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. 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.

Visit www. northernriversrailtrail.com.

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.