The Northern Rivers Times Edition 144

Photo: Shaq’s Speedway Pics.

Mitchell Randall poses with his V8 Dirt Modifed and trophies after winning the 2023 Australian V8 Dirt Modifed championship.

Photo: Shaq’s Speedway Pics.

MAYORS TO TALK THROUGH WATER SUPPLY ISSUES

EXCLUSIVE

By TIM HOWARD

Clarence Valley and Coffs Harbour mayors will hold talks this month in the hope of avoiding a legal fight over the cities’ water supply.

Clarence Valley Council deferred making a decision to enter formal negotiations with Coffs Harbour City Council on a revised bulk water supply agreement after dispute resolution process between the two councils failed to meet its December deadline.

The council was about discuss a general manager’s report which if passed would have set this process in motion.

But an 11th hour phone from Coffs Harbour mayor Paul Amos to his Clarence counterpart Ian Tiley has delayed a decision.

Cr Tiley told the March 28 meeting he had received a call from Cr Amos just 30 minute before the meeting and moved to defer the matter for a month.

“I advise councillors that half-an-hour ago I had a call from the Mayor of Coffs Harbour City Council, and I can advise that his council is not supportive of the officer’s recommendation on page 11 of your business paper,”

“They seek a deferment so that the two mayors can discuss the matters involved.

“I think for the sake of one month to have that discussion is probably advisable because at the present time we have a situation where they’re not agreeing to what we are saying.

“I’m prepared to move from the chair that the matter be deferred for one month to enable

discussions with Coffs council.”

Cr Bill Day seconded Cr Tiley’s motion.

The two councils have been a loggerheads over the bulk water supply agreement first agreed to in 2004 between the then Lower Clarence County Council and Coffs Harbour.

In 2021 Essential Energy transferred is Nymboida water supply assets, setting off negotiations between the Clarence and Coffs Harbour councils over capital and operational needs, but they failed to reach agreement by last

December.

While Clarence and Coffs Harbour councils have held informal talks about the Regional Water Supply agreement for more than a decade, the absence of significant issues pushed the matter onto the backburner.

But the transfer of Essential Energy assets nearing their use-by date and a 20-year-old water supply pipeline, has made funding asset renewal more urgent.

Clarence Valley Council has looked into the necessary governance arrangements and prepared a draft agreement, which was provided as a confidential attachment to councillors.

Council sought legal advice from Marsdens Law Group, which recommended the councils set up an advisory committee made up of people from both councils to oversee and agreement, which would then go to both councils for endorsement.

Marsdens advised this structure was the preferred arrangement for other councils involved in joint water supply projects.

The last minute call

between the mayors did not please all councillors.

Cr Debrah Novak asked the general manager, Laura Black, who prepared the report before council, what she thought of the proposed deferral.

She said her preference was in the report, but if the council voted to defer to all the moves to talk, that was council’s prerogative.

Cr Karen Toms said she preferred pressing ahead with the general manager’s recommendation.

“I’m very disappointed that the Mayor would contact another Mayor about an officers report from a general manager half an hour before a council meeting,” she said.

“It’s an issue that we need to resolve and there has been, should I say, conflict in the past.

“This is something we need to make the decision about; it is not their decision to make.

“We need to desperately update the agreement, so we don’t have issues like we had earlier in this year with water coming back from Karangi Dam.

“I think that it’s poor form that the mayor has tried to hold this up for another month.”

In reply Cr Tiley said he received a text from Cr Allison Whaites, who was an apology at the March meeting, advising he talk to Cr Amos about the matter.

“Their solicitor has a very different view to our solicitor,” he said.

“For the sake of a month, lets talk, talking saves the need for litigation.”

Council passed the deferral motion 6-2, with Crs Toms and Novak against.

Clarence mayor Cr Ian Tiley moved to defer a motion on negotiating a water supply agreement with Coffs Harbour City Council to allow talks with his counterpart

Coffs Harbour City mayor Paul Amos made a last-minute call to Clarence Valley mayor Cr Ian Tiley, calling for more talks on issues in the bulk water supply agreement between the two councils.

PREMIER VISIT TO LISMORE TOP PRIORITY

Executive Director Elly Bird, who has been running the volunteer organisation to help Lismore residents to get back into their homes.

“It is amazing that the premier has come to the Lismore community and seen we have a long way to go,” said Ms Bird.

EXCLUSIVE

By SAMANTHA ELLEY

It was a headlock by the mayor that convinced him to visit flood-ravaged Lismore, the newly elected NSW Premier Chris Minns joked as he walked the streets of the city last week.

Mayor Steve Krieg insisted it was just an arm squeeze.

“It was really important for me to ask Chris to

come up as soon as possible and full credit to our premier for following through on that,” he said.

“You always get a little bit nervous when there is a change of government because there is always a change of priorities.”

The Premier heeded the request and visited local businesses and the Living Lab Northern Rivers, with a final stop at Resilient Lismore.

“This visit has been an opportunity for the incoming government to

say to the community in Lismore and the Northern Rivers, they won’t be forgotten,” said Premier Minns.

“It’s really important the new government sends the message to the business and to the community who live in this part of NSW that we are there with them for the long haul.

“We know the rebuilding effort is going to take many years.

“We know the capital and investment from

the NSW government and the Commonwealth government must continue to flow so that Lismore can rebuild and that promises made are promises kept, even if those promises are made by a government of a different political persuasion.”

As well as Cr Krieg, State MP Janelle Saffin helped host the premier on his visit to the area “What I would like to see change is more transparency

in what the Northern Rivers Reconstruction Corporation are doing and feel our sense of urgency,” she said.

“At the same time, we have to work with the community about expectations and give realistic timelines.

“I’d really appreciate it if the NRRC could lay out their program of works over the next week or two.”

On his visit to Resilient Lismore, Premier Minns met and spoke with

“It is reassuring he has Lismore and the Northern Rivers front and centre.” Ms Bird went through the project they have in partnership with the Reece Foundation where a $5 million commitment was made by the Labor government to continue its work.

“We will be able to help more people get into their homes,” said Ms Bird.

“We have already helped 80 homes build two rooms and provided 71 others with essential plumbing.”

The premier was suitably impressed with the work done by and for the community so far.

“You have created something special here,” he said.

TWEED SHIRE COUNCILS MOTION FOR THE 2023 NATIONAL GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT

EXCLUSIVE

By SARAH WATERS

THE harmful effects of plastic circulating throughout the community will be brought to the attention of the federal government.

Tweed Shire Council has put forward a motion for the 2023 National General Assembly of Local Government (NGA) which outlines the urgent need to address plastic production.

The NGA, held in Canberra from June 13 - 16, gives local councils across Australia an opportunity to discuss ideas that will contribute to new federal policies designed to support local councils into the future.

Council’s proposal calls on the federal government to put a levy on manufactures which produce fossil-fuel based plastic - particularly for single-use plastic - and to establish mandatory recycling targets.

Councillor Nola Firth, who moved the motion, said despite initiatives happening in the Tweed Shire to reduce plastic

waste the government had to address the source of the problem.

“We have a zero-waste policy here in the Tweed and expect everyone to recycle hard plastics via their yellow bin,” Cr Firth said.

“We hold Tweed Shire Council events without using single-use plastic and require low-use of single plastic in events on council land.

“But, the aim of the motion is to decrease the amount of plastic being actually produced and used by putting a levy on production of fossil fuel based plastic.

“Much of our plastic ends up in the environment - including in our precious Tweed bushland and beaches,” she said.

If implemented, the levy would be used for research on how to create effective recycling facilities for soft and single-use plastic, so it is more economically viable and contributes to a circular economy.

A circular economy focuses on continuously recycling plastic, so it isn’t used once and discarded, to prevent more plastic from been

produced.

Director of Green Heroes Sarah Jantos, who founded the awardwinning conservation group in Fingal Head, said during her 16 years as a wildlife rescuer she has witnessed the most visible impacts of plastic on wildlife - ingestion, suffocation, and entanglement in waste and marine debris.

“The number of rescues are sadly on the increase,” Ms Jantos said.

“We have also noticed a local increase in the number of deceased turtles washing up on shore in recent months.”

Ms Janot said plastic pollution not only threatens the health of marine species, it threatens human health, food and safety and compromises coastal tourism.

“The phrase reduce reuse recycle is still a great motto - although, ideally I would change it to stop, reuse, recycle.

“Government should be much firmer on singleuse plastic bans and initiatives,” she said.

Australia has set targets for 70 per cent of plastic

Board Members – Application for Appointment

Gundurimba Flood Refuge Reserve Land Manager

Applications are sought for appointment as Board members of the above mentioned Statutory Land Manager of Reserve No. 38468 at Gundurimba notifed on 22-Oct1904 for Refuge In Time Of Flood. The term of appointment will be for a period not exceeding 5 years. term of appointment will expire on 27-Sep-2028.

Successful applicants will be responsible for the care, control and management of the reserves in a voluntary capacity.

Application for membership can be made via portal.crownland.nsw.gov.au

All applications are required to be lodged by 15 May 2023.

For further information: Joe Endean on (02) 6642 9204 or on reservemanager.crownland.nsw.gov.au

packaging to be recycled or composted by 2025 and hopes to phase out unnecessary single-use plastic packaging in the same time frame.

Its shortcomings have been previously highlighted in a report from the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO) which found only 16 per cent of plastic packaging had been recycled or composted in 20192020.

The report showed only 36 per cent of plastic will be recovered by 2025 with current infrastructure.

A Spokesperson from the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) said in 2020-21, approximately 1.29 million tonnes of plastic was produced in Australia from virgin resins (made from fossil fuels).

“While there isn’t a levy on the production of virgin plastics in Australia, all environment ministers agreed in October 2022 to work with the private

CAMP OVEN FESTIVAL CASHED UP

sector to design out waste and pollution, keep materials in use and foster markets to achieve a circular economy by 2030,” The Spokesperson said.

“Under the Recycling Modernisation Fund (RMF) the Australian, state and territory governments have made significant investments, with industry, in new recycling capacity capable of better sorting and processing materials, including soft plastics.”

To date, 15 projects that will process soft plastics have been announced.

The government committed $60 million under the Recycling Modernisation Fund to focus on solutions for hard-to-recycle plastics, including advanced recycling technologies to address the low plastics recycling rates.

Tweed Mayor Chris Cherry and councillors Nola Firth, James Owen and Rhiannon Brinsmead will attend the NGA in Canberra to present the motion on plastic waste and are confident it will be accepted and taken seriously considered.

THE PROBLEM WITH PLASTIC

Single-use plastic accounts for the majority of plastic thrown away worldwide.

According to a report by The Minderoo Foundation, it is the most likely of all plastics to end up in the ocean and it is estimated that five to 13 million metric tons of it enters the ocean each year.

Single-use plastics will eventually only break down into tiny plastic particles or ‘microplastics’ which cause great harm to the environment with marine life often consuming the plastic particles. Microplastic have been found in plankton, whales, commercial seafood and drinking water. At an individual level, everyone can help by not using single-use plastic bags, straws and bottles as well as recycling and disposing of waste properly.

NEWS BRIEFS

Organisers of the annual Nymboida Camping and Canoeing Incorporated are cashed up after their success in gaining a $10,000 to go towards the 2023 Nymboida Camp Oven Festival.

The festival, scheduled over the Long Weekend from June 9-12 promises to be a feast for the senses in the beautiful surrounds of Nymboida Camping and Canoeing Centre.

For more information on this year’s event, go to the festival’s Facebook page: Clarence Valley Camp Oven Festival

PLUNGE INTO CLARENCE VALLEY

The 11th annual Plunge Arts & Culture Festival is in full swing, and one of the highlights on the calendar will be An Autumnal Afternoon.

The free event to celebrate the opening of four new exhibitions at Grafton Regional Gallery

will take place from 3pm to 5pm on Saturday April 22.

The four new exhibitions will be:

Nicola HooperZoonoses. Frances Belle Parker - Truth (just be careful who you offend),

Rochelle Summerfield - On the river’s edge we meet and Deborah Taylor - Do you see what I see.

For a full rundown of what’s on go to: https:// www.clarence.nsw. gov.au/Community/ Arts-and-culture/PlungeArt-Culture-Festival

A Green Heroes volunteer observes an endangered green sea turtle at Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

By TIM HOWARD

The days of annually dragging unwanted items out of the shed and piling them on the footpath for pick-up are over for Clarence residents.

At its meeting on

March 28 Clarence Valley Council revealed it would ditch its annual kerbside cleanup to streamline the implementation of a new domestic waste collection contract it accepted last year.

COUNCIL DITCHES KERBSIDE CLEAN-UP

new service is an annual, one-off bulk collection service which residents arrange to suit themselves.

Council said providing a bulk waste pickup between April and June 2023 just ahead of the introduction of a new waste collection regime could prove counter productive.

It has also been advised the contractor had deployed its resources in to prepare for the new service beginning in July.

It also noted the impact of not providing the service would be minimal as many items left on the footpath would comfortably fit in the red bin, which was emptied fortnightly.

The downside will be the treasures rescued from the kerbside trash will now be consigned to landfill.

The council report revealed there were also budgetary implications in the decision, with staff projecting a saving of more than $400,000 by cancelling the 2023 bulk waste collection.

Council’s domestic waste management fund has been in trouble, losing $528,821 in 2021-22.

The report said this occurred because costs had increased while revenue from the annual waste charge for ratepayers had not increase.

again in 2022-23, but less than the previous year.

The $400,000 saving from cancelling the bulk waste collection program would contribute to savings.

The council estimated it would need to increase the waste management charge included in the rates nation by $18 a household to cover that shortfall.

It recognised at a time of cost of living stress, it was better to cut the service rather than increase charges.

In August 2022 the council accepted a tender from waste collector J R Richards & Sons for waste collection and processing services for 10 years beginning from July 1, 2023.

A feature of the

The Covid-19 pandemic and floods have disrupted the kerbside clean-up.

There was no kerbside cleanup for two years in 2020 and 2022 and in 2021 pick-ups were delayed, leaving rubbish piled on footpaths for weeks.

There had also been a higher than budgeted increase in organic waste due to exceptional growing seasons in 2021 and 2022.

A staff restructure also created extra salaries which had not been included in the budget.

Council has budgeted a loss for the waste fund

The council said it also needed to replenish the waste management fund to pay for a construction of a fourth composting tunnel to process organic waste.

The kerbside cleanup had become an annual event in the region with residents placing large unwanted items on the footpath ahead of the rostered pick-up time in their region.

5.75

Scenes like this, with large waste items left waiting for pick-up on the kerbside, will be a thing of the past in the Clarence Valley, with the council switching to a new program which includes an on-call bulk waste removal service for householders.

BEVERLEY FAIRLEY’S Restored Forest

EXCLUSIVE

By SARAH WATERS

IN a time when the environment faces ever increasing threats, a Murwillumbah local has made sure her property

area for native forest to flourish.

“It was rather wonderful growing up on the farm,” Mrs Fairley said.

“It had an original forest that was never cut

beloved forest much of her childhood was spent in.

When she returned home to settle on the farm in 2000, the feeling of life that once existed in the forest was no longer there.

“As a farmer’s daughter and having played in the forest as a child, I knew about native trees and weeds.

“When I returned, I realised something was wrong.

“Weeds were choking the forest, the birds were gone, it looked like the forest was dying,” she said.

BEVERLEY Fairley’s restored forest will be part of Tweed Shire Council’s Bringing back flying fox habitat to the Kynnumboon floodplain project.

The eight-year conservation project involves planting 12,000 native trees, shrubs and groundcovers on 3.2 hectares of former sugar cane land to create rainforest and wetland habitat on the bank of the Rous River.

A major aim of the project is to provide flying foxes with a new habitat.

Tweed Shire Council Project Officer (Waterways) Matthew Bloor said the presence of flying foxes in urban areas can often cause conflict with humans, but they are a keystone species, and Australia’s only long-distance pollinator.

“Flying foxes will be able to come and feed in the short term,” Mr Bloor said.

“It’s just a case of creating the habitat and encouraging them to come to the area.

“The area is located within 5kms of the existing sites of flying fox camps in Murwillumbah and located on the riverbank, which is their preferred habitat.”

will thrive into the future.

Beverley Fairley has spent the last 19 years restoring the land on her family’s fourth generation farm, along the Rous River, in Kynnumboon, into a thriving native forest.

The 12-acre farm has mostly been used for growing crops since 1862, when Mrs Fairley’s greatgrandfather settled on the land.

But, about two acres of land was kept as an

down.

“It was just magical – as kids we swam and played in the river, mucked about in boats, caught fish and enjoyed the wildlife, especially the birds.

“Back then, the river was the lifeblood of the community.”

In 1965, Mrs Fairley left the farm to study at teacher’s college in Armidale.

She would often come

After four years of seeking advice on how to restore the forest, Mrs Fairley called upon some trusted friends and relatives and decided to get to work.

She joined Landcare and received help from a local bush regenerator to work out what the weeds were and how they were degrading the forest.

The first aim was to get rid of the cat’s claw creeper, an exotic vine that can smother entire trees.

“Even with herbicide, controlling it was laborious,” she said.

“The largest vines were so big we had to dig them up.

“We dug up most of the vines and also controlled giant devil’s fig, morning glory, lantana and camphor laurel.

“Over 19 years, we have dug up 59,760 cat’s claw tubers.

work.”

home and visit the farm, but over the years she noticed changes in the

“We dug them up because poison was expensive and didn’t

Mrs Fairley also planted thousands of native trees endemic to the local area, including Blue Quandong and Hoop Pine to create the now thriving forest.

It has attracted an array of wildlife back, including at least 29 different species of birds, which were recorded in the forest.

“We wouldn’t think we would live to see the huge height of the trees,

but now we’ve got the most beautiful riparian forest, that only needs occasional maintenance,” she said.

“The trees provide extra habitat, a nice climate around the house and they help stabilise the riverbank.

“And now we’ve got plans to put the rest of the farm under forest.” Mrs Fairley also had some words of advice for anyone who is considering changing their backyard.

“If you’re going to plant a tree, make sure it’s the right sort of tree –and put in a beehive for pollination.”

NEW HABITAT: Beverley Fairley and Tweed Shire Council Project Officer (Waterways) Matthew Bloor are restoring native forest on the bank of the Rous River.

Kynnumboon 1865: A sketch by Beverley Fairley’s greatgrandfather Joshua Bray of the original house that existed on her family property in Kynnumboon on the Rous River.

Kynnumboon 1939: A photo taken by Beverley Fairley’s Uncle Peter Bray of the family property, up a Bunya Pine in about 1939.

Kynnumboon 2023: The property of Beverley Fairley which will soon be surrounded entirely by native forest

Diary of a Flood Survivor

Community is a word that gets bandied around a lot.

Most of us, at some point, have lived in a community of neighbours, friends and family.

Even those who live in isolated situations only have to go to the local shops or a nearby neighbour to feel the effects of community.

Communities make you

feel safe, feel like you belong, give you a sense of purpose if you work or volunteer in it and are more often than not a positive influence on our lives.

Yes, there is the annoying neighbour or the kids down the road make too much noise, or possibly the couple up the road have constant shouting matches, but generally to live in community is a positive

GRAFTON’S DAY OUT

Grafton is readying to celebrate the good times this weekend with a festival of music and food.

Good Times Co and The Grafton District Services Club have teamed up to bring the Jacaranda City one of its events of the year, the Grafton Day Out Food and Music Festival. With more than 20 food and drinks vans bands there promises to be a picnic atmosphere.

Patrons can join the

thing.

I’ve been pondering on this, because often when we drive or walk through the streets of our neighbourhood, there are still many empty houses.

Shortly after the floods, the community came alive as houses were gutted and rubbish thrown out. Then there was a lull.

Renters had disappeared, many who

houses to a decent living level. Our neighbours next door to us moved back in August 2022 and we followed in late September. Our neighbours across the road lived there while they worked on their house and others took up the use of a caravan.

Friends of ours are moving back to their home in a week’s time.

MOTHER AND DAUGHTER TEAM HELP THEIR CULTURE TO THRIVE

The passion Melissa Greenwood feels for her Aboriginal culture is palpable.

The young mum has teamed up with her own mother, Lauren Jarrett, to run the business Miimi and Jiinda, an Australian art business, which they have been doing successfully for the past five years.

“My mum and I had a market stall where we would sell our artwork,” said Melissa.

“Then I did my first solo exhibition in my sister-in-law’s café and it was a huge success as we sold out on the first day.”

