The Northern Rivers Times Edition 141

By SAMANTHA ELLEY

For Lachlan Wray of Kilgin, the sight of the tiny pop up home being erected next to the caravan he has been living in since the February 2022 food is very welcome.

“It’s great to see, as this will be more long term,” he said.

“I will be able to set up a big cot for my son Sebastian when he comes to visit.”

With a bigger space than he has been living in, Lachlan and his 2-yearold son will be more

comfortable as work on his food-affected, gutted house continues.

Lachlan’s new home is the frst of 12 tiny pop up homes erected across the Richmond Valley and Lismore council areas, thanks to the hard work of the Ballina-on-Richmond Rotary Club and their generous sponsors.

“This is the third stage of the club’s work helping those who have been food affected,” said Col Lee, who was president of the Rotary club at the time of the food and has continued overseeing the

work going on.

“Our frst step was evacuations, meals and vouchers for people in Ballina, Wardell and Broadwater.

“We had generous support from Harvey Norman, Bunnings and especially Harris Coffee who donated $276,000.

“We also did a lot of fund-raising where we raised over $1 million.”

The second step was to get the communities together with a number of events.

“We had free events at Broadwater, Wardell and

Ballina and supported Woodburn,” said Mr Lee. “With this project, it came about after seeing the desperation of people and how they were living through no fault of their own.”

With the work of Rotary members, including Donella Kinnish as project manager, who saw the tiny homes displayed at Primex, and the money from the fund-raising, the units will now be housing a number of people who have had nowhere to live.

“We have two in Kilgin, two in Broadwater, two in

Wardell, one in Swan Bay, one in South Gundurimba and three in Lismore,” said Mr Lee. “Fitouts of kitchenettes, toilets and showers will be done thanks to Unite Grand Lodge, Harris Coffee and the fnancial arm of Rotary (RAWCS).”

Mr Lee said they are hoping to provide more tiny homes across the region as they continue to fund-raise.

“We have another 12 homes coming and we will work to get the next $100,000 to pay for them,” he said.

YOUR VOTE IS POWERFUL

The tiny pop up homes have been provided by Rapid Response Housing, based on the Sunshine Coast.

“Our long term goal is to rally government support to provide 2,000 of these homes in the next three months, free to charities,” said Rapid Response Housing Director Wayne Loane.

“It is the fastest way to get people in houses.”

Photos from Rapid Response Housing Website

FIRED UP BY THE SUN LITERALLY – AT HASTINGS POINT HOLIDAY PARK

PEOPLE WHO PREFERENCE MAKE THEIR VOTES COUNT Comment By Tim

Howard

By MARGARET DEKKER

The legendary North Star Holiday Resort on the Tweed Coast has added even more solar power to its charge, adding 208 gleaming panels to park infrastructure, totalling 324 panels now servicing the 10-hectare resort – all helped from above.

It takes the expression ‘sun-loving’ to a new meaning at the 52-yearold caravan park and resort, with solar dedicated to powering North Star’s “greediest power munchers” including the water park and super slides, plus new accommodation range.

“In August 2021 local business Hardy Solar commenced Stage 2 of North Star’s renewable energy program. In addition to the existing solar-powered units that charge up the administration building 116) we have now installed a massive 92kw system to power the front section of North Star, including our Tuscany Villas and Coastal Cottages,” Lisa Collier, Marketing Manager at North Star

Holiday Resort told The Northern Rivers Times.

Four 20kW inverters complete the system, adding to a growing list of environmental and sustainability credentials and savings, as Jackson Hardy from Hardy Electrical and Solar explained.

“For the Holiday Units for example, average daily production is 367.5 kWh and annual solar production is 134,147 kWh,” he said.

For the mammoth task, it was an admirable case of all local hands on-deck in both design and installation. Hardy Solar and Electrical has long operated out of Cudgen-Kingscliff, working with Hastings Point electrician, Gary Thorpe.

“Over the years we have worked all over Australia installing solar systems. We came together about 7 years ago and decided that because we live in such a beautiful area of Australia that this is where we want to be working. We put all our focus on the local community and businesses and have created a strong local rapport,” Jackson Hardy of Hardy Solar and

Electrical said.

“This was an enjoyable project, with great results. Working together with likeminded locals such as Susan and Kay from the North Star has reminded us just how important supporting local customers, businesses and community organisations is.”

With soaring power prices showing no sign of easing, Jackson Hardy said more commercial businesses are considering solar, particularly as most of their usage is during the day.

“When the sun is up, they will always show a great reduction in consumption and huge savings. We carefully design the system based on the usage pattern of the premises, for now and into the future, Jackson Hardy of Hardy Electrical and Solar said.

North Star Holiday is indeed vast, living proof of the adage; ‘you gotta make hay – or power –while the sun shines ..’

“This latest move has greatly reduced our reliance on purchased power and we couldn’t be happier about that,”

Lisa Collier of North

Making your vote count on Saturday means more than just putting a number in a box.

In contrast to Federal elections where voters must number all boxes on the ballot paper, NSW voting laws require just one box to be numbered to constitute a valid vote.

This is known as optional preferential voting and on the face of it, offers people the option to give a single vote to their candidate without the worry of where their preferences will go.

This is a concern for some pundits as it means the optional preferential method could become a de facto first past the post system, defeating the aims of the preferential voting system.

First past the post voting appeals to many people, who like the simplicity of the winner-take-all approach. It’s used in the UK, United States, Canada and India.

But it has drawbacks as the winner can be elected without

achieving a majority of available votes.

In this scenario it would be possible for a party to win office with more than half the vote against it, but split among multiple candidates.

Some candidates in Clarence have expressed a concern that people who have become disenchanted with the government might cast a so-called protest vote for a minor party or independent candidate and vote 1 for that candidate and not number other boxes.

Should Clarence follow the usual pattern, the Nationals candidate would be ahead on primary votes after the first count.

If that candidate wins 50% plus 1 of the primary vote, it’s all over, but if not, then the distribution of preferences begins.

It is here the protest voters’ intentions could backfire.

Failing to indicate preferences means that ballot paper exhausts after the primary count.

In a distribution of

preferences every vote exhausted at the primary stage is virtually a vote for the leader.

It’s not just me saying this. This is what Antony Green, election analyst from the ABC, says about optional preferential voting: “Under optional preferential voting, the winning candidate must receive a majority of the votes remaining in the count, that is the formal vote minus exhausted preferences. The winning post is lowered with each exhausted preference making it easier for the leading candidate to win by making it harder for the second placed candidate to catch and pass the leader.”

https://antonygreen. com.au/

To be perfectly clear there is nothing wrong with voting for just one candidate.

But for voters who want the vote count to reflect of the feeling of the electorate, number more than one box to match how you rate the candidates.

Gleaming new solar panels fire up North Star Holiday Resort including its huge waterpark, seen in the middleground Pics. Hardy Electrical and Solar

By MARGARET DEKKER

It’s down to the wire after months on the hustings for local candidates.

In what’s being generally described as a ‘lacklustre’ 2023 state election campaign, The Northern Rivers Times got the final pitch from some candidates in the Ballina and Tweed electorates ahead of election day this Saturday, March 25.

IN THE TWEED:

NSW VOTES

done’ – including the towering new, $723m Tweed Valley Hospital in Kingscliff – is what voters will remember at the polling booths.

“I’ve always had the feeling that you don’t win at an election in the last 3-months, you win an election over what you’ve delivered over the last 3-4 years,” The Nationals Geoff Provest, Tweed MP said.

He cited the Perrottet Coalition Government’s Savings programs (more than 50) including Creative Kids, Active Kids and Back to School vouchers as helping with the cost of living and developing local sport.

He said improvements at a range of local schools, will lead to modern facilities and more subjects being available to Tweed students.

principals sitting in one room saying ‘this is the best thing ever,’ and the teachers, I listen.”

Geoff Provest also noted his environmental record including creating a koala holding facility (for vaccination against deadly chlamydia) in Pottsville, a land handback at South Kingscliff, and ongoing works at Fingal Head with local Land Council as highlights.

“And there’s more to be done.”

Being right on Queensland’s doorstep, the Tweed MP also wants to expand its popular light rail network south across the border to the bus terminal at Tweed City Shopping Centre, particularly ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

reminding voters to “just tick 1”

“You know where your vote’s going,” The Nationals Geoff Provest, Tweed MP said.

and Homelessness, Rose Jackson was in Tweed Heads, placing $30m ‘on the table’ for a ‘Buildto-Rent’ program in the Northern Rivers region.

“We’re going to identify government land, if there’s not adequate government land, we’re willing to talk to private landowners, we’re willing to talk to Council, we’re going to build affordable rentals,” she said.

accidental candidate with an intentional plan to champion the core values and policies of The Greens in the Tweed.

“I think where we’re at, in terms of climate and inequality in Australia, I just felt like I had to run,” Ciara Denham said.

Incumbent Nationals

MP Geoff Provest is hoping his track record of ‘getting things

“I’ve always prided myself in this role that I talk to the people who are actually doing it, so when you get all the

Now running for a historic fifth term in office, Geoff Provest will be ‘floating around’ all the polling booths from Banora Point to Pottsville this Saturday,

The Australian Labor Party’s Craig Elliot is standing for the Tweed’s public servants, specifically to lifting the NSW public sector wage cap, and to create permanency for casual workers.

“Over a decade of public sector wages being capped, these are our nurses, our teachers, our police, our youth workers, our firies (firefighters) everyone is being unfairly kept back on their wages.

“And we’re living right here on the border and if we’re not careful, we can build as many buildings as you want but unless you pay people fairly, we will lose them to Queensland,” Craig Elliot, ALP candidate for Tweed said.

Craig Elliot believes under a Minns Labor Government, public servants can bargain for a fair wage “like you used to.”

On the same day The Northern Rivers Times caught up with Craig Elliot, the Shadow Minister for Housing

ALP candidate Craig Elliot said he would also purse greater certainty for people still displaced from the horror 2022 floods.

“Not knowing if their house will be bought back, or chosen by this government if they might get help? There’s so much indecision and unknown for these people, 12-months afterwards, how is this fair?”

“My message to people is, if you want a Labor government you’ve got to vote for a Labor candidate so we can start addressing the shortcomings of this old, tired government,”

Craig Elliot, Tweed ALP candidate said.

She told The Northern Rivers Times there’s change in the air and people are vocal; about improving the public sector; the cost of living crisis; the climate crisis; and housing affordability - the party pledging rent freezes and an end to unfair evictions.

“It’s a basic, fundamental human right to have a home. In this competitive market, because people are going in and offering hundreds more, it’s so wrong.”

Ciara Denham, The Greens Tweed candidate said.

The Greens will also push to mandate a 30-percent allocation in any big housing development like Kings Forrest, west of Casuarina, be for affordable housing. And on the party’s signature environmental front, to get tough on koala care and protecting the Tweed’s ancient and prized hinterland forests.

“To stop native forest logging on public land – of course that should happen – and make it a lot harder on private land,” Ciara Denham, Greens candidate said.

“And the Tweed, it’s this little nugget of an area that has incredible natural places and hasn’t

Ciara Denham is the

Geoff Provest

Craig Elliot ALP

Ciara Denham Greens

NSW VOTES

been developed like the Gold Coast and doesn’t have the exclusiveness of Byron and so being able to preserve the natural places and amount of growth we’re going to see in the next few decades, to make sure that we’re building houses for people but it’s not at the whim of developers while preserving as much of the natural environment as we can is vital,” she added.

With some pundits predicting a swing to the ALP-Greens, Ciara Denham is excited about the upcoming election day.

“The Greens are always about adding that extra voice so that the other parties are pushed to make better commitments, it’s so important,” she said. Also running in the state seat of Tweed: Ronald McDONALD, Sustainable Australia Party, Stop Overdevelopment/ Corruption: Marc SELAN, Legalise Cannabis Party: Susie HEARDER, Animal Justice Party.

IN BALLINA

In the divergent Ballina electorate – stretching from Wardell, north to Crabbes Creek and west of Alstonville - incumbent Greens member, Tamara Smith notes it’s been “a really tough few years” but she’s not giving up yet, running for her third term in office.

“It’s unfinished business,” Tamara Smith, Ballina MP told The

Northern Rivers Times.

She says at the top of her agenda is seeing the next stage of Government funding under the Buyback scheme, “worth hundreds of millions of dollars” rolled out, including to communities like West Ballina, Wardell, South Golden Beach, and Brunswick Heads, where people are still struggling.

“And over the next 4 years, having a Greens MP on the cross bench will be very useful,” she said.

Tamara Smith noted across her electorate in particular – with ‘housing crisis epicentres’ like Byron Bay, Mullumbimby, Bangalow, and Ballina – homelessness remains a big, unresolved issue, pointing also to The Greens policy that 30 percent of all new housing developments include an affordable housing component.

“We just need commitment to this, from whoever forms government.”

“Our people are feeling it much more than the rest of the state. And there are solutions,” Tamara Smith, Ballina MP said.

On the key ground of the environment, Ms. Smith believes society is

firmly “at a crossroads” on climate, wanting coal mining phased out and more investment in renewable energy.

She also feels the community now wants a more progressive path for New South Wales.

“We’re quietly confident but we never take that for granted. If I am voted out, then I haven’t done enough,” Tamara Smith, The Greens Ballina MP said.

Booyens, The Nationals candidate for Ballina said.

Mr Booyens said he’d received great support from former, longstanding Ballina MP Don Page and Ben Franklin, MLC and would use 20 years’ experience in the banking and finance sector, plus his time as a musician with the Lismore Symphony Orchestra, to guide a term in office.

“The skills I’ve learnt, negotiating and delivery are what I can bring the strength to the role of representing the people of Ballina,” Josh Booyens said.

he hopes to walk the talk under a Minns Labor Government.

“Ballina will have a much stronger voice if its local representative is a member of the government,” Andrew Broadley told The Northern Rivers Times.

improving the health of the Richmond River” and the ‘health’ of the Ballina District Hospital, also affected by floods last year.

“Putting the focus back into health, in the town of Ballina,” he said.

In his first tilt at office, Josh Booyens – who was “raised a National” from his farming background – is raring to go.

“I’m effective, I’m energetic and I’m engaged,” Josh Booyens, The Nationals candidate for Ballina said.

“What we need is effective representation for the people of Ballina who haven’t had that for the last 8 years,” he added.

Mr Booyens told The Northern Rivers Times flood mitigation is key to rebuilding a shattered community after the floods, particularly in and around Ballina.

“The drains are blocked, the rivers are silted up and yet The Greens can’t deliver.”

“I want to cut through the green tape stopping flood mitigation efforts in the electorate,” Josh

He hopes those skills might bring all 3 levels of government to the table on the complex issue of local housing affordability, availability, and taxation, particularly in the Ballina electorate.

Josh is confident a Perrotet Government will be returned in New South Wales and is “loving it” on the campaign trail.

“It just reinforces my love for people and where we live. I’ve spoken to thousands of people and the problems are broad and complex.”

“But geez, we’ve got some great people here, it’s not a disaster, it’s a healthy society that lives here,” Josh Booyens, The Nationals Ballina candidate said.

Andrew Broadley knew he had to run in the seat of Ballina after watching the example set by Lismore Labor MP, Janelle Saffin, post-flood. Now, as the election inches closer,

Fundamental to Andrew Broadley’s local campaign are the fundamentals of the Australian Labor Pary: Housing, Education and Health, specifically:

Better education - fully fund every public school with the Labor ‘Education Future Fund’, convert 10,000 temporary teachers to permanent roles and scrap the wages cap, enabling pay rises.

Better Health Care - safe staffing for public hospitals, 500 new paramedics to the regions, and paying our nurses, paramedics, and healthcare workers what they are worth.

Affordable HousingAny properties built on surplus government land will be subject to Labor’s mandatory requirement of 30% of dwellings to be used for social, affordable, and universal housing.

Plus, a shift toward publicly-owned clean energy.

Andrew Broadley is also “passionate about

Over the hours spent door-knocking from south to north of the electorate, Andrew Broadley believes one message is constant: ‘the need for change,’ but acknowledges it’s a tight contest in the seat of Ballina. With his family – including his just-turned 18-year-old son – beside him this Saturday, he’s supported, inspired - and busy.

“I’m planning to visit all 22 polling booths from the North of the electorate to the South, to meet voters and thank our volunteers,” Andrew Broadley Ballina ALP candidate said.

Kevin Loughrey, Independent

This self-described “very practical person with a good track record of success” believes it’s his unique role, to represent the interests and concerns of the constituents of Ballina whom he says have not been heard under the current political

continued page 8

Tamara Smith Greens

Josh Booyens Nationals

Andrew Broadley ALP

Kevin Loughrey Independent

arrangement.

“I’m beholden to them,” Kevin Loughrey, Ballina Independent candidate said.

This former Lieutenant Colonel in the Australian Army bases his campaign on six key planks: Reducing the cost of electricity and halving the cost of fuel; Building dams to reduce flooding and provide water & food security; Preventing the Government from interfering with the patient’s relationship with a doctor; Ensuring all Australians, regardless of race or gender, are treated exactly the same under the law and entitled

NSW VOTES

to exactly the same benefits; and reducing the cost of housing and rentals by increasing supply and reducing unnecessary, costly regulation.

And addressing the causes of domestic violence.

“We need to have these debates and I believe the debate is being stifled,” Andrew Loughrey, Ballina Independent candidate told The Northern Rivers Times.

Also running in Ballina, Peter JENKINS, Sustainable Australia Party – Stop Overdevelopment / Corruption.

ALL CLARENCE CANDIDATES BACK BAN ON MINING

By TIM HOWARD

There is at least one thing all eight candidates for the seat of Clarence in Saturday’s NSW Election publicly agree on: there should be no mining in the electorate.

On Friday six of the eight candidates Mark Rayner (Legalise Cannabis Party), Dr Greg Clancy (NSW Greens), Debrah Novak (Independent), Leon Ankersmit (ALP), Brett Duroux (IndigenousAboriginal Party of Australia), and Nicki Lev (Independent) attended a media conference in Yamba called by the Clarence Catchment Alliance to give them the chance to sign a pledge that they opposed mining in the Clarence.

Richie Williamson (Nationals) and George Keller (Sustainable

Australia Party) were unable to attend, but both are on the record opposing the practice.

The Clarence Catchment Alliance, a group founded in 2018 to protect river health in the Clarence Valley, has campaigned extensively against mining in the Clarence Valley. It collected more than 13,000 signatures on a petition calling for a ban on mining which was presented to the NSW Parliament CCA coordinator Shae Fleming said the motivation for Friday’s media conference was to make the candidates aware of the depth of community opposition to mining in the Clarence Catchment.

“Mining is a State legislated issue, but local support is essential to demonstrate the

lack of social licence granted here, and federal support adds weight to our community call for action,” she said.

Ms Fleming acknowledged that all candidates, including the Nationals Richie Williamson, who did not attend were on the record opposing mining in the Clarence catchment.

But she said to make the pledge more meaningful in an election environment, candidates could only sign if their party was also opposed to mining.

Of the six attendees only Labor’s Leon Ankersmit could not sign the pledge, although he said this was only on party lines.

“At this time NSW Labor does not support this stance,” he said. “But I want to be honest with the people of the Clarence and say that if I am elected I will do everything in my power to get a Labor Government on board to oppose mining in the Clarence.”

He said he had spoken

to local fishers who were scared of what might happen to their industries if mining waste polluted the Clarence catchment.

“They implored me to do something to look after the water in the Clarence,” he said.

Greens candidate Dr Greg Clancy, said the river had already been impacted by mining, but it was essential to make sure a ban was in place to keep it from getting worse.

“Stuart Rowland – the Codfather – did a study of the river near the Cangai Mine that showed the river around there was just about dead,” Dr Clancy said.

“As a foundation member of the CCA I have the greatest respect for the work current members of the group are doing to protect the river and its catchment.”

Independent candidate Debrah Novak has also been a strong opponent of mining in the Clarence and would like an incoming government to go a step further to halt mining.

“If I am elected I will be lobbying the new government to buy back mining leases to ensure there is no more mining or exploration for mines in the Clarence,” she said.

“That’s what happened with the coal seam gas protests a decade or so ago and it was effective in keeping the Clarence gas free.”

Ms Novak said food production and tourism industries linked to the Clarence River, were by far the biggest employers in the valley.

She said mining pollution was a threat not only to the river health, but to the livelihoods of a large percentage of the community and the local economy.

Independent Nicki Levi said the Clarence River was precious to her and a matter of family pride as well.

“My son is a science teacher and he said if was to win I would need to raise awareness of how vital is for us to have clean water,” she said.

Legalise Cannabis candidate Mark Rayner pointed out that large scale cannabis growing could be a great “bioremediator” for the river. “Cannabis is second to none as a plant that can be used to clean up waterways,” he said.

Indigenous-Aboriginal Party of Australia candidate, Brett Duroux, said it was important for people to remember water was more important to people and life than minerals.

He said profits from mining often went to overseas shareholders while local people were left to clean up the mess left by their mining operations.

The CCA’s parent body, the Clarence Environment centre, was represented by one of its founders, John Edwards.

“While mining is essential to Australia’s ongoing prosperity, we believe that any attempt to undertake it safely in the rugged mountainous Clarence Valley hinterland, with its high annual rainfall, would be fraught with danger, and any mining accident which, unfortunately, happens all too frequently, could prove to be disastrous to the valley,” he said.

“Having leaders acknowledge this formally will be a good step towards protecting the catchment.”

As well as local candidates the state of the Clarence catchment attracted other candidates from Lismore to the North, who signed the pledge.

Six of the eight Clarece candidates for the NSW election attended a Clarence Catchment Alliance media event at Yamba on Friday, where they were asked to sign a pledge banning mining in the river catchment. From left: Dr Greg Clancy (Greens), Nikki Levi (Independent), Brett Duroux (Indigenous Aboriginal Party of Australia), Mark Rayner (Legalise Cannabis Party), Leon Ankersmit (ALP).

My name is Leon Ankersmit. I live in Maclean with my wife and three school-aged children. We have lived in the Clarence for the past 15 years. I am an executive manager in the field of community services, most recently as CEO of Anglicare North Coast.

It is very important for voters to know what a candidate offers to the electorate in terms of their credentials to be a good representative. The role of MP is not a ceremonial role and a local member should not simply be there to make up the numbers on the floor of Parliament.

