg or $1351.79 to $1852.50

Manufacturing steers averaged 233c/kg topping at 250c/ kg or $1317.16 to $1430.25

Cows averaged 236.6c/kg topping at 279.2c/kg or $1300.60 to $2275.48

$93.69 ($2up), Ewe lambs topped at $170 to average $159.05($12down). The total sale yarding of 1751 head averaged $107.93 a drop of $10/head week on week.

Geoff & Rosemary Gibson sold Xbred hoggets 46.5kg to GR Prime for $76

Morrison Family Farms sold Dorper lambs 46.25kg to Eversons for $156, 37.5kg to GR Prime for $90

Michael Daggar sold Dorper lambs 48kg to GR Prime for $173, 36.5kg to Elliots Butchery for $79

John & Christine Kerlin sold Dorper wether lambs

45.8kg to Shelly F/T for $167, ewe lambs 46.3kg to Bodumba Farming for $170, ewe lambs 45.3kg to GR Prims for $160, ewes to Eversons for $70 and Take IT Easy Meats for $42

Vermont Past Co sold shorn 1st x Dorset lambs 50.5kg to

US - The Northern Rivers

averaged 281c/kg and reached a top of 312c/kg. Vealer prices were easier this week averaging 363c/ kg and 226kg and reaching a top of 494c/kg.

Ray White Rural held a weaner sale at the NRLX on Friday 10 March with 3,304 head going under the hammer. Steers topped their category at 526c/ kg and averaged 454c/kg and 263kg whilst heifers reached a top of 430c/kg and averaged 352c/kg and 247kg.

George & Fuhrmann will hold day one of their weaner sales this Friday 17 March with 2,000 Hereford & Angus weaners booked. Further bookings are welcome!

Bulls averaged 261.2c/kg topping at 360.2c/kg or $1079.22 to $2187.90

Lambs topped at $194 to average $128.26 down $10/head

Hoggets topped at $138 to average $93.57 up $2/head

Ewes topped at $128 to average $68.60 up $5/head

Rams topped at $91 to average $63.58 up $28/head

Lamb rams topped at $150 to average $93.69 up $2/head

Ewe lambs topped at $170 to average $159.05 a drop of $12/head

The sale total of 1751 head averaged $107.93 a drop of $10/head week on week.

Poultry and Pork numbers were subdued with Sows selling from $86 to $245, Pork from $157 to $176, Stores from $25 to $160

Poultry saw Pullets sell to $30, Hens to $15, Roosters to $12.50, Units of chicks sold to $12.50, units of Duckings sold to $20, Units of Quails sold to $10, units of Guinea Fowl sold to $32.50

Eversons for $175

Phil & Gabe Byrnes sold Dorper lambs 42.2kg to Leslie Lamb for $159

Landers & Little sold 2nd x Dorset lambs av weight 35kg to restockers in Tara for $82

Mc Nulty Grazing sold Dorper x lambs 55kg to Thomas Foods for $194, 46.66kg to GR Prime for $17639.3kg to restockers for $95, rams to GR Prime for $91

Kellie Gillam sold Southdown x lambs 38.5kg and 31.4kg to Rangemore Estate for $90

Signature Cattle Co sold Dorset x lambs 38.9kg to GR

Prime for $136

Toby Usher sold Dorper hogget rams 66kg to GR Prime for $71, wethers to Thomas Foods for $110

134 238 181 All rights reserved © 2022 Distribution Coffs Harbour north to Southport and west to Tenterfield weekly.

POSITIVE EFFECTS ON THE ECOSYSTEM

Land restoration, when done sustainably and responsibly, can have a positive impact on the environment. By removing invasive species, dead or diseased trees, and other vegetation that may be crowding out native plants, land restoration can help restore balance to the ecosystem and promote biodiversity. This can create new habitats for wildlife and provide space for new plant species to thrive. Additionally, land restoration can help reduce the risk of wildfres by creating fre breaks and removing

dead and dry vegetation that can fuel fres. Land restoration can also bring economic benefts.

By creating new spaces for agriculture or development, land restoration can

FARMERS WARN OF FIRE RISK AS LA NINA DEPARTS

normal conditions is welcome in terms of growing food and fbre.

“But at the same time high input prices remain a concern and global economic uncertainty is making fuel and fertiliser more expensive than it should be.”

increase the availability of land for farming, housing, or commercial development, which

can stimulate economic growth and provide new opportunities for communities.

Additionally, restoring land can create jobs in the forestry and agriculture industries, which can support local economies. Restoring land can also help to improve water quality by reducing soil erosion and runoff. By removing invasive species and restoring native vegetation, land restoration can help to flter pollutants from water and create healthier aquatic ecosystems. Additionally, restoring

land can help to reduce the impacts of climate change by increasing the amount of carbon stored in the soil and vegetation, which can help to reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide levels. Overall, land restoration can have a positive impact on the environment, economy, and society. By restoring land sustainably and responsibly, we can help to create healthier ecosystems, stimulate economic growth, and reduce the impacts of climate change. For more information call Brett on 0427 534 591.

AQUACULTURE LIFTS SEAFOOD VALUE TO $3.63 BILLION IN 2022–23

The state’s run of devastating foods appears to be over, with forecasts of drier seasonal conditions ahead posing a heightened fre risk.

According to the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences, good soil moisture and high water storage levels would support food and fbre production as rainfall eased.

NSW Farmers Western Division chair Gerard

Glover – whose property was completely cut off by foodwater just three months ago – said it was welcome news not just for farmers but also communities in the bush.

“We’re all a bit sick of mopping up after 18 months of foods across the state, and there’s still a long way to go in terms of food recovery, but clear skies will certainly help lift moods,” Mr Glover said.

“This news from ABARES that we’re going to see more

The dry conditions weren’t all good news, Mr Glover said, with increased fre activity across the state.

“We’re seeing a lot of grass fres where weeds have grown and then dried out, and this next summer could be a shocker if we don’t get prepared early,” he said.

“This is why NSW Farmers has been so vocal in calling on public land managers to do their part in controlling weeds – they are a huge fre danger if you let them go.

The gross value of Australian fsheries and aquaculture production is forecast to rise 8 per cent in 2022−23, hitting $3.63 billion.

ABARES Executive Director Jared Greenville said Australia’s aquaculture sector has been driving most of this growth.

“In 2022–23, aquaculture production value is forecast to increase by 11 per cent to $2.29 billion, driven by higher production values of salmonids, tuna and abalone,” Dr

Greenville said.

“Salmonids production will see the largest growth, forecasted to increase by 13 per cent in 2022–23 to a record $1.46 billion following higher prices for salmonids.

“Fisheries and aquaculture production is forecast to remain relatively stable in 2023–24, valued at $3.7 billion.

“From 2023–24 to 2027–28, the real total value of fsheries and aquaculture production is projected to decline

by 0.7 per cent a year to $3.44 billion by 2027–28.

“This refects lower projected real prices for seafood producers and an easing of growth in the volume of Australia’s aquaculture salmonids production.”

Dr Greenville said that the value of fsheries and aquaculture product exports is expected to increase by 7 per cent in 2022–23 to $1.37 billion, then forecast to rise another 7 per cent in 2023–24, to $1.47 billion.

JARRAVALE SIMMENTALS are hosting an Open Day and Online Heifer Sale on Saturday 1st April 2023. On o er will be 15 registered traditional and black Simmental heifers (joined and unjoined). There will also be a line of registered traditional and black Simmental bulls available for viewing and private sale on the day.

STUD QUALITY WITH COMMERCIAL REALTY

The Open Day will be held at 45 Green Pigeon Rd, Horseshoe Creek (Kyogle) 2474, between the hours of 10am-3pm. BBQ lunch available from 12 noon. For more information phone Allan (0427 331 204) or check out our Jarravale Simmentals Facebook page.

SPENCER AND DORIS SPINAZE

By Helen Trustum

Joseph Spencer Spinaze was born 1st August 1924 in Lismore. His parents were Guiseppe and Maria Spinaze from South Gundurimba, Pioneers of New Italy. Spencer, as he was known, was schooled at South Gundurimba, where he left at the age of 14 years. On leaving school he began working for Piercy & Nott in Lismore. They were a Wholesale Grocery and Hardware in Lismore. Piercy & Nott also had a business in Casino and Murwillumbah.

Spencer served in the RAAF for four years from the age of 18 years returning to work for E. J. Eggins at the end of War. E.J. Eggins were a seed merchant and Produce store in Lismore. He stayed with E.J. Eggins for 42 years, retiring there as manager. Spencer will always be remembered for a segment on Radio 2LM every Saturday night at 6.30 pm. The programme was called “While the Billy Boils”. He would talk about what crops to plant and general farm ideas.

Spencer met and married Doris Margaret Clarke, daughter of James and Marion Clarke on 29th November 1947.

Their family: Merran born 1950, Janet 1953, Kenneth 1957 and Margaret 1965.

Spencer’s frst recollection of the North Coast National was showing lettuce in 1938 in the Junior Farmer Section. The vegetables were displayed on high shelving and on handing

them up to the steward, they were accidently dropped. Spencer was dismayed but he was assured they were so good it was unlikely they would receive any better entries. He was pleased to get frst prize. When Spencer started work at E.J. Eggins Pty Ltd, he was one of the helpers organizing the display of seed and produce in the main pavilion and then “man it” during the show. The late E.J. Eggins was President at the time and Harry Pritchard was Secretary. He also showed Friesian cattle and poultry. It wasn’t long before Spencer was approached to stand as President of the North Coast National. He was Chief Beef Cattle Steward for two years and 1968 was the start of a very interesting and challenging term as President. The frst three years as President were very wet and the grounds were a quagmire. He

remembered walking around the grounds the day after the show with mud halfway up his knees. Walkways were needed through the side-show area. Cement roads were constructed which also act as drains, with the water running down the middle of the roads. Most of this work was funded by the Commonwealth Government the R.E.D. Scheme.

Spencer felt the Lismore Showground had to be used for more than the annual show. Midway through 1969 he was approached by Neil Mansell and Dutton Stibbard to see if the Society might be interested in starting speedway on the grounds. They were already running speedway in Kingaroy and Toowoomba. After a hurried show meeting Tom Somerville, Murray McKinnon, Ken Somerville and Spencer

travelled to Kingaroy for the next meeting. They were convinced this was the answer for the Society to achieve extra funds. A special fence had to be erected to comply with

Police safety regulations. This fence was built by voluntary labour from the Show Society members and Lismore Car Club members. The Speedway is still going and has

raised considerable money over the years for charity. Since Lismore, Grafton Show Society also run speedway events. A great decision was made all round. The support received from the Lands Department and general public will always live in Spencer’s memory. He has a photo taken of the main arena when the lights were “switched on” in 1939 when Mr E.J. Eggins was President. In the 1970’s these lights were replaced by the ones that are there today. The frst Lismore Show was held in 1905 on what is now the Lismore Golf Course, hence the names of nearby streets Parade and Showview Streets. A large pine tree at Spencer and Doris’s front gate in Wyrallah Road was the entrance to the frst Lismore Showground. Spencer and Doris were presented with a medal giving the freedom of all the Shows in Group One in 1983. This was awarded for their deditation to the show movement and all their time and effort they put in.

Spencer is a descendant of the original New Italy Settlers. His father was six months old when he sailed on the ship “India” and one of the few surviving babies from the voyage. His mother was born at the settlement. In late 1881 only 217 of the original 340 stepped onto Australian soil. New Italy is situated 13km south of Woodburn. In all 3,030 acres of land was selected by the frst Italian settlers at New Italy. By 1888

Spencer in Grand Parade at North Coast National.

Spencer and Doris

BEST ON THE BOX

TUESDAY WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE? UK

SBS, 7.30pm

TUESDAY IN BRUGES

7FLIX, 11.30pm

SUNDAY

MINISERIES: IN OUR BLOOD

ABC, 8.30pm

The poignant music of the ’80s is the entrancing extra character in this musical drama based on the play by Adriano Cappelletta. Starring Matt Day (Rake), Tim Draxl (A Place to Call Home, above), and Jada Alberts (Mystery Road), it’s a moving and at times surreal fourpart drama exploring a pivotal moment in Australia’s history when the AIDS crisis hit. Embracing hope and the power of the individual, it chronicles how this country became a world leader in AIDS prevention. Tonight’s engrossing premiere kicks o on election night, 1983: in a crucial turn of events, for gay man David (Draxl) it means a new job as the senior adviser to the Health Minister.

FRIDAY, March 17

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

6.55 NSW Election Announcements. An election broadcast by the Greens.

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

7.30 Gardening Australia. Jane Edmanson plants unusual herbs. Clarence Slockee cares for grass trees.

8.30 Endeavour. (Mav) Part 3 of 3. A series of death notices in the Oxford Mail, each with a distinctive, cryptic message, provides clues to Endeavour’s nal investigation. Thursday is under pressure from a familiar face.

10.05 Van Der Valk. (Madv, R) Part 3 of 3.

11.35 ABC Late News.

11.50 Adam Hills: The Last Leg. (R)

12.35 Traces. (Mads, R)

1.20 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

When a series has con dently pedalled through a whopping 18 seasons like this one has, it’s something of a cultural phenomenon. The older generations are traditionally WDYTYA fans, but this season there’s perhaps a shift to nab a younger audience – a new generation of ancestry bu s. A younger cast of participants, including comedian Joe Lycett and soccer player Alex Scott, have traced their family tree and the trend continues tonight with Pixie Lott. The singer-songwriter is keen to con rm the family story that she has Italian ancestry from Verona, but instead she discovers ancestors battling poverty and hardship in London.

Colin Farrell

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (PG)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Wrecks That Changed The World: Nuclear Wrecks. (PG) Takes a look at shipwrecks.

8.30 Walking Britain’s Lost Railways: Cotswolds. (R) Presented by Rob Bell.

9.25 Nazis, Treasures And The Quest For Celts. (PGa, R) Presented by Ardal O’Hanlon.

10.25 SBS World News Late.

10.55 Gomorrah. (MA15+v, R)

1.40 Romulus. (MA15+v, R)

3.40 Mastermind Australia. (R)

4.40 Bamay. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 7News Local.

6.30 7News @ 6:30.

7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. Johanna Griggs goes on a tour of Summerland farm. Karen Martini makes a Banh Mi burger.

8.30 MOVIE: Little Women. (2019, G, R) During the 19th century, four young sisters, each determined to live life on their own terms, nd themselves facing personal trials and tribulations that draw them together as a family. Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson, Florence Pugh.

11.15 MOVIE: Payback. (1999, MA15+lv, R) A small-time crook seeks revenge after being double-crossed and left for dead by his wife and partner-incrime. Mel Gibson, Gregg Henry.

1.30 Home Shopping.

Belgian city of Bruges after a job in London goes wrong. Ken wants to see the sights, Ray wants to see the pub, but their trip becomes anything but a holiday when their boss (Ralph Fiennes) shows eld gem throws the kitchen sink and more at the screen, and, improbably, makes it stick. It’s a devastatingly funny black comedy, a wry examination of tourism, and an a ecting character study all in one. Add plenty of smart dialogue, surreal Tarantino-esque digressions, and the backdrop of Bruges itself, and you’ve got a cult classic.

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 A Current A air.

7.30 Rugby League. NRL. Round 3. Sydney Roosters v South Sydney Rabbitohs. From Allianz Stadium, Sydney.

9.55 Golden Point. A wrap-up of the Sydney Roosters versus South Sydney Rabbitohs match, with news and analysis.

10.40 MOVIE: The Nice Guys. (2016, MA15+lnsv, R) A thug-for-hire joins forces with an inept PI. Russell Crowe, Ryan Gosling.

1.00 My Way. (PG, R) Stories of inspirational Australians.

1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Postcards. (PG, 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. Compilation of highlights.

8.30 Taskmaster Australia. (PGal, 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. (Mdls, R) Hosted by Nick Cody.

11.00 Just For Laughs Uncut. (Mal, R) Hosted by Nikki Osborne.

11.30 The Project. (R)

12.30 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG)

1.30 Home Shopping. (R)

From the Tweed to the Richmond Valley, discover a new way to – walk, ride and explore – the natural beauty of the Northern Rivers.

What is the Northern Rivers Rail Trail?

The Northern Rivers Rail Trail is a new walking and cycling trail that will connect the Tweed Valley with Byron Shire, Lismore and Casino, transforming a former rail corridor into the region’s newest must-do visitor experience.

When completed, the trail will traverse 132km of some of the most spectacular countryside in Australia, winding its way through scenic

villages and towns, rail tunnels and historic bridges.

It will be one of the longest rail trails in the country where visitors of all ages and abilities will be free to explore and discover the natural beauty of the region.

About the Rail TrailWalk or Ride

The trail starts at Murwillumbah, an easy 30-minute drive from Gold Coast Airport, before tracking south through the Tweed Valley, Byron Shire, Eltham, Lismore, Bentley and Casino.

The rail trail will be a destination for the whole community to enjoy, whether you are

looking for a safe place to ride or a new way to experience our beautiful countryside and villages with friends and family.

constructed in four stages as funding allows, each delivered separately by the four local councils – Tweed Shire, Byron Shire, Lismore City and Richmond Valley.

– Crabbes Creek (24kms) is now open & ready to explore.

NORTHERN RIVERS RAIL TRAIL

The Tweed Section, Murwillumbah

This stage connects Murwillumbah with the villages of Stokers Siding, Burringbar, Mooball and Crabbes Creek. The sections between

From the Tweed to the Richmond Valley, discover a new way to –walk, ride and explore – the natural beauty of the Northern Rivers.

WHAT IS THE northern rivers RAIL TRAIL?

It will also provide a major boost for tourism in the region, creating jobs and offering exciting new business opportunities from coffee vans, food trucks and paddockto-plate experiences to horse riding, brewery tours and arts and craft stalls.

For locals and visitors alike, the rail trail will be a fresh way to connect with nature and explore the breathtaking beauty of the Northern Rivers, by bicycle or on foot.

About the rail trail

The trail will be

Coming soon!

Casino, Bentley and South Lismore are fully funded and work is expected to be completed in December 2023. The fnal stage links Lismore to Eltham, Bangalow, Byron Bay, Mullumbimby and Yelgun.

The much-anticipated Tweed section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail is now offcially open, with everyone from walkers to runners, cyclists and people of all abilities set to explore the beautiful region.

The 24 km Tweed section of the Rail Trail was offcially opened in a ceremony at the heritage-listed Murwillumbah Railway Station today, with NSW Deputy Premier Paul Toole, Lismore MP Janelle Saffn, Tweed MP Geoff Provest, Mayor of Tweed Shire Chris Cherry and Northern Rivers Rail Trail Inc. President Pat Grier AM doing the honours.

The opening comes a day after the region marked the one-year

anniversary of the food, heralding a positive new beginning and recovery for the Tweed Valley and wider Northern Rivers region.