Their big break came, however, when Melissa was commissioned to do an art piece for The Block contestants, Deb and Andy.

owned and lived in their homes found alternative accommodation. Only a brave few, or those who had no choice, moved back into their damaged homes, making themselves as comfortable as was possible.

Slowly, the community returned. Helped along by the government’s caravan roll out, but also because many worked hard to get their

Communities are important NEWS BRIEFS

best foodies, craft beer stands enjoying an entertainment lineup including Nathan Beretta, The Ford Brothers, Anna & Jed, Tullara Connors, Micka Scene and The Ninth Chapter.

It’s on at the GDSC, 105 Mary St, Grafton, from around noon. Entry is free.

COURTS FIRST TRIAL

The community has wasted no time trying out the refurbished basketball courts at J J

Theirs had been riddled with asbestos, had found it hard to get a cabinet maker and builder and only now are ready to move back in.

It is a cause for celebration.

It now means, instead of the silent empty streets, we hear kids playing and neighbours talking or playing their music. Not something to really complain about anymore.

Lawrence Fields, South Grafton.

The $200,000 upgrade will host one its first official event on April 21, Beats, BBQ & Basketball from 10am to 3pm on Friday as part of Youth Week 2023. Along with skills, drills and games on the courts, the event will also feature songwriting workshops with Mad Proppa Deadly, a free barbecue and plenty of other fun interactive activities run by local services.

“Andy is Biripi, a neighbouring tribe to us as we are Gumbaynggir,” said Melissa.

“I found out I had four days to complete the art work. It had to be painted, stretched, framed and delivered.

“I was determined so I painted for 10 hours a day non-stop.

“My knees and body were so sore but we

pulled it off and got it delivered on the fourth day.”

From there, the business sky-rocketed. The mother and daughter team have now diversified their business into fashion for women and children and Melissa is also an author.

“I am writing and illustrating my third children’s book through Harper Collins and each book is translated into English and Gumbaynggir.”

This is where Melissa’s passion for her business shines through.

“I am living and breathing my culture,” she said.

“It’s not only important to keep culture alive, but showing people that it’s thriving.”

And thriving it is, with licencing collaborations with fashion businesses, Adairs and Seed and skincare company Jurlique in the pipeline.

“We are also about to launch our high end fashion line at the David Jones Fashion Week in May,” said Melissa. Check out Miimi and Jiinda products at miimiandjiinda.com

We require an experienced Trade Sample Machinist with a high skill level, able to read and understand trade manufacturing pattern making Developing garments from toiles to finished International and local selling samples that will then be shown on the catwalk These are high end women s wear garments being made in linen silk satin and laces from swimwear dresses to tailoring Initially we would love you to work from our studio in Ocean Shores and some training can be given through our Pattern Maker Ideally you must be familiar with and have Industrial Sewing Machines and once trained to our standards, if preferred there is capability to work from home

Please contact:

Angelique Gordon

+61 482 175 083 info@miimiandjiinda com

STAMP OUT RACISM

EXCLUSIVE

By SARAH WATERS

WITH well-worn shoes, but a purposeful stride, Peter Elzer had a fresh sense of determination as he made his way into Pottsville last Thursday (April 6) edging closer to the finish line of his epic 2023km walk.

Mr Elzer, 67, set out on a solo mission on December 23 last year, to walk from Melbourne to Seventeen Seventy, near Gladstone, in 101 days.

He has bashed his way through bush, navigated his way along roads and beaches, while battling the elements and sleeping rough.

It hasn’t just been a personal challenge for the retired aged care nurse from Coffs Harbour.

His mission has been to create change one step at a time through his ‘Stamp Out Racism’ campaign.

The issue of racism, which he said still lingers throughout Australia, has bothered him for a long time.

A racist remark he overheard about NRL players when he was socialising one night, was the ‘trigger’ for the avid rugby league fan, who decided it was time to do something.

“I went home and said this is crap, I’ve heard this rubbish for years,” Mr Elzer said.

“I think it’s about time I started calling it out.

“People generally aren’t as fourth right in their racism now, it’s more hidden, it’s more subtle, but behind closed doors it’s still there,” he said.

Driven also by ‘a sense of anger’ about the historical injustice of Indigenous Australians, Mr Elzer felt compelled to challenge long-held attitudes and mindsets.

“I was brought up being taught history through white man’s eyes.

“All of my generation have been fooled and given an untrue recording of history.

“We know now that Indigenous people were treated like animals,” he said.

Mr Elzer has opened up the conversation about racism in many cities, towns and sports clubs over the last few months. Although he has been shunned at times, overall, his message has been well received.

“People who do have different views, but they’re still interested, those are the ones that this message is getting to.

“They think this guy is doing this 2000km walk for a reason, yet I’m racist and I’ve been brought up that way.

“It’s conflicting in their minds, which is good because they start to think about their own attitudes.”

The walk has been mentally and physically challenging.

Mr Elzer has so far

covered an average of 20kms per day on foot, while pulling and carrying 20kgs of supplies.

He has slept on park benches, beaches, the side of the road or at a caravan park if he is lucky.

Early into the walk he almost gave up.

“On day three, I came down a mountain track, near Kinglake in Victoria, google told me there was a track there to get to the next town.

“But the track disappeared in front of my eyes because there had been a bushfire there in 2009 and it just didn’t exist anymore.

“I was stuck at the bottom of a mountain, I couldn’t go back up the mountain with my trailer, I couldn’t go forwards because there was no

track.

“I thought I’m in a snake-infested bush what am I going to do now.

“I had to take the backpack off and carry it 20 meters, come back for the trailer and carry it over fallen trees and logs.

“I couldn’t see because the bush was that thick. I did that for about 2kms until I found a road.”

Despite the precarious situation, Mr Elzer said he managed to find a servo near-by and ate the best burger he has ever eaten.

Random acts of kindness, such as people handing him a coffee and food or offering him a place to sleep when he has been walking in the middle of nowhere, has always refreshed his spirits.

“It has all been worth

it - it’s all been well above expectationsthrough the people I’ve spoken to, plus all the media coverage, I think my message would have reached about two million people.

“Talking with people in towns, has been really good, you get to know a lot of people and I’ve made a lot of friends.

“When people hear the story, they go wow that’s incredible.”

Over Easter, Mr Elzer enjoyed a well-deserved break.

He stopped at his daughter’s house in Cabarita Beach for a couple of nights, before making his way up to Varsity Lakes.

The final stages of the journey will see him walk from Gympie to Bundaberg and then up to Agnes Water.

On April 24, he will be joined by his family to walk the final 5kms of his journey to Seventeen Seventy, near Gladstone.

Mr Elzer chose to end his walk in Seventeen Seventy, for the symbolic reason that it is the second landing place of James Cook. His journey from Melbourne to Seventeen Seventy is 2023kms, to coincide with the year 2023.

Follow his Facebook page: STAMP_OUT_ RACISM_2023 for all updates or scan the QR Code.

FINISH LINE IN SIGHT: Anti-racism campaigner Peter Elzer made his way through Pottsville last Thursday, after spending the night in Brunswick Heads. He is the final two weeks of his four-month walk from Melbourne to Seventeen Seventy.

Benefts outweigh costs in getting Inland Rail back on track

Australia’s largest state farming body says fresh reports of cost blowouts and delays should not derail the Inland Rail project.

NSW Farmers Inland Rail Taskforce chair Peter Wilson said Australia still needed to achieve the outcomes of ‘nation-building’ projects such as Inland Rail and welcomed the federal government’s commitment to continue the project despite the problems outlined in Dr Kerry Schott’s review, which was released on ursday.

“ e main goal of improving rail freight is still very much worth pursuing,” Mr Wilson said.

“While it was disappointing to learn about the mistakes that have been made throughout the process, I’m hopeful this report can be used to get Inland Rail back on track.

“Ultimately we want to get food from farm gate to dinner plate quickly and e ciently, and Inland Rail will help us achieve this goal.”

e 1700km railway line from Melbourne to Brisbane was envisioned as a ‘nation building’ project that would connect rural communities to logistics hubs for distribution and export.

Mr Wilson said while NSW Farmers had supported the Inland Rail concept from the outset, its inaugural taskforce was actively engaged in highlighting many of the shortcomings of the planning and landholder dealings that were recognised in Dr Schott’s review. However, he noted those issues were constructively addressed with ARTC and said it was vital that better landholder outcomes were pursued.

e bene ts of Inland Rail to farmers was clear, Mr Wilson said –

a projected $10 per tonne saving for freight would help farmers make ends meet amid soaring food and bre production costs –while a reduction in the number of trucks on regional highways would not only make travel safer for communities and visitors, it would also reduce carbon emissions and the maintenance bill for those roads.

According to Mr Wilson, e cient freight networks were critical to Australia’s competitiveness.

“Our fresh produce is some of the best in the world, but it needs to be delivered in peak

condition,” Mr Wilson said.

“Ine ciencies in freight movements, particularly

for high volume primary produce, add unacceptable costs and time imposts for farmers.

“Any e ciencies and productivity gains attained on-farm will be lost without a concerted

e ort to establish and maintain leading edge infrastructure for road and rail.”

The Ballina Coast and Hinterland Map has arrived

e Ballina Tourism Team is excited to announce the arrival of the new Ballina Coast and Hinterland Map. e map includes detailed town maps for Ballina, Lennox, Alstonville/ Wollongbar and Wardell and a regional map overview.\

Meeting the massive demand from visitors and locals, the Ballina Tourism Team created a free map to distribute 40,000 copies across the region through the Ballina Visitor Information Centre, Ballina Byron Gateway Airport and accommodation providers. Collaborating with 35 local businesses, the Ballina Coast and Hinterland Map will encourage visitors to explore the region and discover our destination's unique experiences.

Visitor Services O cer

Teegan Bruncke comments on the importance of printed maps, even in a digital age "Not everyone uses GPS or Google maps. Printed maps are one of the most requested items at the Visitor Centre from

visitors and locals."

If you want a map copy, pop into the Ballina Visitor Information Centre at 6 River Street, Ballina. Tourism and accommodation providers are also welcome to collect maps for their visitors.

Application for Appointment of Board Members

Rous Mill Recreation Reserve Land Manager

Ever wondered who is responsible for keeping Crown reserves operating?

Countless facilities like showgrounds, local halls and parks are run by Statutory Land Manager Boards, made up of people just like you. People who understand the need and have a desire to manage public land and assets for the beneft of the entire community.

Your role as a Board Member is voluntary, but the rewards of giving something back to the community are priceless.

We are looking for a good mix of people with a variety of skills, however, sound business and fnancial management skills and objective decisionmaking expertise would be a distinct advantage.

Don’t let this opportunity to do something for yourself and your community pass you by – contact us today.

The Rous Mill Recreation Reserve Land Manager manages the Reserve No. 30518 at Rous Mill notifed on 27-Jan-1900 for Public Recreation. The term of appointment will be for a period not exceeding 5 years.

Application for membership can be made via portal.crownland.nsw.gov.au

All applications are required to be lodged by 12 May 2023.

For further information contact: Joe Endean on (02) 6642 9204 or go to reservemanager.crownland.nsw.gov.au SB0523

Industry Briefng and networking session for road and bridges food-restoration works

The size and scope of the project means the successful managing contractor will need the assistance of many local contractors and suppliers,” Brendan said.

Local businesses and experienced organisations are invited to attend an industry briefng and networking session, hosted by Lismore City Council as part of the selection process to appoint a Managing Contractor to deliver food-restoration works on our roads and bridges.

The February 2022 natural disaster caused signifcant damage across Lismore’s extensive road network.

Lismore City Council’s Chief Operating Offcer, Brendan Logan, said the Industry Briefng on Monday, 15 May, was a milestone in Lismore’s recovery.

“Over the last 14

months, Council has undertaken extensive emergency road works to re-establish our road networks. We are now at the next crucial stage of the rebuild,” he said.

“The major damages to our roads and bridges have been investigated, and a concept scope of works has been submitted to Transport for NSW. This next phase requires detailed design, specialist contractors and project management expertise to deliver an unprecedented volume of work”.

“The briefng is also an opportunity for our local suppliers to form relationships with some of the industry’s most experienced companies.

The briefng will explain how the selection process works for the Roads and Bridges Recovery Program. While attendance is not mandatory to submit a tender, it is encouraged, as important information will be shared about the project before the tender is advertised.

Following the briefng, attendees will enjoy light refreshments and networking opportunities. This is an excellent opportunity for local suppliers to connect with potential clients and participate in a project that could have signifcant benefts for their business.

The event will take place on Monday, 15 May, at 10am at Southern Cross University, Lismore.

Registration is required to attend the event and can be completed through Eventbrite at https:// LCCindustrybriefng. eventbrite.com.au

Julieanne, Volunteer Tourism Ambassador and Prue, Acting

Temporary road constructed on Tuntable Creek Road after it was badly damaged in the February 2022 natural disaster

Ballina Shire Concert Band Celebrates 140 Years

Ballina Shire Concert Band is turning 140 years old! To celebrate this impressive milestone, they are hosting a special anniversary concert for the community at the Lennox Head Cultural Centre on Saturday 6 May 2023.

e concert will celebrate the band in its current form and acknowledge its proud history by featuring music and memorabilia from 1883 to 2023. Past band members and associates are invited to share in this celebration

and are encouraged to register their interest.

e band is also seeking information about its history for a memorabilia display.

“

e Ballina Shire Concert Band has been a regular performer at

many local Ballina Shire community events and commemorations,” said Ballina Shire Concert Band President, Dick McCoy.

“ e band started with just 10 members in 1883 and today has over 35 active members ranging in age from 12 to 94.

We come together every Wednesday evening to celebrate our collective passion for music.

“If you have any old photos, competition trophies, stories, or other relevant memorabilia you can contribute, the band would love to hear from you at

ballinaband140th@ gmail.com. New members are also welcome.”

Tickets are on sale now, with general admission tickets $25, concession tickets $20, and children under 14 only $10. Visit communityspaces.com. au/tickets.

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 (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 clean-up and use this to develop proactive and targeted anti-litter 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. Information about waste services and campaigns is on Council’s website.

Primex helping to keep the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service fying!

e organisers of the annual Norco Primex Field Days event have once again given their support to the regions Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service.

e Service is a charity partner of the event with Managing Director for Primex, Bruce Wright commenting “We are reminded each year of how strong a link the Rescue Helicopter has to the farming and rural community through the life saving missions they perform on properties across our Northern NSW region”.

“We are delighted to be able to donate knowing full well that it could be one of our event patrons who might need the Service next in an emergency,” said Mr Wright.

is new donation of $5,500 comes from their successful 2022 event with a similar donation

made back in 2021.

Overall, the combined support by Primex through cash donations and the value of donated site spaces at the event to the Service since 2017 has now reached $27,670. Spokesperson for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service, Zeke Huish remarked “We feel very fortunate to have Bruce and his team o ering their continued support which has been ongoing for nearly 3 decades”.

“From our three bases in Newcastle, Tamworth and Lismore our Service responded to 50 farming emergencies in 2021/22 and having the support of events like Primex play a vital role in helping to ensure that our Rescue Teams can be on standby 24/7 for when they are needed most “.

“We wish Bruce and his team another successful event this year as they celebrate the 39th running of Primex on from 11-13 May,” said Mr Huish.

Cape York Adventure 12 days with Girls On Tour

What improvement proves…by Nigel Dawe

Bruns gives single-use takeaway packaging the fick

ONE of my favourite books of all time is called Wisdom and Destiny, by the Belgian Nobel Prizewinning author Maurice Maeterlinck. Published in 1898, it is a work that never fails to raise my spirits; but there is something so refined, albeit truly rarefied about this book that you can’t help but stop dead in your tracks and reflect upon what it has to say.

As such, there is one line in particular I return to often from the above work of Maeterlinck’s in which he says, “Every effort that tends to improvement approaches the secret intention of life.” More than just a wonderful turn of phrase, it is also a wonderful mantra to take into the fray of each and everything we undertake in life.

On any given day, so much lip service is given to the ideal of a notion that is improvement; which is basically a fancy word for getting better, or doing what we can to improve our lot. Relatedly, the word itself stems from the old AngloFrench term ‘enprowment’, which referenced “turning something to profit, or the act of making it better.”

From the very moment I first heard it, I warmed to Wayne Bennett’s backhanded pearl, “There is always room for improvement, it’s the biggest room in the house.” Or in other words, irrespective of how good or accomplished at something any of us might be, we can always lift the bar on the overall quality of our output and performance.

In the same vein, the author Paulo Coelho once

noted, “When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too.” And that’s the inherent nature, or discernible knock on of being improvementorientated: it raises the standard, albeit expectation of what remotely passes for adequate in our surrounds. It becomes a way of being, additional to just merely a cursory way of seeing.

One glaring risk though, of being so improvement focused, is not fully savouring our moments when they arise (whether they be successful one’s or not) because none of us are assured of the next five minutes, let alone whatever period of time we might need to get the chance to do anything any better later on. Or as John C. Maxwell once gleaned, “Success each day should be judged by the seeds sown, not the harvest reaped.”

True to form, one of history’s most refined thinkers, Mahatma Gandhi once said, “As human beings, our greatness lies not so much in being able to remake the world – that is the myth of the atomic age – as in being able to remake ourselves.” And, it is in the remaking of ourselves (on a sustained basis) that constitutes the driving force behind the ability to improve.

As if an atomic age wasn’t bad enough to function within, we are all now in the throes of an even worse digital age – which is not entirely the arch-determiner of our destiny, if we merely adhere to the ever sound advice of Roy T. Bennett, who once enthused, “Make improvements, not excuses. Seek respect, not attention.”

Brunswick Heads businesses are getting behind a new reusable collection scheme that aims to reduce the abundance of single use takeaway packaging found around town.

Council’s Bring it Back Bruns project, which is the rst of its kind, is funded by the Environment Protection Authority (EPA).

“How it works is that Council supplies local businesses with reusable containers to o er their customers,” Council’s Resource Recovery Strategy and Engagement O cer, Sarah Child said.

“ e customers use the

containers and return them to a participating business or one of the nearby collection bins,” she said.

“We’ve partnered with My Green Plate who collect the used containers, wash them in an industrial machine and return them to participating businesses for future use. So it’s a local circular solution we’re trialling and so far we’re getting lots of positive feedback.

“People really want to switch to reusable containers and stop throwing single use containers into land ll where they end up creating methane

emissions,” Ms Child said.

e rst two businesses to jump onboard the Bring it Back Bruns trial are Brunswick Heads Health Foods and Bernardi’s Gelato.

“ ese two fantastic businesses have shown leadership in waste reduction and I encourage everyone to get behind them, trial the reusable system and give us your feedback.

“ e trial will run for three months and we’re starting it on weekends only, with the hope that the Brunswick Heads community embraces this new system and we

can keep it going.

“From Council’s perspective, it’s about putting a system in place that makes it easy for people to choose to reuse and change behaviours for a more sustainable future,” Ms Child said.

is project is a NSW Environment Protection Authority, Waste Less Recycle More initiative funded from the waste levy.

Brunswick Heads businesses wanting to get involved in this great e ort to cut single-use takeaway containers should get in touch with Sarah Child on schild@ byron.nsw.gov.au

New Exhibition and Book Immortalise Lismore’s Flood Survivors

“Leemo has views on just about anything”

LISMORE MP Janelle

Sa n is thrilled that Jacklyn Wagner’s photo essay on the city’s ood survivors will be fully exhibited in NSW Parliament next month (May 2023) and showcased in a limited edition book.

“I’ve been working with Jacklyn on ensuring that all 100 of her stunning portraits get to hang in the Fountain Room of Parliament as a tribute to Lismore residents’ strong ghting spirit,” Ms Sa n says.

“We had a more modest exhibition of 25 prints in Sydney last November which was attended by ve ood survivors, and we then committed to mounting a full exhibition in May this year so more folk could be involved.

“Jacklyn has gifted ‘Through the Heart … a food of fears and tears’ to the Lismore Regional Gallery’s permanent collection, making it an artistic statement and historical record of how locals faced the worst natural disaster we have

witnessed.

“I’m pleased that about 20 people who are featured in these images, accompanied by their partners or guests, will attend the o cial opening on Tuesday night, May 2. e exhibition will run until ursday, May 25.”

Jacklyn Wagner, a respected, awardwinning local photographer, thanked Ms Sa n and her team for securing a discretionary grant for both exhibitions from former NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet, supplemented by an arts grant from former NSW Minister for the Arts Ben Franklin MLC.