Clarence has a rich history of prosperity, commerce and influence beyond our electoral boundaries, and it has challenges that must be faced with wisdom and vigour in order for that prosperity to continue to be enjoyed by all our residents.

That is why we need a representative who has skills and energy, a vision for the district and the right motivations and affiliations to deliver for the next term of government. My ability to work collaboratively and to forge partnership in any setting even in

situations of conflicting interests is the most powerful skill I bring to the role.

During the campaign I have applied the same principles that I will bring to the role if I am elected. Those principles are: hard work and a laser focus on the issues that affect our electorate; using my role as a facilitator of collaboration to achieve outcomes and bring together the tiers of government, industry and investors to remove the roadblocks to building our wellbeing and prosperity.

Clarence will be in safe hands with me as your member. The most important principle I bring to this role is that of listening to the electorate. As your representative I will be armed with knowledge from our electorate to fight for the needs of our communities.

By SAMANTHA ELLEY

Labor has come into the state government campaign boxing ring swinging, with a $30 million promise to deliver long-term affordable rental housing in the Northern Rivers region.

Backed by a visit from Shadow Minister for Housing and Homelessness, Rose Jackson, MLC, Labor incumbent Janelle Saffin announced the Buildto-Rent campaign in Lismore last week.

“When NSW Labor in February announced a Build-to-Rent pilot

DIARY OF A FLOOD SURVIVOR

project for the South Coast, I put in a strong bid..to replicate one here on the Northern Rivers,” said Ms Saffin.

“I’d already brought Landcom to our region in late 2021 to work more closely with local councils to start addressing our housing crisis, worsened by last year’s floods.”

Ms Saffin said the program would roll out to Lismore and Murwillumbah and to Tweed Heads and Ballina as a natural extension.

“Not forgetting

Tenterfield as well as we are looking for land around there,” she said.

Tony Davies of Social Futures, an organisation that works closely with the homeless, said they welcomed the announcement.

“In our homelessness services a year ago, we saw more people with families who were homeless,” he said.

“When there are dualincome families who can not afford to rent and that was before the flood.

“Our organisation works with 10,000 people a year in the Northern Rivers region who need a home and there were 30% of them sleeping rough before the flood.

“Adelaide has less rough sleepers than

Lismore.”

Mr Davies said there is also the problem for businesses who cannot get workers as there is nowhere for them to live.

“We will absolutely work with any party that will do this and this investment will provide options for people,” he said.

“This is a great first step. We want all parties to commit as we need more social housing in this region.”

Ms Jackson said she had already be campaigning for more housing in Lismore before the flood.

“The Northern Rivers and North Coast were already struggling with increased rents and historically low vacancy rates prior to the flooding and the situation has now become extremely serious,” she said.

“Labor is serious about building more affordable housing – in particular affordable rentals.

“We know that working people across our regions are desperately struggling to find a place to live and it’s impacting on local economic growth and recovery.”

While the house slowly comes back to a liveable state, there is one elephant in the room, or should I say pool in the backyard, that we have been ignoring.

We put our above ground pool in a couple of years after building the house, as with two growing energetic boys, it was the ideal distraction and entertainment for them and their friends.

Mind you, hubby and I were not averse to having a good splash around in it either. In fact, hubby was the main user most times.

While we have been able to empty the pool of all the muddy flood water, the sides have rusted out badly,

leaving only the lining holding the whole thing together.

So now it stands forlornly, awaiting its fate.

We have missed its benefits during this very hot summer and debated often whether or not we can fix it. We have gone backwards and forwards between taking it out and putting in a garden, getting a spa, or finding someone who can fix the rusted area and refilling it with water.

We even put a call out on a tradie Facebook page to see if anyone could fix it, to no avail. And to be honest, it hasn’t been a priority, not when bathrooms and kitchens and even walls have taken up our attention.

Every time we glance out at the backyard and see it, we feel overwhelmed and I go back to my mantra, which has helped us through every stage of rebuilding our home…. Little steps

“Adelaide has less rough sleepers than Lismore and that’s before the flood”

Saffin, Jackson & Davies

CORAKI GOLF CLUB ON PAR WITH $400,000 GRANT

By SAMANTHA ELLEY

The relief and excitement was palpable as Coraki Golf Club members gathered to hear the announcement that $400,000 grant had been given to them last week.

“This is great news,” said club vice president James Voght.

“After the flood, the golf course was closed for four months and our front fence was washed away.

“The money will go towards restoration programs on the course where we will build a network of cart tracks for people to get around.

“We will also use the funding to rebuild the fence.”

Both Federal member for Page, Kevin Hogan and outgoing State member for Clarence, Chris Gulaptis were at the announcement, accompanied by the Nationals candidate Richie Williamson for the

upcoming state election.

“We all saw the devastating impact of the floods on our local communities,” Mr Hogan said.

“Investing in the repair and rebuild of key community infrastructure like the Coraki Golf Club is an investment in the long-term resilience of the local community.”

Mr Williamson agreed stating Coraki Golf Club was one of the jewels in the north of the electorate.

Free solar - savings up to $600 on electricity bills

The NSW Government is ofering a new way to assist people on low incomes with their power bills by installing free solar systems for eligible households in place of their Low Income Household Rebate. This program aims to improve energy afordability by helping households unlock long terms savings on their electricity bills. While this means you will no longer receive the $285 annual rebate on your electricity bill, you could receive up to $600 in savings per year from your new solar system!

The ofer is only available to households that live in the specifed regions and meet the eligibility criteria. When participating in this program households will receive a free, fully installed 3kW solar system in place of their Low Income Household Rebate.

SAE Group are the approved provider, designing and installing solar systems to eligible homes in your region.

To be eligible you must:

- Currently be receiving the Low Income Household Rebate

- Agree not to receive the rebate for ten years - Own your own home

- Not already have a solar PV system

- Hold a valid Pensioner Concession Card or a Department of Veteran Afairs Gold Card

-

If you are not the registered homeowner, but your spouse is, you may be considered eligible collectively as a household

A 3kW system is designed to generate an average of 12.6kwh per day, which will deliver electricity savings depending on each household’s energy consumption. Managing Director of SAE Group Glen Ashton comments “We know electricity bills continue to place a lot of pressure on households, and we are pleased to be working with the NSW Government to help ease the pressure on low income households.”

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“The funding will make access available for more players,” he said. The funding will allow the club to develop 2.706 km of golf cart tracks at the facility and repair those that were damaged. They will be built from a combination of concrete in areas around the tees and other areas with “SIC surfaces”, which is a combination of polyurethane and other materials which form an extremely hard and longlasting surface on top of

road base.

Mr Voght isn’t stopping there with more plans in the pipeline, depending on future funding.

“We have plans to build a country club and community centre,” he said.

“Coraki currently doesn’t have anywhere to go if we get another flood.

“This area is out of the flood zone and could be used for that.

“In 2026 the club will be 100 years old so we

will try to get the facility by then.”

He thanked all levels of government for their assistance with the current grant.

The $400,000 funding comes from the jointly funded Federal and State government’s Essential Community Sport Assets Program under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, as part of the broader Community Local Infrastructure Recovery Package (CLIRP).

LETTERS, FEEDBACK AND OPINION

their cheap merchandise in our cheap shops, and why would they run the risk of our Indigenous Boomerangs fitted with nuclear war heads landing in their country.

ADRIAN HASTIE Coombell

BUTTERFLIES

We’d love to hear from you!

letters@nrtimes.com.au

WHO TO VOTE FOR

Who can we vote for on 25 March that will end the covid vaccine mandates for employment and stop the zero-carbon emissions lunacy? If we fix those two things then a lot of the other problems will get fixed e.g. some people don’t have their jobs back or can get jobs as they are unvaccinated, while energy prices are increasing.

Plus, who can we trust to stop things like teenage gender transitioning without parental consent? The reason I am concerned is because 6 months after the last NSW state election most of the elected candidates voted for Alex Greenwich’s ‘Abortion to Full-term Bill’ that wasn’t even mentioned when we voted for them.

Well, I found one Legislative Assembly candidate, Kevin Loughrey that is bold enough to speak out about the covid tyranny and knows how to build this state up, see his ads on pages 5 & 7, NRTimes 16/3/23. Unfortunately, I’m not in Kevin’s electorate of Ballina to vote for him. Also, being an independent candidate he is not controlled by party rules, however some Independents like Alex Greenwhich can be worse than the main parties.

Kevin has also been a Lieutenant Colonel in the Australian Army which

coincides with the group leader I am voting for in the Legislative Council, Lt. Col Riccardo Bosi of Group U, (AustraliaOneGroup). So, if you want to see this state rebuilt by reducing taxes, boosting manufacturing, restoring farmer’s rights, rescuing our education system and protection for our families, Vote 1, Group U.

Lynette Evans NUMULGI

SUBMARINES

Australia has a vast long Coast Line that should be protected, and our leaders decide to spend billions of dollars on a hand full of Nuclear Submarines that would be flat out defending Sydney Harbour. If saboteurs didn’t blow them up first. Why on earth do our so-called experts decide to put all of our eggs in such an expensive basket. They should build and deploy numerous numbers of heavily armed patrol boats, strategically positioned around our Coast Line.

I am sick to death to hear our burnt out old Prime Ministers and other big name players getting onto their soap boxes, spruiking of how “prepared” we are to go to war with China. It appears they would like hostilities to start. It took many years to start a working relationship with China. Why would they jeopardise the selling of

In your March 9th Edition, I saw on page 61. In loving memory… & on the bottom half of the page are 6 Butterflies.

A friend of mine died at Mullumbimby a week later, I was at an open window & this butterfly sat on the windowsill for 5-10 minutes. That was a Friday, on Saturday the Mullumbimby markets were on and I went with friends and we had a coffee. I was telling my friend of my experience on the Friday about the Butterfly.

She asked, “Do you know what the Butterflies are? I said, they are very beautiful. She said, yes and they are also spirits of those who have just passed.” She also described the Butterfly to me.

What I saw was a Blue Tiger Butterfly, native to our region.

In memory of my friend who died, I asked 2 of her children if it was ok to get a tattoo of the Butterfly as a memorial for their mum, they said ok. So that’s what I’ve got on the left side of my throat, the words are “RIP RA” my friend was Maori.

they would be severing all ties with China and boycott all imports.

I write this because their human rights violations, e.g. Hong Kong, no rights under their regime is a testament to the fact and don’t forget their claim of Taiwan. Threatening that country with military might and haven’t they got that in spades.

If a war broke out between China and USA, and Russia comes into it, you may as well bend over and kiss yourself goodbye and all of those fellow humans you love dearly. If the madmen/ women push the button, there will be no comeback of life on mother earth.

Then mother earth will have to start regenerating life again and no promises that the human species (if any survived) will be top dog again.

It’s time to be accountable for ourselves and don’t rely on the puppet regimes who are doing nothing for humanity. Time to wake up folks, pull your heads out of the sand and open your eyes and ears before it’s all gone.

PAUL BRECHT Evans Head

BRAVEHEART

Reading about Lesley Paterson, a Scottish Woman, 5 Times World Champion Triathlete. Who decided she fell in love with Erich Maria Remarque, All Quiet on the Western Front.

Warrior Woman, in the old days when the Romans invaded the British Islands and went up against the Picts & Scots. They knew this was going to be hard going, hence the building of Hadrian’s Wall. Hadrian was the Emperor of the Roman Empire at the time.

To my knowledge the Picts & Scots use to paint their bodies with woad.

(Blue Dye)

I believe the women of the tribes use to fight along side their men eg: Boudica and her tribe verse Romans. Lesley reminds me of those women who fought the Romans to Safe Guard their country. Onya Lesley, can’t wait to the see the film. ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT.

PAUL BRECHT Evans Head

FLOOD ANNIVERSARY

Lismore

$368 BILLION

I can’t believe that the current government would risk losing the upcoming election by announcing the submarine obscene amount at this stage. Two votes are lost from this household. That amount could cover the cost of the entire adult population visiting China and Russia to ask their opposite residents there if they wanted to live peacefully in their own country and globally. It is evident that politicians are unable to engage in such dialogue thus putting Australia and the rest of the civilised world in danger of nuclear warfare.

As an aside, where are the naval recruits who would want to crew such vessels going to come from?

Mother Nature is already doing her best to bring an end to life as we know it, we do not need politicians, ours particularly to help her along.

How much of $368B could be spent (professionally!) to assist our disadvantaged residents?

Mind boggling!

Peter Walters Ballina

BURNING THE BUDGET

Paul

Brecht Evans Head

THE POWER OF CHINA.

The Premier of Solomon is Daniel Suidan, criticism of China was ousted. The Chinese regime must have put pressure on their parliament. We’ve been hearing that China wants into the Solomon’s. They have a policy of funding to countries that they want into, e.g. buying their way into poor countries, no surprise there folks. If the Australian regime was fair dinkum, which they’re not,

Lesley wanted to make a film of a German Novel he wrote.

Lesley to get the $$$ to do the film for a 5 digit sum to renew the rights in 2016. Lesley decided the only way to earn it in time was to win a Triathlon in Costa Rica.

Lesley rode the course the day before and broke her shoulder in a bike crash. Lesley at 42, so determined to make the payment that she swam 1.6kms one armed, then rode her way into 2nd place on the 40klm bike leg, then in great pain in 40 degree heat she overtook the leader late on the 10klm run to win.

I was fortunate to be able to attend some of the major events marking the first anniversary of the February 28 (2022) flood and wish to convey my appreciation to all involved in organising them, especially to our Lismore Mayor and his council – from the Wiggles visit to the final event, Opera in the Gardens. Ironically, it took a devastating flood for the area to come together for well-earned enjoyment and the thought has arisen could Lismore do something like this every year around February 28. While we have the Lantern Parade and Eat the Street, it’s been a while since there’s been an annual festival/carnival in our city extending over a few days like other regional centres have, so maybe we could have a series of events repeated annually like those we have enjoyed lately. I believe people involved with the legends cricket match and the opera in the gardens have indicated they would like to do it again.

And with a bit of planning the Wilsons River that caused so much damage could play a key role in festivities.

Kevin Elsley

Buying nuclear submarines is stupid the billions would have been better spent buying more tomahawk missiles and drones. Furthermore, the money would have been better spent on fixing Medicare and the cost of living electricity prices gas food etc etc and helping small business to get rid of monopolies by big business. In addition, spending money on making electric cars here and other manufacturing such as buses ferry’s trains would be better than some futuristic fantasy submarines that will be obsolete by the time we get them.

Alan Mosley Yamba

VILLAGE ROCKS ITS FIRST MUSIC AND ARTS FESTIVAL

By TIM HOWARD

The Clarence Valley’s historic village on the river, Ulmarra, could have another event to add to its storied life following the success of the inaugural music and arts festival on Sunday. Organisers, Ulmarra Village Inc, believe more than 1000 patrons focked through the gates of Small Park, better known as Ulmarra Showground for an afternoon of music, food and fun.

future,” she said.

She said the $17,500 grant, from the NSW Government’s Reconnecting Communities Fund had been won in a race against the clock.

“I had got a couple of smaller grants for events like community picnics,” Ms Leask said.

“But the (Clarence Valley) council’s grants person, Sammy Lovejoy, recommended we go for something bigger this time,” she said.

But it had been a

came in with a jumping castle for the kids and Kade Valja put on an arts workshop and the Coldstream Gallery was on board.”

people who have gone through fres, foods and a pandemic the opportunity to reconnect with each other,” she said.

Di Leask, from Ulmarra Inc, who with husband John, were the event’s gatekeepers, said the main comment they had was, “can’t we make this an annual event”?

Ms Leask said that should be quite within the village’s reach.

“The conventional wisdom is if you get a grant for an event and can show it’s successful, you fnd its much easier to get money in the

close run thing as she and event organiser

Jeremy Jablonski put the fnishing touches to the application, which was emailed in at 11pm on the last day before applications closed.

But even with $17,500 in the kitty, there were the inevitable funding shortfalls.

“The community really stepped up to fll in the gaps,” Ms Leask said.

“The local RFS brigade

Ms Leask said Ulmarra Village Inc had partnered with the NSW Government, Clarence Valley Council.

“And big thanks to the council too for getting the grounds ready,” she said.

“It was actually still a construction site, but staff did all they could laying turf and cleaning up the area so we could run this event,” she said.

“Once the CBC precinct upgrade is complete, this would be a great event to run in the main street.”

She said the community response had also been outstanding.

“The ideas behind these grants is to give

“And that’s what we’ve had here. It’s been so good. People have been coming and going all afternoon.

“We had 700 free tickets to give away and 300 more for at the gate and they’ve all gone,” she said.

The entertainment lineup included: the Ryan Martin Trio, Eli Fahey, Jabiru and Rachael Noakes.

There were free activities that catered to all ages with an art workshop, jumping castle and face painting. In addition there were plenty of food trucks and other market stalls.

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One of the key fgures behind the Ulmarra Music and Arts Festival, Di Leask, enjoys a quiet coffee as she surveys the crowd watching the band crank up on the Ulmarra Showground.

Clarence Valley Woodworkers Association members Bob Northam, Graham Cravigan, Jan Ellery, Roy Ellery and Gail Cravigan put their feet up running their stall at the Ulmarra Music and Arts Festival on Sunday.

Young festival goers Darby Denem, Everett Scown, Eden Summers, Leon Scown and Ashton Summers enjoy their ice creams at the Ulmarra Music and Arts Festival on Sunday.

Levi Taylor, left and his sister, Indi leave Ulmarra Showground showing off their newly painted faces with dad Jason at the Ulmarra.

OUT of all the traits and trimmings that come to define us, none figure more highly in our estimation of what it means to be upstanding or trustworthy, than loyalty. It is little wonder that it rhymes with royalty, because it is the one true ever reigning monarch of the soul.

In an era that kids and cons itself into believing that everything has a price and can be bought and sold at the drop of a hat; loyalty looms as the example par excellence of that which is utterly unbuyable. Or as Clarence Francis once deftly observed, “You cannot buy loyalty. You cannot buy the devotion of hearts, minds, and souls. You have to earn these things.”

Interestingly, the word loyal derives from the old French ‘loialte’ which relates to the notion of legality, itself based on the old Latin word lex, meaning law or that which is set down. Thus, it makes perfect sense when you discover one of the earliest definitions of loyalty was, “faithfulness to one’s own word or promise.”

A shame the world’s most prevalent biped is by and large an untrustworthy creature that needs to document everything and enter into binding contracts so that mutually agreed upon outcomes are attained. I often wonder how human beings fared during the bulk of our existence when the written word was not yet developed, let alone considered sacrosanct, and the spoken word ruled supreme.

To give one’s word meant everything once (and still does in many circles), and could be

Nigel Dawe

weighed in gold, incredible to think much of what we now say is retractable or deniable if it is not recorded in some way. As if loyalty were a steelyeyed, indestructible sphinx ever ready to remind us all of what’s important, Ada Velez-Boardley once said, “Loyalty is the pledge of truth to oneself and others.”

If being true to one’s word is the essence of loyalty, then sticking to your guns, albeit backing others in when things take a turn for the worst, constitutes its unbreakable beating heart. Untested, our expressed loyalty is exactly that, it is simply hot air that merely triggers an assigned trick: that of unquestioned support. But as Craig Groeschel once noted, “True loyalty is proven not proclaimed.”

Like love, loyalty is the ultimate of verbs – it is nothing short of a doing word, unfailingly it does what it has to do whenever it needs to be done. The tighter the challenge or the greater the odds, the more loyalty shines and shows its worth. And ultimately, “Without loyalty,” as Eric Felten once said, “there can be no love. Without loyalty there can be no family. Without loyalty there can be no friendship. Without loyalty there can be no commitment to community or country. And without those things, there can be no society.”

At the end of the day, who we are and what we ultimately stand for is intertwined with so many scrounge-able qualities, but none constitute a more discernible foundation, or is integral and deeply reflective of our true inner worth as a person – than loyalty.

A BIG BOOST FOR OUR LOCAL YOUTH

The Coffs Coast is continuing to beneft from the NSW Government’s Children and Young People Wellbeing Recovery initiative, said Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh.

Mr Singh said successful projects are helping support recovery and boost resilience for young people in our region following the impacts of natural disasters and COVID-19.

“I’m extremely pleased $50,000 has been allocated to Coffs Coast Autism, which will deliver a range of creative workshops through its

Spectrum Spectacular Creative Film Making & Mentoring,” Mr Singh said.

“I’m thrilled to announce support for this project which will help young people in our community bounce back stronger than ever in the wake of COVID-19 disruptions and natural disasters. “Young people living with autism found the disruptions to routine and school particularly tough, so these workshops will help them reconnect with their peers and passions. “The Spectrum Spectacular Workshops and Mentoring is a great

example of how we can help young people recover, build resilience and improve wellbeing by providing them with the tools and resources they need.” Minister for Regional Youth Ben Franklin said the $10.3 million Children and Young People Wellbeing Recovery Initiative offers large grants between $10,000 and $50,000 and small grants for up to $10,000.

“The large grants fund projects such as community events, peer support groups, cultural connection or partnership programs, while small

grants are to enable initiatives like sporting programs and barbecues,” Mr Franklin said.

“Our Regional Youth Community Coordinators will help connect young people with the projects that best support their wellbeing and recovery and foster resilience and connection.”

The Children and Young People Wellbeing Recovery Initiative is funded through the NSW COVID-19 Economic Recovery Initiative and the co-funded NSW and Australian Governments’ Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

NSW’s largest food on record fnally comes to an end

After a gruelling 177 days, the NSW State Emergency Service (SES) has lifted its fnal food warning, signifying the end of the longest fooding operation in the organisation’s history. This week, the river level dropped below minor on the Darling River at Burtundy in western NSW.

Since 14 September 2022, the NSW SES has been active across widespread parts of the State.

The NSW SES responded to almost 27,000 requests for assistance from the public. These included more than 960 food rescues of people caught in food water, issuing more than a record two million sandbags to residents trying to protect their properties and undertaking more than 1,000 resupply missions to isolated

communities.

NSW SES Acting Commissioner Damien Johnston praised the tireless efforts of NSW SES volunteers as well as state, national and international emergency partners who assisted with the response.

“It’s been an incredible commitment by the men and women who volunteer their time to be a part of the NSW SES,” he said.

“They have given more than two million hours of work during this food. They took time off from their own employment and away from their families to help communities who were impacted by this devastating natural disaster.”

The unprecedented nature of fooding saw the NSW SES draw on support from emergency partners from across the State and all over

the country. It was also the frst time in NSW’s history that an international contingent from Singapore and New Zealand assisted with the food efforts.