Lismore MP Janelle Saffn, who represented Federal Member for Richmond Justine Elliot at the ceremony, said the Northern Rivers Rail Trail would eventually run from Murwillumbah to Casino through the spectacular scenery of the Tweed Valley, Byron Shire, Lismore and Richmond Valley.

“The Australian Government’s $6.5-million contribution to this frst stage is under the Building our Future Fund and is a strong show of faith

in our region which has been through so many challenges in recent years – drought, bushfres, the Covid pandemic and the foods a year ago,” Ms Saffn said.

“Like other successful rail trails in Australia and internationally, it will attract more visitors wishing to slow down and soak up an ecotourism experience second to none. They are also likely to explore the many other attractions our region has to offer, boosting local and

regional economies.”

NSW Deputy Premier Paul Toole said the project would be an economic boon for the region.

“The project will drive thousands of visitors to the region each year and inject tourism dollars into local economies,” Mr Toole said. “We have created a world-class scenic trail for an estimated 82,000 visitors each year along a 24 km stretch of stunning hinterland.

Fun For All!

The rail trail is asphalt from the Murwillumbah Railway Station to the Tweed Regional Art Gallery & Margaret Olley Centre, and between Burringbar and Mooball stations. As it passes through

the countryside, it will have a compacted gravel surface.

The rail trail will connect the villages with the larger hub of Murwillumbah, providing an alternate transport route for residents and visitors

2ND HAND BOOK SHOP & CLOTHES

alike. When the entire Northern Rivers Rail Trail is complete, numerous rural centres will be connected to Murwillumbah, Byron Bay, Bangalow, Lismore and Casino.

The rail trail will be free to use and provide a safe environment for walkers, cyclists and people using mobility aides to explore the region.

The Tweed section will help preserve the area’s railway heritage, with the trail incorporating the heritage-listed Murwillumbah Railway Station, 18 railway bridges and passing through 2 railway tunnels.

Funding

Construction of the Tweed section has been

jointly funded by the NSW and Australian governments:

• $7.8 million NSW Government (Regional Tourism Infrastructure Fund)

• $6.5 million Australian Government (Regional Jobs and Investment Packages Fund)

• + $600,000 NSW Government to cover the cost of operating and maintaining the section of rail trail for the frst 3 years.

You can read more about the project on the Your Say Tweed website.

The Northern Rivers Trail is a shared recreation and nature trail where users can walk, ride and explore at their own pace.

Please follow the safety tips and rules so that everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience.

To decide if the rail trail is suitable for your personal abilities, interests, and safety tips, explore rail trail users or view the rail trail map.

You are enjoying a shared nature trail, with adjoining farmland, which means being aware of and planning for potential risk including:

1. Natural environment (for example: fallen trees or trail debris)

2. Built environment (for example, electric fences on private property)

3. Wildlife and animals: (for example, snakes, insects, farm animals, horses, dogs)

4. Personal injury (for example, collision between trail users).

Allowed on the trail:

1. Bicycles and e-bicycles (up to 250w)

2. Accessibility devices, wheelchairs and mobility scooters

3. Push scooters on sealed sections only

4. Prams

5. Dogs on short leads – pick up after your dog

6. Horses with permit in designated areas

Not allowed on the trail:

1. E-scooters or petrolpowered bicycles

2. Motorcycles, trail bikes, quad bikes, cars or similar

3. All other motorised recreational vehicles

4. Horses without permit.

Rail trail safety tips

In an emergency call 000.

Location markers are placed every 1 km along the trail. They have unique codes to help emergency services or others locate you.

1. Pedestrians have right of way.

2. Keep left and pass with a gap – a metre matters.

3. Cyclists must use helmets, bells, safety gear and ride at safe speeds.

4. Leave no trace. Take rubbish with you and protect native plants and wildlife.

5. No smoking or e-cigarettes on the Trail.

6. No camping or fres on the Trail.

7. Do not feed the wildlife.

8. Do not enter private property.

ou can report a problem online or contact us with any other questions

by going to our website www. northernriversrailtrail. com.au.

Plan, pack and prepare checklist

To make your rail trail experience a great one, here is our ‘pack and prepare checklist’ that we recommend:

1. Tell someone where you are going and when you will be back.

2. Check the weather and trail notifcations before you head off.

3. Download the Emergency Plus app to your phone in case you need to call triple 000 and have no phone reception.

4. Have a hard copy of the rail trail map or download it.

5. Wear appropriate clothing and footwear for a nature trail.

6. Take plenty of water, food, or snacks.

7. Wear a hat and sunscreen. Don’t forget to save and protect your skin with these 5 sunsmart steps:

- Slip on a shirt

- Slop on sunscreen

- Slap on a hat

- Seek shade

- Slide on sunglasses

8. Have a torch or light, such as the fashlight on your phone. Especially for the Burringbar Range Tunnel as it is 500 m long with no lighting and very poor visibility.

9. Take a frst aid kit or snake bite kit.

10. If you are riding, pack a bike repair kit and pump.

11. If walking a dog, take a short leash and pet poo bags.

12. Consider if you need to take a small amount of cash for small business or farmgate stalls where EFTPOS may not be available.

Vision

To develop, promote and sponsor a world class Rail Trail for the beneft of the Northern Rivers community.

In May 2013, the not for proft community group, Northern Rivers Rail Trail Association Inc, was formed by local philanthropists known as the Sourdough Group, community volunteers, local government councillors and staff and leaders of the tourist industry.

The group came together with a common vision to preserve this very valuable community asset, the 130km of disused rail corridor between Murwillumbah and Casino and converting it to a modern cycle

and walking trail through the region’s spectacular landscapes.

The Rail Trail will be for the local community to use for getting to school, work and sport, shopping and recreation and by visitors seeking either a new way to experience the region’s scenery,

food and culture or a more adventurous experience.

We have over 3,000 subscribers and prior to the last Federal Election all House of Representative candidates supported the concept of a rail trail. All four councils (Tweed, Byron, Lismore and

Richmond Valley) along the proposed Northern Rivers Rail Trail area now support the project along with other surrounding local authorities Ballina and Kyogle.

This valuable community asset must not continue to go to waste.

Advertising Feature

continued from page 3

Whether you take the trail by foot or by bike, this project is taking tourism in the Tweed up a gear.”

Tweed MP Geoff Provest said the Rail Trail would be a game changer for tourism across the region.

“The Tweed stage will help drive growth for the regional NSW visitor economy and increase tourism numbers to the Northern Rivers, which is more important than ever,” Mr Provest said. “The Tweed Rail Trail is a great example of what the Restart NSW fund is designed to deliver, and I look forward to seeing the benefts it will produce for the region.”

Mayor of Tweed Shire Chris Cherry said she was confdent the Rail Trail would be warmly embraced by the local community, providing an exciting new corridor between villages.

“This is going to be such an incredible new asset for the community and will provide a safe new link between Murwillumbah and the villages of Stokers Siding, Burringbar, Mooball and Crabbes Creek,” Cr Cherry said. “This is going to be a frst-class attraction which not only connects us to our community and neighbours but to the wider world.

“I’m sure this new attraction will be

enthusiastically embraced by the community and will give families a great way to connect with each other via a safe corridor which celebrates the incredible scenery of the Tweed Valley.”

Pat Grier AM, President of Northern Rivers Rail Trail Inc whose members originally broached the idea, raised money to develop business cases, and presented proposals to all levels of government, was excited to see it fnally come to life.

“The Tweed community and Tweed Shire Council must be commended for their vision in getting behind the Rail Trail and being able to see

what this recreational asset will bring to the entire Shire community,” Mr Grier said.

“The opening of this section is a huge step forward in the fnal construction of a 132km Rail Trail that will meander through the whole of the Northern Rivers region – connecting the many communities along its way.”

Construction of the Tweed section of the Rail Trail has been jointly funded by the NSW and Australian Governments and includes $7.8 million from the NSW Government (Regional Tourism Infrastructure Fund), $6.5 million from the Australian Government and an

additional $600,000 from the NSW Government to cover the cost of operations and maintenance for the frst three years.

Starting at the heritagelisted Murwillumbah Railway Station, the 24km Tweed section of the Rail Trail meanders gently southwards through the Tweed Valley, connecting the villages of the Tweed Valley through the rolling hills and spectacular scenery of the region. The path features 26 bridges and 2 tunnels, including the 500m Burringbar Range tunnel which features tiny microbats and glow worms. It is the frst completed stage of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail, which will eventually stretch 132 km to

Casino, traversing through Byron, Lismore and Richmond Valley.

Construction has begun on the Casino to Bentley section of the Rail Trail, which is on track to be completed by the end of December.

The opening follows the launch of the new Northern Rivers Rail Trail website, which provides comprehensive information allowing users to plan ahead of their visit.

A community celebration to mark the opening of the Rail Trail is planned for the weekend of Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 March, with a host of fun, family-friendly activities on offer.

Any

legitimate

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New Italy had a school, Post Offce, two wine shops and a thriving silk industry.

Spencer was the inaugural President of the New Italy Committee which began in 1980 after the Centenary Celebrations of the journey from Europe for the Italians. There were funds left over from the celebration and a committee was formed to decide what to do with the money. The idea was suggested of a museum to remember the original settlers and to remember the hardships they endured. An idea of a mudbrick building was very challenging meeting a lot of opposition.

SPENCER AND DORIS SPINAZE

By Helen Trustum

Spencer was very proud of the project when it came to fruition in 1989.

The New Italy Museum complex was developed as a tribute to the courage

and strength of those pioneering families with the aim of passing on to future generations their spiritual legacy.

Spencer was awarded

1983 Spencer received an extra special award, Cavaliere del Lavaro, which is an Italian Knighthood in the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic in recognition

They remained living in Lismore for many years before moving out on to the property. Bau Farm was sold. All the while he remained working for E.J. Eggins and went to

Stud.

Sadly, Doris passed away on 25th July 2012 aged 87 years. Spencer stayed on at Piora till the last fve years of his life where he was admitted to Haddington Nursing Home in Tenterfeld. Spencer passed away 17th November 2018.

On a personal note, Spencer and Doris meant a lot to our family. Starting with the Rural Youth, shows and of course the New Italy Museum. My husband Allan and I were on the frst Committee of the New Italy Museum back in 1980.

an MBE in 1982 for his community involvement in the Lismore area and helped establish the Junior Farmers/ Rural Youth Movement. In

of his contribution to the Italian Pioneers. Spencer and Doris lived in Wyrallah Road, Lismore where they reared the family. Spencer at frst owned Bau Farm at Wollongbar where he farmed pigs and grew peanuts. In the early 1950’s Spencer and Doris purchased a property at Piora.

Piora at the weekends. Spencer purchased a complete herd of Brahman cattle from Queensland to start off his love for cattle. In the early 1980’s along with Earle Bulmer and Jack Yates they started showing their Brahman cattle at the local shows. This was the beginning of the Chambra Brahman

Spencer and Doris are both buried on their loved Piora property in a family graveyard. A ftting place for two fne people.

Helen Trustum

Cynthia Robinson planting tree at the Park of Peace, New Italy in 1984. With her Ian Robinson MLA, Pres.of Richmond River Shire Council George Wagner and Spencer Spinaze.

Ref: Margaret BarrettJanuary 2023.

Spencer and Doris’s fnal resting place at Piora

Florian Volpato presenting the Knight of Order of Merit to Spencer in 1983.

Allan and I visiting Spencer at Haddington Nursing Home,

Spencer and Doris standing at their gate which was part of old showground in East Lismore.

Global production set to recover in the medium term

Australia is a major producer of wheat, barley and canola and has benefted from historically high prices for these commodities over the past few years, at a time where production conditions have been exceptional. However, while Australia has enjoyed three consecutive years of well above average rainfall, many of

Australia’s international competitors have had poor growing conditions and drought.

This has meant that production of canola in Canada – the world’s largest producer – has been severely restricted in the last few years, pushing up global prices for oilseeds at a time where demand has been strong, particularly in the European Union as it

aims to increase its use of biofuels. Recovery of soybean production in Brazil, the United States and Argentina – the three largest producers – is also expected to push down oilseed prices over the mediumterm. Production of wheat in Argentina is expected to increase over the medium term as weather conditions improve, following

poor production results forecast for 2022–23. Wheat production is forecast to have increased in Canada and the Russian Federation in 2022–23. Similarly, production of corn in the United States is expected to increase following a large decline in 2022–23, while corn production in Brazil is estimated to reach record levels in

2022–23, despite the dry conditions in the south of the country. The recovery of production for grains is projected to put downward pressure on grain prices over the medium-term.

The ongoing war in Ukraine has also contributed to the historically high grain prices. In 2022–23, Ukraine production of oilseeds and grains

is expected to be down from 2021–22. However, the future of the Black Sea Grain Initiative, which has opened up the Black Sea export corridor, will impact on future prices. The initiative is due to be reviewed in March 2023 and were it to cease this could create further volatility and price shocks in global grain markets.

New and consolidated Aussie Meat Trade Hub launched

Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) has launched the Aussie Meat Trade Hub.

The Aussie Meat Trade Hub is MLA’s new single source for resources and services to assist with buying, selling and marketing Australian beef, sheepmeat and goatmeat across global markets.

According to Andrew Cox, General Manager - International Markets at MLA the greatest beneft of the Hub is

that it brings together a wide variety of great promotional tools into one place. Users can also access everything through a single log in.

“Prior to the Hub’s launch, users may have needed to log in multiple times across multiple websites to complete different tasks.

“Now, users can access the fve functional areas: exporters database, brand & licensing, assets library, global insights and trade shows, in one

place with access via a single sign-on using their existing myMLA account,” Mr Cox said.

As of now, the Hub is open to all MLA partners, including exporters, importers, retailers, butchers, and chefs from around the world. Users simply need to log-in by using their existing myMLA account.

There is also relevant content for Australian red meat producers and MLA’s industry

partners. Users will enjoy content tailored based upon their profle, and the full range of tools and services offered by MLA.

While the new Hub provides benefts for Australian producers and exporters, there are a range of benefts available for those in overseas markets. For importers, they can connect directly with potential exporters to enquire about world class Australian red

meat through the new and improved Hub.

An integrated workfow enables trade show exhibitors to self-manage trade show preparations such as supplying booth artwork and gives users access to marketing collateral and brand imaging.

Mr Cox said the ultimate role of the Hub is for the world to have a single, streamlined site to access suppliers of world class Australian red meat.

“Australia’s reputation for producing trusted high quality red meat products is shown by Australia exporting to more than 100 countries around the world.

“The Aussie Meat Trade Hub simply makes buying and selling the world’s best red meat easier. We’re very excited to showcase our product to more of the globe through this Hub,” Mr Cox said

Over the past 24 months, infation across the globe has increased rapidly on the back of several years of fscal stimulus and expansionary monetary policies in response to the COVID pandemic. Energy shocks and supply chain disruptions further exacerbated infationary pressures. Adverse growing conditions in global producing markets and the war in Ukraine have pushed up the cost of

food and energy, adding to infation in the past 12 months. Central banks have responded by raising the cash rate (interest rates), which has already begun to curb rising infation in some economies, such as the United States. However, infation still remains high, including in Australia where it sat at 7.4% in the year to January 2023. The Reserve Bank of Australia – Australia’s central bank – has

increased the cash rate since May 2022 to bring infation under control. Infation is expected to revert to the long-run average (and be within the RBA’s infation target range of 2-3%) in 2025–26. Figure 1.3 shows the infation expectations that underpin the March 2023 Agricultural Commodities Report.

High infation creates challenges for producers and consumers that

Inflation presents major challenge over the medium term

have not been as prevalent over the past 20 years. For agricultural producers, it means higher input costs, such as fertiliser, animal feed and fodder, and transportation. For consumers, agricultural products costs more, reducing their real income and impacting their demand. This was seen through 2022 when two separate fooding events in the eastern states caused acute supply shocks in fruit

and vegetables, creating a sharp rise in their cost for consumers (see Horticulture note for more details).

Furthermore, rising interest rates makes borrowing more expensive, which impacts on investment in the sector and increases the risk of default for agricultural businesses. Internationally, differences in interest rates between countries can impact

the exchange rate, which has implications for the international competitiveness of exports.

One of the results of the infationary cycle is that the real gross value of production in future years is reduced because the value expected over the medium term is discounted to account for infation. The higher the rate of infation, the lower the real value in the future will become.

CELEBRATING SUCCESS ON INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

Driven and passionate women from across the state were making a difference in their communities – both on and off the farm – NSW Farmers Vice President Rebecca Reardon said.

“Rural and remote communities are held together by women who love where they live and the way they work,” Mrs Reardon said.

“They’re small

business owners and teachers, health workers and accountants, volunteers and highfyers who all play their part in making our communities better.

“Women have always played a crucial role in agriculture, handling a lot of business operations while also traditionally raising the family, and now they’re stepping up and taking

on bigger challenges.”

The latest cohort of NSW Farmers Tertiary Scholarship recipients were all young women with big dreams of building their communities.

Imogen Wilkes-Bowes grew up on a sheep and cattle property near Naradhan in the Central West, and regularly returned to help on the farm in between her

studies at the University of Sydney. Ms WilkesBowes said she was passionate about rural health and was studying to become a rural GP.

“I have chosen to pursue medicine because I believe the gap in healthcare outcomes between rural and metropolitan areas can be bridged by healthcare which focuses on prevention,

education and support,” Ms Wilkes-Bowes said.

“I would encourage every young woman to dream big and pursue whatever they want to do in life – especially if it involves getting into science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

“There are still some unconscious biases in society about what boys and girls should do, but

my parents encouraged us to follow our dreams and getting this has helped me to continue to pursue my goals.”

Other recipients of the 2022 NSW Farmers Tertiary Scholarships were studying agriculture business management, veterinary science, nursing, and physiotherapy.

Figure 1.3 Infation assumptions, Australia, 2001–02 to 2027–28

Australia is forecast to reach another record-breaking year for winter crops, value of farm production and exports, following three consecutive years of exceptional growing conditions.

The 2022-23 ABARES Outlook, released today, reveals the gross value of production for agriculture, fsheries and forestry for 2022-23 is

expected to reach $96 billion this fnancial year.

The Snapshot of Australian Agriculture 2023 shows that Australian broadacre and dairy farms received record farm cash incomes in the past two fnancial years.

Incomes for dairy farms are projected to increase by around 20 percent per farm over the next year.

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Murray Watt welcomed the forecast.

“Some states have produced their biggest winter crops on record and these results have provided a huge boost to our farmers and our agriculture industry as a whole,” Minister Watt said.

“The rain this season

has been a tale of two extremes; with the heavy rainfall causing some crops to thrive, while wiping others out.

“I know the rains have been incredibly diffcult for many food-impacted communities, including farmers who are still rebuilding, and the Albanese Government continues to stand with those communities.