“I didn’t know where this project would end up but I knew it was an important and valuable thing to do, and I promised that it would end up as something beautiful, something lasting,” Wagner said.

“ e exhibitions and the book have been a labour of love for me there is no nancial gain for me

it’s a gi from me to

“

my community.

“I’d also like to thank the Lismore Regional Art Gallery for their support, IAS Fine Arts Logistics for covering the costs of transporting the full exhibition to Sydney and return, and the Richmond-Tweed Regional Library for storing the images before and a er the exhibition.

e book is sponsored by Nikon Australia and one of my dearest friends Jennifer Cavanagh, of Shellharbour. ree ood-impacted Lismore businesses were involved in the book’s production, including Lismore City Printery, Graphiti Design Studio and e New Camera House.”

e book will be available from next month through e New Camera House in Keen Street, Lismore.

Andrew Neave Andrew and his partner Jelani with their dog Eric were rescued from a window by a civilian. ey lost everything including both their cars. Photo: JACKLYN WAGNER.

“We put Carlotta, our chook, in a cage and hung her from the ra ers. Four days later she was alive and had laid four eggs. She was a big hit at the evacuation centre.”

Amoonda Nelson

Pictured with pages from a travel journal written during a 2002 trip to Europe, Amoonda has lived in her South Lismore home for the past nine years. Photo: JACKLYN WAGNER.

“As I washed the mud o my precious things it was quite cathartic. I managed to save some beautiful things that bring me joy.”

Marion Conrow

Artist Marion has been paying o her home for 33 years. All the walls are now stained with contaminants that leaked into the river during the ood. Photo: JACKLYN WAGNER.

“It’s all too much. My home and my companion cat, Oscar Prince Wilde, have been the best things in my life and now my cat is gone.”

‘SOME’ Brothers just CAN’T BE TRUSTED

‘Ooooh, ‘Mum Jane’ is indeed outdoing herself in crabbiness to-day. CRIKEY. She’s stomping, saying rude words & carrying on like a rat under a bucket. (It’s ‘Leemo Cat’ here!) I wonder what ails her? Hmmm. Ponder? I played the last couple of days over in my mind trying to ascertain if ‘I’ Leemo Cat had done anything wrong. (as IF!) NUP.

I’ve been a ‘Paragon of Pet Virtue’ for days now, a truly Exemplary Companion Animal. Next step (horror) is to ask why she is behaving more erratically than I have come know as her NORMAL (awful) old lady behaviour. I’ll use ‘suck up’ tactics. ‘Mumsie Wumsie, would you like a nice cup of tea, and a sit with me for a ‘Mum & Son’ D&M chat?’ e erce GLARE I got could have cremated me but (whew!) she did stop stomping and sat down. I put a so pawsie on her hand, told her to take deep breaths, calm herself, sip her tea slowly, and tell me what was causing this angst. (I had ‘ xed’ a look of concern to my face, with wrinkled brows, puzzled but loving eyes & all that stu …kinda like a Botox injection.)

(Mum needs one!)

A er an interminable time, (my face was aching awfully from the ‘ xed’ look) she spoke.

‘Leems, you know I have many brothers

and sisters. WELL, two of my beastly conniving brothers colluded to in ict mischief upon the rest of us. One of them lives in Bath, Somerset, UK. e other in Qld. Between the 2 of them, they had some of us believe that the UK brother had been invited to the Coronation of Prince Charles and his (soon to be ‘Queenie’) girlfriend Ms. ParkerBowles. We each received, by email, a copy of the ‘supposed’ invite (I might add, ‘on command of the King’) my brother had received. It was most fancy & Royal looking Leems, and truly lead some of us to believe it was genuine. (ooopsie.. she’s cussing again. I soothed her brow and urged her to continue). But Leems, calamity struck. A er the initial excitement of such news, the smarter Sister in our family suggested to the rest of us “that we had just come down in the last shower” and that the whole thing was obviously a shenanigan from two beastly meanie brothers. So, you now have the reason I’m out of sorts. I don’t mind that my Bath UK brother didn’t get an invite to the Royal event. I VERY MUCH mind being lead up the garden path, in other words, nagled!! So, Leems, I NEED to get even, can you help?’ OMG, Yippee. I can now plot & scheme, but on her behalf. (no blame on MEESIE!) ‘Well Mum, I have a cunning plan. You know where they live, so get call the Classi eds in papers in their areas. Place an ad saying ‘DIRT CHEAP Giveaway Sale: House, Contents, Cars & Caravans. ALL WELCOME FROM 6am SUNDAY.’ Put their address in the ad. (no phone no) and ‘go to ground’. Gottit? Ooooh, I saw a look of pure wonderment & an evil SMILE cross her wrinky dial. ‘Excellent Plan Leems, LET’S DO IT!! Oh Dear, what HAVE I gotten myself into? I understand Mum’s UK brother is visiting us soon. OMG. I’m ‘going to ground’ right now. Nervous purrsies, Leemo.

Amoonda Nelson Marion Conrow Andrew Neave and Eric the dog

Hey kids, visit the Museum, Gallery, giant hill slide or Rail Trail these holidays!

Treat the kids by visiting our incredible cultural spaces these Easter holidays

Wondering what to do with the kids these school holidays? Stress no more, with Tweed Shire Council’s suite of cultural programs and activities set to make for a fun- lled break for all the family.

Murwillumbah’s Tweed Regional Museum and Tweed Regional Gallery and Margaret Olley Art Centre are only a few kilometres apart and both are o ering programs throughout the school holidays, set to inspire and help our little creatives thrive.

e Museum is bringing ‘sew’ much fun this April with a range of workshops suitable for kids, inspired by their current exhibition, Social Fabric.

Revenge burns like a fre

By Samantha Elley

Author: Jess McFarlane

Publisher:

Shawline

Publishing Group

Retail: $22.95

It is 1898 and Blair Ryan is lost in a fog of whiskey. A recent widow, she mourns her husband, omas, who ran a distillery in Galway City, Ireland. Wanting a better life for himself and his young wife, he had headed to the wilds of America to establish himself, with the plans of bringing her over a erwards.

All Blair received was a letter from the deputy of the small town where omas had bought a farm to start their new life, saying her husband had been killed by an outlaw gang. Revenge and hate start to burn brightly in Blair’s heart. She wants the murderers to pay.

Recruiting the likes of a man with the moniker ‘the American Outlaw’, better known as Colin McCarthy, Blair heads to America to track down the men who took her husband’s life.

On her journey, she

soon learns that America does not understand the meaning of justice.

e lawmen have no interest in nding omas’ killers and she doesn’t trust her companion, Colin, who she sees as no better than the men who murdered her husband. However, she knows she needs him to help her navigate the strange and wild country she nds herself in.

Taking matters into her own hands, Blair will experience the price of revenge and the gi of redemption and forgiveness. And when hate turns to love, Blair comes to realise the world can be beautiful again.

Widow’s Flame is Jess McFarlane’s rst published novel. When she isn’t writing on her bed with her German Shepherd at her feet, she enjoys exploring new places with her partner Alec. Jess has the ability of being able to take the reader to the places she writes about, where they can almost taste their surroundings. It is a rare gi

To order your copy today, go to www.shawline publishing.com.au

e young ones will be inspired by Elke Gill’s Valley of the Mind dress featured in the exhibition and get to weave their own version of a mystical eye (Ojo de Dios), a textile object traditionally given to children as gi s in Mexico.

Children can also join in one of the Wearable Art Making workshops on o er and let their imagination run wild as they create their very own piece of sustainable fashion. ey can also enjoy the sustainable art of slow sewing with creative maker Ellie Beck, who will guide participants through the creative process as they hand-stitch their own pouch from special fabrics.

Also on o er throughout the holidays are free, drop-in, self-guided activities such as the Dressing Room which allows visitors to try on authentic vintage pieces from the 1940s to the 1990s, as well as fun

costumes inspired by the latest exhibition. For the younger ones, an art play Dressing Room space is on o er, where they can dress their own paper doll in an array of out ts such as a dolphin mascot costume!

Only a few minutes away, the Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre is also calling all creative kids! roughout the April holidays, the Gallery is o ering drop-in art play activities with Margaret’s Party – a free program for children aged 6-14 years. e activity, designed by local artist Hele Jorgensen, will allow participants to create their very own artwork inspired by Margaret Olley’s 100th birthday celebrations. Dates and times of the workshops can be viewed on the Gallery and Museum websites. For those kids preferring some more outdoor action, head over to the Tweed Regional Aquatic Centre – at Murwillumbah where the giant hill slide and other children’s activities will be open every day of the school holidays (except Good Friday).

e waterslide will be open for 2 weeks from 10 am to 3 pm each day (from Saturday 8 April to Sunday 23 April), at a cost of $10 per person including entry, use of all pools and unlimited rides on the slide. Family-of-four tickets cost just $35.

Or why not try the Tweed’s latest mustdo family experience – the Northern Rivers Rail Trail. Start your adventure at your nearest village – whether it be the Murwillumbah Railway Station, or Stokers Siding, Burringbar, Mooball or

Crabbes Creek – and explore the nature-based trail. e Rail Trail caters for all abilities and is open to walkers, runners, prams, wheelchairs and cyclists.

And for those who enjoy the night life, rug up and bring your picnic blankets, friends and family together for a night of entertainment under the stars, with the next free family movie to be screened at Jack Evans Boat Harbour on Friday 14 April.

Part of the NSW Government’s Places to Love initiative, the event will see the smash hit movie Minions – Rise

of Gru screened from 7.30 pm on the lawn beside the popular new playground, Livvi’s Place at Goorimahbah - Place of Stories.

For more information on all these activities and workshop dates and times, stay tuned to our social media channels or go to the websites of each facility:

• Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre

• Tweed Regional Museum

• Tweed Regional Aquatic Centre, Murwillumbah

• Northern Rivers Rail Trail

The giant hill slide at TRAC Murwillumbah will be open every day during the school holidays from 10 am to 3 pm (except Good Friday).

Create your very own artwork at the Gallery with Margaret’s Party– a free program for children aged 6-14 years.

The Museum has a range of workshops suitable for kids these holidays, inspired by their current exhibition, Social Fabric.

Primex helping to keep the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service fying!

e organisers of the annual Norco Primex Field Days event have once again given their support to the regions Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service.

e Service is a charity partner of the event with Managing Director for Primex, Bruce Wright commenting “We are reminded each year of how strong a link the Rescue Helicopter has to the farming and rural community through the life saving missions they perform on properties across our Northern NSW region”.

“We are delighted to be able to donate knowing full well that it could be one of our event patrons who might need the Service next in an emergency,” said Mr Wright.

is new donation of $5,500 comes from their successful 2022 event

Richmond Landcare

Calls on Landholders to Join Koala Habitat Restoration Projects in Lismore and Ballina Shires

Richmond Landcare is inviting landholders in the Lismore and Ballina Shires to participate in koala habitat restoration projects, in a bid to improve the quality and extent of koala habitat. ese projects aim to help achieve the NSW Government’s ambitious target of doubling the number of koalas in the state by 2050, as outlined in the NSW Koala Strategy.

Kath Kermode, Executive O cer at Richmond Landcare, emphasized the importance of collective action and collaboration in preserving this iconic species. “We want to be part of the solution and work together with landholders to improve koala habitat and help preserve koalas for future generations,” Ms Kermode said.

Koalas were listed as endangered in 2022 and are facing serious threats from habitat loss and climate change, making

with a similar donation made back in 2021. Overall, the combined support by Primex through cash donations and the value of donated site spaces at the event to the Service since 2017 has now reached $27,670. Spokesperson for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service, Zeke Huish remarked “We feel very fortunate to have Bruce and his team o ering their continued support which has been ongoing for nearly 3 decades”.

e

Right place

it crucial to signi cantly increase the area and quality of their habitat in order to achieve the goal of doubling their numbers.

Richmond Landcare is seeking landholders who have koalas in residence or visiting their properties to register their interest with Richmond Landcare for future funding opportunities.

“By working together, we can help preserve the koala population in the Lismore and Ballina Shires and improve the quality and extent of their habitat, which will in turn bene t a range of other native ora and fauna in the region,” Ms Kermode said.

“Participating

“From our three bases in Newcastle, Tamworth and Lismore our Service responded to 50 farming emergencies in 2021/22 and having the support of events like Primex play a vital role in helping to ensure that our Rescue Teams can be on standby 24/7 for when they are needed most “.

“We wish Bruce and his team another successful event this year as they celebrate the 39th running of Primex on from 11-13 May,” said Mr Huish.

landholders will make a valuable contribution to the preservation of the koala population in the region. By registering their interest, landholders will have the opportunity to receive assistance and support from Richmond Landcare to identify what they need help with to preserve koalas into the future.”

To register your interest and join the koala habitat restoration projects, please contact Kath at Richmond Landcare on eo@richmondlandcare.org with your name, location, and contact details.

Let’s work together to help preserve and increase the koala population in the Lismore and Ballina Shires.

to

recycle problem waste and it’s FREE

Since the Northern Rivers network of 8 Community Recycling Centres opened 7 years ago, 1,389 tonnes of household problem wastes, including paints, batteries, light-bulbs, gas bottles and oils have been dropped o , free of charge by residents.

at is a lot of re-useable and recyclable material saved from land ll!. So whether you’re moving house,

renovating your home or just having a good clean out, collect all those household problem wastes to drop o for FREE at your nearest CRC located in Casino, Kyogle and Lismore as well as Ballina, Byron, Tweed, Gra on and Maclean. To nd out more contact your local Council or visit www.newaste.org. au/crc

is project is a NSW Environment Protection Authority Waste and Sustainable Materials Strategy initiative, funded from the waste levy

Photo: TOP: Community Recycling Centres (CRCs) are located at Council Land ll & Resource Recovery Centres across the region and are free for all NSW residents to use for the drop o of household quantities (up to 20L or 20kgs) of household problem waste.

Community Recycling Centres

The right place for your problem waste

There are Community Recycling Centres at: Ballina, Byron, Casino, Grafton, Kyogle, Lismore, Maclean & Stotts Creek, Tweed

For more information or to find your nearest Community Recycling Centre contact your local council or visit www.newaste.org.au/crc

Grape Expectations by Max Crus

Throwing light on throw rugs

What is it about throw rugs?

Elderton Barossa Ashmead Family Reserve #2, Ancestor Vine Shiraz, 2021, $80 (Cellar Door/ Online only). Only the second ever Ashmead Reserve release, this celebrates a particularly good vintage and Elderton’s 40th, a wine for lovers of tradition and 14.9 per cent Barossan whoppers, which is everyone isn’t it? To be fair it hides its alcohol admirably, unlike the rest of us. Keep away from throw rugs. 9.5/10

Elderton Barossa Valley Ode to Lorraine Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz Merlot, 2021, $60. What a lovely tribute to the matriarch of Elderton’s founding Ashmead family by her sons. Surely Mum

would be thrilled and perhaps amused as guests revelled in and succumbed to yet another 14.9 per cent, mindful of the rug. 9.5/10

Rewild of Murray-Darling Pinot Grigio 2021, $9.99. Solid basic fare for a fair price. Fair enough. Throw one in your picnic basket, if not on your throw rug. 8.9/10.

Rewild of Murray-Darling Chardonnay 2021, $9.99. Unexpectedly good chardonnay from which you get not only clean and crisp favours but enough money left over for a chicken sandwich to go with it 9.1/10.

E. Guigal Cótes Du Rhóne.

Max Crus

That’s pretty much all I can decipher on the label, but it came with a bunch of other viogniers, so I’m guessing there is a component of that. Refreshing but may not have anything to do with throw rugs. 9.0/10.

Langmeil Barossa Three Gardens Viognier

Marsanne Roussanne 2021, $20. Possibly the three most misspelled words in the wine world which likely explains why there is relatively little of each variety out there. Good, keeps the price down. More interesting than a throw rug. 9.1/10.

MAX CRUSE’ WINE GUIDE

Grape Expectations by Max Crus

Why do they exist?

They don’t seem to have purpose other than to be there, wherever they are thrown.

Never before has so little done so little to improve the lives of so few.

A large piece of fabric - although I have never checked exactly how large they are, and mysteriously there seems to be only one size (one size fts nothing?)typically fuffy and

often scratchy, tossed casually over a bed or couch to add a little, um, let me think… nothing. Completely useless.

Yet apparently there is a method to this uselessness. I saw one on a couch once and took it off thinking it had just been left lying around and needed folding and putting away. “That’s a throw rug’, the real estate agent reprimanded.

Not wishing to appear completely ignorant of the fashion

I threw it straight back on the couch, exactly as it was.

She looked horrifed, grabbed it and threw it straight back on the couch…exactly as it was. Completely mystifed, I lied and said, “Oh, okay, yeah that looks better. You’ve got the knack and a real talent for styling”, but the obsequiousness was obvious and she knew I had absolutely no idea what had just happened, nor why.

The throw rug

must be thrown in a particular manner to refect a certain ‘je ne sais quoi’… or casualness, but geez, do it incorrectly and you look like a complete philistine because it’s a safe bet there are no such things as throw rugs in Palestine. Anyway, it seems that’s all a throw rug does. It gets thrown, that’s it. No one has ever actually used a throw rug for any known useful purpose, except

97 Years of Country Hospitality

Enjoy some quality country hospitality when you book accommodation at Tyalgum Hotel. Our renovated pub rooms offer new bedding and linen complemented by the vintage furniture pieces, which remain true to the heritage of the hotel, established in 1926 as the finest public house in the district!

There are thirteen rooms ranging from Doubles, Queen and Family rooms offering ample shared bathroom facilities, guest lounge, complimentary tea and Nespresso coffee and stunning views of the Border ranges. With genuine country hospitality on offer the Tyalgum Hotel is the perfect spot for your next stay in the Tweed area.

The village offers a range of activities from high tea at Flutterbies, regular markets, Jewellery making courses and of course the famous Tyalgum Music Festival.

Or just relax and enjoy the views of the stunning caldera.

as a prop for trendy AirBnB photographs to show how trendy and thoroughly modern an apartment is…”Ooh, look dear, let’s stay there. It has two throw rugs”. Maybe some places go a bit further, “throw rugs in every room”. Not sure where you would throw one in a bathroom, but perhaps, specially since putting one anywhere is unfathomable to just over ffty percent of the population. That’s all men minus those

of the LGBTQI+ community, plus new mothers to whom anything like that is just something else for bub to throw up on, which is an unexpectedly, perfectly good use. Except that according to the real estate agent, if you spill anything on it, specially red wine, you lose your bond.

Guess we won’t be taking these on holidays :

See previous page:

By EWAN KENNEDY

The BMW X1 xDrive

2.0i is an impressive piece of machinery from the upmarket German company that has been at the forefront of automotive engineering for many decades.

The X1 is the smallest model in BMW’s SUV range with fve larger models on offer. Some of these are what we would call SUV bodies, others are coupe-like in their shape. It’s quite large, indeed being it’s almost the size of the BMW X3 of a few generations back.

STYLING

It’s an attractive vehicle, with a very large front grille that’s split vertically down the centre to follow the design theme that has been used for many BMW generations. On either side of this grille are headlights that run well back beside the bonnet, gradually increasing height as they get closer to the windscreen.

The roof is almost fat from the top of the windscreen to the rear of the X1 and the rear

BMW X1 XDrive 2.0i

window is close to being vertical, hence our placing it into the SUV class rather than the coupe class.

Below the upper grille is a large black lower section that’s a little wider than the upper grille. Outside of this lower area the colour of the rest of the body is used. It all ties in very nicely.

INTERIOR

Styling inside the X1 is excellent, with a standout dash area that extends almost two thirds of the way across the front. This looks great and was praised by all who rode with us during our test week.

The front seats have side supports designed to provide hold the driver and front passenger nicely when the X1’s taken for spirted driving in twisty roads. Okay so it’s not a sports machine, but it comes pretty close so these seats make a lot of sense.

There is seating for fve, with the rear seats in a 40:20:40 setup. Seating for three average sized adults in the rear is fne, but if there are fve largish people back there

it’s a bit tight. The backrests of the three rear seats can be folded down individually to give a choice of passenger / luggage space. They backrests don’t fold completely fat, which would rule it out for us because we have dog and he could not lie on a fat foor.

Our car had the optional sunroof which is shielded to prevent too much sun getting into the cabin. The weather was quite dull during our time with the X1 but we feel that in full Queensland sunshine the interior light coming from the sunroof may be a bit too much. Which perhaps gives us a good excuse to borrow an X1 later to test this out…

INFOTAINMENT

Display is through what BMW calls its Live Cockpit Professional using a combination of a 10.25-inch instrument display in front of the driver and a 10.7-inch high-resolution curved touchscreen in the centre of the dashboard.