Acting Commissioner Johnston said this food event was tragic, resulting in the deaths of seven people.

“On behalf of the NSW SES and all our members I express our sincere condolences to the families and friends of loved ones who lost their lives,” he said.

Thousands of livestock, crops, pets, properties, and businesses were also lost to the food waters. Ultimately, 157 homes were destroyed and 2816 homes left uninhabitable.

During the food crisis, the NSW SES issued over 3,960 emergency warnings to impacted communities across NSW.

Free Breast Cancer Exercise & Wellness Program kicks off in Lismore!

On Tuesday, 2nd May, the YWCA ENCORE breast cancer exercise program will kick off in Lismore!

Funded by NSW Health, ENCORE is a free, award-winning exercise and wellness program designed by healthcare professionals specifcally for women who have experienced breast cancer or preventative surgery. The program aims to restore mobility, fexibility and confdence through gentle exercises.

Support and connection with others plays an important role in adjusting to life following a cancer

diagnosis, and ENCORE provides the opportunity to connect with others who share a similar experience. Having fun is also an essential element of the program!

Women who have been through the journey of breast cancer at any time in their lives are welcome to register to attend the program. You don’t need to be able to swim to participate.

The program runs for 8 weeks every Tuesday from 2nd May to 20th June 2023 at 12:00pm-2:00pm and features land and water based prescriptive exercises specifcally

designed for recovery from breast cancer and its treatment.

Encore can help you strengthen and tone your arms, shoulders and chest, regain mobility, and improve your general ftness and is safe, fun and therapeutic.

Registration is essential and can be done via our website www.ywcaencore.org.au.

YWCA ENCORE is funded by NSW Health, South Eastern Sydney Local Health District.

For more information contact encore@ywca. org.au or 0449 904 011

Richmond Valley Council and Huskee to empower businesses to reduce waste generation

More than one billion disposable coffee cups are used nationwide each year, and Richmond Valley Council is partnering with Australian reusable cup maker Huskee to tackle the waste issue.

The Council Green Business Project, funded by the NSW EPA Waste Less, Recycle More initiative, will support up to 30 cafes and coffee service providers within the Richmond Valley Council local government area to implement HuskeeSwap, a reuse model that helps cafes transition to a waste-free service.

With single-use bans being implemented across Australia to help combat plastic waste, cafes and venues have two ways to tackle the issue: they could replace their existing disposable cups with a more expensive, potentially compostable alternative or encourage dine-in and implement a reusable option for takeaway that saves

Renewables Exceed Coal For The First Time Ever. Advertorial by Diana Gosper.

There was a time when solar panels and the thought of renewable energy for all, seemed

them money.

Huskee Partnership Manager Chad Buxton said COVID and the current fnancial environment have been tough on hospitality.

“It’s good to see reusables returning to cafes, and a swap system like ours really makes business sense,” Mr Buxton said.

“It provides additional revenue and signifcant savings for cafes doing it tough while saving the planet.”

Advantages of the HuskeeSwap system are:

• A simple opt-in system with no ongoing costs

• Easy to implement and designed to be easy on cafe workfows

• Customers can swap multiple sizes of HuskeeCup, the world’s frst coffee cup made from coffee husk, a vast waste by-product of the coffee industry.

• Customers don’t have to wash their cups or even remember to

a pipedream, or simply the domain of hippies and fringe dwellers, not so anymore. And this is good news, for both consumers and the environment (in fact let’s call them nonconsumers!).

bring them (if they use the app)

• Both cafes and customers can play a part in true impact, Through this initiative, Richmond Valley Council and Huskee are working together to reduce single-use cup waste while empowering local businesses with sustainable solutions.

This partnership is an important step forward in helping businesses move away from traditional methods of disposing of waste and transitioning towards more sustainable practices.

According to Richmond Valley Council Sustainable Communities and Environment Carla Dzendolet the initiative will help tackle some of our community’s barriers when remembering their reusable cup.

Ms Dzendolet said the cup exchange program allows for when people accidentally leave their dirty cup in the car or want to enjoy another coffee when out and

Now more than 30% of Australian homes have panels, a larger percentage per rooftop than any other country in the world, and soon the renewable energy feeding back into the Aussie energy grid will exceed

about.

“Avoidance around single-use plastics is one of Council’s top waste reduction targets,” Ms Dzendolet said.

“By participating in the cup exchange program, we are avoiding singleuse, saving resources, and saving waste going into landfll.”

Huskee is an Australian company which designs functional products to utilise waste and recycled material and systems which enable the transition to a waste-free world.

Huskee is pleased to work with Richmond Valley Council, which comprises 36 towns and villages in the Northern Rivers region, New South Wales.

To register your interest in the Green Business Initiative, fll out the Expression of Interest here: https://forms.gle/ gQqgcxA5SFd9F8C47

For more information on HuskeeSwap, head to https://huskee.co/swap.

that which is coming from coal.

The demand for solar and the rollout has gotten faster; when you take note that the frst 10gigawatt took 10 years to reach, but the

Information about waste services and campaigns is on Council’s website.

More than 1200kgs of rubbish picked up in Byron Shire on Clean-Up Australia Day

Volunteers, school students, community groups and Council staff picked up more than 1,200kgs of rubbish across the Shire on the frst weekend in March as part of Clean-Up Australia Day.

At Byron Bay, 90 volunteers turned out to help Council and Positive Change for Marine Life tackle the Main Beach area.

“We had backpackers, families, Byron Bay Surf Club nippers, Byron Scouts, and so many people in the community, all picking up rubbish,” Zoe White, Resource Recovery Education and Compliance Offcer, said.

“We covered a stretch of one kilometre and in 45 minutes we collected 80kgs of waste.

“What was really interesting for volunteers was that this equated to more than 3,200 items, most of which was micro-litter,” she said.

This included:

1. 451 cigarette butts

2. 422 metal bottle caps

3. 306 drink containers

next 10 gigawatt only took another 4 years and the subsequent 10 gigawatt is expected to take 3 years- we are on track for a full solar revolution!

Households and businesses who already have solar, are increasingly coming to us for upgrades and expansions, benefting from reduced bills and or grid independence, and the increase in demand comes at a time when battery technology has improved dramatically, with new batteries much

(including coffee cups)

4. 86 pieces of single use cutlery and straws

5. 1,662 plastic items.

“Some people were very surprised at the amount of rubbish that was collected and I think it will prompt them to rethink getting that next takeaway coffee, or buying that plastic bottle of water,” Ms White said.

At Brunswick Heads 21 volunteers collected almost 900kg.

In Mullumbimby, volunteers collected seven wheelie bins of street litter and the Byron Bird Buddies removed an extra 80kg from along the Brunswick River.

“What a massive effort on behalf of the Byron Shire community – thank you to the 400-plus volunteers for caring for the environment,” Ms White said.

Staff will be looking at the data surrounding the cleanup and use this to develop proactive and targeted antilitter campaigns.

“Thanks again to everyone who took part in Clean Up Australia Day and people can fnd more tips to reduce waste at @byronbinfuencer,” Ms White said.

more affordable and expandable.

The increase in EV’s is also a driving factor for the uptake- and one that we welcome here at RPC. We love our EV and the free charging station here at the headquarters gets a lot of use!

The local experts at RPC, have helped thousands of people go solar since we started in 1987, we have trusted products, designs and after sales care, and we are proud and passionate about what we do. Phone 0266891430 email sales@rpc.com.au or visit rpc.com.au.

HOW TO ‘NOT’ watch the ELECTION Results.

‘Mum Jane’ called me for a chat over tea & cake this morning. (It’s ‘Leemo Cat’ writing.) She told me to note that important things that will be happening in the next few weeks.

‘So, Leems, keep this in mind and act accordingly please, gottit?’ Hmmm!

(she’dreamin!) Haaah.. before she could start, I intervened by telling her to be quiet, ‘cos I had something to say. ‘Mum, it is patently clear to me that you FORGOT to acknowledge something notable on March 17th didn’t you?’ Being a rather witless older woman, she said ‘Oh Leems, do you mean St. Patrick’s Day? Well I did kinda remember. I wore my op-shop green army shorts, a green T-shirt, green sox, and had a green beer and green veges. with my dinner. In your view Leems, does that suffce?’ OMG, I don’t believe her disgraceful fippancy.

‘Mum, apart from St. Patrick’s Day, MARCH 17th acknowledges the passing of St. Gertrude of Nivelles’. She was born in the city of Nevilles in 626 and was canonized after she went to Heaven on March 17th aged only 33. (I so longed to yell at her, but instead spoke calmly.)

‘Mum, St Gertrude of Nevilles IS THE PATRON SAINT OF CATS. Gettit? I noted NO recognition of this amazing woman on March 17th in our house? No cat candles burning, no praying to St Gertrude. I noted only your appalling

attire and your ghastly green beer. You were an embarrassment to St. Gertrude, (and myself). I am ashamed of you Mum.’ CRIKEY, observing her face, (which is, quite frankly, impossible to describe in any words I know) I deduced my comments obviously set her feeble mind into over-drive quite well!! Goodie!

After she had a ‘fakey’ faint, a bit of female meltdown & other dramatic stuff, she peered at me in ‘suckup’ mode & sniffed some words out. ‘Oooh, Leemo my precious, never in my wildest dreams would I wish to offend you. Please realise I am so busy that things do escape me, and I am truly sorry. What may I do to appease yourself and beloved St. Gertrude, pray tell me.’ (more sniffes, pathetic really for a grown woman!)

Yippee. I’m winning on this one. I went into a meditative ponder, lying with paws in air, chanting and tail a-swishing, knowing she would be anxious about my answer. I purposely took a while but fnally un-tranced and spoke to her. (oooh, this is so delicious!)

‘Well Mum, there are things that may assist your forgiveness. You are to say 1500 Hail Marys and 1500 Our Fathers, plus 100 prayers each to St. Jude and St Mary MacKillop, each night, starting at 6.30pm, for the next 2 weeks. You must say them OUT LOUD so I know you’re doing it. Gottit? Crikey, she did a proper faint this time. Oh, for Heaven’s sake..I waved a Vicks sniffer under her nose and she came to with a splutter.

‘Leems my beloved, I am most willing to acquiesce to your request, BUT NOT NEXT SATURDAY it’s NSW Election day and you know I so much want to watch it all day..pleease!’ I spoke seriously and told her ‘NUP..penance is penance Mum, you can’t just swap and change it, and that’s that!’ Whooohoo, this all kinda means I can watch BLUEY for hours and not be subjected to watching the poxy Election Results next Saturday.

(pretty cunning plan huh?) Nite with HUGE purrsies, Leemo

PEDAL, PARTY AND PLAY! FESTIVITIES TO MARK RAIL TRAIL OPENING

Heaps of fun for everyone at free Community Celebration weekend!

It’s time to bring the community together for a weekend of celebrations to mark the opening of the Tweed section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail!

On Saturday 25 March and Sunday 26 March, the 24km Tweed stretch of the Rail Trail will come alive with a feast of free activities, live music and events for the entire family to enjoy.

Mayor of Tweed Shire Chris Cherry said all members of the community were invited to share in the rich history and cultural infuences of the Rail Trail and the beauty of the surrounding region.

“The Rail Trail is truly a world-class asset which has opened to rave reviews and we want to share this with as many people in the community as possible,” Cr Cherry said.

“This new attraction is the culmination of years of work and is something the Tweed community can be incredibly proud of. Not only does the Rail Trail provide an opportunity to get outdoors and exercise while taking in the spectacular natural beauty of the Tweed Valley, but it provides opportunities for our local residents and businesses to connect in new ways.

“We invite everyone to come along and join in the Community Celebrations and fnd out for yourselves what everyone is raving about! Our aim is to create a safe and inclusive space where the community can come together and celebrate our shared love for the outdoors. Let’s make memories, have fun, create lasting connections and celebrate our fantastic region.”

Fun activities, live music

and food offerings will be available at all the main nodes along the way, including Murwillumbah, Stokers Siding, Burringbar, Mooball and Crabbes Creek.

Dive into the past at the Murwillumbah Railway Station site and visit the Museum on Wheels (MoW), courtesy of the Tweed Regional Museum, which has curated an exhibition of historic photographs of the former North Coast Line dating back to the early 1900’s. Kids can embark on their Rail Trail journey with a specially -designed scavenger hunt and uncover hidden stories along the way.

Cycling Without Age will also be at the Murwillumbah Railway Station, providing people with reduced mobility the chance to enjoy the freedom of cycling on their popular trishaw rides powered by volunteers.

The station itself will be lively and activations will be dispersed across the 24km length of the trail, including an exciting new addition for the Tweed Regional Gallery. Rail Trail users will be able to access a free, self-guided activity at the Gallery connection point where they can listen to the voice of local poet Tais Rose Wae – providing an opportunity for trailblazers to take some time out, slow down and engage in some meditative deep listening, connecting them to the land.

Other activations across the weekend will support the community to experience new things and learn about Aboriginal cultural stories as well as the fora and fauna of the surrounding area.

Each of the historical station nodes will feature

musicians playing throughout the weekend, including sounds from Luke Bennett, Kayel, Jerome Williams, Gabrielle Lamb and James Alexander.

Plan your day and check out the full program for a list of exciting things to bring the family and join in the fun. Visit northernriversrailtrail. com.au/plan/events.

Highlights from the program include:

Saturday 25 March 2023

Murwillumbah Railway Station precinct Grab a chance to ask questions with members from the Northern Rivers Supports Group and Rail Trails Australia and visit the animated Museum on Wheels (9 am – 2 pm). Cycling Without Age will be offering free rides for those less able, from young children with disabilities to those over 100 years old.

Stokers Siding

Grab a delicious cake and have a chat with community printmakers who will be open all weekend from 10 am – 4 pm. Hosanna Farmstay has waived its Day Visit pass fees for all Rail Trail users. Swing through, say hi to the animals, stay for a snack, and enjoy their live music from 1 – 8 pm.

Burringbar

Have some fun with the Hoopla Circus and their interactive circus toys in Burringbar at Masterton Park between 9 am – 1 pm alongside communityrun face painting, cake stall, and sausage sizzle. Cycling Without Age will also be hosting free trishaw rides from Burringbar from 10 am –2 pm.

Mooball

Get up close and personal with some reptiles

and join well-loved local Wildlife Twins in Bernadette Kelly Park with their interactive reptile show from 10 am –11 am. Stop by the Victory Hotel in the afternoon and fuel up with a sausage sizzle from 3 – 5 pm and live music from 2 pm.

Crabbes Creek

The Community Hall will be open on Saturday (10 am – 4 pm) for people to visit and vote and will be hosting a barbecue.

Sunday 26 March 2023

Stokers Siding

More cakes and conversations. Community Printmakers will remain open on Sunday 10 am – 4 pm. Hosanna will open their farm gates to Rail Trail users and waive their Day Visit pass on Sunday too.

Burringbar

Immerse yourself in First Nations culture and come and listen to ancient stories and songs and the captivating sounds of the didgeridoo with the Biren Cultural Group from 10 am – 1 pm. Leave your mark in the creation of a traditional artwork that will tell a story of shared connection from the weekend on the Rail Trail and receive a small ochre blessing before you leave.

Mooball

Perfect for young explorers, check out the ‘I’m a Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here!’ set up in Bernadette Kelly Park from 9 am to 1 pm. Be crowned king or queen of the jungle, see props from the show, play games and brave the creeping toy spiders to win a prize.

Crabbes Creek

On Sunday, Crabbes Creek Hall will be open for information and a brekkie barbecue from 8 am – 12 pm.

“Leemo has views on just about anything”

Immerse yourself in the ancient stories and songs of the area with the Biren Cultural Group at Burringbar on Sunday 26 March from 10 am to 1 pm.

Labor will deliver over $41 million for roads, bridges in Northern Rivers region and Tenterfeld

A Minns Labor Government will commit a total of more than $41 million in funding for the upgrade of ‘legacy’ roads and bridges projects across the Lismore Electorate.

Under NSW Labor’s Regional Road Capital Fund, in addition to Government funding already announced, Labor will provide additional funding of:

• $12 million to Kyogle Council towards the replacement of council’s remaining 30 timber and composite bridges.

• $7.5 million to Lismore City Council to construct a roundabout at the Alphadale crossroads, Bruxner Highway, to improve driver safety at a notorious black spot, and in the interim reduce the speed limit from 80kmh to 60kmh on approaches to this intersection.

• $4 million to Kyogle Council towards improving food immunity of the Clarence Way at Tunglebung and Culmarran creeks between Sandilands and Bonalbo.

• $3.12 million to Tenterfeld Shire Council to ensure completion of a major upgrade of Mount

Lindesay Road between Legume and Woodenbong.

NSW Labor will also provide an additional $14.6 million in funding under its Emergency Road Repair Fund, which will provide more than:

• $3 million to Lismore City Council

• $2.9 million to Kyogle Council

• $4.1 million to Tweed Shire Council

• $3.1 million to Byron Shire Council

• $1.5 million to Tenterfeld Shire Council

The funding outlined above is in addition to, and in fact more than double the Government’s pothole repair funding announced earlier this year.

In 2019, the Liberals and Nationals promised to reclassify and transfer up to 15,000 km of roads to help lift the burden on councils. Despite being the Government’s signature regional roads commitment in 2019, it remains unfulflled -- and in the last four years the Government has transferred a total of zero kilometres of regional roads.

One of the reasons there has been no progress on

this signature election commitment is that the independent panel’s report has been sitting on Minister Farraway’s desk for nearly four months. The Opposition has repeatedly called for its release. Transport documents show that once commenced, the process may take more than eight years.

Mayors and councillors across the state have expressed extreme frustration at the Government’s broken promise on roads reclassifcation and transfers, demanding action now.

Mayors and councillors

have been outraged to discover that the Nationals have in fact put in fve times the amount of money per kilometre for pothole funding to Sydney Metro councils, than they did in the regions.

Quotes attributable to John Graham MLC, NSW Shadow Minister for Roads and Shadow Minister for the North Coast:

“For the last 12 years, the Nationals have overseen billions of dollars of spending on toll roads in Sydney at the expense of roads in the regions.

“Labor is committed to supporting Councils to

fx the local roads that people use every day to get to work, get the kids to school or get to medical appointments. We will prioritise local roads over toll roads.”

Quotes attributable to Jenny Aitchison MP, NSW Shadow Minister for Regional Transport and Roads:

“For the last 12 years, the Nationals have overseen billions of dollars in cost blowouts and overspends in mega projects in metropolitan areas at the expense of the regions.

“Labor’s commitment of over $41 million for Lismore Electorate roads and bridges will provide much needed cost of living relief for councils and communities by repairing their damaged roads after 12 years of inaction, foods and fres, and deliver the roads that are needed to provide the roads our regions need for the future.

“Labor’s plan to address this funding shortfall has been welcomed by local councillors across the state, as the state of our regional roads has become a dangerous safety issue, and a massive cost

for councils and their ratepayers, and drivers who are destroying tyres and rims and damaging their cars on dangerous pothole ridden local roads.”

Quotes attributable to Janelle Saffn MP, State Member for Lismore:

“Some of these ‘legacy’ projects have been around for decades -- put in the too-hard basket or sitting low on priority lists -- and I’ve spent my frst Parliamentary term lobbying for them in a strategic, strong and sustained way.

“I thank Shadow Ministers John Graham and Jenny Aitchison for taking them up in this funding package because all projects will improve road safety and connectivity in areas hard hit by bushfres and foods in recent years.

“I know that there is always more to do; road and bridge repair are among my top priorities.

“I will continue to work with local councils and communities to ensure that we receive our fair share of the increased funding which will be invested by a Minns Labor Government.”

New Store Open next to Aldi!

Janelle Sa n MP and John Graham MLC, Alphadale crossroads, March 2023

Come celebrate Autumn, the best time of the year in the beautiful country town of Tenterfeld over the Easter Long Weekend (April 7 –10). Situated in the New England, we have some of the best autumn colour in all of Australia.

There’s fun for the whole family, from grandparents to the kids and it’s a great chance to experience one of Australia’s most historic towns at its most beautiful.

Autumn Festival program

FRIDAY APRIL 7

Tenterfeld Bowls Club –FUN DAY

Barefoot Bowls, Children’s entertainment , BBQ lunch, Live Music throughout, Paint & Sip, Licensed Bar.

Open Gardens - Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday

Glenrock Gardens (84 Robinsons Lane) 10am5pm- Café, Live Music, Picnic Hampers, $15 entry

Behind the Hedges Garden (454 Rouse St)Light refreshments - $10 entry

White Cottage Flower Farm (193 East St) – by appointment only over the long weekend

Wine Tour Bus -

Balancing Heart Vineyard

Return Bus Service

leaving from Bad Manners (148 Manners St) 20min drive, Pizza Platters, Bookings cellardoor@ balancingheart.com.au or 1300 000 221

Artists Collective Studio

Gallery

Australiana Art Award exhibition, 199 Rouse St, 9.30am-3.30pm

CBD Window Displays

celebrating Autumn Museums

School of Arts Henry Parkes Museum, Centenary Cottage and Petrie Cottage Museum, Tenterfeld Railway Station Museum, Quarantine Station Museum, Tenterfeld Saddler

Retail & Food outlets

Many retail shops and food outlets will be open to celebrate the 2023 Tenterfeld Autumn Festival and Easter Long Weekend.

TFair ways Motel

2023 Tenterfeld

continued from page 1

SATURDAY

Market Fun Day

Jubilee Park –Manners St, 8am-1pm, Market + Food stalls, Live Music, Children’s Entertainment, Farmers Challenge, Tug of War, Vintage Veteran & Classic Car Display at adjacent Petherick Park 8am-1pm.

High Tea – Historic

Tenterfeld Railway Station 1.30pm for 2pm start – 4.30pm in this delightful setting, Champagne on arrival, String Trio, Fashion Parade, $65, Tickets at Sherelle Fashions 0267362453, Limited seating.

King Brown Camp

Oven Demonstrations – Bruxner Park, Rouse St, Ron Wilson, Australia’s Camp

Oven King, live demonstrations 9am-

2pm, Live Music.