“For those experiencing

prime conditions, record levels of production, driven by exceptional growing conditions and high commodity prices will put them in good stead to prepare for the future.

“Despite the strong forecast, we can’t be complacent and need to ensure the sector is as prepared as possible to handle the inevitable dry times that lay ahead.

“This year we can expect to see drier seasonal conditions going forward and we’ll also likely see an easing in the record high commodity prices we’ve been enjoying for the last few years.

“The Albanese Government is committed to working with farmers and industry in good times and tough ones too.”

FARMING INDUSTRY OVERCOMES FLOODS TO REACH NEW PRODUCTION HIGH

The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has welcomed the record $90 billion output announced today, putting the industry’s $100 billion target within reach.

NFF Vice President David Jochinke acknowledged the hard-won result, citing extensive crop losses due to fooding, damaged roads, and a wet harvest that stretched well into the New Year. “This

confrms yet again what we’ve been saying for years: that farming is a sustainable growth engine for Australia,” said Mr Jochinke.

“We’ve added over $30 billion in output in the past 5 years,

making farming one of the most exciting growth stories in an economy that’s littered with challenges.” The NFF is now calling on the Government to safeguard the industry’s growth, particularly in

light of climate forecasts suggesting a reversal in coming years.

“We need to be thinking about how we respond in these leaner years to issues like record production

costs which are already placing pressure on farmers’ bottom lines,” said Mr Jochinke.

“Now is the time for government to pull out all stops to support the industry’s growth. Government needs to put its shoulder to the wheel and resolve challenges like workforce shortages and biosecurity funding to safeguard that growth.”

The NFF is also urging the Government to reconsider policies that

could reduce output, such as phasing out live sheep exports or recommencing water buybacks.

“If you want a strong economy, you have to back winners – and today’s results show that agriculture can deliver the goods,” said Mr Jochinke. “With seasons turning and that $100 billion goal almost within reach, we need to be backing farmers, not pulling policy levers that will reduce output.”

COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD FROM NSW GOVERNMENT FOR BROADWATER’S BEACON

Broadwater woman, Karina McKey has been honoured with a Community Service Award from the NSW Government for the extraordinary role she played in supporting the village of Broadwater recover from the devastating 2022 food, Clarence Nationals MP Chris Gulaptis has announced.

Mr Gulaptis surprised Karina with the award at her Broadwater home yesterday in the company of her husband, Dave, along with Nationals’ Candidate for Clarence, Richie Williamson.

“Even before the food waters had fully receded, Karina saw her community in need and decided to help,” Mr Gulaptis said.

“She marshalled a volunteer brigade of locals to help clear the food mud and debris out of the community hall and turn it into a community recovery centre, as well as organising the delivery of cleaning supplies and the clean-up the food debris around the entire village.

“The hall was turned into a make-shift supermarket and used as a place of refuge, a

place of belonging and a place to give hope to a community that was torn apart.

“What was remarkable was that Karina’s enthusiasm to help

her community was infectious and it rubbed off on the whole community. The community mood was buoyant and upbeat even with over 90%

of the village being signifcantly food damaged.”

Mr Gulaptis said when he took Premier, Dom Perrottet to visit Broadwater a week after the food waters receded, he was in awe of the positive community spirit despite the devastation around them.

“It was something quite remarkable and I made a comment to the Premier that it felt like we were visiting the ‘Mash 4077’ unit as were confronted with a group of happy people celebrating life with destruction all around

them,” Mr Gulaptis said.

“Karina is very modest in the role she played in leading the community through diffcult times, and attributes the recovery of Broadwater to the passion, hard work and goodwill of the whole community.

“While this is true, Broadwater stood out as a beacon of hope, and despite Karina being far too humble to admit it, this is largely attributed to her leadership.

“On behalf of the community, I thank Karina for going above and beyond right when her community needed it.”

AFFORDABLE CHILDCARE FOR EVERY COMMUNITY

The re-elected Liberal and Nationals Government has pledged to provide high-quality and affordable childcare options to every community in New South Wales (NSW).

This commitment aims to support more parents in returning to work sooner, thereby boosting the economy.

The plan involves expanding existing centres, building new facilities at TAFEs, universities, and hospitals, and increasing extended hours’ childcare.

These facilities will be delivered as part of the 10-year, $5 billion Childcare and Economic Opportunity Fund.

Treasurer Matt Kean has emphasized that this commitment will provide much-needed relief for families balancing their work commitments with caring for children. He noted that childcare costs can be a signifcant burden on working families, with some mothers taking home only 25 cents for each dollar earned after

tax, loss of family tax benefts, and childcare costs.

Moreover, more than half of Australian mothers with children under 15 who want to return to work or take on more hours say that caring for children is the main reason stopping them. The lack of childcare services in more than a third of NSW communities not only impacts children’s

development but also raises the price of childcare for parents.

This plan aims to give every parent a choice, regardless of their location and working hours.

Minister for Education and Early Learning

Sarah Mitchell added that the commitment builds on the Liberal and Nationals’ announcement to fast-track the delivery of 500 new preschools

on public school sites across the state.

The Childcare and Economic Opportunity Fund will increase access to childcare in areas with the highest demand. The fund will identify priority areas and provide the necessary funding to remove barriers for families to access quality early childhood education.

The Liberal and Nationals Government

has invested $15.9 billion in early childhood education to create about 47,000 additional affordable childcare places across NSW, as well as 50,000 prekindergarten places on school sites by 2027.

The government is focused on creating economic opportunities for women and has allocated $16.5 billion over ten years to programs that will

beneft women.

The programs include:

• $5.8 billion towards introducing universal pre-kindergarten

• $1.3 billion over four years in fee relief for preschool

• $5 billion towards boosting accessibility and affordability of childcare

• $32 million to provide wraparound support for women to return to work

• $69.4 million to improve the experiences of women in the workforce

• $30.6 million to support women in small business and entrepreneurship

• $150.5 million to increase women’s health and wellbeing

• $108.9 million to increase respect for women and women’s fnancial security

The government will continue to consult with families and the early childhood education sector on the implementation of the Childcare and Economic Opportunity Fund, with applications for the fund launching in July 2023.

AC COBRA PREPARES FOR LAUNCH

SUZUKI JIMNY HERITAGE LIMITED EDITION

By CHRIS RILEY

By CHRIS RILEY

AC Cars is getting set to unveil its stunning new AC Cobra GT Roadster next month.

The all new, and exclusive high-performance roadster is the return of one of motoring’s most famous names.

With a clean sheet design, the AC Cobra GT Roadster is a cutting-edge modern sports car, produced using the latest technology and engineering processes, yet it remains faithful to the spirit of the original AC Cobra from the 1960s.

AC Cars is Britain’s oldest active vehicle manufacturer, having been in business since 1901.

A highly accomplished and usable GT sports car, the new model shares no components with the original yet is instantly recognisable.

Incorporating competition derived engineering, the car is a pure-bred sports car with phenomenal handling and performance.

The new aluminium spaceframe chassis has a wheelbase of 2570mm, 284mm longer than the AC Cobra Mk. VI, yet the car’s overall length has gown only 110mm, up to 4225mm.

The car’s track has also been optimised to give it a wider stance, which together with the weight distribution and centre of gravity, has drastically improved handling and agility.

Powered by a petrol V8, but this time delivering up to 488kW of power and 780Nm of torque, with the choice of a 6-speed manual or 10-speed automatic gearbox, the car weighs under 1500kg and accelerates from 0-60km/h in approximately 3.5 secs.

Styled by a team of world class designers, the exterior bodywork and interior of the new AC Cobra retains a modern personality but with a timeless aesthetic, and incorporates some of the latest materials and technology.

The interior includes hand fnished unique elements, unseen in the automotive world before, and the augmentation of analogue instruments with digital glass displays – a bespoke combination.

Substantially improved ergonomics mean that the cabin suits drivers of all sizes, with the space afforded by the new chassis design providing a high level of comfort and refnement.

With orders already taken, following release of the frst details in December, the car’s limited production means customers will need to act quickly to secure one of the frst cars due in 2024.

AC Cars David Conza said developing and delivering a car worthy of the AC Cobra name has not been an easy task.

“But I am delighted and immensely proud of what we have achieved. This is a sports car like no other, and we have employed some of the industry’s leading designers and engineers to craft an outstanding automobile that is extremely beautiful as well as fantastically quick and amazing to drive,” he said.

“We wanted to respect the AC Cobra’s heritage, and while the design has

taken infuence from the ‘restomod’ approach it has a more sophisticated feel in keeping with a classic British roadster.

“This, along with the race-bred personality of the original AC Cobra, means we have produced an unrivalled vehicle that’s totally modern and relevant to today’s connoisseurs – a true 21st century sports car.”

The new AC Cobra GT Roadster is expected to cost from £285,000, including VAT in the UK (about $508,000 Aussie dollars).

It is available to order for clients worldwide, and customers can schedule a personal consultation with a member of the team, as well as reserve their new AC Cobra GT Roadster, at accars.eu.

It could be having trouble getting stock, but that hasn’t stopped Suzuki releasing a ‘heritage’ edition of its tiny Jimny off-roader.

Just 300 of the cars will be up for grabs, tapping into Jimny’s enviable 4x4 history from the 1970s, ‘80s and ‘90s – where it all began.

Jimny Heritage will be available in manual only, with a choice of four colours: Jungle Green, Bluish Black, Medium

Jimny Heritage is priced from $33,490 plus onroads, with metallic paint extra.

Suzuki’s Michael Pachota said strictly 300 units will be available to buy in all states and territories apart from Queensland.

“These vehicles will sell out quickly. With swift delivery to follow, I encourage all serious buyers to jump in fast” he said.

You can register your interest at your local

Grey and White.

In addition to the GLX grade on which it is based, the heritage edition adds:

• Red front mud faps

• Red rear mud faps

• Jimny Heritage cargo tray

• Heritage decals

• Limited build badge

• Exclusive Jimny Heritage pack

dealership or on-line at https://www.suzuki. com.au/vehicles/suv/ jimnyheritage.

Delivery will be based on the current queue process, with frst deliveries expected in April.

‘Sold out’ colour announcements will be made via Suzuki Australia social media channels and advised to the dealer network as they happen.

The new Cobra GT Roadster continues the iconic AC tradition

The 300 units of the eye-catching Jimny Heritage are expected to sell quickly.

LETTERS & OPINIONS

the NSW Liberal and National Party MP’s who are facing serious corruption accusations, have yet been brought to justice.

Richmond electorate, (Labor’s Justine Elliott) were given a $2000 payment.

THE LONGREACH STOCKMAN’S

HALL

I noted in the tribute to Sam Cladon a reference to the ‘”Radium “ horses. Mark Radium was a champion high jumper from the 30’s to the 50’s This 14.2 hands horse held the Australian record of 7feet 8 inches. He retired aged 23. References to this horse and his jockey Jack McGee are online and at The Longreach Stockman’s Hall of fame and of course he is ferted at Berry in NSW.

Rob Lannoy Cumbalum

THE PINOCCHIO PARTY

With the state election coming up it’s time to get rid of the Pinocchio party aka the liberal national party. They have failed us so dismally for twelve years now they want to destroy us even further seeking another four years to even more damage.

They didn’t turn up during the Lismore foods they built a highway that exacerbated the foods in Woodburn and Wardell they got rid of two leaders Gladys the premier and John Barilaro they have taken away power from council and given it planning panels and developers when it comes to development applications and planning they continue to allow building on food plains they want to put a gas feld in the middle of the NSW food bowl in Narrabri

they spend all their money in Sydney not the region’s where’s the money for Grafton base hospital upgrades they won’t pay nurses teachers police and other front line workers properly they are responsible for the housing crisis for not shutting the border during the covid 19 crisis and letting in intestate buyers and Sydney people to buy up houses in regional areas pushing out locals and pushing up rents they promise plenty and deliver nothing other than to destroy forests and turn national parks into tourists parks the new leader belongs to a secretive cult in Opus die who are into pain and suffering like Christ. So, if you want to end the pain and suffering and be like the rest of Australia and get rid of the Pinocchio party aka the liberal national party and if you are a rusted on redneck national party voter do yourself a favour and vote for the farmer’s fshers shooters party they would at least represent you.

Alan Mosley Yamba

THE ULTIMATE INSULT

There was a great letter from Alan Veacock (Feb. 23) comparing the ongoing corruption scandals over the 12 years of this NSW Coalition Govt, to the now defunct Morrison Govt and the infamous Bjelke-Peterson Govt in Qld., there are striking similarities, although unlike Qld. none of

Dominic Perrottet has undoubtedly put a likeable face on an abysmal Govt, but the three Nationals MP’s in the Northern Rivers, Hogan, Gulaptis and Provest have all been complicit over many years in supporting these highly questionable “pork barrelling” initiatives, they claim there is nothing illegal in “pork barrelling” but that has never been tested in court, Govt MP’s and especially Ministers take an oath to administer public funds “without fear nor favor”.

The worst examples of Coalition “porkbarrelling” have to be the devious manner in which Barilaro distributed bushfre reconstruction grants to only Coalition seats with Tenterfeld, (Labor’s Janelle Saffn) and badly ravaged by bushfres missing out, for heaven’s sake this must be the ultimate insult to the people in the Lismore electorate, courtesy of the National Party. Equal in infamously must be the contemptuous decision by the master of deceit ex PM. Scott Morrison, to politicize Federal disaster food relief where residents of the Page electorate, (Nationals Kevin Hogan) were given a $6000 payment, whereas residents in the

Again, this is as insulting as it gets and really beneath contempt, what sort of diabolical mind takes advantage of traumatized people who have lost everything? Only intense lobbying from Justine Elliott and Janelle Saffn rectifed the injustice, and to this day not a hint of an apology was heard from our shameful “porkbarrelling”

Nationals MP’s, (Hogan, Gulaptis and Provest).

Keith Duncan Pimlico

CANDIDATE BOOYENS WILD PROMISE

The candidates are really getting desperate in their bid for votes. I understand Mr Booyens is offering to get South Ballina beach re-opened to 4WDs but is going to ensure Patches Beach remains closed. How could this be? Is he proposing to erect a fence into the ocean to keep this part of his pledge?

South Ballina beach is quietly restoring itself to pristine environment, and the last thing it needs is an invasion of 4WDs driving on the beach and over the dunes again.

Mr Booyens, take your 4WDs elsewhere. We don’t want the interstate hoons destroying the peace and tranquility of wildlife on the beach.

Margaret

Howes

Empire Vale

The Gilded Mirror is the frst in the Finding Ever After series.

By Samantha Elley

Author:

K E Barden

Publisher: Shawline

Publishing Group

Retail: $24.95

Set amidst the backdrop of every fairytale we have ever grown up with, Eveline Rafter fnds herself on a dangerous quest.

First, she wants to avenge the death of her father, but on the way she meets the handsome Huntsman who is desperate to fnd the missing Princess Snow, being hunted by her evil step mother, the Queen. As she joins the mission, along with her best friend Porchid, a Riverbell fairy, to fnd the missing princess, Eveline and the Huntsmen are met and

interact with a range of characters most of us would recognise from our childhood stories. Using the two skills she was born with, hitting every target with her twin golden knives and the ability to fnd lost things, Eveline must help the Huntsman unravel the secrets and mysteries they encounter, while avoiding the dangers that have been set for them.

Australian author K E Barden writes a riveting tale that will take the reader down roads, wondering if there is such a thing as a happy ending. Will Eveline and the Huntsman fnd the missing princess? Or will the forces of darkness within the realm be too much for our heroes to overcome?

The Gilded Mirror is the frst in the Finding Ever After series.

To order your copy today, go to www.shawline publishing.com.au

Women are facing a retirement crisis, with the typical woman nearing retirement with almost $50,000 less than men, and women at all ages having about a quarter less super than men. New analysis by Industry Super Australia (ISA) shows the median super balance for a woman in her early 60s is just $159,600, compared to the male median of $210,800. This gender rift is widest in Western Australia, where the typical woman has 34% less super than men. The intergenerational report has noted that

Women Still Underrepresented in High-Level Positions

A re-elected NSW Liberals and Nationals Government will take a proactive approach to tackling deadly cancers affecting women by providing $7 million in research grants for ovarian and other gynaecological cancers. This will include the provision of a $5 million Translational Research Grant and four $500,000 fellowships to support research and pave the way for

without intervention the gender super balance will persist for at least the next four decades. To improve equity in the system, the government should take action to combat unpaid super, pay super on Commonwealth Parental Leave Pay, and increase the Low-Income Superannuation Tax Offset so it aligns with income tax brackets. Unpaid super is depriving millions of women the early contributions needed to build a decent nest egg. In 2019-20, one in fve women were affected by unpaid super, missing

future improvements to treatments. Premier Dominic Perrottet said this will help to bring attention to two of the most deadly cancers affecting women.

“We want to give women affected by these terrible diseases, which often have very poor prognoses, the best chance of survival,”

Mr Perrottet said. “These grants are important in enabling the very best researchers to continue their work to help improve survival rates for these awful cancers. “The better we can understand these deadly diseases, the better we can tailor treatments for women and improve their chances of being able to overcome

out on a total of $1.3 billion in employer super contributions. Over the last seven years, women missed out on $10.8 billion. About a third of women in their 20s earning less than $50,000 have been short-changed. By the time they retire, women can miss out on more than $40,000 in super savings due to these missing contributions and the lost compounded returns. A key driver of the unpaid super problem is that super payments are misaligned with wages. Mandating the payment of super with wages

them.” Health Minister Brad Hazzard said gynaecological cancers vary in prevalence and can have very poor prognoses. “For ovarian cancer specifcally, just over half (51 per cent) of women diagnosed will not survive fve years. This is a tragic statistic we need to turn around and by investing in research we can try to achieve this,” Mr Hazzard said.

“Translational research helps us understand how innovations may work in the real world and on a large scale and aims to quickly bring these new ideas from benchtop to bedside and improve outcomes for patients.”

now will beneft women immediately and is cost neutral to the Budget. This will ensure that women are not missing out on any super contributions. In addition, paying super on the government’s Commonwealth Parental Leave scheme would add an extra $14,500 at retirement for a mother of two. This would help to close the gender gap in retirement savings, and ensure that women are not disadvantaged when taking time off to care for their children. Finally, increasing the LowIncome Superannuation

Minister for Women and Regional Health Bronnie Taylor said the $7 million in additional funding will bring new hope for women suffering from cancers of the female reproductive system. “Fellowships fund researchers to continue their important work at an early-middle stage of their career, ensuring we maintain a pipeline of world-class researchers right here in NSW,” Mrs Taylor said. “By investing in early-mid career researchers with a focus on gynaecological cancers, we aim to accelerate the journey toward potential new treatments and interventions for these

Tax offset to align with tax brackets and the rising super rate would beneft 900,000 women – many working part time. This would help to ensure that women on lower incomes are not disadvantaged when it comes to retirement savings. Overall, these measures would help to close the gender gap in retirement savings, and ensure that women are not disadvantaged when it comes to their super.