Satellite navigation is standard and can be set either through the touchscreen or via the

My BMW app. There are four USB-C ports, two in the front centre console and two in the rear centre console. There’s a smartphone wireless charging pad in the front console while both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are wireless.

The 100W six speaker sound system of the BMW X1 is great to listen to, though we must admit to either turning down the volume or even muting it so we could enjoy the sound of the engine.

ENGINES / TRANSMISSIONS

The BMW X1 xDrive20i is powered by a fourcylinder TwinPower Turbo engine generating 150 kW and 300 Nm.

The X1 sDrive18i has a three-cylinder 1.5-litre engine with outputs of 115 kW and 230 Nm. We’re booked into a road test of the 18i shortly and will provide a full report at that time.

Transmission in the 20i is through a seven-speed double clutch automatic with power being is sent to all four wheels via BMW’s intelligent all-wheel-drive xDrive

system.

SAFETY

Active protection features include front, side and head airbags, inner-vented front and rear disc brakes with brake-wear sensors, central locking with electronic immobiliser and crash sensor, dynamic braking lights, braking assistant, cornering brake control and dynamic traction control.

Driver assistant safety features add active cruise control with Stop&Go function, head-up display. Driving Assistant Plus adds blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, lane change warning, front collision warning with brake intervention, rear crossing traffc warning and rear collision prevention.

There’s also parking assistant with front and rear active park distance control, reversing assistant and surround view camera.

The BMW Drive Recorder system flms the vehicle’s surrounding for up to 40 seconds to document dangerous driving situations in road

DRIVING

Ahh, It’s a BMW and I’ve always enjoyed driving them. The engine is good, though a slightly faster response would have been nice at times. Perhaps that’s because I’ve been driving a lot of electric or hybrid vehicles lately and have become accustomed to the instant response they provide when you push that pedal on the right.

On the other hand, I’ve been driving a lot of non-BMW vehicles and their handling is simply not in the same class as that of the BMW. There’s no doubt that the Asians and Koreans in particular have been trying to get their handling up to the same standard as that of BMWs but haven’t been able to do it.

It holds the road at speeds well above the speeds most drivers would attempt and simply carries on around the bends almost as though they weren’t there.

The very large front grille is split vertically down the centre and looks great.

Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees

AIST hails success of superannuation information sharing system

The Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees (AIST) is celebrating the frst anniversary of a new information sharing system allowing parties in family law property proceedings to obtain details of their former partner’s superannuation.

AIST CEO Eva Scheerlinck said Australian Taxation Offce (ATO) data showing that more than 1,600 requests had been made to access this information since the Visibility of Superannuation measures came into effect on 1 April 2022 demonstrated its success.

“The fact that so many people have used the system in its frst year of operation is testimony

to the big difference it is making to the parties to these proceedings, particularly women, including those who have experienced family violence,” Ms Scheerlinck said.

“It is another important step in improving the fairness of our $3.4 trillion retirement savings system, but much remains to be done to close the gender gap that sees women retiring with 40% less super than men.

“This is not only a function of them earning less on average than their male counterparts and taking more time out of the workforce to care for children and family but, in too many cases, they have had to leave diffcult or violent relationships without their share of the super because it has been hidden.”

Since 1 April 2022, parties to family law property proceedings have been able to apply to the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia or the Family Court of Western Australia to ask for their former partner’s superannuation information held by the Australian Taxation Offce.According to the Attorney General’s Department, hiding or under-disclosing superannuation is now harder, reducing the time, cost and complexity of family law property proceedings process and helping couples to divide their property on a just and equitable basis.

The system was introduced after the passage of legislation in 2021 that amended taxation and other acts.

Microsoft Reveals Job Cuts and AI-Driven Security Solutions

Microsoft’s Redmond campus was eerily quiet. The irony of the situation was palpable.

Overnight, the tech giant had made two major announcements: the launch of its new AI product, Security Copilot, and the reduction of 559 workers from its Seattle-based campuses. Layoffs have become commonplace in the tech industry. In 2023 alone, Amazon, PayPal,

Alphabet, Google, Microsoft, and Yahoo have all announced large-scale workforce cuts. Microsoft itself had already announced thousands of cuts earlier this year, and plans to not renew its lease on its 26-storey building in Bellevue once the lease expires in mid-2024.

Australia has not been spared from the carnage. In recent weeks, Atlassian, Xero, and Mr Yum have all announced

Ms Scheerlinck said credit should go to the many organisations and people who worked together to ensure the enabling legislation was passed in 2021 and the information sharing system was introduced last year.

Women’s Legal Service Victoria Legal Director Lisa Fowler said stopping family violence perpetrators from hiding super assets when they were going through the family law courts benefted thousands of women.

“In just one year more than 1,600 people have used this scheme to rebuild their fnancial independence after separation,” Ms Fowler said.

“For low-income families, superannuation is often the biggest – or only – asset of a relationship so it’s important that it can

be fairly split when the relationship ends. “I urge family lawyers across the country to use this important system in the best interests of their clients.”Women in Super CEO Jo Kowalczyk said equally dividing super in Family Court proceedings acknowledged the unpaid work women were doing to care for their households at a loss to their own super. “Accessing their partner’s super at the end of the relationship helps to address this contributing factor to the gender super gap and is a step to ensuring women are not punished fnancially for taking time out of the workforce to care

for their families,” Ms Kowalczyk said.

Centre for Women’s Economic Safety spokesperson Tania Clarke said her organisation had been a big supporter of the campaign to provide women with the ability to fnd out how much their partner had in super during family law proceedings.“It was a terrible injustice that the system enabled perpetrators of economic abuse to hide assets and undermine their partner’s fnancial security. It’s great to now see such a relatively simple change having a major, positive impact,” Ms Clarke said

redundancies. What made this particular round of layoffs stand out was the juxtaposition between Microsoft’s signifcant push into AI and its reduction in workforce.

Just two weeks ago, Microsoft announced Microsoft 365 Copilot, a proprietary chatbot powered by OpenAI’s GPT-4 and designed to work across the Microsoft 365 suite.

Overnight, it added to its bank of AI products with Security Copilot — at the same time that some reports indicated that the recent job cuts included security operations workers in Seattle as well as cyber security employees in Israel. According to Jon Friedman, Corporate Vice President of Design & Research at Microsoft, Security Copilot is aimed at

professionals in the space. It is designed to help security professionals debug incidents more quickly and effciently. Microsoft has been transparent about the mistakes AI can still make, and this has raised questions about the fears that could ignite if AI is injected into the cyber security space. The US Microsoft team provided

some further details in writing. “Security Copilot combines the most advanced OpenAI GPT-4 model, with a Microsoft-developed security-specifc model powered by global threat intelligence, security data, and product usage insights. It is the frst security product to enable defenders to truly move at the speed and scale of AI”.

PRIMEX ONLINE TICKETS SALES COMING SOON

Calling all farmers and foodies: Norco Primex

Field Days is looking to “Fire Up Farmers” with the organisers joining forces with Industry, Grower & Producer groups to offer special deals and a massive event “chock-full” of machinery, agritech, home and lifestyle, livestock, food and drink.

Celebrate agriculture

alongside our farming communities, support the outstanding primary production our region is world famous for and sit back, relax and be entertained.

With the region’s leading industry and grower/ producer organisations involved, Australia’s food and fbre production is set to be showcased from

NSW Farmers, sugar cane, horticulture, livestock, forestry and the list goes on!

If you are a primary producer, make sure you talk to your industry representative group for an outline of the Primex “Fire Up Farmers” support programs for 2023.

More than 340 exhibitors are expected, showcasing

1,100 brands and suppliers, with demonstrations and new activities. With even more to be announced, some of the things scheduled include livestock displays, sales, machinery and cooking demonstrations, animal nursery and joy fights are all back for 2023.

Nourish Food & Drink will set your tastebuds

alight, while you sit back and relax having a cold drink and enjoy the live entertainment every day.

Industry Hubs are the new centrepiece for the region:

• Agricultural Machinery

Ag Machinery

• Earthmoving & Heavy Machinery Civil, Construction & Forestry

• Health & Wellbeing Hub

• Business, Innovation &

Agritech Hub

• Education & Careers Hub

• Timber & Forestry Industry Collective

Getting around Primex Golf carts and scooters will be available for hire at Primex, with early bookings recommended to secure an easier way to see the event.

RECENT CATTLE MARKET REPORTS

WARWICK

MC DOUGALL & SONS LIVESTOCK SALES W/E 7/04/2023

As the Easter break approached the numbers were back as processors have public holidays to deal with and the demand is down. Cattle numbers were halved as well as sheep and lamb numbers. The prices across the board were frm to a shade dearer for most descriptions with a bigger panel of buyers looking for stock following the recent rainfalls. The processors were still in attendance and making sure rates weren’t falling against them. This time of the year with many public holidays is always a question mark for the vendors and the Agents is it good to sell or should I hold off?

Vealer steers averaged 371.5c/kg topping at 438.2c/ kg or $991.40 to $1276.50

Vealer heifers averaged 337.6c/kg topping at 388.2c/

WARWICK

MC DOUGALL & SONS SHEEP & LAMB REPORT

Agents today yarded 908 head for the weekly sale. The yarding was dominated by the lighter and trade end in the lambs as well as limited numbers of good Mutton in a short trading fortnight with the Easter break affecting the processing patterns. Lambs topped at $190 to average $141.36($5down), hoggets topped at $111 to average $85.49($2up), Ewes topped at $101 to average $69.36($17up), wethers topped at $90, rams topped at $150 to average $95.25($44up), lamb rams topped$132

kg or $897.07 to $1100.00

Feeder steers averaged 343.1c/kg topping at 378.2c/ kg or $1246.22 to $1561.68

Feeder heifers averaged 333.9c/kg topping at 400.2c/kg or $1239.94 to $1515.04

Yearling steers averaged 356.6c/kg topping at 438.2c/kg or $1207.04 to $1884.26

Yearling heifers averaged 353.7c/kg topping at 456.2c/kg or $1283.92 to $1840.01

Steers averaged 293.3c/kg topping at 350c/kg or $1713.14 to $2669.00

Heifers averaged 288.5c/kg topping at 388.2c/kg or $1439.17 to $2199.24

Manufacturing steers averaged and topped at 220c/ kg to return $1144.00

Cows averaged 240c/kg topping at 288.2c/kg or $1329.97 to $1960.00

Bulls averaged 249.8c/kg topping at 314.2c/kg or $1256.92 to $2810.52

Sheep and lamb numbers were back as per the cattle

to average $109.67(Par), ewe lambs topped at $150 to average $117.75($17down). The sale average of $116.14 was $2 / head up on last week’s sale.

Stillwater Past Co sold Dorper lambs 46.3kg and 44kg to Jock Young Meats for $180 and $175

Catherine Dyson sold Dorper lambs 43.75kg to GR Prime for $168, 42.9kg to GR Prime for $142, hoggets 46.25kg to restockers for $106, ewes to Bodumba Farming for $88, ewes to Eversons for $69

Les Holton sold Dorper lambs 65kg to Eversons for $180, 40 kg to Leslie Lamb for 155 Vermont Past Co sold 1st x Dorset lambs 49.5kg to Eversons for $173

numbers but a healthy yarding off 908head saw the restockers back in as well as the processors, this kept the market at a frm rate across the spectrum.

Lambs topped at $190 to average $141.36($5down)

Hoggets topped at $111 to average $85.49($2up)

Ewes topped at $101 to average $69.36($17up)

Wethers topped at $90 to average $75.70

Rams topped at $150 to average $95.25($44up)

Lamb rams topped at $132 to average $109.67 (even)

Ewe lambs topped at $150 to average $117.75($17down)

Sale average of $116.14/head was $2 up week on week.

Boars sold from $70 to $80, Sows from $92 to $170, l/Pork sold to $136, stores sold from $26 to $123 Poultry was back in numbers as well and saw Groups of Chicks sell to $22, Hen & chicks to $34, Ducklings to $16, Guinea Fowl to $18, Quail to $5 Hens sold to $5, Chicken to $11, Roosters to $10, Trios to $12, Guinea fowl to $14, Pullets to $35

Russell & Jackie Hughes sold Suffolk lambs 46.1kg to Shelly F/T for $153, 48.3kg ram lambs to restockers for $130

Ross & Denise Kennedy sold Dorper x lambs 50kg to Eversons for $182

Brad Horne sold Dorper x lambs 43kg to Eversons for $147, 40kg to restockers for $120, hoggets to restockers for $100

Phil Imhoff sold Dorper x ewes to restockers for $65, to Eversons for $60

Jack Dwan sold Dorper x ewes to Bodumba Farming for $95

Anthony Baines sold Dorper lambs 43kg to Leslie lamb for $150

Australia installs an AI-driven automated beef scribing system

AMPC’s investment into advanced manufacturing has resulted in an AI-driven automated beef scribing system being installed at Kilcoy Pastoral Company’s processing plant in Kilcoy, Queensland.

The system has a small footprint, operates on artifcial intelligence, and was installed in March 2023.

The system works by frst stabilising the carcase.

An artifcial intelligence system then analyses an image of the carcase and instructs a robotic cutting saw on where to make the appropriate cuts.

AMPC CEO Chris Taylor said, “It’s one of the frst AI-driven automated beef scribing systems in Australia.

The benefts include improving yields, greater consistency in scribing operations and most importantly assisting worker safety.

“It will be trialled over a 12-month period to determine whether the technology can achieve the necessary performance benchmarks. We are upbeat about this investment which could deliver signifcant returns to the processing industry and look forward to seeing the results.”

The investment involves the design and manufacture of the system which is able to perform the four scribing cuts required for their operations.

The project also includes testing and

installation.

The system is heavily focussed on the principles of artifcial intelligence.

This technology relies on building data to improve the accuracy and effciency of the operation of the equipment.

Accurate scribing cuts are extremely important due to the high value primals located within the rib structure.

The industry has trialled other beef scribing applications in the past.

Kilcoy Global Foods

President Jiah Falcke said, “The adoption of the new AI beef scribing system is an example of the modern practices being adopted in the industry to improve effciency, safety and yield.

“We are thrilled to have this technology at our Kilcoy plant. Its implementation has been driven by our leadership team for a number of years and its successful adoption reinforces our position as a leader in the beef industry.

“Prior to automation this was a skilled

manual task which required the use of a hazardous circular cutting saw. We will now be able to extract more value from the carcase while improving workplace safety and contribute to labour supply sustainability.” AMPC is working together with Intelligent Robotics on this investment.

Intelligent robotics

Electrical Engineering Manager Jonathan Cook said, “We are thrilled for the opportunity to develop and deliver this exciting technology

to the Australian red meat industry with the support of AMPC and Kilcoy Global Foods.

“We are passionate about engineering novel solutions to add value and improve safety for our meat industry customers, and it’s great to see all the hard work come together in bringing the IR-Scribe system to life at Kilcoy’s processing plant.”

About the Australian Meat Processor

Corporation

The Australian Meat Processor Corporation

(AMPC) is the research and development corporation for the red meat processing industry in Australia. As the research, development and marketing service provider for Australian processors, AMPC runs programs of activity that are funded by processor levy payers, private contributions and the Australian Government. AMPC’s mission is to drive world-class innovation, adoption and strategic policy development through genuine partnerships built on trust.

Set your winter crop up for success with the latest DPI publications

The latest edition of the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Winter Crop Variety Sowing Guide is now available for growers to use when making their key management decisions for the 2023 season.

DPI Technical Specialist – Grain Services, Peter Matthews said the guide is updated annually with new winter crop variety and technical

information, based on the latest research and development results from DPI and industry programs.

“This year growers can choose from an additional 13 cereal crop varieties, 16 canola varieties and 5 pulse varieties,” Mr Matthews said.

“Following an incredibly challenging 2022, cropping decisions will continue to be critical this year,

which is why DPI has developed an additional guide titled Setting your Crop up for Success in 2023.

“This additional resource will help growers navigate through the challenges they may face after last year’s foods and wet season.

“Variable seasonal weather conditions, diseases such as stripe rust, and sharply rising crop input costs such as

fertilisers all contribute to the need for continual, careful planning and management.

“DPI is committed to supporting grain growers and their advisers make cropping decisions to achieve more productive and proftable winter crops. The goal is greater productivity and return from the resources invested in crop production, along with total sustainability of the farm business.”

Growers should carefully consider the information contained in both guides, how it can be applied to their farm business, and consult their local agronomist or farm adviser for more specifc advice.

The 2023 Winter Crop Variety Sowing Guide and the Setting your crop up for success in 2023 publication are available to download from the DPI website and hard copies are available from

DPI and Local Land Services offces.

The 2023 Winter Crop Variety Sowing Guide also includes data from the National Variety Trials, the Grains and Research Development Corporation’s program which undertakes comparative crop variety testing with standardised trial management, providing varietal information and comparisons on a regional scale.

BILL AND MAVIS STRONG

By Helen Trustum

George William

Gawler, known as Bill, was born on 18th November 1921 in Glebe, Sydney. He was the eldest of three boys born to George and Edna Strong. In those early years the family moved around often.

About mid 1930’s the family had moved to Grafton. This is where the boys went to Grafton High School. He was a keen sportsman, playing cricket and football, at which he excelled. Bill maintained these interests all his life.

Bill joined the Air Force directly after leaving school and whilst waiting to be called up he drove a taxi around Grafton. He always told the story of taking the district magistrate around his circuit. They had an overnight stay at Nambucca Heads in a pub overlooking the sea. He always talked about the great prawns and oysters they had there on their stay.

Bill enlisted on 17th July 1942 where he was a “Leading Craftman” (wireless mechanic) and was stationed in West Papua (which was then part of the Dutch East Indies prior to 1949 and is now currently part of Indonesia). Bill rarely spoke about his war time experiences and was discharged on 11th January 1946. On that same day, he won £5000 ($10,000) in the lottery. This eventually allowed him to commence the farming life that he loved.

Bill met Ellen Mavis Brown, known as Mavis, daughter of Bill and Ellen Jane Brown who were neighbours to his property at Stratheden. Family of Bill and Ellen Jane: Thelma, Barney, Gordon, Harold, Jack, Rita and Mavis. Just before Mavis was born was 25th January 1927 there was a food in the district. As Bill was taking Ellen Jane to Casino Hospital from Stratheden they couldn’t cross Doubtful Creek because of rising water. The horse had to be taken out of the sulky. The horse was guided to swim across the creek and some men had to carry the sulky with Ellen Jane in it. On the other side the sulky was hitched up again to the horse and away they went to hospital where

Mavis was born. The Brown Family moved to Spring Grove in 1930 to Lottie Pearts farm.

where her teachers were Mr Still and Mr Osbourne.

Bill and Mavis

Casino. They had two daughters Ellen born 18th June 1948 and Beverly born 14th October 1951. Ellen became a pharmacist and married John Gibson and Beverly became a schoolteacher and married Christopher Crichton. Beverly was also a talented pianist and singer.

Bill and Mavis purchased a property on the river at Fairy Hill on 28th May 1948 but did not reside there until early 1949. They enjoyed the farm life where they maintained a registered Jersey herd for many years. Bill and Mavis frequently travelled to Southern NSW and Victoria to purchase Jersey bulls. They also had pigs and poultry.

out to the roadside by horse and slide to be collected by the cream carrier. A tractor and carryall took over from the slide eventually was transported by the milk tanker. Bill was a progressive farmer, being the frst dairyman to build the frst “herringbone” style on the Richmond. There were many visitors coming along to view the building. He always told the grandchildren about taking the poddy calves to market in a hessian bag. Bill would often say “if you can get a calf in the bag, you can take it home”.