Scenic Helicopter

Tours – Shirley Park

5, 10 & 20 minute

tours plus private tours available, Departing lower Shirley Park next to Tenterfeld Bowling Club, Bookings

Elite Helicopters eitehelicopters.com.au or 1300 424 354 Eat Street – behind Bad Manners 148 Manners St, Street

Food, Live Music, Kid’s Entertainment, Firepits, Open Bar, Gin Van, 5-9 pm, Free entry Tenterfeld School of Arts Cinema – GLIMPSES of Tenterfeld’s History Film on selections of Tenterfeld’s History, 11am – 12.30pm, $10 donation to support youth music project Get it Together

Tenterfeld Bowls Club – Barefoot Bowls

Open Gardens – as

per Friday

Wine Tour –

Balancing Heart

Winery - as per Friday

Artists Collective

Studio Gallery – as per Friday

SUNDAY APRIL 9

Tenterfeld’s Biggest Easter Egg Hunt

- Jubilee Park on Manners St Easter Egg Hunt in age groupings, Easter Bunny, Kid’s Entertainment, Live Music, BBQ Breakie, Coffee Van.

King Brown Camp

Oven Demonstrations – Bruxner Park – as per Saturday

Scenic Helicopter

Tours – Shirley Park –as per Saturday

Glenrock Gardens

– The Barn – Long Table Degustation 7

Courses with Paired Wines, 11.30am3.30pm, Bookings at

glenrockgardens.com.

au Tenterfeld Bowls

Club – Barefoot Bowls Open Gardens – as per Friday

Tenterfeld School of Arts Cinema –GLIMPSES of Tenterfeld’s Historyas per Saturday

Wine Tour –

Balancing Heart Winery - as per Friday

Artists Collective

Studio Gallery – as per Friday

Easter at The Piano Mill – Harrigans Lane, Easter at the Piano Mill production

Be Prepared by Clocked Out, featuring Vanessa Tomlinson and Erik Griswold with Melbourne based violinist Anna McMichael. Performing in the amazing acoustic of the Lagavulin concert hall, 4-5pm, Bookings

harriganslanecollective. com.au/upcoming-events

MONDAY APRIL 10

King Brown Camp

Oven Demonstrations and Camp Oven

Lunch – Bruxner Park

7.30am-1.30pm, Live camp oven cooking demonstrations as per Saturday description, Live Music, Camp Oven lunch – Hot Roast Beef & Gravy Rolls, Pulled Pork & Coleslaw Rolls - $15 preorder at Bruxner Park. Supported by Wizards Butchery

Arrajay Downs

Small Animal Farm

– Breakfast at the Small Animal Farm, Live Music with Jess Lockwood, Play with the animals including the Hairy Highlander Cows, Experience

Farm Life, Bookings

Rhonda 0402 116 443

Scenic Helicopter

Tours – Shirley Park –

as per Saturday

Tenterfeld Bowls Club – Barefoot Bowls Picnic by the River –Roseneath Station on Bruxner Way on the beautiful Dumaresq River (70km west of Tenterfeld). Soft drink and food available, BYO chair and other drinks, Live Music, 12 noon start.

Open Gardens – as per Friday Wine Tour –Balancing Heart Winery - as per Friday Artists Collective Studio Gallery – as per Friday

TENTERFIELD FOOD OUTLETS

Tenterfeld Bowls Club (Sponsor) Bad Manners Donuts & Coffee (Sponsor) Barra Jacks, Bohemian Tea Room, Coco

continued page 4 ...

Come

Specialising in Antique, Estate, Art Deco and Reproduction Jewellery Peberdy House, 182 Rouse Street (New England Highway)

continued from page 3

Thai Restaurant, Commercial Boutique Hotel, Corner Café, Courtyard Café, Gourmet Drovers, Henry Parkes

Tenterfeld Best Western, Kitchen Garden Café (Federation Pies),

Maple on Manners, Royal Hotel, Sing Wah Chinese, Stonefruit, Telegraph Hotel, Tenterfeld Bakery, Tenterfeld Corner Café, Tenterfeld Golf Club, Tenterfeld Gourmet Pizza, Tenterfeld Tavern,

The Artisan Altitude, The Barn (Glenrock Gardens), The Pomegranate Patch @ 401 on Rouse, The Potting Shed, Uncle Tom’s Chinese Cuisine, Willow Tree Café.

SPONSORS

Tenterfeld Bowling Club, See Civil, Tenterfeld Shire Council, Coles, Tenterfeld Business Chamber, Peter Petty Rural Contracting, NSW Farmers, Bad Manners, Wizards Butchery, Resilience NSW.

Tenterfield Autumn Festival – High Tea

TICKETS ON SALE MARCH 1, 2023

When: Saturday, April 8th 2023

Time: Arrival 1.30pm | Glass of Champagne | Tour of the Railway Seated 2.00pm & Finish: 4.00pm

Where: Tenterfield Historic Railway Station | 9 Railway Ave, Tenterfield NSW

What: Live Music | String Duo | Lucky Door Prizes | Fashion Pde

Every leaf speaks bliss to me, futtering from the Autumn tree. ~ Emily Bronte ~

Council rushing to demolish community centre

By TIM HOWARD

A Yamba residents’ group says there has been an unseemly haste to get permission for the demolition of the Treelands Drive Community Centre.

Clarence Valley Council, at its February 28 meeting, made a controversial decision to overturn an earlier resolution to keep and renovate the building, instead voting for an earlier.

The residents group, Yamba Community Action Network, was formed last year, largely by residents concerned the council was pushing ahead with the proposal paying scant regard to due process and running roughshod over the objections of the community.

The YambaCAN secretary Lynne Cairns said there was ample evidence over the history of the proposal that council staff and some councillors had pushed ahead with the project before the elected councillors had voted on it.

“Most recently the the council had submitted the DA to the Northern Region Planning Panel for consideration four days before the council had voted on whether it would change its mind from Option B back to Option A,” Mrs Cairns said.

“It just seems that the staff do whatever press ahead making decisions before council resolves one way or another.”

The development proposal for Option A has been to demolish the

existing Treelands Drive Community Centre and build an upgrade facility including a new, bigger library.

Council has received an $11.1 million dollar Bushfre Local Economic Recovery grant to fund the project.

But in late 2022 council was forced to close the Grafton Olympic Pool and received information it could swap the BLER funding from Treelands Drive to fund construction of a new Grafton Aquatic Centre.

In December councillors voted to switch planning from Option A to Option B, which was to renovate the current building and upgrade the Yamba library.

But when the Department for Regional NSW informed the council it could not re-allocate the BLER funding, there were concern among councillors and staff the funding would be lost unless it were spent on Option A.

The about turn created controversy in the council, which needed to rescind the December motion.

Normally a rescission motion requires the signatures of three councillors and seven days notice before the meeting.

But in this instance staff proposed they rescind elements of the original decision.

Mayor Ian Tiley was so concerned about this process he asked general manager Laura Black to check with the Offce of Local Government.

Its advice was the process could be legitimate because the conditions that motivated the decision had changed.

Deputy mayor Greg Clancy did not agree, claiming the motion, moved by Cr Karen Toms, to approve the staff recommendation, was not lawful.

He moved a dissent motion against the ruling, which was beaten and after some spirited debate the motion was passed 6-3.

But Cr Clancy took it further and had his own discussions with the OLG.

He did not reveal the outcome of his research, but said there was more to the ruling than was revealed during the meeting.

The decision was a blow to Yamba residents, 800 of whom have signed a petition called for Option B to remain the council position.

Mrs Cairns was concerned the council could argue Option A be retained or funding could be lost but on a project with the same funding source, the Maclean Community Precinct, plans could change without any comeback.

“Council requested Regional NSW approve amending the scope of the Maclean Precinct (another BLER funded project) from a full refurbishment to demolish and this was granted,” Mrs Cairns said.

“Why hasn’t Option B been afforded the same opportunity as Maclean Precinct – rather than demolish?”

The proposal went to the NRPP last Tuesday and at the time of writing the panel has yet to release its decision.

Mrs Cairns, her husband Bob Cairns and two other residents made submissions opposing the DA.

Mrs Cairns said the council argument was full of holes.

“Late January this year Mayor informed, advised by General Manager, that BLER funds could not be transferred to another project and funding has been extended to June 2025,” she told the panel.

“Yet the recent business paper states council staff haven’t even lodged an application to extend the grant.”

She said council staff had always pushed the option to demolish the centre, even during community consultation.

“During the community consultation sessions in 2022 when part of the funding proposal was to sell the Wooli St Hall, people told staff they didn’t want to sell off the hall,” Mrs Cairns said.

“Staff told people to fll in the demolish and a replace option, but add a note that they didn’t want to sell Wooli St,” she said.

“Right from the outset they have wanted to push the demolition option and have pushed for that, no matter what councillors and the community wanted.”

Cr Clancy said he was pursuing his objections through the OLG, but did not think there was much of a chance to overturn the decision.

$30 million for key health worker accommodation in Western and Far West NSW

A re-elected NSW Liberal and Nationals Government will invest an additional $30 million to deliver new key worker accommodation across Western and Far West NSW as part of the Government’s plan to support health workers who choose to come and work in rural and regional NSW.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the funding would deliver one and two-bedroom units close to health services for health workers and their families in the Western and Far West Local Health Districts.

“We’re not just investing in new hospitals and upgrades to health services for our communities, we’re investing in accommodation for the workforce that takes care of our communities,” Mr Toole said.

“This would increase our investment in health worker accommodation to more than $100 million across the State and builds on the $883 million investment we’re making to attract and retain health workers in the bush.”

Minister for Regional Health Bronnie Taylor, who announced the funding in Broken Hill, said a re-elected NSW Liberal and Nationals Government will expand the footprint of key worker accommodation to make sure there are as few barriers as possible for our new staff coming to work in rural and regional NSW.

“This initiative is already making such a difference towards helping attract new talent to the bush as well as providing a home away from home for our visiting health staff,” Mrs Taylor said.

“It has been an absolute game-changer, with high

occupancy rates and I’m soexcited to see this initiative rolled out even further.

“From Quirindi to Warren and down to Cooma and Tumut, we are making the move to rural and regional NSW as easy as possible for healthcare workers by providing them with safe, comfortable accommodation close to where they are working.

“Under our Rural Health Workforce Incentive Scheme we have seen more than 100 new workers recruited to hospitals and MPSs across the Far West and Western NSW LHDs, with 35 new staff starting in Broken Hill alone.”

Minister for Western NSW Dugald Saunders said this commitment builds on the key health worker accommodation recently announced in Balranald, Broken Hill, Mudgee, Collarenebri, Walgett, Baradine and Condobolin.

“This funding will remove the challenge for healthcare workers to fnd a decent rental at short notice, making it that much easier for them to get on with the important work they provide to our rural communities”, Mr Saunders said.

“We’ve seen this accommodation successfully rolled out in other remote parts of the state, giving our frontline staff a homely and safe space to be, which is a key component of our commitment to strengthen our regional workforce,”

Since 2011, the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government has delivered more than 180 health capital works projects across NSW, with more than 130 projects currently underway – of those, more than 90 are in rural and regional areas.

$30 million to boost northern rivers housing supply

A Minns Labor Government will deliver more long-term affordable rental housing for regional New South Wales by investing a further $30 million for a Build-toRent program in the Northern Rivers region.

Under Labor’s plan, Landcom will be tasked with delivering the extra rental stock over two years.

Build-to-Rent programs usually involve the construction of multi-unit developments under a single owner where the

property is held long term for rental purposes. The purpose of this scheme is to add to the supply of longer-term rentals in the housing market.

Under the Nationals and Liberals, New South Wales has a rental affordability crisis, especially in regional areas of the state where there are simply fewer options. A lack of housing options means many regional communities are struggling to attract and retain key workers.

Landcom will

identify existing surplus government land and work with local government on potential sites.

Any properties built on surplus government land will be subject to Labor’s mandatory requirement of 30 per cent of dwellings to be used for social, affordable and universal housing.

Rental properties will be managed by an appropriate government agency – like Teacher Housing or recently announced Homes NSW – or a community partner

with any profts to be reinvested into social housing.

This announcement comes off the back of revelations this week that the NSW Government reforms to streamline the planning process for housing has only managed to approve one build-torent project in two years.

Lack of supply is one of the biggest drivers of the housing crisis, Labor’s pilot will increase the number of long-term rentals available on the Northern Rivers and South

Coast.

Quotes attributable to Janelle Saffn MP, State Member for Lismore:

“When NSW Labor in February announced a Build-to-Rent pilot project for the South Coast, I put in a strong bid to Shadow Ministers Paul Scully and Rose Jackson to replicate one here on the Northern Rivers.”

“I’d already brought Landcom to our region in late 2021 to work more closely with local councils to start addressing our housing crisis, worsened

by last year’s foods.”

“I see Build-to-Rent rolling out to Lismore and Murwillumbah in our Electorate of Lismore, and to neighbouring Tweed Heads and Ballina, as a natural extension of Landcom broadening its focus beyond Sydney to regional areas.”

“Local people must have the security of a roof over their heads for themselves and their children, and a practical scheme like this is one way towards achieving this goal.”

COMMITMENT SOUGHT ON FARM INNOVATION FUND

NSW Farmers has called on both sides of politics to commit to funding a state government program that boosts food production ahead of the election.

The Farm Innovation Fund (FIF) helps farmers to improve productivity, manage adverse seasonal conditions and ensure sustainability with a long-term, low interest rate

loan for permanent capital works.

NSW Farmers Policy Director Kathy Rankin said farmers had used the FIF to identify and address risks to their farming business, improve permanent farm infrastructure, ensure long-term productivity and sustainable land use, and adapt to changes to seasonal conditions.

UPCOMING SALE DATES

“Farm businesses need to be proftable to survive, but they are abnormally exposed to external factors such as climate variability, high energy and input costs, and labour availability — many of which have come to a head over the past year,” Ms Rankin said.

“It is undeniable that the economic and environmental landscape is

REAL ESTATE

changing, and farmers need to be equipped for what lies ahead.

“Government can partner with industry to strengthen their farm business operations, growing the food and fbre that feeds and clothes us.”

Ms Rankin said while future budgets might be tight for whoever forms government after the

election, investing in the future growth of the agriculture sector would not only fll dinner plates, it would strengthen regional and rural communities and fll government coffers too.

“We know that every dollar invested in boosting farm productivity delivers a dividend of $12 for the economy,” Ms Rankin said.

“Our agricultural sector

is growing and exports are booming, and with more and more hungry mouths to feed around the world agriculture is a key pillar for the state.

“Expanding strategies to help farmers build stronger businesses will secure the future of food while also delivering gains for the state economy.”

Introducing Martin Pearce to our team

Born and raised in the Clarence Valley, Martin began his real estate career in 2017. Working then in predominantly residential sales, he achieved strong results, exceeding 40 settled sales in his first year as an agent. In recent years he has been working as a professional videographer, editor, and colourist. From this background Martin brings a discerning eye and unique perspective to the marketing and sale of real estate.

Having grown up on a working cattle property, Martin has an innate respect for the land and those who undertake the noble pursuit of working and living on it. He is now grateful for the opportunity to return to his roots and assist in the sale of some of the Clarence Valley's most cherished and storied land holdings. Martin appreciates what a tremendous responsibility it is to assist his clients in the sale of what is often not only their most valuable asset, but a property that has nurtured and played host to a beloved way of life.

In all matters real estate Martin understands the necessity for honesty, patience, work ethic and the relentless pursuit of the best possible result for his clients. Contact Martin Pearce on 0417 690 637 for all your Real Estate needs

RECENT CATTLE MARKET REPORTS

CASINO

NRLX MARKET REPORT

WEEK ENDING SATURDAY 18 MARCH

Agents yarded a total of 855 head at the Northern Rivers Livestock Exchange regular prime sale on Wednesday 15 March. The penning was dominated by vealer steers and heifers plus cows with a small sample of bulls and bullocks. The regular buying panel included restocker buyers from Queensland. The quality of the young cattle penned was not up to last week’s standard.

Cow prices held frm on last week averaging 244c/ kg and reaching a top price of 272c/kg. Heifer prices

WARWICK

LIVESTOCK MARKETS WARWICK WEEK

ENDINF 17/03/2023

Livestock markets saw Sheep & Lamb numbers on a par with last week, Cattle numbers were back compared to last week with pig and poultry numbers following the trend.

The sale results for the cattle saw the market still frm on previous weeks, Sheep and lamb sale saw the market fall, particularly for the heavy trade and export types. Pig numbers whilst short saw a slight frm in the prices only due to quality up for sale.

Vealer steers averaged 387.5c/kg topping at 448.2c/ kg or $1033.53 to $1463.71

Vealer heifers averaged 336.6c/kg topping at 395c/ kg or $793.45 to $1481.25

Feeder steers averaged 368.7c/kg topping at 409.2c/

WARWICK

MC DOUGALL & SONS SHEEP & LAMB REPORT

Agents today yarded a similar number of sheep and lambs for the weekly sale. The lambs were slightly down on last week for the heavy end and slightly up for the lighter end. This saw lambs top at $182 to average $129.39($1up), hoggets topped at 120 to average $77.26($16down), ewes topped at $90 to average $57.78($11down), wethers topped at $116 to average $69.14($11down), rams topped at $96 to

TENTERFIELD

BROUGHT TO YOU BY HAROLD CURRY

PH: 02 6736 1344

Sale Date: 13.03.2023

Number Yarded: 304

Numbers increased this week with a total yarding of 304 head. A smaller yarding of steers and bullocks saw steers selling to 370.0 cents and bullocks reach 300 cents.

In the cow section, heavy weights sold to 280 cents, medium weights reached 259.2 cents, while light cows topped at 221.2 cents, heifers sold to 334.2 cents.

In the trade section steers topped at 430.2 cents, whilst the heifer portion reached 356.2 cents, both returning to the paddock.

A small yarding of bulls sold to 270.2 cents.

TENTERFIELD TOP PRICES

were easier with lighter stock up to 250kg averaging 306c/kg and topping their category at 398c/kg. Heavier heifers over 250kg averaged 288c/kg and reached a top of 330c/kg.

Bull prices saw an increase with 29 head sold averaging 242c/kg and 682kg. Steer prices were stronger with lighter stock up to 250kg averaging 414c/kg and reaching a top of 502c/kg. Heavier steers over 250kg averaged 366c/kg and topped their market at 460c/kg. A large number of bullocks sold on the day averaged 320c/kg and reached a top of 325c/kg.

Vealer prices were slightly dearer this week averaging 376c/kg and 249kg and reaching a top of 472c/kg.

kg or $1437.62 to $1801.00

Feeder heifers averaged 315.6c/kg topping at 395.00c/kg or $ 1233.14 to $1481.25

Yearling steers averaged 354.8c/kg topping at 470.2c//kg or $1195.73 to $2004.48

Yearling heifers averaged 299.8c//kg topping at 424.2c/kg or $837.40 to $1421.07

Steers averaged 315.7c/kg topping at 365.2c/kg or $1733.66 to $2538.72

Heifers averaged 278.9c/kg topping at 317.2c/kg or $1158.09 to $1783.65

Manufacturing steers averaged 261c/kg topping at 292.2c/kg or $1454.30 to $2039.04

Cows averaged 261.6c/kg topping at 292.2c//kg or $1454.30 to $2039.04

Bulls averaged 257.7c/kg topping at 330c/kg or $1335.57 to $2466.36

Lambs topped at $182 to average $129.39($1up)

average $71.09($8up), lamb rams topped at $132 to average $69.86($24down), ewe lambs topped at $165 to average $161.48($2down).

Gerard Hemmings sold Dorper x lambs 54.5kg to Thomas Foods for $170

Gooroo Grazing sold 49.3kg wether Dorper lambs to Leslie Lamb for $172, 46.1kg to Leslie Lamb for $165, 50kg ram lambs to Warwick Meats for $100, 57.3kg hoggets to Eversons for $80, ewes to Thomas Foods for $80

Tom & Tracie Cooper sold Xbred lambs 55.2kg to Eversons for $181

Jon & Regina Henry sold Dorper x lambs 47.5kg to Tonys Supa Meats & Leslie Lamb for $174, ewes

BULLOCKS: NM & K Rhodes $2250.00

STEERS: Russell Kennedy $1636.49

COWS: A & N Saccon $1932.00

HEIFERS: Gungel Pastoral $1949.05

YEARLINGS: S & G Marchant P/L $1357.87

VEALERS: Leo Hurtz $1383.29

BULLS: SB & OJ Parker $2337.23

George & Fuhrmann held day one of their weaner sales at the NRLX on Friday 17 March with 1,997 head going under the hammer. Steers topped their category at 480c/kg and averaged 408c/kg and 272kg whilst heifers reached a top of 500c/kg and averaged 357c/kg and 251kg.

Ray White Rural held a breeder sale on Saturday 18 March with 371 head sold on the day. Cows reached a top price of $2,220, Cows & Calves topped at $2,380 and PTIC heifers reached a top of $2,460.

George & Fuhrmann will hold days two & three of their weaner sales this Thursday & Friday 23 & 24 March with 5,500 head expected. Further bookings are welcome!

Hoggets topped $120 to average $77.26 ($16down)

Ewes topped at $90 to average $57.78 ($11down)

Wethers topped at $116 ro average $69.14 ($11down)

Rams topped at $96 to average $71.09 ($8up)

Lamb rams topped at $132 to average $69.86 ($24down)

Ewe lambs topped at $165 to average $161.48 ($2down)

The sale yarding of 1777 head averaged $94.83 ($13down)

Boars saw $108 tops , Baconers topping at $270, L/ Pork selling from $120 to $162, Stores selling from $51 to $150

Roosters sold to $17, Pullets to $15, Hens to $42, Guinea Fowl to $20, Drakes to $34, Ducks to $13. Units of Chicks sold to $26, Ducklings to $17, Quail to $18, Guinea Fowl to $24

to Thomas Foods for $72

JCD Pastoral sold Dorper x lambs 55kg to Take IT Easy Meats for $182

Twin Rivers Rural sold Dorper x lambs 45kg to GR Prime for $136

Colorado Grazing sold Dorper x lambs 44.6kg to Elliots Butchery for $115

Landers & Little sold Dorset x ewes to restockers for $85 and to Eversons for $50

Grimwade & Gordon sold 56.6kg Dorper x lambs to Warwick Meats for $170, 60.1kg hoggets to Eversons for $90, 67.5kg ram hoggets to restockers for $70, rams to Highchester for $96, wethers to Thomas Foods for $116

NEXT SALE: 27th March 2023, 9:00am Start

CALMVIEW CHAROLAIS BEEF WEEK JUNIOR CATTLE WEEKEND TO BE HELD AT NRLX, CASINO ON THE 11-13TH OF MARCH 2023

CASINO, NSW - Casino

Beef Week, Calmview Charolais and Norco

AgriSolutions are excited to host the Calmview Charolais

Beef Week Junior Cattle Weekend at NRLX in Casino from the 11th to the 13th of March 2023. The event is aimed at educating young people aged between 7-18 on the beef industry and will feature a wide range of activities.