It is essential that the government takes action to ensure that women are not missing out on their

deadly women’s cancers.”

In addition to the research grants, the NSW Liberals and Nationals Government will also be investing in preventative measures to reduce the risk of gynaecological cancers. This will include the provision of free cervical screening for all women aged 25-74, as well as free ovarian cancer screening for women aged 45-74. This will provide women with the opportunity to detect any potential issues early, and take the necessary steps to reduce their risk of developing gynaecological cancers. The Government will also be providing education and awareness campaigns

super contributions, and that they have the same opportunities as men when it comes to retirement savings.

To improve equity in the system the government should:

• Combat unpaid super by mandating that super is paid on payday,

• Pay super on Commonwealth Parental Leave Pay,

• Increase the LowIncome Superannuation Tax Offset so it aligns with income tax brackets.

to ensure that women are informed about the signs and symptoms of gynaecological cancers, as well as the importance of regular screening. This will help to ensure that women are aware of the risks and can take the necessary steps to reduce their risk of developing these deadly diseases. By investing in research, preventative measures, and education and awareness campaigns, the NSW Liberals and Nationals Government is taking a proactive approach to tackling deadly cancers affecting women and giving them the best chance of survival.

Mortgage holders have been dealt a blow, according to the latest Housing Affordability Report from the Real

Estate Institute of Australia.

REIA President, Hayden Groves said the report found housing

affordability declined across the nation over the December quarter 2022, with the proportion of income required to meet the average loan repayment increasing to 44.7%, an increase of 2.4 percentage points.

“New South Wales had the highest decline with the proportion of income increasing 3.1 percentage points and the Northern Territory had the lowest decline with the proportion of income rising 1.1 percentage points,” he said.

“Rental affordability improved with the proportion of income required to meet median rent decreasing by 0.1 percentage points

to 22.9%. Rental affordability improved in all states and territories, except South Australia and Western Australia, where it declined.”

First home buyers reduced in number by 2.2% over the quarter but decreased 31.4% over the year.

The average sized home loan increased to $600,343 over the quarter. Mr Groves said nationally, the proportion of income required to meet the average loan repayment had increased, but at different rates across the states.“New South Wales had the highest decline with the proportion of income increasing 3.1

percentage points to a huge 54.8% and the Northern Territory had the lowest decline with the proportion of income increasing 1.1 percentage points to 32.2%,” he said.

“Rental affordability improved with the proportion of income required to meet median rent decreasing by 0.1 percentage points to 22.9%.

“In particular, the median rent remained stable in Sydney and only went up $5 in Melbourne. These markets account for 60% of the national rental cohort. The primary factor in this improvement was

the increase in family income.

“Times remain tough for frst home buyers with the number of frst home buyers dropping to 25,753, a decrease of 2.2% during the quarter and a fall of 31.4% compared to the December quarter 2021.

“The total number of loans for owner occupied dwellings decreased in all states and territories over the December quarter. Decreases ranged from 1.6% in Western Australia to 9.4% in the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory,” he said.

Picture is courtesy REIA

Grape Expectations by Max Crus

Rich pickings on slippery slope of super

It’s class warfare.

Un-Australian.

Just because I have $3millon superannuation Labor wants to cancel me and my lifestyle. Next they’ll be coming for my family home, even though that has never been mentioned, except by Angus Taylor, which the media slavishly latched upon, so it must be right.

I’ve earned my $3million fair and square, well, Daddy did, but I studied

hard at St Pratt’s School for the Privileged (um, is that the right way around, Dear?), and equally hard at Bond Online University (thanks for picking up the HECS, Dad), and I worked hard at Porter Dutton Hockey and Partners, working my way up to Chief Conveyancing Clerk and I’m not giving it up. If you want $3million in super, just study harder, work harder and get new

Ziegler Barossa Fire Clay Grenache 2022, $27. One of a trio of things from new label Ziegler. Young and modest for a Barossan, but with enough fre in the belly, as well as the clay. Somehow slightly smarter than it’s shiraz sister. 9.3/10

Ziegler Barossa Hack Barrow GSM (Grenache Shiraz Mataro), 2022, $27. When I was a kid, a friend’s dad had a Holden Mataro, or something like that. Prob worth $3mill in super by now or another 50 cases of this. The pick of the bunch of Zieglers for us. 9.4/10

Sevenhill Clare Valley ‘27 Miles’ Riesling 2022, $50.

parents.

Okay, Labor isn’t eating into my $3million nest egg, which I’ve already paid tax on remember, um, actually, no, the accountant fxed that, but they’re still eating into the interest earned and what I want to know is why Labor set the bar so low?

It’s little consolation that you can have $6million in super and not pay extra if you split it with your wife, but who

wants that? What if she divorces me?

I barely get $120,000 per year from $3mill’. It’s hard enough living on such meagre returns let alone having to donate 30 per cent to roads and hospitals and schools. Granted a fair whack of that tax actually goes straight to our darling Sebastian’s Kings College Trinity and Aphrodite’s Our Lady Help of Accountants, but the fees alone soak up

$50 is up there for a riesling, possibly the uppitiest in the country, but it makes 27 miles seems like a fair journey if you have to. That was the distance the founding Jesuit brothers of Sevenhill walked to market in nearby Burra. 9.5/10.

Sevenhill Clare Valley Inigo Merlot 2021, $28. Is this the best value merlot this side of the Black Stump* Coffee Shop in Innamincka? If not, it is nevertheless big and bold and proper merlot. 9.4/10. *might be made up. Honeytree Hunter Valley Clairette, 2012, $48. Great name for a toffy girl eh? “Off to clarinet lessons, Clairette”. This reeks of classic old riesling which

$100k, plus the $5000 donation for the new headmaster’s lap pool. There’s barely enough left over for the insurance on the Aston Martin, and one can’t have one’s wife driving an uninsured vehicle for goodness sakes. It’s class warfare, the politics of envy (well, who isn’t envious of $3mill super?), and remember Albo, there’s more than 80,000 people like me. That’s 0.3

Max Crus

percent of the population mate, an entire electoral seat if we all lived in the same place…um, which we do, and that’s a tealcoloured Aston btw. Now let’s see, if we now pay $15,000 and the tax rate doubles, how much will that be? Um, better phone my accountant.

Bugger it, what’s another $15k?

Well, 50 dozen of these for one :

is fantastic. Classic French variety that sadly fell from grace as marketing types took over and foisted bucketloads of NZ sauv blanc and bland pinot gris upon us instead. Poor Clairette will be crying in her turret high above the moat. Let down your hair Clairette! 9.5/10.

Honeytree Hunter Valley ‘Paul Alexander’ Old Vines Shiraz 2011, $88. Predictably this has the character of older shiraz, commensurately round and soft, but also very full-bodied belying its meagre 13 per cent. Makes you want to see what every wine tastes like at 12 years of age. 9.4/10.

Vietnam is a country of immense beauty and diversity, o ering a unique combination of culture, history, and stunning landscapes. Located in Southeast Asia, Vietnam is bordered by Cambodia to the southwest, Laos to the northwest, and China to the north. It is also bordered by ailand to the west across the Gulf of ailand, and its east coast leads onto the South China Sea, north of Malaysia, northwest of Indonesia, and west of the Philippines. Vietnam is a popular destination for cultural and touring holidays, and is a captivating country to explore. e capital city of Hanoi is located in the north, and is known for its mix of well-preserved temples, bustling markets, and modern skyscrapers. e largest city, Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon), is

Discovering the Captivating Culture of Vietnam

located further south, and is renowned for its French colonial history and the intricate Cu Chi Tunnels used during the Vietnam War. e old imperial capital of Hué is also worth a visit. It is split into north and south by the Perfume River, with most of the hotels, restaurants, and cafés located in the south. A boat trip is a great way to take in the sights, with the historic Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) and 19th-century royal citadel, surrounded by a moat and thick stone walls, being particular highlights. For a perfect stopover, head east to the UNESCO World Heritage city of Hoi An. is ancient riverside city is interspersed with Venice-esque canals and is renowned for its superb cuisine, including pho noodle soup. Vietnam has also become an increasingly popular

beach destination, with a mix of family-friendly oceanfront resorts and luxurious romantic retreats. Most of the best beaches are located in the southern half of the country, such as Danang, which has calm waters and is ideal for kayaking. e city of Hoi An is close to the popular An Bang beach, while Ninh Van Bay is a superb hideaway only accessible by boat. Further south, Nha Trang is a popular beach resort with 19 o shore islands and is only a 45-minute drive from Cam Ranh. is coastal city is home to the chic and peaceful Fusion Resort Cam Ranh, Nha Trang. In the Phan iet region, Mui Ne was once a shing village and is now a popular beach resort. It is excellent for watersports, including sailing and kitesur ng, and has beautiful red

sand dunes on its outskirts. Two hidden gems worth visiting are Con Dao and Halong Bay. Con Dao is a mountainous archipelago of 15 rugged islands o Vietnam’s southern coast, with a national park covering 80% of the area and protecting sea turtle nesting grounds. Halong Bay is an enchanting UNESCO World Heritage area of natural beauty, an enclave of the Gulf of Tonkin o the northeast coast. It is known for its spectacular islets and limestone rock formations, topped with rainforest and breaking through the turquoise waters. For an unforgettable twin-centre holiday, pair any of Vietnam’s cities with the still relatively undiscovered Phu Quoc Island. is is Vietnam’s largest island o the southwest coast in the Gulf of ailand,

To Book: 0400 331 264 602 Gradys Creek Rd, Gradys Creek

info@ripplesonthecreek.com.au www.ripplesonthecreek.com.au

with a tropical climate and year-round warm temperatures. It is home to forests and hills in the north, lively tourist beaches in the south, and secluded spots on the west coast. Getting around Vietnam is surprisingly easy. e quickest way to get from one major destination to another is by plane, with regular ights making travelling between the north and south straightforward. Buses are a cheap and cheerful way to explore, but the journeys are o en long and rickety. Renting a car isn’t the norm due to the crazy city tra c, so it’s better to pay for a moto taxi or a cyclo. Make sure you agree a price beforehand, and don’t be afraid to barter. Paying extra for the comfort of a train is a good option for longer journeys, and a boat trip is another great way to get around. Shopping in Vietnam is an unforgettable experience. ere are brilliantly hectic markets in South-East Asia, from silk and silver streets in Hanoi’s Old Quarter to the must-see Ben anh Market in Ho Chi Minh City. Tailor shops will make bespoke garments for you in no time, and you can nd handicra s such as bamboo items, lacquerware, ceramics, silk, and jewellery. Antiques are available, but can be di cult to take back to the UK due to problems at customs. Be sure to haggle with locals for the best prices, except in state-run stores where prices are xed. Diving and snorkelling in Vietnam is also a great experience. Nha

Trang on the central coast is

home to several snorkelling sites in the South China Sea, and is known as the country’s diving capital. Here you’ll have the chance to see rare species including frog sh and cow sh. Phu Quoc is known for having Vietnam’s nest hard coral growth, and you can snorkel at Turtle Island o its northwest coast. e Con Dao Islands are the only snorkelling location which o ers the chance to see sharks, rays, turtles, and sea cows. Vietnamese cuisine is similar to Chinese, with lots of noodles and rice, plus seafood and sh by the coast. You can instantly see the emphasis on fresh herbs and produce, including basil and peppers, used extensively in hotels’ cuisine and also in street food. Popular dishes include pho noodle soup, the pork noodle dish cao lau in Hoi An, and Ho Chi Minh City’s bot chien – a mixture of rice our and egg, cooked then served with papaya, shallots, green onions, and pickled chilli sauce. Vietnam is a country of immense beauty and diversity, o ering a unique combination of culture, history, and stunning landscapes. From vibrant cities to hidden gems, and from bustling markets to luxurious beach resorts, there is something for everyone in this captivating country

The potential of plantbased alternatives to current weight management medications is being explored, with a new study from RMIT investigating the anti-obesity properties of the hardy roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa).

Led by PhD candidate Manisha Singh, the study found that antioxidant compounds (phenolic extracts) and organic acid (hydroxycitric acid) found in the roselle plant could inhibit the formation of fat cells. When the body has an excess of fat intake, fat can be deposited in the cell, which turns them into fat cells called adipocytes. Adipocytes are vital for regulating the body’s energy and sugar levels, but when energy intake exceeds expenditure, it can cause the fat cells to grow in both size and number, contributing to obesity. Human stem cells were separately treated with phenolic extracts and hydroxycitric acid before they were turned into fat

cells. Cells treated with hydroxycitric acid showed no change in the fat content of the adipocytes, while cells treated with phenolic extracts had 95% less fat as compared to control cells. Senior Lecturer Dr Thilini Thrimawithana, from the School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, said there is a growing interest in researching how antioxidant-rich compounds, called polyphenols, could one day help manage diseases like obesity to avoid side effects of medications such as Orlistat and Liraglutide. Polyphenols are found in food sources such as vegetables and fruits. When consumed, antioxidants remove the oxidation that forms in our bodies, which can help slow down aging and prevent diseases. Singh’s research also found polyphenols in the roselle had similar digestive enzyme-inhibiting properties as some obesity management medications.

The polyphenols inhibit the digestive enzyme called lipase. This enzyme helps break down fats into small fractions, so they are absorbed by the body through the intestine. The excess fats are turned into fat cells. By inhibiting the lipase enzyme, the fat cannot be absorbed so it is passed through the colon as waste. This could provide a natural alternative to current weight management medications, as the polyphenols are plant-derived and can be consumed with fewer or no side effects. The team plans to encapsulate the phenolic extracts for use in health food products. They say the extracts could be turned into little beads and used to make a refreshing drink. “Phenolic extracts oxidise easily, so not only does encapsulation extend its shelf life, but it lets us control how they are released and absorbed by the body,” said Professor Benu Adhikari, from

Hardy Plant a Superfood to Fight Obesity

RMIT’s Food Research and Innovation Centre. “If we don’t encapsulate the extract, it could break down in the stomach before we can reap its benefts.” Adhikari, a leading food researcher whose interest began as a farmer back in Nepal, predicts the roselle will play a bigger role in Australia’s health food industry. “Australia has the perfect climate for farming the roselle. The plant is hardy, disease resistant and it doesn’t need a lot of space or water to grow,” he said. The potential of plant-based alternatives to current weight management medications is also being explored in other areas. For example, some research has suggested that certain plant-based foods, such as apples and pears, may have a positive effect on weight management. Apples and pears contain polyphenols, which are compounds that act as antioxidants in the body, helping to reduce infammation and protect

cells from damage. These polyphenols may also help to reduce the absorption of fat in the intestine, leading to a lower calorie intake and weight loss. In addition, apples and pears are high in dietary fbre, which can help to reduce appetite and increase satiety, making it easier to manage weight. The combination of polyphenols and dietary fbre in apples and pears may make them an effective weight management tool. In addition, research has suggested that certain plantbased foods, such as nuts, may also help to reduce weight. Nuts are high in healthy fats, fbre, and protein, which can help to reduce appetite and increase satiety. They are also a good source of polyphenols, which can help to reduce infammation and protect cells from damage. The combination of healthy fats, fbre, and polyphenols in nuts may make them an effective weight management tool. Finally,

By J. WILLOW

research has suggested that certain plant-based foods, such as legumes, may also help to reduce weight. Legumes are high in fbre, protein, and polyphenols, which can help to reduce appetite and increase satiety. The combination of fbre, protein, and polyphenols in legumes may make them an effective weight management tool. Overall, the potential of plant-based alternatives to current weight management medications is being explored, with the roselle plant providing a promising option. In addition, other plant-based foods, such as apples, pears, nuts, and legumes, may also help to reduce weight.

The combination of polyphenols, dietary fbre, and healthy fats in these foods may make them an effective weight management tool.

For all your aches, pains, strains and migraines THINK BOWEN THERAPY (THE AUSSIE THERAPY)

1. In a large pan on medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon of oil. Once the oil is hot, add chicken, season with salt and pepper, and sauté until cooked through and browned. Remove cooked chicken from pan and set aside.

2. In the same pan, heat 1 tablespoon of oil and add mushrooms. When the mushrooms start to soften, add broccoli florets and stir fry until the broccoli is tender. Remove cooked mushrooms and broccoli from the pan and set aside.

3. Add 1 tablespoon of oil to the pan and sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant. Add the remaining sauce ingredients and stir until smooth.

4. Return the chicken and vegetables to the saucy pan, stir until heated through.

5 Serve with hot rice or noodles.

6. Enjoy!

Chicken & Veggie Stir-Fry

If you’re looking for an alternative to takeout, why not try making your own stir fry? This easy recipe is a great way to use up any leftover vegetables and proteins you have in your fridge. Plus, you can control the amount of salt, sugar, and oil you use, so you can make a healthier version of your favourite take-out dish. Start by heating up some oil in a wok or large pan. Once it’s hot, add your protein of choice - chicken, beef, pork, or tofu - and cook until it’s golden brown. Then, add your vegetables and stir fry until they’re tender. For extra favour, you can add some

Ingredients for 6 servings

• 0.7kg (1kg) chicken breast (455 g), cubed

• salt, to taste

• pepper, to taste

• .7kg (1kg) broccoli forets (455 g)

• 1 cup mushroom (225 g), sliced

• 3 tablespoons oil, for frying

Sauce

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced

• 2 teaspoons sesame oil

• cup reduced sodium soy sauce (80 mL)

• 1 tablespoon brown sugar

• 1 cup chicken broth (240 mL)

• 1/4 cup four (30g)

garlic, ginger, and chilli fakes. Once the vegetables are cooked, make the sauce by combining soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and sesame oil in a small bowl. Pour the sauce into the pan and stir it through the stir fry. Cook for a few minutes until everything is well coated and the sauce has thickened. Finally, serve your stir fry with a side of steamed rice or noodles. You can also top it with some fresh herbs, toasted sesame seeds, or a dollop of chilli sauce.

Enjoy your homemade take-out meal!

Apple trees and grass are not exactly good companion plants.

We are o en asked how wide a mulch ring is around any given fruit tree. is can be a specious argument, depending on who you ask. But let’s just suppose for a moment, that you could fast forward time about ve years a er you’ve planted your rst apple tree. Let’s also suppose that you’ve also planted chives around that tree.

CHIVES

Well let’s just assume that the variety of apples you wanted is more susceptible to apple scab; chives can take care of that. Chives not only are added to many dishes in the kitchen but are also used as nature’s pest confusers. Plant these around the trunk of the tree.

DAFFODIL

ese also get planted in a ring around the tree. Not only are they among the rst blossoms in the spring, but are a rodent deterrent, keeping the rodents from chewing the bark o . Plus owers to bring in for the dining table.