Mavis remembers going to Spring Grove School

were married on 15th December 1947 in

In those early days the cream cans were taken

Bill also became involved in local government in the Casino area. In September 1971 he was elected to Tomki Shire Council where he served as Deputy President from 1971 to 1974 and became President in October 1974 to December 1975. Councils began to amalgamate. Bill then served on the Richmond River Shire Council from January 1976 to September 1983. He was Deputy President of this Council from 1975 to 1977. During these 12 years, he was delegate Far North Coast County Council, trading as Far North Coast Weeds (FNCW) from September 1971 to October 1974. His real passion was being a delegate on the Northern Rivers County Council (electricity) from September 1971

Beekeeping Supplies

Bill

Bill and Mavis’s wedding

Mavis with Ellen

BEST ON THE BOX

SATURDAY

CSI: VEGAS

TEN, 9.30pm

FRIDAY BONDI RESCUE

TEN, 7.30pm

There’s possibly nothing more Aussie than Santa on the beach. After a hiatus during the height of the pandemic, this much-loved doco series celebrating Bondi’s lifeguards and the Aussie beach lifestyle returns tonight with its 17th season – and lifeguard Harries cruising the sun-soaked beach on motorbike wearing a Santa suit. The season premiere opens on a joyful note, as the throngs descend on the beach on Christmas Day. Later, Harries faces one of the toughest moments of his long lifeguarding career when he’s faced with a baby who has stopped breathing. A microcosm of life’s highs and lows, Bondi Rescue pulls at the heartstrings.

FRIDAY, April 14

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

7.00 ABC News. A look at the top stories of the day.

7.30 Gardening Australia. Advice for the home gardener.

8.30 Traces. (Return, Mal) Lab assistant Emma is now training to be a forensic chemist, and on the cusp of seeing her mother’s murder case nally resolved.

9.15 To Be Advised.

10.05 Aunty Donna’s Co ee Cafe. (Mls, R) The misadventures of three best mates.

10.30 Jack Irish. (Final, Malv, R)

11.30 ABC Late News.

11.45 Close To Me. (Mals, R)

12.35 Traces. (Final, Malv, R)

1.20 Smother. (Mal, R)

2.10 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

SUNDAY GRAND DESIGNS

A hotbed of money, lust, partying and ambition, Sin City is the ideal stomping ground for this provocative reboot following a group of criminal investigators. The fth instalment in the long-running franchise, CSI: Vegas formulaic and nostalgic, with crime lab scenes reigning supreme. To fans’ delight, CSI stalwart Marg Helgenberger bolstered the ranks by joining the cast, which also stars Mandeep Dhillon ( Life) and Matt Lauria ( Lights, right), for its second season. Of course, there’s predictably some oddly compelling scenarios thrown into the mix. Tonight, in “Third Time’s the Charm”, the curious case involves the death of competitiveeating contestant.

ABC, 7.30pm

This iconic series returns with its 20th season, celebrating two decades of optimistic homeowners (wrongly) declaring:

“We’ll be in by Christmas!”. Over the years, a smorgasbord of inspiring, di erent and usually very expensive builds have been documented. Sardonic host Kevin McCloud still admirably sports an eagle-eyed enthusiasm and entertaining candour, and this new batch of builds and owners is intriguing as ever. Tonight, McCloud meets Colin and Adele, following the couple’s stunningly designed yet fraught dream-build journey, which would reduce most to a broken mess. Of course, they doggedly declare that the emotional and nancial turmoil was worth it.

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (PG)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.35 Wrecks That Changed The World. (PG)

8.30 Walking Britain’s Lost Railways: Kent. (PGav, R) Rob Bell heads to Kent.

9.25 Exploring Northern Ireland. (PGal, R)

10.20 SBS World News Late.

10.50 Darkness: Those Who Kill. (Premiere, MA15+av)

11.45 Cheyenne & Lola. (Malv, R)

1.45 Romulus. (Return, MA15+av)

3.35 Mastermind Australia. (R)

4.35 Bamay. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 7News Local.

6.30 7News @ 6:30.

7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. Johanna Griggs and Pete Colquhoun tour Hutt House, an ultra-sustainable home. Karen Martini cooks crisp applejack pockets. Dr Harry Cooper goes trekking with llamas.

7.30 AFL: Friday Night Countdown.

A lead-up to the Friday night AFL match.

8.00 Football. AFL. Round 5. Richmond v Sydney. From Adelaide Oval.

11.00 AFL Post-Game Show.

A wrap-up of the game, including panel discussion and interviews, with access to players, coaches and sta

11.30 Armchair Experts. (M)

A panel discusses all things AFL.

12.30 Home Shopping.

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 A Current A air.

7.30 Rugby League. NRL. Round 7. Manly Sea Eagles v Melbourne Storm.

From 4 Pines Park, Sydney.

9.55 Golden Point. A wrap-up of the Manly Sea Eagles versus Melbourne Storm match, with news and analysis.

10.40 MOVIE: Another 48 Hrs. (1990, Mlv, R) A cop and an escaped convict team up to track down an elusive drug lord. Eddie Murphy, Nick Nolte.

12.40 Tipping Point. (PG, R) Hosted by Ben Shephard.

1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Postcards. (PG, R)

4.30 Global Shop. (R)

5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

5.30 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)

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

7.30 Bondi Rescue. (Return, PGaln) Follows the work of elite lifeguards.

8.30 Ambulance Australia. (Madl, R) Follows NSW Ambulance’s Sydney operations as they deal with cases involving a pregnant woman who goes into labour at home, a car accident, a worksite explosion, and a terminally ill patient.

9.30 Territory Cops. (Mdv, R) Takes a behind-the-scenes look at police work in the Northern Territory.

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

11.30 The Project. (R)

12.30 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG)

1.30 Home Shopping. (R)

to September 1983, being Deputy Chairman from 1977 to 1981. Bill was presented with a Certifcate of Service on 25th June 1984. Both Bill and Mavis attended

BILL AND MAVIS STRONG

By Helen Trustum

into retired life on The Nest quite easily. There were many projects including a new garage conversion of the old garage into an offce and eventually adding another lounge area at the front of the house to effectively capture magnifcent views. Bill spent countless hours collecting and transporting rocks up the hill to be able to landscape the gardens and build a 10 feet high retaining wall. Bill became an avid vegetable grower while Mavis enjoyed growing fowers.

Dolls Point where the Yacht Club is. They went crabbing in the

and met the occupants and found out they have lived there ever since his

many conferences away from the region.

Bill always enjoyed a practical joke. As Ellen and Beverly grew up and boyfriends began to call, it was not unusual to fnd the shotgun placed right

next to the front steps. A word was never said.

Mavis was not impressed when Bill arrived home from town one day announcing that he had sold the farm and

Bill and Mavis enjoyed collecting the Grandchildren from school, taking them to various activities ie: basketball, band practice and music lessons.

the purchaser was calling that afternoon to have a look. A cup of tea was not offered.

Bill and Mavis moved to Parrots Nest at South Gundurimba in early August 1988. Bill settled

In 2001 Bill and Mavis were driven to where the Grandchidren had settled. First Rodney at Bowral, Lorelle in Sutherland and Ellen Jayne at Tuggerah. Bill was in fne form with his stories and upon crossing Tom Uglys Bridge and proceeding along Rocky Point Road, he suddenly directed them to the left into Endeavour Street where a timber home with bull-nosed iron on the verandah was before their eyes. Bill was very excited as this was the house that they lived in when all three boys started school. Botany Bay was visible on both sides with a view of

mud fats under Tom Uglys Bridge. Bill went

parents George and Edna had moved to Grafton.

Bill and Mavis enjoyed many trips to the family in Newcastle and watching his Grandchildren Stuart, Samuel and Ursula grow into adults. Their daughter Beverley lived there. After a few years their daughter Ellen would join them to share the driving. There were some sad times also when son-in-law Christopher passed away suddenly, followed by his son Samuel a short time later. Bill and Mavis lost their daughter Beverley on 9th March 2015 aged 63. They are buried in the Sandgate Cemetery.

As Bill aged the trips away became less frequent and in his last few years it was an ordeal even to go to town. A major undertaking was a haircut, “short back and sides” was the order. A bemused apprentice did not quite understand this expression and wondered if it was a 1,2 or 3. The barber enlightened him. Bill passed away 30th May 2019 aged 97. Mavis, who is 96 lives on at Parrots Nest not far from her daughter Ellen. Mavis lives independently and loves her garden and enjoys a visit from her family and friends.

Taken from Bills Eulogy also Mavis and daughter Ellen 22nd February 2023

Mavis with Great Grandson Jack Gibson

Mavis with Bill’s mother Edna, also Ellen and Beverley at the Show

Bill’s medals from the War

Bill and Mavis’s 70th Wedding Anniversary.

Allan Trustum with Mavis the day of Bill’s funeral

2900 quarantine turkey poults nearly ready to fy the coop

Australia’s state-of-theart avian quarantine facility is flling the role of midwife to nearly 3000 turkey poults in Victoria.

The team at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry’s Post Entry Quarantine (PEQ) facility in Mickleham together with industry experts have nurtured 2900 turkey eggs from Canada during their minimum 13-week quarantine period.

All poultry including chicken, ducks and turkeys can only be imported as fertile hatching eggs and are required to be hatched under biosecurity conditions in Australia to ensure they do not carry any exotic diseases, such as highly pathogenic avian infuenza (HPAI).

The poults were hatched from fertile eggs imported by a Victorian breeder who worked with the department to manage

NSW Farmers is calling for an immediate ACCC inquiry into the grain supply chain following reports of billions of dollars bleeding from the economy.

According to GrainGrowers, ‘large pricing anomalies’ last year saw farmers underpaid for their grains and oilseeds despite high global prices and constrained

the birds’ biosecurity risk to Australia. The importer provided expert staff to ensure the poults were monitored around-the-clock in the frst few days following hatching.

During their time at PEQ, the poults will be tested for biosecurity diseases such as HPAI before they are released to their owner.

supply due to the war in Ukraine.

NSW Farmers Grains Committee chair Justin Everitt said farmers were bleeding billions of dollars a year – holding back the economy – and the Australian Government must immediately act and direct the ACCC to review the grain supply chain, the market, and pricing fairness.

Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Deputy Secretary Biosecurity and Compliance Dr Chris Locke said imported eggs provide genetic diversity in breeding stock, critical for the growth of the Australian poultry industry.

“Our import requirements are

“There are market failures occurring across the supply chain due to a lack of competition, and there is the real possibility of monopolistic behaviour because of bottlenecks in the system,” Mr Everitt said.

“We’re out there in the paddock trying to grow food for Australia and the world, but then we’re forced to take lower

rigorous with imports only accepted from countries that can certify freedom from HPAI, or from countries that have approved compartment schemes or zoning arrangements with Australia to avoid the risk of biosecurity concerns from imported eggs,” Dr Locke said. “These poults have been the benefciary

prices because we don’t have the supply chains or markets that would allow real competition.

“NSW Farmers has written to the Treasurer and the Agriculture Minister and so far – no response – but we’re hopeful more attention on the issue will spur them into action.”

Mr Everitt said the Australian Government could compel an

of an excellent collaboration between our technical staff based in Canberra as well as biosecurity offcers and department vets at PEQ and industry.

“Our biosecurity team at PEQ has worked closely with breeders and industry to ensure poultry imports arrive and leave our care in the best possible

in-depth ACCC inquiry using Section 95 powers, which would provide essential recommendations for government to deliver reforms to optimise the functionality of the industry and address grower concerns about the underpricing of Australian grain.

“While all inquiries hold their own advantages and merit,

condition and we thank our partners for working with us to ensure pests and diseases such as HPAI stay out of Australia.”

The turkeys are expected to grow up to fve kilograms in weight during their stay at PEQ and will only be released if test results show no evidence of disease.

The poults will be the grandparents of birds that will be bred for turkey meat. Each consignment of birds compromises different genetic lines that have highly specifc, desirable traits that will be expertly bred together by the importer to produce a bird specifc for Australian conditions and the Australian market.

Avian infuenza (HPAI) has been Australia’s most frequently occurring emergency animal disease, with eight outbreaks in Australian poultry farms since 1976.

ultimately we need an inquiry that is clear in its scope and delivery of a review into international markets our growers operate in, not just a talk-fest,” Mr Everitt said.

“We need greater market transparency to maximise performance and delivery of equitable prices for growers.”

Commodity price concerns and rising interest rates see NSW farmer sentiment slip

Concerns about easing commodity prices and rising interest rates have seen New South Wales farmers begin the year on a less optimistic note, while the prospect of a return to dry conditions is also weighing over some, the latest quarterly Rabobank Rural Confdence Survey has shown.

The survey, released last week, found farm sector sentiment in the state had declined in the latest quarter, after rallying at the end of 2022.

Rabobank regional manager for southern NSW Sally Bull said farmers’ concerns about softening commodity prices, higher interest rates and dry conditions in some parts of the state were eroding the positivity generated by recent good agribusiness conditions – after three years of enjoying high

Individuals, groups and organisations that have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to strengthening Australia’s biosecurity system were recognised at the Australian Biosecurity Awards ceremony in Canberra last week.

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Murray Watt said protecting our biosecurity system is more vital than ever.

rainfall and strong commodity prices.

The survey, completed last month, shows a drop in the number of NSW farmers expecting an improvement in agribusiness conditions in the coming 12 months – at just 12 per cent (down from 20 per cent in the previous survey), while those with a pessimistic outlook had increased slightly to 34 per cent (from 30 per cent). Fifty per cent of NSW farmers surveyed believed agricultural business conditions would remain stable. For those farmers with a pessimistic outlook, falling commodity prices were a principal concern, cited by 68 per cent (up from 17 per cent last quarter).

Concerns about rising interest rates have also risen – cited by 20 per cent of those with a negative outlook, up

from nine per cent last quarter.

The prospect of a return to dry seasonal conditions was also weighing on the minds of farmers, with 19 per cent citing this as a reason they expect agribusiness conditions to decline in the year ahead.

High farm input prices and excessive rainfall were becoming less of a worry however, with some input costs easing in recent months and the third consecutive La Niña weather pattern

coming to an end. Rising input costs were identifed as a concern by 29 per cent of NSW farmers with a negative outlook on the year ahead (down from 40 per cent last quarter), while excessive rainfall was a worry for just six per cent (dropped from 43 per cent).

Ms Bull said, after experiencing the “rare combination” of back-to-back years of strong commodity prices and generally good seasonal conditions across the state, it was

not surprising overall farmer optimism was declining as operating conditions returned to more average settings.

“The third consecutive La Niña weather system delivered extraordinary rainfall in many parts of the state through spring and early summer in 2022. However, in recent months, dry conditions have been experienced in many regions, and this will be weighing on farmers’ minds as they plan for the year ahead,” she said.

“Farmers operating in the grain, beef, sheep, dairy and sugar sectors are all anticipating an easing in agribusiness conditions in the next 12 months.”

The survey found the largest decline in confdence to be observed within the state’s beef sector – with 38 per cent expecting

Australia’s Biosecurity Champions

“This year’s awards recognise those making vital contributions to protecting our country,” Minister Watt said.

“Increased and shifting trade and travel patterns, global disruptions, climate change and variability are all placing pressure on our biosecurity system.”

For more about the awards and details of all the 2022 winners visit agriculture.gov.au/ABA.

2022 Australian Biosecurity Award winners

Dr David Banks Biosecurity Lifetime Achievement Award

• Dr Darryl Hardie (WA)

Dr Kim Ritman

Award for Science and Innovation

• Dr Richard Bradhurst (Vic)

Farm Biosecurity

Producer of the Year

• Brigid and Owen Price - Price Cattle

Company (QLD) Industry

• Dr Kylie Hewson (QLD)

• Trevor Ranford (SA)

Government

• Department of Primary Industries and Regions, South Australia Environmental Biosecurity

• Robert Owen (Bob) Makinson (NSW/ACT)

Community

• Victorian Community Pest Management Groups:

economic conditions to worsen in the year ahead (up from 23 per cent last quarter) and only 11 per cent expecting an improvement (compared with 27 per cent previously).

Easing commodity prices were identifed as a concern by 66 per cent of beef producers who had a negative view on the coming 12 months (up from 12 per cent last quarter).

And in the year ahead, 45 per cent of NSW beef producers are expecting their farm income to decline (compared with 15 per cent last quarter).

Confdence among the state’s grain growers was found to be at similar levels to beef.

Ms Bull said the “at times excessive” rainfall received late last year had set many grain growers up well for the coming winter cropping season.

o Victorian Rabbit Action Network (VRAN)

o Victorian Serrated Tussock Working Party (VSTWP)

o Victorian Gorse Taskforce (VGT)

o Victorian Blackberry Taskforce (VBT)

Education

• Emerita Professor Eileen Scott (SA)

• Dr James Camac and the Centre of Excellence for Biosecurity Risk Analysis (CEBRA),

School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne (Vic)

Biosecurity Certifcate of Commendation recipients

• Medical Entomology, Tropical Public Health Service, Cairns (QLD)

• Dr Tracey Bradley (Vic)

• Forest Health and Biosecurity Subcommittee (Vic)

• Draslovka

Agricultural Solutions (Vic)

How Australian drivers can save $11 billion

Australian drivers can save a combined $11.2 billion over fve years if the Federal Government brings in a Fuel Effciency Standard that matches Europe, a new analysis from Solar Citizens has revealed.

Senator David Pocock is launching Solar Citizens’ ‘Recharging Australia’ analysis today at Parliament House, alongside the Solar Citizens ‘Electric Ute Roadshow’ Parliament house stopover, where the ute will be on display and take members of parliament for rides.

The ‘Recharging Australia’ analysis, based on Australian Bureau of Statistics fgures, found:

• A Fuel Effciency Standard aligned with the European Union would save

Australian motorists

• at least $11.2 billion over fve years in reduced fuel costs

• Regional Australians would save a combined $4 billion over fve years

• The number of electric vehicles in Australia would boom from nearly 40,000 in 2022 to

• more than 900,000 in the frst fve years of the Fuel Effciency Standard.

• Standards that are aligned with other trading partners could be considered too, with the United States representing the bare minimum, and New Zealand refecting a similar ambition

Solar Citizens Clean Transport Campaigner

Ajaya Haikerwal said the fuel savings would be welcome news for all Australians during the current cost of living crisis.

“With Australians facing high interest rates, high fuel prices and energy bills, saving at least $11.2 billion over fve years and $52 billion over ten years would be welcome news for Australian families,” said Haikerwal.

“More than three million Australian homes and businesses now reap the rewards of cheap solar energy. The perfect way to slash petrol bills is to combine rooftop solar with electric vehicles – you can charge your car virtually for free.

“But we need to fx Fuel Effciency Standards to unlock these savings for

Australian motorists. We’re a long way behind the rest of the world, and car makers exploit this fact and send us their most polluting and least effcient cars.

“Fixing Fuel Effciency Standards would see car makers send us more effcient petrol, diesel, hybrid and electric vehicles –and Australians could choose vehicles that are cheaper to run and pollute less.

“The $11 billion that Australian motorists can save on fuel in the next fve years could instead create local jobs by being spent in local communities, as well as on paying off home loans. We need Standards that come into effect in the next 12 months and not waste time with dodgy super credit schemes.”

Senator David Pocock launched the ‘Recharging Australia’ report in Canberra this morning, saying it highlighted the opportunity for Australia and its motorists.

“It is a privilege to launch Solar Citizens’ Recharging Australia analysis, and to be a part of their Electric Ute Roadshow.

“Their analysis underlines the opportunity offered by the adoption of Fuel Effciency Standards that are strong and have integrity.

“Australians want electric cars and electric utes in cities, in regional areas, and in rural and remote parts of the country. It’s on us as politicians to make sure that Australians have access to affordable vehicles that will save

them money and help our climate.

“I congratulate Solar Citizens on the ‘Recharging Australia’ analysis, which shows just how important it is to push the government to move swiftly on this reform.”

Solar Citizens’ regional Electric Ute Roadshow is touring the frst commercially available electric ute, the LDV eT60, around regional Australia.

“Our electric ute is the frst of its kind, but we’re not going to have access to the variety of cars and utess that exist overseas, such as the Ford F150 Lightning— the type of car that regional Australians are screaming out for—if we don’t fx Fuel Effciency Standards ASAP,” said Haikerwal.

Wage review must consider the rising cost of farming

As the Fair Work Commission considers submissions for the annual Wage Review, farmers are calling for a cautious approach that considers the unrelenting economic challenges facing the industry.

National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) Chief Executive Offcer Tony Mahar said workers were entitled to the right to earn a fair and liveable wage, but a balance must be struck

when considering farm businesses’ limited ability to pass on the cost of a wage increase.

“Wages are the most signifcant cost incurred by the agricultural sector, and labour is comparatively more expensive in Australia than our international exporting counterparts.”

Mr Mahar said while the agriculture sector had recently experienced headline highs, these must be viewed in the

context of the economic realities faced at a farmer level.

“The cost of living is impacting all Australians and farmers are not exempt. The same infationary pressures affecting workers are also making running a farm business increasingly perilous.