The three-day event will include cattle handling and judging workshops, grooming, and clipping demonstrations, and talks from industry experts. The event will provide young people with a

hands-on experience in the cattle industry and an opportunity to develop valuable skills.

Sunday will also feature a Paraders Competition where students will be able to showcase their skills in presenting cattle to the judges.

On Monday, the event will feature a Led Steer and Stud Beef Competition to further showcase the skills of the students.

The event also features a raffe, with over $8,000 worth of prizes up for grabs, including a Gallagher W1 Weigh Scale and Wired Load bar Bundle, valued at $3150, donated

by Gallagher

Animal Management. The second prize includes 1 x 20L Thistrol Gold Herbicide plus 1 x CanDo 20L, and a Pioneer SSS Super Sweet Sudan x Sorghum, donated by Nufarm and Pioneer Seeds. The third prize is a Galmax Contractor Gift Pack and Fencing Set donated by Austral Wire Products Pty Ltd. The raffe is already available on the Casino Beef Week website.

“Events like the Calmview Charolais Beef Week Junior Cattle Weekend provide a fantastic opportunity for young people to learn about the beef industry

and develop valuable skills,” said Tony Dean, Coordinator of the camp. “We are grateful for the support of Calmview Charolais, NRLX, Norco Agrisolutions and partners, along with our other sponsors in making

this event possible.”

“We are thrilled to be hosting the Calmview Charolais Beef Week Junior Cattle Weekend and providing young people with a hands-on experience in the cattle industry,” said Brody

Lisha, President of Casino Beef Week. “We encourage media representatives to attend the event and share the stories of the participants and the impact of the event on the community.”

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.

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.

STUD QUALITY WITH COMMERCIAL REALTY

A re-elected Liberal and Nationals Government will invest $120 million to build specialist learning facilities at regional schools and set students in the bush on the path to excellence.

From innovation and STEM labs to modern metal and woodwork facilities to world-class ftness spaces, regional schools would be invited to apply for funding to ensure students continue to get the best of the best in public school education.

Deputy Premier and

$120 MILLION TO BUILD BEST OF THE BEST FOR REGIONAL SCHOOLKIDS

Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the Regional Schools Excellence Fund recognises the importance of offering students in regional NSW a variety of high-quality education facilities and opportunities.

“We want every kid to have the opportunities to strive for excellence, no matter where they live or what their talents and interests might be. Access to modern, specialist facilities is a great way to support them on that journey,” Mr Toole said.

“The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government’s long-term economic plan has allowed us to invest in regional education – from new and upgraded schools to digital classrooms and better, faster internet and strategies to attract and retain great teachers for the bush.

“With this new fund, we’ll build on our vision to ensure access to better schools with the best teachers isn’t defned by where you call home.”

Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah

Mitchell said the new fund is part of the Liberal and Nationals’ effort to make sure young people living in the bush are afforded the same – if not better – opportunities than those living in the city.

“Living in Gunnedah and with children at our local public school, I know that we have fantastic schools in the bush. This fund will ensure our regional schools continue to offer the best possible learning spaces and facilities, matching the aspiration

that regional families have for their children,” Ms Mitchell said.

“It is only the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government who have a proven track record of delivery and who can ensure regional students and schools don’t get left behind.

“Families know they will go backwards under Labor, given Labor’s track record of closing 90 schools when they were last in government.

It’s only the Liberal and Nationals Government that will keep NSW and

our young people moving forward.”

The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government is investing $8.6 billion in school infrastructure over the next four years, continuing its program to deliver 160 new and upgraded schools to support communities across NSW. This builds on the more than $9.1 billion invested in projects delivered since 2017, a program of $17.7 billion in public education infrastructure.

Another year of record value in 2022-23

The forecast for the gross value of production in Australia is optimistic, with a record-breaking $90 billion predicted for 2022-23. This is largely due to another record year for crop production, driven by high prices and favourable weather conditions. Although localized losses of crops occurred due to fooding and waterlogging on the east coast, overall

production levels are expected to be the highest on record, with wheat, canola, and barley all experiencing record or near-record yields. In addition to crop production, the total value of agriculture, fshery, and forestry production is also predicted to reach a record of more than $96 billion.

However, the outlook

for 2023-24 is less positive, with a 10% decline in the value of agricultural production expected, mainly due to the return to drier seasonal conditions that will lower crop production. Livestock production is expected to remain relatively steady, but the combined value of wheat, barley, and canola production is projected to fall by

around one third. This is partly offset by an increase in horticultural production, driven by fruit and nut production and high export prices. International prices are also likely to have a negative impact on the value of production, despite remaining above long-term averages.

Looking ahead to the medium-term from 2024-25 to 2027-28, the

real value of agricultural production is projected to range from $73 billion to $79 billion, depending on seasonal conditions. However, the formation of an El Niño event bringing drier conditions or prolonged periods of dry weather could have a signifcant negative impact on production levels. In addition, slower global economic growth and reduced

demand for agricultural commodities could put further downward pressure on prices and the value of production.

A ‘drier’ scenario that factors in these possibilities predicts a cumulative decline of up to $37 billion in the value of agricultural production over fve years.

BEST ON THE BOX

TUESDAY COUNTRY HOUSE HUNTERS NZ

9LIFE, 8.30pm

WEDNESDAY ALONE AUSTRALIA

SUNDAY CLOSE TO ME

ABC, 9.25pm

When it comes to death or catastrophic injuries, stairs are recently the modus operandi of choice. After Toni Collette’s thriller The Staircase (the title doesn’t beat around the bush) and Keeley Hawe’s Finding Alice (a longtime couple move into their dream home, only for the shiny abode’s stairs to prove deadly), comes this six-part British psychological drama. Jo (Connie Nielsen, above) must piece together the past year of her life after a horrendous fall down her home’s stairs wipes her memory. Flashbacks and clues ignite a storm of mystery, and everyone including her husband Rob (Christopher Eccleston, above) and best friend (Susan Lynch) must watch their step.

FRIDAY, March 24

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

7.00 ABC News. Takes a look at today’s top stories and events as they unfold, with comprehensive analysis and reporting.

7.30 Gardening Australia. Costa Georgiadis visits a cultural food garden.

Jane Edmanson views botanical art.

8.30 Van Der Valk. (Mv) Part 1 of 3.

Van der Valk investigates the murder of a charismatic, young free-running star.

10.00 Jack Irish. (Malv, R) Barry Tregear calls on Jack for help.

10.55 ABC Late News.

11.15 Adam Hills: The Last Leg. (Final, R) UK-based panel show.

11.55 Traces. (Mal, R) DI McKinven’s enquiries ru e feathers.

12.40 Smother. (Mal, R)

1.35 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

Host Matt Gibb (below)v travels to diverse locations in regional New Zealand, showcasing three di erent abodes to couples who are keen to escape the rat race. “The prices seem like a mistake compared to property prices in Auckland. It’s amazing what you can get for your money,” he quips. Viewers in Australian capital cities will be equally shocked by the prices (and the stunning landscapes): get ready to pack your bags. Tonight, he ventures to Waipukurau with Jenny and Dougal, who want a country home with space for their horses. In the second episode, Waiheke Island is the destination, as Annette and Fergus search for a country retreat in the island paradise.

SBS, 7.30pm

It’s the uncompromising reality show that leaves the rest squarely in the dust. This local version of the US hit survival series, which merges incredible natural scenery, a horrorlike scramble to survive and strikingly unscripted insights, has arrived. The premise?

Ten people are separately dropped into the eerily beautiful (and brutally cold) Tasmanian wilderness and, without any help or a camera crew, they must survive alone, documenting their ordeal. The last person standing takes home $250,000. Featuring farmhand and engineering student Jimmy (above) and wildlife biologist Kate, it’s a hair-raisingly stunning, nerve-wracking experience –and that’s just for the viewer.

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (PG)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Wrecks That Changed The World. (PG)

8.30 Walking Britain’s Lost Railways: Midlands. (R) Rob Bell heads to the Midlands, the heart of England, following the Great Central Railway.

9.25 Viking Empires: The Dark Foreigners. (PG, R) Part 1 of 2.

10.25 SBS World News Late.

10.55 Gomorrah. (MA15+v, R)

1.40 Romulus. (MA15+asv, 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 meets Harry Connick Jr to talk about his career, working on Australian Idol and classic southern food. Adam Dovile meets a lady with a passion for carpentry. Ed Halmagyi cooks Chinese salmon.

8.30 MOVIE: The Butler. (2013, Malv, R) The dramatic changes that swept society, from the civil rights movement to Vietnam and beyond, are seen from the point of view of a White House butler who served seven presidents across three decades. Forest Whitaker, Oprah Winfrey, John Cusack.

11.15 MOVIE: The Island. (2005, Mvla, R) In the future, two people go on the run. Scarlett Johansson, Ewan McGregor.

2.00 Home Shopping.

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 A Current A air.

7.30 Rugby League. NRL. Round 4. Dolphins v Brisbane Broncos. From Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane.

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

10.40 MOVIE: Beirut. (2018, MA15+alv, R) In ’80s Beirut, a former US diplomat is asked to negotiate the release of a kidnapped former colleague. Jon Hamm, Rosamund Pike.

12.40 Tipping Point. (PG, R)

1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Postcards. (PG, R)

4.30 Global Shop. (R) Home shopping.

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 Soccer. Welcome Home Series. Match 1. Australia v Ecuador. From CommBank Stadium, Sydney.

10.30 Taskmaster Australia. (PGals, R) Hosted by Tom Gleeson.

11.30 Would I Lie To You? Australia. (Mls, R) Hosted by Chrissie Swan.

12.30 Just For Laughs. (Mls, R) Hosted by Nick Cody.

1.00 Just For Laughs Uncut. (MA15+als, R) Hosted by Nikki Osborne.

1.30 The Project. (R)

2.30 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG)

3.30 The Graham Norton Show. (Mal, R)

4.30 Home Shopping. (R)

Digitised greenhouse gas calculator launched for producers

Meat & Livestock

Australia (MLA) has today launched an online, web-based greenhouse gas (GHG) calculator based on the Sheep and Beef Greenhouse Accounting Framework (SB-GAF) tool for Australian sheep and beef producers.

The digitised version of the SB-GAF tool is based off the freely available excel version of the tool available on the Primary Industries Climate Challenges Centre (PICCC) website to ensure consistency across the sector.

According to MLA’s Managing Director, Jason Strong, completing a carbon account is an important frst step for producers to increase their carbon awareness and determine what their net GHG emissions position is, so they can identify strategies to reduce these emissions and improve carbon storage on-farm.

“Calculating baseline carbon emissions and sequestered carbon is an essential frst step for producers who are considering opportunities arising from low or zero carbon red meat, such as carbon-neutral branded products, or who

simply want to improve their productivity and proftability.

“A carbon account can be used in on-farm decision making and sets a benchmark to show progress over time. Just as fnancial accounting aids fnancial decision making and reporting, carbon accounting aids decision making and reporting around how carbon is – or is not –utilised on-farm.

“The calculator also enables the calculation of an emissions intensity fgure and improves on-farm data collection and storage capabilities.

“Calculation and reporting of on-farm emissions and emissions intensity for red meat products are likely to be a requirement for on-going and emerging market access in the future and the improvement

to the usability of this process will support red meat producers in the process,” said Mr Strong.

The calculator will provide a baseline carbon account with total greenhouse gas emissions for the property and the emissions intensity of product produced.

The calculator will enhance on-farm data collection and storage

capabilities, and ensure relevant information is on hand when market opportunities arise that require historical data.

A carbon account is an important tool for business planning as it allows producers to understand their current position and identify areas for improvement.

A carbon account includes two key elements: GHG emissions, including:

enteric methane from ruminant production and carbon dioxide from fossil fuels, as well as direct and indirect emissions of nitrous oxide from fertiliser application and excreta and methane from manure.

The other key element when developing a carbon account is the carbon related to vegetation and soils on-farm.

FARMERS WANT ON-GROUND HELP TO REDUCE EMISSIONS AND MAINTAIN PROFITABILITY

Farmers for Climate

Action has released a major report called “Farming Forever” based on a survey of over 600 farmers and roundtable discussions with leading farmer and agricultural stakeholders.

The report calls for a national approach to climate change and agriculture policy and funding for more on-ground staff and programs to teach farmers about carbon and climate.

The survey found that 93% of farmers are

willing to shift to lowemissions production, but only 30% have had a practical demonstration on how to do so.

Additionally, only 10% of farmers are growing and selling carbon, and 70% say they don’t understand the carbon market.

Farmers want more information and education on how to reduce emissions and create new income from carbon. Farmers want more extension offcers to help them adapt to a changing climate.

These offcers, housed at trusted bodies and funded by the Federal Government, could provide information on carbon markets, renewable energy, storage, and incentives.

Export value to set record in 2022-23 and decline

The value of agricultural exports is expected to be a record at $75 billion in 2022–23 – the frst-time exports have risen above $70 billion in nominal terms.

Another year of exception-ally large grain and oilseed harvests will be the main contributor to an increase in export volumes.

Record volumes of wheat, barley, canola,

cotton, and sorghum are all expected to be exported in 2022–23. High global commodity prices are also expected to contribute to the strong export result. While they are expected to ease somewhat from the highs of 2021–22 for some commodities, such as oilseeds and red meat, prices are forecast to remain strong through 2022–23.

However, wheat prices are expected to peak in 2022–23.

Despite global freight costs falling from extraordinarily high levels in 2021–22, regional freight costs re-main elevated.

While the freight rate discrepancies create additional challenges for the region, Australia continues to be wellplaced to export into major Asian markets, given Australia’s proximity to the region.

This is expected to give Australian exports a competitive advantage over many competitors outside of the region.

Expected strong demand for Australian commodities in international markets in 2023–24, including for agricultural commodities, is likely

to put upward pressure on the Australian dollar exchange rate, which may reduce the competitiveness of Australian exports going forward.

Nevertheless, the sector is currently capitalising on exceptional domestic production and strong global commodity prices and is in a good position to meet these challenges.

In 2023–24, exports are forecast to fall to $64 billion, refecting lower domestic production due to drier conditions and easing global commodity prices.

It is also expected that global infation will start to ease through the year, although remain at elevated levels. Global growth is

forecast to start to pick up toward the end of the fscal year and demand from many of Australia’s main markets, particularly China, is expected to grow.

However, as global demand starts to pick up, the upward pressure it would put on prices is forecast to be more than offset by increasing global supply of many agricultural commodities as major producers such as the United States, Canada, Brazil and Argentina recover from dry conditions.

Over the medium-term, exports are expected to fall further in 2024–25 and fuctuate be-tween $53–$58 billion in real terms over the period to 2027–28, tracking movements in domestic

production driven by seasonal conditions.

Prices are also projected to continue easing over the period, which will put further downward pressure on the value of Australian agricultural exports.

A similar pattern would be expected in the drier scenario, with more frequent and prolonged drought-like and dry conditions reducing domestic production and ex-ports even further. In this scenario, it would be expected that exports fuctuate between $45–$49 billion from 2024–25 to 2027–28. Figure 1.2 shows the real value of exports of crops and livestock over the projection period compared to historical levels.

Farmers reach agreement with Inland Rail builder

Landholders can expect better treatment during the construction of Inland Rail thanks to a landmark agreement between NSW Farmers and the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC).

Inland Rail and NSW Farmers have worked together to develop a joint information pack that acknowledges and addresses issues of concern to property owners – including the poor behaviour of some contractors – and

spells out the rights and responsibilities of all parties moving forward.

NSW Farmers Inland Rail Taskforce chair Peter Wilson said there had been a series of open and productive mediator-facilitated discussions – in line with a recommendation from a Senate review last year – which would lead to better outcomes for landholders.

“We have had some frank and robust conversations with ARTC executives

about the expectations of farmers and other landholders, and we’re pleased with the result,” Mr Wilson said.

“Our goal was to improve engagement between the ARTC and landholders to be more transparent, fair, and honest.

“We’re hopeful this will provide a better way forward for Inland Rail for all parties involved.”

When completed, the Inland Rail project will connect Melbourne

Weather the key impact

According to the latest Sheep Producer Intentions PULSE survey, published by the MLA and AWI, foods and weather conditions had a negative impact on lamb selling during the fnal months of 2022.

However, producers plan to make up for the shortfall in the frst half of 2023.

The revamped Sheep Producers Intentions Survey was

re-launched in October 2022 to provide updated information on fock population, demographics, sheepmeat and wool supply, and producer production intentions.

The October survey focused on the lamb fock of producers and their intentions for the remainder of the spring fush and onward to June 2023.

The October 2022 survey reported on an

estimate of the planned and forecasted lamb sales covering three time periods: reported sales, planned sales, and forecast sales.

The latest pulse survey data revealed that the majority of producers made changes to their planned 2022 sales volumes, with 51% selling fewer lambs than expected, 13% selling more, and the remaining 36% selling as planned.

to Brisbane with a heavy freight line. But the project was met with opposition after many landholders along the route had raised concerns about the way ARTC and some of its contractors were operating. NSW Farmers, along with other rural organisations, were successful in pushing for a Senate inquiry that found a range of major issues in relation to the Inland Rail project, including the business case for the

development, failings in com-munity engagement and consultation, route selection issues and fooding and hydrology concerns.

The information pack provides further details on how ARTC will address issues of concern to landowners including the property acquisition process, fencing standards and Inland Rail’s complaint management process.

Mr Wilson said there was a shared commitment to listening

and understanding each party’s perspective and reaching mutually benefcial solutions, which would enable the safe and effcient delivery of Inland Rail.

“There will always be a problem of a power imbalance when a powerful, governmentbacked agency turns up in the country with instructions to build infrastructure.”

on summer lamb sales

According to MLA’s Market Information

Analyst Jenny Lim, the reasons behind the 51% of producers reporting they sold fewer lambs varied, but essentially broke down into four key explanations: foods and weather conditions, lower-than-expected lamb prices, fewer lambs available, and on-farm priorities taking precedence over lamb sales processes. Taking into account

the lamb fock sizes, the analysis indicates that the 2022 lamb sales were closer to 8.75 million than the planned 11.84 million, a 29% decline in the average proportional change in lamb sales.

However, some producers are taking an agile approach to their lamb sales, adjusting their position based on other intervening factors.

The holding back of

lambs has led to 55% of surveyed producers expecting to sell more lambs in the frst half of 2023 across most states and all farm sizes.

This translates to an increase of 3.27 million lambs to be sold on the estimates from the October survey, totaling 13.44 million, in the frst half of 2023.

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 normal conditions is

Farmers warn of fre risk as La Nina departs

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.”

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

India ‘Hass’ a taste for the best

Australian avocado growers can now access one of the world’s largest food markets.

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Murray Watt said Australia and India had agreed on two-way agricultural trade that will provide new market access for Australian ‘Hass’ avocados to India and access for Indian okra to Australia.

“The Albanese Government is focused

on opening doors for Australia’s agriculture and processing industries to grow and diversify their overseas markets,”

Minister Watt said.

“This is a signifcant market access opportunity for Australian avocado producers, with the opening of a new export market which industry estimates has a potential market value of approximately $25 mil-lion,” Minister Watt said.

“India’s large population and diversifying economy is creating new demand for premium and healthy produce which Australia is well placed to deliver on.

“This agreement showcases Australia’s high-quality produce to a larger global market and contributes to further export diversifcation opportunities for the Australian avocado industry.

“Australia and

India share a strong agricultural trading relationship focused on collaborative effort

and cooperation which was evident by the development and agreement of trade

weeds – they are a huge fre danger if you let them go.

“Hopefully we’ll see both sides of politics commit to a Natural Resource Regulator before the state election.”

approaches for our respective priority market access requests.”

Minister Watt said the Okra from India: biosecurity import requirements fnal report highlighted the signifcance of the bilateral relationship between the two countries and commitment to deliver new safe trade opportunities under the Australia–India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement.

KRB1 RAINBANK SALE PRICE $995

Seamlessly switches between tank water and mains water, to supply up to two toilets, plus laundry and for garden watering.

HS60-08T SALE PRICE $1170

Suitable for applications such as house supply and irrigation.

D15VAGMA SALE PRICE $395

Suitable for pumping clean water or grey water containing some small, soft solids

D53AB SALE PRICE $880

Designed for pumping clean rainwater and activated by an automatic float This model o ers extra pressure for pumping up to a second storey

SALE PRICE $330

2023 NORFOLK ISLAND ESCORTED SMALL GROUP TOUR

Departure Date: 13 November 2023

$3,385 per person Single Supplement - $950.00

This 9 day tour of Norfolk Island will have you enjoying all the best that Norfolk Island has to offer. The must do things when visiting Norfolk Island are all included and then some more on this fantastic tour. Sit back and travel in comfort, everything taken care of with this small group.

Price Includes:

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

• Return airfares from including taxes

• 8 Nights quality accommodation with breakfast daily

• 6 dinners including 4 themed dinners: Progressive Dinner; Commandants Dinner & Show; Who Killed the Surveyor Dinner and Baunti Fish Fry

• Norfolk’s famous High Tea at Foresster Court

• Air conditioned buses throughout

• 6 Tours to discover Norfolk Island

• All sightseeing entry fees per itinerary

Address: 109 Barker Street Casino, NSW, 2470

Telephone: 02 6662 6255

Email: enquiries@casinotravel.com.au www.casinotravel.com.au

Grape Expectations by Max Crus

Richard Hamilton McLaren Vale Centurion Old Vine MDCCCXCII Shiraz, 2020, $115. Even if you don’t know your roman numerals, the impressively revamped label depicting the vines’ planting date is impressive, as is the wine, and to be fair one of the most complicated dates you will see. 1892 in Arabic. 9.5/10.

Richard Hamilton McLaren Vale ‘Long Stem’ Chardonnay Pinot Noir, NV, $26. Love the way the label’s series of squares of decreasing size spiral to mimic a rose. Tres clever. Don’t over-chill this, it’ll harshen the character, but feel free to use some as a soap while sipping the rest in an indulgent bath. 9.3/10.