CURRANTS

All black, white, or red currants are bene cial below the tree. ey each o er medicinal and culinary uses.

STRAWBERRY

What is the best month to plant fruit trees?

The best time to plant bare root fruit trees is in the early spring from February to early May since this will give enough time for their root systems to grow and for the plant to survive a harsh winter.

Should you fertilize newly planted fruit trees?

When fruit trees are first planted, the priority is to encourage them to grow roots by maintaining even soil moisture in good-quality soil. Once young trees find their feet – usually one to two years after planting – you can start fertilizing them to promote strong, steady growth.

Another plant that is not only good to eat but draws in bene cial insects. e canopy of the tree provides less sunlight, the strawberry will spread out as the tree grows, on its own, or with your help to get out from underneath the tree canopy to get more sunlight.

LEMON BALM

Another plant used for stabilizing soil, drawing in bene cial insects, medicine, and food avoring. Many herbs are used here. Don’t limit yourself to Lemon Balm only.

PEA VINES & BEANS

Why not let a pea vine climb up the tree? Food, nectar, and most important in this situation, nitrogen- xing. Many plants fall into this category called nitrogen- xing plants. ese plants set atmospheric nitrogen that the tree ends up with. Nitrogen- xing plants are a necessary part of growing great fruit. Peas and beans will t the bill just right, though there are a number of great plants for this. Stand back now and take a look at what you’ve just done. It’s ve years down the road; you have a great selection of plants with all kinds of uses around your apple tree. is is just one example of all the possibilities out there.

DANDELION

Why the dandelion has become one of the homeowner’s most dreaded plants Lord knows. For food, med-

icine, and soil structure, there are few other plants that are as nutritious and healing, e cient, proli c, and persistent. is applies to pear trees especially. However, most fruit trees fall into what we are about to explain. Pear blossoms are not quite as sweet as other ower blossoms in the morning. But as the day goes on, the nectar levels build and by the a ernoon these levels will attract the attention of the bees. e dandelion feeds the bees all morning, and by the a ernoon the sugar levels on the pears are coming up. Like humans, bees also get a variety of food. So you can see one of the importance of the wonderful dandelion. You have food, medicine, pest repellants, and plants that draw in bene cial insects, all in one little space around your tree. Bees are extremely important here and will have a nice variety to choose from. We are maximizing the owering components of an orchard interplant, to eliminate grass, to draw in all pollinators, predatory insects, and even insectivorous birds. Accomplishing multiple crops in one area versus one crop, one area. Multiple crops to complement each other easily eliminates chemical pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers. Albrecht’s Nursery does not approve of these chemicals. Not only do the chemicals harm us,

but they can also harm bene cial that we need to bring in to keep the balance.

Fruit trees need to be planted in a sunny spot that receives at least six hours of sunlight per day year-round, with enough room to grow in – space them away from other plants and surfaces, and welldrained soil. Dig a hole larger than you need to help the roots spread out when planting.

Can you plant di erent fruit trees next to each other?

If the fruits are di erent varieties, they won’t pollinate each other properly, but there are ways to ensure they don’t grow too close to each other. Aim for at least three feet between two trees for optimal pollination. Aim to plant di erent fruit trees at least ve feet apart.

How do you prepare a fruit tree for planting?

Remove the tree from the pot and lightly tease roots down side of the root ball and loosen any matted roots at base of root balls. Fill in soil around roots, making sure not to plant root ball any more than 2cm lower than it was in the container. Trees will suffer if planted too deep.

Sherlock Holmes comes to QPAC with the world premiere of The Mystery of the Valkyrie.

This coming March 2023 at QPAC, one of the most

piece band will perform, Rob Brydon – A Night Of Songs & Laughter. This new show follows on from the huge success of his 2019 sold out tour of Australia and marks the frst time the much-loved entertainer has created a show that includes songs and music alongside his acclaimed wit and comedy. With songs from Tom Waits

to Tom Jones, and Guys and Dolls to Elvis (and almost everything in between), audiences can expect Rob’s usual warmth and humour as well as some of his famed gallery of voices. Rob Brydon’s varied career began with the TV comedy shows Marion and Geoff and Human Remains in 2000, for which he won British Comedy Awards.

Since then his comedy credits have included A Small Summer Party, The Keith Barret Show, Directors Commentary, Supernova, Cruise Of The Gods, Black Books, I’m Alan Partridge, Little Britain, Live At The Apollo, Rob Brydon’s Annually Retentive, QI, The Big Fat Quiz Of The Year, Have I Got News For You, Gavin

Helen Cassidy is Inspector MacDonald

Darcy Brown is Mycroft

Rowan Chapman is Moran

Jackson McGovern is Nikita Ivanovsky

Danny Brown is Sergeant Turner

Sarah McIntosh is Claudia This production is not

and Stacey, Rob Brydon’s Identity Crisis, Would I Lie To You and The Trip with Steve Coogan. He has also appeared in the dramas Oliver Twist, Heroes and Villains: Napoleon, The Way We Live Now, Murder In Mind, Kenneth Tynan: In Praise of Hardcore, Marple and the flms 24 Hour Party People, MirrorMask, A Cock and Bull Story and the flm Swimming with Men.

In 2009 alongside Ruth Jones, Robin Gibb and Sir Tom Jones, Rob reached number one in the UK charts with the single Islands in “The Stream”, in aid of Comic Relief. He also embarked on an 87 date tour of the UK with his stand up show, Rob Brydon Live, which included a three week run in London’s West End. He also recently enjoyed a sold-out tour with Lee Mack and David Mitchell, before his own sell-out tour in 2020.

“I’m so excited to be heading back to Australia

sponsored or endorsed by, nor is it associated in any way with, The Conan Doyle Estate or any of its affliates and/or licensors.

Recommended for ages 15 years and older.

and getting back on stage with this new show. Touring with this incredible band of musicians is such a delight. I’m looking forward to getting around your fne country next year and bring some much needed music and laughter.”

Rob Brydon

Rob Brydon Act 1 –1 hour 5 mins

Rob Brydon Act 2 – 1 hour

Concert Hall 2 hours and 25 min(includes interval, subject to change without notice)

literature and screen comes to life on stage with this highly-anticipated new Australian work. Journey back to 221B Baker Street with Holmes, Watson, Adler and Moriarty, as this fast-paced dramatic thriller explodes onto the Playhouse stage with extraordinary staging and projections.

Written and Directed by the extraordinary Michael Futcher, this epic play will have you on the edge of

your seat, until The Mystery of the Valkyrie is solved. Book today. The game is afoot. Only at QPAC for a strictly limited season!

Eugene Gilfedder is Sherlock Holmes

Anthony Gooley is Dr. John Watson

Bryan Probets is Professor Moriarty

Kimie Tsukakoshi is Irene Adler

Free Live Music Friday Nights

Award-winning comedian Rob Brydon and his eight-

Scream VI review – Ghostface takes Manhattan in standout slasher sequel

There’s plenty of fun to be had in a gorier and smarter followup to last year’s franchise relauncher

There’s a moment in the uncommonly good slasher sequel Scream VI when Hayden Panettiere’s

returning fan favourite character says she died for four minutes after being stabbed in 2011’s fourth instalment. That flm, now viewed as a rather underappreciated entry, killed the franchise for far longer, positioned as the start of a new trilogy but instead stopping the series for over a decade, its wounding box offce proving far harder to heal.

But easy access to the series via streaming and an increased appetite for the horror genre led to a hyped resurrection and

PH: 6686 9600

ballinafaircinemas.com.au

last year’s simply titled Scream became a surprise hit, re-engaging the OG 90s kids while also inspiring a legion of new bloodthirsty fans. As a legacy sequel it was only half-successful, juggling the old and the new with shaky hands, but it was good enough in a landscape where that’s more than enough, and cautious intrigue awaited wherever the franchise might go next.

As with 1997’s Scream 2, we didn’t need to wait that long with the worryingly rushed Scream VI out just over a year later, survivors re-assembling for more meta mayhem. While, as is always the case with a Scream movie, there are plenty of surprising twists in store for them and us, perhaps the biggest surprise is just how impressive the whole thing is, given both the frantic cram of production and the muddle of what came before. There are so many plates now in the air – two different generations grappling with one absurdly convoluted timeline – but returning screenwriters James Vanderbilt and Guy Busick have found a way to make the spinning feel effortless, mastering a tonal balance that they struggled with last time around.

Tone has always been key with the Scream movies,

an unusual melange of self-referential snark, Scooby Doo mysterysolving, gory horror and far-fetched family soap. Unlike so many slasher sequels that focus more on the primal basics of watching someone in a mask do horrible things to anonymous young people, a new Scream is tasked with not only tackling an almost 30-year-long melodrama involving multiple families and multiple grudges but also with a need to reinvent the wheel, each sequel having to say or do something we haven’t seen before. While Scream VI is far less fxated on a thesis than the ffth was, it’s still clever enough to comment on franchise fatigue and the repetitive grind of trauma without feeling as didactic or as smug as so many more superfcially high-minded horror flms. There are brief but effective tinges of sadness (it’s the sixth flm and a lot of people have died at this point) but it’s sprightly enough to not get bogged down by it, remembering the most important thing a Scream flm should be is fun. We’re out of Woodsboro for only the third time in the franchise (the second flm took us to a leafy college campus, the third to Hollywood) and, like

Jason Voorhees before him/her/them, Ghostface is taking Manhattan, or more accurately Montreal posing as Manhattan.

Sam Carpenter (Melissa Barrera), aka the daughter of Billy Loomis (Skeet Ulrich, still returning in visions, still a heinous idea), has insisted herself upon her sister Tara (Jenna Ortega), an understandably smothering presence after the two almost died months before. But before you can say the classic slasher sequel line “It’s starting again”, it starts again with bodies piling up around them, at the bodega, in an apartment building and, of course, on the subway.

What’s notable this time around is that it’s not Neve Campbell’s tortured Final Girl Sidney Prescott resignedly delivering that line because, for the frst time, she’s not a part of this chapter. The star spoke out about a perceived low salary, a slight given her prominence in the franchise and how much money the last flm made, and decided not to return (a strategy that will surely, hopefully, pay off with a healthy paycheck for the inevitable Scream VII). Instead, it’s down to Courteney Cox, returning as opportunistic yet haunted journalist Gale Weathers (and thankfully

given more to do this time which she does predictably well), and Panettiere’s flm geek turned FBI agent to represent the older guard while Mason Gooding and Jasmin Savoy Brown’s brother-sister pairing Chad and Mindy, aka nephew and niece of Jamie Kennedy’s Randy Meeks, return on the younger side. After a genuinely surprising and horribly effective cold open, something every Scream is judged by, directors Matt BettinelliOlpin and Tyler Gillett fnd their groove instantly, freed from the shackles of both the scene-setting of the last flm and a need to be as tiresomely meta. Barrera also feels freer, overcoming some of her soapier acting impulses, and fostering a strong sibling dynamic with Ortega, again a standout. While we might have left the ffth flm worried that the newer generation would ever be able to capture the same longrunning chemistry as their predecessors, there’s little doubt here, the “core four” as they call themselves proving both charming and heartfelt.

It’s the second flm in the new rebooted universe so bigger is seen as better with a number of brash and bloody setpieces, most of which prove suspenseful enough if never actually scary (has a Scream flm needed to be truly scary since the frst?). It’s the goriest movie of the series so far but without veering into grimness, again that tonal balance perfectly modulated. The last act reveal is as goofy as one would expect but satisfyingly so for reasons impossible to explain without entering spoiler territory. What can be said

about what’s to come next. propulsive jolt then there’s

(PG)

• Disney 100yrs SingAlong “Frozen” (March 24 & 25)

We have an amazing line up of shows coming to the Saraton.

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

LIAM COOPER’S KINGS OF KEYS

Saturday August 5, 2023 @ 7:30pm

MUSIC OF THE NIGHT TRIBUTE

TO ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER

Sunday August 27, 2023 @ 2pm

Tens of thousands of years ago, a genetic mutation gave rise to the physical manifestation of red hair in humans. Now, like many, they are endangered. The audience enter QPAC’s Playhouse to fnd a transparent infatable containing two dance performers with red hair. Audience members are taken to their seats on stage. Eventually the air inside the infatable is gradually removed, ultimately

vacuum packing the two performers, preserving them with nothing but one another.

Opening to critical acclaim at Brisbane Festival in 2021, RED illuminates the preciousness of life and the intrinsic value of nature through the exquisite, immersive performance by ensemble members Marlo Benjamin (Outstanding Performance by a Female Dancer – 2020 Australian Dance Awards) and

Performing at QPAC for the frst time, Dancenorth is one of Australia’s leading contemporary dance companies having presented work in over 45 International Arts Festivals and venues around Australia and the world.

Epic and intimate, RED illuminates the universal challenge of our survival.

Time is running out.

ALL Mustang owners

Michael Smith (2020-21 Matilda award winner).

“I have never seen anything like this. Nobody has.” The Courier-Mail “You won’t be able to turn away from start to fnish.” Limelight

“Captivating, visceral, and wildly impressive.”

Nothing Ever Happens in Brisbane “Riveting viewing.” Dance Australia

PONY MUSTER

QUICK CROSSWORD

ACROSS

1 Type of nut (6)

4 Country of Southeast Asia (8)

9 Cover story (5)

10 Neighbour of Mexico (9)

11 Popular aquarium sh (5)

12 Elusively (9)

13 Native American tribe (8)

15 Hang (6)

16 Hymn tune (6)

18 Fades back (8)

23 Forming a mental image of (9)

24 Used to speak (5)

26 Artworks (9)

27 Father of Beau and Je Bridges (5)

28 Adorn (8)

29 Suppress information (6)

DOWN

1 In a state of disorder (7)

2 Woman’s garment (5)

3 Territory ruled by an Islamic monarch (7)

5 Human manifestation (6)

6 Common name for the US (7)

7 Rummaged (9)

8 Dissect (7)

SUDOKU

10 Australian rugby league player and former Senator,

– Lazarus (5)

14 Pathological self-admirer (9)

16 Broke o a small piece (7)

17 Pilot (7)

19 Spurs on (5)

20 Town in southern Spain (7)

21 Slim (7)

22 Type of nch (6)

25 Idols (5)

1 Was US athlete Mickey Mantle a famous: a) basketball player, b) baseball player or c) football player?

2 What was the debut album of UK band Arctic Monkeys?

3 Joan of Arc lived in which century?

4 Which Chinese city is further north: Beijing or Shanghai?

5 In what year did the West Coast Eagles play their rst AFL match?

6 Jada Pinkett Smith (pictured) provides the voice of which character in the Madagascar lm franchise?

7 The name of which Adelaide suburb is a palindrome?

8 Scampi is what type of animal?

9 What is the world’s driest continent after Antarctica?

10 What is the most abundant metallic element found on Earth?

ACROSS

1 Sail support (4)

5 Spread (4)

6 Rocket (4)

7 Mailed (4)

DOWN

1 Flowerless green plant (4)

2 Drug-yielding plant (4)

3 Irish male name (4)

4 Wrong (4)

The leftover letters will spell out a secret message.

137

Using the nine letters in the grid, how many words of four letters or more can you list? The centre letter must be included, and each letter may only be used once. No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural words ending in “s”.

BANDICOOT

Death Notice

Ian Ronald Blanch (Muddy) Of Southgate Road (Lawrence Road).

Dearly loved son of Olive and Ron Blanch (both dec’d).

Beloved husband of Glenda. Dear brother of Alan and twin brother of Earle.

Passed away 1st March 2023

AGED 73 YEARS

A Funeral Service was held on ursday 9th March 2023 in Gra on.

Davis, Beverley

20.05.1941 – 06.03.2023

Beverley Fae Davis, Late of South Lismore

Passed away peacefully on Monday the 6th of March, aged 81 years.

Dearly loved Wife of Cecil (dec.) Much loved Mother and Mother-in-law of Leanne & Wayne, Janelle & Gregory and Geo & Deb. Cherished Nanna to Scott, Grant, Katrina, Luke, Adriana, Ellivia, Ryan, Sam and Ellana.

Loving Great-grandmother to all her Great-grandchildren.

Family and friends are warmly invited to attend Beverley’s Funeral service to be held at Parkview Funeral Home, 43 Holland Street Goonellabah on Monday 20 March 2023, commencing at 11.00am.

Jean elma Vidler (née Braid)

20/11/1926 - 04/03/2023

Late of East Ballina formerly of Lismore. Passed away surrounded by loved ones, on Saturday 4th March 2023, Aged 96 years.

Dearly lovely wife of Desmond Royce (dec.). Loved Mother and Mother-in-law of Jannell & Russell, William (Glenn) & Barbara, Desley & Michael, Linda & Daniel, and Heather & Mark. Cherished Grandmother of Matthew, Megan, Jarrad, Reanna, Declan, Eamon, Kieran, and Daniel. Loving Great-grandmother of Lydia, Esther, Jacob, Abigail, and Macie.

Family and Friends are warmly invited to attend Jean’s Funeral Service to be held at Parkview Funeral Home, 21 Kalinga Street, Ballina on ursday, 16th March 2023, at 10.30am

Funeral Notice

BLOOMER (nee Still), Marlene

Late of Sta ord Heights

Sadly passed away peacefully

Sunday 5th March 2023

Aged 88 years

Devoted Wife of Cecil (dec’d)

Much loved Mother, Mother-in-law, Grandmother and Great Grandmother of Anthony, Christopher, and their Families

Family and Friends are warmly invited to attend the Graveside Service for Marlene to be held on Wednesday 15th March 2023, commencing at 11am within the Lutwyche Cemetery, Kedron. Livestreaming will be available, for more detail phone 07 3293 0555 or visit holycrossfunerals.com.au

07 3293 0555

This page is dedicated to all those that have passed

A/c Townview Partnership Urbenville, EU Acc 200 Hereford

DAY TWO

Thursday, 23rd March 2023 10:00am DST NRLX Casino E European Breeds Sale

Weaners

Comprising:

4 4000 HEAD

1500 Charolais x weaner steers

100 Limousin x weaner steers

400 Simmental weaner steers

1000 Charolais x weaner heifers

300 Simmental x weaner heifers

50 Limousin x weaner heifers

Feature Draft A/c:

A/c McCabe Family, Murwillumbah, EU Acc

60 Charolais x weaner steers

40 Charolais x weaner heifers

A A/c LW & KM Hellyar, Wiangaree

70 Charolais x weaner steers

50 Charolais x weaner heifers

A A/c J & J Stuart, Cedar Point

40 Charolais x weaner steers

20 Charolais x weaner heifers

A A/c Oakburn Ettrick

225 Charolais x weaner steers

225 Charolais x weaner heifers

A A/c PJ & SA Fuhrmann Mummulgum

100 Charolais x weaner steers

50 Charolais x weaner heifers A/c P & L Hannigan, Numulgi, EU Acc

190 Charolais x weaner steers

160 Charolais x weaner heifers

By Palgrove & Ascot Charolais bulls

A A/c IM Hewetson, Mallanganee, EU Acc

300 Simmental x weaner steers

300 Simmental x weaner heifers

A A/c P & J Fuhrmann & Family, Mummulgum, EU Acc

400 Charolais x weaner steers

400 Charolais x weaner heifers

A/c BD JB & WD Cooke Stratheden

70 Charolais x weaner steers

50 Charolais x weaner heifers

A/c R & C Dean, Culmaran Creek, EU Acc

70 Hereford Simmental weaner steers

A A/c Boland Family, Coraki, EU Acc

50 Charolais weaner steers

A A/c G & V Love, Murwillumbah

30 Charolais x weaner steers

30 Charolais x weaner heifers

A A/c J & K James, Coongbar

60 Charolais Simmental x weaner steers

40 Charolais Simmental x weaner heifers

DAY THREE

Friday, 24th March 2023

10:00am DST

NRLX Casino

B Bos Indicus Sale

Weaners Comprising:

3 3000 HEAD

Mallanganee, EU Acc 25 Santa Hereford weaner steers 25 Santa Hereford weaner heifers

i g i b l e

Santa Hereford weaner steers 250 Santa Hereford weaner heifers A A/c Surfmill Pty Ltd Tabulam 60 Angus x Brangus Weaner Steers

TRADES & SERVICES, COMMUNITY NOTICES

if you’re on a JobSeeker payment and 55 or older, it’s a great way to meet your mutual obligation requirements. If you’re interested, visit us at the museum or phone or email us.