“Headline commodity price increases have largely been offset by eye watering rises in fertiliser, fuel and other

costs, with forecasts showing prices paid to farmers are likely to exceed prices received in the years to come.

“While almost all farmers are price takers, many operate in supply chains with increasing market concentration, leaving some farmers extremely exposed to wage increases.

“A large increase in the minimum wage may see many farm businesses struggle as they continue

to absorb rising input costs and will have a heightened impact on those operating in less favourable market conditions.”

Mr Mahar said it was important to address the cost of living pressures for everyday Australians and there were a number of ways the government could infuence this and improve food security.

This includes creating resilient supply chains, addressing competition

and workforce issues, protecting our food production system from biosecurity threats, and supporting on-farm climate change solutions.

“We urge the Commission to appropriately weigh the concerns of workers and business, particularly at a time of great uncertainty in the global economy.”

How to Grow Sweet Peas in a Garden

Sweet Peas are delightful and very popular annual climbing plants. They combine delicate and very pretty flowers with a beautiful fragrance. Sweet Peas can cover a fence or tepee in gorgeous flowers or dwarf varieties are perfect for garden beds, pots and hanging baskets. St Patrick’s Day (March 17th) has been the traditional day to sow Sweet Peas, however, it’s often best to wait for cooler conditions in April to sow them. In the tropics and subtropics, sow Sweet Peas later still in May.

• Full Sun

• Regular Watering

• Well-Drained Fertile Soil

• Suitable for All Climates

How to Grow Sweet Peas in a Garden

Choose a Location

Sweet Peas need at least 6 hours of sunshine a day, so choose a sunny position in an area with well-drained soil.

Protection from strong winds is also recommended.

• Improve the Soil

• Improving the soil before sowing seed will give the plants a great start.

• Sweet Peas do best in slightly acidic to alkaline soil (pH 6.0 – 7.5).

• In acidic soils, the soil pH can be raised.

Sowing Sweet Pea Seeds

Sweet Pea seeds are medium-sized and easy to sow. It’s best to sow Sweet Pea seeds directly into the ground as transplanted seedlings tend to suffer transplant shock.

For tall varieties, sow seed next to a 2 m tall trellis, tepee or support.

Dampen the soil and sow seeds 15-25 mm deep and at the spacing indicated on the pack of your chosen variety.

Don’t water the soil again for another few days - if the soil is to wet the seeds may rot before germinating.

Seedlings should start to emerge in 10-14 days.

Feeding Sweet Peas

Well-fed Sweet Pea plants will be healthier and produce more flowers, so regular feeding is important. Once the seedlings are established (around 4 weeks after sowing), start feeding the plants every 1–2 weeks.

Sweet Pea Flowering & Picking

Depending on the variety, Sweet Peas will start flowering 12-16 weeks after sowing. Once they start flowering, pick bunches of flowers as often as you like.

Frequent picking will help promote a longer flowering season.

Best Time to Sow

Sweet Peas in Cool Climates?

Best time to sow Sweet Peas is in March, April and May.

At the end of the season, trim the Sweet Pea plants off

at the base leaving the roots in the soil, Cut up all the leaves and stems into small pieces to use as mulch.

This can add valuable nitrogen and organic matter back into the soil.

Any flowers you grow after Sweet Peas will appreciate the additional nitrogen that the plants leave behind.

GROWING TIPS

My Sweet Pea Plants

Not Flowering?

Depending on the variety, Sweet Pea plants will start to flower from around 12 weeks after sowing. If the plants looks healthy, you can help promote flowering by regularly applying a high-potassium fertiliser

My Sweet Pea Leaves

Turning Yellow or Developing White Powdery Spots?

Yellowing leaves can be an early sign of the disease Powdery Mildew.

Powdery Mildew also appears as white talcum powder-like spots over leaves.

How to Get Rid of Powdery Mildew on Sweet Peas

To help reduce the incidence of powdery mildew grow Sweet Peas in an airy and sunny location, only water plants at their base to help minimise wet leaves.

At the first sign of Powdery Mildew, spray plants with all in one insecticide, fungicide and

miticide for controlling pests & diseases on roses and ornamental plants

Common Pests

Attack Sweet Peas?

Sweet Peas can be prone to a few common pests, including Aphids, Thrips and Mites. All of which can be treated

Are Sweet Peas Frost Tolerant?

Once Sweet Peas are established they can be tolerant of light frosts.

Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinic to open in Coffs Harbour

The Coffs Harbour Women’s Health Centre has been selected as one of 20 Australian Government-funded sites to establish a specialised Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinic.

Healthy North Coast, the local not-forproft organisation delivering the Australian Government’s Primary Health Network Program, is providing $700,000 over four years to GenHealth, which operates the Coffs Harbour Women’s Health Centre.

Healthy North Coast Chief Executive Monika Wheeler said the clinic would expand existing services available at the health centre, providing more people with access and options for primary health care.

‘This is great news for our Mid North Coast region. The new funding will go toward hiring specialised staff, including nurse practitioners and allied health professionals, as well as investing in equipment and ft-

Melbourne researchers have discovered how a rogue protein produces ‘Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde’ cancer cells, which could lead to improved treatments for melanoma and other cancers.

The world-frst Monash University-led study, published in the journal

outs such as pelvic physiotherapy areas,’ said Ms Wheeler.

‘Endometriosis affects at least one in nine Australian women and can have a signifcant impact on their daily lives. Currently, women wait an average of seven years for diagnosis.

Pelvic pain can be similarly complex and debilitating.

‘The new clinic will help reduce diagnostic delays and promote early

Oncogene, focused on a protein called EZH2, which is known to promote the development and progression of many cancer types, including melanoma and cancers of the prostate, brain, breast, and ovary.

Using laboratory models and human

access to information and care pathways for women with endometriosis and pelvic pain.

‘Healthy North Coast will be working closely with the Coffs Harbour Women’s Health Centre to plan the clinic operations and ensure it meets the needs of our community.’

Dr Shelley Rowe, Chief Executive of GenHealth, said the new clinic would fll a much-needed gap in

melanoma samples, Monash University Central Clinical School’s Cancer Development and Treatment Group found that EZH2 plays an essential role in generating more aggressive cells within tumours, a phenomenon linked to poor outcomes.

the region.

‘It will provide a new avenue of care for girls and women diagnosed with endometriosis and pelvic pain,’ Dr Rowe said.

‘It means people experiencing these health concerns, and complications from these issues, will be able to be treated close to home, an important goal for healthcare and a priority for women and their families.

The team, led by Dr Gamze Kuser-Abali and Professor Mark Shackleton, who is also Alfred Health Director of Medical Oncology and Co-Director of the Monash Partners Comprehensive Cancer Consortium, found that EZH2 causes some cells

‘Many women already travel from regional towns and centres to access treatment in Coffs Harbour. Our GPs saw over 2,000 women last year; our allied health professionals saw over 500 women; and our nurses saw over 1,500, which indicates the demand there is here for specialist women’s services in this regional area.

‘The establishment of the new clinic will

to produce less melanin, a pigment molecule, resulting in dangerous ‘Mr Hyde’ cells without colour that grow faster and are more likely to spread. Their less aggressive opposite, ‘Dr Jekyll’ cells in the same tumours are darker.

The researchers now hope that drugs can be developed to reduce the amount of EZH2 in cells toreverse its cancer-promoting effect. This could turn the fastgrowing, dangerous Mr Hyde cells into slowgrowing Dr Jekyll cells, potentially making the tumour less aggressive.

Professor Shackleton, who is also a Laboratory Head at Monash University’s Central Clinical School, said the discovery could potentially improve some cancer treatments.

“We know that not all tumour cells are created

strengthen the capability of the entire local health workforce and provide improved options for referral,’ Dr Rowe said. The exact timing for service commencement is still being planned. Further information will be available through the Coffs Harbour Women’s Health Centre Facebook page: https:// www.facebook.com/ coffswhc

cancer

equal,” he said. “Inside a tumour, there are cells that grow faster and are more likely to spread than others. Some also look different. Our study sheds new light on the role of EZH2 in determining these differences in melanoma, offering a new potential treatment approach. By developing treatments that specifcally target EZH2, we hope ultimately to improve cures and the quality of life for people affected by melanoma and other cancers driven by EZH2.”

Dr Kuser-Abali agreed:

“This discovery has opened avenues for designing new treatments that could be more effective than current ones.”

Chocolate Easter Bunny House

15 Ingredients

• 290g pkt Nestlé Bakers’ Choice White Choc Melts

• 6 x 170g blocks Nestlé KitKat Gold

• 12 x musk sticks

• 14 x small speckled chocolate eggs, plus extra, to decorate

• 32 assorted Nestlé Smarties

• 180g pkt white chocolate

• 1 jelly snake, cut in half lengthways

8 Method Steps

STEP 1

• 5 Lifesavers Musk, cut in half

• 6 chocolate freckles, plus extra, to decorate

• 2 x 29g KitKat bunnies

• Sprinkles, to decorate

• Desiccated coconut, to decorate

• Green liquid food colouring, to tint

• Marshmallow bunnies, to decorate

• Mini ower edible cake decorations, to decorate

• Place the white choc melts in a heatproof bowl set over a bowl of simmering water (don’t let the bowl touch the water)

• Use a metal spoon to stir until smooth

• Set aside to cool slightly

STEP 2

• Trim two KitKat blocks to make the front and back walls with 10cm gables

STEP 3

• Spoon melts along the base and side edges of front wall

• Stand upright on a 30cm round cake board until set

• Spoon melts along 1 long side edge and both short side edges of another KitKat block

• Stand long side on board and attach to front wall to create a side wall

• Repeat with another KitKat block to attach another side wall then attach back wall

• Spoon melts over side edges of remaining KitKat blocks

• Secure on sides of gables and walls to create roof

• Set aside until set

STEP 4

• Use a little more melts to secure musk sticks to seams of house (except along top of roof) to cover, trimming to t as necessary. Spoon remaining melts into a piping bag tted with a small plain nozzle.

• Pipe a line of melts along roof seam. Arrange speckled eggs on top. Reserve 10 Smarties. Pipe a line of melts along both roof eaves (lower edge of roof) and decorate with the remaining Smarties

STEP 5

• Cut 1 rectangle of 2 squares from white chocolate

• Cut in half lengthways into 2 long pieces

• Use picture as a guide to pipe 2 lines of melts onto 1 side wall and secure white choc pieces to create a window

• Pipe vertical lines between pieces to form window frame

• Use melts to secure 3 reserved Smarties below bottom piece and 1 jelly snake half to top of bottom piece, trimming to t

• Secure 3 Life Saver halves along top edge of top piece

• Repeat with more white choc, Smarties, remaining snake and more Life Savers to create a window on opposite side wall

STEP 6

• Cut 2 rectangles of 4 squares from the remaining white chocolate and secure to front and back walls to create doors

• Secure 1 remaining Smartie to each door and remaining Life Savers and Smarties to top of each door

• Use Freckles to decorate walls.

STEP 7

• Pipe a little of the melts to ll in ears of KitKat Bunnies and scatter over sprinkles

• Set aside until set

STEP 8

• Place some coconut in a large sealable plastic bag. Add a few drops of colouring

• Shake bag until evenly coloured

• Spread over board around house

• Arrange KitKat and marshmallow bunnies, owers, extra speckled eggs and freckles over coconut

Tuna Sweetcorn and Rice slice

12 Ingredients

• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

• 3 green onions, chopped

• 2 garlic cloves, crushed

• 420g can super sweet corn kernels

• 425g can tuna in springwater, drained, aked

• 250g packet 90-second microwave long-grain white rice

• 1 1/4 cups chopped broccoli orets

• 1 zucchini, grated

• 1 1/3 cups grated tasty cheese

• 8 eggs, lightly beaten

• Salad leaves, to serve

• Sliced green onion, to serve

4 Method Steps

STEP 1

15m prep

45m cook

8 servings

• Preheat oven to 190C/170C fan-forced.

• Grease a 20cm x 30cm lamington pan.

• Line base and sides with baking paper, extending paper 2cm above edges of pan.

STEP 2

• Heat oil in a small frying pan over medium-high heat.

• Add onion and garlic. Cook, stirring, for 2 minutes or until onion just softens.

• Transfer to a large bowl.

STEP 3

• Add corn, tuna, rice, broccoli, zucchini

• 1 cup cheese to onion mixture in bowl. Season well with salt and pepper.

• Mix well to combine. Spoon mixture into prepared pan, pressing with the back of spoon to compact.

• Pour over egg. Tap pan on bench. Sprinkle top with remaining 1/3 cup cheese.

STEP 4

• Bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until top is golden and slice is cooked through.

• Stand in pan for 15 minutes. Cut into pieces

Genevieve Lacey’s Innovative Sound Installation Transforms Garden of Australian Dreams

National Museum of Australia reveals Breathing Space

An evocative sound installation comprising multiple musical pieces will transform the visitor experience in the National Museum of Australia’s Garden of Australian Dreams.

The Museum partnered with internationally renowned musician and composer Genevieve Lacey to develop the groundbreaking project Breathing Space, which creates an oasis of sound within the Garden of Australian Dreams (GOAD).

National Museum director, Dr Mathew Trinca, said, ‘This innovative sound installation will transform the Garden of Australian Dreams, bringing music, language and the sounds of country into our central garden space. Breathing Space is the latest example of the Museum supporting performing artists and will strengthen the connections between the natural and the built, people and place, listening and learning.’

‘It’s been a burning ambition to reimagine the Garden of Australian

PH: 6686 9600

AIR M 112 Min

ARGONUTS G 95 Min

DUNGEONS & DRAGONS: HONOUR AMONG THIEVES M 134 Min

JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 4 MA 169 Min

THE SUPER MARIO BROS. MOVIE PG 92 Min

Dreams for a long time and after seeing the work of Genevieve Lacey, an internationally renowned musician and composer, specifically with Sydney Living Museum and Vaucluse House, to bring garden spaces to life, the Museum saw an opportunity to approach Genevieve to create a unique sound installation to take visitors on an emotional journey of Australia’s long human history,’ Dr Trinca said. ‘Supporting the arts was really important to the

Museum during COVID and we are delighted that this project employed 21 musicians and singers, 12 sound artists, and a broader creative team who have licensed existing feld recordings and composed and recorded new musical material,’ Dr Trinca said. ‘This is an important collaboration with Australian artists, and we funded this knowing we could give work and assistance to artists at such a diffcult time,’ Dr Trinca said.

Genevieve Lacey said, ‘It has been the gift of a lifetime to work on this project, with the generous, brilliant National Museum team. Breathing Space brings together ideas, sounds, people who have been central to my life for years. We’re rapt about the work and can’t wait to welcome people to enjoy it.’

The sound garden is inspired by texts by Waanyi Nation woman Alexis Wright – activist, author and documentary maker from the highlands

of the southern Gulf of Carpentaria.

As they move around the GOAD, visitors will hear familiar and unfamiliar sounds: choruses of frogs and cicadas; the futter of strings; percussive creaks and rattles; subterranean rumbles from the deep oceans; voices whispering, speaking and singing; and beautiful instrumental phrases, layered and abstracted into patterns. The GOAD is a symbolic landscape of sculptural forms, water features and creative representations of the ways in which the Australian continent has been mapped and defned. Encircled by the Museum, it provides an opportunity for visitors to stop and refect on the artistic exploration of ‘place’ and ‘home’.

A TRIBUTE TO “THE DELLTONES”

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 June 16, 2023 @ 8pm

THE ROBERTSON BROTHERS 60’S

VARIETY SHOW

Sunday June 18, 2023 2:00pm

THE McCLYMONTS

Breathing Space interweaves spoken voices, choral song, environmental feld

distributed throughout the

THURSDAY

Home Shows

Sunday July 30, 2023 @ 2pm

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

SHE WILL ROCK YOU “THE STORY OF WOMEN WHO DARED TO ROCK THE WORLD”

Friday October 6, 2023 @ 7.30pm

AFTERNOON AT THE POPS THE MUSICALS OF BROADWAY

Sunday, October 29, 2023 @ 2:00pm

It draws visitors into a reverie of place, a meditation on their own relationship to land and listening, and celebrates fragile ecologies – of species, language, country, culture. This evocative soundscape is envisaged as a sonic ‘rewilding’ of the Garden of Australian Dreams and offers visitors a unique audio experience unmatched anywhere else in Australia.

ABC Classic released a CD of the musical work in late March 2023.

WOMEN OF SONG

The Northern Rivers Conservatorium, in association with Musica Viva Australia, is pleased to present a special event in its Concert Room on Friday 28th April at 7PM, Women

Of Song. An innovative new show developed by the acclaimed Jessie Lloyd of Mission Songs Project, it includes themes of intergenerational practices, singing on and from country, commitment to community, and preserving knowledge in song. It’s an intimate celebration of the ‘here and now’ of Indigenous culture, a rare mix of spontaneous conversation and songs exploring the modern-day practice and living heart of the world’s oldest living culture.

As creative producer, Jessie Lloyd brings

together the artists for each tour, uniquely shaping the performance to the location: some will be well-known, others are exciting new talent. Women of Song is an amazing opportunity to experience First Nations cultural practices in music from the women who practise them: this culture exists in contemporary music, and these First Nations women are leading it.

The audience listens in as three First Nations singers and a moderator have a conversation. Someone’s story may remind someone else of a song, or a favourite popular song might start a discussion among them all. Each conversation and each performance will be unique, as the women explore live on stage

how their songs preserve the social, cultural, and environmental shifts of a community, deepening connections to country, genealogy, and custom. Hailing from a musical family, Jessie’s father Joe Geia is a pioneer of Aboriginal protest songs and composed the Aboriginal anthem ‘Yil Lull’. A composer, performer and creative entrepreneur, she is a committed song-keeper of Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander music, dedicated to the continuation of song traditions through these presentations. Jessie has travelled Australia consulting with elders, collaborating with peers and nurturing Indigenous songs that refect a 21st-century Indigenous narrative.

Additionally, the artists welcome the opportunity to attend a meet and greet with the elders of the local community. During this activity, the artists will be performing some of the songs from the show.

The Northern Rivers Conservatorium will continue to offer free tickets to foodaffected members of our community through 2023. We have many more fantastic events lined up in our Concert Room and other venues in Lismore. Stay tuned!

BOOKINGS: https:// womenofsong.eventbrite. com.au

FACEBOOK: https:// www.facebook.com/ events/170617842465931

FREE TICKETS FOR FLOOD-AFFECTED MEMBERS OF OUR COMMUNITY

For more details about the 2022 Visiting Artists

•

Program please visit https://events.nrcac.edu.au

For media enquiries please contact Andy Downer 0411 128 346 or andy. downer@nrcac.edu.au

•

Queenstown New Zealand

By JEFFREY GIBBS

Queenstown, New Zealand is an incredible destination for a holiday. Located in the South Island, Queenstown is nestled in the heart of the Southern Alps, offering stunning views of the mountains and Lake Wakatipu. With its vibrant culture and stunning natural beauty, Queenstown is the perfect place to relax and explore. One of the main attractions of Queenstown is its outdoor activities.

Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or just looking for a leisurely stroll, Queenstown has something for everyone.

From bungee jumping off the Kawarau Bridge to jet boating on the Shotover River, there’s no shortage of exciting activities to enjoy.

For those looking for a more relaxed experience, there are plenty of hiking and biking trails, as well as kayaking and fshing spots. Queenstown is also home to a vibrant nightlife. With its many bars, restaurants, and clubs, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner or a wild night out, Queenstown has it all. Finally, Queenstown is a great place to explore New Zealand’s culture.

From the historic gold mining town of Arrowtown to the stunning Remarkables mountain range, there’s plenty to explore.

Queenstown is also home to a number of art galleries, museums, and theatres, making it the perfect place to learn more about New Zealand’s history and culture. With its stunning scenery, exciting activities, and vibrant culture, Queenstown is the perfect destination for a holiday.

Whether you’re looking for an adrenaline-flled adventure or a relaxing getaway, Queenstown has something for everyone.

For the Dare Devils

Queenstown is also a thrilling destination for those seeking an adrenaline rush. Located in the South Island of New Zealand, Queenstown is a stunningly beautiful town surrounded by majestic mountains and pristine lakes. It is the perfect place to experience the thrills of adventure sports, such as bungee jumping, skydiving, jet boating, and white water rafting.

For those looking for a unique experience, Queenstown is home to the world’s frst commercial bungee jumping site. The Nevis Bungy is a 134-meter

plunge from a cable car suspended over a canyon. It is an exhilarating experience that will leave you with a lasting memory. Skydiving is another thrilling activity that Queenstown is known for. With views of the Southern Alps and Lake Wakatipu, skydiving in Queenstown is an unforgettable experience.