Hanging Rock Winery Victoria ‘Rock’ Pet-Nat (Marsanne, Chardonnay, Malbec) 2022, “It’s like a beer”, the perspicacious and erudite Ms L. opined, while pouring another, a glowing endorsement. No need to be afraid of this ‘petty’ thing. Would make a great soap too. 9.3/10.

Hanging Rock Victoria ‘Rock’ Skinsy 2022, $34. Looks slightly pet nat without fzz, just a friendly cloudiness and sediment from “fermenting chardonnay and pinot gris on skins and then leaving it on yeast less for a couple of weeks”, which immediately invokes ‘here we go’. The reality is way better, indeed lovely. Interesting character, full favoured, fruitful and fun, fresh, pink stuff with none of the common pet-nat funk. 9.4/10.

Longview Macclesfeld (SA) Syrah, 2021, $45. It’s amazing how one per cent can make such a difference. At 13.5 per cent this is very much on the low end of the spectrum these days for shiraz/syrah, and what a welcome change it can be. 9.4/10.

Longview Adelaide Hills Saturnus Nebbiolo 2019, $50. Also at the lighter end of the red wine rainbow, a fact belied by the somewhat overweight bottle, but let’s not be fat shaming containers too. Like people, it’s all about what’s inside that counts.

Max Crus is a Clarence Valley-based wine writer and Grape Expectations is now in its 26th year of publication. Find out more about Max or sign up for his weekly reviews and musings by visiting maxcrus.com.au

Max Crus

Grape Expectations by Max Crus

Getting on the soap box

I hadn’t bought soap for decades. It’s not as if I don’t use it, rather I am privileged. Ms L. cares more about soap and can’t resist a new one any more than she can a bargain, and should the two combine, it’s game on, which is how I ended up with coffee-favoured soap recently. Okay, perhaps coffee-

scented soap?

Who wants to go around the offce (or the streets) smelling of coffee, notwithstanding that most places generally reek of the stuff until noon anyway, so why would you want to gild the lily by bathing in caffeine? Fair enough if someone wanted to ft in at work and smell like the coffee

lathering up with coffee is weird and was the straw that broke this camel’s back, which was interesting because the coffee soap packet bore a picture of a camel, I think, although maybe that was the Camel Milk Soap by the Camel Skin Care Co, so it’s good for camels too evidently, but also pretty weird outside Egypt and Saudi

So, for the frst time since 1984, I went shopping for normal soap, remembering there was one with oatmeal and another one with leather, equally acceptable in most social

But the world of soap has blossomed, more accurately ballooned, exploded even and there is an entire aisle devoted to it now.

Kitchen soaps, laundry soaps, hand soaps (didn’t see any foot soaps), bath soaps, sugar soap, although may have been in Bunnings. There’s light soaps, fragrant soaps, heavy soaps, professional soaps, hospitalgrade soaps (be careful when using

them), there’s even soaps made from stainless steel!

There’s new improved formulas, trusted old granny formulas, hyper allergenic formulas, or is that hypo? Naturally, there’s natural soaps and clearly some very unnatural ones too, much more fun.

Max Crus

Todd Field’s Tar breaks all the rules of conventional screenwriting. It begins with a long take dominated by dialogue in the service of one image – that of a supremely confdent Lydia Tar (Cate Blanchett) painting a verbal self-portrait by describing her life as a celebrated conductor. She’s being interviewed on stage by The New Yorker’s Adam Gopnik and is giving him an unashamedly intellectual rundown on the mechanics of music-making and the philosophy behind it. The tone is so elevated

and, at the same time, so elliptical that you start to feel as if you’re watching a biographical documentary. Or maybe a flmed play. It certainly doesn’t look or sound like the kind of American movie that gets a cinema release these days. There’s a distinctly European feel to the way Field asks his audience to search out any clues that elaborate on his theme. On the other hand, the flm does come from Focus Features, the company behind some of the most intelligent American pictures of the past 20 years, including

Lost in Translation and Brokeback Mountain. The suggestion that Field make a flm about a conductor originally came from Focus, but Field did not expect them to accept the script he produced. It was to be his frst flm in 15 years and from interviews he’s given, it sounds as if he were a little afraid of it. But the green light went on and Blanchett’s performance has set it to blaze. She has immersed herself in every aspect of Tar’s character: her armouring of arrogance, her joy in the music, her

damaging need to exert power and her vertiginous fall from grace. Blanchett, who has already won a Golden Globe for the role, deserves the awards.Tar’s personality can be read in her every move: the athleticism of her style on the concert platform, the impatience with which she charges through life off the podium and the desperation in her eyes as her carefully constructed existence begins to fray and fall apart. It happens as her career hits its peak. She is launching a memoir – modestly entitled

Tar on Tar – and she’s rehearsing Mahler’s Fifth Symphony in Berlin where she lives with her partner Sharon (Nina Hoss), the orchestra’s concertmaster and frst violinist, and their adopted Syrian daughter Petra (Mila Bogojevic). But we soon become acquainted with the quickness of her temper. It’s an early scene, a long unedited sequence in which Tar comes up against an equally confdent young student who makes the mistake of telling her that he disdains Bach’s music because of the composer’s

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We have an amazing line up of shows coming to the Saraton.

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

faults as a human being. There is little doubt as to who’s going to win that argument.

At this point, her ego looks to be in such rude health that no one could put a dent in it. It also needs regular exercise, hence her habit of playing favourites with the young female musicians she encounters. There’s a pattern to these relationships. They go through three stages –seduction, subjection and rejection – and her assistant Francesca (Noemie Merlant), an aspiring conductor, has reached stage two, while a former assistant is mired in stage three. We don’t meet her, but her agonised emails about an inability to fnd work are proof of Tar’s ruthless efforts to stymie her career. It’s a flm that already has a life beyond the screen. Tar’s fully furnished backstory and the brilliance of Blanchett’s

conductor could actually

Thanks to the nightmarish

these sequences are the fruit of her own febrile imagination, springing from her worst fears. Field doesn’t mind. He has benignly declared that no interpretation of the flm is wrong, so the game will probably go on for some time.

One thing, however, is indisputable. The flm is a genuine tragedy – a black comic tragedy, but a tragedy nonetheless. When great artists betray their talent by treating it carelessly and abusing the power that comes with it, it’s always a tragedy.

That “diffcult second album”? Almost four years have passed since Brisbane’s Blues Arcadia released its breakout debut LP, Carnival of Fools, to instant and universal acclaim. Under normal circumstances, following up a record that opened at No 1 on the Australian Blues & Roots Airplay chart and attracted 4.5 and 5-star reviews might have been fraught with a degree of overthinking and selfdoubt.

But the past four years have proved to be anything but “normal circumstances”. During an extended break enforced by a worldwide plague

that brought the entire music and arts industries to a standstill, along with lives and careers in general, the population at large also took pause to consider its future. Most of us at one time or another wondered if there was a future.

Blues Arcadia took the time to write and record its second album Now Or Never, the title suggesting a mission statement of sorts. Sexual politics, digital disruption, gun violence, religion, selfidentity and of course the shared experience of social and artistic lockdown during the recent past are all themes.

But for the most part Now Or Never is about what’s made the band an irresistible attraction both live and on record. Blues Arcadia have augmented their signature “dirty soul” sound with fresh forays into funk and jazz, while never straying too far from their grounding in the blues. Keys player Paula Girvan brings the jazz, while the longstanding rhythm section of bassist Jeremy Klysz and drummer Casper Hall brings the funk. Guitarist Chris Harvey fuses the fuency of Stevie Ray Vaughan with the more traditional blues stylings of the

“Three Kings” (Albert, Freddie and B.B.), yet his playing sounds thrillingly contemporary. Frontman Alan Boyle sings it like he lives it, wrenching every last drop of sweat, passion and emotion from lyrics that speak to direct experience. “There’s a defnite sense after the last few years that life can change dramatically at any time,” says Boyle. “After the ‘Great Pause’ we’ve had to work harder than ever to get back into people’s lives, back on festival line-ups, to get airplay… so if we’re going to put out a new album, watch out!

Mark’s current band STONELOVE put on a killer live show, recently supporting Daryl Braithwaite. Their riff driven Rock n Roll can be streamed everywhere.

An accomplished musician and singer, Mark performed with New Zealand band Shotgun Alley, recording three albums. They shared the stage with Rock n Roll heavyweights ZZ Top, Def Leppard, Motley Crue and Heart. In 2020 Mark made it through to the semifnals on The Voice, on Kelly Rowland’s team. He is well renowned for his role in Australia’s iconic TV drama Home and Away as bad boy ‘Ric Dalby’. He received two TV Week Logie Award Nominations for Most Popular Actor for two consecutive years.

Mark’s other TV credits include appearing in Screentime’s crime drama Underbelly: The Golden Mile, as well as police series Water Rats, Balmain Boys, the Peter Andrikides directed drama Jessica and the mystery and adventure series Outriders. He will soon be

seen in the third series of Harrow.

His frst feature flm was the Gale Edwards directed A Heartbeat Away. Mark subsequently appeared in several US features, including I Can Only Imagine with Dennis Quaid, Breaking In featuring Gabrielle Union, Tell Me How I Die and Bornless Ones.

In 2021 Mark played the role of Freddy in Chess The Musical, touring Australia alongside Natalie Bassingthwaighte and Rob Mills.

AUDI PUTS A PLUG IN THE Q5

By CHRIS RILEY

Audi has added a plug-in hybrid to its Q5 line-up of SUVs.

Arriving in the second half of 2023, the Audi Q5 55 TFSI e quattro S line will be available in both SUV and Sportback variants.

It is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, together with an electric motor that puts out a combined 270kW of power and 500Nm of torque.

With a seven-speed S tronic transmission and quattro all-wheel drive with “ultra technology”, it sprints from 0-100km/h in 5.3 seconds.

Fuel consumption is a claimed 2.0L/100km (WLTP) and it can travel up to 55km on electricity alone, or 53km in Sportback form -- at speeds of up to 135km/h.

The 14.4kWh battery (17.9kWh total capacity) is located under the rear luggage compartment and can be charged in about 2.5 hours with 7.2kW AC charger.

The PHEV is supplied with all charging equipment including a 240-volt three pin Australian Standard plug, 230-volt 32 Amp industrial plug and a wall bracket for mounting the charger at home – as well as a Type 2 charging cable for use at public charging stations.

The driver can choose between purely electric power or the conventional engine, with four operating modes. Hybrid mode is activated

automatically with the route guidance but can also be selected manually.

In this mode, the battery charge is distributed optimally across the route in order to keep power consumption to a minimum.

In stop-and-go traffc, the Q5 and Q5 Sportback e quattro run mainly on battery power.

This is determined by a large amount of data, including online traffc information, distance to the destination, the route profle, navigation data, types of roads, topography and data from the

on-board sensors.

If route guidance is active, the predictive operating strategy attempts to drive the last urban segment of the route on electric power to arrive at the destination or charging station with the drive battery nearly empty.

When the driver takes their foot off the accelerator, the drive management system decides, depending on the situation, between coasting with the engine off or power recuperation – recovering kinetic energy and converting it into electrical energy.

When the driver is not using cruise control, the system provides prompts to take their foot off the accelerator, in the form of a haptic impulse from the active accelerator pedal as well as visual displays in the cockpit and from the optional head-up display.

The new Audi Q5 55 TFSI e quattro S line models are available for order in Audi dealerships now, priced from $102,900 for the wagon and $110,200 for the Sportback.

MAZDA2 COMES OF AGE WITH REFRESHED DESIGN

By ALISTAIR KENNEDY

The smallest vehicle in the Mazda range, the Mazda2 will celebrate its 21st year on the Australian market this year with an extensive upgrade.

Up front, the fascia has been given a new black or body colour grille, while the addition of a sleeker bumper design creates a streamlined new look.

All Mazda2 hatchbacks also sport an asymmetrically placed colour accent on the front grille and rear bumper.

Hatchback variants, as well as the top-of-the-line GT sedan, are treated to a redesigned rear bumper, which accentuates the two body styles’ attractive profles.

Two new paint schemes – Aero Grey Metallic and Airstream Blue Metallic – are offered to Mazda2 buyers for the frst time, bringing the total to nine options.

Mazda2’s two most accessible grades – Pure and Pure SP – come with a number of bespoke features inspired by Mazda’s evolved Kodo design language. These include three coloured

dash trim pieces fnished in Pure White, Mirror Black or Mint, which are determined by the car’s external paint scheme.

The Pure SP also gets a black flm covering for the roof.

Taking cues from the sporty Mazda2 Genki of a decade ago, the Evolve and range-topping GT variants of

the updated Mazda2 have adopted a similarly dynamic philosophy.

Inside, the Evolve and GT are fnished with a black interior with red highlights extending to the seat stitching and air vent surrounds.

The GT takes it to another level with partial leather seats, a red and black dash, an all-new, aero-inspired multi-

spoke alloy wheel design and polished, dual exhaust tips.

Apart from the entry-level Pure, all grades come equipped with a streamlined ‘shark fn’ antenna.

The updated Mazda2 will go on sale in June 2023, with deliveries beginning in July 2023. Prices will be notifed closer to the release date.

JIMNY CRICKET! SUZUKI STAR STOOD

By DEREK OGDEN

Picking up the new Jimny press car, I asked the Suzuki man when a prospective buyer would be able to take delivery of the test car variant, a GLX three-door automatic. “Try next year,” he replied.

It gets worse. Suzuki Australia says unprecedented demand and the global computer chip issue, have stalled the MY23 Jimny three-door automatic until production catches up. Customers with an order already inked, can keep waiting or switch to the bigger fvedoor, due Down Under later this year. The three-door Lite manual is still available to order.

So, here I am talking about a new car the wheels have already fallen off, so to speak. The Jimny should have six variants, from the Jimny Lite manual, at $30,490, plus on-road costs, through to the Jimny GLX auto (Qld), $33,490. (NB: the latter, like all Suzukis, is distributed in Queensland separate from those in the rest of Australia).

Like all present-day Suzuki cars, the Jimny is covered by a fve-year, unlimited kilometre warranty and fveyear capped-price service scheme, the latter at 12 months or 10,000-kilometre intervals.

STYLING

There’s a nod to Jimny’s heritage with hallmark round headlamps, while

instruments and controls all within easy access and designed to enable he or she to focus on maintaining control with quick and easy operation.

Instruments are designed to be easily legible in bright sunlight or shadow, being lit at all times. A touch of luxury is added with a leather dressed steering wheel, which again benefts the driver with vertical adjustment up to 35 mm.

Access to the rear seats is not so accommodating, with only two doors up front, although the front seats slide for easy operation. Space is at a premium, with room only for a couple of compact occupants in anything approaching comfort.

Boot volume is 85 litres with the rear seats set up. The two 50:50 rear seat backs, headrests removed, can be folded fat leaving 377 litres for cargo.

INFOTAINMENT

Instrumentation is basic, with a 9-inch system allowing access to an AM / FM tuner, Bluetooth, USB audio and reverse camera. Satellite navigation is left to Apple CarPlay or Android Auto phone connectivity.

ENGINES / TRANSMISSIONS

The new 1.5-litre engine, mated with its four-speed automatic transmission, stumps up more power and torque than the motor it replaces, while maintaining fuel effciency. The stronger torque levels are

with plenty on tap low down, handy for serious off-road situations. Towing is rated at 1300 kg with braked trailer.

SAFETY

The Jimny carries only a three-star ANCAP rating. However, some advanced features do earn special mention. These include dual sensor brake support, in which a camera and laser sensor, attached to the windscreen, provide visual and audio alerts to the driver, warning of risks of collision as well as an emergency braking function.

Total effective control technology consists of a body structured to absorb and disperse the force of impact in the event of a collision, while an electronic stability program monitors wheels, which when detected automatically adjusts engine torque and applies braking force to limit wheel slippage and assist the driver to stay in control of steering.

DRIVING

The new 1.5-litre engine with its refned four-speed auto gearbox, featuring linear shift selection, is claimed to have combined fuel economy of 6.9 litres per 100 kilometres.

The Jimny GLX auto on test recorded 7.8 litres per 100 kilometres around town and 5.8 litres per 100 kilometres

on the motorway.

Like any short wheel-base vehicle, the Jimny, with its off-road suspension setting, tended to produce a choppy ride on even the most unblemished on-road bitumen and concrete. It’s not a smooth cruiser.

Off road is all about keeping in touch with the terrain, which in this case a sturdy ball-screw steering system provides ample feedback with minimum chance of kickback.

If any wheel loses grip the limitedslip differential traction control automatically applies braking to the culprit, torque being shifted to the other side, enabling the vehicle to regain traction.

Harking back to the cargo carrying capability, the test car came with an added accessory of a wire mesh divider which bolted on between the front and second-row seats, converting the vehicle into a van, alternatively maybe acting as a kennel on wheels for Fido. Sadly, the wire wall was heavy and awkward to ft via the side doors – a two-handed job, really.

SUMMARY

Over the years, the mini-SUV has become something of a cult fgure with its retro looks, while claiming to be a genuine 4x4. Followers need not fret, there’s plenty here to carry on the Jimny tradition. If only there was one

CSIRO study uncovers cystic brosis screening limitations

New research from Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, has found that reproductive carrier screening tests, used before or in early pregnancy to identify inherited genetic conditions, potentially miss up to 10 per cent of cystic brosis (CF) causing variants in Australia.

e study, which involved an analysis of data from 3958 people with CF between 1970 and 2020, also found that East Asian people are disproportionately a ected by this testing limitation.

CF is an inherited disorder that causes severe damage to the lungs, digestive system, and other organs in the body. Reproductive carrier screening tests are important as the CF-causing gene is passed down from both parents who usually do not have the disease themselves.

Conducted by CSIRO scientists in partnership with Pathology Queensland and Australian gene testing lab

Genepath, the research was recently published in Prenatal Diagnosis, and provides key insights to assist in improving reproductive carrier screening.

Letitia Sng, CSIRO research scientist and co-lead author on the study, said European and

Australian guidelines for CF reproductive carrier screening recommend testing a small number of high frequency CF-causing variants.

“Our research found that the current approach of limiting reproductive carrier screening tests to

a small number of high frequency CF variants impacts the e ectiveness of screening,” Dr Sng said. “ is reduced e ectiveness disproportionately a ects people of East Asian ethnicity, indicating a potential failure of the current recommend-

ed testing protocols to include variants arising in certain ethnicities.

“ is may be a result of the changing demographics of the Australian population over the last 50 years, with a signi cant increase in immigration to Australia from non-Eu-

ropean countries such as China and India,” she said.

Bennett Shum from Genepath said along with ndings about the failure of current screening to detect certain CF variants, they were also able to con rm that in Australia, 1 in 34 individuals carry the gene for CF (known as CTFR), making carrier screening useful for people looking to have babies.

Dr Sng said given the increasing cost-e ectiveness and comprehensiveness of CFTR gene analysis techniques, their results point to a need for the revision of reproductive carrier screening approaches in Europe and Australia to account for multi-ethnic populations.

“More research is needed into existing inequalities in current screening recommendations in CF and other genetic diseases to ensure the accuracy of carrier screening for all,” Dr Sng said.

Rainbow of fruit and veg the best prevention against prostate cancer

Rainbow of fruit and veg the best prevention against prostate cancer

Men who consume colourful fruits and vegetables on a regular basis are less likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer (PC), according to new research by University of South Australia scientists.

A rainbow of foods rich in certain micronutrients helps to prevent prostate cancer (PC) as well as speed up recovery among men who undergo radiation treatment for the disease.

e ndings, from two studies published in the journal Cancers, highlight the importance of a Mediterranean or Asian diet that includes these foods.

Researchers compared micronutrient plasma concentrations of prostate cancer patients with a healthy control group, revealing low levels of lutein, lycopene, alpha-carotene, and selenium in PC patients and high levels of iron, sulphur, and calcium in the same group, relative to controls.

Increased DNA damage a er radiation exposure was also associated with low lycopene and selenium in blood plasma.

Men with plasma concentrations lower than 0.25 micrograms (ug) per millilitre (mL) for lycopene and/or lower than 120ug/L for selenium have an increased risk of prostate cancer and are likely to be more sensitive to the damaging e ects of radiation.

Foods that are rich in lycopene include tomatoes, melons, papayas, grapes, peaches, watermelons, and cranberries. Selenium-rich foods include white meat, sh, shell sh, eggs, and nuts.

Study co-author Dr Permal Deo says eating foods that are naturally rich in lycopene and selenium is preferable to taking supplements, where the bene ts are limited, according to previous studies.

“Our recommendation is to adopt a Mediterranean diet enlisting the help of a dietician because

people absorb nutrients in di erent ways, depending on the food, the digestive system, the person’s genotype and possibly their microbiome,” Dr Deo says. Prostate cancer remains one of the most common and fatal cancers in men, but the nutritional deciencies associated with it remain largely unknown, hence this study. Other risk factors, such as ethnicity, family history and age have previously

been linked to prostate cancer.

“ ere is strong evidence that being overweight and tall increases the risk of prostate cancer. Diets high in dairy products and low in vitamin E may also increase the risk but the evidence is less clear.” Vitamin E is found in plant-based oils, nuts, seeds, fruits, and vegetables.

e research is the rst to evaluate plasma con.

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REFRIGERATION

For the ultimate rocky road recipe, add a can of sweetened condensed milkyou’ll thank us later!

The Rocky Road dessert was first created in Australia in 1853. Unscrupulous businessmen took confectionery items that had been spoiled by their journey from Europe and mixed them with local nuts as well as low quality chocolate to try to recover them instead of throwing them out.

395g can sweetened condensed milk

10 minutes or until sauce thickens.

Step 3

Place chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a saucepan of simmering water. Stir until melted. Remove from heat. Reserve 1 tablespoon each of hazelnuts, coconut and pistachios to decorate. Add marshmallows, cherries, and remaining nuts and coconut to chocolate. Stir gently to combine. Spoon half the mixture into prepared pan. Top with caramel sauce. Cover with remaining chocolate mixture. Sprinkle over reserved nuts and coconut. Refrigerate for 2 hours or until set. Serve cut into squares.

500g dark chocolate, chopped 1/2 cup hazelnuts, toasted, roughly chopped 1/2 cup shredded coconut, toasted

1/3 cup pistachios, toasted, roughly chopped

350g pink and white marshmallows, halved

95g packet red glace cherries

AI Adoption on the Rise: National AI Centre releases fndings

By JEFFREY GIBBS

Australian businesses are increasingly turning to artifcial intelligence (AI) to drive revenue growth and improve effciency, but successful implementation requires a team effort, according to a new report from the National AI Centre (NAIC). Funded by the Australian Government and coordinated by Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, NAIC was established to further develop the country’s AI and digital ecosystem.