EMBROIDERERS GROUP

• New & replacement metal roofs

• Painting of tile and metal roofs

• Roof repairs: tile and metal

• Guttering: whirly birds: mesh

• Emergency/insurance repairs

ALSTONVILLE

INSURANCE - COMMERCIAL STRATA - RESIDENTIAL

Septic

Byron

ALSTONVILLE BRANCH OF THE RED CROSS

The Alstonville Red Cross branch meets monthly in Alstonville. As meeting dates sometimes vary, please call Carol on 0424 742 774 for details of our next meeting.

ALSTONVILLE PLATEAU HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Alstonville Plateau Historical Society is holding its monthly meeting on Sunday 19th March at 2pm. The speaker will be Lois Hennes, who will introduce one of Crawford House Museum’s outreach programs, the Frock Club. This club aims to bring about community connectedness using slow fashion as a vehicle. The meeting will be held in the Community Resource Centre at Crawford House Museum, 10 Wardell Road Alstonville. Visitors are very welcome; entry is free and no booking is required. Enquiries (02) 6628 1829, aphs2477@yahoo.com.au or www. aphsmuseum.org.au.

ALSTONVILLE QUOTA CLUB

A local women’s service club that meets on the 1st Tuesday of the month at the Plateau Sports Club. Quota is committed to supporting and improving the physical and mental wellbeing of the disadvantaged in our community through local projects. Contact: quotaalstonville@gmail.com for more details.

CRAWFORD HOUSE MUSEUM

The latest exhibition at Crawford House Museum is “Signifcant Stories and Items from the Alstonville Plateau Historical Society Collection”. It will introduce you to some amazing historical objects which have been identifed during the Society’s Signifcance Assessment Project and have state and national heritage signifcance. The exhibition runs until Friday 31st March. The museum also has facilities for research about Ballina Shire families, as well as books about local history and commemorative wineglasses and keyrings for sale. The museum is at 10 Wardell Road Alstonville and is open Fridays 10am-4pm and Sundays 1pm-4pm or at other times by appointment for groups. Enquiries (02) 6628 1829, aphs2477@ yahoo.com.au or www.aphsmuseum. org.au. By the way, there are openings for people of any age to volunteer in administration or in the museum and

Meetings are 9.30am-2.30pm 1st and 3rd Wednesdays and 2nd Saturday of each month except December and January. Our venue is the Resource Centre at the rear of Crawford House Museum, Alstonville. We welcome embroiderers of all ability levels to meet, share and learn. For more information see our facebook page ‘Lismore Group – Embroiderers’ Guild NSW’, or simply turn up.

MCLEANS RIDGES CRAFT GROUP meet at the McLeans Ridges Hall, Cowlong Road, McLeans Ridges on the 2nd Saturday of each month from 9.30am to 3.30pm. Scrapbooking, card making, paper craft, knitting whatever takes your fancy. Come along for an enjoyable day. Bring your own morning tea and lunch. Coffee, tea, milk provided. A small fee to cover hall hire. Ph 0401 047 513.

SQUARE DANCING

Summerland Larrikins Squares Alstonville, Fridays 7.30pm-9.30pm at Uniting Church Hall, 59 Main Street, Alstonville. Contact 0407663017 for further information. New dancers welcome.

THE RETURNED AND SERVICES

LEAGUE OF AUSTRALIA (NSW Branch) ALSTONVILLE SUBBRANCH

Alstonville RSL sub-Branch hold their monthly meetings on the second Saturday of the month at 0900 at the RSL Hall, 13 Bugden Ave (next door to the Alstonville Medical Centre). All exService persons are welcome to attend, and we have a convivial morning tea on completion of the meeting. Alstonville RSL sub-Branch have a ‘Lower Deck Luncheon’ at 1200 each Friday, everyone is welcome, we sit out the back of the Hall, order lunch from local suppliers, and have great conversations with good mates. There is always plenty of support & advice on any issue! (But not much sympathy)

BALLINA

Free community Brunch is now on the frst Saturday of every month. Everyone is invited. So, join us for a free bacon and egg roll, sausages cereal, toast, rissoles, tea and coffee, or just come for a chat.

All welcome. From 10am to 12 pm In the Ballina Presbyterian Hall, the corner of Cherry and Crane St Just behind the church.

BALLINA ARTS & CRAFTS CENTRE INC. (BACCI)

We are a diverse group of Artists and Crafters that participate in wonderful group exhibitions. Over 50 members are from all over the Northern Rivers. Meetings are usually on the 1st Monday of every month at the Cherry Street Sports Club. Social gathering at 5, for a 5.30 start. For more information - info@bacci. com.au or phone Deb on 0432105540

BALLINA BRIDGE CLUB

“Social play every Monday 9-11.30am”. Sessions for all levels of players on

Mon, Wed, Sat from 1pm to about 5pm. Be seated at 12:45. Restricted session (under 300 Masterpoints) Thu 1pm – about 5pm. Friday mornings –Help with Play – open to anyone who would like some help with their game from teachers on duty. 9am to about 11:15pm. Sessions are $5 for members and $7 for visitors at 13 North Ck Rd, Ballina Please call Judy Forsyth (president) on 0407664337. www. ballinabridge.org.au

BALLINA CWA

Ladies that are at a loose end on a Wednesday morning, might like to come and join our happy band of members. We meet every Wednesday from 9.00am to noon and can learn many crafts from fellow ladies. Barbara, our Handicraft’s Offcer (0428116668) is there to lend a hand when help is needed. She also teaches us new handicraft techniques. Why not call in to see us for the morning?

Morning tea is served at a cost of just $3. All are welcome.

Mahjong is played in our rooms Wednesdays and Thursdays from 12 noon until 4.00pm at a cost of $4. Everyone is welcome.

BALLINA EVENING VIEW CLUB

Meets on the second Wednesday of each month at the Ballina RSL Club at 6.30 for dinner at 7pm - Guests are always welcome. Our members support the education of disadvantaged children in Australia by fundraising activities and social events in our local community for The Smith Family - by sponsoring 5 Learning for Life students. Contact President Julie Stephan 0434988770.

BALLINA HOSPITAL AUXILIARY

Following our last meeting, we have had a change of President.

Unfortunately, due to ill health Barbara McFadden has had to resign and I am acting President till our AGM in July. With the support of our membership our future events will continue to support our local Ballina Hospital. However, one event which has had to be cancelled is our two-day Craft Show which was due to be held in May at the Jockey Club. This was our biggest annual fundraiser, but we can no longer provide enough members able to run it.

Our Kiosk in the hospital has reopened and at present is open from 10 till 2 Monday to Friday and 10 till 1 on Saturdays.

Our Easter Street Stall will be on Thursday 6th April outside The Greater Bank on River St Ballina from 8 till 2. An Easter Raffe will be on sale very soon including at Ballina Fair. We are actively seeking new members especially those who can cook, sew crochet and knit. A willingness to help run our events, sell raffe tickets etc is essential. If you would like to join us, come along to our next meeting in the Solarium at Ballina Hospital on Tuesday 21st March at 1.30pm. It is $5 per year to join.

BALLINA LADIES PROBUS CLUB

The next meeting of the Ballina Ladies Probus Club is on the Fifth of April at the Ballina RSL Club.at 10 am The Guest Speaker will be from the Friends of the Koalas. All visitors are welcome.

Phone Wendy: 0410560916 or Beryl: 0409285282 for more information

Thank you, Fay Jeanne Rickert. Publicity

BALLINA SENIOR CITIZENS BRIDGE CLUB

Social Bridge Play in Seniors Hall. Swift Street Ballina on Wednesday & Saturdays @ 12.05 pm Enquiries Phone: 0493425002 for details.

BALLINA TOY LIBRARY

Welcomes families from Ballina Shire. 9 Regatta Avenue, Ballina.

Open Tuesdays 1pm - 3pm, and Saturdays 10am - 1pm. Ph. 0411 719 074 for enquiries

ASSOCIATION OF INDEPENDENT RETIREES

Far North coast Branch.

The next meeting of the Association of Independent Retirees, Far North coast Branch, will not be held on the frst Friday of April, being Good Friday, so will be held on the following Friday 14 April. Any enquiries to President/ Secretary: John Ritchie on 0437 509 618.

FELLOWSHIP OF FIRST FLEETERS

The next meeting of the Northern Rivers Fellowship of First Fleeters will be held on Sunday 26th March 2023 at the Cherry Street Sports Club, Ballina at 10.30 am. Our guest speaker will be Patricia Wilson from the Ballina Historical Society speaking on Ballina’s Early Settlement. All visitors are very welcome.

If you wish to attend, please contact Roddy Jordan on 66875339 or via email hollysbuddy1@bigpond.com

FREE COMMUNITY BRUNCH BALLINA

We are now pleased that our hot brunch centre can be held twice a month, the 1st and third Saturday. Everyone is welcome, so come and enjoy a free sausage sizzle, hot dogs, tea, coffee, or juice or just come for a chat. This is held at the Ballina Presbyterian Church Hall, on the corner of Cherry and Crane St 10am to 12pm for more information call Chris on 0411510430

IN FOCUS TOASTMASTERS CLUB

How about trying something different? If you would like to improve your communication and leadership skills or simply make new friends and have fun, you are warmly invited to attend the In Focus Toastmasters Club. We meet the 3rd Wednesday evening of each month. You may attend either from the comfort of your own home via zoom or join us in person at the Cherry Street Sports Club, Ballina. For more, contact our President via email at: president-3209990@ toastmastersclubs.org or our PR offcer at: vppr-3209990@ toastmastersclubs.org

NORTHERN RIVERS

NAVAL & MARINERS ASSOCIATION

This association was formed to attract veterans for companionship, wellbeing and to supply advocacy to veterans. We hold an informal gathering every Friday, 2.30pm at Ballina Angling Club (families are welcome). Contact Allan Watt for more information on 0402 749 582 or email jakknco@ bigpond.net.au

BONALBO

DOGFEST COMMUNITY FESTIVAL

After years of fres, covid isolation and foods the village of Bonalbo is coming together as a community to celebrate DogFest. Why dogs? Bonalbo was the frst Show, in 1950, to run working dog trials using cattle. These trials are now run Australia wide, but Bonalbo has the bronze dog statue to prove the birthplace.

On March 17 and March 18, 2023, all dogs will be celebrated, not just the working dogs. Everyone is welcome to come along, stay overnight at the caravan park, and have a fun time. The very famous Wonderdogs, stars of stage and screen, will be putting on 2 shows So, what is happening?

Friday March 17 Bonalbo Memorial Hall

5.30pm Opening of the DogFest Art Exhibition

Free hotdogs and popcorn

7pm Free screening of the flm Red Dog

Saturday March 18 All Good Dogs welcome on leash Bonalbo Showgrounds

10am start

10.30am Free face painting –get your dog face on Working Dog demonstration

11.00am- Wonderdogs Show

11.30am – Kids Art Activities

12 noon – Fun Dog Show

1.30pm – Working Dog Demonstration

2.00pm-Wonderdogs Show

2.30pm – Kids Art Awards

3.00pm – Fun Activities

In between visit the many information stalls, including Story Dogs, Toad Awareness, Legal advice, Lifeline, Animal Rights and Rescue.

See Kyogle Youth Action people put together wire dogs. Enjoy country music with Jeff and Col.

Eat up at the FREE bbq run by Mens Shed and the FREE Morning Tea run by CWA and purchase Loaded Fries from Powicks Pantry and coffee, ice cream and dumplings from Backyard Dog.

Get your free DogFest bag and win DogFest ribbons.

Organised by Bonalbo SOS Progress Association for everyone from everywhere. Enquiries Sharon Tucker 0419560462

BRUNSWICK HEADS

BRUNSWICK VALLEY VIEW

CLUB

Brunswick Valley VIEW Club’s monthly luncheons are held at Brunswick Heads Bowling Club on the 2nd Thursday of each month at 10.30am for 11am.

Apologies to Wenda on 0449 563 580 or email wjhunt@ yahoo.com no later than the Monday before. VIEW stands for Voice, Interests and Education of Women. The club supports seven disadvantaged students in The Smith Family’s Learning for Life program. Info: view.org.au, call 1800 805 366 or email view@ thesmithfamily.com.au.

CASINO

CASINO & BONALBO UPPER CLARENCE LIONS

CLUBS

Casino Lions club now meets each 4th Wed at the RSM.

CASINO COMMUNITY

MEN’S SHED

Mon, Tues, Wed, attendance limited to 50 members, 8am1.30pm. Contact 66626423 DH or casmenshed@live.com.au

CASINO CWA

The CWA Casino Day’s would like to thank everyone who supported our frst Street Stall for 2023 on Saturday 11th March. We would also like to invite everyone to our monthly meeting held the 3rd Thursday of the month. The next meeting is at the Casino Community Centre 9.00am this Thursday March 16th, 2023. Everyone is welcome. Enquires Margaret Good 66621746, Jennifer Baker 043892060.

CASINO CWA EVENING BRANCH

The Evening Branch meets on the 1st Thursday of the month 6pm at the Uniting Hall in Canterbury Street. For more information, contact Branch secretary Jo Piccoli 0417798622”

CASINO & DISTRICT FAMILY HISTORY GROUP INC

We are open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 am to 2 pm, Wednesdays from 12 pm to 4 pm and every third Saturday from 9 am to 11.30 am. We are closed from mid-December to late January.

We are in Room 5, upstairs in the School of Arts building in Walker Street, Casino. Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month at 10 am. Upcoming events:

10 April meeting – guest speaker on older drivers and tips for tests

17 April is an outing to Mara Seeds.

28 April is a workshop on Google Maps and its use in family history research. For a small fee we can do research for you as well.

Call us on 6664 1118 or email us at casinofhg@gmail.com

CASINO GALLERY-ART at the CASSINO GALLERY. The Casino Art Group meets here every Saturday

10am - 3pm. The Gallery is also open Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 10am to 3pm. Interested in promoting YOUR medium? Come to the gallery for information. Cassinoartgallery@gmail.com

CASINO HOSPITAL

AUXILIARY needs volunteers to work in the hospital kiosk. Roster days are negotiable and can be discussed with the Kiosk Supervisor by contacting Barbara on 0439607788 or phoning the hospital kiosk during the day on 66600539.

CASINO LADIES AND FRIEND CRAFT GROUP

Meets 1st & 3rd Tuesday of each month. Bring your own morning tea. Names to be in by lunch time Monday. Phone Vivian on 66621838 or Jan on 66626424.

CASINO MEALS ON WHEELS

If you would be interested in volunteering your time to help with meals on wheels give the offce a call on 66621217.

WEEK 4

MONDAY

J.Whittaker & J.Whittaker

D. Armitage & J. Corocher

TUESDAY

B.Bennett

M. Benn

WEDNESDAY

H.Hurst

J.&J. Boyd

THURSDAY

R. & D. Lee

J.Yates

FRIDAY

W & P. Edwards

Richmond Valley Council staff

CASINO MINI RAIL

Every Sunday 10am to 4pm. Weather permitting. West Street Casino. Phone 0455673722.

CASINO MIXED PROBUS CLUB

Meeting 4th Thursday of the month. For more information call the secretary on 0419886119. New Members most welcome. Call Fran on 0419 886 119 for more information.

CASINO R R COUNTRY

MUSIC CLUB will be holding their next social upstairs at the Casino RSM Club on Sunday the 19th of March from 10.00am - 4.00 pm. Come along and enjoy some great country music and take advantage of the meals & drinks offered by the RSM Club. New Artists always welcome. Free entry, raffes, and lucky door prize. More Info contact Carole 0438641500

CASINO/RICHMOND VALLEY BLIND CITIZENS AUSTRALIA BRANCH

Casino /Richmond Valley

BCA Branch next outing is to Morning Melodies in Evans head on Friday 17th March. New members are very welcome.

Phone Denise on: 0448 014 682 Email: deniseg.vip@ outlook.com

Free transport is available.

CASINO UNITING CHURCH

Corner of Canterbury Street and Hickey Street. Easter Service Times: 7th April: Good Friday @ 9am Easter Day Sunday: 9th April @ 9am

CASINO VIEW CLUB

Monthly luncheon meeting at Casino RSM Club at 11am, second Thurs of every month. Contact Jan on 0418715374.

AA-LIVING SOBER

MEETING is held every Tuesday 12:00-1:30pm At the Casino Baptist Church Cnr. West & Canterbury Streets Casino Each week the group will discuss a chapter on living sober out of the AA Living Sober Book. Contact George on Ph: 0427133372 (due to so many scam calls) please leave your name and number and I will call you back.

LION’S CLUB CASINO Lion’s Club meeting is held on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday each month at Casino RSM Club from 6.30pm for a 7.00pm start.

Secretary: Denise Green 0448014682 Email: deniseg. vip@outlook.com

LISMORE CASINO NAVAL ASSOCIATION

Meets bi-monthly at Casino RSM, new members welcome. For more information phone Chris 66293269 or Jim 0427400625.

THE PLATYPUS RSL DAY CLUB operates every Tuesday at the Community Centre from 10am to 2pm. The day consists of gentle exercises, mental stimulation, games and entertainment. Members are asked to pay $7 for their morning tea and lunch. Transport can be provided within the town limits. If you are feeling socially isolated or just need a day out, please contact Robyn on 66623871. New members are welcome.