You can even choose to skydive from a plane or a helicopter for an even more thrilling experience. Jet boating is another popular activity in Queenstown. You can take a thrilling ride on a jet boat through the narrow canyons of the Shotover River. The jet boat will

take you through shallow waters and tight turns, giving you an adrenaline rush like no other.

White water rafting is also a popular activity in Queenstown. You can take a thrilling ride down the Kawarau River, which is known for its rapids and stunning scenery. You can choose from a variety of rafting trips, ranging from beginner to advanced. Queenstown is a thrilling destination for those seeking an adrenaline rush.

With its stunning scenery and abundance of adventure activities, Queenstown is the perfect place to experience the thrills of New Zealand.

Foreign Investment Propelling Sydney’s Property Market

This trend is being driven by a combination of factors, including a lack of luxury inventory and strong demand from domestic and international buyers. The number of luxury homes on the market has dropped signifcantly, with many vendors opting to sit tight and wait for prices to recover. This has created a competitive environment for buyers, with many willing to pay a premium to secure a property. The result is that the top end of the Sydney market is seeing strong demand and big sales. This is in stark contrast to the general market, which is still feeling the effects of the pandemic and the resulting economic uncertainty. It is clear that the luxury market is weathering the storm better than the rest of the city and is likely to remain a bright spot in the Sydney real estate market for some time to come.

Australia’s wealth is on the rise, with the country’s prime property market showing remarkable resilience to interest rate movements.

According to Knight Frank Australia’s head of residential, Erin van Tuil, this is largely due to the higher than average proportion of cash buyers in the sector.

Ms. van Tuil believes that this is due to the capital appreciation of existing properties, which has resulted in a higher number of cash buyers. She also noted that around 25% of Australia’s ultra-highnet-worth population lives in Sydney. This is likely to be a contributing factor to the city’s buoyant property market.

Knight Frank recently reported that Australia’s ultra-high-net-worth population has seen an impressive 10.1% increase in 2021, and is expected to grow by a further 30.9% by 2025. This is due to a number of factors, including

the low supply of luxury property, which is creating a unique resilience in the market.

Wealthy homeowners are not willing to part with their properties, which is driving up prices and creating a competitive market. According to Knight Frank’s head of residential research, Michelle van Tuil, the lack of stock is a major contributor to the market’s success. She explains that this is causing prime property to outperform the mainstream market. With such a high growth rate, it is clear that Australia’s luxury market is in a strong position. The low supply of luxury property is a major factor in this success, and it is likely to remain a key player in the market for the foreseeable future.

The infux of foreign buyers is creating a safe haven for those seeking to invest in Australia.

With the current international climate of uncertainty, Australia is becoming an increasingly attractive option for those looking to invest in luxury property. Ms. Tu notes that the majority of her clients are cashedup foreign buyers and returning expats, with

many looking for homes valued at A$25 million and up. She also notes that many of these buyers are coming from China, Hong Kong, Singapore and Vietnam. The stability of the Australian market and the comparatively low prices of luxury property are two of the main factors that are drawing in these foreign buyers. Australia is becoming a safe haven for those looking to invest in property, and with the current international climate of uncertainty, this trend is likely to continue.

“Sydney is a safe haven for overseas buyers,” he said. “The city’s reputation as a safe and secure place to live, with a great lifestyle, is a major drawcard for international buyers.” The Wealth Report’s relative values comparison list has revealed that Sydney is the tenth most expensive city in terms of how many square meters of prime property US$1 million can buy.

According to Ms. Tu, prime market purchasers are able to remain resilient in the face of any economic downturn, as they are not obligated to sell. This, in turn, has a signifcant impact on

the traditional trends of supply and demand. Furthermore, Michael Pallier, Sotheby’s Sydney International director, has noted that Sydney is a safe haven for overseas buyers, due to its reputation as a secure place to live with a great lifestyle. This is a major drawcard for international buyers and is likely to continue to infuence the prime property market in Sydney.

The Australian prime property market is highly sensitive to the stock market and the strength of the Australian dollar. Migration into Australia has made the dollar attractive to foreign investors, and savvy buyers are still searching for great deals despite the current global uncertainty. Mr. Pallier has seen a surge in cash buyers, with one recent apartment sale for A$8.25 million being settled in a mere three days. He noted that the fear of missing out on a property is a major motivator for buyers to act swiftly. This is especially true for those looking to invest in prime property, as the market is highly competitive, and prices can rise quickly. The

opportunity for investors, but it is important to be

QUICK CROSSWORD

ACROSS

1 Ancient Mexican (5)

4 One of the two major US political parties (9)

9 Indigenous language (NZ) (5)

10 Citrus preserve (9)

11 Playground equipment (6)

12 Document for travel (8)

14 Dictatorial (10)

15 The solver (3)

17 Ovum (3)

19 City in South Carolina, US (10)

23 Fearless (8)

24 Indian deity (6)

26 Ancient Greek goddess (9)

27 River in Russia (5)

28 Trite (9)

29 Sierra – (5)

DOWN

1 Nearly (6)

2 US writer (1817-62), Henry David – (7)

3 US city known as ‘The Windy City’ (7)

4 Titled woman (4)

5 Related to money and trade (10)

6 Of the nest type or standard (7)

SUDOKU

7 Body-structure science (7)

22 Leave empty (6)

25 Marijuana (coll) (4)

1 The Scotia Sea is located in which ocean?

2 Which famous singer had the nickname´The Chairman of the Board’?

3 Which former PM had the nickname ‘The Silver Bodgie’?

4 What is the chemical symbol for silver?

5 Which country’s name means ‘made of silver’?

6 Which city hosts the International Court of Justice (pictured)?

7 The Yiddish language is part of which language group?

8 Which country controls the Suez Canal?

9 What kind of animal is a hellbender?

10 In Dante’s epic poem Inferno, which ancient poet guides the author through the layers of hell?

WORD

ACROSS

1 Hounds (4)

5 Skilled (4) 6

The leftover letters will spell out a secret message.

No. 140

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”.

140

T C

missing letters

HIDDEN WORD

Each number corresponds to a letter. Can you crack the code?

Solve all the clues and an eight-letter word will be spelled out.

1 This animal is in a poem, burning bright in the forests of the night

2 What kind of fairy leaves money under your pillow?

3 Warbucks does this for Annie, and saves her from Miss Hannigan’s orphanage

4 Male cent is an evil one, Elsa is the Snow one

5 Eric, Triton and Mufasa the lion are all these

6 Which Mr. Man meets Mr. Miserable after opening a door in a tree?

7 This lady is friends with Popeye the Sailor Man

8 Can you write the ve vowels in alphabetical order?

HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW...

SAM

D E S

make 10 words –ve reading across the grid and ve reading

T E down.

1. Neill narrates a Network 10 documentary about which notorious Australian?

A. Chopper Read

B. Ned Kelly

C. Lindy Chamberlain

D. Carl Williams

2. What is the profession of Neill’s Jurassic Park character?

A. Mathematician

B. Paleontologist

C. Veterinarian

D. Paleobotanist

3. What is the title of the 2016 film starring Neill and Julian Dennison, directed by Taika Waititi?

A. Where the Wild Things Are

B. Wild Pork and Watercress

C. Hunt for the Wilderpeople

D. What We Do in the Shadows

4. In which country was Sam Neill born?

A. Australia

B. New Zealand

C. Northern Ireland

D. South Africa

Insert each number from 1 to 9 in the shaded squares to solve all the horizontal and vertical equations. Multiplication and division are performed before addition and subtraction. + + = 12 + + × × + = 53 + × ––× = 25 = = = 9 23 15 + + = 12 + + × × + = 53 + × ––× = 25 = = 9 23 15 T A C O S O R A T E N I C H E E T H E R D Y E R S WORDFILL CROSS MATH 5X5 1 5 3 4 7 8 6 9 2 0466 015 373 www. rstaidsc.com

Funeral Notice

HYDE, DAPHNE DAWN

15.05.2023 – 02.04.2023

Daphne Dawn Hyde (nee McGuiness) passed away on Sunday the 2nd of April, Aged 85 years. Late of Lismore

Dearly loved Wife of Gordan Hyde (dec) Much loved Mother and Mother-in-Law to Debra and Warren & Gay. Cherished Grandmother to Dane, Rohan and Brendan.

Family and friends are invited to attend Daphne’s Funeral Service to be held at Parkview Funeral Home, 43 Holland Street Goonellabah, On Friday the 14th of April, commencing at 10:30am. Followed by a Burial at Lismore Memorial Gardens.

In FuneralMemoriam Notice

ROBERTS, SANDRA DAWNE

8.11.1952 – 3.4.2023

Sandi passed away peacefully and surrounded by loved ones on Monday, the 3rd of April 2023, aged 70 years. Late of Alstonville.

Dearly loved wife of Jim. Adored mother and mother-in-law of Tim & Shay, Jane & Paul, and Sally & Richard. Cherished grandmother of Riley, omas, Samuel, Emelia, Poppy, Indie, and Ella. Loved daughter of Stella and Vic (dec). Beloved sister of Carol and Robynne.

Family and friends are warmly invited to attend Sandi’s funeral service, to be held at e Richmond Chapel, Parkview Funeral Home, 21 Kalinga St Ballina NSW 2478, on Friday the 14th of April 2023, commencing 2:00 pm.

This page is dedicated to all those that have passed

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ALSTONVILLE

ALSTONVILLE BRANCH OF THE RED CROSS

The Alstonville Red Cross branch meets

Plateau Sports Club. Quota is committed to supporting and improving the physical and mental wellbeing of the disadvantaged in our community through local projects. Contact: quotaalstonville@gmail.com for more details.

CRAWFORD HOUSE MUSEUM

The latest exhibition at Crawford House Museum is “Signifcant Stories and Items from the Alstonville Plateau Historical Society Collection”. It will introduce you to some amazing historical objects which have been identifed during the Society’s Signifcance Assessment Project and have state and national heritage signifcance. By popular demand, the exhibition has been extended until Friday 19th May. The museum also has facilities for research about Ballina Shire families, as well as books about local history and commemorative wineglasses and keyrings for sale. The museum is at 10 Wardell Road Alstonville and is open Fridays 10am-4pm and Sundays 1pm-4pm or at other times by appointment for groups. Enquiries (02) 6628 1829, aphs2477@ yahoo.com.au or www.aphsmuseum. org.au. By the way, we have openings for people of any age to volunteer in administration or in the museum and if you’re on a JobSeeker payment and 55 or older, it’s a great way to meet your mutual obligation requirements. If you’re interested, visit us at the museum or phone or email us.

EMBROIDERERS GROUP

Meetings are 9.30am-2.30pm 1st and 3rd Wednesdays and 2nd Saturday of each month except December and January. Our venue is the Resource Centre at the rear of Crawford House Museum, Alstonville. We welcome embroiderers of all ability levels to meet, share and learn. For more information see our facebook page ‘Lismore Group – Embroiderers’ Guild NSW’, or simply turn up.

MCLEANS RIDGES CRAFT GROUP meet at the McLeans Ridges Hall, Cowlong Road, McLeans Ridges on the 2nd Saturday of each month from 9.30am to 3.30pm. Scrapbooking, card making, paper craft, knitting whatever takes your fancy. Come along for an enjoyable day. Bring your own morning tea and lunch. Coffee, tea, milk provided. A small fee to cover hall hire. Ph 0401 047 513.

SQUARE DANCING

Summerland Larrikins Squares

Alstonville, Fridays 7.30pm-9.30pm at Uniting Church Hall, 59 Main Street, Alstonville. Contact 0407663017 for further information. New dancers welcome.

THE RETURNED AND SERVICES

LEAGUE OF AUSTRALIA (NSW Branch) ALSTONVILLE 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.

Probus Club of Ballina

The Probus Club of Ballina Waters will hold its next monthly meeting on Wednesday 19th April at the Cherry Street Sports Club commencing at 10.00 a.m. There will be an informative guest speaker, Solicitor Dona Graham, who will talk about important legal issues for seniors, including Wills and Powers of Attorney.

All positions for running the Club were flled at the AGM held in March. The new President is Janice Peate.

The Club will shortly be celebrating the 35th anniversary of its founding, and some special activities are planned to celebrate the event.

This club is a mixed club and both men and women are invited to join us for a range of interesting social functions. Further information is available from the Secretary Brian on 0432277170.

BALLINA LADIES PROBUS CLUB

Coach trip to Grafton on Wednesday 14

June 2023

Visitors welcome $45.00 payment by 7

June 2023

Included in cost: coach, morning tea/ coffee, scones with jam and cream at New Italy. Time to browse at gift shop and museum. Drive to Grafton, look around shops and get lunch at own cost. Then visit historic Schaeffer House Museum, cost of entry included. Pick up at Alstonville and Ballina phone Wendy 0410560916 or Pamela 66811022

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 SHIRE CONCERT BAND

140th Anniversary CELEBRATION

Concert 6th May 2023

Join us for a Musical trip down memory lane.

From 3PM @ the Lennox Head Cultural Centre Visit: BALLINACONCERTBAND.COM to buy tickets!

Adults: $25, Concession: $20, Child $10 (plus online booking fee) Tickets also available at the door on the day. Each ticket includes complimentary nibblies.

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

‘As reported last month, the next meeting of the Association of Independent Retirees Far North Coast will be held on Friday 14 April, 2023 at 9.30 for 10.00 at Ballina RSLClub. The guest speaker will be Bill Coulter, the CEO of Ballina RSL and he will be speaking on what they do for the Ballina Community. Morning tea will be available.

The following meeting will be held on Friday 12 May, and this will be the 30th Anniversary of the Branch. The guest speaker will be Noel Whittaker, who is a well-known author, newspaper columnist and fnance investment expert. The meeting will be followed by a celebration luncheon and to book your place at this function, please contact Anne on 0437 309 250.

BACCI Celebrates 25 years

A great night was had by all at the Cherry Street Bowling Club to celebrate the 25th anniversary of BACCI- Ballina Arts and Crafts Inc. 25 years ago Grace Cruice called for interest in starting a local arts and crafts group, 12 people turned up and BACCI was born. Over the years, membership has fuctuated between 70 and 120 artists, who have many different BGs and art and craft styles. From the beginning the organisation worked tirelessly to raise funds for a new gallery and were instrumental in opening the Northern Rivers Community Gallery, which is now run by Ballina Council. Sadly, Grace passed away in 2005 and in 2007 the inaugural Grace Cruice Memorial Exhibition was held at the NRC Gallery in her honour. In July and August this year, the 12th exhibition will be held. BACCI also stages 2 additional exhibitions each year. The next exhibition is coming up soon. May 6th and 7th at the Masonic Hall, Cherry Street, Ballina, open 9am – 3pm. This is a great opportunity to drop in and chat with a local artist and view a wide variety of art and craft.

So, Happy 25th Birthday BACCI and

here’s to another 25 years of showcasing budding and established artists in the Ballina region.

Photos taken at the 25th BACCI Celebration

1. Mary Richards (original member and former President)

2. BACCI committee, Deb McFarlane (outgoing President), Rosie Kaplan (Secretary), Mary Richards (Vice President and Lifetime member) and Andrew Watson (Treasurer)

3. Helen Dunn, Di Bell (former President), Kim Michelle Toft

4. Maria Heaton, Barry Magnay, and Lorraine Spring

5. Mary Richards, Harold Fauske (original member) and Pam Paterson (former President)

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 members, 8am-1.30pm. Contact 66626423 DH or casmenshed@live.com.au

CASINO CWA

The CWA Casino Day would like to invite everyone to our April meeting

The meeting is at the Casino Community Centre 9.00am this Thursday April 27h, 2023. Everyone is welcome. Enquires Margaret Good 66621746, Jennifer Baker 043892060.

CASINO & DISTRICT FAMILY HISTORY GROUP INC

We are open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10am to 2pm, Wednesdays from 12pm to 4pm and every third Saturday from 9 am to 11.30 am.

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:

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 3

MONDAY V.Gray & N.Nowlan

TUESDAY S.Forrester

WEDNESDAY J.Connell N.& K.Ryan

THURSDAY B. Bennett

FRIDAY Richmond Valley Council B & H.Elford

CASINO MINI RAIL

Every Sunday 10am to 4pm. Weather permitting. West Street Casino. Phone 0455673722.

CASINO MIXED PROBUS CLUB

Meeting 4th Thursday of the month. For more information call the secretary on 0419886119. New Members most welcome. Call Fran on 0419 886 119 for more information.

Casino R R Country Music Club will be holding their next social upstairs at the Casino RSM Club

COMMUNITY NOTICES

on Sunday the 16th of April from 10.00am - 4.00 pm.

Come along and enjoy some great country music and take advantage of the meals & drinks offered by the RSM Club.

New Artists always welcome. Free entry, raffes, and lucky door prize More Info contact Carole 0438641500

CASINO VIEW CLUB

Monthly luncheon meeting at Casino RSM Club at 11am, second Thurs of every month. Contact Jan on 0418715374.

A FASHION PARADE is being held for Windara and Casino Westpac Rescue Helicopter Op Shop at WINDARA on Saturday 22nd April, 2023 at 2pm.Cost is $5pp, children free. Clothes for all ages, come and enjoy a lovely afternoon in the gardens. Pay on arrival.

KIDS BINGO at Windara is being held on Wednesday 19th April 2023 @ 10am to 12pm, for children aged 5-14 years. Free chips and lollies on arrival. $10 pp. Phone Windara 66623800 for bookings and details

AA-LIVING SOBER MEETING is held every Tuesday 12:00-1:30pm At the Casino Baptist Church Cnr. West & Canterbury Streets Casino Each week the group will discuss a chapter on living sober out of the AA Living Sober Book. Contact George on Ph: 0427133372 (due to so many scam calls) please leave your name and number and I will call you back.

LION’S CLUB CASINO

Lion’s Club meeting is held on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday each month at Casino RSM Club from 6.30pm for a 7.00pm start.

Secretary: Denise Green 0448014682

Email: deniseg.vip@outlook.com

LISMORE CASINO NAVAL ASSOCIATION

Meets bi-monthly at Casino RSM, new members welcome. For more information phone Chris 66293269 or Jim 0427400625.

THE PLATYPUS RSL DAY CLUB operates every Tuesday at the Community Centre from 10am to 2pm. The day consists of gentle exercises, mental stimulation, games and entertainment. Members are asked to pay $7 for their morning tea and lunch. Transport can be provided within the town limits. If you are feeling socially isolated or just need a day out, please contact Robyn on 66623871. New members are welcome.

COOLANGATTA

QUEENSLAND COUNTRY WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION COOLANGATTA BRANCH

QCWA women will be joining the Coolangatta-Tweed ANZAC DAY march on the 25th April.

The Country Women’s Association has a long-held tradition of supporting the war efforts and was instrumental in forming The Australian Women’s Land Army (AWLA) during the 2nd World war. The AWLA was formed to combat rising labour shortages in the farming sector, and brought women from the cities to work on the farms to keep the Australian food chain going. CWA trained women in all aspects of farming including milking, crop production, cattle raising and maintenance of mechanical equipment.

During the war, the CWA women made over 23,000 camoufage nets, provided food parcels for the armed forces, knitted garments, especially socks, made

lambswool vests for the troops and replied to letters.

Karen Howell, President of QCWA Coolangatta said “We know that many of the women who wrote to the soldiers continued their letters and relationships for years after the war, but I haven’t heard of any marriages”. “Here at our hall in Coolangatta the ladies made hundreds of camoufage nets and packed parcels from home for the troops”.

The ANZAC Day March begins at 10.30 am behind Twin Towns and the women will march with the QCWA and The Women’s Land Army banners. Ms Howell has invited all members of the community who have an affliation with CWA or The Women’s Land Army to join them in the march.

“Many younger people had mothers and grandmothers who were part of the war effort and this is a lovely way to honour them” Ms Howell said.

‘We also invite people to drop in for Morning tea between 9.30 am to 12md in our hall at 169 Griffth Street, Coolangatta, which is just opposite the march route.

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 CWA

The next meeting of Grafton CWA will be held on Friday, 14th April- starting with morning tea at 9.30 am then the meeting at 10am. We meet at the CWA Rooms, cnr Duke and Pound Sts, on the 2nd Friday of each month. The exception to this will be our May meeting, which

will be a week earlier on 5th May, due to members attending the State Conference the following week.