The ‘Australia’s AI ecosystem momentum’ report – commissioned by NAIC and prepared by Forrester Consulting – surveyed 200 information technology and business decision-

makers, and AI service providers to understand the momentum of AI adoption across businesses in Australia.

The report found that businesses of all sizes have a growing appetite for AI initiatives but are facing barriers in implementing AI technologies and solutions. Director of the National AI Centre, Stela Solar, said AI has moved from a futuristic promise to a rapidly growing priority for business leaders across Australia. “Our research shows Australian businesses reported an average revenue growth of $361,315 for each AI-enabled solution that was implemented, regardless of which part of the business these efforts were targeted,”

Ms Solar said. “Over 80 per cent of businesses surveyed expected their year-on-year revenue to grow, with technology at the centre of their growth strategies,” she said. However, the report found that delivery of AI projects is complex, refecting a service provider ecosystem that is still fragmented and niche. Most respondents reported engaging at least four AI technology and service providers to deliver an AI project, while 28 per cent of respondents reported working with more than six providers. Only 17 per cent reported working on projects with a single provider.

Ms Solar said businesses need to feel confdent that they can access the right mix

Rise in Household Spending Indicates Low Interest Rates are Ineffective

By JEFFREY GIBBS

The recent release by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) fgures showing a massive 17.8% increase in household spending

over the past year is a stark reminder that the current policy of relying on higher interest rates to tame infation is not working.

of skills if they are to take advantage of the opportunities offered by AI. “As the AI landscape continues to evolve, we may move closer to having AI providers that can provide endto-end solutions,” Ms Solar said. “But for now, businesses should be comfortable with the idea of working alongside several providers to ensure they get complete solutions that deliver business outcomes.

“Before they start thinking about working with external partners for their projects, business leaders should take the time to understand where AI can deliver benefts across their business. “AI project exploration should start with identifying priority business outcomes,

before moving to assess whether this is a unique challenge that will require a bespoke solution or if the solution already exists in a preconfgured or packaged form,” she said. The report also highlights the importance of taking a ‘Responsible AI’ approach, as AI can have far-reaching ethical implications for customers, society, and the world at large. Business leaders must take accountability to build and deploy AI systems which create responsible outcomes. This includes ensuring that AI solutions are transparent and accountable, as well as considering the potential risks and harms that could arise from their use. AI is becoming an

increasingly important part of the business landscape in Australia, and it is essential that businesses take the time to understand the opportunities and challenges that come with its implementation. Working with a team of AI providers is often the best way to ensure that businesses get the most out of their AI investments, and that they are taking a responsible approach to their use of AI. By taking the time to understand the potential benefts and risks of AI, businesses can ensure that they are getting the most out of their AI investments and that they are creating responsible outcomes for their customers, society, and the world at large.

Kevin Young, President of Property Club, Australia’s

largest

property investment group, believes that this huge jump in household spending will only encourage the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) to increase interest rates even further, which could have disastrous consequences for the already struggling property sector. “Higher interest rates are simply not working in Australia. Instead, the Federal Government should urgently introduce a package of measures that reduces the total reliance on rising interest rates to tame infation with a number of innovative fscal measures to ensure the housing crisis in Australia does not worsen,” said Mr Young. He believes that relying solely on interest rates to curb infation would make tens of thousands

of Australians homeless by worsening our housing crisis. “This policy of rising interest rates will only put an additional $10 billion of additional profts in the pockets of the big banks over the next three years and cause immense pain to fnancially struggling Australians, especially renters. “Rising interest rates have already resulted in a reduction in lending to private property investors by over 30 per cent – billions of dollars that should be invested in providing rental homes for ordinary Australians,” he said. Property Club wants to lead the national debate on how we can move away from the blunt instrument of interest rate rises which will be economically and socially counterproductive and replace it with fairer antiinfation policy settings.

Mr Young believes that only 35 per cent of private dwellings in Australia have a mortgage, and the owners of these properties are now carrying the full fnancial burden of rising interest rates. “The worst hit fnancially are

frst home buyers and property investors – the very people we need to solve the current housing crisis,” he said. Property Club believes that Australia should emulate the approach in the USA, which recently passed an Infation Reduction Act that is designed to reduce infation through a variety of fscal measures. “Australia does not need to replicate these precise measures, but we can introduce policy settings that are most suited to our own circumstances,” said Mr Young. He suggests that Australia could increase the rate of GST by 1 per cent, which would be a fairer way of sharing the burden of reducing infation.

The billions of dollars collected by this additional tax could be used to reduce the budget defcit and as an investment in the future of Australia. “By slowing the economy through a broader tax, interest rates could be slashed to encourage property investors back into the housing market.

“In addition, we could

restore negative gearing to second-hand properties and immediately provide thousands of additional, more affordable rental properties for renters throughout Australia. “Rather than making the big banks richer through higher interest rates, these measures would help solve the housing crisis in Australia and deliver a positive social outcome for millions of Australians,” he said. Mr Young believes that unless we apply new thinking on how to curtail infation, Australia is once again poised to fall into a major recession as happened in 2009 following similar large increases in interest rates during 2008 – an outcome that was predicted by Property Club. “It is time for the Federal Government to take action and introduce a package of measures that will reduce the reliance on higher interest rates to curb infation and provide a fairer way of sharing the burden of reducing infation,” he said.

Director of the national AI Centre, Stela Solar

Is the Property Market Battening Down the Hatches?

By JEFFREY GIBBS

The latest data from property CoreLogic shows that the Australian housing market is yet to bottom out, with a small rise in property values likely just a blip. On a rolling four-week basis, Sydney saw a 0.8 per cent rise, Melbourne 0.2 per cent, Perth 0.1 per cent, and Brisbane was unchanged. Adelaide is now the weakest of the fve largest capitals with values down 0.4 per cent.

The momentum in the housing downturn has been easing since September, with value falls virtually fat lining in February. However, the report warned that various factors have likely propped up prices and that deeper falls are on the way, with predicted interest rate rises set to coincide with other challenging market conditions. The report said that a lower than normal fow of new properties for sale had cushioned the market, with capital city listings over the past four weeks almost 20 per cent below the previous fve-year average for this time of the year.

This low advertised

supply is likely to be keeping a foor under housing prices despite a clear drop in demand. Analysts have suggested that the surge in permanent and long-term migrants back to Australia could be another factor supporting the stronger market conditions. Most new migrants traditionally look to rent, but the super-tight rental market could be pushing new arrivals into buying. The report warned of tough times ahead, saying that the housing market is still facing considerable downside risk.

Interest rates may rise again, following this month’s 10th consecutive hike since May last year. The mortgage cliff, which will affect close to one million homeowners, is also yet to hit. Household budgets will come under more strain around the middle of the year if, as some experts predict, economic conditions

up over the pandemic are further depleted and unemployment begins to rise. The report said that the next few months will be critical to understand whether the housing market is moving through an infection point or if it is simply the eye of the storm. It is clear that the market is yet to bottom out, and with various factors likely propping up prices, deeper falls are on the way.

The report warned that the housing market is still facing considerable downside risk, and that it is too early to call a bottom of the cycle.

weaken, savings built

Investment Opportunities Surge as Apartment Rentals Increase

By JEFFREY GIBBS

The rental market in Sydney is experiencing an unprecedented surge in demand, with rental prices rapidly increasing. According to CBRE’s Market Outlook Report, rental prices in Australian apartments are expected to grow by around 30 per cent over the next fve years, making commercial real estate a viable investment option in

times of high infation. This has led to a surge in enquiries for six apartment blocks currently for sale, with investors looking to capitalise on the opportunity to hedge against infation.

“Investors are attracted by the rental growth narrative to increase their return and provide a hedge against higher cost of living,” said Mr Silk. “The apartment blocks close to

transport, educational establishments, employment hubs and shops are of particular interest.

Many of the properties are not actively managed with owners not bothering to increase rents, allowing an incoming purchaser to increase their return in real time by adjusting rents to market. These increases can be staggering in the current market.” Recent data

from SQM Research indicates that residential apartment rentals have experienced a 26.9 per cent growth over the last 12 months, which is signifcantly higher than the infation rate of 7.8 per cent. This is set to worsen due to the increase in the migration cap and the expected infux of 40,000 Chinese students to Australia. The shortage of apartments for lease is largely caused by a

signifcant amount of investor apartments being sold to owner occupiers over the past two years, fuelled by huge borrowing capacity from record low interest rates. This has resulted in a decrease in the number of rental properties available, driving up rental prices. For investors, the current market presents an opportunity to capitalise on the rental

growth narrative and increase their return. By purchasing entire apartment blocks, investors can hedge against infation and beneft from the higher rental prices. However, it is important to note that the market is constantly changing and that investors should take into account all factors before making a decision.

QUICK CROSSWORD

ACROSS

1 Swallows liquid (6)

4 Extreme anger (8)

10 Row of columns and arches (9)

11 Female name (5)

12 Falsehoods (4)

13 Sulk (4)

14 Region in the Alps (5)

16 Hard animal fat (4)

17 Surname, descending from Peter (8)

20 From Europe (8)

22 Island (4)

25 Giant (5)

26 Charged particles (4)

28 Rough edge (4)

30 Listlessness (5)

31 Social exclusion (9)

32 Zero altitude (3,5)

33 Equestrians (6)

DOWN

1 Tractable (6)

2 Malady (7)

3 Fictional giant ape (4)

5 Better looking (8)

6 Belief in multiple deities (10)

SUDOKU

WORD No. 138

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”.

1 Do peanuts grow on trees, on bushes or below ground?

2 The archer is the symbol of what zodiac sign?

3 Stenography is the process of what?

4 Wynton Marsalis is known for playing which instrument?

5 The rusty-spotted cat (pictured) is notable for being what?

6 Who was the only Ptolemaic ruler to learn the Egyptian language?

7 Which city was originally New Amsterdam?

8 Which 2020 scithriller stars John David Washington and Robert Pattinson?

9 The three Margin brothers (Zaac, Sam and Elliott) are members of which Australian rock band?

10 Robin Nicholas and Patricia Saunders designed which typeface in 1982?

WORD FIND

1 Lobby (4)

5 Drug-yielding plant (4)

6 Tibetan priest (4)

7 Former Russian leader (4)

DOWN

1 Stop (4)

2 Woe! (4)

3 Sierra Leone mountain range (4)

4 Shakespearean king (4)

WORD FILL

Each number corresponds to a letter. Can you crack the code?

CROSS MATH

Insert each number from 1 to 9 in the shaded squares to solve all the horizontal and vertical equations.

addition and subtraction.

5x5

C T

H

D R

R G R

B S

T S S

No. 114

10 LETTERS EVERYWHERE REFLECTORS

HIDDEN WORD

Solve all the clues and an eight-letter word will be spelled out.

1 Comes from fruit and vegetables

2 “Goodbye” in French

3 The Wallabies play this sport

4 This popular dish originated in Italy

No. 113

Insert the missing letters to make 10 words –ve reading across the grid and ve reading down.

NOTE: more than one solution may be possible

5 River that runs through Paris

6 2014 AFL Premiers

7 Goes on top of a cake

8 Central American civilisation

HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW...

1. In what decade did Star Trek first appear on television?

A. 1950s

B. 1960s

C. 1970s

D. 1980s

2. In Netflix series Away, Hilary Swank’s (pictured) character embarks on a mission to where?

A. The moon

B. Mars

C. The International Space Station

D. Earth

3. Which Friends star appears alongside Steve Carrell in comedy series Space Force?

A. Jennifer Aniston

B. Courtney Cox

C. Lisa Kudrow

D. Matt LeBlanc

4. Which Doctor Who star was recently voted fans’ favourite?

A. Peter Capaldi

B. David Tennant

C. Jodie Whittaker

D. Matt Smith

Death Notice

Elton John Stone

4/10/1931-14/03/2023

Late of East Ballina and formerly of Lismore Devoted husband of Kay for 63 years

Dearly loved father and father-in-law of Michelle and Brendan, Lisa and Stephen and Peter and Anna.

Idolised and respected grandfather to ten grandchildren. Elton passed away peacefully at Ballina Hospital. A family graveside service has been held at the East Ballina Cemetery.

Funeral Notice

Clare Patricia Murray

09/07/1930 – 14/03/2023

e Family wish to thank Relatives and friends for the never-ending prayers, thoughts, visits, phone calls and support during mums last years at St Michaels, Southern Cross Care facility. Special thanks go to the care sta who supported mum through her nal years, Dr Castagna and Fr Peter Slack as she loved you all. Please accept this as loving thanks, John, Janet, Eric, Geo rey, Mark, and Families.

“Clare now is with our dad Greg and rests in God’s loving arms”.

Requiem Mass for the repose of Clare’s soul will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Canterbury Street Casino on Friday 24th March, 2023 commencing at 10.30 am. Following Mass the cortege will leave the Casino Lawn Cemetery

Funeral Notice

McNAMARA, PATRICIA THERESE

03.10.1932 – 16.032023

Patricia passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on ursday, the 16th of March, aged 90 years. Late of Goolmangar.

Dearly loved Wife of the Late Ted McNamara. Loved Mother and Mother-in-law of Julie, Ken & Ruth, Peter, Greg & Sue, Coleen & Simon, and Kristine. Cherished Grandmother of 12 Grandchildren and 9 Great-Grandchildren. Survived by her Brothers and Sister, Maureen, John and Terry.

Family and Friends are invited to attend a Requiem Mass to be held at St Carthages Cathedral, at 8 Leycester St, Lismore on ursday, the 23rd of March 2023, commencing at 10.30am. A er the service a Burial will be held at Lismore Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

In FuneralMemoriam Notice

Maurie Lloyd

29.11.1931 ~ 13.03.2023

Loved husband of Beverley (dec). Much loved father of Dianne, David and Sonia. Loved grandfather to Eli, Mikey, Harry and Louis Loved great-grandfather to Sasha and Kygo. Maurie will be sadly missed by all family and friends.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a funeral service to be held at the Uniting Church, Ballina on THURSDAY (23rd March, 2023) commencing at 11.00 am.

In FuneralMemoriam Notice

Frank Mouchel

Much loved husband of Lynne. Loved father of Myriame. Loved grandfather of Brigitte and Charley.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a funeral service to be held at the Tweed Valley Lawn Cemetery, Chapel, 871 Eviron Road, Eviron NSW 2484 on FRIDAY (March 24th, 2023) commencing at 2.00 pm.

Funeral Notice

Shirley Anne Jordan

nee Vidler - late of Whiddon Casino

Treasured Wife of Max Jordan. Mother of Matthew, Andrew, Daniel, Judy, Timothy, Dorothy, Carol and Amalie. Granny of 14 Grandchildren and 15 Great Grandchildren. Dear Sister of 7 Brothers and 6 Sisters.

Passed away Wednesday 15 March 2023. Aged 84 years.

Relatives and Friends of the late Shirley Jordan are Respectively invited to attend her funeral service to be held at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses and a graveside service at Evans Head Cemetery, Friday the 24th March commencing 9:30am at the Kingdom Hall & Evens Head Cemetery at 11:30am

Funeral Notice

STEWART, ENID MAY LAVENDER

Passed away peacefully on Friday 17th March 2023, at Haddington Aged Care, Tenter eld. Aged 99 years.

Beloved wife of Aubrey (decd).

Much loved mother and mother-in-law of Patty & Sam Pillar, Lynette Stewart, James Stewart (decd), Diane, & Noel Chamberlain (decd), Annette & Raphael Pholi, and Gregory Stewart.

Cherished Nanna of all her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, & great-great-grandchildren.

Loving sister of Dorothy and Marie Morris. Loved & sadly missed by all her family & friends.

‘Rest in Peace’

Relatives & friends of Enid are invited to a celebration of her life to be held this Monday 27th March 2023 commencing at 11am at the Graveside, Coraki Cemetery, Ti Tree Street, Coraki N.S.W.

Ph: 02 6632 1720

This page is dedicated to all those that have passed

ALL Mustang owners

MC/HC Drivers Wanted

Transport Lismore, Lismore & Far North Coast NSW

POSITION/IMMEDIATE START

We are looking for an experienced and motivated Truck Driver to join our company.

• You will be responsible for the safe and timely delivery of bulk products to our customers.

• You will have the ability and energy to work in a fast-paced environment.

• Maintain Excellent communication.

• Availability to work long hours, including some weekends.

• Places importance on delivering superior customer service.

• Ability to exercise independent judgment and reasoning skills.

• Be a team player.

• Be organized, punctual and flexible.

• Perform pre-trips and can use logistics apps on mobile phone and in truck.

• Display a basic mechanical knowledge.

• Keep truck clean inside and treat it as if it was your own.

• Drive truck in a safe manner always

We are a family owned and operated bulk transport company carting bulk product across the Eastern Seaboard with our o ice in located in Lismore Northern NSW.

We are o ering excellent working conditions in a friendly and supportive environment.

• Above Award Wages

• Modern, well-maintained fleet.

• O ers a variety of Interstate/long distance work.

• Living locally would be an advantage not necessary for the right person.

• Current Driving record and Trucksafe Medical required.

TIPPER EXPERIENCE A MUST

Please send resume to: matthew@wantstransport.com along with current driving history OR phone (02) 66214788 (o ice hours)

FEATURE FEATURE FEATURE FEMALE SALE FEMALE SALE FEMALE SALE

SATURDAY 1ST APRIL 2023| 11AM

GRAFTON SALEYARDS

500HD 500HD

A/c Perthville Pantry Pty Ltd

30x30 Charbray Heifers & Calves, Calves sired by Angus Bulls

A/c Figtree Pastoral

35x35 Brahman Cows & Calves, 3-4 years, Calves sired by Franco & McPherson Hereford Bulls

45 Brahman Cows, PTIC, (Franco & McPherson Hereford Bulls)

A/c Matt Dyer

20x20 Santa/Charbray & Brahman Cross Heifers & Calves

A/c THEG Brangus

4x4 Santa/Droughtmaster Cows & Calves

2nd Calf @ foot, sired by a Droughtmaster Bull

A/c Athlyn Pastoral Company

40 Brangus Heifers, PTIC

19 Angus/Braford Heifers, PTIC

42 Angus Heifers, PTIC (Heifers PTIC LBW Angus Bull)

CATTLE SALE

Lismore Saleyards

A/c Tooloonki Agriculture

8 Brangus Heifers, PTIC (Angus Bull)

30 Santa/Brahman Cows 3-5 years, PTIC (Santa Bull)

A/c Kiabra Plains Beef

30 Ultra Black Cows, PTIC 3rd Calf (Angus Bull)

20 Charolais Cows, PTIC (Angus Bull)

A/c Valley View

6 FI Hereford/Brahman Cross Heifers,18mnths, 6 F1 Hereford/Brahman Cross Heifers,8-10mnths'

A/c AJ, PJ & SM Williamson

10 FI Hereford/Brahman Cross Heifers,18mnths, 6 F1 Hereford/Brahman Cross Heifers, 8mnths

A/c Gibson Agricultural Partnership

2 x 2 Braford Cows & Caves, 1st Calf @ foot,

3 x 3 Devon Cows & Calves, 1st Calf @ foot, (All running back to Texas Angus Bull)

W eaners Comprising: 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

3 3000 HEAD

W eaners

Comprising:

1000 Santa Hereford weaner steers

300 Brangus weaner steers

200 F1 Brahman x weaner steers

800 Santa Hereford weaner heifers

100 F1 Brahman Hereford weaner heifers

50 Droughtmaster x weaner steers

Feature Draft A/c:

Tree Services

Low rates, friendly service

Low rates, friendly service

Low rates, friendly service

EXPERIENCED, FULLY INSURED, ALL SIZE JOBS

EXPERIENCED, FULLY INSURED, ALL SIZE JOBS

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.

• Lopping

Lopping

Lopping

• Felling

Wood Chipping

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.

members, 8am-1.30pm. Contact 66626423 DH or casmenshed@live.com.au

CASINO CWA

We would also like to invite everyone to our monthly meeting held the 3rd Thursday of the month. Everyone is welcome. Enquires Margaret Good 66621746, Jennifer Baker 043892060.

CASINO CWA EVENING BRANCH

EXPERIENCED, FULLY INSURED, ALL SIZE JOBS

Wood Chipping

Lopping

• Removal

Felling

Wood Chipping

For a free quote & advice

For a free quote & advice

For a free quote and advice contact NOEL

P 6688 6136

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.

For a free quote & advice

BALLINA LADIES PROBUS CLUB

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”

P 6688 6136

Stump Grinding Removal

• Cherry Picker

Felling Stump Grinding Removal

• Wood Chipping

• Stump Grinding

Felling Stump Grinding Removal

P 6688 6136

SQUARE DANCING

M 0427 886 136

M 0427 886 136

M 0427 886 136

Email: northernriverstreeservice@gmail.com

Email: northernriverstreeservice@gmail.com

The Channon covering all areas of the North Coast

Email: northernriverstreeservice@gmail.com

The Channon covering all areas of the North Coast

The Channon covering all areas of the North Coast

Waterproofng

WATERPROOFING

SPECIALIST

Ryan Deagan

28 years’ experience

0411429057

QBSA 1141534 NSW Lic 118380C

COMMUNITY NOTICES

ALSTONVILLE

ALSTONVILLE BRANCH OF THE RED CROSS

The Alstonville Red Cross branch meets monthly in Alstonville. As meeting dates sometimes vary, please call Carol on 0424 742 774 for details of our next meeting.

ALSTONVILLE 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 PROBUS CLUB meets on Thursday 30 March at Plateau Sports Club at 10.00 am. The guest speaker will be Patricia Smithyman, a multi-media artist. All visitors welcome.

ALSTONVILLE QUOTA CLUB

A local women’s service club that meets on the 1st Tuesday of the month at the Plateau Sports Club. Quota is committed to supporting and improving the physical and mental wellbeing of the disadvantaged in our community through local projects. Contact: quotaalstonville@gmail.com for more details.

ALSTONVILLE UNITING CHURCH. Join us for a truly unforgettable Easter week. We warmly invite you and your family to come and commemorate what Jesus did for us. This year we are excited to have a special guest preacher, Rev Keith Garner, who will share his inspiring message. Come and experience the hope and love of Jesus with us. Palm Sunday 9.30 am; Maundy Thursday 7.00 pm; Good Friday 9.30 am and Easter Sunday 9.30 am.