ST PATRICK’S DAY BINGO

Windara Volunteers are hosting a St Patrick’s Day Bingo starting at 11 am. On Friday, 17th March 2023 Bring your own marker pls. Cost is $15 pp. Cost includes lunch. Prizes for dressing up, lucky door and a raffe.

Bookings at Cottage Collection.

EVANS HEAD

EVANS HEAD CWA BRANCH meets every third Tuesday for lunch at noon. New members welcome. More info Roz 0427825560

EVANS RIVER RSL DAY CLUB

The Evans River RSL Day Club meets each Monday in the Remembrance Room at Club Evans RSL Evans Head from 10am until 2pm Cost $10 includes Morning Tea and Lunch. We have several vacancies for volunteers and members, anyone who is feeling in need of some company are welcome to attend. Come along and join in the fun. Contact Merilyn on 0401493316 for more details.

EVANS HEAD

SEAGULLS CRAFT & QUILTERS GROUP

Meet every Tuesday 9am12noon in the Recreation Hall (opposite the Kiosk). We invite you to join us for a relaxing morning of crafting, friendship and sharing ideas. Beginners are very welcome. Finishing UFO’s, Embroidery, Gold Work, Hexagons, & Group Projects are just some of the crafts done.

GOONELLABAH

TABLE TENNIS AT GOONELLABAH

Tuesday and Thursday mornings social playing: 9am-12noon; Monday and Wednesday nights social playing: 7-9pm; Training Monday mornings: 9am12noon; Junior coaching after school Wednesday 3.30pm-4.45pm, $6 a session. Everybody is welcome – all levels. Phone centre on 66251602. Mon-Thurs 9.00am1.00pm or visit website www. fnctabletennis.com.au.

THE PROBUS CLUB of Goonellabah meets on the 3rd Thursday of each month at the Workers Sports Club in Oliver Ave. All welcome. Goonellabah Probus is solely a social club. We have a guest speaker each month and go for outings throughout the year. Meetings on Thursday commence at 10am and fnish at midday. For further information, please contact Gloria Francis on 02 6629 1442.

GRAFTON

GRAFTON AND DISTRICT

GARDEN CLUB

Our AGM last Thursday had a really good attendance and thank you to Denise Hyde who was our guest Chairperson. The existing committee was re-elected except for Eileen McLennan who decided to have a break. Her efforts in keeping the club running were recognised at the meeting and very much appreciated.

Rosie’s table of interest generated a lot of talk, featuring native bee homes and how to easily build some. Motorised secateurs, how to grow a tiny citrus orchard in a pot (very cute) and two beautiful local trees.

Stenocarpus sinuatus ( Firewheel ) and Cassia brewsteri which is a big tree currently in fower in the middle of Prince St near the Saraton Theatre, bracts of long pink fowers

Our next meeting will be on Thursday 6th April at the Joan Muir Centre, 194 Turf St Grafton. 10am to midday. $2 entry at door to cover the venue.

Please bring morning tea to share if you are able.

We will have our Bring and Buy table so if you have some plants, cuttings or produce you would like to donate, they are greatly appreciated. A guest speaker will also be with us on the day. Hope you can make it.

GRAFTON CWA

Our next meeting will be on Friday, 14th April in CWA Rooms, cnr Duke and Pound Sts, morning tea at 9.30am followed by meeting at 10am. Craft mornings are held on 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month at 9. 30am. New members always welcome.

Publicity Offcer: Anne McLellan

GRAFTON’S MIGHTY CLARENCE TOASTMASTERS CLUB

Perhaps it’s time to fnd out what it’s all about! If you would like to improve your communication and leadership skills. Make new friends and have fun, you are warmly invited to attend the Mighty Clarence Toastmasters Club. We meet on the 1st & 3rd Wednesday evening of each month. You may attend either from the comfort of your own home via zoom or join us in person at the Joan Muir Community Centre: 194 Turf Street, Grafton. For more information please contact: Vice President on email Jan Coleman janetlcoleman@ gmail.com or Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ graftontoastmasters.

GRAFTON SENIOR CITIZENS

Bookings open for next trip, to Murwillumbah area, 24 March. Also 8-day tour Narrabri, Dubbo, Tamworth areas from 12 August. Next meeting: Enquiries: Sandra 66427720, or 0417 464 946.”

GRAFTON SENIORS BE FIT EXERCISE CLASSES

Every Friday at the Uniting Church, Prince Street. Join us for gentle exercises designed for Seniors. We meet at 10.30 a.m. for a cuppa and a chat with the

exercises commencing at 11. All equipment is provided and there is no cost to the participants. Further information can be obtained from Joan or Brian on 6644 7347 or 0416 067 315, or from Dot on 66423248 or 0477 213 017

GRAFTON VIEW CLUB

Grafton VIEW Club meets on the 4th Tuesday each month at Grafton District Services Club, Mary Street, commencing at 10.30am. Please come along, enjoy yourself with a tasty meal, a motivated guest speaker & ultimately disadvantaged children will be helped. Please phone Vorna at 66424719 for catering purposes no later than the Friday before the meeting. As well, a social outing is held each month. You are warmly invited to come along to the next meeting to have some fun & help disadvantaged children. See you there!

CLARENCE RIVER HISTORICAL SOCIETY

“Schaeffer House Museum at 190 Fitzroy Street, Grafton. Is in full swing for 2023 with visitors starting to arrive by the busload! What do they see? First and last the pretty gardens with a wide variety of plants, fowers, herbs and sheltering trees for the birds, butterfies, bees, and resident skinks. Inside the cool house they experience time travel as they see how people led their lives on the Clarence over 170 years ago, building for us a rich heritage to value forever! They will also see how to value the knowledge and help given by the original inhabitants on whose land the newcomers settled. Its’s a never-ending story in your “Story House” museum. Our vintage clothing collection will soon be stored away to make way for a new display, so pay a visit soon to Your Schaeffer House Museum! Don’t forget we have nine other great museums in the clarence Valley just waiting for another visit from you!

PS: Our resident gnomes can be found somewhere in the garden. Others are tiny and hiding away!!

Museum open hours are Tues to Thur and Sunday 1pm to 4pm $12 – Family $5 – Adult and $2 – Child.

Research hours are Tues to Thur only from 9am to 3pm. There is a small charge for researching.

Our contact number for special openings is 6642 5212”. Should you wish to discuss this matter further please do not hesitate to contact me on either (02)66425212 or 0406397404.

SCHAEFFER HOUSE MUSEUM, 190 PRINCE STREET, Grafton, NSW

Our display of vintage clothing will be continuing until Easter

to enable more visitors to view these rare items before our new display is put on show. Many items are being ‘rested’ and replaced with different interesting historical photographs, paintings and objects. Come to see if you can “spot” the changes! Our museum is constantly changing, just like the lovely garden that surrounds it! When did you last “drop in?”

All our museums have different collections and are entertaining so check out the opening times for Alumy Creek, Iluka, Yamba, Glenreagh, Maclean, Lawrence and Copmanhurst. Schaeffer House hours are:

Tues, Wed, Thur and Sun

1-4pm Admission Family of four $12.00 Adults $5.00 and children $2.00

We have been welcoming many new members lately, if you would like to join our historical society, you too, can receive our quarterly newsletters and receive many benefts in the Research Area.

HASTINGS POINT

HASTINGS POINT COMMUNITY CHOIR

Do you enjoy singing. Our repertoire covers a variety of music styles – both unison and part singing We would love you to join us. New members needed. You will be made most welcome

When: Tuesday Evenings from 7pm – 8.30pm Where: Tricare

Residential Village Community Room Tweed Coast Road, next to Shell Petrol Station. For more information, contact Jean Berry 0414 794 380

PROBUS CLUB OF HASTINGS POINT

The Probus Club of Hastings Point Tweed Coast meets at 10am on 3rd Tuesday each month, in the residents’ lounge at Hastings Point Tricare. Retirees and seniors are welcome to join this happy social group. Phone the Probus president 0409872773 for additional information.

KINGSCLIFF

HOSPITAL AUXILIARY MEMBERSHIP DRIVE AT KINGSCLIFF

The Tweed Hospital, it recognises that the new hospital will be located south of Tweed Heads and residents in those areas may be interested in volunteer work when the new hospital opens.

The branch welcomes the opportunity to talk to those who are retired, unemployed or simply looking for a chance to give back to one of our most critical services – our hospital. There is a range of jobs that can be performed. The branch runs raffes, a gift shop, fashion parades, jumble sales and luncheons. People with cars are very important to the running of these operations

to transport material to the various venues. The branch meetings are held monthly, and the cost of membership is only $5 per year. There are some procedures that must be processed, such as police checks. Full vaccination is required for those volunteers who are working in the hospital. So, the public in the Kingscliff area and surrounds are invited to talk to our volunteers about our UHA branch of The Tweed Hospital. For more information contact John on 0421085985.

KINGSCLIFF 500 CARD CLUB

Kingscliff 500 Card Club.

Monday and Wednesday afternoons 1pm to 4pm Cudgen Surf Club New players WELCOME

For further Information contact: GARY on 0499869992

KYOGLE

KYOGLE SUNSHINE CLUB

Meets every Thursday at 9.30am. For more details contact 0499824274.

KYOGLE TIDY TOWNS FARMERS MARKET

Held every Saturday morning in Stratheden Street from 8am -12. Come along grab some local fruit & veggies, experience all Kyogle has to offer. New Stall Holders welcome. Enquiries Anne 66321851

LION’S CLUB OF KYOGLE

Meeting is held on the 1st & 3rd Tuesday each month at the Kyogle Lion’s shed from 6.30–7pm For more information contact Neville Moon on 0448222334.

RICHMOND RIVER

BEEF PRODUCER’S ASSOCIATION

Meet on the 2nd Wednesday of every month at Kyogle Showgrounds in the luncheon room at 7pm. For more details Phone Jan on 0427293455.

ROTARY KYOGLE BAZAAR

“Rotary Kyogle Bazaar in collaboration with Kyogle

Together to commemorate last year’s food event and the volunteers who assisted in the recovery, sponsored by Kyogle Council bring you a Free Family Funday on Saturday, 25th March at Kyogle Ampitheatre Park. Shorty Brown Children’s Entertainer, free facepainting, free kids tie dye workshop, free BBQ food and live music in an outdoor setting. See social media @ rotarykyoglebazaar for more details. Join us from 9am.”

LENNOX HEAD

LENNOX HEAD CWA

Handy Craft Mornings on Mondays 9.30am-12noon in the community centre at Lennox Head.

COMMUNITY NOTICES

Call Jan on 66816150.

LENNOX HEAD DAY VIEW CLUB

The Lennox Head Day VIEW Club meets on the frst Monday of each month at the Lennox Head Community Centre with the meeting starting at 11am and includes an interesting speaker and concludes with a light lunch. An informal Coffee and Chat meeting is held on the third Monday of the month. The Club sponsors three students through The Smith Family Learning for Life scholarship program that provides educational items for disadvantaged Australian children. New members and guests are most warmly welcomed, and enquiries may be made to Enid 047187511 or Dawn 0466717435.

LENNOX HEAD EVENING VIEW CLUB

Meets on the second Tuesday of each month upstairs at the Lennox Hotel at 6.30pm for dinner at 7pm. Guests are welcome. “VIEW members support the education of disadvantaged Australian children by raising much needed funds for The Smith Family. Through fundraising activities and social events in local communities, members raise money that goes directly to The Smith Family’s learning and mentoring programs for disadvantaged. students.” Lennox Head Evening VIEW Club currently sponsors two Learning for Life students. Contact Sue Brennan 0409728814.

LENNOX HEAD LIONS CLUB

New members welcome to join our close-knit club where the emphasis is on community service in a fun environment. Meetings are on the frst and Third Wednesday of each month at Club Lennox starting at 6.30pm. Members do what they can, when they can to facilitate the needs of our club.

PROBUS CLUB OF LENNOX HEAD

Meets 9.30 for 10 at Club Lennox, 10 Stewart Street, on the frst Thursday of each month. Visitors are welcome, also retired or semi-retired people wishing to join our nonservice club to hear interesting guest speakers and to join in trips and outings are invited along. Phone June Zentveld on 66871004

LISMORE

LISMORE BASE AUXILIARY

Lismore Base Hospital

Auxiliary is holding a ‘Made from The Heart ‘ Craft Market.

Saturday 29th April 2023 10am - 3pm.

Sunday 30th April 2023 10am -2pm.

At the Lismore Workers Club

Sports Club 202 Oliver Avenue Goonellabah..

Local Artisans and the Auxiliary. will have a showcase of wares.

Mother’s Day gifts and local crafts will be for sale.

We have a raffe 1st prize $500.00, and 2nd prize $100.00.

Please note: EFTPOS is not offered by all vendors. For more information contact Colleen 0401081747

LISMORE CITY CONCERT BAND

Rehearsals are held during school terms on Mondays, 6.15-7.45pm at Southern Cross University. If you can play a concert band instrument: brass, woodwind, or percussion, please come and join us! All ages welcome. We have some instruments available for loan. For more information, Tel: 0432575911 visit: www. lismorecityconcertband.org. au, and our Facebook and Instagram pages.

LISMORE CWA

IT’S ‘23’ SO COME AND SEE what being a member of the Lismore CWA DAY BRANCH could mean to you. We would like YOU to join us for the opportunity to be involved with a truly friendly group of fun, diverse & interesting women of all ages. You will make new friends who will support you, plus you’ll be part of contributing to the lives of Women and Children in our area through our fundraising endeavours. PLEASE THINK ABOUT IT! Why not come along as a ‘guest’ to see how you feel and experience the difference.

being a CWA Member could bring to you and your life. We meet on the frst Thursday of each month at 9:30am for a 10am start. Our 2023 meetings commence in February. FOR MEMBERSHIP

INFORMATION call our President Allison Kelly on 0428 216 079. We also run CRAFT meetings each Friday. You’ll learn new things, once again meet new friends, and enjoy creating beautiful craft in great company.

FOR CRAFT INFORMATION call Vicki Boyle on 0437 465 642. WE LOOK FORWARD SO MUCH to meeting you.

ZEN AND INSIGHT

MEDITATION – LISMORE HEIGHTS

INSIGHT (VIPASSANA)

MEDITATION and practice: This mindfulness-based meditation group sits on Wednesdays from 7:008:30pm. The evening includes meditation instructions, sitting and walking meditation, Dharma talks and discussion. For further details, please contact Rosie - 0402 682 925

ZEN MEDITATION and practice

The Zen meditation group sits

on Mondays from 6:30pm8:15pm. The evening includes instructions, sitting meditation, Dharma talks and individual interviews with the teacher. For further details, please phone: 0427778837 Website: https://www. kuanyinmeditationcentre.org/ Beginners and experienced meditations are warmly welcomed at both groups.

LISMORE LIBRARY NEW LOCATION IN THE CBD

While the Lismore Library is under repair, you can fnd a Pop-Up Library at 146 Molesworth Street (Was Williams Shoes), for all your reading, watching and information needs. The library has a fresh collection of donated community books, DVD’s, Puzzles and more, with weekly programs and events. The library is open 7 days a week and more information can be found at www.rtrl.nsw. gov.au

LISMORE MEN & COMMUNITY SHED

President: Don Abrahams 0437576837

Vice President: Bob Greig 0404860504

Email: lismoremcs.contact@ gmail.com

Opening Hours: Tuesday & Thursday 9.00am – 3.00pm We are a community based non-proft organisation. Everybody is welcome: men, women & people with a disability of all ages. We encourage social inclusion. Our aim is to promote the mental, physical & emotional well-being of people in our community.

Shed Activities

Members work on their own projects

Mentoring is available

General woodworking

Welding & light engineering

Repair & restoration of items for the public

Constructing projects, of items for the public

Constructing projects for preschools, hospitals & other organisations

Assembling fatpack

Minor maintenance work for the elderly & disabled

Working with the disabled

Talking with other members or simply having company

Memberships: $40-year

Attendance Fee: $3 tea/coffee

Location: 15 Industry Drive East Lismore

LISMORE ORCHID SOCIETY INC.

ORCHID SHOW - JUDGING

LISMORE CENTRAL FRI

14TH - SAT 15TH APRIL

Lismore Orchid Society now meets 3rd Wednesday each month, 1:30pm to 4:00pm at Goonellabah Community Centre in the Goonellabah Public Library, 27 Oliver Ave Goonellabah . . .’ Contact Bev on 0400326289

“LISMORE REGIONAL PARKINSONS SUPPORT

GROUP: Next meeting 17th of March 2023. The Lismore Parkinson’s Support Group meet every third Friday of the month. New Location at South Lismore Bowls Club, 25 Wilson Street, Lismore. Starting at 10am12pm. All members of the Parkinson’s Community, family and friends are invited to come along and share in a positive, confdential, and supportive setting. Tea and Coffee will be available for a gold coin donation, BYO snack platter to share. A wonderful thank you to all that turned up. For further information phone Marie 0448871290.

LISMORE SENIOR CITIZENS

Meet at the Goonellabah Community Centre every second Thursday starting at 9am where we have morning tea followed by games bingo how etc we play cards Monday and Friday and play bowls Tuesdays and craft every second Tuesday afternoons come and join our friendly group you will be very welcome.

LISMORE SPINNERS & WEAVERS

Please join us…... Weaving, Spinning, Felting, Dyeing, Knitting, Crochet, Workshops, Chat….

Sharing

Craft & Ideas. From 10am, on the 1st, 3rd and 5th Fridays of each month. (Formal business meeting is 10.30-11.30 every 1st Friday)

McLeans Ridges Hall Cnr Cowlong and McLeans Ridges Rds (off Bruxner Hwy) Morning Tea provided. Bring your lunch (and a mug)

Contac: Kim- 0423935060 Linda- 0419489987 Email ~ lismorespinnersandweavers@ gmail.com

LISMORE TARGET RIFLE CLUB for .22 calibre rifes, meets Wed nights from 6.30pm & the 1st & 3rd Sat of each month from 1.00 pm. Air rife shooting for .22 & 177 air rifes will also be available at the Saturday shoots. For more information, please phone Derek on 66282082 (ah).

EAST LISMORE BOWLING

CLUB Community Bingo

Tuesday night 7.30pm start. 20 games of bingo + progressive jackpot Neilson Street East Lismore. Everyone Welcome

EAST LISMORE SOCIAL

TENNIS

Social Tennis is played at East Lismore Tennis Club, Cnr Neilson St & Oakley Avenue every Tuesday from 8am. We invite social players of all abilities to join us, we are a mixed group who enjoy a morning’s tennis without the

commitment of competition. Feel free to call in or phone Fay Ross 0412910487 for more information. Everyone welcome.