Grafton CWA always welcomes new members. Not only is it a great opportunity to meet new people, CWA also provides an opportunity to help improve the lives and conditions of women and families in NSW through lobbying the government and other agencies. CWA also helps the community through practical means and through fundraising, such as for disaster relief and medical research. It also provides opportunities to learn new skills and to learn more about topics related to agriculture and environment, culture, other countries, handicraft, etc.

Grafton CWA holds regular Craft mornings on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month, starting at 9.30am. Members bring their own craft and are also able to learn new skills from each other, whilst enjoying the opportunity for a chat and a cuppa!

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

Next day trip, 12 May, to New Italy. Windara. Casino. spare seats available. 8 day tour from 12 August to Narrabri. Dubbo. Tamworth, more bookings needed. Enquiries, Sandra, 6642 7720. or 04 I 7 461 946.”

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 and District Garden Club

At our last meeting we were led by Rosie in discussions about hungry, hungry Monolepta beetles. Actually, no-one had a kind word to say about them and their skill at stripping a garden bare. On the other hand, the Hover fy information was very welcome. A great pollinator and a destroyer of aphids. What’s not to love. We had a demonstration of how to make a Hover Fly Lagoon for them to breed in and place in the garden. Also, some interesting history about the White Jacarandas we have in town that are actually grafted on to purple Jacaranda stock and the fact that Apollo Eleven Park in Turf St is home to a variety of rare trees.

Our next meeting will be on Thursday 4th May at the Joan Muir Centre, 194 Turf St Grafton. 10am to midday. 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.

Hope you can make it.

Jane Rhodes Publicity Offcer 0438 593032 graftondistrictgardenclub@ gmail.com

JABBERFES

Because Easter Monday falls on the second Monday of the Month, the April Jabberfest will be held on the following Monday the 16 th April commencing at 10 a.m. at the New Life Church in Arthur Street

With ANZAC DAY also occurring this Month the theme for our Jabberfest will be centered around this with the frst session of the morning seeing the fruits of our members labour in the form of an ANZAC BISCUIT BAKE OFF where members are invited to submit three home-made Anzac Biscuits for judging with our two lovely Judges Carole Kendell and Yvonne Tomlinson having the unenviable task of choosing the winning entry., While the two ladies are engrossed in their task the rest of us will have a testing time with a Quiz on the subject of “Australians at War “with Fiona asking the curly questions.

Following the morning tea break [where no doubt there will be ANZAC BISCUITS consumed] the second session will be handed over to our members to contribute anecdotes of their enlisted relative’s wartime experiences with each contribution being limited to two or three minutes.

As you can see with ANZAC DAY falling a little later in the month the theme for the Jabberfest is centered around this subject so we are looking forward to another great morning and a great roll up of members for what should be an interesting and informative morning.

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: 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.

Rotary Kyogle Bazaar

Fourth Saturday of every month. Saturday 22nd April.

This month we have The Wildlife Twins for a free outdoor stage show, plus live music with The Barkers Vale Boys. You can also go into the draw to win our gigantic ‘Gift for Mum’ Hamper built by our stallholders. Just spend $5 at any stall to enter. See Rotary Kyogle Bazaar on social media for all the details or call 0459 512 249.

KYOGLE TIDY TOWNS FARMERS

MARKET

Held every Saturday morning in Stratheden Street from 8am -12. Come along grab some local fruit & veggies, experience all Kyogle has to offer. New Stall Holders welcome. Enquiries Anne 66321851

LION’S CLUB OF KYOGLE

Meeting is held on the 1st & 3rd Tuesday each month at the Kyogle Lion’s shed from 6.30–7pm For more information contact Neville Moon on 0448222334.

RICHMOND RIVER BEEF PRODUCER’S ASSOCIATION

Meet on the 2nd Wednesday of every month at Kyogle Showgrounds in the luncheon room at 7pm. For more details Phone Jan on 0427293455.

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.

Lismore Home Garden and Education

Club next meeting will be held. Thursday 13th April 1pm at East Lismore Bowling Club. Special Flower for April Is Rose or Hibiscus please bench before 12.45pm. Gring and Buy table. New Members welcome.

Coach trip to Kyogle`s Foliage and Flower Festival on Friday21st April. More info contact.

Sec 0448294496. dcoles39@outlook.com

LISMORE LIBRARY NEW LOCATION IN THE CBD

While the Lismore Library is under repair, you can fnd a Pop-Up Library at 146 Molesworth Street (Was Williams Shoes), for all your reading, watching and information needs. The library has a fresh collection of donated community books, DVD’s, Puzzles and more, with weekly programs and events. The library is open 7 days a week and more information can be found at www.rtrl.nsw.gov.au

LISMORE MEN & COMMUNITY

SHED

President: Don Abrahams 0437576837

Vice President: Bob Greig 0404860504

Email: lismoremcs.contact@gmail.com

Opening Hours: Tuesday & Thursday

9.00am – 3.00pm

We are a community based non-proft organisation. Everybody is welcome: men, women & people with a disability of all ages. We encourage social inclusion. Our aim is to promote the mental, physical & emotional well-being of people in our community.

Shed Activities

Members work on their own projects

Mentoring is available

General woodworking

Welding & light engineering

Repair & restoration of items for the public

Constructing projects, of items for the public

Constructing projects for preschools, hospitals & other organisations

Assembling fatpack

Minor maintenance work for the elderly & disabled

Working with the disabled

Talking with other members or simply having company

Memberships: $40-year

Attendance Fee: $3 tea/coffee

Location: 15 Industry Drive East Lismore LISMORE ORCHID SOCIETY INC. ORCHID SHOW - JUDGING LISMORE CENTRAL FRI 14TH - SAT 15TH

APRIL

Lismore Orchid Society now meets 3rd Wednesday each month, 1:30pm to 4:00pm at Goonellabah Community Centre in the Goonellabah Public Library, 27 Oliver Ave Goonellabah . . .’ Contact Bev on 0400326289

LISMORE SENIOR CITIZENS

Meet at the Goonellabah Community

Centre every second Thursday starting at 9am where we have morning tea followed by games bingo how etc we play cards

Monday and Friday and play bowls

Tuesdays and craft every second Tuesday afternoons come and join our friendly group you will be very welcome.

LISMORE SPINNERS & WEAVERS

Please join us…... Weaving, Spinning, Felting, Dyeing, Knitting, Crochet, Workshops, Chat…. Sharing Craft & Ideas.

From 10am, on the 1st, 3rd and 5th Fridays of each month. (Formal business meeting is 10.30-11.30 every 1st Friday) McLeans Ridges Hall Cnr Cowlong and McLeans Ridges Rds (off Bruxner Hwy) Morning Tea provided. Bring your lunch (and a mug)

Contac: Kim- 0423935060 Linda-

0419489987

Email ~ lismorespinnersandweavers@ gmail.com

LISMORE TARGET RIFLE CLUB for .22 calibre rifes, meets Wed nights from 6.30pm & the 1st & 3rd Sat of each month from 1.00 pm. Air rife shooting for .22 & 177 air rifes will also be available at the Saturday shoots. For more information, please phone Derek on 66282082 (ah).

EAST LISMORE BOWLING CLUB

Community Bingo Tuesday night 7.30pm start. 20 games of bingo + progressive jackpot Neilson Street East Lismore. Everyone Welcome

EAST LISMORE SOCIAL TENNIS

Social Tennis is played at East Lismore Tennis Club, Cnr Neilson St & Oakley Avenue every Tuesday from 8am. We invite social players of all abilities to join us, we are a mixed group who enjoy a morning’s tennis without the commitment of competition. Feel free to call in or phone Fay Ross 0412910487 for more information. Everyone welcome.

MAINLY MUSIC

Fun, interactive, music sessions for young children [birth to school age] and their parents/caregivers in a relaxed setting on Tuesdays starting at 9:30am during School Terms. Children will be introduced to music, creativity and more. They will develop gross motor skills, as well as socialise with others in a loving, shared family environment. Morning tea with snacks included. Mainly Music at Lismore Anglican Parish Centre, 10 Zadoc Street, LISMORE. T: 0266213200

NR U3A LISMORE INC. (UNIVERSITY OF THE THIRD AGE)

Have you retired or just about to, from the workforce?

Are you looking to exercise your mind and body and keep both well oiled? Well, Lismore U3A [university of the third age} could be just the place for you. This worldwide organisation has been running in Lismore for the past 30 years and thousands of local people have benefted from its programmes. It’s a great place to meet like-minded people and make new friends.

The last three years have been diffcult for us as they have for everyone, and we are on a recruitment drive to meet and greet you!

We start 2023 with a choice of at least 30 classes, which include, Languages, Photography, Science, History, Qigong, Genealogy, and many others. We also have a social calendar each term. All our courses are listed on our website www. lismoreu3a.com.au

U3A is entirely run by volunteers, with the committee and tutors coming from our membership. The joining fee Is $50 for 1 year and entitles you to attend any course you choose throughout the year; you can go every day if you wish. Why not peruse our site to see if there is a course that would be of interest to you. There is an online enrolment form that you can complete and any queries you have can be directed to our secretary, Pat, McLaren- Smith Ph. 6622 7408 We look forward to meeting you.

On behalf of Lismore U3A committee.

PARKINSONS NSW LISMORE REGIONAL SUPPORT GROUP

“Parkinsons NSW Lismore Regional Support Group. We meet every third Friday of the month. Next group Meeting is Friday, 21st April. Commences at 10am to 12pm at the South Lismore Bowls Club, 25 Wilson Street South Lismore.

New members welcomed. Tea, coffee, snacks & cold drinks available. April is Parkinsons Awareness month so wear purple. Any inquiries contact Marie 0448871290 or SG_lismoreparkinsons@hotmail.com ” if this is not the correct email -please don’t hesitate to contact for correction.

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 Civic Hotel (210 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/

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 Rosie0402 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.

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, 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.

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’sgiving-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.

FORECAST

Warnings

See www.bom.gov.au/australia/warnings

Northern Rivers District:

Mostly sunny. Light winds.

Thursday. Partly cloudy. Medium chance of showers, most likely in the afternoon and evening. The chance of a storm. Light winds becoming west to southwesterly 15 to 20 km/h during the morning then tending south to southwesterly 15 to 25 km/h during the day.

Northern Tablelands District:

Partly cloudy. Areas of morning frost on and west of the ranges. Slight chance of a shower in the south. Light winds becoming westerly 15 to 25 km/h during the morning then becoming light during the evening.

Thursday. Partly cloudy. Medium chance of showers in the south, slight chance elsewhere. Winds west to northwesterly 15 to 20 km/h turning southwesterly 15 to 25 km/h during the morning.

New South Wales:

A few showers developing across all but the northeast. Showers more likely about the southern inland and ranges. Local morning frost and fog patches possible about the ranges. Daytime temperatures below average. Northwest to southwesterly winds, freshening in the far west during the day. Thursday. A few showers in the east, more likely along central parts of the coastal fringe. The chance of a shower about the western slopes. Dry and mostly sunny elsewhere. Daytime temperatures below average, mainly near the northern coast. Southeast to southwesterly winds, fresh near the coast.

Byron Coast:

Winds: West to southwesterly 10 to 15 knots becoming variable about 10 knots during the day then becoming northerly 10 to 15 knots during the evening. Seas: Below 1 metre. Swell: Southerly 1 to 2 metres inshore, increasing to 2 to 3 metres offshore.

Weather: Mostly sunny.

Coffs Coast:

Winds: West to southwesterly 10 to 15 knots becoming variable about 10 knots during the day then becoming northerly 10 to 15 knots during the evening. Seas: Below 1 metre. Swell: Southerly 1 to 2 metres inshore, increasing to 2 to 3 metres offshore.

Weather: Mostly sunny.

Gold Coast Waters:

Winds: Southwesterly 10 to 15 knots turning west to northwesterly below 10 knots during the day. Seas: Below 1 metre. Swell: Southerly around 1 metre inshore, increasing to 1 to 2 metres offshore. Weather: Sunny.

Sun6:02am5:32pm Moon10:06pm11:55am

$1.2mil court rebuild lights up netball bounce back

By TIM HOWARD

Grafton’s $1.2 million netball complex upgrade is on track and on budget for the frst competition games at the end of the month.

Contractors have been at work on the project since December last year, putting the fnishing touches to the courts in preparation for start of the netball season on April 29.

Grafton Netball Association president Brooke Burton said the new courts were vital to keeping netball viable in the city.

“The old courts were at the end-of-life stage,” Burton said. “We had them patched up to cover trip hazards three years ago, but over time that was not working.

“If we didn’t get these new courts we probably wouldn’t have had netball in Grafton.”

Despite the popularity of netball – it has the highest participation rate in team sports in Australia – Grafton Netball had diffculty getting a grant for the work.

“We tried to get a grant ourselves,” Burton

said. “Then Clarence Valley Council came on board and we tried to get a State Government Stronger Communities grant.

“We missed out on round one, but were successful in round two.”

Burton said the new courts will be a much brighter addition in

more ways than 200 LUX lighting that will illuminate the eight new courts.

A vibrant purple and green colour scheme will make the Westward Park complex stand out.

“It’s the opposite colour scheme to the one they used for the basketball and netball

courts over at South Grafton,” Burton said.

“Over South they’ve got a green court with purple surrounds. We’ll have purple courts with a green surround. It’s going to stand out.”

She said the new courts have come at just the right time for the sport in Grafton as it

rebuilds from a Covid-19 downturn.

“For the frst time in a few years numbers of players have gone up,” she said.

“Off the top of my head we have 32 or 33 teams registered for the season.”

The association has also felded its

full complement of representative teams for the frst time in three years.

“For the past couple of seasons we didn’t have 15s and 17s,” she said. “We’re in a rebuilding phase so it’s good to close that gap in the representative ages.”

She said like most sports, the 15-17 age group was diffcult to fll as social life, social media and other attractions entered their lives.

Burton was also excited by the interest coming from junior ranks.

“We have 23 net players registered now, which is really good,” she said. “We don’t normally start to register the tiny tots until after the season starts.”

She said the new courts would build momentum as the sport bounced back in Grafton.

“The new complex gives us the capacity to have bigger representative carnivals,” she said.

“We already have one of the biggest rep carnivals in the region and we’ve had to turn away teams in the past.

CASINO WOMENS BOWLS RESULTS

2023 winners of the triple championship

C. Doyle, H. Lavelle & J. Cooke

On Wednesday 5/4 we had 2 rinks playing their frst round for the Major consistency championship & the results were:

R. Skirrey def D.

Skinner

D. Grice def K. McKay

We had 2 rinks playing social games:

J. Creighton & M. Hellyar def C. Doyle & I. Watson

J. Creighton & M.

Hellyar were winners for the day, winners were calculated on the lowest aggregate & won by 1 shot the difference.

The other rink winner was T. Maxwell, J.

Dwyer & C. Haynes def

T. Maxwell, J. Cooke & N. Moran

CHERRY STREET CROQUET CLUB SPORTS RESULTS

RICOCHET CROQUET:

Club Championships:

D.Scott 11 d G.Kerr 10

B.Wellings 21 d

C.Woodlands 11

P.Scott 9 d G.Drew 8

ADVANTAGE GOLF CROQUET:

Club Championships:

R.Allen N.Barnes d

J.Huxley J.Saunders

D.Casey L.Whiteman d

L.Wesley F.Frederiksen

G.Frederiksen N.Watts d

P.Bolte J. OSulivan

R.Poynting N.Poynting d

C.Edlund W.Gilmore

R.Allen N.Barnes d

J.Hannigan M.Russell

M.Rennie R. Chapman d

D.Casey L.Whiteman

G.Frederiksen N.Watts d

C.Woodlands G.Drew

R.Poynting N.Poynting d

D.Jones G.Porter

M.Rennie R.Chapman d

R.Allen N.Barnes

R.Poynting N.Poynting d

N.Watts G.Frederiksen

Final : To be played in May

Marlene Rennie, Ray Chapman Robyn Poynting, Neville Poynting.

PENNANTS:

Ballina 3 d Byron Bay 3 Casino 5 d Cherry Street

Twilight Winner Jill Huxley, Runner Up Jim Hannigan, Club

President Christine Edlund, Vice President Robyn Poynting. CORAKI VETERANS GOLF RESULTS

THURSDAY 30/3/23

A fairly large feld of 47 players Winner J Braby, 2nd K Osborne, 3rd T Duff, free game A Parr, chicken/ball winners T Doyle, M Fairfull, J Celic, J Kelly, B Waterson, T Perkins,

W Lunnon, J Voght, T Woods, L Bonner, R Earnshaw. Nearest pins 3rd/12th J Braby, 6th/15 th J Braby, The day after the event was followed by our monthly barbque, what a great bunch of volunteers led by Warrick Lunnon who cook and serve the barbque, THANKS fellows.This Thursday will be the monthly medal for April commencing at 8.30am with a shot gun start, AS USUAL TILL THEN GOOD GOLFING Max

PROBUS CLUB OF BALLINA WATERS

The Probus Club of Ballina Waters will hold its next monthly meeting on Wednesday 19th April at the Cherry Street

Sports Club commencing at 10.00 a.m. There will be an informative guest speaker, Solicitor Dona Graham, who will talk about important legal issues for seniors, including Wills and Powers of Attorney. All positions for running the Club were flled at the AGM held in March. The new President is Janice Peate.

The Club will shortly be celebrating the 35th anniversary of its founding, and some special activities are planned to celebrate the event.

This club is a mixed club and both men and women are invited to join us for a range of interesting social functions. Further information is available from the Secretary Brian on 0432 277 170.

The concrete has been laid and now the paintwork begins at the Grafton Netball Association complex at Westward Park, Grafton.

2023 JMFC Pty Ltd Australian V8 Dirt Modifed Championship

continued from back page

By BRIAN PULLEN

Mitchell Randall has won the 2023 JMFC Pty Ltd Australian V8 Dirt Modifed Championship at the Castrol Edge Speedway in Lismore over the Easter Weekend, which saw a feld of 20 competitors reduced to seven at the chequered fag.

The championship results came down to which V8 Dirt Modifed was setup to suit the track conditions for 35 laps of racing and to the driver who could save their tyres to complete the race.

Randall qualifed ffth for the fnal, defeated former Australian Champion Brisbane’s Kevin Britten, who

fnished second, and another past Australian Champion, Newcastle’s Scott Cannon was third.

Top pointscorer, Chris Corbett, had the race won, but with two laps to run was on the infeld along with

reigning champion Mark Robinson.

Youngest competitor in the championship was 18-year-old Ryley Smith, who in his frst season in V8 Dirt Modifeds, qualifed on the front row, unfortunately exited

the race on lap four with a fat left rear tyre. Only other drivers to fnish were Seiton Connor-Young, Andrew Firth, Taylah Firth and top Sportsman competitor Trevor Wylie. Only female driver to compete in the event was Taylah Firth, fnishing in sixth place after winning

the B-Main to advance into the fnal.

Brayd Stephenson recorded the fastest lap of the race. Stephenson was running in fourth place after starting on the grid in seventh, when on lap 29 was another casualty with his right rear tyre ripped to pieces ending his championship

run.

Randall is sponsored by: North Coast Freight Services, JMFC Pty Ltd, Snap-On Tools Northern Rivers, Absolute Diesel Services, Rodney’s Auto Centre, Markulin Consulting, Scott’s Mobile Welding & Maintenance and Speedway Stickers.

“It mightn’t seem like a lot, but the one extra court will make all the difference for us.”

The new courts will also be all lit with the new state of the art lighting system.

“We only had lighting for four courts and of those, court 4 was the best lit and teams used to fght to play on that,” he said.

“There will be two feature courts but all the other courts will have the same lighting.”

The plans also

include more spectator facilities and improved accessibility to all the courts.

After nearly fve months of the netball complex looking like a construction site, Burton said the fnish line was close.

“If all goes to plan the contractors will hand over the site to the council on April 17,” she said.

“Then everything should be ready to go for us to begin on April 29.”

The layout of the new courts the Grafton Netball complex increases the number of courts from seven to eight.

Heat winner 18 year old Lismore V8 Dirt Modifed driver Ryley Smith qualitifed on the front row of the main event. Photo: Shaq’s Speedway Pics.

Brad Stephenson from Grafton won the heat of the Australian Champion and clocked the fastest time in the fnal event. Photo: Shaq’s Speedway Pics.

Mitchell Randall crosses the fnishing line to win the 2023 Australian V8 Dirt Modifed Championship.

Photo: Shaq’s Speedway Pics.

Photo: Butcher Photography