EMBROIDERERS GROUP

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

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 SUB-BRANCH

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 ex-Service 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. 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.

The next meeting of the Ballina Ladies Probus Club is on the 5th 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 Berly: 0409285282 for more information.

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

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

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 1

MONDAY

D.Clarke & D.Allen

J. & J. Whittaker

TUESDAY K.Evans & K.Rowse

WEDNESDAY L.Douglas K.Bratti & own help

THURSDAY

H.Mofftt & J.Hanna

M.Goodlad & own help

FRIDAY L. Dorrington & S.Forrester

P.Plunkett & Own help

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 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.

FAIRY HILL CRAFT GROUP

Fairy Hill Craft Group will meet on Thursday, April 6th 10 a.m. at the Fairy Hill Hall. This month bring you U.F.O.’s to work on and some ideas for a project/ charity to support. Show & Tell: A completed project to share with the group.

LION’S CLUB CASINO

Lion’s Club meeting is held on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday each month at Casino RSM Club from 6.30pm for a 7.00pm start.

Secretary: Denise Green 0448014682 Email: deniseg.vip@outlook.com

LISMORE CASINO NAVAL ASSOCIATION

Meets bi-monthly at Casino RSM, new members welcome. For more information phone Chris 66293269 or Jim 0427400625.

THE PLATYPUS RSL DAY CLUB operates every Tuesday at the Community Centre from 10am to 2pm. The day consists of gentle exercises, mental stimulation, games and entertainment. Members are asked to pay $7 for their morning tea and lunch. Transport can be provided within the town limits. If you are feeling socially isolated or just need a day out, please contact Robyn on 66623871. New members are welcome.

EVANS HEAD

EVANS HEAD CWA BRANCH meets every third Tuesday for lunch at noon. New members welcome. More info Roz 0427825560

EVANS RIVER RSL DAY CLUB

The Evans River RSL Day Club meets each Monday in the Remembrance Room at Club Evans RSL Evans Head from 10am until 2pm Cost $10 includes Morning Tea and Lunch. We have several vacancies for volunteers and members, anyone who is feeling in need of some company are welcome to attend. Come along and join in the fun. Contact Merilyn on 0401493316 for more details.

EVANS HEAD SEAGULLS

CRAFT & QUILTERS GROUP

Meet every Tuesday 9am-12noon in the Recreation Hall (opposite the Kiosk). We invite you to join us for a relaxing morning of crafting, friendship and sharing ideas. Beginners are very welcome. Finishing UFO’s, Embroidery, Gold Work, Hexagons, & Group Projects are just some of the crafts done.

GOONELLABAH

TABLE TENNIS AT GOONELLABAH

Tuesday and Thursday mornings

social playing: 9am-12noon; Monday and Wednesday nights social playing: 7-9pm; Training Monday mornings: 9am-12noon; Junior coaching after school Wednesday 3.30pm-4.45pm, $6 a session. Everybody is welcome –all levels. Phone centre on 66251602. Mon-Thurs 9.00am-1.00pm or visit website www.fnctabletennis.com.au.

THE PROBUS CLUB of Goonellabah meets on the 3rd Thursday of each month at the Workers Sports Club in Oliver Ave. All welcome. Goonellabah Probus is solely a social club. We have a guest speaker each month and go for outings throughout the year. Meetings on Thursday commence at 10am and fnish at midday. For further information, please contact Gloria Francis on 02 6629 1442.

GRAFTON

GRAFTON AND DISTRICT

GARDEN CLUB

Coming up in March we will be assisting the Alumy Creek Museum in establishing a couple of garden beds, this project has been delayed by some unexpected, extremely hot days. We are also looking forward to wandering through some open gardens down river.

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.

Jane Rhodes: Publicity Offcer

GRAFTON CWA

Grafton CWA meets on the 2nd Friday of each month in the CWA Rooms, cnr Duke and Pound Streets, starting with morning tea at 9.30am then the meeting at 10am. New members are always welcome. The next meeting will be on 14th April. Craft mornings are held on 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month, the next one is on Monday, 27th March at 9.30am. The North Coast Group Cultural Day is on 26th April at Woolgoolga, and some Grafton CWA members will be attending. 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

“Recent March meeting, attendance 53, apologies 6. Sick: Margaret Windsor; Bob Townsend. Deaths: sympathy to families of Lorna Smidt; Tom Cashel; Alan Boothby; Ian Blanch; Esther Clancy, all recently passed. New members: welcome, Jan Broome; Margaret Menchin; Jenny Henkel. Correspondence: in, return thanks cards, letter from Westlawn Investments. Out, get well & syrnpathy cards, letters, new members. Trips: Day trip to new ltaly, Windara, Casino, 12May, now on sale. Bookings open for 8-day tour Narrabri, Dubbo, Tamworth areas from l2 August, more bookings needed. June Mystery Trip will go on sale next meeting. General Business: activities leafet, seniors travel card, Ellen Mulherin moved to Dougherty Villa, reminder of scams. Fees: now due $10 per year. New members: always welcome. Competition winners: P. Cooke; G. Patricks; J. Berry; G. Waffers; K. Smith; L. Grayson: Y. Hall;L. Sewell. Next meeting: Tuesday, 1 I April, 10.30am. Guest speaker, Maria Wormald, Service NSW. Enquiries: Sandra 6642 7720, or 041 7 464 946.”

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 COUNTRY MUSIC ASSOCIATION

Our usual monthly show will NOT be on in April as it falls on EASTER SUNDAY and the Bowling Club will be Closed. So please come and join us for our next Show which will fall on MOTHER’S DAY. Meeting at 11am Music to follow. This event fully catered for by the club including Bistro Meals.

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

HAPPENING’S ON THE HILL: 20th

March 2023

St James Anglican Church days and times for Easter Services: Thursday, 6th April – Dinner to share at Church Hall at 6pm to be followed by Foot Washing Service at 7pm in the Church.

Good Friday, 7th April - 3pm at Church for Service “Seven Words from the Cross” Easter Sunday 9th April – Easter Day Service at 8.30am Your help is urgently needed! Do you play a keyboard instrument? We are seeking your help with our 8.30am Sunday Worship Services. If you can help, please make contact to Margaret Armstrong – 66 321 021 or Mobile 0487 330 284. Many thanks in anticipation

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. Call Jan on 66816150.

LENNOX HEAD DAY VIEW CLUB

The Lennox Head Day VIEW Club meets on the frst Monday of each month at the Lennox Head Community Centre with the meeting starting at 11am and includes an interesting speaker and concludes with a light lunch. An informal Coffee and Chat meeting is held on the third Monday of the month. The Club sponsors three students through The Smith Family Learning for Life scholarship program that provides educational items for disadvantaged Australian children. New members and guests are most warmly welcomed, and enquiries may be made to Enid 047187511 or Dawn 0466717435.

LENNOX HEAD EVENING VIEW CLUB

Meets on the second Tuesday of each month upstairs at the Lennox Hotel at 6.30pm for dinner at 7pm. Guests are welcome. “VIEW members support the education of disadvantaged Australian children by raising much needed funds for The Smith Family. Through fundraising activities and social events in local communities, members raise money that goes directly to The Smith Family’s learning and mentoring programs for disadvantaged. students.” Lennox Head Evening VIEW Club currently sponsors two Learning for Life students. Contact Sue Brennan 0409728814.

LENNOX HEAD LIONS CLUB

New members welcome to join our close-knit club where the emphasis is on community service in a fun environment. Meetings are on the frst and Third Wednesday of each month at Club Lennox starting at 6.30pm. Members do what they can, when they can to facilitate the needs of our club.

PROBUS CLUB OF LENNOX HEAD

Meets 9.30 for 10 at Club Lennox, 10 Stewart Street, on the frst Thursday of each month. Visitors are welcome, also retired or semi-retired people wishing to join our non-service club to hear interesting guest speakers and to join in trips and outings are invited along. Phone 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 7:00-8:30pm. 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 6:30pm-8:15pm. 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 nonproft 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 14THSAT 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 SENIOR CITIZENS

Meet at the Goonellabah Community

Centre every second Thursday starting at 9am where we have morning tea followed by games bingo how etc we play cards Monday and Friday and play bowls Tuesdays and craft every second Tuesday afternoons come and join our friendly group you will be

very welcome.

LISMORE SPINNERS & WEAVERS

Please join us…... Weaving, Spinning, Felting, Dyeing, Knitting, Crochet, Workshops, Chat…. Sharing Craft & Ideas.

From 10am, on the 1st, 3rd and 5th Fridays of each month. (Formal business meeting is 10.30-11.30 every 1st Friday) McLeans Ridges Hall Cnr Cowlong and McLeans Ridges Rds (off Bruxner Hwy) Morning Tea provided. Bring your lunch (and a mug)

Contac: Kim- 0423935060 Linda0419489987

Email ~ lismorespinnersandweavers@ gmail.com

LISMORE TARGET RIFLE CLUB for .22 calibre rifes, meets Wed nights from 6.30pm & the 1st & 3rd Sat of each month from 1.00 pm. Air rife shooting for .22 & 177 air rifes will also be available at the Saturday shoots. For more information, please phone Derek on 66282082 (ah).

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/

MACLEAN

MACLEAN VIEW CLUB

Monthly meetings the 3rd Thursdays of each month at 11am. Contact Ruth Toyer on 0409844212 by Mondays, no later than 7pm. Numbers are required for catering purposes.

MURWILLUMBAH

COMMUNITY PRINTMAKERS

MURWILLUMBAH

Fine art printmakers. Meet at studio space 224 Stokers Rd, Stokers Siding. Prints, gallery, workshops and more! E: cpmmurwillumbah@hotmail. com - T: Peter 0498399640 or Sue 0408493253. Find us on Facebook & Instagram.

MURWILLUMBAH COMMUNITY

GARDEN

Members and visitors are invited to join the group for activities and gardening tips most Sundays. Time 3-5pm (NSW time), street parking, BYO, covered footwear, comfy clothing, hat and water. Children ok with strict supervision. Covid plan operating. Enquires: phone Bob Johnson (02)66225792.

POTTSVILLE

POTTSVILLE FUN CROQUET

CLUB

Meets at Black Rocks Sports Fields on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8.30am. New members are welcome to come and join us for a hit and a bit of fun. For any further enquires please call Jean on 0431606375. We will have a new starting time at the end of daylight saving. We play at Black Rocks Sports Field. New members are welcome. For further enquires please ring Jean on 0431606375.

POTTSVILLE LADIES LIFEBALL

Every Thursday morning 9.30am to 11.30am. Pottsville Community Hall, $5 per session includes morning tea. No joining fees. For enquiries, please call Jan 0431909760.

TWEED HEADS

Poets and writers on the Tweed meet every Tuesday at the South Tweed Sports Club 1.30-3.30pm. Beginners welcome. Phone 0755248035.

TWEED HEADS PROBUS CLUB

Probus Club, Coolangatta/Tweed Heads. Be at Club Tweed at 10-00am on the frst Wednesday of the Month. Visitors and new members are very welcome.

TWEED PATCHWORK GROUP

Meet the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month at South Tweed Community Center from 9-1pm at 18

Heffron Street Tweed Heads south all beginners welcome phone Moira on 0418686643. A friendly group of people with common interest in seeing, quilting and related craft.

TWIN TOWNS & DISTRICT GARDEN CLUB

Twin Towns and District Garden Club meets every second Monday of the month. Meetings Venue: Tweed Heads Civic Centre Auditorium next to Library, Brett Street, Tweed Heads.

Guest Speaker January - Tropical Fruit World “Growing Tropical Fruit”

• We offer raffes, lucky door prize, presidents award, trading tables, cuttings table, members prize draw, Benching of plants and fowers and foral art both novice and senior. Begonia Society, Social Morning teas, bus trips and best of all friendship. • Come along, bring a mug to share a coffee or tea with likeminded gardeners. See you there, bring a mug.

Gwen: 0468 872 199, (leave a message please).

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:

Cloudy. High chance of showers, most likely in the morning and afternoon. Winds southeasterly 15 to 20 km/h becoming light during the afternoon.

Thursday. Slight chance of a shower. Light winds northeasterly 15 to 20 km/h in the afternoon then light in the evening.

Northern Tablelands District:

Cloudy. High chance of showers on and east of the ranges, slight chance elsewhere. The chance of a storm in the south. Winds east to southeasterly 15 to 25 km/h tending east to northeasterly 15 to 20 km/h during the morning.

Thursday. Medium chance of showers on and east of the ranges, slight elsewhere. Light winds becoming west to northwesterly 15 to 20 km/h in the day then light in the evening.

TIDES,

& MOON Ballina

New South Wales: Showers and the chance of storms about the central inland and across to parts of the coast. Storms possibly severe about parts of the inland and southeast. Daytime temperatures above near average tending above average through the northwestern inland. North to northeasterly winds, tending southeasterly across the southern inland. Winds fresh and gusty along the coast during the afternoon.

Thursday. A few showers and isolated storms about the east of the state, most likely about the southern ranges and western slopes. Daytime temperatures near average, tending above average about the northwestern inland. Northwest to southwesterly winds, tending north to northeasterly about the central and northern coastline.

Byron Coast:

Winds: Southeasterly 15 to 20 knots turning easterly 10 to 15 knots during the day. Seas: 1 to 1.5 m, decreasing to 1 m

during the afternoon. 1st Swell: Southerly 1 to 1.5 m inshore, increasing to 1 to 2 m offshore. 2nd Swell: Easterly 1 to 1.5 m inshore, increasing to 1 to 2 m offshore north of Yamba.

Weather: Cloudy. 70% chance of showers.

Coffs Coast:

Winds: East to southeasterly 10 to 15 knots tending east to northeasterly during the day. Seas: 1 to 1.5 m, decreasing below 1 m during the morning. 1st Swell: Southerly 1.5 to 2 m, decreasing to 1.5 m during the morning. 2nd Swell: Easterly around 1 m, increasing to 1 to 1.5 m during the morning.

Weather: Cloudy.

Gold Coast Waters:

Winds: Easterly 15 to 20 knots. Seas: Around 1 m, increasing to 1 to 1.5 m offshore south of Point Lookout. 1st Swell: Southerly around 1 m inshore, increasing to 1 to 2 m offshore. 2nd Swell: Easterly around 1 m inshore, increasing to 1 to 1.5 m offshore. Weather: 70% chance of showers.

RiseSet

Sun6:50am6:56pm

Moon7:00am7:22pm

Heat 1: Brodie King 1, Nathan Harper 2, Nathan Deuchar 3. Heat 2: Nathan Harper 1, Troy Rogers 2, Brodie King 3. Feature: Brodie King 1, Jeremy Wade 2, Nathan Harper 3.

Heat 1: Greg Dickinson

1, Jakob Lesha 2, Connor Reeves 3. Heat

2: Greg Dickinson 1, Joel Williams 2, Sieders

3. Feature: Jakob Lesha 1, Sieders 2, Joel Williams 3.

Heat 1: Errol Campbell

1, Jacob Lesha 2, Jacob Waller 3. Heat 2: Tony Watkins 1, Ray Eggins

2, Jacob Waller 3. Heat

3: Jacob Jolley 1, David Eggins 2, Mason Cattell

3. Feature: Jacob Jolley

1, Jacob Waller 2, Ray Eggins 3.

Heat 1: Brock Hughes 1, Brooke Wilson 2, Kobi Wright 3. Heat 2: Daisy Smith 1, Kobi Wright 2, Jai Bateman 3. Feature:

Kobi Wright 1, Daisy Smith 2, Cooper Norman 3.

Heat 1: Riley Simpson

1, Noah Ball 2, Amanda Chaffey 3. Heat 2: Boyd Chaffey 1, Cameron

Jewell 2, Andrew Stevens 3.

Feature: Boyd Chaffey

1, Andrew Stevens 2, Noah Ball 3.

Heat 1: Kevin Britten

1, Mark Robinson 2, David Clark 3. Heat 2: Phil McNamara 1, Luke Dunn 2, Noah Douglas

3. Heat 3: Scott Quirk 1, Taylah Firth 2, Brenton Bennie 3. Heat 4: Brayd Stephenson 1, David Clark 2, Kevin Britten 3. Heat 5: Andrew Pezzutti

1, Mitchell Randall 2, Seiton Young 3. Heat

6: Mick Reid 1, Kyle Armstrong 2, Brock Armstrong 3. Feature: Andrew Pezzutti 1, David Clark 2, Mark Robinson 3. Mr

Modi ed Series

Overall results:

Australian V8 Dirt Modi ed champion Mark Robinson won the Mr Modi ed Series at Lismore Speedway on Saturday night. Photo Shaq’s Speedway Pics.

For the frst time in 27 years, GDSC Easts has its name on the Clarence River Cricket Association major premiership trophy.

The team’s skipper, Shannon Connor, capped a stellar season scoring a measured 94 on Sunday as Easts racked up 8/269 in reply to Tucabia Copmanhurst’s 144.

His dismissal, shanking pull shot to Dan Cootes at mid-on from the bowling of Travis Anderson, was his only disappointment of the game.

“I’ve never got a frst grade hundred,” he said. “The ball was there to hit, but I didn’t get it in the middle.”

As he has done all season, Connor led from the front.

On Saturday he bowled 26.1 of his team’s 84 overs as Tucabia’s batters dug in on a fat Ellem Oval wicket. Then he padded up at number three and went to the crease with the score at 1/33.

Easts had another surprise packet in number four batter Jimmy Watters, whose 47 in a 134-run partnership with Connor,

A big thank you to Wooli Bowling Club for hosting the Past Presidents Association State Friendship Carnival, held at Wooli, from February 24th to February 26th, 2023. This event ran over three days with 56 registered players, that is, fourteen teams of fun loving competitive people. Participants came from The Hawksbury, Manning River, Newcastle, Bendemeer, Inverell, Armadale, Barraba, Clarence River, Grafton and of course Wooli. There was so much excitement as we

batted Tucabia out of the game.

“Jimmy has played second grade most this season, but they were knocked out last week and he came to help us out,” Connor said.

“During the season it’s mainly been me or Aaron (Macfadyen) scoring the runs, so it was important in a grand fnal for someone to step up,” Connor said. “In the end 269 was our highest for the season.”

Macfadyen, who has also been a leading wicket taker for his team, played a cameo innings of 27 before chipping a return catch to left-arm spinner Andrew Ellis.

Connor said there had been a few nerves in the team going into the game, despite Easts dominating form throughout the season.

“I was all right,” Connor said. “But there were a few blokes who were feeling it at the start of the game.

“No-one wants to go through the season like we did, only losing two games I think, and lose the grand fnal at the end.”

Tucabia’s skipper, the veteran Matt Pigg,

reconnected with players that we hadn’t been able to see for the past few years and there was the pleasure of meeting new players, playing in a Friendship Carnival for the frst time. The Carnival commenced on Friday afternoon with a “Spider”, where all the bowlers bowl to the jack at the same time and the bowl closest to the jack is the winner. This winner was Ron Crispin from the Wooli Club and the frst resting toucher of the carnival was Kevin James. Well done to these boys, who received a much

paid tribute to Easts for outplaying them in all facets of the game.

“They kept us under pressure right through our innings,” he said. “Whenever we looked liked getting a partnership going, they took a wicket.

“Five or six of us got into double fgures and batted some overs, but no-one was able to go on with and get a score like Shannon and Watters did for them.

“I thought Shannon handled it really well, he put the bad ball away and didn’t overplay his hand at all.”

He said a couple of dropped catches early in the innings had allowed Easts to get away from them, although he always thought 144 was “below par” on that wicket.

“The outfeld was slow and quickened a bit today (Sunday), but that was not a 144 wicket,” Pigg said.

Number four Jaye Yardey, 37, top scored for Tucabia, but the fve other batters who reached double fgures didn’t make it to 20.

He said the absence of regular captain Brad

appreciated bottle of wine and a six pack of beer.

Wooli Bowling Club did a brilliant job of catering for all of these hungry bowlers each day and the food was absolutely delicious. Thank you to those wonderful ladies and men of Wooli Bowling Club for your time and much appreciated effort.

Among the people bowling, there were the two extremes of ages, which demonstrates that there is positively no barrier to age when it comes to bowls.

The youngest bowling

Chard and opening bowler Jake Chevalley, who attended a wedding, had made it tough for the side.

“We lost them and Rohan Hackett was injured a few games ago with a torn bicep, so we were down on bowlers,” he said.

“But the players who came in stepped up and did their best.”

Once Easts reached the 145 needed for a frst innings win, the game meandered on until both captains agreed to call it

competitor was Chloe Zelvis from Red Rock who is 11 years old and the oldest bowler was Frank Doyle from Foster, who is 92 years young. Both of these bowlers are equally passionate about their bowls and had a tremendous carnival. Amongst all the joking, heckling and in general fun, there had to be a winning team, Terry Flannagan, Kevin Smith, Geoff Hatch and Tony Fatt from The Napean River area. Congratulations to this team who were presented with their trophies by The Clarence

off around 4pm. After game umpire and former CRCA president Bruce Baxter stepped in to present the winning team with its trophy.

“It’s been 27 years since an Easts captain has been in this position,” he said. “I think it’s fair to say that fve years ago Easts was struggling, but now you look around and all you see is face of green.

“It’s a credit to the club and the players they’re now the holders of the CRCA major

River Past Presidents President, Col Milne.

Also congratulations to the runners up, Rose Wayland, Lynne Clancey, Graeme Walker and Loraine Fohmsbee who were from Belmont, Park Beach and Wooli. There was a monster raffe with fourteen quality prizes to be won, featuring a set of bowls as the frst prize. This much sought after prize was won by our youngest player, Chloe Zelvis from Red Rock.

The second prize was a Convection Microwave Oven, won by Robyn White from Bendemeer

premiership.”

Baxter said he would like to see all the players and their families at the CRCA presentation at the GDSC on April 14. He said the event would include barefoot bowls and a barbecue in the outdoor area at the club ahead of the award presentations.

and the third prize, a Picnic blanket and full picnic set went to Judy Bray. Congratulations to all of those lucky winners as well as the rest of the winners who are too many to mention individually.

This Friendship Carnival was a huge success and created excitement for the next Friendship Carnival which will be held at Taree, in September, 2024. Once again, thank you to all the organizers, volunteers and especially Wooli Bowling Club who certainly catered for the players needs and made everyone feel so welcome.