MAINLY MUSIC

Fun, interactive, music sessions for young children [birth to school age] and their parents/ caregivers in a relaxed setting on Tuesdays starting at 9:30am during School Terms. Children will be introduced to music, creativity and more. They will develop gross motor skills, as well as socialise with others in a loving, shared family environment. Morning tea with snacks included. Mainly Music at Lismore Anglican Parish Centre, 10 Zadoc Street, LISMORE. T: 0266213200

NR U3A LISMORE INC. (UNIVERSITY OF THE THIRD AGE)

Have you retired or just about to, from the workforce?

Are you looking to exercise your mind and body and keep both well oiled?

Well, Lismore U3A [university of the third age} could be just the place for you. This worldwide organisation has been running in Lismore for the past 30 years and thousands of local people have benefted from its programmes. It’s a great place to meet like-minded people and make new friends. The last three years have been diffcult for us as they have for everyone, and we are on a recruitment drive to meet and greet you!

We start 2023 with a choice of at least 30 classes, which include, Languages, Photography, Science, History, Qigong, Genealogy, and many others. We also have a social calendar each term. All our courses are listed on our website www.lismoreu3a.com. au U3A is entirely run by volunteers, with the committee and tutors coming from our membership. The joining fee Is $50 for 1 year and entitles you to attend any course you choose throughout the year; you can go every day if you wish. Why not peruse our site to see if there is a course that would be of interest to you. There is an online enrolment form that you can complete and any queries you have can be directed to our secretary, Pat, McLaren- Smith Ph. 6622 7408 We look forward to meeting you.

On behalf of Lismore U3A committee.

PROBUS CLUB OF LISMORE HEIGHTS

Our mixed group meets on the 1st Tuesday of each month at the Lismore Heights Bowling Club in High St.

Our brief meeting is followed by morning tea and a guest speaker. Senior’s lunch for $15 at noon is optional. Guests and visitors are welcome. Ring/text

Pam on 0418766247 for details of our other monthly social gatherings and outings.

ROTARY CLUB OF LISMORE NETWORKING

Want to be part of an innovative, interesting, and inclusive networking group who meet fortnightly to share ideas, meet other professionals and work together to make a difference in your community?

Then Rotary Club of Lismore Networking could be the answer for you! Meets fortnightly at The Sherwood Hotel (75 Molesworth Street Lismore) on Wednesdays at 5.30pm. For more information contact Rita on 0413300578 or Gae 0412742095.

ROTARY CLUB OF LISMORE WEST INC

East Lismore Bowling Club each Thursday at 6pm. New members would be made most welcome. Further information available on 0428151934.

ROTARY CLUB OF SUMMERLAND SUNRISE

Interested in contributing to community? Local and international?

The Rotary Club of Summerland Sunrise meets every Friday at 7.05am for Breakfast at Options Cafe, Main St. Alstonville until further notice. Join us at Options please. Phone 0435 990 919 for more details.

SPRUNG

Sprung!! is a registered charity and a not-for-proft community organisation that offers Dance, Theatre & Movement workshops, and training to people with disabilities. We are currently looking for volunteers to assist our organisation in a number of ways including supporting our Tutors and Disability Support Workers; transcribing; catering; professional skills; technical support and backstage support. Our workshops and performances run in Lismore, Mullumbimby, Tintenbar and Lennox Head expanding to Ballina and the Tweed. Any interested volunteers can reach us here and for general information please contact us on info@sprung.org.au

SUMMERLAND AMATEUR

RADIO CLUB

Meetings of the club are normally held on the second Sunday of each month at the clubrooms: 412 Richmond Hill Road, Richmond Hill at 1pm. Visitors are welcome. The clubrooms are usually open on Sunday afternoons from about 1pm onwards. We are primarily amateur radio enthusiasts and welcome persons interested in radio, electronics, astronomy and similar subjects. For more details about the club and its activities see the club’s website: https://sarc.org.au/

WOMAN’S HEALTH MATTERS

Are offering a free 6 week group for women, called “Looking Back Looking Forward”

Are you a midlife or older woman who is taking stock of her life? Are you interested in exploring new directions for the future?

This group offers a supportive place with likeminded women to share ideas, experiences and look at new life options.

When: Friday 10th March –14th April 9.30a.m. 12.30p.m.

Where: The Women’s Health and Resource Centre, Uralba St., Lismore Leader: Pamela Craven, Health

Educator

Bookings: 66202999

MACLEAN

MACLEAN VIEW CLUB

Monthly meetings the 3rd Thursdays of each month at 11am. Contact Ruth Toyer on 0409844212 by Mondays, no later than 7pm. Numbers are required for catering purposes.

MURWILLUMBAH

COMMUNITY PRINTMAKERS

MURWILLUMBAH

Fine art printmakers. Meet at studio space 224 Stokers Rd, Stokers Siding. Prints, gallery, workshops and more! E: cpmmurwillumbah@hotmail. com - T: Peter 0498399640 or Sue 0408493253. Find us on Facebook & Instagram.

MURWILLUMBAH

COMMUNITY GARDEN

Members and visitors are invited to join the group for activities and gardening tips most Sundays. Time 3-5pm (NSW time), street parking, BYO, covered footwear, comfy clothing, hat and water. Children ok with strict supervision. Covid plan operating. Enquires: phone Bob Johnson (02)66225792.

POTTSVILLE

POTTSVILLE FUN

CROQUET CLUB

Meets at Black Rocks Sports Fields on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8.30am. New members are welcome to come and join us for a hit and a bit of fun. For any further enquires please call Jean on 0431606375. We will have a new starting time at the end of daylight saving. We play at Black Rocks Sports Field. New members are welcome. For further enquires please ring Jean on 0431606375.

POTTSVILLE LADIES

LIFEBALL

Every Thursday morning 9.30am to 11.30am. Pottsville Community Hall, $5 per session includes morning tea. No joining fees. For enquiries, please call Jan 0431909760.

TWEED HEADS

Poets and writers on the Tweed meet every Tuesday at the South Tweed Sports Club 1.303.30pm. Beginners welcome. Phone 0755248035.

TWEED HEADS PROBUS CLUB

Probus Club, Coolangatta/ Tweed Heads. Be at Club Tweed at 10-00am on the frst Wednesday of the Month. Visitors and new members are very welcome.

TWEED PATCHWORK GROUP

Meet the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month at South Tweed Community Center from 9-1pm at 18 Heffron Street Tweed Heads south all beginners welcome phone Moira on 0418686643. A friendly group of people with common interest in seeing, quilting and related craft.

TWIN TOWNS & DISTRICT GARDEN CLUB

Twin Towns and District Garden Club meets every second Monday of the month. Meetings Venue: Tweed Heads Civic Centre Auditorium next to Library, Brett Street, Tweed Heads. Guest Speaker JanuaryTropical Fruit World “Growing Tropical Fruit”

• We offer raffes, lucky door prize, presidents award, trading tables, cuttings table, members prize draw, Benching of plants and fowers and foral art both novice and senior. Begonia Society, Social Morning teas, bus trips and best of all friendship.

• Come along, bring a mug to share a coffee or tea with likeminded gardeners.

See you there, bring a mug. Gwen: 0468 872 199, (leave a message please).

WOLLONGBAR

WOLLONGBAR PROBUS CLUB

The annual general meeting of the Wollongbar Probus Club will be held on 16th March at the Alstonville Plateau Bowls and Sports club, starting at 10am with morning tea. It will be followed by our changeover lunch at the same venue.

YAMBA

YAMBA DAY VIEW CLUB

Yamba Day View Club’s monthly luncheons are held at Yamba Bowling Club on 3rd Monday of month, starting 10am for 10.30am. Acceptance and apologies to President Lyn 66463164 by Friday prior to luncheon for catering purposes. We hold a monthly social outing either for lunch or morning tea and visitors are always welcome.

YAMBA LIONS CLUB

Yamba Lions Club’s meetings are held 2nd & 4th Thursdays of month at Yamba Bowling Club, commencing at 7pm for 7.30pm. For further information, please contact the Secretary Peter 0417546097. Social outings also held at various time and visitors and new members’ welcome.

ALL NORTHERN RIVERS NORTHERN RIVERS

BUSHWALKING CLUB

Are you interested in exploring the beauty that our region contains. The Northern Rivers Bushwalking Club offers a variety of activities for people of all abilities and ages in bushwalking, cycling, kayaking, abseiling, qigong and social interaction. Visit our Facebook page or our website nrbc.org.au for more information.

NRCF WOMEN’S GIVING CIRCLE

The Northern Rivers Community Foundation (NRFC) is inviting Northern Rivers women to play an active role in empowering vulnerable women and girls in our region. The newly formed NRFC’s Women’s Giving Circle brings Northern Rivers women together to achieve equality and human rights for women and girls in our region and enable them to realise their full potential. Visit the Women’s Giving Circle nrcf. org.au/women’s-giving-circle/ on the NRFC website for more information and to join the Women’s Giving Circle. murbahcommunitygardens@ gmail.com - follow us on Facebook #MurwillumbahCommunity Garden

The NORTHERN RIVERS HASH HOUSE HARRIERS is a non-proft community group that is part of a worldwide organisation. The Hash House Harriers meet every Monday at 6pm for a run/walk from various locations around Lismore, Alstonville and Ballina. The run/walk lasts for approximately an hour, followed by friendship, banter and grub.

We are very friendly and welcome new members. For more details email: nrhhh@ freelists.org.

NORTHERN RIVERS PARKINSON’S SUPPORT GROUP

Covering Wollongbar to Ocean Shores.

Meets 2nd Friday of each month at Summerland Farm, Wardell Road, Alstonville. A general catch up & chat with the opportunity to join in a casual Q&A session with Rebecca, our Parkinson’s nurse. She will be there to answer any questions that you may have about anything to do

with living with Parkinson’s or supporting or caring for a loved one. Maybe you want to know about symptoms, medication, treatments or services etc.

Rebecca is there to support us and help you manage your disease so that you live your best life. All those living with Parkinson’s Disease or those supporting them are most welcome.

Please RSVP Cheryl 0428286753.

CCNSW ELECTION CAMPAIGN

On the eve of World Cancer Day (3 February), three Northern Rivers residents who advocate for local people affected by cancer attended Cancer Council New South Wales’ (CCNSW) campaign launch “Here for Change” for the upcoming State election, at Parramatta.

Monica Wilcox and Nerida Dean, CCNSW’s Ballina and Tweed electorates MP Liaisons respectively and Ballina Cancer Advocacy Network’s Maureen Fletcher attended the launch to add the regional perspective. Maureen had advocated at the 2021 Regional, Rural and Remote Health Enquiry for equality of support for people during and after cancer diagnosis especially outside the large metropolitan areas. Then the enquiry went on to verify extensive unfair differences in health outcomes across NSW, including cancer.

These inequities and the fact that one in two people will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime drove CCNSW’s election priorities:

1) Increase investment in cancer prevention; 2) Improve detection and diagnosis of bowel cancer; 3) Introduce the highest standard of care for everyone with cancer and 4) Support people to live well during and after a cancer diagnosis so they can have a higher quality of life.

Monica elaborated “Northern Rivers is the second fastest growing region in NSW, adjacent the SE Qld metropolis and our specialist health care centre and yet we struggle with classic regional issues such as limited transport options. We are asking for change that ensures no matter who they are and where they live, people have equitable access to cancer prevention and treatment.”

Professor Sarah Hoskings, CCNSW CEO said “Here in New South Wales, we have some of the best health and cancer care and support but for many, there are still barriers to accessing timely and quality care and support. We must do more to improve outcomes, for everyone.”

You can pledge your support for people affected by cancer by signing Cancer Council’s Petition www.canact.com.au/ hereforchange

Warnings

See www.bom.gov.au/australia/warnings

Northern Rivers District:

Mostly sunny. The chance of morning fog. Slight chance of a shower in the afternoon and evening. The chance of a storm in the afternoon and evening. Light winds.

Thursday. Mostly sunny. The chance of morning fog inland. Light winds.

Northern Tablelands District:

Mostly sunny. The chance of morning fog on and east of the ranges. Slight chance of a shower. The chance of a storm on and east of the ranges in the afternoon and evening. Light winds becoming westerly 15 to 20 km/h during the morning then becoming light during the evening.

Thursday. Sunny. The chance of morning fog on and east of the ranges. Light winds becoming west to southwesterly 15 to 20

km/h during the morning then becoming light during the evening.

New South Wales:

The chance of a shower or storm in the northeast, possibly severe. Fine and mostly sunny elsewhere. Hot in the west. Daytime temperatures above average, particularly in the west. West to northwesterly winds across the southern inland, tending northeast to southeasterly along the coast, and light and variable winds elsewhere.

Thursday. Hot and dry. Lengthy sunny period. Windy in the south. Daytime temperatures well above average in many parts, particularly in the east. Northwest to southwesterly winds, fresh across the south, strong at times over elevated parts in the southeast. Coastal southerly change moving across the southern half of the coast during the day.

Byron Coast:

Winds: South to southwesterly 10 to 15 knots becoming variable about 10 knots during the day. Seas: Around 1 metre. Swell: Southerly 1 to 1.5 metres inshore, increasing to 1.5 to 2 metres offshore. Weather: Mostly sunny day. The chance of a storm in the afternoon and evening.

Coffs Coast:

Winds: Southwesterly 10 to 15 knots becoming variable about 10 knots during the day. Seas: Around 1 metre. Swell: South to southeasterly 1.5 to 2 metres, decreasing to 1.5 metres during the evening. Weather: Mostly sunny morning. The chance of a storm in the afternoon and evening.

Gold Coast Waters:

Winds: South to southeasterly below 10 knots becoming east to northeasterly during the day. Seas: Below 1 metre. Swell: Southerly around 1 metre inshore, increasing to 1.5 to 2 metres offshore. Weather: Mostly sunny.

BALLINA MAHJONG

10TH MARCH 2023

Gail McDonagh 1, Jan Small

2, Coral Lavelle 3, Shirley Coleman 4,Lorna Simpson

5, Ronda Taylor 6, Janene

Jarvis 7, Jeanette Henwood

8, Sally Lowry 9, Lesley

Richie, Lisa Wong 10, Susan

Allan 12, Wendy Thornton 13, Susan Scott 14, Diana Auret, Janene Bird, Kathy Pickles

15, Valda McLerie 18, Pam

Farrell, Yvonne Weddup 19, Shirley Atkinson 21, Barbara

Ellan, Shirley Henry 22, June

Greenaway 24, Robyn McRae

25, Jenny Lang 26, Jan Henley

27, Cindy Smith 28

Mahjong is played on Friday at 12:30pm at the Ballina Bridge Club North Creek Road.

Enquiries for new players

phone Vanessa on 66874181.

Casino Social Golf Results

12-03-2023

The winner last Sunday was Gary Skennar with 27 stableford points from Garry Randal with 26. The putting trophy went to P.Piccoli with 15 putts and D.Roberts won the players draw. Nearest

to pins: 8th, 9th, 13th & 14th, C.Hatfeld. 10th, J.Rankin.11th & 12th, T.Jenkins.15th, P.Piccoli. 16th, M.Rankin. 18th, B.Yates. Next Sunday’s Event sponsored by The Barn Clydesdale motel is yet to be decided and visitors are welcome to play with hit off from 6-30am till 7-30am.

CASINO WOMENS BOWLS RESULTS

back: R. Skirrey, J. Creighton & H . Lavelle def R. skirrey, D. Grice & M. Hellyar

Other rink winners were:

J. Carthew, N. Moran & M. Mead def C. Doyle, J. Cooke & A. James Kerry, D. Skinner & K. Jonsson def T. Maxwell, J. Dwyer & I. Watson Come & join us in this great sport, ladies play on Wed & Fri mornings from 9am to 1pm at the Casino RSM Club.

CHERRY STREET

CROQUET CLUB SPORTS RESULTS ASSOCIATION CROQUET

P.Waters 15 d L.Hardy 3

D.Scott 16 d G.Drew 10 RICOCHET CROQUET :

J.Hannigan R.Chapman 12 d

B.Wellings D.Scott 9

N.Watts 10 d N.Barnes

N.Poynting 9 R.Allen P.Doyle 11 d P.Scott

R.Poynting 10 CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS:

J.Doust C.Edlund 11 d

P.Waters B.Waters 10.

O.B.E Club Golf Croquet Championship Final.

N.Watts J. Doust 7 d

J.Saunders B.Wellings 4. TWILIGHT CROQUET :

D.Jones C.Edlund 5 d

M.Russell C.Woodlands 4

L.Hudson L.Wesley 4 d C.Gale

N.Alfonso 4 J.Saunders 5 d F.Duncan 2

J.Huxley L.Whiteman 6 d

M.Rennie 5

M.Russell 7 d J.Saunders

N.Alfonso 2

L.Wesley 4 d C.Woodlands 4

C.Gale 7 d J.Hamilton

C.Edlund 5

L.Hudson J.Saunders 5 d

D.Jones J.Hamilton 4

C.Edlund F.Duncan 3 d

L.Whiteman N.Alfonso 3.

PENNANTS: Byron Bay 4 d Casino 2 Cherry Street 3 d Alstonville 3

TOURNAMENTS : Margaret Mitchell Memorial Association Handicap Doubles Championships Murwillumbah

1.D.Turner / M.Campbell,

2. M.Gidding / R.Hughes,

3. L.Turner / J.Hughes,

4.G.Clarke / L.Parker, 5.

GOLF RESULTS

THURSDAY 9/3/23

A good feld played the single stableford Thursday winner T Duff, 2nd T Patch, 3rd R Gacioppa, free game J Nilsson, chicken/ ball winners M Fairfull, M Bruggy, B Collyer, S Dawson, B Waterson, E Reddell, J Savins, D Vagne, R Rodda, S Smith, S Toms, T Beemster. Nearest pins 3rd/12th R Rodda, 6th/15th J Sauer.

This Thursday will be another 18 hole single stableford evfent commencing with a shot gun start at 8.30am don,t be late. as usual till then good golfng Max

EVANS HEAD WOMENS BOWLS

J. Burbridge, J. Carral & E. Schumacher

Runners Up from Casino Womens recent Gala Day

Wednesday 7/3 Results

Winners for the day had a very close game & won on a count

W.McFie / G.Porter, 6. E.Frater / P.Raphael.

Norma Watts, Joan Doust, Barbara Wellings, Joan Saunders.

O.B.E Club Championship Winners & Runners Up. CORAKI VETERANS

Our Club Fours Championship 2023. Semi-Finals played 08-0323 - B. Cameron, L. Vidler, B. Montague, V. Hart defeated M. Gibson, G. Marczan, M. Carey, T. Cselka. S. Rose (Sub), I. Bale, K. Townsend, P. Freeman defeated J. Fernance, A. Viney, E. Gollan, K. Robson. Final to be played 15-03-23